Sydney - Art & Entertainment

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If you are visiting in January, be sure to enjoy the free outdoor events held during The Sydney Festival. Other events include The Sydney Fringe Festival, Australia Day, and The Royal Easter Show. The Big Day Out and the Manly International Jazz Festival are both popular international music festivals. Whilst the Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras in March is outrageous fun. Sydney has a vibrant, world-renowned arts scene, with a diverse range of contemporary, classical and experimental performances. Many of the city's sports venues, such as the Aussie Stadium, Sydney Cricket Ground and Telstra Stadium are also utilised as arts and entertainment venues.

Performing Art Centres

One of Sydney's major centres is the Opera House, where Australia's pre-eminent companies perform ballet, opera, music and theatre. The nearby Wharf, is home to the Sydney Dance Company, the Bangarra Dance Company and the Sydney Theatre Company.

Cinema

The city movie-strip is located near the Sydney Town Hall, with a cluster of Hoyts and Greater Union locations. Oxford Street's Chauvel, features independent releases, and Reading Cinemas in Chinatown offer Hollywood hits and cheap tickets. Other cinemas include Cinema Paris and Hoyts at Fox Studios. The IMAX Cinema boasts the world's largest screen, showing specially formatted film. For a summer evening under the stars, take a picnic to Centennial Park for the Moonlight Cinema, or Excite OpenAir Cinema, by the harbour at Mrs Macquarie's Chair.

The Arts Scene

The city's selection of traditional theatres include the Theatre Royal, and the dazzlingly baroque State Theatre. The renovated Capitol, is all gold and Grecian statues and is the venue for long-running musicals. Nearby is the Lyric Theatre and the glitzy Showroom in Star City Casino. Popular Belvoir Street in Surry Hills, and The Ensemble, over the Sydney Harbour Bridge, in Kirribilli, feature well-known Australian actors. For something alternative, try The Stables, Old Fitzroy Hotel and the Performance Space. From ballet to contemporary, the Opera House and the Wharf are headquarters of Australian movement. Other venues include The Bondi Pavilion, Enmore Theatre and Seymour Centre. The City Recital Hall in Angel Place, and the restored Customs House are welcome additions to the music scene. Enjoy international concerts at the Sydney Entertainment Centre. Another live band venue is The Rose of Australia in Erskineville. For jazz, head to the Basement at Circular Quay, or to Pontoon on Sundays.

Museums

The Australian and Powerhouse Museums are fun and educational. The National Maritime Museum has naval ships to explore, and Hyde Park Barracks houses the ghosts of former convicts and a history museum. The State Library of New South Wales is a treasure trove, whilst the natural history Macleay Museum exhibits 9,000 stuffed birds and Charles Darwin's flea!

Art Galleries

The Art Gallery of NSW, overlooking Woolloomooloo Bay, is one of Australia's premier institutions, with a collection of Aboriginal and Torres Straight Islander works, as well as Australian, European, Asian and contemporary art. The Museum of Sydney has an innovative approach to educating visitors about colonial and indigenous history, and The Museum of Contemporary Art's international collection is housed in an imposing art deco building. In Surry Hills, the Brett Whiteley Studio Museum, was once his paint-spattered workshop. Jump on the ferry to The Manly Art Gallery & Museum to see approximately 800 paintings and displays tracing the history of beach culture.

Clubbing

The club scene is a moveable feast, with venues coming and going like fashion. One of the hippest is Home at Darling Harbour. Oxford Street is bustling with places frequented by a relaxed and friendly crowd. DCM, Q Bar, Mr Goodbar and Rogues are pumping until dawn.

Bars & Pubs

Some of the best bar and pubs include Longrain in Surry Hills and the Grand Pacific Blue Room on Oxford Street. Business types should head to SlipInn, Wine Banc, Aqua Luna Bar and Jacksons On George. Oxford Street has Gilligans and the Burdekin Hotel, with the cool Dugout Bar underneath. A downhill stroll along Crown Street brings you to East Village, a happening little spot, with restaurants and bars. Popular venues include the Centennial Hotel, Golden Sheaf and the Beach Road in Bondi.

