Australia
Sydney, Australia
By Maite Newell
/ Gen. 4th Gen
/ Branch
Australia
Sydney, Australia
By Maite Newell
/ Gen. 4th Gen
/ Branch
Australia
Sydney, Australia
By Maite Newell
/ Gen. 4th Gen
/ Branch
Places to Stay
The Park Hyatt - This five-star hotel is situated in a prime location overlooking Sydney Harbour, with views of the Sydney Opera House and the Harbour Bridge. The rooms are spacious and stylish, with contemporary furnishings and modern amenities. The hotel also features a rooftop pool and a spa.
The Langham - A luxury hotel located in the quiet part of the historic Rocks district of Sydney, Australia. The hotel is housed in a beautiful 19th-century building that was once the home of the prestigious Sydney Morning Herald newspaper. It has an old English feel to it so make sure you experience a traditional English high tea whilst you are there. Other amenities at The Langham include a fitness center, a heated indoor pool, and a luxurious day spa offering a range of treatments and therapies.
InterContinental Hotel - Nestled in the dress circle of Circular Quay with unparalleled views across the Harbour City, InterContinental Sydney has been an icon of choice. Best thing about this hotel is their exclusive rooftop bar called Aster, set atop on the highest floor of the hotel with amazing views of the harbour.
Fraser Suites Sydney - If you are looking for apartment style living and is located near China town. The hotel is housed in a stunning heritage-listed building and offers a range of spacious and stylishly designed suites with views of the city skyline or Darling Harbour. The hotel's suites are well-appointed and include separate living and dining areas, full kitchens, and luxurious bathrooms with premium amenities.
What to Do
Learn to surf in Manly - Probably one for the young at heart and those seeking for an adventurous activity.
Climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge - Not as scary as you would think. Certainly worth it as you get a wonderful view of the harbour from the top. One for the memory bank!
Catch the ferry from Circular Quay to Manly - Has got to be one of the most picturesque boat rides around and its inexpensive. Bring your camera for incredible photos of the harbour bridge, Sydney Opera House and the city skyline. Walk along Manly Beach all the way to Shelley Beach and stop for lunch at one of the many restaurants around the area.
Scenic World - Located at Katoomba in the World Heritage-listed Blue Mountains of Australia offers a range of experiences found nowhere else on Earth such as the scenic skyway, steepest railway, cable car and elevated rainforest boardwalks.
Taronga Zoo - One of Sydney's most famous attractions, the award-winning Taronga Zoo is home to over 4,000 animals, including Australian native wildlife, as well as rare and endangered exotic animals.
Others - Fishing, whale watching.
Where to Shop
QVB Building - A beautiful building to admire, Queen Victoria Building has been standing in the same place since 1898. Now a bustling shopping quarter, QVB is filled with a number of high fashion brands.
Pitt Street Mall - One of the most popular and recognisable shopping precincts in the Sydney, Pitt Street Mall has it all. Located right in the centre of the Sydney CBD and easy to get to. There are also a number of small shopping centres and arcades branching off from the Mall itself so you can easily spend an entire day browsing all of the different stores and centres.
Birkenhead Point Brand Outlet - With 170 stores within its confines, this destination offers an excellent range of men's, women's and kids' fashion. This includes the likes of Polo Ralph Lauren, which takes care of your high fashion needs. As well as the Nike and Converse factory outlets, which both offer a fantastic range of sports clothes, sneakers and shoes.
Local Dishes to Try
Everything seafood - From Sydney rock oysters, Australian prawns, barramundi...You could try all this when you visit the Fish Markets.
Meat pies - Harry's Cafe de Wheels at Woolloomooloo and Upper Crust in Collaroy are my favourites.
Kangaroo meat - Not exactly my personal favourite but certainly give it a try. It may seem weird that Australians eat their national animal, but kangaroo meat is essentially delicious, low in fat, and commonly found in restaurants.
Where to Eat
Mr Wong - Cantonese restaurant with celebrity Chef Dan Hong managing the restaurant, menu highlights include Chinese roasted duck and faux shark fin soup and, of course, the dumplings.
