Bondi has been synonymous with surf since the aboriginals named it thousands of years ago. Originally pronounced "Boondi", the word means "the sound of waves crashing against the rocks." It is a perfect name, since the waves do crash against the rocks on the two headlands that border sandy Bondi Beach.

Today, all the action at Bondi takes place on the beach between the two headlands. Directly in the middle of the beach is Bondi’s iconic Surf Lifesaving Club. First established in 1907, the Bondi Surf Lifesaving Club is the oldest club of its kind in the world. The club’s primary objective throughout its history has been to live up to its name and save lives. Many of the surf life saving techniques used by this club have been adopted throughout the world, especially since Sunday, February 6, 1937. On that day, club members made over 300 rescues in a single day. Although five lives were lost, the club received international acclaim for saving hundreds of lives.

In its early years, most of the beach goers to Bondi got there from Bondi Junction via the old Sydney tram line. The last tram to Bondi ran in 1961. Since then, buses have largely replaced trams and a large parking area has been created behind and around the surf club. On a hot summer’s day, as many as twenty thousand beach goers flock to Bondi, keeping both the surf lifesaving team and the local businesses busy. Fortunately, there are enough surf lifesavers and businesses to cater to everyone. Mishaps in the ocean are rare, thanks to the lifesavers and no one goes without sunblock, a beach hat or a hearty meal thanks to the dozens of shops and restaurants lining Campbell Parade, the main traffic thoroughfare.

Bondi is not only a popular destination on hot summer weekends. It is one of Sydney’s most popular suburbs all year ’round. In the colder winter months, the beach still attracts surfers and members of the famous "Bondi Icebergs" swimming club, but more sensible visitors enjoy strolling around the headlands on the tranquil coastal walking track.

After dark, Bondi is also a hub of activity. Bondi is popular with all Australians and the entertainment venues in the town reflect this. You can find everything from a late night bookshop café to a rowdy pub band in Bondi. If something more sedate is what you’re looking for, you can enjoy a night of fine dining, following by a leisurely stroll along the beachfront esplanade.

Because of its iconic status and non-stop activity, Bondi is one of Sydney’s most popular destinations for tourists. Bondi accommodation options range from very modestly priced backpackers hostels to five star hotels with sweeping ocean views. If you are visiting Sydney, you may as well stay in Bondi, since you will undoubtedly be visiting there anyway. Not visiting Bondi is not an option: you can’t say you’ve seen Sydney until you’ve seen Bondi.

Sydney Harbour divides Northern Sydney and the northern suburbs from the more populated suburbs of Sydney itself. Joining the two is Sydney’s most famous landmark – the Sydney Harbour Bridge. After crossing the bridge and meandering through a few leafy North Sydney suburbs, Manly is the first beach you come to. This long stretch of beach is an ideal place to roll out your beach towel, set up your beach umbrella and frolic in the surf. The Manly locals are virtually brought up on the beach, learning to swim at an early age and learning to surf as soon as they learn how to handle themselves in the ocean. Manly’s sandy beach is perfect for learning the "sport of kings," but when the waves get big, the experts go to Fairy Bower, one of Australia’s most popular big wave surfing spots. They are followed by legions of onlookers, who watch the action from the top of the cliffs above Manly’s southern headland.

Whether you’re a "grommet" learning the ropes in the gentler waves along Manly Beach or a seasoned pro fresh from a session at Fairy Bower, you’re going to be hungry when you get out of the water. You won’t have far to go in order to find anything you’re hungry for. The Corso, Manly’s long pedestrian only thoroughfare, has enough restaurants, cafes and fast food outlets to satisfy anyone’s hunger. The fare is not limited to Aussie food, either. The multi-cultural mix of eateries on the Corso gives you as much variety of choices as you could ever want. In fact, there’s nothing you won’t find on the Corso. Locals do their shopping there right alongside the tourists. Between the souvenir shops, the boutiques and the "mixed goods" shops on the Corso, you’ll find everything you need.

If Manly Beach and the Corso lack anything, it would be peace and quiet. If you want to get away from the hustle and bustle, you’ll have to venture north. As you pass through the northern beach suburbs, little by little they become smaller and smaller until finally you arrive at Sydney’s northernmost beach – Palm Beach. This quaint, upmarket village is known for its beautiful beach and immaculately maintained, boutique-lined main shopping centres. All of the northern beaches are known by surfers, who know exactly which one will be the best on any given day. One of the most popular of these is Narrabeen. Many of Australia’s most famous surfers learned their skill in Narrabeen and it is often the scene of professional surfing contests.

