Book excerpt: The Rough Guide to Sydney is your indispensable travel guide with clear maps and detailed coverage of Australia's oldest, largest and most vibrant city. As well as step-by-step accounts of Sydney's city centre attractions you'll find full coverage of Sydney's magnificent beaches, including quintessential surfing destination Bondi Beach; Sydney's beautiful harbour, where magnificent wild landscapes lie within easy reach by ferry; and the surrounding countryside, including the spectacular, mist-shrouded Blue Mountains, and the wine-lovers' paradise of the Hunter Valley. Besides in-the-know reviews of Sydney's hotels, hostels and nightlife, The Rough Guide to Sydney details Sydney's vibrant dining scene listing Sydney restaurants and cafés in up-and-coming neighbourhoods as well as in the ever-changing city centre. An entire chapter is devoted to Sydney's bars and pubs, while further sections include Kids' Sydney, Shopping in Sydney, and Gay Sydney, where you'll find an overview of the city's legendary Mardi Gras, just one of a year-round calendar of exciting and unusual festivals. Make the most of your holiday with The Rough Guide to Sydney