Winging It: Sydney
DO: Australia Day, 25-27 JanuaryGreedy Australia gets a whole 24 hours to itself for its national day on 26 January, so widely celebrated that you'll be hard p
Greedy Australia gets a whole 24 hours to itself for its national day on 26 January, so widely celebrated that you'll be hard pushed to not order Foster's if you find yourself in the Earls Court postcode. Rather than donning a cork hat and mournfully singingEspecially For You in a Walkabout, Australia's first city Sydney knows how to do it properly. All the action centres around the postcard-worthy Sydney Harbour, with live music, fireworks and, er, probably a whole lot more Foster's.
Boutique QT, in the central business district, is probably the sexiest hotel you'll ever lay your head in. It's a fun, flamboyant hotel – renovated from the buildings of the Gowings department store and the state theatre – with in-room bathtubs and a hip design-focused bar. It's near to the trendy Establishment complex too, which is full of cool bars and restaurants.
Kings Cross used to be a rough part of town, but it's fast sharpening up its act. Rooftop hangout Sweethearts (it professes to be the first rooftop BBQ in the city – perfect to subtly slip 'throw a shrimp on the barbie' in your best Australian accent into conversation) atop the Sugarmill pub serves up unfussy BBQ food (try the grilled bug tails) and fancy shandies. Come early or book – despite the kitsch lights giving off a vague prohibition feel, it's constantly rammed.