If you want to go to Manly but don’t want to go by road, then take the Manly Ferry. It’s a great way to see the Sydney Harbour from a unique perspective. After you land, there will be a local bus waiting to take you to Manly. The only difficult thing about finding a Manly accommodation for the night or the weekend will be choosing between the many that are available. Whatever your budget, it’s there for you. Really, you can’t go wrong, since they all have one great thing in common – they’re in beautiful Manly Beach.

Dive Centre Manly

Though Sydney is most typically thought of as a cosmopolitan city combining all the diversity of Australia and the rest of the world into one magnificent metropolis, many people forget that Sydney is also a city with tremendous natural endowments—such as its pristine and breathtaking aquatic environments. Indeed, the coastal waters that lap up on Sydney’s shores are perfectly clear and brimming with marine diversity, all of which means only one thing: that this is the perfect destination for a scuba adventure!

In light of this, Dive Centre Manly has set up a truly comprehensive scuba diving school and tour operator business aimed at providing visitors and locals alike the ability to see the beauty that lurks just beneath the surface of Sydney’s surrounding waters. Dive Centre Manly is not only situated as close as can be to the best of all the dive sites in and around Sydney, but furthermore they offer courses for everybody from the absolute beginner to intermediate and even advanced divers.

One thing that keeps many folks from realizing an unforgettable scuba adventure is that they lack the license to dive. That’s why Dive Centre Manly has their own facilities—a heated dive pool for obtaining one’s scuba license among them—and a full staff of PADI-qualified course instructors and directors. With this full team of scuba professionals, anybody with a desire to enjoy scuba diving will be able to turn their dream into a reality—and nowhere less than one of the most ideal scuba settings on the planet!

The company offers several different shore and boat dives (in addition to their training courses) that bring customers into contact with the underwater natural treasures of the New South Wales coastline. Come into close and personal contact with impressive and awe inspiring creatures of the sea that prowl these waters, such as the Port Jackson and Wobbegong sharks, the enormous and amiable Blue Gropers, and the one of a kind Weedy Sea dragon, in addition to many other marine species native to the area. Take underwater photos with your family and friends that will serve as a lifelong memory of your once in a lifetime experience diving in Sydney’s splendid coastal waters. All that and more, only with Dive Centre Manly!

While in Manly if you are looking for accommodation, Book it Now offers a great range of Manly Accommodation.

Sydney's Taronga Zoo

Sydney offers its visitors an unbelievably wide range of activities. There’s really no end to the opportunities for exploration. If you’re trying to find a theme for your vacation, however, consider taking a few days to explore Sydney’s wildlife. There are a number of attractions throughout the city that will both educate and enthrall you. Keep reading for details on the Sydney Taronga Zoo, Sydney Aquarium, and the Australian Reptile Park.

The Taronga Zoo is one of Australia’s most famous, with two others sharing that distinction: Steve Irwin’s Australian Zoo south of Brisbane and Dubbo’s Taronga Western Plains Zoo. Spread over 21 hectares alongside the Sydney Harbour, the Taronga Zoo holds thousands of animals that are sure to delight.

In its early days, the Zoo existed purely as an attraction for visitors. In 1967, however, moves were made to turn the Zoo into a center of research and education. To that end, new exhibits began being built, including Friendship Farm and an Education Center. Today, the Zoo is well known for its work in conservation, including efforts to breed endangered species such as Asian elephants.

The Zoo also offers unique programs, including the Roar and Snore. This package includes dinner, a safari through the Zoo, and accommodation in a two to three person tent. You’ll awaken to an empty (at least of people!) zoo, and all of the noises of a natural habitat. This really is a completely unique way to experience the Taronga Zoo.

Sydney Aquarium is widely regarded as one of the world’s best. Located right in Darling Harbour, more than 650 different species greet visitors. The most impressive of the exhibits here actually bring you into the aquarium inside of see-through, glass tunnels. Be amazed as sharks glide right past! In 2006, Sydney Wildlife World opened up right next to the aquarium. This indoor Zoo is completely air-conditioned, and features a variety of ecosystems, including a tropical rainforest and semi-arid grasslands.

The last gem in Sydney’s wildlife crown is the Australian Reptile Park. Besides being a major attraction and center of learning, the Reptile Park serves another key function: as the only zoo in Australia to milk venom from snakes, this center provides almost all of the anti-venom on the Continent! If there are members of your party who don’t quite fancy reptiles, there are other, more “cuddly” animals at the park, including koalas and kangaroos.

Each of these destinations provides a great chance for learning about the environment and ecology of Australia. Your entire family will appreciate the benefits of combining fun with education!

