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Sydney is a giant, stretching nearly 80 km (50 miles) from top to bottom and about 70 km (43 miles) across. The harbor divides the city into northern and southern halves, with most of the headline attractions on the south shore. Most travelers spend their time on the harbor's south side, within an area bounded by Chinatown in the south, Harbour Bridge in the north, Darling Harbour to the west, and the beaches and coastline to the east. North of Harbour Bridge lie the important commercial center of North Sydney and leafy but somewhat bland suburbs. Ocean beaches, Taronga Zoo, Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, and great shopping in the village of Mosman are the most likely reasons to venture north of the harbor.
Within a few hours’ drive of Sydney are the World Heritage–listed Blue Mountains and the renowned Hunter Valley vineyards. Although both these spots are worthy of an overnight stay, they're also close enough to visit on day trips from the city.
Camping in the park is permitted only at the Basin on Pittwater (near Palm Beach). Sites with access to barbecues and picnic tables must be booked in advance, and it's a steep 2.8-km (1.7-mile) walk from the car park to the campground. The rate is A$28 for the campsite per night. Supplies can be purchased in Palm Beach. Book online or over the phone with National Parks and Wildlife Service.
Blackbird Café is great place to take a break while exploring Darling Harbour. The weekday lunch specials are all under A$20 and a good value, while happy hour (3–6 pm) has beers and cocktails at similarly affordable prices. There are great views from the balcony, so try and nab a table there. The à la carte menu includes starters of haloumi and vegetable stack or grilled prawns and crab, and there's a wide range of pizza, pasta, burgers, and grills.
Botanic Gardens Restaurant is a lovely place to have lunch during the week or brunch on the weekend. Wide verandas provide tranquil views over the gardens, and the sound of birdsong fills the air. The menu changes seasonally and may include starters such as grilled quail with roast quince, and main dishes of fettuccini with pine forest mushrooms and macadamia nuts. The downstairs café serves lighter more casual fare and is open daily from 8:30 am to 4 (and later in summer). The restaurant is open for lunch from noon weekdays and brunch on the weekends from 9:30, where decadent eggs Benedict is best accompanied by a glass of bubbly. The restaurant is within the Royal Botanic Gardens; it can be accessed from either the Palace Gate on Macquarie Street or from Lion Gate on Mrs. Macquarie's Road.
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