The Ultimate Aussie Adventure: Exploring Sydney, NSW
An adventure to the Land Down Unda - where the ozone is non-existent and the coffee is superbly strong. Hello, happiness. Let’s stay here for a while, shall we?
Here are all of my top tips for a trip to Sydney, NSW -
Neighborhoods - let’s get a lay of the land from city center moving East including the Northern Beaches:
Barangaroo -
This is a new area of Sydney that includes the Darling Harbour and King Street Wharf. We rented a boat from here and had the most fabulous evening cruising the Sydney Harbour at sunset. Happy hour (aperol spritz hour) at Bungalow 8 before departure. 10/10 recommendation. What a dream.
Sydney Food Tour of Barangaroo - we ate our way across this part of town visiting Bourke Street Bakery for a sausage roll and Flat White, Rivareno for gelato, and walked our way to the Rocks for a pint to round out the afternoon.
The architecture in Barangaroo is modern and sleek in design which creates a wonderful environment to explore.
Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce were staying at the Crown while we were in town so (of course) we had to go check out the area… hi, it’s me, I’m the problem it’s me.
2. Circular Quay / The Rocks - aka “the city/CBD)
This area is well known as the “touristy spot”. Including the iconic views of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Opera House, the circular quay area has everything a visitor needs. The main cruise port is right by the ferry wharf so visitors from all over the world disembark on adventures throughout Oceania from this location.
Circular Quay offers ferry service to each bay across Sydney and the northern beaches. There is a tap and go system for payment which makes public transport accessible for last minute rides across the city. One of my favorite activities is taking the ferry from Circular Quay to Manly Beach (20 minutes) for a half day excursion. The viewpoint from the water is a must see and the ferry is an inexpensive and fun way to experience.
The Rocks is the oldest and most historic part of Sydney. Filled with history and great pubs, The Rocks is a perfect area for an afternoon stroll.
Hotels: The Four Seasons (beautiful pool), The Marriott (fantastic, walkable location) , The Intercontinental (stunning rooftop with unreal views of the harbour)
Pubs: The Glenmore (rooftop), The Lord Nelson Hotel (Sydney’s oldest pub), the Orient Hotel
Bonza Bike Tour throughout the Rocks and Circular Quay area - we had a hilarious experience in the rain. We started biking and the storm came minutes after departure. Without end in sight, we had to turn around mid Sydney Harbour Bridge to find shelter… we made it to hot flat whites at Fine Foods Cafe and explored the QVB for some indoor activities to round out the rainy day.
Restaurants: Mr Wong for dinner, Fine Food Store for coffee/lunch
Queen Victoria Building, fantastic area of shopping down in the city, walkable
3. Potts Point
This location is a great place to stay if you are looking for a connection point between the city (Circular Quay and the Rocks) and the Eastern Suburbs/Bondi Beach. I once stayed in an airbnb in Potts Point which was a perfect choice for a walkable area to shops and restaurants while also a short Uber away from the city center and east to Bondi Beach. Kings Cross area is also right there so walking between neighborhoods from here is easy. One of my favorite places I have stayed during my time in Sydney. Just make sure your unit has air conditioning - this was a key missing step in our search process.
Restaurants: The Apollo (highly suggest making a reservation ahead of time), Savoey in Darlinghurst (easy walk from Potts Point through Kings Cross), Boccone Kings Cross
Coffeeee
Gypsy Espresso, Potts Point Providore, Coffee Tea & Me - you really can not go wrong with any cafe as I loved them all throughout this area
4. Wooloomooloo
Another connection point between the city center and eastern part of Sydney with a beautiful wharf - stunning area for a fabulous lunch with a view
Restaurants: Otto’s Ristorante
5. Paddington/Woollahra
My friends and I stayed in an airbnb right on Oxford Street (main shopping street) and it was fantastic for access to Centennial Park, shopping, and pubs. Paddington is a highly liveable area that offers a neighborhood feel.
Restaurants/Pubs: The Paddington, The Light Brigade (rooftop), Barbetta, Paddo Inn, Jackie’s, Village Inn Pub, the London
Shopping: Oxford Street, William Street, Incu, Assembly Label, Country Road
6. Double Bay
Bills Restaurant, Matteo, Royal Oak Bar
Intercontinental Double Bay Hotel
7. Rose Bay
Boat House Restaurant -
stunning views and Aperol Spritz plss… sign me up!
Rose Bay Sea Plane- the best surprise day. Pinch me kinda of experience… flying over the Sydney Harbour Bridge - how is this real life?! I had dreamt of going in a Sea Plane and this was the happiest day.
8. Watsons Bay
The far East side of Sydney with the extraordinary South Head- known for the sheer ocean cliffs and Hornby Lighthouse, Watsons Bay is something special.
The ferry is a great transportation option over to Watsons Bay for a Spritz at the Watsons Bay Hotel or a quick bite at Doyles fish and chips. Two of my favorite spots here in Sydney.
Parsley Bay for a quick swim on the way to the Watsons Bay Hotel… 10/10
9. Bondi Beach - the famous! We stayed in an airbnb on Curlewis Street and found it to be the most walkable and enjoyable beachy experience. Bondi is a great place to stay for access to the ocean, tons of great restaurants and shopping. This area is well known so often has more tourists and can become very crowded on the weekends. Although, there is a reason it is so packed - there is no place like a Sydney beach! The Coastal Walk is another must-do for sweeping views of Bondi.
Helloooo sunshine and sushi
A few of my favorite spots in Bondi -
Bondi Icebergs for sunset happy hour, Totti’s for the Italian bread and sharable plates, GetSashimi for the best beach side salmon nigiri, Lox Stock and Barrel, Orchard St Cafe, Harry’s for breakfast spots.
10. Manly Beach - to the Northern beaches! Taking the ferry from Circular Quay to Manly is one of my favorite things to do for a half day adventure in Sydney. Manly Beach offers a coastal walk as well which will lead you to Shelley Beach. There is a restaurant called the Boat House at Shelly Beach that is a must. Little Legends Cafe is great spot for a quick coffee before starting the walk to Shelley Beach. The area is filled with great shopping and happy cafes. You can’t go wrong anywhere you stop along the way.
If you venture over to Shelly Beach, there is a staircase on the far side that leads up to a great hike. The views are exceptional and worth exploring.
Places to see outside of Sydney - Blue Mountains National Park and Royal National Park. Both only about 1.5 hour outside of the city, the two national parks offer the must serene and stunning outdoor adventure days. Featherdale Zoo is on the way to the Blue Mountains and is a must stop for all the tourists just living to see a kangaroo and a koala (aka, me).
Sydney is one of my top happy places - filled with people I adore and the most beautiful balance of beaches, city, adventure and relaxation, there is everything you need here. Let’s go back soooon?!
Cheers, mate xx
