Possessing white sandy ocean beaches to nature reserves, to fanciful food to exhilarating attraction, there is something for everyone within this super City! I was fortunate enough to travel back and forth to Sydney weekly for 2 years. Sydney is known as the biggest City in Australia and blessed with a mild to warm climate making it an idyllic travel destination 365 days of the year.
Rushcutters Bay
Bondi IceBergs
The CBD is a relatively small space within the greater Sydney Metropolitan region; luckily it is also the main location for all major tourist attractions such as the Sydney Harbour Bridge, The Sydney Opera House, Circular Quay, the Rocks, The Royal Botanic Garden, ChinaTown, Darling Harbour and the Queen Victoria Building. Be sure to pick up an Opal Metro Card (Sydney’s equivalent to an Oyster card). This will allow you to get around the City cheaply and efficiently.
Sydney Harbour Bridge & Opera House at Night
If you follow the edge of the harbor east from Circular Quay, or the coastline north from Bondi you will stumble across Watson’s Bay at the tip of the peninsula at South Head, the southern entrance to Sydney Harbour. Watson’s Bay has five beaches to choose from. If you want to sunbathe, I would choose Gibsons Beach or Camp Cove. If you want to enjoy a swim inside a netted area, try the Watsons Bay Baths between Wharf Beach South and Gibsons Beach.
After viewing the outstanding Opera House and exploring The Rocks take the Metro to Milsons Point Station (Kirribili) and try the Lobster Mac and Cheeseballs at The Botanist, Kirriblli. The room is unsurprisingly botanical. There’s hanging plants and floral lampshades. Vines crawl from stacked goblets. The Botanist represents some of the North’s finer traits, it is relaxed, friendly and civilized. Manly Beach is just a ferry ride away from Circular Key and worth exploring just for a change of scene!
Speedos Cafe, Bondi Beach
The closest ocean beach to the CBD is Bondi Beach which you can reach by bus from the city or from Bondi Junction (the closest railway station). Stop for Brunch at Speedo’s Café with picture perfect views of the Ocean complimented with The Green Goodness Bowl – my top pick!
After brunch take the coastal walk from Bondi to Coogee. Start at the south end of Bondi near the Icebergs Pool but the view across to Ben Buckler, the point at the northern end is beautiful. The walk will leave you speechless, make sure to take some pictures on the rocks overlooking the spectacular sea. Ending up in Sydney’s south-east.
Coogee Pavilion which is located at the intersection of Beach Street and Dolphin Street. The dress code ranges from sandy feet and towel in hand to active wear, to heels, ties and cocktail dresses. The Pavilion is diverse in nature and is divided by three floors. Head straight to The Rooftop where the bartenders are adorned in white. Upstairs you can order tapas, bar food and characuterie boards whilst overlooking the picture perfect Coogee Beach.
Double Bay is a great location for a night out in Sydney. My top pick is Mrs Sippy the bar at the back of the restaurant is as tightly packed as a socialite’s wardrobe. If you are up for some dancing this is the high-end establishment for you. Alternatively visit Pelicano an upscale, underground restaurant and bar.
Points Point is a little less known area of Sydney to venture to. Some fantastic restaurant spots are scattered amongst here. Be sure to try The Butler nestled amongst the backstreets of Potts Point, an eclectic oasis lies waiting on Victoria Street. A sophisticated casual eatery with an emphasis on good drinks with no fuss food and jaw -drapping view of the harbor. For an Asian twist try Ms G’s a short stroll from Kings Cross Station. The restaurant is span over four floors all decked in quirky decors ranging from a graffiti wall, communal tables and even a veggie garden courtyard. opt for the Mini Banh Mi made with chicken katsu followed by Ms G’s infamous Cheese burger spring roll. For a vegetarian option opt for the Burrata with sesame sauce, chilli oil, spinach and peanuts. If its Italian, you are after head to Mad Pizza E Bar the smallest licensed restaurant in Sydney with great pizza and awesome value for money.
Tucked away on Victoria Street in Darlinghurst is Gelato Messina the nightclub of ice-creams! The 40 flavours of ice cream are all made completely from scratch. The intriguing and unique flavours of gelato will keep you coming back- my go to ice cream shop in the world! Pop into Surrey Hills for Messina Gelato too! Surrey Hills is filled with boutique shops, vintage clothing stores and only a short walk away through Hyde Park to Circular Quay. A great spot for brunch is Pieno where one should opt for thescrambled egg and pancetta bruschetta.
Coogee Pavilion – that view behind!
Mrs Sippy, Double Bay
The Grounds of Alexandria is fittingly located in the town of Alexandria. Alexandria is a few trains stops away from Central. The rustic, farm-style venue feels as though you are taking a trip into a fairy tale world. As well as a café and restaurant called The Potting Shed the grounds has a farmer’s market, flower market and organic garden. The doughnuts are made to order and let’s be honest is there anything better than a fresh hot doughnut? In the flower market there are rainbow roses which are real!
The Potting Shed, Grounds of Alexandria
Paddington offers a wonderful range of boutiques and shops to explore along with plenty of cafes and bars. William Street offers the best shopping in all of Sydney. Don’t miss the Paddington Markets on Saturday mornings!
Darling Harbour
Be sure to head to Darling Harbour, the main area of the city dedicated to entertainment and tourism. Many of the harbor cruises depart from the docks here and it is also home to the aquarium and The National Maritime Museum.
Messinas – The best ice-cream in the world!
Famous for superb beaches a vibrant cultural scene and for its cosmopolitan international population. Super Sydney the beautiful city has a lot to offer budget and luxury travelers and everyone in between. Life’s a beach down under and I have nothing negative to say about this city. Thank you to my friend Tash who showed me this City! See you soon !!
By Kerris Ursell 11th January 2019
That time I was called to Sydney in winter and I had summer clothes!
Kerris's Keepsakes 