Things To Do in Sydney

It took me a while to curate this list of Things To Do in Sydney because I’ve been trying to compile relevant snippets of my travel in 2013 as well as my recent trip. There’s plenty to see, do and eat in this vibrant city so bear with me as I bring you through the list. 🙂

See: Blue Mountains

Three Sisters

Did you know that the Blue Mountains get their blue tinged haze through the combination of sunlight and eucalypt oil drops? Approximately a 2-hour train ride from Sydney, Blue Mountains is one of the country’s iconic locations with picturesque towns and a range of restaurants and accommodations.

Blue tinged haze

Hot chocolate

Some of the must-do items are to spot the Three Sisters at Echo Point Lookout, admire the view from Govetts Leap Lookout and visit Wentworth Falls Lookout. It is the perfect spot for families, nature lovers and adventure seekers. Take the tour bus up to the peak and stop along the way for knick knacks, chocolates and a cuppa.

• Read my blogpost here.

See: Featherdale Wildlife Park

Up-close with a kangaroo

Home to one of Australia’s most comprehensive native wildlife, Featherdale WildLife Park is located at Doonside, en route to Blue Mountains. This park offers a “hands on” wildlife experience where you get to cuddle a Koala, and hand feed Kangaroos and Wallabies – at no extra charge.

Reptiles at the Reptilian Pavilion

Grumpy Koala

The kangaroos are friendly here and greedy too. You can purchase some feed for them at the vending machine located around the park. Featherdale also houses a diverse range of birds and 40 species of reptiles at the Reptilian Pavilion.

• Read my blogpost here.

Do: Sydney Harbour Cruises

Harbour Cruise

One of the activities you ought to consider when in Sydney is the harbour cruise, which I absolutely love. You can choose from day cruises, sunset cruises and night cruises, with optional dining on board. The cruise takes you around the Sydney Harbour where you get to glide past Sydney Opera House, Harbour Bridge, the historic Rocks area and Fort Denison.

Loved the experience!

Fort Denison

If you’re looking to explore Sydney from a different perspective (on water), this is it. I’d do this over and over again, with a glass of wine in hand of course! 😉

• Read my blogpost here.

Eat: Golden Century Seafood Restaurant

Said to be one of the best Chinese restaurants in the city, I’ve been here several times with my parents and recently, with the Destination New South Wales folks after Vivid Sydney. Food has been consistent here and the highlight of Golden Century is the giant crabs, cooked the way you prefer. To me, it is best steamed and eaten as is but the fried noodles version is also delicious.

Stir-fried crabs with noodles

My advice? Use your hands and dig in. It’s so much tastier that way. Reservation is needed else you would need to wait for quite a bit before a table frees up.

393-399 Sussex St,
Sydney NSW 2000,
Australia
Tel: +61 2 9281 1598

Eat: Seoul-Ria Restaurant

Beef Bulgogi

Seoul-Ria comes highly recommended by a former colleague of rif, who worked in Sydney for several years. We didn’t manage to try a lot of items but the kimchi jjigae is the best I’ve eaten – spicy, sour and rich in flavour. Perfect during winter, I reckon.

Kimchi Jjigae

Ban Chan (appetisers)

The beef bulgogi is also very good and I have to say, portions are hearty. The restaurant gets quite crowded during dinner time so do call ahead to book a table.

2, 26 Goulburn St,
Haymarket NSW 2000,
Australia
Tel: +61 2 9269 0222

 

See: The Rocks Markets

The Rocks Markets

There’s a certain charm about The Rocks Markets – it’s more laidback and there’s plenty to see. The people here run their business with passion and the food items here are worth checking out. From gourmet burgers to handcrafted chocolates, you’ll be spoilt for choice. The Rocks Markets are open every Saturday and Sunday.

Gourmet beef burger with caramelised onions

Giant Thuringer Sausage

• Read my blogpost here.

Eat: Two Good Eggs

Cosy interior

This quaint little outlet at the corner of Goulburn Street offers a good variety of breakfast and lunch fare – from Aussie style breakfasts and poached egg delights to the more adventurous dish of the day.

Two Poached Eggs with Hollandaise, avocado, spinach, sourdough and smoked salmon

The food is hearty and unpretentious, while coffee is good. I like the ambiance at Two Good Eggs because it feels as though you’re dining in someone’s kitchen. Give this a try!

• Read my blogpost here.

Eat: Reuben Hills

Soft Baked Eggs with jamon, spinach, ranchero & rye

Reuben Hills serves really good fried chicken and brunch items that inspires me to get busy in the kitchen. The baked eggs with Jamon Iberico is also good stuff and coffee is one of the better ones in the city.

