A Sydney-Sider’s Guide to the Must-See Hit List

• Hyde Park / St Mary’s Cathedral / Botanical Gardens:

Take a walk across Hyde Park, past the fountain, to St Mary’s Cathedral and either pop in for a peek, or continue on through the Botanical Gardens. It’s easy to enjoy the serenity of the gardens for a while, or just next door is the NSW Art Gallery and the brand new modern wing, which has recently opened. Looking for a way to beat the heat, swing by Andrew Boy Charlton Pool for a refreshing dip with a side of stunning water views. This public open-air pool in the gardens, is a lovely location for a swim.

• Eat & drink stops along the way

Inside the art gallery is Crafted by Mat Moran, a celebrated Australian chef & restauranter. Nestled in the Botanical Gardens is Botanic House, a restaurant curated by Luke Nguyen. Dine upstairs for modern Asian cuisine or downstairs for casual grab-and-go. Also at the ABC pool, is a waterfront café, Oh Boy Sydney, where the love of swimming and caffeine collide. Soak in the Sydney vibe, admire Woolloomooloo Wharf and pencil in a visit to the wharf-side restaurants for a future foodie adventure. You could also take a scenic detour via the steps!

• Mrs Macquarie’s Chair

In my opinion, the walk through the gardens and around to Mrs. Maquarie's chair has the best, quintessential view of Sydney and the photos from here would definitely be on the cover of your travel album. Continue on along the Sydney Harbour Foreshore and see the Opera House & Sydney Harbour Bridge from the most glorious angle.

• The Sydney Opera House

The House is obviously the jewel in the crown of Sydney's sights to see. I would encourage you to walk its circumference, and go inside for a tour or book to see a show. Eat at Bennelong Restaurant, but if that's not within your budget, grab a drink from The Opera Bar. If you want to swerve the crowds, head to the Theatre Bar along the western boardwalk for a perfect view of the bridge. Soak up this Sydney scape and stop to eat at Midden by Mark Olive, a celebrated Indigenous Australian chef.

• Circular Quay

Around the quay is a whirlwind of activity that's always buzzing with folks from around the globe. Stop for a drink and enjoy the view, but skip eating here. Moving onwards towards the Museum of Contemporary Art, they often have free exhibitions. Stop in here to take a look or carry on for a drink at Cruise Bar, the view is fabulous but can frequently be blocked by a cruise ship. If this is the case, then continue on to Squires Landing, if the ship isn’t too large, then you get a good view of Opera House across the water. Enjoy a craft beer at this flagship brewhouse. Legend has it that James Squire was a convict on the First Fleet and Australia’s first brewer. A great one to come back to for a sundowner.

• The Rocks

The Rocks is a short stroll away from Circular Quay and should definitely not be missed. There is a free walking tour filled with all the history on the origins of Australia. Another great hidden spot is The Glenmore Pub for lunch, dinner or drinks on the rooftop. Feeling adventurous? Try the emu, kangaroo or crocodile pizzas at The Australian, one of Sydney's original pubs. If you're up this way over the weekend, definitely check out the market. Oh, and for all you yogis, there's a free class every Sunday under the bridge. Take a picnic to the corner of Lower Fort St and George St at Dawes Point Park, right under the Sydney Harbour Bridge for another iconic view.

• Barangaroo

Keep following the Foreshore until you reach Barangaroo. It was once a disused area for storage containers, but it's now a recently-renovated reserve of parkland and waterfront. Barangaroo is a popular walking track and picnic area, which also features a harbourside swimming spot. In the Cuttaway, there are often exhibitions, installations and immersive experiences. Another noteworthy and nearby spot is the rooftop bar at the Palisades. Their pub downstairs, and their upmarket cocktail bar on the roof. If you continue on to the central point of Barangaroo, there are many excellent dining options. Make a note to come back later and from here you can connect back to Wynyard station in the center of the city.

• Darling Harbour & Darling Square

If your legs are still up for the challenge, extend your journey to Darling Harbour for more waterside exploration. If you're a foodie like me, you might find the dining options at Barangaroo more appealing. Darling Harbour is always buzzing with free, fun-filled events. If you've got little ones in tow, the Maritime Museum is great. There is also an extensive new playground with fountains for water play (bring swimsuits for the little ones). If you are there earlier in the day, find tranquility by watching Tai Chi, near the Chinese Garden of Friendship. Later in the day you might find the place filled with Kpop dancers and rollerbladers. If you get peckish, skip the main strip and make a beeline for Darling Square, specifically The Exchange building and beyond.

