Sydney

I have been lucky enough to have a one-year gig here – this is an amazing city. The harbour makes the city gorgeous from any view.

 

 

Top 5 Days

1. Bondi to Coogee Walk – 2-3 hour walk along the most gorgeous coastline.  Start with breakfast in Bondi and end with a drink in Coogee.  If you want a shorter walk, just stop in Bronte.  Or start in Coogee and end with a cocktail at Icebergs.
2. Rent a Sailboat – Grab your friends and rent a sailboat from …. For the day.  Grab some pinot gris and to Jones the Grocer first and get a great picnic.  You can take a dip in the water mid day.  The perfect, perfect day.
3. Paddington Markets – Start with a killer brunch at Flat White with a great cup of coffee. Then walk around the Paddington markets on Saturday or Oxford Street any day of the week.
4. New South Wales Museum and the Botanical Gardens – Check out the Aboriginal art in the basement and stroll through the nearby Botanical Gardens.
5. Blue Mountains – Stop in Leura on your way then do a hike in the best-smelling mountains ever.

High Style, Low Maintenance Hotels

1. The Establishment – Downtown spot that has unique rooms.  A bit of a scene, but is small and special.  Eat at e-sushi and have late night drinks at Est.
2. Regents Court – Darling hotel in Potts Point on a little side street.  Amazing roof gardens.
3. Echoes – beatuful splurge with the best view of the Blue Mountains.
4. Kathryn’s B&B – Only 3 rooms and 2 have a shared bath, but this is in a great location on Queen Street. Walk to great shopping and get a feel for an English neighbourhood.
5. Ravesis – On Bondi, which is ultra-touristy, but a gorgeous beach.

 

 

Top 5 Foodie Finds

1. Jimmy Licks – Ultra cool, in a happening area of Potts Point.  Don’t miss the salt and pepper cuttlefish

2. Icebergs – On Bondi Beach with a great view. Worth the splurge for a special night out.  Or sit in the bar and have oysters and a champagne cocktail.
3. Wasavi – Awesome sushi in 5 Ways in Paddington.  They don’t take reservations so plan to have a drink first at a local pub.  If they are full, there is a great Spanish tapas place around the corner.
4. Bathers’ Pavilion Café – So, so, so cute.  Great views of Balmoral beach.  The restaurant is fancy prix fix, and the café has wonderful food in a darling, Spanish vibe.
5. Sydney Cafe - make sure to ask to sit outside.  Gorgeous views of the bridge and Opera House.

Misses

1. Prepare – much to my preconceived notions, people aren’t that friendly if you ask for help.  They won’t go out of their way to help you, so don’t count on the kindness of strangers.
2. Circular Quay - Besides the Modern Art Museum, this is really touristy.  Go ther to get on a ferry, but get in and get out.  
3. Taxi drivers – don’t usually know where they are going. Bring a map.
4. Distance – Australia is so far away from everything!  Be prepared for long plane flights, even within the country.  Qantas owns this market, so there isn’t a lot of competition for prices.  Save up your miles to get here.
5. The Rocks - Maybe worth a walk through, but not much more.

Tips

1. Tipping – no need to tip.  I still can’t help it, I leave 10% for good service.
2. Get a view of the City – go to dinner at Café Sydney get a drink at Quay or walk over the bridge. Café Sydney’s food isn’t that great but the setting is absolutely spectacular.  Sit outside and view the Opera House and the harbour.  You won’t ever forget this. The city is especially gorgeous at night.
3. Thorn Birds – oldie but a goodie about the Outback.
4. Get in the water – either sail, water taxi or boogie board on Bronte beach.  This city is special cause of the beaches and harbour.  Spend as much time as you can on the water.
5. Aboriginal Art – Study up on the history, then go to galleries and art museums to check it out.