Ultimate Sydney Guide
Expats fall head over heels for Sydney and it’s little wonder when it offers residents balmy weather, beautiful beaches and national parks. There aren’t many cities in the world where you can go surfing at sunrise and still be in CBD for 9 am. Quality of life is pretty damn good thanks to high salaries, lots of sunshine and nature right on the doorstep. Well there’s the winning combination for happiness right there: trees, vitamin D and a disposable income. Welcome to Sydney my friends, you’re going to love it.
Getting from the airport
Getting from the airport to the city centre couldn’t be easier. There’s a direct train that runs regularly and costs $18.50 one-way. It’s quite pricey, so if you’re travelling with another person it’s cheaper and more convenient to catch an Uber which will cost you around $30.
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Getting around
Sydney isn’t the easiest city to get around as you often have to change mode of public transport to get from A to B. It’s not uncommon to catch the train, ferry and bus in one journey, but so is the nature of a city surrounded by water. Pick up an Opal card for free and top it up with some cash to get around quickly and cheaply. On Sundays travel is capped at $2.60 for the day!
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Stay: Paddington
Paddington is my number one neighbourhood in Sydney. It’s walking distance to the city, sprinkled with up-market boutiques and charming Victorian houses. During spring the neighbourhood is dusted in purple rain from the blooming jacaranda trees. It’s also home to the hidden reservoir gardens and one of the oldest weekly markets.
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Stay: Kirribilli
My second favourite neighbourhood is located on the other side of the Harbour Bridge. Residents are rewarded with knock-out views of the Opera House and Harbour Bridge and commute to work by ferry, how cool is that? If you’re looking for peace and quiet, pretty gardens and brunch on a ferry wharf (hello Celsius Coffee Co), then this place is for you.
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Stay: Bondi
If you’re a beach bum, Bondi is your hood. Even though it’s always busy, Bondi is my favourite beachy area as its teeming with healthy cafes, independent boutiques and hosts the weekly farmers market.
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To do: Marvel at the Opera House
Ok, first things first, you need to see the Opera House to believe you are actually in Sydney! Trust me, the first time you set eyes on this architectural icon, you’ll be pinching yourself in disbelief. Walk across the Harbour Bridge and climb to the top of the Pylon lookout for outstanding views or catch a ferry around Circular Quay to take it in at eye level.
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To do: Bondi to Coogee
Sydney is known for its breathtaking coastal walks and none are more famous than the Bondi to Coogee. Wake up early, put on you active wear and be prepared to be wowed by beautiful seascapes and idyllic coves. If you want to discover more of Sydney’s coastal walks, check out my guide here.
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To do: The Grounds of Alexandria
The stomping ground for fashionable Sydneysiders who spend their weekends perusing the market stands, taking pictures under the flower-grown pagoda and brunching at one of the many cafes. Complete with themed decorations and farm animals, this is an outdoor market like no other.
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Coffee: Edition Coffee Roasters
One sip of my flat white at this speciality coffee shop and I was convinced that Australia makes the best coffee in the world. Located in Surry Hills, this light and airy café serves up superior brews to loyal locals.
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Coffee: Toby’s Estate
Supplying to various cafes across the city, these coffee roasters know a thing or two about roasting beans. Head to their signature café in Chippendale for the ultimate coffee and brunch experience.
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Coffee: Skittle Lane
In the heart of CBD you’ll find this minimalist cafe that takes its coffee seriously. They only serve one size because a large would be sacrilege to the perfect coffee-milk ratio.
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Brunch: Bread & Circus
My favourite brunch place in all of Sydney, this all-organic cafes serves up healthy and hearty fare to please the crowds.
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Brunch: The Boat House
It doesn’t get any more Australian than dining at the Boat House with locations overlooking the water, smashed avocado for brunch and fresh seafood for lunch.
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Brunch: Jackie’s
Another of my favourite cafes serving up colourful brunch dishes decorated in edible flowers and berries. This café serves a stellar brunch in the morning and turns into a sushi joint come lunchtime.
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Beach: Manly
No trip to Sydney is complete without hopping on the ferry to everyone’s favourite beach: Manly. This beachy suburb is a community in itself with residents rarely leaving: I mean why would you if you’ve got this glorious beach on the doorstep? There’s also a national park for hikers and plenty of beachside restaurants for foodies.
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Beach: Freshwater
Frequented mostly by locals, Freshwater is one of Sydney’s most beautiful beaches. There’s a spectacular coastal walk from Dee Why to Manly which offers sweeping seascapes and a birdseye view of Freshwater.
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Beach: Bondi
Sydneysiders love to hate Bondi, but the truth is everyone keeps coming back. It may be impossible to find a spare patch of sand, but the atmosphere and iconic Icebergs swimming pool are second to none.
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Day trip: Blue Mountains
The glorious Blue Mountains make for an epic day trip from Sydney. Less than two hours away by train you’ll arrive at this breathtaking national park with hiking trails, lookouts and beautiful nature.
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Day trip: Royal National Park
Most famous for the figure eight pools, the Royal National Park is an oasis for outdoor enthusiasts with plenty of bushwalks, coastal tracks and beaches to be enjoyed. Points of interest include Wedding Cake Rock and Bundeena.
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Day trip: Palm beach
For a change of scenery, take a day trip to beautiful Palm Beach. The short walk to Barrenjoey Lighthouse offers spectacular views over the coastline to one side and the boat harbour to the other. If you’re lucky you might even spot dolphins or whales.
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