The '''Eastern Suburbs''' of Sydney are located between Sydney City and the coast. It is one of the most popular areas for visitors to Sydney, including the Bondi Beach and Watsons Bay areas. It is well-served by public transport and located on the same side of Sydney Harbour as the city. The Eastern Suburbs enjoys extensive frontages on the Harbour and a choice of over 20 different beaches.
Districts
Harbourside
The eastern suburbs lines the southern side of the harbour from the city to North Head, with some of Sydney's finest views, and most expensive houses. Potts Point and Elizabeth Bay almost form part of Central Sydney. Rushcutters Bay, Double Bay, Rose Bay, and Watsons Bay and North Head.
Oceanside Areas
Bondi Beach - World famous beach and beach culture.
Bronte
Clovelly
Coogee
Maroubra and Malabar
Get in
By bus
Sydney buses operates a hop-on hop-off bus touring the Eastern Suburbs called the "Bondi Explorer," [http://www.sydneybuses.info/tourist-services/bondi-explorer.htm] which travels east along the southern shore of the harbour to south head, through Double Bay out to Watsons Bay and South Head before tracking down the coast through Bondi Beach then south along the beaches to Coogee, before heading directly back to the city. $39, also includes the Sydney explorer and other public transport.
Sydney Buses [http:/www.131500.info] runs extensive services throughout the eastern suburbs. Most originate from Circular Quay in the city. There are three main bus routes from the city:
*Anzac Parade (to Clovelly, Randwick, Coogee, Maroubra and La Perouse)
*Oxford St (to Bondi Junction, Bondi Beach, Bronte Beach)
*William St/New South Head Rd (to Rose Bay, Double Bay, Vaucluse, Watson's Bay)
By train
The Eastern Suburbs Line goes to Kings Cross, Edgecliff and terminates at Bondi Junction, where passengers can interchange with buses. The train does provide a speedy alternative to taking a bus all the way from the city.
By car
Most places in the Eastern Suburbs are accessible by car. However travelling to and parking at popular beachside locations during summer weekends and holidays can be frustrating and time consuming.
See
Entertainment Quarter (Moore Park)
'''Fox Studios''', [http://www.entertainmentquarter.com.au/] Lang Road, Moore Park. Fox Studios contains an open air shopping strip, bars and cafes, weekend markets, cinemas, and a number of live television events. There is not access to the actual studioes themselves, and no charge to access the site. Ample parking in multi-story carpark.
Historical Sites
Vaucluse House. ttp://www.hht.nsw.gov.au/museums/vaucluse_house/vaucluse_house. (Historic Houses Trust) - first built in 1803, Vaucluse House is one of Sydney's oldest residences on a grand scale. The house and gardens are open to the public.
Elizabeth Bay House" (Historic Houses Trust), 7 Onslow Avenue, Elizabeth Bay, phone="+61 2 9356 3022. 61 2 9357 7176. nfo@hht.net.au. ttp://www.hht.net.au/museums/elizabeth_bay_house/elizabeth_bay_house. pen Tu-Su 10AM?4:30PM, closed M (except for public holidays), Christmas Day and Good Friday. dult $7, child / concession $3, family $17. Built between 1835-1839 and once "the finest house in the colony", this colonial mansion preserves the lifestyle of some of Sydney's wealthiest early settlers, Colonial Secretary Alexander Macleay and his family. Designed by the most fashionable and accomplished architect of the day, John Verge, Elizabeth Bay House is a superb example of colonial architecture and is elegantly and authentically furnished in the style of 1839?1845. Guided tours are available on request
Ocean beaches
Swim, surf, walk or explore the eastern suburbs beaches.
From North to South
'''Bondi Beach'''. World famous surf beach. Pretty beach, nice for swimming, walking, with plenty of food and accommodation places lining the shoreline. Parking and car access can be extremely difficult summer weekends, and challenging even at other times. Public transport access is bus from the City, Bondi Junction, or Watsons Bay. [http://www.131500.info]
'''Tamarama Beach'''. A small surf beach 2km south from Bondi Beach. Worth a walk along the cost from there. The walk, although nice, is not quite as pretty as walking from Clovelly. Only kerbside parking. Public transport is by direct bus, or walking from the bus at Bondi Beach. [http://www.131500.info].
