Sydney, Australia
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Southeast Coast of Austarlia
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Best Times To Visit: Sep-Nov / Mar-May
Overview
** SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA Tours **
Read travel tips for Sydney, AUSTRALIA from our amazing community of BLACK AND BROWN TRAVELERS that will help you find some of the best places to visit Sydney, AUSTRALIA.Our variety of travel tips will definitely help you plan your next trip. Our tips range from best places to visit in Sydney, AUSTRALIA, affordability, nightlife, local food, where to stay and even what it is like Traveling While Black. Lastly, we are working diligently to create a comprehensive city guide for Sydney, AUSTRALIA Tours . Stay tuned! But in the meantime, scroll down to read tips below!
Adventure-Seeker? Check out activities with a flame ( [icon name=”fire” class=”red” unprefixed_class=””] ) for some extra thrills!!
City Secrets – Look for a What’s ON in Sydney magazine. They have coupons that will give you up to 50% off for just about any activity you would want to do in Sydney. Also check out the Sydney Morning Herald and visitnsw.com for more local events. visitnsw.com
Bridge Climb ( [icon name=”fire” class=”red” unprefixed_class=””]) – This will likely be the most adventurous activity you can do in the city but also one of the most expensive, ranging between $150-$250 AUD for a 2-4 hour climb. If you are on a budget you can walk up the nearby Westfield Tower for about $15 AUD which has a comparable view. Although I felt pretty cool navigating the ins and outs of the Harbor Bridge as if I was Spiderman, because of the price I wouldn’t recommend. $250 AUD can you get you a helicopter ride, a boat trip, and a diving excursion of the Great Barrier reef in Cairns (3 hour flight from Sydney). www.bridgeclimb.com
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Featured Photo: @taylor_baird | Tag #WWTTSydney to be featured in our Sydney City Guide
Opera House – An amazing site to see in the day and even more beautiful at night, taking a picture in front of this world famous landmark is a must. Take the 1 hour tour which leaves every 30 minutes from 9 am – 5 pm to discover the backstory of this architectural wonder. sydneyoperhouse.com/tours
Featured Photo: @compass_q | Tag #WWTTSydney to be featured in our Sydney City Guide
Sydney Tower Eye and SKYWALK ( [icon name=”fire” class=”red” unprefixed_class=””]) – If heights make you squeamish then this vantage point may not be for you. The Tower Eye is Sydney’s highest attraction and gives the best view of the city. You can also venture onto the SKYWALK and breathe in that Australian air as you walk on to the glass platform of the observation deck. www.sydneytowereye.com.au
Featured Photo: @thepotboiler | Tag #WWTTSydney to be featured in our Sydney City Guide
Cycling – If you are in need of a good workout but still want to be able to do some sightseeing then considering doing a GPS, audio cycling tour through Sydney or Manly Beach. You can ride at your own pace while you see some of Sydney’s most iconic landmarks. sydneybiketours.com.au
Water Activities ( [icon name=”fire” class=”red” unprefixed_class=””]) – Enjoy a different view of Sydney from the water as you kayak through the pristine Middle Harbour Waterway. You can also get FREE kayak lessons on Saturday if you book in advance or head to the 4 km long Manly Beach to try your hand at surfing or snorkeling. sydneyharbourkayaks.com
Taronga Zoo and Sydney Life Aquarium – Great for kids but if you are on vacation in Australia, why would you want to see a Great Barrier Reef exhibit in a building when the actually Great Barrier Reef is a few hours away by plane. Go big or go home!! The zoo does have a ropes course but still nothing special about these two. Skip it!! www.taronga.org.au
Featherdale Wildlife Park – You can cuddle and snap a FREE picture with a koala, hand-feed kangaroos and wallabies, and during the spring see young joeys (babies) being shown off. This award winning sanctuary is located 45 minutes outside of the city and can be reached by public transport with a train to Blacktown and then bus #725. featherdale.com.au
Featured Photo: @featherdalewildlifepark | Tag #WWTTSydney to be featured in our Sydney City Guide
