The beautiful harbour city of Sydney is famous for having some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, but step away from the beaches and you will discover many other attractions. It is a bustling, cosmopolitan city, with a thriving cultural scene and great shopping. With a huge percentage of immigrants living in the Harbour City, it also boast some of the best cuisine around – you’ll find gorgeously fresh seafood at a fraction of the price, and eat well at little-known restaurants that are easily on par with Michelin-starred establishments in Europe.

Shop
Rozelle Markets – Make your way to this weekend market in the unassuming suburb of Rozelle to net yourself some truly unique bargains. Each Saturday and Sunday, this school parking lot gets transformed into a lively venue with up to 100 stalls selling all sorts of new and used bric-a-brac. You may also find students from the art school nearby selling their artworks – spend some time browsing, and you may pick up a piece by the next Picasso, for less than £5! You’ll find a rotating line-up of musicians to provide a soundtrack to your shopping, and when you’re hungry, pick up a snack from the food stalls dotted around. You’ll find all sorts of tantalising items – Japanese pizza, Turkish pancakes, satay chicken rolls, and more.

Play
Freshwater Beach – Bondi Beach may be the glamourous sister, but this quiet little stretch of beach is far more enjoyable, and much less crowded with lobster-red tourists. Freshwater Beach – or ‘Freshie’ – is almost hidden away on at the Northern end of Manly Beach, but those who take the time to get there will be rewarded with almost the whole beach to themselves. It’s known as the place where Olympic surfer Duke Kahanamoku demonstrated his skills to spectators – the event is commemorated with a life-sized bronze statue of ‘The Duke’ on his board. Swimmers can choose to take a dip in the ocean (as long as they stay between the flags!) or splash around in the rock pool at one end of the beach.

Stay
Intercontinental Sydney – This branch of the Intercontinental has a wonderful location beside Sydney Harbour, mere minutes from the city centre. The huge windows in the rooms let in plenty of natural light, and provide guests with wonderful panoramic views of the city’s iconic Harbour Bridge and Opera House. Visit the Café Opera on the first level to taste some of the fresh dishes available, or step out and eat at any of the multitude of restaurants on the hotel’s doorstep.

Check here for cheap flights to Sydney.

(Photo: teflinternational.org.uk)

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