Gay & Lesbian

Sydney is like San Francisco, a gay capital of the world. The scene is in Oxford Street and its surrounds. Nightclubs like Midnight Shift and sometimes Stonewall are best left for men, but it is a happy, mixed crowd on the dance floor at ARQ nightclub. Get down to the Albury, Exchange and Flinders pubs and the Imperial in Erskineville for some drag. Other popular spots include NuBar at The Oxford and Judgement Bar. For a happening Friday night, visit the friendly Bright 'n' up Bar. The lesbian scene changes regularly, so check local press. Favourites include Lava Lounge and girl's night at ARQ.







Copyright 1999-2009 Wcities, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Wcities

Sydney Town Hall


Magnificent civic symbol
 483 George St
at Druitt St
Sydney, NSW 2000
+61 2 9265 9189
http://www.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/
Sydney Town Hall
Aqua Luna Bar and Restaurant


Inspiring harbourside setting
 5-7 Macquarie Street
Shop 18, Opera Quay
Sydney, NSW 2000
+61 2 9251 0311
Aqua Luna Bar and Restaurant
Dugout Bar


Cocktails and cigars
 Burdekin Hotel
2 Oxford Street, Darlinghurst
Sydney, NSW 2010
+61 (0)2 9331 3066
Dugout Bar
Wine Banc


Champagne in the city
 53 Martin Place
Sydney, NSW 2000
+61 2 9233 5300
Wine Banc
Basement


A little night music in the CBD
 29 Reiby Place
Sydney, NSW 2000
+61 2 9251 2797
http://www.thebasement.com.au
Basement
Longrain


Cool Asian fusion
 85 Commonwealth Street
Surry Hills
Sydney, NSW 2010
+61 2 9280 2888
http://www.longrain.com.au/
Longrain
Centennial Hotel


Restaurant, bar and pub
 88 Oxford Street
Woollahra
Sydney, NSW 2025
+61 2 9362 3838
Centennial Hotel
Grand Pacific Blue Room


Restaurant, bar and nightclub
 Oxford St and South Dowling St
(Paddington)
Sydney, NSW 2021
+61 (0)2 9331 7108
Grand Pacific Blue Room
Slip Inn


Inner city bar and dining
 111 Sussex St
Sydney, NSW 2000
+61 (0)2 9240 3000
http://www.merivale.com
Slip Inn
Q Bar


The who's who of Oxford Street come here
 34-44 Oxford St
Darlinghurst
Sydney, NSW 2010
+61 (0)2 9360 1375
http://www.qbar.com.au
Q Bar
Judgement Bar


Late night mixed crowd
 189 Oxford Street
Darlinghurst
Sydney, NSW 2010
+61 (0)2 9360 4831
Judgement Bar
Pontoon


Darling Harbour bar
 201 Sussex Street, Cockle Bay Wharf
(Darling Harbour)
Sydney, NSW 2000
+61 (0)2 9267 7099
Pontoon
Centennial Park


Beautiful city wilderness
 Between Oxford St & Alison Rd
Paddington
Sydney, NSW 2021
+61 (0)2 9339 6699
http://www.cp.nsw.gov.au
Centennial Park
Stonewall Hotel


Welcome to the gay ghetto's haven
 175 Oxford St
Darlinghurst
Sydney, NSW 2011
+61 (0)2 9360 1963
http://www.stonewallhotel.com/
Stonewall Hotel
East Village


Slick and trendy bar and restaurant
 234 Palmer Street
East Sydney
Sydney, NSW 2010
+61 2 9331 5457
http://www.eastvillage.com.au
East Village
Golden Sheaf Hotel


This pub has a big local following
 429 New South Head Rd
Double Bay
Sydney, NSW 2028
+61 (0)2 9327 5877
http://www.goldensheaf.com.au
Golden Sheaf Hotel
Jackson's On George


Jackson's On George
 176 George St
(Circular Quay)
Sydney, NSW 2000
+61 (0)2 9247 2727
http://www.jacksonsongeorge.com.au/
Jackson's On George
Sydney Opera House


Iconic Australian masterpiece
 Bennelong Point
(Circular Quay)
Sydney, NSW 2000
+61 (0)2 9250 7111
http://www.sydneyoperahouse.com
Sydney Opera House
Burdekin Hotel


Upmarket bar
 2 Oxford St
Darlinghurst
Sydney, NSW 2010
+61 (0)2 9331 3066
http://www.burdekin.com.au
Burdekin Hotel
Sydney Harbour Bridge