Really F*cking Great Fried Chicken (stated in the menu, I kid you not)

Be prepared to queue though, for the place gets really packed during peak hours. That means mid-mornings and lunch time. Service can be almost non-existent during these hours so you’ve been warned. But for good fried chicken and hearty brunch items, I would go back again.

• Read my blogpost here.

See: Bondi Beach

Bondi Beach

“Bondi” is an Aboriginal word that means water breaking over rocks and Bondi Beach is a popular attraction in Sydney, with plenty of buzz all year round. Enjoy long strolls along the coastline, go surfing, check out the graffiti or simply chill out with a cuppa.

Graffiti along the beach

If you’re lucky, you get to spot a couple of beach boys getting their daily workout in the open and it’s quite a sight. Remember to watch where you’re going if you’re going to feast your eyes in your least obvious manner. I almost walked into a pole. 😛

See: Bondi Farmers Market

Assorted nuts and wholesome nibbles

I didn’t manage to visit the Bondi Farmers Market during my first visit to Sydney and am glad my guide went all out to bring me here when I came back recently. The market is held every Saturday from 9am to 1pm and Bondi Beach Public School, offering seasonal fruits and vegetables, organic meat and poultry, fresh flowers, artisan breads, jams, cheeses, oils, nuts and many more.

Healthy eats

Artisan breads

Chai tea, anyone?

There’s plenty to eat and see at the market and I wished I had more time scouting for stuff. The artisan breads are delicious and if you’re in the mood for tea, try the Chai tea from the stall towards the front of the market.

Do: Bondi to Watsons Bay Coastal Walk

Diamond Bay Cliffs

One of the activities you can do in New South Wales is the Bondi to Watsons Bay Coastal Walk, a great way stretch those legs while taking in the majestic views of the harbour and the stunning cliffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Approximately 9km far, there are plenty of pit stops you can make for a drink or to grab a bite.

Watsons Bay

Breath-taking view

If you’re travelling with a guide, do ask if they can stop for picturesque moments at Diamond Bay Cliffs and Watson Bay. I’m so glad my guide Marina did, as the view was amazing for both locations.

Eat: Sydney Fish Market

Salmon and scallop sashimi

Easily my favourite spot in Sydney, the Sydney Fish Market has all the kinds of seafood I can dream of – from fresh oysters to fried seafood platters and noodles. My parents love coming here for the lobster noodles but I’m a bigger fan of the freshly shucked oysters, sashimi and honey-like scallops.

Sydney Rock Oysters

Lobster Noodles

Seafood platter

Come here on an empty stomach because you’re going to want to try a bit of everything. If you go during the weekend, the crowd can be quite maddening so try to schedule a visit on a weekday. rif and I had a much better time enjoying our sashimi and oysters when it was less hectic.

• Read my blogpost here.

Stay: Intercontinental Sydney Double Bay

My room

Only 10 minutes from Sydney CBD, Intercontinental Sydney Double Bay is located along the bayside village and offers hotel guests breath-taking views of the sunrise and sunset from their room. Take a stroll along the beach, go fishing or have a cocktail or two at the rooftop bar at your leisure.

View from my balcony

Breakfast spread

Took a stroll along Double Bay in the morning

The rooms are tasteful and practical, with a well-stocked mini bar, good bathroom amenities and a comfortable bed for a good night’s rest. Breakfast spread is limited but the quality is commendable.

33 Cross St,
Sydney NSW 2028,
Australia
Tel:+61 2 8388 8388
Website

Visit: Newtown

Newtown

Newtown is where all the Bohemian action is in Sydney – an eclectic mix of alternative cultures and ethnicity. The famous King Street is known for its shopping, pubs, entertainment, fashion and food. This is where you can find interesting stuff like second hand furniture, old school cameras and gadgets, vintage clothes and more.

Vintage finds

If you’re a bargain hunter, you’re in for a treat. Otherwise, just grab yourself a coffee, walk around and take in the Newtown vibe. It’s an (unconventional) experience altogether.

Drink: Young Henrys

Young Henrys

You haven’t had the full Newtown experience if you’ve had a pint (or three) at Young Henrys – a hipster bar that serves craft beers all day long. This bar closes by dinnertime so make sure you head there around noon to indulge in a frosty Newtoner, Real Ale or English-style Bitter.

Newtowner and Real Ale

Mid afternoon crowd

If you like what you’re drinking, you can opt to buy some to go for more happy hour at your own leisure. The choice is yours. 🙂

Thank you Destination New South Wales, for the invite! I had an amazing time in Sydney. 🙂

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