Without doubt, the best place to go for an incredible Italian meal in Sydney has to be Mamma Maria's restaurant in Newtown. Located up a set of stairs (kind of have to look for it, or you might walk right by) on the corner of King and Church streets (enter from Church), this place not only has incredible food, but the prices are unbelieveable, too! All starters and main meals follow a standard pricing schedule (from memory, $5.00 for starters, $8.00 for mains) so it doesn't matter if you want veal or pasta, there's no tricky pricing to mess you up, or to make you look cheap to your date. If you are going on a Friday or Saturday night, a booking would be a sensible idea [ph (02) 9516 4428].

The latest internet rumours would have you believe that visitors to Sydney are little more than organ-fodder to a group of rogue medical students operating a kidney-theft ring. In reality, though, Sydney is a thouroughly safe place to live in or to visit, and you are far more likely to have liver trouble from consuming way too much beer, than of ever finding yourself in a bathtub of ice with two slits in your back. Use common sense in or around the central business district if partying late, and if taking trains after 8p.m., use your head and sit in a carriage with other people in it, or better still, in the same carriage as the rail guard. Police officers also routinely ride trains through the evening, making after-hours rail travel much safer. Remember, too, the emergency number (not that you'll need it) is 0-0-0.

If you can, get a room at the Nomads on Bondi. It's $118/week, it's got a great young atmosphere, and it's super easy to make friends. It's dirtier than most hostels (at least our room was since the guys i lived w/ had been there for 6-7 months) but it's the best location of any hostel I've seen. It's right on the beach, there's a huge deck overlooking the ocean. God I miss that place!!

This is one of Oz's more infamous beaches. Every tourist that goes to Sydney struts their stuff on the beach promenade or the trendy cafe strip. You can meet people from anywhere, you can get a taste of many cultures from a variety of fairs and festivals, you can eat cheap or not-so-cheap, you can relax on the beach or take a nice dip (if you know to watch out for the riptide and the rel dirty water.) But I lived here for two months at one point, and it was one of the best times of my life.

This park, located in the middle of Sydney city, surrounded by buildings, is a haven of peace! Just walk arround and listen to all the exotic birds'singings, it is wonderful and such a different noise from Europe. By the way, don't forget to take pictures of the Opera House from the park side. Wonderful views.

In Summit restaurant, you will enjoy a wonderful view while dining : Opera House, Harbour Bridge, Daarling Harbour...It is located on the 47th floor. A romantic dining experience !

If you have the sense of adventure, you will enjoy climbing on Sydney Harbour Bridge. In a group of 12 people, escorted by a guide, you will walk 1.500 metres accross ladders and arches and get to the top for the best view of Sydney ! Duration of the climb : 3 hours.

This very "in" restaurant is located on the roof terrace at Cockle Bay Wharf at Darling Park. You will enjoy Malaysian cuisine and hot food in a groove and spiritual atmosphere. The big Buddha in the middle of the restaurant is particularly attractive and sends very positive waves!

Hugo's is THE place for brunch in Bondi on a Sunday. In summer or winter, you can sit inside or outside (they have those gas heaters in winter) and enjoy a fantastic serve of eggs benedicte. Service can sometimes be a bit slow, but who's in a hurry on a Sunday morning? The dinners are not to be sneezed at either. Enjoy the cool yet casual atmosphere at this most hip/classy of joints in Bondi.

This hostel is huge, clean, quite well positioned, and they organise a lot of fun trips and activities for the travellers who stay there. There are massive kitchens for you to cook your own food, rooms are usually for 3 or 4 people, and you should try to book in advance for a spot as it can be busy. It's right near the main train station, and a fairly good place to base yourself if in Sydney for a few days only.