Sydney: Discovering the Heart of Australia

The Coogee Beach to Bondi Beach Coastal Walk is a must do when visiting Sydney. This 3 mile walk passes by 6 different beaches, coastal cliffs, hidden bays, and ocean pools. I have taken this trail several times, and it takes my breath away every time: to seeing dolphins playing in the ocean, to the hundreds of surfers lined along the coast, the walk truly never gets old.

The Sydney Opera House is one of the most famous landmarks in the world. Every time I saw the Opera House in person, I would stand there and stare at it and just be so grateful that I was in Australia. While I do not think seeing a show in the opera house is necessary, there are usually always shows going on that you can get tickets for fairly cheap (depending on the show). To get the best views of the opera house and harbor bridge, I recommend walking through the botanical gardens or to Mrs. Macquarie's Chair.

Watsons Bay is the area in Sydney I could talk about for hours. While Bondi Beach is an amazing sight and a must see, the waves there are sometimes hard to swim in, and the beach is always crowded. Watsons Bay is a quick ferry ride from Circular Quay. If you walk 10 minutes north from the Watsons Bay ferry terminal, you reach the beautiful camp cove beach. This beach is nestled in the harbor, so you get crystal clear water with little to no waves. There is also a trailhead that starts at Camp Cove, that leads to a lighthouse overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Camp Cove also has the cutest little cafe that serves coffee, ice cream, and delicious sandwiches for small beach snacks.

Taking the ferry from Circular Quay to Manly is another must do. This quick 25 minute ferry ride takes you through Sydney Harbor, where you can get an amazing view of the Opera House, Harbor Bridge, as well as the Prime Ministers home! Once you get to Manly, I suggest shopping around the small beach shops, grabbing a bite to eat, or taking a swim at Manly Beach or snorkeling at Shelly Beach!

Another free and amazing activity would be to watch the sunset at the Observatory Hill. You can get amazing views of the Sydney Harbor Bridge while the colors of the sky change from blue to orange.

If you are looking for a day trip from Sydney, the Blue Mountains is a popular spot! Just a 1.5 hour drive from Sydney, you are completely out of the city and in a rainforest. There are many different hiking trails, as well as a gondola ride over a canyon. If you are wanting to get out of the city for a day, I recommend checking out some tours to Blue Mountain. Definitely check the weather before you go, as the mountains can be much colder than Sydney!

For my thrill seekers, I 100% recommend doing a helicopter tour over Sydney. I had 2 weeks left in Sydney, and I had no plans of EVER going in a helicopter, but something in my gut told me to book this tour. It was around $260 US Dollars and a 30 minute ride. We took off from the Sydney Airport, flew right over the opera house, and then along the cliffs of Bondi beach all the way back to the airport. This was definitely when I got the best views of Sydney and I felt safe the entire time.

For thrill seekers that do not want to spend the price of a helicopter ride, I recommend doing any of the speed boat rides in Sydney Harbor. These are usually a 30 minute ride departing from circular quay. You get just as good of views taking the ferry, however, the ferry does not give you the speeds and thrills the speed boats do.

Preach Cafe: Preach Cafe is a cute cafe cozied right into Bondi Beach. Get amazing views of the pacific ocean while drinking a cup of coffee and eating their delicious Biscoff Pancakes.

Parida Bondi: Another favorite cafe in Bondi Beach is Parida. They served me the best breakfast burrito and had fast service.

Bettys Burgers: You cannot go to Australia and not try Bettys Burgers. While I know this restaurant is not special to Sydney, it had to be mentioned because I was here at least once a week. I always ordered a Bettys Burger with Bettys Sauce and was never unsatisfied.

Doodee King Noodle: Doodee Noodle was another restaurant I was probably at at least once a week, and made me love thai food. My go to order was either the Pad Thai or the Pad See Ew. 100% recommend!

Holy Basil: If you are looking for a fancier thai restaurant, Holy Basil is my recommendation in Darly Harbor. The restaurant is decorated in the most ornate decal, and the food lives up to the hype of the curb appeal. They also specialize in drinks, and have a caramel popcorn cocktail!

Nakano Darling: Nakano Darling gave me an authentic thai dining experience, where I was prompted to take off my shoes in the backroom where I ate! This small plate restaurant had THE best fried chicken I have ever had. I could write a review solely on the chicken - 10/10!

The Squire's Landing: The Squires Landing is a great brewery to go out with friends to grab a drink and a bite to eat! With outdoor seating, you can get a great view of the opera house and harbor bridge. They have so many different types of ciders and beer that are so delicious.

Eastbank Cafe: Right in the heart of Circular Quay, Eastbank cafe has fresh seafood, pizzas, pasta - they have it all! You can get great views of circular quay here along with delicious meals and cocktails!

Casa Ristorante Italiano: This restaurant gave me the best pizza I have ever had. While it was on the pricier side, it was delicious and a luxury dining experience! We went here for our Easter Dinner and it did not disappoint. This is a great option in the heart of Darling Harbor.

Wharf Bar: Wharf Bar was our go to in Manly! They had Trivia on Tuesdays and amazing food and cocktails. They also had seating right over the water, along with a separate bar in this outdoor seating area. Definitely recommend this place if you find yourself in Manly!