Sydney Accommodation & Cheap Lodging

When the First Fleet arrived in Sydney in 1788, Aboriginal people were already living in Australia. Aboriginal settlement in Australia dates back at least 40,000 years. The Aboriginal people who lived in Sydney were proud, self-sufficient people. Sydney developed as a maritime city and was a very busy port. Today many of the old inner-city wharves have been redeveloped and places such as the Walsh Bay wharves and Darling Harbour are home to theatres, shops, restaurants and hotels. Historic areas such as the Rocks, Millers Point and Woolloomooloo which housed the hundreds of workers from the wharves and the docks of Sydney are now great places for visitors to explore. Sydney's eastern suburbs are to be found along the southern shores of the harbour and are easily accessible by bus or ferry. Oxford Street, the home of the Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras, extends from the city to Paddington and there is much to see and do along the way. Nearby Kings Cross is Australia's most densely populated area. It remains a popular destination for visitors. Around the northern edges of the harbour there are many interesting places to explore such as Mosman, Manly and, further north, the northern beaches. In older inner-city suburbs such as Balmain, Paddington and Glebe visitors can see glimpses of Victorian, Edwardian and 1920's architecture hidden amongst the modern buildings, as well as occasional reminders of early colonial times. There are many interesting walks in these areas, with lots of cafes, restaurants and shops along the way. Visitors can explore Sydney harbour and the Parramatta River by ferry, going as far west as historic Parramatta, settled in 1788, and now the demographic centre for the Sydney metropolitan region. Over the past 25 years Sydney has become the undisputed financial, media, tourist and political capital of Australia and the site of its most expensive real estate. But it is the bushland and harbour vistas that capture one's attention. International migration has shaped Sydney more than any other Australian city. Sydney is a metropolis of great cultural diversity.

The Opera House Sydney's Opera House at Bennelong Point is like the USA's Grand Canyon in the way that mere pictures cannot convey its magnificence. Where once there were tram depots, now stands one of the 20th century's finest structures and Australia's most renowned symbol.

Cruise Around Sydney Harbour The magnificent Port Jackson is one of Sydney's great assets, and it is best viewed from the seaward side.

Royal Botanic Gardens The botanic garden stretches over 27 hectares with more than 400 species of tropical plants sloping down towards Farm Cove - a wonderful park with winding walkways among flowers and palms.

Sydney Tower Also called AMP Tower Centrepoint. You can't get any higher in Sydney - the tower stands a total of 305 metres high. A dizzying lookout point where you can see for yourself that the residential suburbs stretch literally as far as the eye can see.

Museum Of Contemporary Art (mca) Australia's leading museum for domestic and foreign contemporary art, housed in a magnificent art deco building. Large thematic exhibitions as well as individual exhibits, painting, sculpture, installations and multimedia.

National Maritime Museum The sea has always played a major role in Australian history. The exhibits reflect many different eras, from the large sailing ships - including Cook's "Endeavour" - to warships, submarines and refugee boats.

Museum Of Sydney An imaginative and interactive museum offering the visitor a journey back to the birth of Sydney.

Koala Park Watch the Koalas and learn all about them at the daily feeding shows.

Oceanworld See the underwater world from a fish-eye view!

Aussie Bush Discoveries Offers a variety of wildlife and adventure tours packages in and around Sydney.

Sydney Cricket Ground The Sydney Cricket Ground in Moore Park is Australia's home of Cricket. Just 10 minutes from the centre of the city, it is one of Australia's oldest sporting fields, steeped in tradition, and is an iconic part of Australian sporting history.

Sydney Bars & Nightlife From old-fashioned pubs to cool cocktail lounges. In Sydney everyone can find a favourite from among the watering holes. But don't order a "pint" at the pub, here a large draught beer is called a "schooner". Jazz clubs, rock clubs and night clubs are to be found in nearly every quarter. But if you want to be certain of finding a really hot dance palace and disco you would be best advised to make for Kings Cross, Darlinghurst and the area along Oxford Street. This is Sydney's traditional entertainment district, whilst Taylor Square is the heart of gay Sydney.

Sydney Cafes The café heart of Sydney lies on Victoria Street between Darlinghurst and Kings Cross.

Oxford Street One of the best shopping districts can be found along Oxford Street through Darlinghurst, Paddington and Woollahra. Designer shops, galleries, tattoo parlours, booksellers, furniture shops wall to wall - and an abundance of cafés to boot.

Pitt Street Mall And George Street Pitt Street Mall right in the centre of the city - at Sydney Tower - leads to several large shopping centres, such as The Strand, Centrepoint, Mid-City Centre, Sky Garden and Sydney Central Plaza with the city's largest food court.

Myer & David Jones Shopping malls and small stores are the mainstay of Sydney's shopping scene, but these two large department stores are holding their own.

Boomalli Aboriginal Artists The shapes and the colours from aboriginal art are used in every conceivable context as décor and on souvenirs and original works are sold in many galleries and shops.

Flea Market Paddington Bazaar on Saturdays is the most popular flea market with an unrivalled collection of quality, bric-a-brac and pure junk.