[/templatic_tab] HISTORY I spent some extra time explaining the history of Sydney in a bit more detail because it is actually kind of hard to find. PLEASE READ as Sydney is so much more than the Opera House. Because of the difficulty to tap into the history, not the lack of it Aboriginal History (Colonization – Part 1) – Australia’s history dates back 40,000-50,000 years with the indigenous Aborigine people. Believed to have migrated out of Africa and were described as blacks by early European settlers, the population was spread across 250+ nations with smaller clans inside of each. The Dutch were first Westerners to land in Australia in 1606 but it was the British who began colonization in 1788 in Sydney’s Botany Bay. Similar to what happened to American Indians, European disease greatly damaged the Aborigine population. Specifically in Sydney, almost half of the Aborigines, called the Eora people, were wiped out by smallpox (although there is some debate is was contracted by Indonesian farmers). Aboriginal History (Colonization – Part 2) – The negative effects of Australia’s colonization continued for the Aborigines as a federal and state program developed to socialize Aborigine people into western culture. They did this by removing Aborigine children (now known as the Stolen Generation) from their homes all over Australia and they completely cut their ties to their culture and family. This, along with disease and the forceful redistribution of Aborigine land brought the Aborigine population down to 75,000 where pre-colonization estimates had them around 350,000. Australia has a pretty dark past but there is a small silver lining in that the government gave a formal apology in 2008 for their past discretions. This is at least more than what America has done for American Indians and for African slaves. Check out some of the Aborigine Tours you can do while in Sydney (tribalwarrior.org, dreamtimessouthernx.com.au) Australia (Industrial Revolution) – In the late 1700’s the Industrial Revolution was just getting kicked off in Great Britain which caused for an abrupt transition from labor intensive jobs (like manually making thread) to working in factories. This caused very high unemployment which lead people to resort to crime and eventually a high imprisonment rate. As the prisons were becoming more and more overcrowded, America, Great Britain’s dumping ground for convicts, gained their independence. Yikes!!! So after sending over 60,000 convicts to America, Great Britain needed to find a way to address its overabundance of prisoners and just as you guessed it the solution was Australia. Australia (A continent full of convicts) – In 1788, a fleet of ships that were led by Captain Arthur Phillips had over 750 convicts of the 1000 or so initial settlers. This high convict transportation rate continued up until 1868 and in the end over 160,000 convicts were transported to Australia. Eventually, free settlers began to also make the journey but it took some convincing from the government who enticed them with free land, free convict labor, and wages for up to two years. As more and more free settlers started to come to Australia, they gained their wealth by doing what the upper class settlers were already doing. Squatting. Australia (The Big Divide) – That’s right, settlers would squat on land and just allow there goats and sheep to roam free so much so that the government eventually awarded them the land and profited from it a bit. This is how settlers amassed their wealth and some of their land was as big as small countries. Eventually the gold rush in 1850 changed everything, and now everyone no longer needed to be convinced to come to Australia, you now couldn’t keep them away and this includes people from other countries as well. This lead to more of a diverse immigration to Australia and accounts for most of the non-European settlers you see there today. AFFORDABILITY Sydney is inexpensive but also is not cheap. The problem is that it creates this illusion that because the U.S. dollar is stronger than the Australian dollar that there would be some significant cost savings. However, the sad truth is that this is not the case. When you do the conversion you will see that prices for dinner, drinks, activities, hotels, taxis etc. are pretty much on par with American prices. Sometimes above, sometimes a bit below, but averages out to be about the same. Two mixed drinks at Ivy Lounge cost 30 AUD and when I went to eat at Thai Pothong, a plate of Pad Thai cost 18 AUD for a frame reference. I explain more about Ivy Lounge and Thai Pothong in the Nightlife and Local Food section respectively if want to know more. At the end of the day, you may find some small wins here and there but expect to spend money as if you were back in the good ole USA. Check out the Big Mac Index below: RELAXATION Bondi Beach – This a super trendy beach where all the beautiful people of Sydney come to soak up the rays. Hopefully, the gym has made your acquaintance in weeks prior but if not embrace the gut. It is what’s on the inside that counts, right?!! There are plenty of shops and great views so you can spend all day here and even do some surfing. Be sure to do the Bondi-to-Coogge coastal