Need a few more ideas than just the Opera House?! My weekend Sydney travel guide will have you at all the hot spots around town and a few of the best brunch spots. Can’t be in Australia without a good brunch amirite?!
I was only in Sydney for a few days, but in those days, I managed to fit in a whole lot! My Australia trip seemed to FLY by; with stops (and now travel guides!) in Brisbane and Melbourne, it was an AMAZING trip! I saw so much of the country and was SO impressed with everything. You can bet this won’t be my last time there!
Sydney, Australia Travel Guide
There were 2 main areas I stayed in while in the city, Bondi Beach and the downtown/CBD area. Luckily, since we were in both a lot, I can give a few options for each to make the perfect quick trip to Sydney!
Bondi
Where to stay:
The Airbnb I stayed in was right close to Bondi Beach with amazing views and tons of room for everyone to be comfortable. It has a deck overlooking the beach with the most amazing little bed to lay and relax. I could have stayed in that place all day long!
This spot is not on Airbnb right now, but there are a ton of super reasonable and cute places online right now. You can check them out here.
What to do:
Grab a Lime Bike and bike around Bondi or the rest of Sydney. We actually rode the bike all the way from Bondi to the Opera House! It was an awesome way to see different parts of the city, but be careful, the cars don’t like bikers very much when you’re not completely sure what you’re doing! Make sure you have the app downloaded before heading out of your accommodation (with the wifi!)
Do the Bondi to Congee costal walk for amazing views of the neighbourhoods and the water. If you’re feeling adventurous, stop at each beach for a dip, and the Icebergs pool at Bondi for a quick swim!
If you’re looking to do some shopping, the area around Bondi Beach has some awesome Australian brands to check out. Head a little bit away from the main beach and you’re sure to find some great pieces to take home!
Where to eat:
Porch Brunch is the cutest little hole in the wall. Don’t let that fool you though, it gets busy! Stop in and try to grab the seat looking out the window before ordering the French Toast. I’m telling you, it’s worth every step you’ll take that day trying to work it off! If you’re more into the savoury stuff, try literally any of the eggs. You won’t be disappointed!
The next must hit brunch spot is Depot! The biggest pieces of bacon and some dang good avo toast made this the perfect spot to stop.
I went to Sushi Train twice while in Bondi, so that must mean it was good! The sushi was really good, and as it was my first sushi train, I loved that I could pick whatever I wanted, whenever I wanted. Plus, it’s quick and easy if you’re tuckered out from a big day!
When I went to Gelato Messimo, I accidentally ordered chocolate ice cream and I hate chocolate ice cream. This stuff was so good, not only did I eat the entire thing but I was close to going back for seconds. Definitely a must have in the city!
Downtown
What to do:
Okay so cliche I know, but too important not to mention: The Opera House. It’s even more amazing in person to be completely honest. It seriously takes your breath away when you see it. Definitely a must do.
Take a boat ride around the harbour. We chose a 2 hour tour and it somehow turned into a 3h15 tour, but none the less, it was awesome to see the city from the water. If you can swing it, go out to catch the sunset. The opera house is so picturesque in front of a pink and purple sky. Tours can be purchased at the marina right beside the Opera House and leave every hour.
Where to eat/drink:
The Opera Bar is the perfect spot to watch a sunset, or just revel in the amazingness that is the Sydney Harbour. I wouldn’t recommend eating here since it’s really pricey (and the food kind of sucks), but definitely worth sitting for a bit.
Hacienda is another bar along the water near the Opera House. This spot is on the third floor of an office building so it’s definitely more of a local spot in a very touristy area. The vibes here are every Instagramers dream and the cocktails are too! They’re a tad pricey, but it’s a great stop on your tour of the city.
Establishment Bar is the spot on Tuesday nights for salsa lessons. It was SO packed when I was there, super fun but would have preferred to go for dinner! It was a drinks only spot for me and I wish it hadn’t been. The food looked so amazing!
These spots were exactly what I did while in the city for a few days during my Australia tour. There is obviously a TON more to do here but I loved my time there and wouldn’t hesitate to go back for a longer time!
Related: Melbourne Travel Guide and Brisbane Travel Guide
I’m nearing the end of my Australia adventure! If you’ve been, what were your favourite stops along the way?!
xx Victoria
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