There's no denying it, it's a hell of a long way. I challenge you though, my friend, to visit there and not immediately catch the bug. I visited over April and have come away with a master plan to immediately emigrate. I'm not alone – did you know that in the days after Brexit Google hits for 'how do I move to Australia' increased circa. 300%?!
Sydney is the largest city in Australia and hugs the coast line with a sprawling metropolis of individual neighbourhoods and 'the city' which, as in London, is the business district. It's a wonderful place to visit and I would move there in a heartbeat. For those more interested in it as a holiday destination, it's also fantastic and is a great launching pad from which to visit other parts of Australia from. I'll do a series of posts about where else I loved, but to kick things off – I've compiled my top list of things not to miss in Sydney!
1. Let's get the easy stuff out of the way first, you HAVE to visit the Opera House….
Every tourist does, you will too, just get it over with and then get onto the other stuff! Flippancy asides, it is undeniably gorgeous and you can view it from all sorts of different places. Head through the Botanical Gardens and view it from across the water, like in the photo below, or walk right up around the harbour and stand at its feet. Afterwards, head to the Opera Bar, a beer garden right next to it, and get a cocktail whilst admiring the views.
2. Yes, yes, and the Bridge too.
Again, admittedly impressive. You can do the bridge climb for circa. £150 and it's probably worth it for the views alone!
Don't miss getting up under the bridge from below, for a different perspective! It has amazing views of the Opera House here and is a quiet spot. Get to it from coming up to the top of 'the Rocks' – see later for what that is!
3. Now…on to my favourite part. BRUNCH!
Australia is the brunch capital of the world and Antipodean inspired breakfasts have been flooding into the rest of the world for about 5 years, playing catch up. They really push the boat out on their breakfasts and I honestly didn't have a bad one there! The coffee is famously good and there's an emphasis on fresh, unprocessed ingredients, without being twatty about it. My favourite place for brunch whilst there was Cuckoo Callay, in Surry Hills. This little spot was a total gem, with a menu with as many hits as Take That's come back album.
4. Please don't miss Sydney Fish Market!
If you're a lover of fish or seafood this place is an absolute must! Across town, on the water, is one of the world's largest commercial fish markets and it's a gem for eating! Unlike the equally famous Tokyo fish market, the commercial is separated off from the public area, but you can still wander around a few stores. You're really there to eat though. You can pick up really reasonably priced fresh seafood or prepared fish dishes such as Singapore Crab and….(drool)…cheese coated, flambeed scallops and eat them right there on the dockside (there are lots of tables). Bring a bottle, grab your tucker and have yourself a jolly old time.
5. Be amazed at the crazy wildlife….everywhere!
Whilst pretty much every animal, fish or insect in Australia is actively trying to kill you, there are probably about 10% that aren't and these are well worth a goggle! I was amazed at the casual wildlife strolling around Australia like it was normal. Head to Hyde Park in Sydney day or night and you're guarenteed to see some. By day it's big, white parrots (which make a hell of a lot of noise!), and by night it is horrid possums! Head outside of Sydney, e.g. to the Hunter Valley, and Kangaroos and Wallabees are two a penny! Just nuts.
6. Walk along Circular Quay by night.
Sydney by night is just the most pleasant climate. I visited in autumn and it was simply delicious! Circular quay is a lovely harbour surrounded with bars and restaurants, and makes a lovely post dinner stroll spot. The nightlife in Sydney is fantastic too and has some world class bars and pubs, just dying for you to visit them.
Whilst you're down here, check out the Opera House by night – she pretty!
7. Visit the Chinese Garden of Friendship
This tranquil spot shouldn't be missed and was one of my highlights of Sydney. Nestled between the City and China Town is this surprising oasis of calm – a medium sized Chinese garden, complete with water features, beautiful gardens and a tea house. There are daily 'events' on there such as feeding the koi carp, and demonstrations of national dress. At a few quid entry, it's an inexpensive visit and is worth it. Tie this in to a visit to China Town and then walk down into Darling Harbour for a drink on the water.
8. Get the ferry over to Manly Beach
Ferries run every 15 minutes from Circular Quay across the bay to Manly, where you can head to Manly Beach. It's one of the most popular beach spots in Sydney and is a wonderful way to spend an afternoon, particularly mid week when it's less busy. The ferry ride alone is fabulous – you get wonderful views of the bay and harbour, and it's always lovely to be out on the water. On sundays in Sydney, travel is capped at $2.50 so it's a good time to take advantage of the ferries, if you don't mind hustling for a beach spot.
9. Check out the Botanical Gardens
These are another gorgeous tranquil spot, across the water from the Opera House. It's a great walk, and you can see some MONSTER spiders in the cactus garden!!!
10. Explore the Rocks Markets
The Rocks is a quaint little area of Sydney, below the Bridge and up from Circular Quay. It has a European feel with cobbley streets and slightly older buildings than the rest of the city – unsurprising as it's one of the oldest parts of Sydney, settled first by the British and the rest of the city then sprung up around it. It is filled with art galleries, including some amazing Aboriginal art ones which are not to miss. At weekends an awsome market is held around its winding streets, selling crafts, art, fashion and food. It's well worth a potter!
Finally….Tired of the city? Take a day trip out to the Blue Mountains.
About an hour and a half's drive from Sydney is one of the most gorgeous National Parks I've ever visited: The Blue Mountains. It's a gloriously green, wild region filled with fabulous view points, hikes and countryside. The Three Sisters is the most popular view spot, just minutes outside of Katoomba, and it couldn't be more beautiful. Katoomba itself is a cute spot too – full of little boutique shops and restaurants. I'd recommend taking a couple of days in the region to fully explore it.
Thanks all! I'll post more soon on what else to get up to whilst you're at the other side of the world!!