• A Peek into the Ccenter of the City

Not a fan of foot travel? No problem! Hop on the Big Bus Tour for a breezy ride around town. Sure, it's a bit on the touristy side, but it's a great way to get the lay of the land in a new city. I've got you covered on the must-see spots along the foreshore in this itinerary.

• Sydney Tower & O Bar and Dining

An iconic location in the middle of the city that is definitely worth highlighting is the Sydney Tower Eye for some next-level views! If you're not a fan of elbowing your way through a crowd, bypass this stop and head for O Bar and Dining. It's not just a bar and restaurant - it's a culinary journey that spins you right round (literally!), with a 360-degree view of the Sydney skyline. Trust me, it's the perfect cherry on top of a day well-spent!

• Bondi Beach

A visit to Sydney is not complete without taking a trip to the famous Bondi Beach. I had the pleasure of living here for eight years, and I went there at least once a week. Here is my inside scoop on how to make the most of your day at the beach.

• Getting There

If you got a ticket for the Big Bus Tour, then spend a day taking the Bondi and Bays tour. Alternatively, a DIY version of this is easy to do! Catch the triple-three with the Bondi hipsters, from Circular Quay to the sea! The 333 leaves from the city and goes via Paddington and Bondi Junction, both good shopping stops and then on to Bondi Beach.

• Bondi Beach Sights & Eats

Walk along the beach and see if you can spot any of the ‘Bondi Rescue’ gang, or watch the surfers. Seriously, if you want a dip in the ocean, don’t get caught in ‘backpackers rip.’ Make sure you swim between the flags. It can get hectic out there. Personally, I like to head to North Bondi, as it is usually a bit calmer and there is also a kids pool at this end. Stroll along the boardwalk and enjoy the view, do a bit of people watching and admire the graffiti.

Pop into the refurbished Bondi Pavilion and see what’s on, or walk along to Speedos Cafe and grab a coffee or a casual breakfast or lunch. The RSL upstairs serves a refreshing schooner. Come back for sundowners, but don’t forget to bring your ID. A leisurely lunch option at the center of the beach is Promenade, where you can enjoy yummy food and a Bondi Beach view. Want to get off the tourist trail? Head to Lola’s Italian or Bills on Hall Street. Locals hang out at the very quirky cafe book shop, Gertrude & Alice (get the heavenly crumpets!). If you’re up that way, be sure to pop into Aqua bumps gallery for some impressive photography of early morning beach life. If you are into shopping, check out the shops along Gould Street and Hall Street.

Alternatively, if you’re feeling active, head down the south end to Icebergs, for some ocean pool laps. You can work up an appetite and go upstairs to the bistro for post-swimming refreshments and the ultimate Bondi view. You can instead take it more upmarket and visit Icebergs Restaurant, but book ahead. This is also the start (or the end) of the iconic coastal walk.

• Bondi to Coogee walk

This is a delightful walk around the breathtaking coastline. It's moderate and has steps, so it's not suitable for prams and requires some uphill mobility. Take a jacket on a windy day and also sunscreen! Stop and get some snaps at the top of Marks Park. If you have kids, there’s a playground up this way. In the right season, it is a good spot for whale watching or Sculptures by the Sea in October / November. Grab a coffee or some lunch at Tamarama Café, watch the surfers or have a swim. Head on further to Bronte, where there are lots of lovely cafés for breakfast, lunch, juice or coffee. If this is all the time you have, turn it around and head back to Bondi.

• Coogee

I highly recommend a trip to Coogee, so keep calm and carry on if you can. It’s not as well-known, but is equally as lovely. You'll arrive at the North end, again my preferred spot for swimming, although there is a small ocean pool up the south end too. A must-do spot is the Coogee Pavilion for any type of food you like. I recommend booking ahead. There is a great play area for kids on the ground floor at the back. If you're without kids, head up to have a cocktail on the rooftop.

If you end up around the south end, stop in at Barzura and grab a table outside or next door, the newly opened Bathers is rather lovely. Just up the hill from here is a charming playground with the best view. Carry on further and you get to Wylies Baths, another ocean pool. If you want more casual eats, head to Fishbowl. They have all sorts of salads and take-away options to bring to the beach steps and picnic areas. Or take it up a gear for lunch or dinner at one of my absolute favorites, Sugar Cane, and enjoy some delicious Asian delights. There are plenty of busses to get back to the city, or pick up the light rail from Randwick. Coogee could be a day out all on its own, but the coastal walk is one not to miss!