'''Bronte Beach'''. A nice surf beach around 3km walk south from Bondi Beach, much smaller than its northern neighbour. Good for walking. Nice ocean rock pool for swimming. Nice beachfront park with barbeques. Popular with surfers. Car access and parking can be difficult summer weekends - get there early or late if you want to drive. Public transport access is very easy from Bondi Junction, with very regular buses stopping right at the beach. [http:/www.131500.info]
'''Clovelly Beach'''. Clovelly is a beach like no other in the area. There is a long bay, a breakwater, and calm swimming. It is a great location for walking, with headland walks heading north and south. The walk north to Waverley Cemetery popular and spectacular. The kiosk is now a upmarket cafe, so a good place to pack a picnic for. Parking can be difficult, at peak times, but it is usually possible to find a spot somewhere. Public transport access is by bus [http://www.131500.info
'''Coogee Beach'''. Very pretty and popular beach. A little smaller than Bondi, but not a small beach, and it has a bit of a similar feel to it. Nice for swimming and walking, with a rock pool at the southern end of the beach. Plenty of facilities surrounding it, Coogee has pubs, restaurants and takeaway places. Parking and car access can be difficult. Public transport access is by bus [http://www.131500.info].
'''Maroubra Beach'''. A long popular beach, with good facilities. You will always find a spot on the sand at Maroubra, but gets crowded swimming between the flags. Large parking lots, which do fill up summer weekends. Probably a little less scenic than the beaches further north, as it lacks the cliff headlands, therefore probably not as good for walking. A cafe and kiosk on the beach, open even during winter. Public transport access is by bus. [http://www.sydneybuses.info]
'''Malabar Beach'''. Sheltered at the end of Long Bay, Malabar is not the beach for surfers. It is a smaller, quieter beach, often not crowded at all. It is not patrolled by lifeguards. Parking is usually available. Public transport access is by bus [http://www.sydneybuses.info].
Harbour Shoreline
See the different aspects of the harbour to walk, admire the views, and to swim in the Sydney Harbour.
From the city to the heads
'''Rushcutters Bay'''. A very large marina, a harbourfront walk, fish feeding, cafes, and parks with open space. See the boats come and go. Short term parking can usually be found somewhere close. Public transport access by bus.
'''Double Bay'''. Best known for its shopping, restaurants, and cafes. A marina and a ferry wharf dominate the harbourfront. Swimming isn't popular here, and the waterfront park is a little worn. There is an enclosure further east, but you can't walk to it along the harbour front. Public transport access by ferry or bus. [http:/www.131500.info]
'''Rose Bay'''. See the seaplanes take off and land. Look at the harbour views. Not really a swimming place, but there is an enclosure for swimming at the headland on the east of the bay, which is nice to cool off. Parking is tight. Public transport access by ferry and bus [http:/www.131500.info].
'''Watsons Bay'''. Famous for its seafood, city and harbour views. Immensely popular on summer weekends, it can be impossible to park anywhere close.
La Perouse and Botany Bay
La Perouse was the site of some of Australia's history. La Perouse, a french sailor, himself landed here in 1788 only days after the first fleet of convicts arrived in Australia. The area has also been an aboriginal reserve, as well as home for hundres of homeless Sydneysiders during the Great Depression. It has also been used a a defence site. Much of the area is now national park, and there cliffs, inlets, bays, and walking trails to explore. Visit on a summer Sunday, and you will see Sydney in full recreation mode, with boomerang throwers, kite fliers, beach goers, fishermen, walkers, and picnic blankets with fish and chips. You might even catch the snake man showing Australian native snakes, all for a dollar in the hat at the end of the show.
'''Botany Bay National Park''' [http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/NationalParks/parkSector.aspx?id=N0066] at La Perouse has a museum explaining the interesting history of the area. '''Bare island Fort''' was built to protect Botany Bay and is open for tours on Sundays. There are walks and great views over the ocean and the bay. All easily accessible by car or bus [http://www.131500.info].
