Holiday rentals in Sydney

Originally home to 29 different clans — the Eora Nation — it’s no surprise that Sydney has developed a raft of different personalities. From casual, beach-rich Manly to the bright lights of Oxford Street’s night spots, visitors of all persuasions will find their niche here. Sydney is synonymous with its wealth of golden coastline, and there are endless ways to enjoy it. The famous Bondi to Coogee walk enjoys enduring popularity for good reason, while seawater pools and the North Sydney Olympic Pool offer showstopping views with your morning dip — the latter is tucked under the Sydney Harbour Bridge. The harbour area itself is brimming with cosmopolitan bars and glamorous boats for watching vivid sunsets and soaking up the vibe long into the night. In the morning, grab a coffee from one of the city’s many cafes (they’re serious about their coffee here) and head out to surfer’s paradise Bondi to browse the boutiques and watch the waves roll in.

The climate in this part of Australia is generally consistent, with some peaks and drops in temperature throughout the year. Winter in the city is fairly gentle, and the sun is rarely away for long. Autumn’s pleasant days mark Australian students’ return to school and university and bring fewer visitors as a result, while the summer months from December to February bring the whole city outdoors to enjoy the abundant sunshine. The sun in this part of the world is both celebrated and respected — sunscreen and a hat are indispensable, and water is a sensible addition to your bag. Soak up the spectacle of the ever-popular Vivid Sydney — a yearly light, music, and creative festival, which kicks off in early summer with the Opera House enrobed in vibrant patterns.

Buy Australian-made in Paddington

Known to city residents as “Paddo,” this central suburb is dotted with terraced Victorian buildings and bisected by Oxford Street, one of the city’s main shopping areas and a huge draw for its nightlife. Paddington is well connected to other districts like energetic Darlinghurst, but it maintains its own identity. Spend a morning browsing the boutiques or treasure-hunting at Paddington Markets, a community initiative home to over 100 stalls showcasing local crafts and produce.

Visit Luna Park

Tucked almost under the Harbour Bridge in the suburb of Milsons Point, Luna Park’s colourful rides have all the fun of the fair. This beloved Sydney institution greets visitors with a gigantic, cartoonish clown at the entrance, and the retro feel runs throughout this mini marvel. Not a thrill-seeker? Take a sedate ride on the ferris wheel for commanding view of the Opera House, or take in the skyline from a waterfront picnic bench.

See the city from the water

Salty spray, Australian sunshine, and the Sydney skyline. What’s not to love? Every day, the city’s ferries carry commuters, families, and visitors alike from one side of the magnificent harbour to the other. For an unconventional view of the Harbour Bridge, take a trip on the Darling Harbour route, which passes right underneath the towering structure. There are also some high-speed options for the more adventurous passenger.