For the best in Sydney accommodation, go to Book it Now.

View of Circular Quay from Milsons Point

With all of the opportunities for fun-filled days in Sydney, by nightfall you might just be too tired to take advantage of all the city has to offer. That would be a huge mistake, however. Sydney truly lights up as the sun goes down, with activities that appeal to young and old.

Start your night with dinner at one of Sydney’s many great restaurants. Sydney is perhaps the most international city in the Southern Hemisphere, so you’ll find food from across the world. Of course, there are restaurants that suit every budget: in many neighborhoods, fish and chips reside right next to more expensive options. There are a number of guides available online to aid you in your search for that perfect restaurant, as well as personal blogs detailing experiences. Or, you can choose your eatery the old fashioned way: walk down the street and see which smell catches your nose!

From dinner, Sydney is truly open to exploration. One of the most exciting options is live entertainment. Sydney’s Opera House is widely regarded for its architectural grace and beauty, but many visitors don’t venture inside! On any given night, a number of different performances fill the Opera House’s five venues. Keep in mind that it’s not just opera! This is also the home of the Sydney Symphony, as well as a stage for visiting theatre productions.

Perhaps opera, symphony, and live theatre aren’t quite your cup of tea. Don’t fret, because Sydney has something for everyone. Skip the theatre and head straight to the local pub, where you’re sure to find a whole group of drinkers looking for camaraderie and good times. There’s something about this city that encourages strangers to meet and enjoy everything it has to offer together.

Of course, what neighborhood you should hang out in depends on who you talk to. King’s Cross is the area recommended in most tour guides, and the neighborhood serves as Sydney’s risqué “Red Light District”. Keep your wits about, however, as this area is also considered to be one of the more dangerous parts of the city. Other popular spots to find a party include Circular Quay, Darling Harbor, and Oxford Street. Regardless of whether you end up in one of these neighborhoods or not, virtually every street in Sydney boasts at least one decent pub.

The fun in Sydney continues well into the night, so don’t cut yourself off when the daylight starts to wane. You’re sure to find a whole host of options for keeping yourself busy under the stars.

Along with the great nightlife, there are great places to stay. For all your Sydney accommodation needs, head over to Book it Now.

Museum of Contemporary Art in Sydney

Considering that Sydney is one of the most cosmopolitan cities in the world, it should come as no surprise to visitors that a number of fantastic museums dot the landscape. Whether you’re interested in art, history, science or culture, you’re sure to find a collection that will fascinate as well as educate. Listed below are some of the best museums in the city.

If you’re an art aficionado, look no further than the Art Gallery of New South Wales, one of the largest collections in all of Australia. Over 29,000 pieces are divided into seven distinct collections, including a great section on Aboriginal art. In the European collection, you’ll find paintings by masters such as Picasso and Bacon. To combine history with art, take a stroll through the Australian section, which details artists changing perceptions of their nation from colonization to the present. The Museum of Contemporary Art, overlooking Sydney Cove and the Opera House, holds more modern pieces.

Opened in 1857 and located opposite Hyde Park, the Australia Museum showcases natural history from prehistoric times to today. One of the best exhibits is Indigenous Australian, a showcase of the multicultural characteristics of Australia’s landscape. Amateur scientists will find themselves astounded by the incredible natural biodiversity of the biosphere on the Continent. When you’re done observing, head to the Search and Discovery Room, where you can actually participate in research yourself.

Head to the Australian National Maritime Museum for a taste of history. This museum highlights both Aboriginal and more contemporary exploits on the high seas, including the preservation of the 1983 America’s Cup winning Australia 2. Of course, an Australian museum devoted to the sea wouldn’t be complete without an ode to the surfboard. You’ll find a detailed history of this critical piece of Australian culture front and center in the museum. Guided tours are offered to the public for free. Fittingly, the National Maritime Museum is picturesquely situated on Darling Harbour.

For a detailed history of the city, head to the , built on the ruins of the home of the first Governor-general of Australia. Panoramic views of Sydney from 1788 to the present line the walls, and it’s fascinating to see how the city evolved over time.

Don’t just limit yourself to one of these museums- it’s worth taking the time to explore each of them in detail. Consider picking up the SydneyPass, which permits free entry to most exhibits. Without having to worry about paying for individual passes, you’ll probably end up visiting a bunch! As an additional bonus, many of the museums in Sydney are actually within walking distance of each other, making for a pleasant day of strolling.

To find Sydney accommodation that suits your needs, visit Book it Now.

