D i s c o v e r A u s t r a l i a

Orbit

Giving new meaning to the expression 'my head is spinning', the Orbit really is asking for trouble by mixing a revolving room with alcohol. High up on the 47th floor of Australia Square, Sydney's only revolving bar offers unsurpassed views over the city and beyond. The 2001: A Space Odssey - inspired bar takes an hour and half to do a 360-degree circuit so hang onto your handbags or you'll be waiting a while between lipstick applications. Don't be alarmed if, after a couple of drinks, you can't find your friends. It's not you, it's the room. A great place to meet a big group or take visitors from out of town. Try a Sunset cocktail, nibble on the free bar snacks then sit back and enjoy the ride.

Horizons Bar

Way up on top of the world, sip exotic cocktails in sophisticated ambience. the awesome view extends right over to the Blue Mountains.

The Basement

Best described as a meeting of 1930s glamour with 1990s style, this place is all class. The live music offered includes a huge variety of great local and international jazz, blues, soul, funk and just about anything else you could image.

Balmain

Arrive by ferry at the foot of Darling Street and walk up the hill into the village.

The Saturday markets - a combination of alternative lifestyles and well heeled locals.

Browsing amongst the second hand books, recycled art, contemporary galleries and jewellery, and sampling home made vegetarian snacks.

Outdoor dining to watch the world go by.

Explore the backstreets to discover the charming old buildings that reflect Balmain's working class origins (Balmain Walk pamphlet available from the Watch house).

A drink at one of the many pubs - The London, The Commercial, The Cat and Fiddle, Sir William Wallis, The Royal, The Riverview.

Walk from Darling Street to the Dawn Fraser pool and see where Australia's greatest Olympian spent her youth as a 'little nipper'.

Visit Herbie's Spice House to learn more about adding spice to your cooking.

Establishment

The Establishment Hotel comprises of Establishment Bar, Garden Bar with Asian kitchen, Tank Stream Bar, Gaming Room, Street Bar, Hemmesphere, a private lounge bar, sushi bar and Tank, a two level nightclub. 'Establishment Bar' The main bar off George Street with its high pressed metal ceiling and original cast iron columns is of a magnificent scale. A huge rectangular bar in white marble runs the length of the space with fabulous overhead modern chandeliers. Large pale limed trestle tables act as drinking bars, and comfortable seating of modern leather lounges on mosaic tiles inlayed into limestone floors. 'Hemmesphere' Low divan seating surrounds this fabulous Private Lounge bar. An electric mix of exotic fabrics and textures give a Middle Eastern/Moroccan ambience to this very glamorous space. Large leather club chairs and plush sofas teamed with exotic ottomans add a comfortable sophistication and perfect for a cigar from a custom designed humidor. 'Tank Nightclub' Tank is two levels of sophisticated, underground dance glamour. The nightclub incorporates 3 bars, a fabulous dance floor, a VIP area complete with metallic been bags and individual private rooms. The underground space combines the original exposed timber columns, beams and huge basalt footings together with glossy white, funky graphics and oversized mirror balls.

Hugo's Lounge

The decor's slick and the food's a cut above. The drinks are even fresher and more sophisticated.

Cockle Bay

Catch a ferry from Circular Quay to Darling Harbour

See the harbour and the city from the monorail.

Start at the Aquarium and walk around Cockle Bay to Star City to discover the wide range of activities on offer.

Take a tranquil stroll along the paths and meditation isles of the Chinese Garden of Friendship.

Dine at one of the many cafes or restaurants that Harbourside and Cockle Bay Wharf offer.

Enjoy the unique nighttime experience of Darling Harbour's Waterscreens with laser images projected onto 20 metre high twin waterscreens.

Take the light rail to Sydney Fish Market for a taste of Sydney's freshest seafood.

Darlinghurst

Darlinghurst commences near Hyde Park and extends towards Kings Cross at William Street. Darlinghurst and Paddington share the same main street, Oxford Street. The length of Oxford Street is the route of the flamboyant Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras parade held each March. At night, Darlinghurst comes into its own with clubs, bars, live music and other late night entertainment available all week through. The area is very popular for dining, especially if you are looking for casual eating.

Stanley Street 'Little Italy' restaurant area

Taylor Square nightclubs

Sydney Opera House

There is a lot more to the Opera House than opera. Once you've taken this famous building's photography, enjoy a guided tour and performance before visiting one of the restaurants or retail outlets. (Performance Packages are available which offer a one stop shop for an all encompassing Sydney Opera House experience. Check out the opera, ballet, symphony, theatre, and much more - with up to 3000 performances a year, there's something for everybody. The Sydney Opera House was designed by Danish Architect Joern Utzon and completed in 1973. Although called the Sydney Opera House it is really a performing arts centre with a Concert Hall, Opera Theatre, Drama Theatre Playhouse, The Studio, Reception Hall, a Library with archival material Dressing Rooms, Rehearsal Studios, Restaurants and Foyer Bars. Theatres include: Concert Hall with a capacity of 2,690, the largest hall used mainly by the Sydney Symphony Orchestra, Australian Chamber Orchestra, Music Viva and other entrepreneurs for the presentation of a variety of other entertainments. Also popular for Conferences. Opera Theatre with a capacity of 1,547, is used the Australian Opera, The Australian Ballet and the Sydney Dance Company. Drama Theatre with a capacity of 544, is used the Sydney Theatre Company and The Sydney Dance Company. Playhouse with a capacity of 400, is booked by a number of producers of small scale theatre, performing arts and events. The Studio presenting innovative and exciting new music and contemporary arts. The Studio has contemporary, experimental, jazz, techno, world, popular, comedy, dance, cabaret. Free Outdoor entertainment every Sunday (weather permitting) at 12.00pm. ** Daily Tours departure point: Lower Concourse, beside Concourse Restaurant (follow signs). Tours begin approximately every 30 minutes and last for around 50 minutes. All tours are conducted in English. Souvenir colour brochures, printed in 8 different languages are also available. 'Front of House' - An insider's view of the theatres and foyers where one may witness the daily operations. NB: There are approximately 200 steps on this tour. 'Backstage Tour' - An opportunity to see what happens the other side of the curtains! NB: There are approximately 300 steps on this tour. For safety reasons children must be aged over twelve. 'Bennelong Walk' - A historical tour encompassing the Sydney Opera House and Bennelong Point. NB: There are approximately 200 steps on this tour. Special Interest: 'Tour De Force' - For those with a particular interest in architecture, engineering or the arts, exclusive tours are available and hosted by experts in their field. Bookings essential. Minimum numbers of 12 to 35 people apply. Price on application. Parking: Opera House Car Park is open daily from 6.30am - 1.00am. For further details on (02) 9247 7599. Entry to car park: North down Macquarie Street, around the roundabout and into the entry ramp.