All About Sydney

"We're not tourists...we're travelers!" That's what some crazy Auzzies said to us as they went off to run with the bulls when we were in Pamplona (ala Ernest Hemmingway). We think that phrase says it all about Australians. Australians are born cool. Auzzies love to travel. They crave excitement and adventure. They are usually very friendly and easy to get along with. So learn the phrase, "No worries, mate" and you'll fit right in.

Australia has that carefree chilled out vibe just like you feel in California. Plus they have the Outback and infinite outdoor adventures.

Australia's oldest and most populous city, Sydney is located on the south-east coast and is built around Port Jackson. Often called Harbour City, Sydney is truly known for its beautiful harbour and Opera House.

Offering an amazing outdoor lifestyle, exciting events and unparalleled natural beauty, this cosmopolitan destination is surrounded by sun-drenched beaches, notable landmarks, palatial skyscrapers, lush land and world-recognized wine regions.

Sydney offers world-class shopping experiences and a vibrant culinary scene that caters to all tastes. Sydney also plays host to two of the world's best restaurants (see Tetusya's and Rockpool below). With a dining reputation that blends the flavors of Asia, Europe, & North America, there's something for everyone in this city.

Having come a long way from its humble and convict beginnings, Sydney offers an effervescent energy and an invigorating blend of old and new, raw and refined. The nightlife scene includes great pubs, jazz haunts, rock venues and dance clubs. You can explore from Darling Harbour to Kings Cross, and Oxford Street to The Rocks - night owls will never be out of things to do in this city.

Oh, by the way. If you are tired of doing the same old thing every New Year's Eve, then we have a treat for you. Sydney plays host to one of the hottest bashes anywhere in the world. Maybe it's because they do get to claim that they officially celebrate New Years in their timezone before London or New York. So they might just party a little harder down here. Or maybe it's because they get to see the breathtaking views from the Sydney Harbour. Their New Year's celebrations are complete with top international DJs, dance parties, bonfires, and fireworks.

So now that we've let you in on this jewel of the South Pacific, Sydney awaits your visit. Check our journeyPod Picks to get the most out of this Land Down Under:


Restaurants

Tetsuya's - Ranked 5th in Restaurant Magazine's World Top 50, Tetsuya's is the best of the best outside of Asia. They book out months and months in advance, but if you're lucky enough to get a table here make sure to bring the plastic. A worthy experience with award-winning and Internationally-acclaimed chef, Tetsuya Wakuda, this hotspot offers a fusion of French and Japanese dishes and a degustation ten-course menu that's sure to please! Look for everything from trout to venison. Enjoy flawless service and a wine selection that would impress even the most esteemed sommelier.

Doyles at the Quay - Located at the Harbour Bridge at Circular Quay, Doyles has been a family-owned place since 1885 serving some of the best Australian seafood in town. With a number of locations throughout Sydney, any which one you choose will offer up a relaxed vibe that's often filled with locals and tourists. Try Doyles specialties like Baked Barramundi and the Blue Swimmer Crab Salad.

Rockpool - Ranked 30th in Restaurant Magazine's World Top 50, Rockpool has been a favorite among locals and tourists for over 15 years. At Rockpool, you can expect to find anything from Indian garam masala to crab and oyster. Mix and match with the five-course menu or try the 11-course tasting menu that's a true history lesson in contemporary Australian dining. (Veggie heads are also covered with the 9 course menu)

Red Lantern - Tucked away in trendy little Surry Hills, this contemporary masterpiece fuses Southeast Asian and French cuisine. Inside you'll find an impressive dark and sultry dining room with a menu that offers deep fried whole snapper, beef brisket and squid. An excellent choice for anyone who loves Vietnamese food.

Summit Restaurant - Looking for a landmark dining experience (for a splurge) and great views of the city? Summit restaurant is the answer - with its 47th floor location and the 360 degree views (of the Sydney Opera House, Harbour Bridge, Darling Harbour, the Botanical Gardens and the CBD.) A Sydney institution for over thirty years, Summit Restaurant is also the world's largest revolving restaurant and the perfect spot for any occasion. Boasting 70's decor and the gorgeous Orbit Bar (awarded the prestigious "Bartender of the Year" title), the menu is filled with modern Australian cuisine and an excellent wine list.

Kobe Jones - Since hitting the culinary scene four years ago, Kobe Jones has been a staple for modern Japanese cuisine in Sydney. Innovative and super chic, Kobe Jones offers up a great culinary experience for all the foodies out there. Check out one of their excellent cocktail specialties.

IceBergs Dining Room and Bar - Located at Bondi Beach, this is the place to check out if you're planning a day at the beach. A spectacular spot to watch the waves (and the gorgeous surfers). Inside the glamorous dining room are beautiful turquoise columns, a 70's inspired bar, a beach-going crowd and a menu filled with Australian/Mediterranean dishes like ocean-trout carpaccio, clams and crayfish. Definitely one of Sydney's seen-to-be-seen spots.

