Luxury Travel Guide to Sydney

Sydney, the capital of New South Wales in Australia is the perfect far flung luxury destination.

From its spectacular skyline with the sail-like domes of Sydney opera house to its gourmand offering to well over 100 beaches and wonderful parks to escape the hustle of the city.

There’s something for every kind of elite traveller, whether you’re a nature lover, adventure junkie, label lover or epicurean!

This city is the gem in Australia’s crown and is a must-visit destination, being a hub of glamour and luxury.

The vibe is laid back and there’s plenty of opportunity to hit the beach with the beautiful people or dance the night away at a trendy rooftop party or hip hotel.

The reason for its success as a tourist destination is because far flung Australians are so good at taking their discoveries from abroad and bringing them back to their country and transforming it into something unique and trendy.

The harmony between urban life and nature makes this a perfect destination that caters for every taste and budget.

Here is our ultimate guide to Luxury travel in Sydney, you’ll be so spoilt for choice on what to do you’ll have no choice but to come back for more!

The best time to visit Sydney

Summertime in Sydney occurs during the winter months in Europe and other countries making this the ideal getaway for some winter sun. If you want to enjoy the beaches on a weekend and fabulous weather head there between late October to November and again in the early weeks of April to May.

You’ll miss the hottest months and also the crowds of families making the most of their school holidays in the peak period of December to February.

October to November and April to May are the shoulder seasons where you will find the best priced air tickets. June and July should also be avoided due to the school holidays which will cause costs to soar and tourist sights to be packed with crowds.

Luxury things to do in Sydney

Hit the beaches

Sydney is blessed with its incredible location which boasts over 100 beaches. The most famous of all beaches in the city is Bondi beach, famous for its great surf and being the place where beautiful people go to lounge in the sun and sip on cocktails. Unfortunately, this beach gets very, very crowded!

Good news, it’s actually the start of the Bondi to Bronte trail which will take you along some incredible beaches with the chance to spot whales and dolphins in the distance along your walk.

You will encounter Tamarama Beach which is where the most glamorous people of Sydney go to bask in the sunshine, who knows, you may even stumble across a celebrity there!

For a great beach, head to Shelly Beach and enjoy some amazing local wines at The Boathouse. This beach is considered the Hamptons of the city. If you’re looking for a secluded beach away from the crowds, make sure you pay a visit to Balmoral Beach.

Hire a yacht for the day

One of the main attractions in Sydney is the harbour and what better way to see it from the comfort of a yacht, Sydney Harbour Exclusive caters to all budgets and you can find hourly rentals for stunning yachts to staggering super yachts, they can even organise and cater for your event.

It’s the perfect way to explore the waters around the city and to catch the sunset over the Sydney skyline whilst sipping on a glass of chilled champagne. Can you get any more luxurious than this?

Climb Sydney Harbour Bridge

If you’ve got a head for heights sign up for a unique experience and climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Head there for sunrise or sunset to see the beautiful changing colours of the Sydney sky reflected upon the water of the harbour.

A sampler climb is only 174 AUD per person whilst a summit climb costs around 268 AUD to 403 AUD depending on the time of day.

Safety is paramount and you’ll be safely strapped into your harness. The climb is recommended for those who have good health and fitness as it can be a lengthy climb, especially if you are doing the summit climb. Find out more at Bridgeclimb Sydney.

Spoilt for designer choices

If you want to hit the shops and want to seek out the trendiest designers, head to Pitt Street Mall, where you will find all the big name designers and for an array of local designers, head to the Strand, just across the road, a Victorian arcade which still maintains its historic charm.

If you want a unique item that will be the envy of your friends, head to Manning Cartel which offers chic, one-off designs you won’t find anywhere else.

Hit the waves

Australia is known for its surf culture, it practically invented it! If you’re an avid surfer you’ll find some great waves on Manly Beach, a crowded beach which boasts amazing surf.

Head there early in the morning to avoid the bulk of the crowds. There’s also a great surf school here if you want to learn how to ride the waves, Surf School, offering classes for all ages and experience.

If crowds are not for you, head to the more far-flung Palm Beach which has great waves for beginners but also barrel waves when there’s a high swell. It might look familiar because it was actually the backdrop to the long-running Australian TV series Home and Away.

For the experienced surfers, Maroubra Beach offers monster barrel waves and is where the most experienced and talented surfers go to ride the waves.

