There are a seemingly endless list of things to do in Sydney, the city I call home.
Here are seven of my favourites things to do in Sydney you wont read about in any travel guide.
1) Breakfast at Bill’s Bondi: This fantastic open plan restaurant brings together the melting pot of people that Bondi harbours, from the backpackers at on end to the billionaires at the other. Bondi has become the place for just about everyone to work out before sunrise, whether on the beach itself or in one of the local gyms. The hot chocolate here is heaven, as are the sweetcorn fritters with avacado salsa. They also cater for kids.
2) Snorkel at Shelly Beach: This pretty little spot is a 10 minute walk from the Manly ferry terminal. Bring your own snorkel and flippers, and brace yourself for some stunning marine life, depending on how far you go out. One of Sydney’s best kept secrets and it’s free.
3) The Manly Ferry: This iconic public mode of transport is the ultimate (and cheapest) way to see Sydney from the water. The journey takes about 20 minutes, and a drink at the Manly Wharf on a weekend afternoon is the perfect way to break up the trip.
4) Sundowners at Icebergs: Icebergs restaurants sits above the world famous pool, and it is one of the most stunning locations for lunch or dinner. It’s pricey, but the adjoining bar is a sensational place to watch the sun go down, take that once in a lifetime selfie and enjoy a drink overlooking the ocean.
5) Watsons Bay: You can travel to Watsons Bay by ferry, a joy in itself. Once there (and on the way), you will see some of Sydney’s most expensive real estate. You can walk The Gap, a stunning and physically challenging cliff top walk looking out over New Zealand (which you wont be able to see) , and top it off with lunch or dinner at Doyle’s one of Australia’s most famous seafood restaurants. The Watsons Bay Hotel is a lot of fun in warmer months too.
6) Lunch at Rockpool Bar & Grill: This is my favourite Sydney restaurant, and most days, you will struggle to get in fro lunch or dinner, it is that popular with the city set. Founded by chef Neil Perry, the expansive menu features a plethora of the best Australian products from beef to fish, pasta, and everything inbetween. Towering ceilings create a majestic feel, and the upmarket corporate set ensure it is always buzzing.
7) A wine in Paddington: Paddington has become an upmarket inner city suburb, where the tiny terrace houses sit side by side, with a pub on almost every second corner. This is where you can really feel like a local drinking chardonnay, chatting to the bar man and eating a steak at the bar if you wish. My favourite venues are 10 William, a sexy little Italian wine bar, The Centennial, recently renovated and a great place to dine or just grab a drink, The Woollahra Hotel upstairs has a cute little area with an open roof. Great at any time of year, but especially in the cooler months.
