First Timer's Guide to Sydney Australia

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Advisor - Crystal Hoover
Curated By

Crystal Hoover

  • Sydney

  • Australia

  • Adventure Travel

  • Solo Travel

  • Beach Town

  • Local Culture

  • Sightseeing

Curator’s statement

Sydney captured my heart during my solo trip for NYE 2019/2020, sparking a profound love for this mesmerizing city. Its stunning pristine beaches, blended with the charms of urban life, left me wanting more. This compelled me to return to Sydney in 2022 when the Australian borders reopened. Since then, I've moved to Sydney on a year-long visa to delve deeper into its wonders and immerse myself in the land down under.

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Where to stay Sydney, Australia

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Things to do Sydney, Australia

First Timer's Guide to Sydney Australia - Things to do
  • Explore Sydney Harbor: Take a cruise or a ferry ride to enjoy panoramic views of the Sydney Opera House, Sydney Harbor Bridge, and the stunning waters of the harbor.

  • Visit the Sydney Opera House: Known to many, the opera house is an architectural masterpiece. Catch a performance or take a guided tour to learn about its fascinating history.

  • Relax at Bondi Beach: Spend a day soaking up the sun, surfing, or strolling along the iconic Bondi Beach. Don't miss the chance to explore the trendy beachside cafés, shops, or the famous Iceberg swimming club.

  • Climb the Sydney Harbor Bridge: For my adrenaline junkies. Experience the thrill of climbing one of the world's most famous bridges and enjoy breathtaking views of the city skyline and harbor.

  • Explore "The Rocks": Wander through Sydney's oldest neighborhood, filled with cobbled streets, historic buildings, galleries, boutiques, and weekend markets.

  • Visit Taronga Zoo: Get up close and personal with Australia's unique wildlife, including kangaroos, koalas, and platypuses. The zoo also has spectacular views of Sydney Harbor.

  • Take a coastal walk: Embark on the famous scenic coastal walk from Bondi to Coogee. You'll encounter stunning cliffs, secluded beaches, and picturesque coastal views along the way.

  • Discover the Royal Botanic Garden: Relax in this beautiful sprawling garden, and enjoy stunning views of the Sydney Opera House and harbor while doing so.

  • Explore Darling Harbour: Enjoy a range of entertainment options, including museums, restaurants, shopping centers, bars, and more!

Day trips

  • Blue Mountains: Explore stunning landscapes, ancient rock formations, or enjoy some relaxing time in the ever popular Japanese Bath House.

  • Hunter Valley: Indulge in wine tasting, gourmet food, and immerse yourself in the serene vineyard scenery.

  • Royal National Park and Coastal Escapes: Discover pristine beaches, scenic trails, and visit coastal towns like Wollongong and Kiama for seaside charm.

Places to eat & drink Sydney, Australia

First Timer's Guide to Sydney Australia - Places to eat & drink
  • Quay: Located at Sydney's iconic Circular Quay, Quay is renowned for its innovative fine dining experience, offering stunning views of the Sydney Opera House and delectable modern Australian cuisine.

  • Bennelong: Situated within the Sydney Opera House, Bennelong showcases contemporary Australian cuisine in a refined setting. The restaurant's menu highlights seasonal and locally sourced ingredients. The Beresford restaurant in Sydney offers a delightful pub style dining experience with a stylish and contemporary ambiance. The menu features modern Australian cuisine, that attracts locals and visitors alike. Cirq: A gorgeous rooftop terrace in the heart of Barangaroo. This rooftop focuses on elegant tapas style dishes, while giving you a spectacular view of Sydney's waterfront Circular Quay.

  • Tetsuya's: Tetsuya's is a culinary institution in Sydney, known for its Japanese-French fusion cuisine. The restaurant offers an exquisite degustation menu featuring dishes crafted with precision and finesse.

  • Quay Street Diner: Led by renowned chef Peter Gilmore, Quay Street Diner is a more casual and accessible spin-off of Quay. It offers a diverse menu with a focus on wood-fired cooking and vibrant flavors.

  • Sixpenny: Nestled in the suburb of Stanmore, Sixpenny offers a memorable dining experience with its seasonal tasting menus. The restaurant prides itself on showcasing Australian produce and flavors.

  • Firedoor: With a philosophy centered around cooking with fire, Firedoor in Surry Hills offers a unique and flavorsome dining experience. The menu features a range of dishes prepared using various types of wood fire.

Advisor - Crystal Hoover

Travel Advisor

Crystal Hoover

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Looking for more travel inspiration? Check out my guide, The Must-See's of NYC: Where to Eat, Stay & Explore.

This guide is part of our ongoing series on travel to Sydney.