There is so much to do in Sydney it is a bit overwhelming. From my mom to my siblings the schedule was more or less the same to experience the full Sydney sider’s life in a jam packed week. If you find yourself in Oz and need some advice here’s a break down of how to tackle the various areas starting with my favorite place in the world… Bondi.
Eastern Suburbs
Coogee to Bondi Coastal Walk: This 5k return cliffside path will leave you breathless. Each turn around the corner shows a new beach and new neighborhood. Take a coffee and walk along the cliffs watching the surfers and dogs. End in Bondi for drinks at Bucket List for the culture afterwards
Bondi to Hermitage Trail to Watsons Bay: This is not a short walk but the views are gorgeous of the harbor. Extra credit if you then walk from Watsons Bay back to Bondi Beach or (the lazy way) just to end at Watsons Bay for sunset. Place turns up so just be prepared for the DJ.
CBD or Central Business District
This will be your most classic tourist part. Right in Circular Quay (pronounced Key) you will have the ferries to Manly Beach, Sydney Opera House, Harbor Bridge, and Royal Botanical Gardens. The Rocks is right around the corner, the oldest and first established area in Sydney, as is Darling Harbor. All the shopping you’d need can be found around those streets. Take a minute to pop by Town Hall to see the QVB (Queen Victoria Building).
If you are in town in June -August you can take a Whale Watching tour. We saw at least 8 whales and a school of dolphins as they are migrating down from Queensland. Really gorgeous way to spend an afternoon.
Weekends
If you find yourself with a free weekend my favorite thing to do is to explore the markets or the beaches. Both the Rocks and Bondi have markets. Technically so does Manly if you feel like adventuring to the Northern beaches.
Bondi on Saturday’s is food focused, and retail focused on Sunday. I’d suggest grabbing brunch nearby, checking out the markets and spending the day on the beach. Then you’ll be ready for a solid Sunday Sess at any of the nearby bars. My favorite is Bikini right on Hall st. Perfect chill place for beers and nachos and to people watch.
Road Trips
3 hours out… If you are interested in getting out of the city and trying to find some kangaroos… there’s Wildlife Featherdale Park. Some tours will take you there and to the Blue Mountains for $100 AUD. It’s a nice little park where all the classic Australian animals are so pretty worthwhile.
If you are more a car rental and explore person just head towards the Blue Mountains. There’s look outs periodically around the park and each one has some little hikes along the way for you to explore a bit. You can hike for the whole day or 30 mins.
1 hour out…Palm Beach is a great destination not too far out with incredible views. You can hike up to the lighthouse and look south to see the ocean on one side and the bay on the other. Grab some food at the boathouse located right at the parking lot before or after!
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