'''Frenchmans Beach''' at La Perouse This is a swimming spot on Botany Bay. It is a fairly average beach, but has an interesting westerly outlook which allows you see the sun setting over the bay, which is very unusual in Sydney, where looking over the water usually means you are facing east. Accessible by car or bus. [http://www.131500.info]
Do
Centennial Park
Centennial Park [http://www.cp.nsw.gov.au/] is a large parkland in the eastern suburbs of Sydney. Contact The Centennial Park Office, Centennial Park. ph 02 9339 6699. fax 02 9332 2148. email info@cp.nsw.gov.au.
Centennial Park is a very popular '''cycling''' venue for all levels from children to club competitors. The main circuit is 4km in length, and there is a separate, much smaller circuit, for children just learning to ride. Cycle hire is available from '''Centennial Park Cycles''', 50 Clovelly Road, Randwick (ph 02 9398 5027).
The Centennial Park circuit is also a place for '''roller-blading'''. You can hire blades from ''Roller Bladers Total Skate''', 36 Oxford Street, Woollahra (ph 02 9380 6356) or '''Centennial Park Cycles''', 50 Clovelly Road, Randwick (ph 02 9398 5027).
Centennial Park has a 3.6 kilometre '''horse riding''' track, and the Centennial Parklands Equestrian Centre is nearby. Leisure rides and group lessons (both $55 per hour) are available from '''Centennial Stables''' [http://www.centennialstables.com.au/], Pavilion B, Corner of Cook and Lang Roads, Centennial Park (ph 02 9360 5650 or 1300 764 000, email enquiry@centennialstables.com.au).
Buy
'''Antiques'''. Stores in Woollahra.
Eat
'''Haradokei'''- brown rice organic cafe, 58A Bayswater Rd Rushcutters Bay, Ph ''+61 2'' 9360 2342. Open 6 days Mon-Fri 12:00-20:30, Sat 12:00-21:30, Sun closed. Home style '''Japanese''' cooking using organic meats ingredients. The restaurant is small & intimate, with a range of Western and Japanese journals to read while you wait. Apart from the organic ingredients, they offer the choice of brown (gen-mai____)or white rice.
'''DOMA bohemian beer cafe'''[http://www.unasdoma.com.au], 29 Orwell Street Potts Point, Bookings ''+61 2'' 9331 0022. Open 7 days Mon-Sat 12 pm - 12 midnight, Sun 12 pm - 10 pm. Recommend the Bohemian Platter - large portions of Central European cuisine and an excellent selection of European beers.
'''Doyles''' Watsons Bay.
'''Jazushi''', 145 Devonshire St, Surry Hills. phone 02 9699 8977. email sales@jazushi.com. Tasty Japanese/European food. There's an open air bar up from the restaurant section with nice seating although a limited selection. Mains $20-$40. http://jazushi.com.au/
Danny's Seafood Restaurant. 605 Anzac Parade, La Perouse NSW 2036. y car follow Anzac Parade until it reaches then end where it will loop around La Perouse. By bus take the 394 bus until it terminates at La Perouse.. 61 2 9311 4116. Good seafood restaurant with outdoor balcony and views of the sunset over Botany Bay.
Drink
Sleep
'''Vibe Hotel''' 100 Bayswater Road, Rushcutters Bay. Phone: 02 8353 8988. Web: [http://www.vibehotels.com.au/driver.asp?page=main/find+the+vibe/sydney+vibe+hotels/vibe+hotel+rushcutters] Modern hotel next to a park and the bay, walking distance from Kings Cross, with a rooftop pool with a view of Sydney Harbour.
'''Roslyn Gardens Serviced Apartments''', 4 Roslyn Gardens, Elizabeth Bay, ph +61 2 9358 1944. fax +61 2 9357 7939. email stay@roslyngardens.com.au. http://www.roslyngardens.com.au/ Studio apartments with secure undercover parking. 5 minutes from the centre of Sydney. Close to public transport. Single studio $99/night, family studio $145.
Contact