SYDNEY A to Z

ASIO files exhibition at Police & Justice Museum, Phillip Street

ASIO was set up in 1949 to combat a Soviet spy ring operating in Australia, a serious threat to national security. ASIO has been quietly following, recording and photographing persons of interest for more than 60 years. During the 1950s and 60s its focus shifted to target groups and individuals it considered subversive, including the Communist Party of Australia, various feminist groups and those involved in the anti-apartheid movement. The resultant files are dark biographies documenting a secret history of Sydney where spies lurked among unsuspecting citizens.

ASIO files explores the recently declassified dossiers of people whose every move was once closely watched by Australia's foremost intelligence agency. Previously secret intelligence files, photographs and films are on display for the first time along with unique surveillance tools used by ASIO agents. Documentary footage shows the very personal reactions of some of these persons of interest as they explain firsthand how their idealism and beliefs were misconstrued by ASIO as something far more sinister.

Justice & Police Museum - to Sunday 29 April 2012

Blue Mountains

About two hours away from Sydney by train lie the Blue Mountains, an area teeming with unique vistas and fantastic wildlife. This World Heritage Site contains many different geological sites such as The Three Sisters, a famous rock formation wrapped around a mythical tale, and the Jenolan Caves, the oldest discovered open caves in the world. From the town of Katoomba one can hike for only a few hours, or go on a longer trekking trip lasting a full day or even a few days. For more information about the Blue Mountains, visit our Blue Mountains page.

CityRail

Links the city centre (also referred to as the Central Business District or CBD) to the suburbs. Trains operate daily from 4:30 am to around midnight. Various train tickets and Travel passes incorporating train, bus, and ferry are available. Travel from the city to the International or Domestic Airport terminals by train with the Sydney Airport Rail Service. The airport train service operates daily from Central Train Station at 10 minute intervals from 5am till midnight. For budget travel around Sydney ask at the CityRail Information office, Central Station or the Public Transport Infoline.

Darling Harbour

Experience some of Sydney’s best outdoor and waterfront bars, restaurants and nightspots at Harbourside, Cockle Bay Wharf, and King Street Wharf. Daylight activities include Sydney Aquarium, Australian National Maritime Museum, Powerhouse Museum, IMAX Theatre, and the Chinese Garden of Friendship. Shoppers can find quality Australiana and surf wear plus countless fashion, jewellery, and souvenir shops at Harbourside. What to do in Darling Harbour.

Eats

Sydney is based around the harbour, giving it some of the best seafood around. Be sure to taste the local far while you enjoy all that Sydney food has to offer! Being an international and culturally diverse city, you can eat your way around the world without ever leaving the city. Be sure to get a god fish n' chips, try barramundi, order kangaroo, give crocodile a try, and taste emu.

Ferries

A fun and efficient way to travel between Sydney harbour suburbs and attractions. Frequent services run from Circular Quay Ferry Terminal to Darling Harbour, Manly, Balmain, Parramatta, Hunters Hill, Taronga Zoo, Neutral Bay, Mosman, and Rose Bay with numerous stops in between. Travel Passes and tickets are available from Circular Quay Sydney Ferries Information Office or ticket vending machines on each wharf. Ask about transport and admission deals to harbourside attractions. Taking a ferry to Manly Beach from the city is a great way to experience Sydney’s amazing harbour and catch city, Harbour Bridge, and Opera House views.

Gardens

Sydney Royal Botanic Gardens is a short walk from the city centre and is a 30 hectare harbourside oasis. Entry is free and the gardens are open daily from 7 am to sunset. Take a free guided walk from the Visitor Centre or try a Self Guide tour. Special interest is the National Herbarium, rose gardens, succulent gardens, and the Sydney Tropical Centre.

Harbour Bridge

Walk across the city’s most imposing structure. Start at Milson’s Point railway station and walk towards city and Opera House views. The Harbour Bridge Exhibition and pylon lookout is housed in the pylon closest to the city. Climb 200 stairs to the top for fantastic harbour and city views. Open daily from 10 am to 5 pm. Bridge entrance is on Cumberland Street, The Rocks just above Argyle Street.

