As I mentioned last time, I have been on a bit of a break with the recent holidays and some other things popping up in my life. Hopefully regular transmission will resume shortly! My travels took me over the Tasman Sea to Sydney recently, and I can report that, despite it being the middle of Winter, it was gorgeous and sunny. Here are 5 of my favourite spots from my trip!
1. The Opera House (Bar)
Yes, everyone loves the Sydney Opera House. It’s as iconic as the nearby Harbour Bridge that sits alongside it. Perhaps it is most beautiful when the setting sun bathes it in shades of yellow and orange, but it’s stunning at any time of day really. I didn’t have the time to stop for a show, but I definitely had the time for a drink at the Opera Bar.
The bar itself is nice, but it is of course the seating area that is truly incredible. Running all the way along the harbour edge from the wharf to the Opera House, it affords an incredible range of seats with impeccable views. Even in July you’ll need your sunscreen, as it’s easy to stay for hours sitting or lounging in the sun. And to top it all off? Don’t worry about those pesky seagulls stealing your chips - the Bird Patrol ensures they stay away and provide excellent entertainment as the dogs pace up and down the walkway. Truly a fantastic visit!
2. The Coogee to Bondi Walk
Bondi Beach is undoubtedly one of the most well-known sites in Sydney, though you will find parking a bit difficult - so why not walk? There is a costal walkway that connects it to the equally beautiful Coogee Beach, so you can take a 6km walk along some of the most stunning coastline you can imagine. It’s most often referred to as a Bondi to Coogee walk, but I’d recommend the other direction, not least because of the huge steps down to Bondi.
Bring your walking shoes and some water, because it’s a 2+ hour walk, though it is most definitely rewarding. Each curve of the coastline brings a new, charming cove, each with its own unique features and sights, as well as seeing every person and their dog along the way. Your reward at the end is the gorgeous Bondi beach where you can swim at the Icebergs, dine at a beachside pub or the Pavilion, and of course, catch some surf. You’ll definitely be keen for it after the walk!
3. Manly Beach
Don’t let the name fool you, this one is for people of all walks of life, and the best part is you get an awesome ferry ride on the way. Taking about 30 minutes, you get incredible view of the city and its various attractions on the way, as well as the rugged coastline to the north. By the time you stop in at the wharf, you’ll be keen to stroll. The beach itself lies on the northern side of the isthmus, but on the way you’ve got a steady stream of shops, bars and restaurants to stop into - before you even see the water.
Manly Beach stretches as far as the eye can see, with water as blue as you could hope for - even in Winter it seemed. The tree lined promenade caters for shade on the hotter days, while beach expands out when the tide goes out. There are also any number of fun stalls and beachfront stops along the journey, so you’re never bored. And when you’re done? A ferry ride back to the city, especially nice at sunset.
4. Bowral, NSW
A small drive south of Sydney is the charming town of Bowral. This was a particularly intriguing place for me to visit as it was the home of the legendary Australian Cricketer Don Bradman, arguably the greatest sportsperson of all time. Not only are his family home and local ground now tourist attractions, there is an entire Cricket Museum with incredible collections of memorabilia. If you’re a Cricket nut, it’s worth the trip just for this!
The town itself is beautiful and quaint, with a number of lovely cafes and second hand stores. It also features the Gumnut Patisserie, an award winning pastry shop that is always packed with satisfied customers. On the way back to Sydney, stop in for a wine tasting at the Centennial Vineyards - their cellar door experience is equal parts rustic and charming. The whole trip makes for an incredible day out, so make sure you save time on your next visit.
5. The Charrington Hotel
Of course, a stay is never complete without accommodation. I was lucky enough to grab a room at the Charrington Hotel, a beautiful boutique hotel in the bustling suburb of Chatswood. The entire vibe of the hotel is incredible, with stained-glass windows, antique furniture and paintings all around. The rooms have an old-world charm to them and the price is incredibly cheap for a night - so definitely worth the stop.
Even better, Chatswood is a great place to stay - with a massive train station just up the road, bordered by all the shopping you could need - boulevards and malls, cinemas and more. It’s a really vibrant area that is the gateway to anywhere else you need to go in Sydney - so I thoroughly recommend it!
That’s it for this week, I should be back to regular Sunday posts soon so see you next week!