Cottage Point Inn - A modern Australian waterfront restaurant in Ku Ring Gai National Park on Sydney's Northern Edge. They offer 5 or 8 course degustation tasting menu. You can get here either by road, water or by sea plane. You really can make an experience out of this visit by getting a water taxi or a sea plane ride from Sydney harbour to the restaurant.
Jonah's - The ultimate dining experience overlooking Whales Beach within the Northern Beaches. The award-winning hatted restaurant offers contemporary Australian cuisine under the direction of Executive Chef Federico Tidu.
Cafe Sydney - Captures the essence of Sydney from its amazing location on the rooftop of Customs House with spectacular Sydney harbour views. Contemporary Australian cuisines led by executive chef, Sarah Jane Brown.
Rockpool Bar & Grill - Widely touted as the best steak restaurant in Sydney.
Parlar - Did someone say Spanish tapas? Try Parlar in Potts Point close to the city. Their unique menu, designed by Exec Chef Jose Saulog, delights in flavours from the Catalonian coastline in the style of large plates and tapas.
Fish Markets - Lastly, one needs to visit the Fish Markets to get the fresh seafood in Sydney from calamari, oysters, prawns and lobsters. Yummy galore!
Where to Drink
Aster Bar - Set atop on the highest floor of InterContinental Sydney is an exclusive hub of fine drinking and dining, a place to feel on top of the world and get great views of Sydney Harbour.
Laneway Bars - If you want to drink in Sydney's best laneway bars, you've got to know where to find them. An obscure service alley off Clarence Street (between Market Street and King Street) will lead you to three hidden small bars. The Baxter Inn, which is entered through an unmarked fire door, serves a huge variety of whiskies in an old-timey basement bar. The Duke of Clarence feels like a homey London pub on the inside, complete with a roaring fireplace and walls lined with old books. The Barber Shop (which is also accessible through an unmarked door in the back of a real barber shop on York Street) has a classy cocktail list served in a hip venue.
The Barber Shop - Accessible through an unmarked door in the back of a real barber shop on York Street, has a classy cocktail list served in a hip venue.
Palmer and Co - Inspired by the speakeasies of the roaring 1920s, Palmer & Co. is a subterranean bar located underneath Establishment. It's a hip and happening venue with a great vibe.
Museums & Historical Sites
The Rocks Museum - I would say this is one of Sydney's hidden gems. A free, family friendly museum which tells the story of The Rocks (historic site of Sydney) from pre-European days to the present.
Powerhouse Museum - It's a great place for people of all ages to explore the ideas, technologies and people that have impacted our lives and the world we live in.
The Australian Museum - Great for families. Make your way through the Wild Planet exhibition and explore the world's incredible biodiversity with more than 400 animals on display. See dinosaurs up close, learn about the fascinating cultures of the Pacific, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and take a glimpse into the future with the interactive Climate Change display.
Art Gallery of New South Wales - For our art lovers, we have the Art Gallery of New South Wales, Sydney's premier arts destination for fine art. The extensive collection features everything from classic Australian and European works to modern and contemporary art, as well as Asian, Aboriginal, and Torres Strait Islander art.
Pasalubong!
Tim Tam - One of the favourite requests by family in the Philippines. You simply cannot get enough of these chocolate biscuits. It will not disappoint.
Darrel Lea Chocolates - Crafted in Australia, by Australians - Darrell Lea has been making Australia's finest chocolates, freshest liquorice and most delectable confectionery since 1927.
Aesop - Australian-made skin, hair and body care products. They create skin, hair and body care products of an exceptional standard, and have a fiercely independent approach to product research and development. One of my favourites are their aromatique hand wash and their body scrubs.
Ugg Boots - UGG Australia is the ONLY 100% Australian Made manufactured. You can get the traditional boots or slipper versions.
Wine Red, White or Rose - Australian wine ranks among the world's best. More than 100 grape varieties are grown here, and the diversity of Australia's winemakers means you're sure to find something to bring back home.
Packing Tips
Sunscreen - keep your skin safe from Australia's rays with a tube of sunscreen in tow! If travelling during summer, sun protective clothing, broad brimmed hat and sunglasses are a must.
Four seasons - Australia is home to four seasons: spring, summer, autumn, and winter. It is important to note when these are and pack your bag accordingly!
Light jackets or cashmere wraps - The evenings tend to be a bit chillier, so having something you can throw on for a night out is a necessity.
