The Sydney Traveler

Italian restaurants are a dime a dozen in Sydney, but that only ensures that the really special ones stand out. Beresford Trattorio is just such a place, but what else would you expect with Danny Russo at the helm?

There’s a reason why Mr Russo has such a reputation. His dishes are inventive, while maintaining the rustic charms Italian is famous for. Dishes like the tagliatelle with truffled meatballs, squid ink tortellini stuffed with crab meat, and the stuffed rabbit leg are truly indulgent.

The wine list also deserves a mention, with around three-quarters of the drinks Italian. It’s refreshing to be able to choose something you don’t have every day. There are nearly 29 by the glass so even solo drinkers don’t have to miss out on the fun.

It might be inside a pub, but don’t let that scare you away. The Beresford Hotel has been given a modern makeover, making this swish restaurant the perfect place for a romantic night out, dinner with friends, or a special treat for one!

Trading hours: Noon to 3 pm on Wednesdays to Sundays for lunch and dinner daily from 6 pm to 11 pm
Location: The Beresford Hotel
Address: 345 Bourke Street, Darlinghurst
Public transport: Catch a #380 or #382 bus from the city
Parking: Limited street parking is available
Cost: Entrees from $9, mains from $21, desserts $15
Website: http://www.theberesford.com.au

Image source: Asif Akbar @ Stock.xchng

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When I was a kid, I never wanted to go to the National Maritime Museum. Try as they might, this museum showcasing Australia’s maritime history never seemed to offer anything to really excite me. This school holidays though they’re right on the money with Wet World.
Wet World is a fun interactive display which might just be one of the best ways to cool down this summer. It’s a wild water playground of river races, Aqua Play activities, and the Super Soaker Action Zone!
Why not leave the kids playing while you check out the grown-up activities? This summer’s big drawcard is …read more

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With the mercury rising, the beach is the best place to be in Sydney over summer.  A day out enjoying the sun, surf, and sand is great fun, but there are also a few things tourists should be aware of. Here are my top tips to enjoying the local beaches.

Always swim at a patrolled beach. If you run into any trouble in the water, you’ll want lifeguards close by.
All patrolled beaches have a designated swimming area marked with red and yellow flags. Always swim between these flags to stay safe and avoid rips and other hazards.
If you do get caught …read more

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Have you recovered from Christmas yet? Good! Sydney’s already moving on to the next thing, and that’s the annual New Year’s Eve fireworks! Every year is always bigger and better than the last, and this one promises to be no exception.
The $4 million display promises never-before-seen pyrotechnic effects and a dramatic “lightning show.” The lightning will be part of a staged storm designed to symbolically cleanse the harbour city. Have we been sinning this year? The biblical inspired storm will light up the sky before the much anticipated Bridge Effect is revealed at midnight. Then there’ll be another 12 minutes …read more

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I know we’re all trying to cut those calories again after a big Christmas splurge, but there’s a good reason to put off that detox for just a little longer. A new cupcake shop has opened up in Sydney’s eastern suburbs, and its offering much more than your standard fare.
Ghermez is Persian for red, perhaps because the sweet treats featured here are red hot! You’ll be lured by exciting flavours like chilli chocolate, pistachio and rose, and sticky date.
If you’re in need of a sugar hit to help you get through those post-Christmas sales, Ghermez is worth a look! But …read more

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Merry Christmas to all my Sydney Traveler readers! I hope you’re all having a wonderful day and that Santa was kind to you all! To celebrate the big day, here’s some footage of Taronga Zoo’s furry residents opening their presents. The meerkats are just priceless! Enjoy!

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Remember to slow down and buckle up if you’re traveling around New South Wales roads over the holiday period. Double demerits for all speeding and seatbelt offences will be in force from midnight tonight.
The dual penalties apply until January 4 in an effort to curb the state’s Christmas road toll. Road deaths have dropped 28% since the initiative was introduced in 1997, so it looks like it’s working!
“Double demerits help deter motorists from breaking the law during what is an exceptionally busy time on the state’s roads,” said the state’s roads minister Michael Daley.
“Motorists be warned: watch your speed, wear …read more

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Sydney Harbour offers much more than Circular Quay and the Bridge. Venture out a little further and you’ll find plenty of beautiful islands just made for exploring. While the mainland has been developed into an urban jungle, these islands are home to native flora and fauna. These natural features sit beside historic buildings and Aboriginal sites which reveal much about Australia’s cultural heritage.
One of these natural havens is Shark Island. But don’t let the name scare you off. The island was given this cute moniker because it looks like a shark, not because it’s home to some white pointers!
Shark Island …read more

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Spread a little Christmas cheer, and enjoy some fantastic food at the same time, with a meal at Verde. This inner city Italian restaurant will donate $2 to the Salvation Army for every pasta dish sold.
Verde offers some serious comfort food, like braised pork shank ragu, pan-fried gnocchi, and lovingly handmade pasta.
The $2 donations through December will help out the Salvos at their busiest time of year.
Trading hours: Lunch from Wednesdays to Fridays and dinner from Tuesdays to Saturdays
Location: Verde
Address: Corner of Stanley and 115 Riley Street, East Sydney
Public transport: The restaurant is a short walk from Museum train station
Parking: …read more

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A pair of dugongs has arrived at Sydney Aquarium! There are only five of these amazing creatures on display around the world, so it’s amazing that we now have the opportunity to see two up close!
The aquarium’s dugongs are Pig and Waru. Ten-year-old Pig was found in North Queensland after he was separated from his mother. Four-year-old Waru was also orphaned, and found near Rockhampton. They were raised from calves at Sea World, and have now found a new home in Sydney. They are the only captive dugongs in Australia.
The dugongs will live in the Aquarium’s new Mermaid Lagoon, so …read more

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