The Locals Guide

To Sydney

By Travelwyse

Introduction Sydney is the most popular tourist destination in Australia full to the brim with attractions of every kind, but also full to the brim with other travellers. It would be scandalous to tour Sydney without taking in the big land marks such as the harbour with its iconic bridge and opera house. But once the must see attractions are in the bag you might want to try and keep clear of all those other sunburnt and badly dressed tourist’s and head out in search of the lesser known side of Sydney. In this guide we have tried to collate a small but definitive collection of Sydney’s local treats, in an attempt to allow you to get the most out of a short visit to Australia’s oldest and most exciting city.

The Moonlight Cinema

There is nothing like watching a movie in the great outdoors, lying on a blanket with your own picnic and drinks. The Moonlight Cinema in Sydney, is a locals favourite, situated in beautiful Centennial Park. Although the view is not quite as stunning as that at the St George Open Air Cinema, the Moonlight Cinema has a much more relaxed atmosphere. You can usually buy tickets on the night, bring your own snacks and even BYOB of booze, lovely.

Susannah Place Museum

The rocks are now a cosy part of town filled with cafes, restaurants and pubs, but one upon a time they were filled with some of the worlds craziest 19th century ruffians. Susannah Place is a rare surviving example of original Sydney life. Built in 1844, by Irish immigrants and continuously occupied until 1990 this typically English terrace was home to over 100 different families. The museum tells the stories of the often overlooked lives of working class people and the neighbourhood in which they lived, played, worked and struggled.

Thai Pothong

Finding a great place to eat is one of the hardest challenges when your away from home, but locals recommend the Thai Pothong restaurant, in Sydney's hip and trendy Newton district. Thai Pothong is not only one of the best Thai restaurants in town, it is simply one of the best restaurants in town. Voted best Thai restaurant in Sydney 4 years in a row.

Shady Pines Saloon Drinking is a popular past time for Sydney locals. There are a huge variety of bars form the up market to the down low like Shady Pines Saloon. Shady Pines Saloon is a pioneer-style ‘dive’ bar filled with beardy selvedge-denim-clad urban lumberjacks. One of the coolest bars in town the perfect place to drink a whiskey and listen to some live country and western style music.

Find out more

• Get up to date info about upcoming events and exhibitions @ Timeout Sydney.

• See what other travellers have to say about attractions and lodgings in Sydney on TripAdvisor.

• Find great prices on flights to Sydney.

• Read great reviews of places to eat in Sydney @ eatability.