Indulge in One & Only Spa

Escape to Wolgan Valley at the One & Only nestled in the Blue Mountains outside of Sydney. This spa offers luxe treatments which include beauty treatments, masks, massages and facials which will leave you floating on cloud nine.

All treatments include use of the sauna and steam room as well as the chilled relaxation lounge.

VIP tour of the Sydney Opera House

The iconic Sydney Opera House has formed part of the city’s stunning skyline since 1973 but most people never event set foot within its curved walls. A VIP tour will take you behind the scenes and you will see the UNESCO heritage site through different eyes.

Learn about its history, visit the prop room and after touring the five different performance halls and getting an exclusive insight into what goes on backstage behind the curtains, you’ll be treated to a hearty Australian breakfast. Prices start at around 178 AUD per person.

Discover wine country

Escape to wine country, be prepared to taste the local wines from one of the oldest wine-producing regions in the whole country at Hunter Valley on this full-day tour.

You will be taken around the vineyard to learn about how Hunter Valley wines are produced followed by a sample of their wines and beers served up with a delicious lunch.

The tour will also take you to savour the chocolates and cheeses made by Roche Estate on the return journey back to the city.

Pick up and drop off are included as well as the lunch and a tasting of three delicious wines. The full 10-hour tour starts from around 202 AUD per person.

Take to the skies

If you want to see Sydney from a truly unique perspective, take to the skies on a private helicopter tour and see Sydney Harbour, Bondi Beach and more from a bird’s eye view.

This 20 minute tour is sure to be your most memorable experience of Sydney and you will be rewarded by incredible vistas and great photo opportunities.

See the sunset

As the sun sets over the pacific, what better plan is there than to enjoy the views and changing panorama of colours from Camp Cove on South Head, a little cove with a lighthouse with views over the vast Pacific Ocean.

Pack a bottle of wine or champagne and some snacks as you enjoy one of the most beautiful spectacles on earth that is completely free.

If you’re lucky and you’re visiting during the months of June or July, you may be treated to another spectacle, visits from migrating whales which you can spot from the distance.

Whale and Dolphin Spotting in Sydney

If seeing them from a distance is not enough, there are plenty of opportunities to see whales and dolphins up-close-and-personal.

Head out on a whale watching speedboat tour in the months of June and July to experience the thrill of watching breeching whales leap out of the water on a two-hour tour which will leave you with memories that will last a lifetime.

Party the night away

Sydney has a bustling nightlife scene that is not to be missed! One of the best experiences is heading to a rooftop bar and one of the best is Old Mate’s place which is well worth the 102 steps to the top.

Once you’re there you’ll discover a lush paradise tucked away from the hustle and bustle of the city below, where any time is a great time for a cocktail.

If you’re looking for an escape into another world, pay a visit to Lobo Plantation, a rum bar that’s designed to look like a colonial rum plantation full of old world charm and a lengthy cocktail list.

Another bar that will transport you to another era is Maybe Sammy where slick bartenders dressed in double-breasted jackets serve timeless cocktails to the soothing rhythm of smooth jazz.

If you’re looking for a night on the tiles, head to the city centre where you’ll find the super chic bar The Ivy which is part of the impressive and enormous Merivale multi-function project with restaurants, bars and even a pool club where you can enjoy some great cocktails poolside.

If you want to dance the night away to some great DJs head to the Marquee at the Star Casino which hosts DJ nights and events that will keep you on your feet all night long.

Where to stay in Sydney – Luxury Hotels

Park Hyatt Sydney – The Park Hyatt is a beautiful hotel with incredible unobstructed views of Sydney Harbour and the Opera House, which you can enjoy from its rooftop pool. It’s in the best location in Sydney.

This hotel is decked out in floor-to-ceiling windows to make the most of its unrivalled views and are fully equipped with 24 hour butler service, minibar and BOSE sound systems as well as Nespresso machines.

Some rooms have balconies where you can sit and admire the views and suites have living areas. The hotel has a spa where you can indulge in pampering treatments, trendy bar and also two restaurants.

The Langham Hotel – This five-star hotel offers a true luxury experience including freshly baked pastries in-house, a pillow menu as long as your arm and turn-down service. The rooms have breathtaking views of the city skyline and you’ll melt into the sumptuous beds which guarantee a great night’s sleep.

The hotel is situated within a short walk of the city centre and the rooms are fitted with everything you could need, suits even include a living area or kitchenettes, some even offer balconies or private terraces.