walk as well, phenomenal views!! Featured Photo: @suria_jin | Tag #WWTTSydney to be featured in our Sydney City Guide Featured Photo: @iamangelmontero | Tag #WWTTSydney to be featured in our Sydney City Guide Manly Beach – Named after the indigenous people who once lived here who had very manly behavior, this beach sits on a beautiful peninsula in the Northeast of Sydney. Take the Manly Ferry from Circular Quay to reach this sparkling beach and enjoy some of its cafes and restaurants as well as some great surfing and snorkeling opportunities. Afterwards, enjoy the Fairfax walk or the Manly Scenic walk to get the legs moving as you delight in Sydney’s most attractive walking tracks. Featured Photo: @hayriyeinatci | Tag #WWTTSydney to be featured in our Sydney City Guide Featured Photo: @manlybeachaustralia | Tag #WWTTSydney to be featured in our Sydney City Guide Paddy’s Market – Do you just have that craving to spend money or maybe you don’t but bae does? Well, look no further as these markets will satiate that craving!! Don’t worry there are food options too! The Rocks – Take a walk through cobblestone streets of the first colonial settlement that was established in 1788. It is one of the few places of Sydney that has some decent culture and tradition with a variety of galleries, museums, and studios. Also, a premiere place for dining and shopping, don’t forgot to walk to this neighborhood when you are in Circular Quay. Download the “Walking the Rocks” App so you can do a self-guided tour. therocks.com/walkingtherocks Featured Photo: @calina.re93n3 | Tag #WWTTSydney to be featured in our Sydney City Guide Rocks Market – 200+ stalls showcasing an ever changing array of art, jewelry, fashion and home-ware. (Sat/Sun 10 am – 5 pm) Featured Photo: @jenanderson01 | Tag #WWTTSydney to be featured in our Sydney City Guide The Rocks Friday Foodie Market – Wander and sample fresh gelato, chocolates, bread and more at this local food favorite. (Fri Only 9 am – 3 pm) King’s Cross Organic Market – Enjoy organic fruits, vegetables, jams, home baked goods and more at this weekly event enjoyed by locals and travelers alike (Sat Only 8 am – 2 pm) Shopping – If you are looking for more designer labels and high end street brands check out Queen Victoria Building, The Strand Arcade, and Westfield Sydney all located in the CBD. If you are looking for some vintage shopping head to Newtown for the hipster, funky area of Sydney. LOCAL FOOD Similar to London there isn’t really a staple Australian dish (I don’t count England’s Fish and Chips, it is disgusting!). But the food you will eat in Australia will be diverse and it will be good. There is really good Indian food and of course this is wine country, so you can’t forget about that!! $$$ – Expensive Wine Tasting (Hunter Valley) – Hunter Valley is Australia’s oldest wine producing region and it is located 2 hours outside of Sydney. If you are in to wine, then a taking a tour of the vineyards is a must!! When selecting a tour be sure to ask if lunch is included, how many vineyards will you see, are the vineyards mainstream or boutique, and are the additional tastings of cheese, meat, or beer. Compare what your hotel offers and also look at viator.com. I did one with Richard (winecountrytours.com.au) which wasn’t bad but only went to two vineyards for 150 AUD. If I had to do it over again I would’ve went with one on viator.com that included a wildfire safari stop and 3 vineyards. [ $$$ ] Featured Photo: @huntervalleywinefestival | Tag #WWTTSydney to be featured in our Sydney City Guide Sydney Fish Market – In the mood for some fresh sea food, well Australia’s largest working fish market is calling your name. Enjoy local faves such as rock lobster or sashimi at one of the many restaurants. You can also take a cooking class or get a behind scenes tour of all that fishy action. Whatever you do just be sure to leave with your stomach full!! sydneyfishmarket.com.au [ $$ ] Farmhouse Kings Cross (Kings Cross) – The food at Farmhouse will bring your taste buds to heaven and you will pray that they never leave. High quality food, high quality service all for approximately $60 AUD per person, which is a steal!! It is a 5 course set menu that you will enjoy on a communal table and chefs will explain each dish before serving. Sit back and relax as they guide you on a journey of tasteful splendor. It is ranked on of Sydney’s best restaurants so be sure to make reservation at least two weeks in advance. It is still on the pricier side but not terrible by any means. farmhousekingscross.com.au [ $$$ ] Featured Photo: @benny_barnett | Tag #WWTTSydney to be featured in our Sydney City Guide Thai Pothong (Newtown) – Some of the best Thai food I have had even after going to Thailand. Do not come to Sydney