Dominating harbour structure
 Cumberland St
(or Milsons Point on the north shore)
Sydney, NSW 2000
+61 (0)2 9255 1788
http://www.bridgeclimb.com
Sydney Harbour Bridge
Darling Harbour


Tourist haven
 Darling Harbour
Sydney, NSW 2000
+61 (0)2 9240 8500
http://www.darlingharbour.com.au
Darling Harbour
Gilligans


Extravagant Cocktails
 134 Oxford Street
Darlinghurst
Sydney, NSW 2010
+61 (0)2 9331 3467
Gilligans
ARQ


A club with all the extras
 16 Flinders Street
Darlinghurst
Sydney, NSW 2010
+61 2 9380 8700
http://www.arqsydney.com.au
ARQ
State Theatre


Magnificent heritage theatre
 Desguinlei 198
Sydney, NSW 2018
+61 (0)2 9373 6852
http://www.statetheatre.com.au
State Theatre
Seymour Theatre Centre


Variety of live acts and exhibitions
 City Road
Chippendale
Sydney, NSW 2008
+61 (0)2 9351 7944
Seymour Theatre Centre
Rose Of Australia Hotel


Traditional charm
 1 Swanson Street
Erskineville
Sydney, NSW 2043
+61 (0)2 9565 1441
Rose Of Australia Hotel
Ensemble Theatre


Australian premiere productions
 78 McDougall Street
Kirribilli
Sydney, NSW 2061
+61 (0)2 9929 8877
http://www.ensemble.com.au
Ensemble Theatre
Brighton Up Bar


Drag Shows and Clubbing
 Level 1, 77 Oxford Street
Darlinghurst
Sydney, NSW 2010
+61 2 9356 3125
Brighton Up Bar
DCM


Disco freaks, drags and weirdos
 33 Oxford Street, Level 1
Darlinghurst, UN Nightclub
Sydney, NSW 2011
+61 2 9267 7036
http://www.dcmsydney.com/
DCM
Exchange Hotel


Loads of Variety
 34 Oxford Street
Darlinghurst
Sydney, NSW 2010
+61 (0)2 9331 1936
Exchange Hotel
Flinders Hotel


Kicks off at midnight
 63 Flinders St
Darlinghurst
Sydney, NSW 2010
+61 (0)2 9360 4929
Flinders Hotel
Midnight Shift


Gay bar and nightclub
 85 Oxford Street
Darlinghurst
Sydney, NSW 2010
+61 (0)2 9360 4463
Midnight Shift
Imperial Hotel


Late Night Drag Shows
 35 Erskineville Road
Erskineville
Sydney, NSW 2043
+61 (0)2 9519 9899
Imperial Hotel
Cinema Paris at Fox Studios


Cinema with a bohemian feel
 215 Bent Street
(at Driver Avenue, Moore Park)
Sydney, NSW 2021
+61 (0)2 9332 1633
http://www.hoyts.com.au
Cinema Paris at Fox Studios
Hyde Park Barracks Museum


Convicts and women
 Macquarie St
(Queens Square)
Sydney, NSW 2000
+61 2 8239 2311
http://www.hht.net.au/museums/hyde_park_barracks_museum/hyde_park_barracks_museum
Hyde Park Barracks Museum
Museum of Sydney


Innovative museology
 Corner of Bridge Street and Phillip Street
Sydney, NSW 2000
+61 (0)2 9251 5988
http://www.hht.net.au/museums/museum_of_sydney/museum_of_sydney
Museum of Sydney
Powerhouse Museum


Science, technology and decorative arts
 500 Harris St
Ultimo
Sydney, NSW 2007
+61 (0)2 9217 0111
http://www.powerhousemuseum.com
Powerhouse Museum
Museum of Contemporary Art


Contemporary Art Down Under
 140 George Street
The Rocks
Sydney, NSW 2000
+61 (0)2 9245 2400
http://www.mca.com.au
Museum of Contemporary Art
Greater Union Cinemas


Cinema chain in city and suburbs
 525 George Street
Sydney, NSW 2000
+61 (0)2 9267 8666
http://www.greaterunion.com.au/
Greater Union Cinemas
Manly Art Gallery & Museum


A gathering of Australian art
 West Esplanade Reserve
Sydney, NSW 1655
+61 2 9949 1776
http://www.manlyweb.com.au/ManlyArtGallery
Manly Art Gallery & Museum
Australian Museum


