New South Wales
Sydney
8 Days
When I made the decision to relocate to Sydney, it was a personal decision based predominantly on lifestyle. Now, having called this incredible city home for over a year, it’s safe to say it has lived up to everything I could have hoped for and more.
With beach and harbour suburbs in equal measure, city living doesn’t come much better than Sydney. But, while I have made the most of travelling around this vast country, it is easy to forget that there is so much to do on your doorstep. So, to make things easier, I have pulled together my top suggestions on how to maximise your time in the city whether you are only passing through or staying for a longer visit.
Overview
03
Eastern
Suburbs
01
Harbour
Highlights
02
Surry Hills & Central
Business District (CBD)
04
Rose Bay &
Watsons Bay
05
Spit Bridge -
Manly
06
Lower
North Shore
07
Royal
National Park
08
Cronulla &
Bundeena
Travel Route
01
Harbour Highlights
Morning
Let's just get this one in nice and early. The Opera House is synonymous with Sydney and is recognised worldwide. You simply can’t visit without starting your trip around Circular Quay. Just down from the CBD, Circular Quay is the main ferry hub and always has a buzz about it with ferries connecting the city centre to Balmain, Taronga Zoo, Rose Bay, Watsons Bay and Manly to name but a few.
After getting your mandatory snaps I would suggest extending your morning by heading to the neighbouring Botanical Gardens. With multiple flat tracks on offer, it is an easy stroll for most, before looping back to enjoy views of the city.
Sydney Opera House
Afternoon
After lunch, I would recommend heading to The Rocks an area just beneath the Sydney Harbour Bridge. The area is packed with cobblestone streets, restaurants, and some of the oldest pubs in Sydney; my personal favourite being the Doss House.
For those wanting to venture further, I’d suggest the thirty minutes walk across the famous Harbour Bridge to the neighbourhood of Kirribilli. From here you can head down to Captain Henrys Waterhouse Reserve, which arguably provides some of the best views of Sydney Harbour away from the crowds. To make your life easier you can also catch the ferry back from Kirribilli Wharf direct to Circular Quay.
Another great way to see the harbour is by boat. Although you can always catch the ferry or rent a charter, a couple of my favourite trips are:
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The Jackson - Bottomless Chandon Brunch (Nov – Feb) - you guessed it; a yacht experience with bottomless food and drinks which cruises around Sydney Harbour.
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Ocean Extreme - Humpback whale watching (May – Sept) – a high-speed rib boat that tracks the Sydney coastline cliffs for migrating whales.
The Jackson Brunch
Sydney City
Evening
There are so many options for food and drinks in the evening around the harbour but it’s hard to beat the Opera Bar. With a relaxed atmosphere and live music playing at the weekend it’s a great spot. For dinner, one of my favourite Italian restaurants is Grana or, for a showstopper view, try Café Sydney.
02
Surry Hills & Central Business District (CBD)
Morning
Start your morning in Surry Hills, an inner-city suburb just south of the city centre and well worth a morning exploring. Known for its culture and café scene it’s fast becoming a Sydney hotspot for foodies. There are loads of options, but The Paramount House Hotel rooftop terrace is a great place for a breakfast stop.
For those wanting to stay more local, Centennial Park is only a thirty-minute walk away.It is a large open grassland park and there are lots of different walking and cycling tracks with Homestead Café an option for a coffee or lunch.
Although you can easily hop on the light rail back into the city centre, I’d suggest taking the time to walk the return journey through Hyde Park via Oxford Street and the Anzac Memorial. A nice way to get yourself orientated.
Afternoon
After lunch, you can always pop along to George Street and do a spot of shopping. Named the original high street in Sydney, George Street remains at the heart of the city and one of its busiest shopping areas with flagship stores and offices the entire length from Central Station to Sydney Harbour.
Next, head down to Cockle Bay Wharf at Darling Harbour. From here you can track the harbour path towards the Barangaroo Reserve (approx. 20 minutes). On your way, make sure you stop are the rooftop bar on Barangaroo House. Following the track past Walsh Bay, you’ll find yourself connecting the walk back up to the Rocks at Sydney Harbour (which you should recognise from the day before).
