There’s never a bad time to visit Sydney. It’s not consistently ranked in the top ten world cities to live in for nothing. But summer means you get to enjoy the warm weather and wealth of festivals and events taking place along with the beautiful city’s more famous features. So join the Sydneysiders as they take to the streets, beaches and parks for what seems like one long party in the sun.

Hit the Beach

Think of Oz and you think of sun, sea and surf, especially if you’ve watched plenty of Home and Away and Bondi Beach Rescue. A big appeal is the presence of a series of stunning beaches bordering the Pacific Ocean less than thirty minutes from the city center. People really can, and do, go surfing during their lunch hour.

Bondi on the Northern Shore is the big one, thanks to its clean sand and rolling breakers, even if it seems surprisingly small in real life. Its fame does mean the beach gets crowded, so skip the sand in favor of the Victorian charm of the seafront promenade. Lush on Bondi (Bondi Beach Pavilion, Bondi Beach, 02-9300-8555) is the quintessential beach cafe or try Nicks Bondi Beach Pavilion (Queen Elizabeth Drive, Bondi Beach, 02-9365-4122. www.nicks-seafood.com.au) a laid-back spot to enjoy some fresh seafood as you watch “beautiful people” strut their stuff. But if you want to rub shoulders with Sydney’s rich and famous then head up to Icebergs Dining Room and Bar (02-9365-9000) perched precariously on the rocks at one end of the beach. Its ceiling to floor glass walls offer great views over Bondi as you enjoy a cocktail at the funky bar or a mix of modern Mediterranean and seafood dishes in the stylish restaurant.

For a slightly more low key vibe head to Manly on the North coast of the harbor. Accessible by ferry from Circular Quays in downtown Sydney, it’s also popular but with a longer beach it’s just a little bit quieter. Hop off the ferry and take a short stroll through the pedestrian plaza, The Corso, to reach the beach. With a couple of surf schools it’s a good spot to try your hand at riding the waves. Manly Surf School (North Steyne Surf Club, Manly Beach. www.manlysurfschool.com) offers individual (US$86 per hour) and group (US$60) lessons that should have you hitting the tube before you know it. There are plenty of spots to grab a bite to eat but try Hugo’s Manly (02-81116-8555, www.hugos.com.au) right next to the ferry. This open air restaurant overlooking the busy harbor is known for its award-winning pizzas.

Alternative Views

Touring the sights of Sydney might be easy but we say avoid the clichéd harbor tour or bird’s eye view from the Sydney Tower. Take advantage of the fair weather with a number of alternative, and much more fun, options that offer a very different perspective on the city.

What better way to get some fresh air (well sort of) and a feel for the city’s sprawling suburbs than from the back of a Harley Davidson? Blue Thunder Downunder (www.bluethunderdownunder.com.au) provides the biker the bike and a range of different trips: from an hour long zip around the city, a journey to discover the suburbs and even a full day trip down to the Hunter Valley wine region.

If you already have your fill of motorbikes in Bangkok then a more strenuous, but certainly more spectacular, alternative is to take the Bridge Climb up to the top of the Harbor Bridge (5 Cumberland Street, The Rocks, 02-8274-7777. www.bridgeclimb.com). Definitely not one for vertigo sufferers, the climb through, and on, the iron girders to the top of the 134-meter high arch is definitely worth the effort thanks to the stunning views of the harbor. With prices starting at US$192 for the three and a half hour experience it’s not cheap. If you don’t have the time, or the money, you can pay US$11 to climb one of the bridge’s concrete towers (www.pylonlookout.com.au). You get nearly as high and you get to take your own camera to record the view.

Finally, get a more adrenaline packed, whistle stop perspective of the harbor than the usual stately cruise. A ride on the Oz Jet (Eastern Pontoon at Circular Quay, www.ozjetboating.com) is a white knuckle affair filled with breakneck turns, 360 degree spins and rapid stops. You’ll end up soaking wet but it’s major fun and a great way to see all of Sydney’s different coves and bays, provided you can keep your eyes open.