Sydney Monorail

In most tourist spots, visitors think about transport as a hassle rather than as a positive, worthwhile experience. Thankfully, Sydney is quite the exception to the rule. Whether you’re walking, riding the bus or train, or taking a ferry, getting around the city is always rather pleasant. That’s quite an accomplishment considering that Sydney also has the largest public transportation system in all of Australia.

Buses are perhaps the most popular way to get around Sydney. A considerable network of private companies serves the population, all coming under the jurisdiction of the State Transit Authority of New South Wales. Most stations have an attendant working throughout the day who can answer your questions regarding bus transportation.

Metro Light Rail offers service connecting the Central Railway Station with Chinatown, Darling Harbour, and the Star City Casino (and all points in between). The main form of transportation both within the city and to the suburbs remains by heavy train and bus, however.

Some of Sydney’s key attractions lie a considerable distance outside of the city center, and are accessed primarily by train. Perhaps the most prominent of these destinations are the Blue Mountains, served by the gateway town of Katoomba. Frequent commuter trains operate throughout the day, making the trip a quick jaunt. From 12 AM to 5 AM, the NightRide buses run similar routes, though the service is rather limited compared to the trains that run during the day.

If you’re looking for the ultimate combination of tourism and transportation, look no further than Sydney’s ferries, described as “the heart of Sydney and its transportation system”. Indeed, a large part of this claim to fame is Sydney’s identification as a harbor city. After all, for most visitors, the first image that comes to mind is an iconic vista across the water. Ships leave from Circular Quay, centrally located in downtown Sydney, and ferries operate to the beach hamlet of Manly, as well as the Eastern Suburbs and Inner Harbour. Another popular ferry trip for tourists is the Taronga Zoo.

If you’ll be doing a lot of traveling within Sydney and out to the suburbs, consider purchasing the SydneyPass, available as a three, five, or seven day pass. This card allows travel on all of Sydney’s trains, buses, and ferries, while also offering discounts to many of the city’s most popular tourist attractions. Similarly, the DayTripper pass provides the same opportunities on a day-to-day basis. These passes are available on city busses, as well as many travel agents and city rail stations.

Getting around Sydney is just part of the experience of visiting the city. Unlike other metropolises, however, you won’t mind the time that you spend on the buses, trains, and ferries. In Sydney, it’s part of the fun!

Book it Now has a fantastic range of accommodation in and around Sydney from quaint bed and breakfasts to 5 star luxury waterfront hotels.

View of the Sydney Opera House and Botanic Gardens

As a world-class city, Sydney offers weeks and weeks worth of activities to suit every pallet. If you’re looking for the cream of the crop, however, here’s a list of the top five things to see and do if your time is limited. By no means is this an exhaustive list; instead, it’s meant to jumpstart your visit.

Sydney Tower- Alternatively known as AMP tower, Centrepoint Tower, or the Sydney Tower, this is Sydney’s highest point. At 305 meters, the Tower soars above the city, offering fantastic views from its observation deck. When it opened in 1981, Sydney Tower was the 4th tallest building in the world, though it has since fallen in the rankings. If you’re looking for a workout, consider the Sydney Tower Run-up, a race to the top from ground level: Paul Crake holds the world record at 6 minutes and 52 seconds.

Taronga Zoo- The Taronga Zoo showcases over 2,600 animals, making it a must during your time in Sydney, especially if you’re traveling with children. A new marine division called Great Southern Oceans opened in early 2008, and has quickly become one of the most popular parts of the park. For most visitors, the preferred transport to the zoo is by ferry from the Circular Quay wharf.

Sydney Opera House- One of the most recognizable architectural masterpieces in the world, the Sydney Opera House is first on many visitors’ lists. But don’t take our word for it. According to famed architect Louis Kahn’s: “The sun did not know how beautiful its light was until it was reflected off this building”. The best views of the opera house are found from ferries running across Sydney Harbor, and incidentally, this is also a really inexpensive way to spend a few hours. If you would like to see the inside of the Opera House, tours are available. There are also performances by Opera Australia and the Sydney Symphony throughout the year.

Royal Botanic Garden- Just east of the Opera House, the Royal Botanic Garden is a fantastic place to spend an afternoon. The Gardens are actually on the site of the first farm laid out on the Continent. Admission is free, and the park is open daily throughout the year.

The Rocks- For a taste of “Old Sydney”, your best bet is a visit to the Rocks. This area was one of the first to be developed after colonization, and much of the original architecture remains. There are two pubs here that claim to be the oldest in all of Australia-it’s up to you to decide which legitimately holds the honor.

For a fantastic selection of Sydney Hotels and Apartments, visit our accommodation website.