Comfortable walking shoes - there will be lots of walking when you visit Sydney so make sure you invest in a good pair of walking shoes.
Places to Stay
The Park Hyatt - This five-star hotel is situated in a prime location overlooking Sydney Harbour, with views of the Sydney Opera House and the Harbour Bridge. The rooms are spacious and stylish, with contemporary furnishings and modern amenities. The hotel also features a rooftop pool and a spa.
The Langham - A luxury hotel located in the quiet part of the historic Rocks district of Sydney, Australia. The hotel is housed in a beautiful 19th-century building that was once the home of the prestigious Sydney Morning Herald newspaper. It has an old English feel to it so make sure you experience a traditional English high tea whilst you are there. Other amenities at The Langham include a fitness center, a heated indoor pool, and a luxurious day spa offering a range of treatments and therapies.
InterContinental Hotel - Nestled in the dress circle of Circular Quay with unparalleled views across the Harbour City, InterContinental Sydney has been an icon of choice. Best thing about this hotel is their exclusive rooftop bar called Aster, set atop on the highest floor of the hotel with amazing views of the harbour.
Fraser Suites Sydney - If you are looking for apartment style living and is located near China town. The hotel is housed in a stunning heritage-listed building and offers a range of spacious and stylishly designed suites with views of the city skyline or Darling Harbour. The hotel's suites are well-appointed and include separate living and dining areas, full kitchens, and luxurious bathrooms with premium amenities.
Where to Eat
Mr Wong - Cantonese restaurant with celebrity Chef Dan Hong managing the restaurant, menu highlights include Chinese roasted duck and faux shark fin soup and, of course, the dumplings.
Cottage Point Inn - A modern Australian waterfront restaurant in Ku Ring Gai National Park on Sydney's Northern Edge. They offer 5 or 8 course degustation tasting menu. You can get here either by road, water or by sea plane. You really can make an experience out of this visit by getting a water taxi or a sea plane ride from Sydney harbour to the restaurant.
Jonah's - The ultimate dining experience overlooking Whales Beach within the Northern Beaches. The award-winning hatted restaurant offers contemporary Australian cuisine under the direction of Executive Chef Federico Tidu.
Cafe Sydney - Captures the essence of Sydney from its amazing location on the rooftop of Customs House with spectacular Sydney harbour views. Contemporary Australian cuisines led by executive chef, Sarah Jane Brown.
Rockpool Bar & Grill - Widely touted as the best steak restaurant in Sydney.
Parlar - Did someone say Spanish tapas? Try Parlar in Potts Point close to the city. Their unique menu, designed by Exec Chef Jose Saulog, delights in flavours from the Catalonian coastline in the style of large plates and tapas.
Fish Markets - Lastly, one needs to visit the Fish Markets to get the fresh seafood in Sydney from calamari, oysters, prawns and lobsters. Yummy galore!
Where to Drink
Aster Bar - Set atop on the highest floor of InterContinental Sydney is an exclusive hub of fine drinking and dining, a place to feel on top of the world and get great views of Sydney Harbour.
Laneway Bars - If you want to drink in Sydney's best laneway bars, you've got to know where to find them. An obscure service alley off Clarence Street (between Market Street and King Street) will lead you to three hidden small bars. The Baxter Inn, which is entered through an unmarked fire door, serves a huge variety of whiskies in an old-timey basement bar. The Duke of Clarence feels like a homey London pub on the inside, complete with a roaring fireplace and walls lined with old books. The Barber Shop (which is also accessible through an unmarked door in the back of a real barber shop on York Street) has a classy cocktail list served in a hip venue.
The Barber Shop - Accessible through an unmarked door in the back of a real barber shop on York Street, has a classy cocktail list served in a hip venue.
Palmer and Co - Inspired by the speakeasies of the roaring 1920s, Palmer & Co. is a subterranean bar located underneath Establishment. It's a hip and happening venue with a great vibe.
What to Do
Learn to surf in Manly - Probably one for the young at heart and those seeking for an adventurous activity.
Climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge - Not as scary as you would think. Certainly worth it as you get a wonderful view of the harbour from the top. One for the memory bank!