Oldest museum in the country
 6 College St
Sydney, NSW 2010
+61 (0)2 9320 6000
http://www.austmus.gov.au
Australian Museum
Australian National Maritime Museum


Ships ahoy
 2 Murray Street
Darling Harbour
Sydney, NSW 2000
+61 (0)2 9298 3777
http://www.anmm.gov.au
Australian National Maritime Museum
Brett Whiteley Studio Museum


Brett Whiteley Studio Museum
 2 Raper Street
Surry Hills
Sydney, NSW 2010
+61 2 9225 1881
http://www.brettwhiteley.org
Brett Whiteley Studio Museum
State Library of New South Wales


Books, manuscripts and art
 Macquarie St
Sydney, NSW 2000
+61 2 9273 1414
http://www.sl.nsw.gov.au/
State Library of New South Wales
Wharf Theatre


Home of contemporary theatre and dance
 Pier 4, Hickson Road
Millers Point
Sydney, NSW 2000
+61 (0)2 9250 1777
Wharf Theatre
Capitol Theatre


Beautifully restored 100-year old theatre
 17 Campbell St
Haymarket
Sydney, NSW 2000
+61 (0)2 9320 5000
http://www.capitoltheatre.com.au
Capitol Theatre
Bangarra Dance Theatre


Sacred myths and tradition
 Wharf Theatre, Pier 4/5
Hickson Rd
Sydney, NSW 2000
+61 (0)2 9251 5333
http://www.bangarra.com.au
Bangarra Dance Theatre
Belvoir Street Theatre


Top class theatre
 25 Belvoir Street
Surry Hills
Sydney, NSW 2010
+61 (0)2 9698 3344
http://www.belvoir.com.au
Belvoir Street Theatre
Bondi Pavilion Theatre


Diverse performances
 Queen Elizabeth Drive
Bondi Beach
Sydney, NSW 2026
+61 (0)2 8362 3400
http://www.waverley.nsw.gov.au/
Bondi Pavilion Theatre
Enmore Theatre


Suburban deco palace
 130 Enmore Road
Newtown
Sydney, NSW 2042
+61 2 9550 3666
http://www.enmoretheatre.com.au/
Enmore Theatre
Stables Theatre


19th century theatre featuring Australian plays
 10 Nimrod Street
Kings Cross
Sydney, NSW 2010
+61 (0)2 9361 3817
Stables Theatre
Theatre Royal


In the heart of the city.
 MLC Centre
Corner King and Castlereagh Streets
Sydney, NSW 2000
+61 (0)2 9320 9111
Theatre Royal
City Recital Hall


A new addition to Sydney's music venues
 Angel Place
Sydney, NSW 2000
+61 2 8256 2222
http://www.cityrecitalhall.com
City Recital Hall
Performance Space


For entertainment that is a little bit different
 199 Cleveland Street
Redfern
Sydney, NSW 2016
+61 (0)2 9698 7235
http://www.performancespace.com.au
Performance Space
Star City Showroom Theatre


Large cabaret-style venue
 80 Pyrmont Street
Pyrmont
Sydney, NSW 2000
+61 (0)2 9777 9000
http://www.starcity.com.au
Star City Showroom Theatre
Star City Lyric Theatre


Sydney's only purpose-built theatre
 80 Pyrmont Street
Pyrmont
Sydney, NSW 2009
+61 (0)2 9657 8585
http://www.starcity.com.au
Star City Lyric Theatre
Old Fitzroy Hotel


Performance space in an old pub
 129 Dowling Street
Woolloomooloo
Sydney, NSW 2011
+61 (0)2 9356 3848
http://www.oldfitzroy.com.au
Old Fitzroy Hotel
Mrs Macquarie's Chair


The best seat in the house
 Mrs Macquarie's Rd
Mrs Macquarie's Point
Sydney, NSW 2000
+61 2 9255 1788 (The Rocks Visitors Centre)
Mrs Macquarie's Chair
Circular Quay


Major destination of water travel
 Opera Quays
Sydney, NSW 2000
+61 2 9255 1788 (The Rocks Visitors Centre )
Circular Quay
Mr Goodbar


An intrinsic part of Oxford Street
 11a Oxford Street
Paddington
Sydney, NSW 2021
+61 (0)2 9360 6759
Mr Goodbar
Rogues Nightclub