Jet Boat

There are several harbour jet boat ride providers running adventure tours on the harbour. Hop on board and have a blast jetting about Sydney Harbour, you will get great views of the city and have a bit of fun. Be prepared to get wet though! Look for tours.

Lookout

Mrs Macquaries Point is Sydney’s hotspot for photographers wanting to capture the city centre skyline, the Opera House, and the Harbour Bridge. Follow the promenade east from the Opera House and walk round the harbour past the Botanic Gardens to Mrs Macquaries Point.

Markets

The Rocks Markets are open weekends on George Street, The Rocks Market offers affordable arts and an eclectic range of craft, jewellery and other gifts. Paddy’s Markets are open Thursday to Sunday and public holidays, cnr Thomas and Hay Streets, Haymarket. For a full list of Sydney markets, see the "Cheap or Free" section.

Opera House

Australia’s instantly recognisable icon: Sydney’s Opera House is also one of the world’s busiest performing arts centres. Completed in 1973 it covers nearly two hectares and beneath the ten spectacular arches lies a complex maze of over 1,000 rooms. Guided tours operate daily between 9 am and 4 pm - allow about an hour. Check out this blog of one Americans visit.

Performing Arts

Sydney Opera House is a major contemporary and classical performance venue with an international reputation. Reasonably priced tickets are readily available for theatre, ballet, opera, and a variety of concerts. Dress in your finest rags, sip champagne and listen to Mozart for a memorable and different night out in Sydney.

Queen Victoria Building

Located in the centre of Sydney, right next to Town Hall Station, the Queen Victoria is a wonderfully restored old building turned shopping centre. Even if you are not looking to buy, have a wander through this beautiful building and appreciate the architecture.

The Rocks

Sydney’s oldest quarter is rich in colonial history and colour with historic buildings, art galleries, museums, and live entertainment. Enjoy some of Sydney’s best shopping, pubs, and dinning. Purchase a self guide Rocks walking tour brochure from the Sydney Visitor Centre to really discover the Rocks and learn some Australian settlement history. What to do in The Rocks.

Sydney Harbour

Harbour cruises are operated by many private companies and Sydney Ferries. Most cruises depart from Circular Quay, The Rocks, or Darling Harbour offering coffee, lunch, dinner and even parties. Information on cruises is available from information centres, hostels, and at departure points. For more information on the sites, attractions, and activities that the harbour has to offer, click here.

Transport

Sydney Buses conveniently link with Sydney’s rail and ferry systems covering city and suburban areas. For information on bus routes, timetables, tickets, and travel passes contact the Public Transport Infoline. State Transit’s sightseeing buses, the Sydney Explorer, and the Bondi & Bay Explorer are great ways to catch the best of Sydney. Sydney Buses have one bus service running from Bondi Junction to the Domestic and International Airport terminals, the service runs daily at twenty minute intervals from around 5am to 10.30pm. More Information on travelling Australia by Public Transport visit the "Transport" or "FAQ" tab on the navigation bar.

Visitor Information

Situated in The Rocks and at Darling Harbour. The Sydney Visitor Centres are open daily and provide comprehensive information on Sydney and regional NSW. Find out what’s happening, what to do, where and when to do it. Also available is a comprehensive range of maps and guide books.

Walks

From Bondi to Bronte with fantastic views, popular beaches, vibrant cafes, and lively pubs found along this cliff top walk. Head south from Bondi Beach and follow the coastline to Bronte Beach. For the energetic continue the walk further past Bronte to Coogee Beach via Clovelly and Gordons Bay. This walk takes in some great swimming and surf beaches as well as the popular snorkelling spots found at Clovelly and Gordons Bay.

Zoo

Just 12 minutes from the city by ferry, Taronga Zoo (buy a combined ZooPass) is home to nearly 4,000 animals on some of Sydney’s best real estate. Special emphasis is placed on Australian wildlife exhibits for you to be close to koalas, kangaroos, wombats and other famous Australian animals. Open daily, Bradleys Head Rd, Mosman.