I’ve been living for a year and a half in Melbourne, and finally got the chance to visit Sydney for a short weekend.
Day 1: Arriving in Sydney, checking out Bondi and walking along the coast
I went straight to Bondi on my arrival I went straight to Bondi from the airport, since I was staying there for the night and had a whole afternoon to wander around.
The transport from the airport was very easy with the train. I started with the famous Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk, it’s great to have such a nice walk in a city!
The whole walk is about 6 kms and takes 3 to 4 hours return, but there is a possibility to take a bus back. It’s such a beautiful walk with the beaches, the views, the cliffs and the rock pools. You will find 5 beautiful beaches on your way: Bondi Tamarama Bronte Clovelly Coogee.
Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk
Bronte Beach
Bondi Beach
I ended the walk on the most emblematic beach of Sydney – Bondi Beach. I walked along the promenade, watched people surfing and shoped in the little stores on the back streets.
I recommend Gertrude & Alice Cafe Bookstore (https://www.gertrudeandalice.com.au) for a great cosy vibe, where you can sit, read and have a nice coffee or lunch
Day 2: Sydney Harbour, the Rocks, the CBD and Darling Harbour
I had a full day the second day. I spent it around the Sydney Harbour, the Rocks, the CBD and Darling Harbour.
Sydney Opera I started to go the Sydney Opera, which I discovered while walking through the Botanical Gardens. It’s beautiful on every angle and very impressive, especially with its locations next to Circular Quay and the Bridge. I wouldn’t mind going to an opera for my next visit and discover to inside.
Sydney Opera House
Sydney Harbour Circular Quay really is a must go. It’s situated between the Opera house and the Harbour Bridge.
Sydney Harbour Bridge
I loved sitting there and watch the ferries come and go.
I also went to have a wander through the Museum of Contemporary Art since it was free.
The Rocks
From there I went to the Rocks, one of the oldest suburb in Sydney. I loved the difference between the modernity of Circular Quay and the charms of this old neighbourhood.
It has nice shops and art galleries, little alleys, hills with a nice view on top and feels very peaceful after the crowd of the harbour.
I recommend The Fine Food Store for Breakfast or Lunch for a fresh and delicious food: http://finefoodstore.com
Darling Harbour
After the Rocks I went back to Circular Quay and took a ferry to Darling Harbour. It was a nice way to get another view of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera House.
Darling Harbour has a beautiful view on Sydney’s skyline and the CBD. If you come from Europe like me, CBD’s are always quiet impressive.
My top 3 favorites in Sydney were:
1. Queen Victoria Market
The Queen Victoria building (Photos Queen Victoria): a beautiful building with impressive windows.
2. Angels Place
Angels Place is an alley with empty birdcages that hang above the street. The artwork is called “Forgotten songs” and you can hear the sounds of birds that were in Sydney before being forced out as the city built up.
3. Hyde Park & St James Church
If I can give you an advice, I would say 2 days are too short. Sydney is such a big city and is very spread out. But in 2 days I’ve been able to see the main attractions of the city and have had a very good first impression.