The hotel boasts two fine-dining restaurants and afternoon tea is also served daily. You will find a tennis court, heated indoor pool, gym and luxe spa to cater for all your needs.

Pullman Quay Grand Sydney Harbour – This chic hotel belongs to the AccorHotels group andl has a sleek, sophisticated feel, almost as if you were stepping onto a luxurious yacht, especially with its views over Sydney Harbour that can be seen through the floor-to-ceiling windows.

Rooms offer amazing views with balconies or garden views and suites may be equipped with hot tubs, sofabeds, washing machines, kitchenettes and separate living areas.

Amenities at the hotel include a heated indoor pool, sauna, 24-hour gym, sun deck and fine-dining, with Q Dining being a glamourous restaurant which serves up delicious locally-caught seafood, whilst the Hacienda Bar is loved amongst both locals and tourists and is the perfect place to enjoy a nightcap.

Four Seasons Hotel Sydney – The five-star Four Seasons high-rise has stunning views over Sydney Harbour and its skyline and offers plush furnishings with stylish décor and cool marble bathrooms.

If you want amazing views, opt for the corner rooms which offer panoramic vistas over the harbour.

Upgrading to a suite will give you a living area and also hot tubs to soak in after a long day exploring the city.

The hotel has fantastic facilities including an outdoor pool, indulgent spa treatments at their in-house spa, a gym, a chic bar and fine-dining at Pei Modern which is a restaurant that shouldn’t be missed.

Pier One Sydney Harbour – Want to enjoy luxury at an incredible price? Pier One by the Marriott is situated in Sydney Harbour is a fantastic hotel which combines the modern, bespoke designs with historic elements.

Each room is fitted with minibar and flat screen TVs whilst suits and upgraded rooms offer whirlpool baths or balconies. The service is impeccable and guests are welcomed with a glass of champagne upon their arrival.

A bottle of sparkling wine is served to all the guests of the hotel during cocktail hour and there are plenty of classes in-house including yoga, personal training and fitness classes for travellers who don’t want to sacrifice their fitness routine during their holidays.

Luxury eats in Sydney

Sydney has become a rising star in the world of gastronomy and also now one of the world’s hottest cities for fine-dining. Unfortunately the Michelin Guide does not cover Australia but in our guide we will show you the best Michelin-worthy restaurants that this vibrant city has to offer.

Ester – This highly-acclaimed restaurant is a favourite among the critics and its intimate, yet laid back setting with its concrete walls and wood-fire oven consistently serves up incredible dishes which keeps up its reputation as one of Sydney’s rising stars on the fine-dining scene.

Enjoy the battered Jerusalem artichokes served up in egg butter or treat yourself with plump rock oysters served in sake butter warmed by the flames of their woodfire oven, rich flavours are brought out of the few simple ingredients cooked to perfection. Set menus are available at 92 AUD per person.

Tetsuya’s – This fusion restaurant of Japanese and French cuisine is ranked among the very best on Sydney’s diverse culinary scene.

The head chef Tetsuya Wakuda has mentored some of Australia’s newest rising stars and once you taste his 10-course menu you’ll know exactly why.

Dreamy dishes are made to be lingered over so make sure you plan plenty of time to enjoy the tasting menu, people spend an average time of three and a half hours savouring the delicacies on offer whilst enjoying the tranquillity of the Zen garden which is the heart of the restaurant.

Enjoy the ocean trout coated in kombu and served with thinly sliced green apple matchsticks or taste the fresh Pacific oysters served in rice vinegar and soy sauce.

For meat lovers there is sous-vide succulent lamb served with blackened leeks and a smooth puree of watercress. The sumptuous tasting menu starts at 240 AUD per person without the wine pairing.

Quay – This exquisite restaurant is led by Head Chef Peter Gilmore and the food is highly-acclaimed, having won numerous awards for its creative and innovative dishes.

From its spectacular harbour views to unforgettable dishes, Quay is a must-visit on your luxury trip to Sydney. Oyster cream is served to perfection with a crispy crackling made from the frill of oysters and served with oscietra caviar.

Enjoy the flavours of locally sourced plump scallops or Coffin Bay baby octopus, Tasmanian sea urchins all served with exquisite flavours that showcase the freshness and quality of their prime ingredients. For meat lovers there is roasted Maremma duck or smoked pig jowl.

Space should be saved for the highly-creative dessert of “white coral” made up of white chocolate ganache, freeze dried and served with coconut cream and feijoa ice-cream.