Be seen here
 16-18 Oxford Square
Darlinghurst
Sydney, NSW 2010
+61 (0)2 9262 4858
Rogues Nightclub
Beach Road Hotel


Great for live music
 71 Beach Road
Bondi
Sydney, NSW 2026
+61 (0)2 9130 7247
Beach Road Hotel
Home Sydney


The Place To Be Seen
 Wheat Road
Cockle Bay Wharf, Darling Park
Sydney, NSW 2000
+61 2 9266 0600
http://www.homesydney.com/
Home Sydney
St. George OpenAir Cinema


Quality Films & Wonderful Views
 Mrs Macquaries Road
Royal Botanic Gardens
Sydney, NSW 2000
+61 2 9231 8111
http://www.stgeorge.com.au/openair/
St. George OpenAir Cinema
Star City Casino


All under one roof
 80 Pyrmont Street
Pyrmont
Sydney, NSW 2009
+61 2 9777 9000
http://www.starcity.com.au
Star City Casino
Sydney Theatre Company


Sydney Theatre Company
 Pier 4, Hickson Road
Walsh Bay
Sydney, NSW 2000
+61 (0)2 9250 1700
http://www.sydneytheatre.com.au
Sydney Theatre Company
Macleay Museum


Amazing collection of natural history and ethnography
 Gosper Lane off Science Road
University of Sydney
Sydney, NSW 2006
+61 (0)2 9351 2274
http://www.usyd.edu.au/su/macleay
Macleay Museum
Bondi Beach


Famous Sydney beach
 Bondi Beach
Sydney, NSW
+61 2 9130 5311 (Bondi Visitors Information Centre)
Bondi Beach
Sydney Festival


Festival that covers all the arts
 Level 2, 18 Hickson Road, The Rocks
(Events take place at various venues)
Sydney, NSW 2000
+61 (0)2 8248 6500
http://www.sydneyfestival.org.au/
Sydney Festival
Sydney Fringe Festival


Art for alternative sake
 Office: Queen Elizabeth Drive
(Events take place at various locations)
Sydney, NSW 2000
+61 (0)2 9365 0112
Sydney Fringe Festival
Sydney Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras


Colourful & Risqué Festival
 College St (Parade start)
(events take place at various locations)
Sydney, NSW 2000
+61 2 9568 8600
http://www.mardigras.org.au/
Sydney Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras
Big Day Out


Woodstock comes to Sydney
 Showground Road, Homebush Bay
(Sydney RAS Showgrounds)
Sydney, NSW 2140
+61 (0)2 9931 1111
http://www.bigdayout.com
Big Day Out
Australia Day


Celebrate the arrival of the First Fleet
 Various locations
Sydney, NSW 2000
+61 2 6120 0600
http://www.australiaday.gov.au
Australia Day
Sydney Royal Easter Show


A Celebration of Australian Country Life
 1 Showground Road
(Sydney Olympic Park)
Sydney, NSW 2127
+61 0(2) 9704 1111
http://www.eastershow.com.au
Sydney Royal Easter Show
Manly International Jazz Festival


Big bands and all that jazz
 The Corso & East Esplanade
Sydney, NSW 1655
+61 2 9976 1430
http://www.manly.nsw.gov.au/manlyjazz/
Manly International Jazz Festival
Aussie Stadium


Footy, opera, music
 Moore Park Rd
Paddington
Sydney, NSW 2021
+61 (0)2 9360 6601
http://www.aussiestadium.com.au
Aussie Stadium
Sydney Cricket Ground


Sydney Cricket Ground
 Driver Avenue
Moore Park
Sydney, NSW 2021
+61 (0)2 9360 6601
http://www.sydneycricketground.co.au
Sydney Cricket Ground
Customs House


Restored and invigorated
 31 Alfred St
Circular Quay
Sydney, NSW 2000
+61 (0)2 9242 8595
http://www.sydneycustomshouse.com.au/
Customs House
Sydney Entertainment Centre


Music and sport
 Harbour Street
Haymarket
Sydney, NSW 2000
+61 (0)2 9320 4200
http://www.sydentcent.com.au
Sydney Entertainment Centre
Sydney
Sydney - Historical Background
Sydney - Where to Stay
Sydney - Neighborhood Guide
Sydney - Dining & Drinking
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