Catch the ferry from Circular Quay to Manly - Has got to be one of the most picturesque boat rides around and its inexpensive. Bring your camera for incredible photos of the harbour bridge, Sydney Opera House and the city skyline. Walk along Manly Beach all the way to Shelley Beach and stop for lunch at one of the many restaurants around the area.
Scenic World - Located at Katoomba in the World Heritage-listed Blue Mountains of Australia offers a range of experiences found nowhere else on Earth such as the scenic skyway, steepest railway, cable car and elevated rainforest boardwalks.
Taronga Zoo - One of Sydney's most famous attractions, the award-winning Taronga Zoo is home to over 4,000 animals, including Australian native wildlife, as well as rare and endangered exotic animals.
Others - Fishing, whale watching.
Where to Shop
QVB Building - A beautiful building to admire, Queen Victoria Building has been standing in the same place since 1898. Now a bustling shopping quarter, QVB is filled with a number of high fashion brands.
Pitt Street Mall - One of the most popular and recognisable shopping precincts in the Sydney, Pitt Street Mall has it all. Located right in the centre of the Sydney CBD and easy to get to. There are also a number of small shopping centres and arcades branching off from the Mall itself so you can easily spend an entire day browsing all of the different stores and centres.
Birkenhead Point Brand Outlet - With 170 stores within its confines, this destination offers an excellent range of men's, women's and kids' fashion. This includes the likes of Polo Ralph Lauren, which takes care of your high fashion needs. As well as the Nike and Converse factory outlets, which both offer a fantastic range of sports clothes, sneakers and shoes.
Museums & Historical Sites
The Rocks Museum - I would say this is one of Sydney's hidden gems. A free, family friendly museum which tells the story of The Rocks (historic site of Sydney) from pre-European days to the present.
Powerhouse Museum - It's a great place for people of all ages to explore the ideas, technologies and people that have impacted our lives and the world we live in.
The Australian Museum - Great for families. Make your way through the Wild Planet exhibition and explore the world's incredible biodiversity with more than 400 animals on display. See dinosaurs up close, learn about the fascinating cultures of the Pacific, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and take a glimpse into the future with the interactive Climate Change display.
Art Gallery of New South Wales - For our art lovers, we have the Art Gallery of New South Wales, Sydney's premier arts destination for fine art. The extensive collection features everything from classic Australian and European works to modern and contemporary art, as well as Asian, Aboriginal, and Torres Strait Islander art.
Local Dishes to Try
Everything seafood - From Sydney rock oysters, Australian prawns, barramundi...You could try all this when you visit the Fish Markets.
Meat pies - Harry's Cafe de Wheels at Woolloomooloo and Upper Crust in Collaroy are my favourites.
Kangaroo meat - Not exactly my personal favourite but certainly give it a try. It may seem weird that Australians eat their national animal, but kangaroo meat is essentially delicious, low in fat, and commonly found in restaurants.
Pasalubong!
Tim Tam - One of the favourite requests by family in the Philippines. You simply cannot get enough of these chocolate biscuits. It will not disappoint.
Darrel Lea Chocolates - Crafted in Australia, by Australians - Darrell Lea has been making Australia's finest chocolates, freshest liquorice and most delectable confectionery since 1927.
Aesop - Australian-made skin, hair and body care products. They create skin, hair and body care products of an exceptional standard, and have a fiercely independent approach to product research and development. One of my favourites are their aromatique hand wash and their body scrubs.
Ugg Boots - UGG Australia is the ONLY 100% Australian Made manufactured. You can get the traditional boots or slipper versions.
Wine Red, White or Rose - Australian wine ranks among the world's best. More than 100 grape varieties are grown here, and the diversity of Australia's winemakers means you're sure to find something to bring back home.
Packing Tips
Sunscreen - keep your skin safe from Australia's rays with a tube of sunscreen in tow! If travelling during summer, sun protective clothing, broad brimmed hat and sunglasses are a must.
Four seasons - Australia is home to four seasons: spring, summer, autumn, and winter. It is important to note when these are and pack your bag accordingly!
Light jackets or cashmere wraps - The evenings tend to be a bit chillier, so having something you can throw on for a night out is a necessity.
Comfortable walking shoes - there will be lots of walking when you visit Sydney so make sure you invest in a good pair of walking shoes.
Comments