Thai Pothong - In the city with the most Thai restaurants in the world (yes, we did say "in the world" and second only to Banghok), Thai Pothong is the area's largest and best known Thai hotspot on the King Street strip. Elegantly and eclectically decorated with Thai art, the atmosphere here is vibrant and always bustling (seating capacity of 200+). Go for the Yum Kob Tiam (a spicy chicken salad with Spanish onion, mint, coriander and lemon) - or any one of the other delicious delights on the menu. Oh, and bring us back something sweet from the attached gift shop before you head out!

Whitewater - Just as its name suggests, the first thing you'll notice about this place when you arrive is just how white it is. Located on South Steyne, this restaurant's stylish ambiance and elegant beach-house inspired decor is cozy and inviting. Boasting whitewashed ceilings and line-washed floors, this place makes you feel like you've just embarked on the most deluxe beach shack. If you're in the mood for eggs, go for the signature and Asian-inspired breakfast dish of wok-fried eggs with steamed rice, sweet soy, chili, herbs and crispy shallots - this one won't disappoint.

BBQ King - A definite staple on the Sydney food scene, BBQ King is a famous little late night Chinese hot spot. Don't be fooled by the no thrills decor. The duck and suckling pig definitely make up for it (not to mention, the best Peking Duck pancakes we've ever tasted!) One of the true culinary delights in Chinatown, there's simply no better place to chow down like a king once the clock strikes midnight.

Oh Calcutta! - Renovated to resemble a stylish rendition of a traditional Indian sitting room, Oh Calcutta! is arguably the best Indian restaurant in Sydney and has achieved icon status in its fifteen years! They have been awarded a prestigious "Chef's Hat" by the area's "foodie" bible (their version of Zagats). Look for Indian and Pakistanian dishes with spicy and innovative cuisine.


Bars & Nightlife

Bungalow 8 - Named after Amy Saco's ultra-glam NYC nightspot, Sydney's Bungalow 8 showcases the region's seafood selections like squid, barramundi, mussels and salmon. Unlike the location in NYC, you don't have to be a celeb to get into Bungalow 8 (though dressing like one does help!). Surrounded by Sydney's city lights and gorgeous harbour, this dining destination delivers a great bar scene, amazing menu and an urban cabana feel.

Manly Wharf Bar - The promise of a good time, anyday of the week, this place is also a must after a day trip to Manly! Located on the edge of Manly Wharf, this chic bar offers a relaxed beach setting with its sofa chair, people watching views and sun-soaking seating. Definitely a cool spot to check out when in town.

Home Club -The best and largest nightclub in Australia, this Sydney House of Music has an international reputation and is the main pit spot for world-recognized DJ's. Featuring multiple rooms, trendy decor, an amazing sound system and great views from its 3 levels, this hot spot is popular among tourists and local Sydneysiders alike! Dress your best and bring your wallet - the cover is steep at $25 (and up).

Greenwood Hotel (North Sydney) - Well-known for its "Sounds on Sunday" event, this is one of the city's most stylish and popular meeting spots. Housed inside the grounds of a converted church and school, they have three main areas with an outdoor patio. Know this: the venue has a strict dress code. Men are required to wear collared shirts and no open-toe shoes are allowed.

Suzy Q's - Offering a laid-back bar and nightclub experience, Suzy Q's is also the best gay club in Sydney (situated on the city's well-known gay Oxford Street strip). Boasting four bars and two dance floors (with great house music), the place offers embossed wall paneling, disco balls and comfy sofas. Some nights have drag shows, while other nights you'll find local and international DJ talent spinning the hottest hits.

Candy's Apartment - Formerly known as Zen and China White, Candy's Apartment is now one of the city's premier nightclubs for progressive DJs, live acts and the biggest Internationally-recognized names. Renovated and reinvented, this hot spot offers an underground vibe with house, techno, breakbeats. This place is great, plus your friends will think you are just hitting a house party at some girl's house named Candy!

Minus 5 Degrees - A very cool new vodka ice lounge, everything at Minus 5 Degrees is made totally from ice - the room, the bar itself, the tables, chairs, stools, even the curtains. But be prepared, you can only last about 30 minutes (even with the parka, hat and gloves you're lent at the door)! After your time's up, you'll then be welcomed at Lenin - the adjoining premium vodka bar - with the sumptuous wine bar and dining room right next door.

Moulin Rouge - Hidden in King Cross Strip - this is where the beautiful people like to hang out. A tres cool spot (with real friendly folk), it features red curtains that sweep over the dance hall and plush velvet couches that adorn the lounge area. With resident DJs like Tim McGee and Potbelleez cranking the house up an extra notch, it is hard not to have a good time. But, here's a tip: get there before midnight for $4 cocktails!

