Luxury and boutique hotel destinations

Why book with Smith?

  • Best rates guaranteed, member or not.
  • No booking fees
  • All hotels reviewed anonymously
  • Members get more
Become a member

Boutique hotels in Sydney

Holidays in Sydney, Australia

Sydney Overview

Australia

Cityscape
Bridges, beaches, botanical gardens
City Life
Get out and stay out

Sassy Sydney is a supermodel of a city – and she knows it.

The eye-popping setting, sprawled around one of the world’s best looking harbours, keeps tourists slack-jawed, but locals are more likely to be found ogling fashion-forward labels in Paddington’s glam boutiques or downing cocktails in party-hard Darlinghurst. There’s a buzzy urban feel here (it’s the nation’s advertising, media and fashion hub), so visitors may find the pace frenetic, but you can also hone your surf skills at a brace of beautiful beaches. Fancy more nocturnal action? The vibrant gay scene clubs till dawn and even straights aren’t backwards in coming forwards.

Suitably Sydney

Woolloomooloo Wharf, just a short walk from the CBD, offers the ultimate Sydney experience. Designed to accommodate the fleece-carrying merchant ships that once provided the backbone of Australia’s export industry, the dock now welcomes visitors in search of a little luxury and sensational food. With its multitude of alfresco waterfront restaurants and bars, it’s a prime haunt for celeb-spotting and people watching.

Local knowledge

Taxis
These are plentiful in Sydney and easily hailed in the street, but if you need to call one try Silver Service Cabs (13 31 00) or Premier Cabs (13 10 17). Drivers don’t expect tips but often need directions – so it’s best to have some idea of where you are going beforehand.

Tipping culture
Tips aren't expected, but 10 per cent will do nicely.

Packing tips
Swimmers, flip-flops and anything flashy – Sydneysiders aren’t shy of strutting their stuff.

Recommended reads
Richard Flanagan’s The Unknown Terrorist, set in post-9/11 Sydney, tells the terrifying tale of a pole dancer’s fall in seedy, strobe-lit Kings Cross. If you’re a fan of the Sydney Opera House, curl up with A Tribute to Jørn Utzon by photographer Katarina Stube and the architect’s son Jan Utzon.

Regional specialities
Sydney has blossomed into one of the great restaurant capitals of the world, offering every imaginable cuisine, but it’s perhaps best known for pioneering Pacific Rim and Mod Oz dishes. Quality is high and is delivered at reasonable prices.

Currency
Australian dollar (AU$).

Time zone
GMT+10.

Dialling codes
The international code for Australia is 61; the state code for New South Wales is 02.

Do go/don't go
Sydney thrives in summer, so any time from December through to March is especially lovely. With a dangerously thin ozone layer, though, the sun is Sydney’s biggest natural hazard – be sure to cover up.

Don't go home without

… posing in a pavement café in boho Darlinghurst, the ideal spot for a skinny latte or fattening cocktail. Accessorise with trainers, a bicycle or a small dog for a sporty but chic look.