The locals use the serpantine road winding to the Northern Beaches (Palm Beach, Avalon, Bilgola, Whale Beach) as almost a last deterrent to mainstream tourism. But after a few turns (and really, its no more than that) you come across the most magnificent and laid back part of Sydney. Awesome village life, some spectacular sites, brilliant food from fine dining to a pie and chips. This is one of Australia's best places to visit and you can spend a long time just chilling out, surfing, eating, walking, watching and it's only about 40 mins from the city (with lots inbetween to see along the way). Not many hotels, but great private villas - most with amazing views.

40 mins north of Sydney, over the bridge. Stayed in Kamekura Residences. A beautiful house and pool overlooking Pittwater. www.kamekuraresidences.com
+61 412 953980

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Laid back but stylish large multi-level bar, in Sydney CBD. Better on weekdays. Tuesday salsa night is pretty hot - great dancing guys and girls, charged and sexy.

Main bar can have occasional losers, but mostly good. Service can be tricky, but atmosphere is worth it. Upstairs, chilled-out Hemmesphere bar is about lounging, cushions, cigars, good wine, good staff - all in all a good spot. Where Sydney unwinds.

252 George Street
Sydney, NSW 2000
Telephone:
00 612 9240 3000
www.worldsbestbars.com/public/venue_listing.jsp?categoryId=46&currentVenueId=1076

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Depends how you wake up - hungover or feeling fresh. Either walk or run from Bronte to Bondi north. Grab breakfast at brown sugar and after showering etc ... head to Tamarama beach (if you cannot bodysurf well stay on the beach and play beach volleyball - it can get pretty rough in there).

After an afternoon here, stop by icebergs in Bondi on your way back home for a drink. Make your way down to the botanic gardens to watch the sunset with a picnic dinner. Finally, grab a few mates and get into your car and head up to palm or whale beach for the night. Relax there the whole next day doing whatever you please...

guide books??? google these places...

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The Day Tripper Fare ($15 - about £6) allows use of ferries, trains and buses. It's a great way to see Sydney from the water. Use it to nip round to Darling Harbour. Use it to scoot over and explore the various creeks and landing stages where the rich folk live. When you want a change, ferry back to Circular Quay and just jump on the next route! And when you need a coffee - just take the big Manley Ferry (it has a cafe/kiosk on board). Be sure to take a late afternoon ferry across to somewhere and come back to circular Quay when it is dark to see the buildings all lit up. The view by day and by night are excellent. AND the ticket is valid up until 4am the next morning after the day you buy it. A GREAT way to spend a day exploring!

www.sydneyferries.info/

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Want to combine stunning views with a nice drink? Then head for the Shangrila Hotel, take lift to 36th floor, enter bar and be stunned! Table 9 (corner by glass windows) will show you a view from Darling Harbour, round over the Bridge, Harbour, Opera House and you can see out to the Heads and across to Manley. On a sunny clear day the views are stunning, the harbour traffic fascinating to watch, and you can view it all whilst partaking of a nice cool drink at the same time.

Tall hotel by The Rocks at the harbour (Circular Quay)

www.shangri-la.com/sydney/shangri-la/en/index.aspx

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