Ruby Rabbit - Open from Tuesday to Sunday, this local favorite has become the place to "be seen" (with the hottest-looking nightclub crowd in all of the city). The cocktail list is worth taking a peek at and the venue has gained its popularity from the crazy shows featured night after night. In the mood for Burlesque, Cowboys n' Indians, Japanese girl punk groups, balloon benders or bocce tournaments? Look no further! Tip: On costume night - go all out, since the winner drinks free all night.

Tank Nightclub - Offering two levels of sophisticated underground dance glamour, Tank tempts you with 3 bars, a great big dance floor and a VIP area complete with bean bags and mirrored-balls. This multi-award winning hot spot has rocketed to recognition for clubbers and international DJ's alike since its launch in 2001. Extremely trendy and at times difficult to get into, Tank is quite selective at choosing its patrons (so definitely dress your best).

The Establishment - Within 6 months of it's opening, Establishment was nominated "One of the 25 Hot New Places to Stay in the World" by Conde Nast Traveler magazine (trendy and pricey - but definitely worth the trip!). We chose this luxury hotel as a great nightlife hotspot because within these walls you'll find an award-winning restaurant, Chef Hats, an intimate sushi bar (within the Hemmesphere lounge,) Tank Bar and 7 other state-of-the-art spots. The interior at The Establishment has high ceilings and marble - giving it a very posh feel. Salsa music fills the air every Tuesday at Tank Bar. The place looks like a scene straight out of "Dirty Dancing".

Three Wise Monkeys - Please! With a name like that how could you think of skipping this 3-level mega pub? Plus they introduce some of Sydney's top acts night after night. Every floor has its own balcony where you can get some fresh air and look out onto the Sydney nightlife. In the mood for a little pool? Show off your skills on the top floor at this fashionable pub and hot spot.

Q-Bar - With a Bohemian feel to it, this super hip bar/club hosts fun theme-nights with different styles of music throughout the week. Q-Bar is also well known with the celebs (like Kylie Minogue, Crown prince of Denmark, Eddie Vedder, Ice T, Bono and Boy George.) Open 365 days a year, the club is separated into different sections; the White room, Stereo nightclub and Lounge, and Phoenix.

Cargo Bar and Lounge - This trendy spot is guarded by two big bouncers night after night...but don't let this discourage you cause once you're in it's worth the fuss. Enjoy a thin crust pizza with your cocktail and mingle with your closest friends in the lounge area. And for all you ladies... leave your men at home, because at Cargo, the bar staff defines the meaning of "eye candy". Plus they have no cover!

Slip Inn - After a long day at work, slip into something comfortable and get ready to drown your stress with a nice pint of lager and a few tapas (our favorite happens to be the Spanish lamb sausages with salsa.) Thursday nights at Slip Inn are Boogaloo night - where the DJ spins funky Brazilian music. Fairy lights and candles embellish the interior and the balcony is perfect to relax and enjoy the view. After dinner head downstairs to Chinese Laundry and watch a groovy band put on a hoppin' show. And here's some fun info: the Prince of Denmark met his wife here and apparently, Danish folk who show their passports get half price drinks!

Chinese Laundry - An underground nightclub with a laid back atmosphere, Chinese Laundry is housed below Slip Inn, a diverse night spot with multiple rooms and sounds. With an obscure entrance on Slip Street, 3 rooms play mainly house, techno and great chill-out music. Featuring Chinese inspired decor, this place has a couple of dance floors to choose from and the music ranges from hip-hop to trance and dance. As far as what to wear? Casual is the name of the game at this place.

Jacksons on George - This vibrant hotel features six bars across four levels (2nd and 3rd floor become dance floors into the night). The food and wine selection is admirable and includes interesting dishes like Kangaroo Pie and Black Mussels Laksa. The breakfast Menu, accompanied with a Bloody Mary, makes for a perfect Sunday Brunch. Luna lounge hosts some of the best DJs in Sydney and Bottom of the Harbour Bar will never leave you thirsty with their impressive selection of draft beers.

Opera Bar - With spectacular views of Sydney Harbour, Opera Bar boasts the most enviable position in Sydney. Obviously located at the famous Sydney Opera House, guests enjoy a nice glass of Champaign and good conversation. Make sure you try the Spaghetti with Clams or the Opera Bar Tasting Plate. Opera Bar is a great place to rekindle the romance by dining al fresco under the stars. Ask for the special Dinner Theatre Menu. With plenty of jazz, soul, funk and electronic music acts performing night after night- how could we not put this "in" spot on our list!

Sydney shout-outs to Shinya, Abe, Duncan and the "Travel Chicken!"