Outdoor Shopping

For those worried that summer in Sydney seems a little too active, don’t fret. There is plenty of scope for that other essential pastime—shopping. So take a break from air con malls and hit the streets and markets dotted around the city to hunt for your bargains.

The weekends are definitely the best time for a little retail ramble thanks to a number of outdoor markets. Start at The Rocks Market (upper end of George Street) in the historic heart of the tourist quarter. This tented street fair offers a range of upmarket arts, crafts and jewelry stalls while the nearby galleries are good spots for authentic, but expensive, aboriginal art. If you want something a little more “out there,” head to Paddington Market (Corner of Oxford and Newcombe streets, www.paddingtonmarket.com.au, Sat 10am-6pm) the city’s oldest community market. Started at the height of the hippie era, it still has a quirky atmosphere and eclectic choice of products from funky lighting to handmade chocolates and organic foods. For something even edgier, younger and more bohemian head to Glebe Market (Glebe Market Road, Sat 10am-4pm. www.glebemarkets.com.au), which is popular with students from the nearby university who come for the funky new fashions, secondhand books, old vinyls and vintage jewelry. There are regular live music performances and plenty of cheap ethnic grub to be had either in the markets or on the main street. Try Sappho Books and Café (51 Glebe Point Road, 02-9552-4498) located opposite the gates to the market, it’s a treasure trove of secondhand books, does great panninis and has a cute courtyard out back.

For more of the same head to Surry Hills. With its tree-lined avenues and hipster stores the New York vibe is helped by the preponderance of street side cafes and vintage stores. A stroll down Crown Street can be rewarding for bargain hunters prepared to rummage through the second hand gear at stores like Yada Yada and Grandma Takes A Trip. Work your way down to Devonshire Street where you can refuel at the Book Kitchen (255 Devonshire Street, 02-9310-1003 www.thebookkitchen.com.au), a café-cum-restaurant crammed with cook books, or grab a delicious lamb sausage roll at Bourke Street Bakery (633 Bourke Street, 02-9699-1011).

Those with slightly finer tastes shouldn’t worry, just travel a little further up Oxford Street towards Paddington. Step off the main drag onto William and Paddington Streets and you’ll uncover a picturesque residential area dotted with some of Australia’s leading new designers from the edgy fantasy pieces by Ginger & Smart (27 William Street, Paddington, 02-9380-9966. http://gingerandsmart.com) to the theatrical designs of Collette Dinnigan (33 William Street, 02-9360-6691. www.collettedinnigan.com.au) to the exquisite but edgy handmade shoes by Andrew McDonald (58 William Street, Paddington, 02-9358-6793. www. andrewmcdonald.com.au).

Getting Around

Taxis
There are plenty of the officially licensed white taxis. Fares start at US$3.40 and are charged at US$2 per km.

Bus
The bus network covers all major suburbs, running from around 6am to midnight (www.sydneybuses.nsw.gov.au).

Train
The space age monorail circles the CBD and the overland option serves the suburbs. Trains run from around 4:30am to midnight (www.cityrail.nsw.gov.au).

Ferry
A great way for an inexpensive harbor tour, there are 10 ferry lines operating from Circular Quay from around 6am to 12:30am daily.

Where to Stay

Shangri La Hotel
176 Cumberland Street, The Rocks, (61-2) 29250 6000, www.shangri-la.com
• Its excellent location in the heart of the Rocks district means it offers superb views over the Harbor Bridge and the Opera House from many of the rooms and the 36th floor bar.

Amora Hotel Jamison
11 Jamison Street, (61-2) 9696-2620. www.amorahotels.com.au
• This Thai owned hotel chain is close to the shopping nirvana and nightlife of George Street.

Establishment Hotel
5 Bridge Lane, (61-2) 9240-3100. www.merivale.com/establishment/hotel
• This luxury 33 room boutique hotel boasts an excellent location next to some of the hippest bars and restaurants in town.

Kirketon
229 Darlinghurst Rd., Darlinghurst, (61-2) 9332-2011. www.kirketon.com.au
• Modernist, cool, glamorous, hip—the Kirketon is an address for people in the know. Its style befits its location, in the heart of the hip and happening suburb of Darlinghurst.