Darling Harbour
George Street
Evening
Whether you are looking to spend your evening in Surry Hills or the CBD, you’re spoilt for choice on dinner and drinks options. A handful of suggestions are:
Surry Hills:
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Little Miss Piggy - funky Lebanese brunch.
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Four Pillars Gin - an up-market working gin distillery.
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Nour - classy bottomless Lebanese brunch/dinner.
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Don’t Tell Aunty - lively Indian banquet.
CBD:
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Palmer & Co - underground 1920’s themed cocktail bar.
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Cantina OK! - compact specialist margarita bar.
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The Lobo - underground Caribbean-themed rum bar.
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Employees Only – underground buzzing cocktail bar, turned restaurant, turned burlesque show.
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Uncle Mings - underground Japanese dumping bar.
03
Eastern Suburbs
Morning
Famed for its coastline, the Eastern Suburbs boast some of the most impressive city beaches in the world, and if you’re going to do only one coastal walk in Sydney, it’ll no doubt be the popular Bondi to Coogee Walk.
You can do the 6km walk either way but we prefer to start at Coogee just past the pavilion and end at Bondi. Hugging the coast, the whole way you’ll follow cliffs, beaches, bays, parks and rockpools; Coogee beach, Gordons Bay, Clovelly Beach, Bronte Beach, Tamarama Beach and Bondi Beach.
For a great breakfast view try Preach Café, situated at South Bondi.
Bondi Beach
Afternoon
Bondi is by far the country’s most famous beach, and if you’re going to spend an afternoon swimming, surfing, and sunbathing why not here? Disclaimer, the beach does get busy during the summer months; so, an alternative and usually slightly quieter option (which I prefer) is Bronte Beach.
For those preferring to stay away from the sand, head to the large saltwater pool at Bondi Icebergs where access is free.
Evening​
My favourite spot by far in the Eastern suburbs is North Bondi Fish, with an incredible view of the beach, great seafood, and live music, it’s hard to beat. For pre-dinner drinks Rocker and Bondi Hardware are good options, and on the south side of Bondi, Totti’s is a popular dinner choice.
Coogee to Bondi Walk
04
Rose Bay & Watsons Bay
Morning
This is my favourite area in Sydney and I freely admit to being biased as this is where I live. However, I would recommend that everyone spends some time here. These harbour suburbs are less busy and often overlooked.
They are also easily accessible by car, bus, and ferry. If you are staying central, I would suggest heading to Circular Quay and jumping on the short ferry to Rose Bay. From here you’ve got a couple of options.
For a once in a lifetime experience, I’d suggest booking ahead onto the novelty Sydney Seaplanes for a scenic flight experience of the city’s top sights. You can then choose between a brunch at the Empire Lounge or a premium picnic and bubbles on Shark Island transported to and from by a water taxi.
Another great spot to grab a bite is Rose Bay Boathouse. They have a casual daytime café on the ground floor and a restaurant above.
Afternoon
Next, it's time to head up to Watsons Bay. It still surprises me that this walking track isn’t well known outside of those that live in the area. The coastal Hermitage Foreshore walk is only 3km and provides some of the best-uninterrupted views of Sydney Harbour; not to mention the beaches and bays hidden along the way. My favourite is Parsley Bay.
When you reach Watsons Bay, you can choose to carry on to Camp Cove Beach, before finishing at the Hornby Lighthouse circular loop.
Shark Island
Parsley Bay
Evening
To finish the day, you can either have dinner at Doyles, or choose the more laid-back option at the Watsons Bay Hotel.
05
Spit Bridge - Manly
Morning
One of the most iconic beach towns of the Northern Beaches, Manly is all about laid-back living. You feel a world away from the hustle and bustle of city life although it can get very busy at weekends and public holidays. The frequent fast ferry that connects the town directly to Circular Quay takes less than twenty-minutes.