Maritime Museum, Sydney

Keeping to its reputation as a great place to bring your family, Sydney has a range of educational, fun museums that will keep your kids occupied for hours. Indeed, most of the museums within Sydney offer options that will appeal to young, old, and in between. Below we’ve listed some of our favorites for kids of all ages.

The Australian Museum holds a number of exhibits that your children will adore. For young scientists, Australia’s entire vast array of biodiversity is on display, including a fascinating view of prehistoric life (including the always popular Dinosaurs exhibits). This museum is especially popular with children under the age of five. On Kid’s Island, opportunities abound for the young ones to learn all about the natural environment in terms that they can understand.

Budding engineers will appreciate the Powerhouse Museum, an interactive collection devoted to science and technology. Indeed, the Museum itself is actually built within the shell of a power station constructed at the turn of the last century! Closing in 1963 after the demise of the tram system which it once powered, the Powerhouse Museum opened its doors in the late 1980’s.

For over 140 years, the Sydney Observatory has offered great views of the heavens to both astronomers and amateurs. Even aside from the enormous telescopes and complex instrumentation that are truly fascinating, the Observatory holds exhibits that explain the questions of modern astronomy. You’ll also find a number of prehistoric instruments used by Aborigines to map the stars. Head to the Sydney Observatory at night for special viewings of celestial events.

Everyone knows that Australia has its historic roots as a destination for convicts, so it’s worth your time to check out the Justice and Police Museum. This exhibit is more appropriate for older teenagers, as there are numerous displays of crimes which could prove too graphic for younger kids. Still, it’s an interesting display of Australian crime from the late 1700’s on. Best of all, the Museum is located in an old courthouse that has been preserved and carefully renovated to its former glory.

Perched on the south side of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, Pylon Lookout offers a view into the complex history of this icon. While you appreciate the difficulties and trials faced by those charged with erecting this enormous structure, your kids will be wowed by the incredible views across the city. This is one spot where you want to be sure not to forget your camera.

Each of the locations above offers a great way to spend the day exploring Sydney with your family. If you plan on visiting more than one of these museums, you should look into purchasing a DayTripper, which is an all-in-one day ticket that gives you unlimited travel on CityRail trains within the Sydney suburban area, unlimited travel on Sydney Buses and Sydney Ferries and to make your Sydney trip even better, it includes discounts into some of Sydney’s top attractions including the museums.

For great Sydney accommodation, try our website for many great hotels.

Bondi Beach, Sydney

Sydney has some of the best beaches in the world, and millions of tourists come here each year to soak up the sun. There’s a beach in Sydney to suit every taste, whether you’re after surfing, people watching, or just a calm day at the shore. The following list is by no means inclusive of every beach in the area- instead, this is a sampling of some of our favorites.

Perhaps the most famous beach in all of Australia, Bondi Beach is one of Sydney’s major tourist destinations. Only seven kilometers from the center of the city, Bondi is only a short bus ride away. The surrounding area has built up over the past decade, and now boasts an impressive array of cafes, restaurants, and bars.

The beach itself is approximately one kilometer long. There are waves along the beach that are suitable for swimmers both weak and strong. Bondi is also protected by an underwater shark net, so there’s no need to worry about Jaws. The beach is also a major sports destination, with the most popular being volleyball. Additionally, each year about 60,000 people participate in the City to Surf Fun Run, a 14 kilometer jaunt from the Central Business District all the way to Bondi.

Bondi exists as one of the premier “destination beaches” in the world, right alongside Venice Beach in Los Angeles, California and Copacabana in Rio de Janeiro. People come here as much to see the beach as they do to enjoy the surf. One of the best ways to spend an afternoon is to simply sit at a bar with a cold drink and take in the sights and sounds of this bustling suburb.

If you’re looking for a bit of a quieter experience, consider Manly Beach. A 30 minute ferry ride from Circular Quay, Manly is usually much less crowded than Bondi and the other beaches located within Sydney. Manly Beach is considered to be one of the “Northern Beaches”, a term associated with the suburbs north of Sydney proper.

Another of these Northern Beaches is Dee Why Beach, a very popular destination for locals. Established in 1961, the Dee Why Surfing Fraternity is the oldest surfing club in all of Australia. This is also the spot of the Dee Why Lagoon, a haven for local wildlife since 1973.

Each of these beaches offers something different to visitors. Whether you’re after an exciting day amidst the bold and beautiful or a quieter jaunt to one of the northern suburbs, Sydney’s coast is bound to provide your answer.

For other tourist information about Sydney and for a detailed list of Sydney hotels, visit our website.