The six-course menu starts at 240 AUD without the wine pairing, whilst the ten-course menu starts from 295 AUD without the wine pairing.

Momofuku Seiobo – David Chang moved away from his home in NYC to launch this fusion restaurant in Sydney which has one three hats and provides edgy and innovative Carribean-European combinations that are a feast for all your senses.

Escape to the Barbados with delicious mofongo or the national dish of Cou Cou, reimagined by head chef Paul Carmichael in a dish served with sterling caviar and fresh corn served with okra.

Customers are given a pestle and asked to grind the mixture of plantains, garlic and chicharrones into a thick paste themselves — one of many interactive interludes in the meal.

Delicious local shellfish is cooked in flavourful sofrito and there are so many exotic influences that will leave your mouth watering for more.

Guests are provided with their own mortar and pestle to grind and create harmonious seasonings to go with their meal.

Don’t miss out on the tasting menu for 185 AUD per person which showcases some of the most incredible flavours or opt for the a la carte to pick and choose the makings of a perfect dining experience .

Luxury tours to do in Sydney

Sydney Harbour Sunrise Kayak Tour

This is one for the early birds, a 6am start with a beautiful paddle out over Sydney’s Heads in a deluxe kayak where you will encounter beautiful beaches such as Cobbler’s Beach or Balmoral Beach to the rising sun. Afterwards you can enjoy some hot coffee and fresh fruit to start off your perfect Sydney morning.

Private Tour of Jenolan Caves & Blue Mountains in a day

Take a VIP full-day tour of some of the natural wonders just on Sydney’s doorstep. Visit the Jenolan Caves which are one of the oldest cave systems in the world, then visit the natural beauty of the Blue Lake before enjoying some spectacular panorama views from the Blue Mountains including Echo Point Lookout and the iconic rock formations of the Three Sisters.

Finally you will visit Katoomba Falls which plummets over 150 metres into the Jamison Valley.

This thorough tour lasts around 10 to 12 hours and will take you to some of the most incredible wild places near Sydney, a private driver-guide will pick you up from your hotel and provide a bespoke tour to suit your needs. The price includes everything except for lunch and attraction entrance tickets.

Private Sydney Food and Wine Trail

Enjoy the best gourmet products that Sydney has to offer on this unique private tour through the city’s culinary scene.

With an experienced guide you will discover handpicked wines, farm to table cuisine, Bondi Pavilion and sampling some of the best gelato in town on Bondi Beach. The tour includes pick up and drop off, meals, drinks and national park fees.

Private 3 Hour Walking Tour with Professional Photographer

See Sydney and have your photos taken so that you can keep your memories forever. This custom tour is designed around your needs and you will be guided by the professional photographer to get the best photographs to the stunning backdrop of Sydney.

Learn about the history of the city and visit the main attractions such as The Rocks, the Queen Victoria Building, the Sydney Opera House, Botanical Gardens and more.

The price is for a group of up to four people and includes 30 high resolution photos to make your travel memories last forever.

Recommended luxury tours in Sydney

• Sydney BridgeClimb
• Australian Food & Wine Cruise
• 3-Day Blue Mountains and Hunter Valley Small-Group Eco-Tour
• Luxury Sydney City Private Tour
• Blue Mountains Private Tour from Sydney
• Private Sunset Sydney Harbour Romance Cruise for Two with Seafood Dinner
• Private vegan tour in the Hunter Valley
• Private Sydney Harbour Catamaran Sightseeing / Transfer Cruise
• Private Sunset Helicopter Flight Over Sydney and Beaches for 3 – 30 Minutes
• Private Luxury Sunset Cruise on Sydney Harbour
• Private Best of Bondi Tour Including Surf Lesson and Lunch at Icebergs Dining Room
• Water Limousines Deluxe Romantic Beach Picnic for 2 in Sydney
• Private Photography Tours,Relax and let us photograph you All HR photos included

Read more:

• 48 Hours in Sydney – A 2 Day Itinerary
• The Ultimate Guide to Visiting Sydney
• The Best Day Trips from Sydney
• Where to stay in Sydney and the surrounding areas
• 12 of the best hotels in Sydney for families
• 7 Best Sydney to Blue Mountains Tours
• Free Things to Do in Sydney
• 7 Fun Things to do in Port Stephens Australia
• The Best way to see Sydney Harbour with Oz Jet Boating
• Fast facts about the Sydney Harbour Bridge 

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