Although you can head directly to Manly, I’d recommend getting up early and making your way along the coast to Spit Bridge, the starting point of the (you guessed it) Spit to Manly walk. It’s a roughly 10km (approx. 3hrs) coastal walk that passes through, jungle, beaches, bush, and bays. You can always take your swimmers for a dip at Reef Beach.
Spit to Manly Walk
Afternoon
As you finish the walk in Fairlight, Manly Pavilion is nestled at the western point of Cabbage Tree Beach. Sitting out on the balcony it’s a great spot to enjoy a well-deserved drink. From here you’ve earnt yourself a relaxing afternoon, whether it’s shopping, sunbathing on Manly Beach, or snorkelling at Shelley Beach (cabbage tree aquatic reserve).
In addition to snorkelling, you can also go shore diving at Shelley Beach. If you’re fancying a hike for another time, I’d also recommend the longer North Head Walk.
Evening
You can’t go wrong with drinks at Wharf Bar to end the day, or alternatively stay put near Manly Beach at Little Pearl.
Cabbage Tree Aquatic Reserve - Shelley Beach
06
Lower North Shore
Morning
Head to the upmarket residential area of Mosman. It is slightly further afield and one of the few places around the harbour that isn’t connected by the ferry; but a bus, train or taxi will have you on the high street in no time.
I recommend heading down to Balmoral Beach to grab breakfast. There are a couple of options; The Boathouse Balmoral, or for those looking for something a little special Burnt Orange has an amazing brunch. Next, head out on a 6.5km walk towards Taronga Zoo (approx. 2.5hrs), and about halfway through you’ll walk past Ripples Chowder Bay – its outdoor balcony is worth stopping by.
Afternoon
For an easier trip back, take the ferry to Circular Quay from Taronga Zoo. You can either pop into the zoo for a wander around if you’ve got time or head to Squires Landing for a drink.
Balmoral to Taronga Walk
07
Royal National Park
Morning
Just over an hour south of Sydney and you will find the Royal National Park. You’re absolutely spoilt for choice on walks, but you will need a car to get there. Whether it’s a spectacular cliff-side coastal walk or an inland jungle track you’re looking for, here are a couple of my favourites:
Walk options:
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Wattamolla to Eagle Rock (8.8km, 2-3hrs) – Loop.
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Bundeena to Little Marley Beach (inc. Wedding Cake Rock & Big Marley) (12km, 4.5hrs) – Return.
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Palm Jungle Loop via Figure 8 Pools (6.4km, 2-3hrs) – Return.
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Healthcote to Karloo Pools (8.8km, 2-3hrs) - Return.
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Wattamolla to Garie Beach (16km, 4hrs) – Loop.
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Bundeena to Jibbon Head (6.8km, 2.5hrs) – Loop.
Afternoon
On the way back, head slightly further south to the town of Scarborough. Here you’ll drive over the famous suspended Sea Cliff Bridge, which makes up part of the Grand Pacific Drive.
An early Sunday lunch at the Scarborough Hotel, perched in their outdoor cliff garden, is a great way to round off the day.
Royal National Park
Royal National Park
08
Cronulla & Bundeena
Morning
Cronulla is a seaside suburb south of Sydney, which you can reach by either train or car, and just a few steps away from South Cronulla Beach is our favourite café, Zimzala.
One of the longer walks we’ve done, get the bus up to Kurnell and walk the coast to Cronulla via Kamay Botany Bay National Park (18.2km, 4hrs).
Route:
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Top of Kamay Botany Bay National Park
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James Cook Landing spot.
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Cape Bailey Track
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Cape Solander
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Cape Bailey Lighthouse
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Boat Harbour Aquatic Reserve
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Cronulla Beach
Afternoon
If the walks are not for you, you can instead explore the headland around Cronulla before taking the 20 minute ferry ride to Bundeena a small seaside town situated in the Royal National Park. Whether you fancy a swim, or fish and chips on the beach – this is also the starting point for quite a few of the Royal National Park walks.
Kamay Botany Bay National Park
