It’s most recognisable as home to architectural masterpieces the Sydney Opera House and the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge, but NSW has a whole lot more to offer visitors. Aside from the world class restaurants and cosmopolitan lifestyle, Sydney is situated on one of the most beautiful harbours in the world and just a stones throw from some of the most beautiful natural wonders…
Here, The Carousel has teamed up with TFE Hotels, to list some of the top must-dos in Australia’s most populated state, along with suggestions for where you can put your feet up at the end of the day. On your marks, get set, EXPLORE!
Places to Visit
The Rocks
After visiting the Sydney Opera House and taking in the stunning vistas around Circular Quay, wander down to the historical precinct of The Rocks, where some of the first settlers set-up shop and the footpaths of yesteryear are still clearly visible. For a taste of history, visit The Rocks Discovery Museum then make your way to the Fortune of War Hotel – reputedly Sydney’s oldest pub – to satisfy your thirst.
See www.sydney.com for loads of great info.
Photography by Dan Gosse, Destination NSW
Hunter Valley
If you like a glass of red, white or sparkling every now and then, the Hunter Valley is a must. It is home to some of the best wineries in the country, McGuigan, Tulloch and Two Rivers, Bimbadgen to name a few, all of which are set against stunning landscapes. Make it a road trip and visit the gorgeous Hunter Valley Gardens, before stopping by Hunter Belle Cheeses to pick up some nibbles for the ride home.
See Visit NSW for more great ideas
Photography by Ashley Mackevicius, Destination NSW
Destination NSW
Museum of Contemporary Art
This museum holds an impressive and expanding collection of contemporary Australian art. Wander through the halls and take in artworks old and new. When you’ve had your dose of cultural immersion, head up to the top floor where you’ll find the MCA Café and Art Bar which has spectacular views of the Harbour and its iconic bridge.
See www.sydney.com for loads of great info.
Museum of Contemporary Art
MCA Café
Coogee Beach
This lesser known beach is smaller than its popular cousin Bondi Beach, but is by no means less beautiful. Enjoy the simple pleasures of the ocean without having to battle as hard for a sandy square metre, or visit the nearby Wylie’s Baths for a swim in a saltwater pool. You can even have a dip in the picturesque rock pool on the northern end of the beach before heading over to Coogee Bay Hotel for refreshments!
See www.sydney.com for loads of great info.
Photography by 3 Stroke Photography, Destination NSW
Photography by Destination NSW
Surry Hills
The microcosm of Crown Street running through the heart of Surry Hills is like a little Melbourne. Now hip and gentrified, it was once a crime-filled working class suburb – Sydney’s underworld figure Kate Leigh lived here for 80 years! Check out the plethora of quaint cafes, restaurants, bars and boutique shops and markets. Start from the Oxford Street end, and work your way down. Be sure to stop by Gelato Messina for the best gelato in Sydney!
See www.sydney.com for loads of great info.
Photography by James Horan, Destination NSW
Photography by James Horan, Destination NSW
Blue Mountains
This haven of fresh mountain air and awe-inspiring views is only a couple of hours out of Sydney and not surprisingly, the Blue Mountains are famed for their bluish colour from afar. Rent a car, or hop on a country train, and make your way to gum tree paradise. Put on those hiking boots and explore the numerous bushwalks under the calming canopy of trees. Waterfalls are aplenty. Be sure to visit the beautiful towns of Katoomba and Leura, check out the Jenolan Caves, and stay at a charming bed and breakfast!
See Visit NSW for more great ideas
Photography by James Horan, Destination NSW
Photography by James Horan, Destination NSW
Where To Stay
Rest your weary head at one of these stylin’ hotels by TFE Hotels
Adina Apartment Hotel, Coogee 4*
With Coogee Beach just 200 metres away, chances are you won’t want to leave the neighbourhood. And that’s fine – you’ll find a plethora of cafes and restaurants on Coogee Bay Road and on both ends of the beach! If you decide you want to head into the city, the majority of buses will take you there in no time. This is the perfect starting point for the famous Coogee to Bondi walk! Prices start from $149 per night. Visit here for details.
Adina Apartment Hotel Bondi Beach 4.5*
Sydney’s most famous beach is two skips away from your bed at Adina Apartment Hotel Bondi Beach. Situated on Hall Street, Bondi’s hip strip, you’ll find that gluten-free friand is never far from reach. With the fresh ocean breeze, plenty of dining options in the Adina retail hub – including trendy China Diner – you won’t want for anything! Prices start from $159 per night.
Rendezvous Hotel Sydney The Rocks 5*
This charming hotel is right in the heart of this vibrant, historical area. The iconic Harbour Bridge, Sydney Opera House and Circular Quay are just a short walk away, and you can hop on a ferry to Taronga Zoo or Manly Beach! Over the weekend, wander through The Rocks Markets, set up on the cobbled streets. Prices start from $190 per night. Visit here for details.
Travelodge Wynyard 4*
Travelodge Wynyard straddles both of Sydney’s famous harbours, Circular Quay and Darling Harbour. The hotel is conveniently located right next to Wynyard and Martin Place train stations, with fine dining options near and plentiful. You’ll also be a stone’s throw away from Pitt Street Mall and Westfield shopping centre! Prices start from $121 per night.
Vibe Hotel Sydney 4.5*
Smack bang in the middle of the city, this is the perfect location to discover Sydney. Vibe Hotel Sydney is walking distance from the cultural hotspot of Chinatown, the tranquility of Hyde Park and the vibrant suburbs of Darlinghurst and Surry Hills. Enjoy all that Sydney has to offer, right at your fingertips! Prices start from $129 per night.
Vibe Hotel Rushcutters 4*
Enjoy the creature comforts of city life without the milling crowds of the CBD. Situated right next to Rushcutters Bay Park, the Vibe Hotel Rushcutters is nestled between the beautiful Rushcutters Bay, Bondi Beach and the bustle of the city. Prices start from $129 per night.
TFE Hotels, in partnership with Velocity Frequent Flyer, is giving away 52 Great Weekends, including Virgin Australia flights and TFE Hotels accommodation, as well as an Ultimate Weekend Away for one person and 11 friends, valued at $15,000. Enter now at: www.tfehotels/greatweekends. All photos of Toga Hotels by Toga Far East Hotels.
Where did you go, see and stay during your visit to NSW? Tell us in the comments below!
