It has nearly been a year since I returned from my solo trip along the East Coast of Australia so it only seemed fitting to remember my time in Australia with a post about my favourite city – Sydney.
Sydney is without a doubt absolutely amazing, with shops, restaurants and even a beach what is not to love?!
If we had 24 hours in the city there is so much we would love to do, it would be hard to fit it in but manageable for sure!
A great location to stay is around Central station as the transport links are fab. If we were staying here we would wake up and go to breakfast at Devon Cafe, which serves delicious breakfast and a great affogato coffee. The breakfast here is quite unique with different flavour combinations. We would then head to Paddy’s Market for some browsing. This iconic market is huge and there lots of cool shops to browse.If we were staying in Kings Cross then we would wake up and go to breakfast at Uliveto, which has an amazing menu and great outdoor seating area.
We would then jump on the train and head to Circular Quay which gets you out right by Sydney Harbour Bridge. Although you can pay to walk across the top of the bridge, however you are also able to walk across the bridge for free from. From the Circular Quay side of the harbour you can start from The Rocks District, and follow a sign along George Street directing you towards a flight of stairs, take these stairs and your walk begins here! The walk might be long and when hot super sweaty but when in Sydney it’s something you have to do. Once at the other side walk to Milsons Point to take some pictures from the other side of the harbour.
Walk back along the bridge Pop to The Rocks District For a sport of lunch, there are some great Street food style restaurants here so lots to choose from, Dare is a good option, which offers Delicious And Responsible Eating. You can even sit and watch all the huge cruise liners arriving. Or eat at The Glenmore Hotel which serves pub grub and sit on the rooftop with amazing views of the Opera House (if you can get a seat on the right side!)
After lunch you can take a quick visit to Sydney Opera House to take some photos outside it! Then hop on the train to Bondi Junction and then take the 313 or 314 bus to Coogee. You will spend the afternoon doing the Coogee to Bondi walk. This is an amazing walk along the coast and is very easily signposted. The walk should take around 2 hours and has stunning views of the coast, and you will walk past lots of stunning quiet beaches, where you may want to stop and enjoy. End the walk chilling on Bondi Beach and maybe even treat yourself to some ice cream, give Gelato Messina a go!
Get back on either the 333, 380, 381, 382 bus to Bondi Junction or take the 333, 380, 389 straight to Circular Quay. Jump on a boat to Manly Beach, the Manly Fast Ferry is the quickest and only slightly more expensive! Walk straight down manly highstreet and checkout the beach. If you have time walk around the right hand side of the promenade to Shelly Beach which can often be a little quieter and in my opinion more beautiful as it’s like a little cove.
There are lots of places to choose for dinner depending on what cuisine you fancy. Hugos serves wood-fired pizza and an amazing roof top terrace/bar. Or you can try Garfish and the clue is in the name to what you can eat here – seafood galore! This also has views to die for whilst enjoying your freshly caught fish!
Get the ferry back to Circular Quay whilst the sun sets over Sydney Harbour Bridge and snap some stunning pictures
If you are visiting on a Saturday head to Darling Harbour for the free amazing firework display to end the day in style!
We certainly packed a lot into the day in Sydney but sure made the most of what is to be seen in this amazing city and we hope you found this useful!