QUINTESSENTIAL SYDNEY

Such a stunning city with all the iconic sights such as the Opera House and Harbour Bridge that have become symbols of this incredible place – but there’s more to Sydney than the obvious big names.

Take a step into some suburbs outside the CBD, find some secluded beaches and harbour havens, meander pretty streets and dine in some of the hidden treasures that local foodies revel in and tourists make their mission to find.

HUNGRY?

How about some of the little restaurants and bars around Surry Hills, Darlinghurst and Paddington? These suburbs are close to the city but another world in culture and style.

There is a rich cultural diversity in the culinary world in Sydney too with the best in Vietnamese, Thai, Korean, Japanese, French, Spanish, Italian, Lebanese being just a few on the long list.

WALK AND EXPLORE

The beaches and harbours of Sydney are a must see. So vast you could take a lifetime to explore them all. On a shorter trip, why not walk the famous Bondi to Bronte coastline? The pathway meanders along right on the edge of the cliffs and provides incredible views and photo opportunities. Especially beautiful are the early mornings and late evenings where the colours glow.

Watch the ever-present surfers carving it up on the waves and if it’s during the warmer months, enjoy a dip, between the flags on Bondi, Tamarama or Bronte Beach.

If an ocean swim is not for you, try the iconic Icebergs Swimming Pool or Bronte Pool. In the harbours, you might enjoy a swim at Camp Cove, Neilson Park or Watson’s Bay.

FANCY A SPIN ON THE HARBOUR?

Boats are a symbol of Sydney’s water culture and there are no shortage of enviable yachts, sleek launches and stylish cruising vessels to see. An accessible, quick, cheap and lovely way to get on the water is to take one of the Sydney ferries. A trip to the suburb of Manly, another famous beach spot, takes only half an hour by ferry from Circular Quay, right in the heart of the CBD. Great views are on offer from the ferries of the Opera House and Harbour Bridge too.

CULTURE

Walking and viewing some of the contemporary and traditional art collections and galleries around Sydney is a pretty good way to spend a few hours. The Art Gallery of New South Wales, beautifully situated in the parklands overlooking the harbour, is free to visit and has an extensive collection of Australian, European, Asian and contemporary art. The Museum of Contemporary Art, right down by the water in Circular Quay is another of the big hitters – check their site for the latest exhibitions.

As well as the ever-popular big galleries, a walk around the streets of arty suburbs such as Paddington is a sure way to take in some cutting edge exhibitions by practicing artists. The Martin Browne Contemporary gallery, and in nearby Woollahra, The Oleson Irwin Gallery, are a good starting points.

KEEPING HEALTHY

Sydney’s health food and fitness scene is thriving. Testament to this are the fit bodies on all the beaches at dawn every day, exercising and enjoying the natural surroundings. For visitors too, there are plenty of yoga or Pilates classes that can be attended on a casual basis. There are gyms and outdoor fitness programmes, swimming schools, dance classes and more.

To keep up the energy and the healthy approach to life, why not try some clean, organic juices, smoothies and food from some of the well-stocked organic shops that can be found in most suburbs?

MARKETS

Wandering a city’s markets is a perfect way to really get a feel for a place. Sydney has a host to choose from. Most are on weekends with a few standouts for food being Everleigh Markets in Redfern – Every Saturday morning. Everleigh is a farmers’ market packed with fresh, quality produce, cheeses, meats, baked goods and more. You can also dine there on freshly made food, coffee and juices for a hearty market breakfast. Other great food markets include Bondi Beach – Every Saturday morning and Marrickville – Every Sunday morning.

For clothes, arts and crafts, try Bondi, Glebe, The Rocks and Paddington. Check online for details of times and addresses.

MORE

Of course there is SO much more to Sydney – We hope you enjoy exploring and recommend you take also some suburbs further afield that are culturally rich and diverse.

Find your way and discover. Let us know any favourite spots, recommendations or discoveries.

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