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Double Bay

The tree-lined boulevards and European ambience of Double Bay are the setting for pampering with beauty treatments and shoppingfor jewellery, sophisticated fashion, art and antiques.

Paddingtion

Join the weekend crowds at Paddington market on Oxford Street. Enjoythe fine dining and buy antiques and the "style trade" designer labels.

Street chic by design
Paddington is a fashionable suburb renowned for its Federation-style terraced housing. Bustling Oxford Street contrasts with the leafy calm of the rest of the suburb where you'll discover houses with "iron lace" - Paddington's trademark architectural feature.

Paddington has many art galleries and Australian designer boutiques to explore. Enjoy milling with the locals around Fiveways, the centre of Paddington village.

On Saturdays, the popular Paddington Market is well worth visiting. There are over 200 stalls with original hand-made jewellery, crafts, second hand clothes and some highly individual fashions.

Paddington has more than its share of cafes and restaurants and its pubs pride themselves on offering the latest in contemporary dining.

Located just up from Oxford Street is Queen Street, Woollahra. This street is famous for its array of antique shops, featuring everything from furniture to jewellery. Also nearby is the vibrant complex of Fox Studios where you can enjoy all the latest movies in state of the art cinemas.

Moore Park

The Sydney Cricket Ground is at Moore Park and Centennial Park is next door. Sport and recreatio centres, these areas provide the quintessential Sydney experience. Don't miss Bent Street and Fox Studios.

Bondi

Australian beach culture.....with attitude

Home to Bondi Surf Bathers, the oldest life saving club in Australia established in 1906, Bondi's beach-centric reputation is long established. With its lifesavers, surfers, sun worshippers and barefoot locals Bondi is a definitive example of Sydney's city beach culture.

While the beach is popular, cross Campbell Parade and enjoy Bondi away from the sand. Take in the view of the Pacific from one of the laidback outdoor cafes or trendy restaurants, such as Hugo's, Moorish or Icebergs, that serve lively crowds with brunch, lunch and dinner. Watch for celebrities from behind your sunglasses. Don't have any? Bondi is the place to buy them, with an abundance of shops selling the whole gamut of fashionable surfwear and beach accessories or visit the popular beachside markets on Sundays.

For accommodation Swiss Grand Hotel and Ravesi's offer beachside rooms whilst B&B's provide a more secluded environment a couple of streets back from the beach.

Coogee & La Perouse

Take the coastal walk from Bondi and swim or snorkel at Clovelly on the way before sampling the excellent fish and chips on the foreshore at Coogee. Further south on Botany Bay, La Perouse is of interest for its Aboriginal, French and colonial heritage.

A vibrant beach atmosphere promoting a relaxed lifestyle

Coogee beach's bay-like tranquillity is popular with families, couples and travellers alike. It also attracts joggers, swimmers, cyclists and roller bladers who all appreciate working out in Coogee's easy-going atmosphere. Coogee's characterised by a refusal to take itself too seriously.

Don't miss the chance to go on an invigorating coastal walk along sandstone platforms, checking out Maroubra Beach in the south and Clovelly, Bronte and Bondi Beach in the north. If you fancy conquering the waves a surf school operates from Maroubra Beach. Or you can swim in the protected marine reserve of Gordons Bay, just north of Coogee Beach, a haven for snorkelling and scuba diving. Coogee Bay Road boasts smart restaurants alongside hip cafes and fish and chip shops. Away from the beach, try your luck at nearby Royal Randwick Racecourse on a race day. Or watch up and coming stars at a public performance at NIDA, the National Institute of Dramatic Art where many of Australia's fine film actors have studied.

Double Bay

Boutiques amongst the boulevards

This harbourside precinct with its cosmopolitan café society is home t o a number of designer boutiques, making it perfect for those with a penchant for upmarket fashions. Be sure to wander past the grand residential homes of the coiffed and manicured locals and you’ll notice how Double Bay exudes European assurance. It has the benefit of a down to earth side too - the Wheatsheaf pub hosts live bands and attract young crowds to its courtyard.

To the east is Rose Bay, where you can fly via seaplane over Sydney Harbour to the Northern Beaches. Or simply watch the seaplanes taking off and landing from Rose Bay’s Steyne Park next to the ferry wharf, a great spot for a picnic. In between Double Bay and Rose Bay is Redleaf Pool where you can join locals for a dip in the harbour. Double Bay is easy to get to by bus and train or car, as straightforward access parking is available. Or go via ferry from Circular Quay and sail past some of Sydney Harbour’s most exclusive suburbs on your way.

Destination Guides

• Sydney
• Northern Rivers
• North Coast
• The Hunter
• Central Coast
• Hawkesbury Valley
• Blue Mountains
• Central NSW
• South Coast
• Capital Country
• Snowy Mountains
• The Murray
• Riverina
• New England North West
• Outback NSW

Paddington Highlights

• Wander shady Paddington Street and discover Sydney's finest examples of Victorian terrace houses.
• Visit the boutiques that line Oxford Street, many showcasing young Australian fashion designer wares.
• Dine at a pub - Grand National, The Royal or Paddington Inn.
• Pick upa bargain at the Paddington Market held every Saturday.
• Wander through or purchase a piece of art from one of the fifty private galleries.

Bondi Key Experiences

• Enjoy the outdoor dining scene and watch the passing parade of roller bladers, skateboarders and exercise fanatics pounding the promenade from the comfort of your chair.
• Take the Bondi to Bronte scenic cliff walk and reward yourself with fish and chips or a fresh mango whip at the Bronte end.
• Learn to surf with 'Lets Go Surfing'.
• Swim in the newly renovated Bondi Icebergs surf pool.
• Visit the Marine Discovery Centre or enjoy a seafood lunch or perhaps a gelato at the famous Bondi Pavilion.
• Down on the sand, partake in a lifesaving demonstration at Australia's oldest life saving club.
• Shop till you drop at the nearby Bondi Junction mall and Westfield Shopping Centre (the largest in the Southern Hemisphere).

Coogee Highlights

• Join locals in the scenic coastal walk enjoying the wonderful ocean views, rock pools and flora and fauna.
• Relax over brunch at any of the numerous cafes offering all day breakfasts.
• Enjoy a meal with a view or a relaxed drink with friends at the beach side Aquarium Bar, Cushions, Coogee Bay Hotel or the Clovelly Hotel.
• Immerse yourself in a marine wonderland by scuba diving or snorkelling at Gordons Bay with one of the local dive operators.
• Play a round of golf at one of the international standard golf courses.

Double Bay Key Experiences

• Explore the European-style lanes and arcades for silverware, fine jewellery, antiques, art and gifts.
• Take up residence at one of Double Bay’s 5 Star hotels.
• Pamper yourself in sumptuous surrounds at the myriad of hairdressers and beauticians.
• Relax al fresco in Double Bay’s famous cafes and restaurants and watch celebrities and business personalities go past.
• Charter a yacht from nearby Rushcutters Bay.