and forget to stop in Newton to go to this fabulous Thai restaurant. The Tom Yum soup was good but the Pad Thai, Green Curry, and Panang Curry were to die for!! www.thaipothong.com.au [ $$ ] Featured Photo: @phyllis_l__ | Tag #WWTTSydney to be featured in our Sydney City Guide Wine Odyssey (The Rocks) – With over 40+ wines from all over Australia the most novice or veteran wine drinker will have an appreciation for this place. Australia is the #2 wine supplier behind the US, so it behooves you to give it a go!! It is pricey ($15-$30 AUD for a strong pour) but if you come during happy hour between 4:30 and 6:30 it is much more affordable and you can pair some small dishes with wine. I wouldn’t suggest for dinner but a nice stop before. wineodyssey.com.au [ $$$ ] Mamak – A perfect place for a cheap eat and to indulge in some authentic Malaysian food. This isn’t the cleanest place in the world and gives you a hole in the wall feel but considering you are likely going to have to stand in line for 20+ minutes just to get a seat, you know the food is good. Definitely try the chicken satay, the lamb and chicken curry, and a few rotis. Your stomach will thank you!! mamak.com.au [ $ ] Featured Photo: @clerkenwellboyec1 | Tag #WWTTSydney to be featured in our Sydney City Guide Chinatown and Haymarket – You will find some of the best Chinese food outside of China, in Sydney’s Chinatown with a variety of eateries serving you dumplings, noodles, peking duck, stir fry etc. There is also diversity where Thai, Vietnamese, Malaysian, Japanese and even Cantonese options are available so any flavor you are craving, can be met. Some shops close as late as 2 a.m. and not only is this a great location for food but also a perfect place to shop for souvenirs as items here are quite affordable. [ $ ] ROMANCE Go Wine Tasting – Sydney is of course wine country! Nothing more romantic than going on a wine tasking adventure through the countryside with bae. Check the “Local Food” section to see details on my recommendations for wine experiences. Featured Photo: @bec_rew | Tag #WWTTSydney to be featured in our Sydney City Guide Harbour Cruises – Take a Harbour cruise out of Darling Harbour or Circular Quay to watch Sydney come alive as you sight-see from the water. Some cruise boats leave at 10 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. Mon-Fri respectively. If you so desire some boats even have a breakfast or dinner option you can take at different times. There are a variety options to chose from. There is also the hop-on and hop-off ferry ride which is included in your bus ticket price. Botanical Gardens – While you are exploring Sydney and checking out the Opera house during the day take a stop at the beautiful botanical gardens right behind it. There are free tours that are at 10:30 a.m. and 1 p.m Mon-Fri. You can also do an Aboriginal Heritage tour through the garden to learn more about their history and culture on Fridays at 10 am. rgbsyd.nsw.gov.au Featured Photo: @coffeecalvino | Tag #WWTTSydney to be featured in our Sydney City Guide NIGHTLIFE Although the lockout (not being able to get into clubs/lounges past 1:30 a.m.) has put a damper on the nightlife there are still some good options out there. Just ensure you get to your destination early and check the closing times of bars. Also, when applicable get on the guest list. Opera Bar – Overlooking the harbor with the lights of city being reflected back at you, creating almost this enchanting atmosphere, you are bound to have a good night when you start the evening at Opera Bar. Come here for a mixed drink, glass of wine, or some bites to eat before you continue the night. operabar.au Featured Photo: @operabarsydney | Tag #WWTTSydney to be featured in our Sydney City Guide Jacksons on George – A venue with style and variety it is multiple bars in one. The first floor is a whiskey bar with over 100 whiskeys from around the world, on Level 1 is Temple Bar for our party goers who want dance the night away to top 40 and RNB, and then on the rooftop is the newly opened Magners Cider Bar (yes a cider bar!!). Oh, and almost forgot about the multitude of pool tables and 100+ local and imported beers. You want it, this place has it jacksonsongeorge.com.au Featured Photo: @absoluteinfinity | Tag #WWTTSydney to be featured in our Sydney City Guide Ivy Bar – Located right off George St, Ivy is a stylish rooftop pool bar and the playground of Sydney’s good-looking young professionals. Ivy’s lounge areas set a classy and sophisticated atmosphere where you can dance the night away listening to local DJ’s or just casually enjoy conversations with friends. Dress to impress, because I am pretty sure all those pretty people I saw on Bondi beach have a meetup here on the weekends. www.worldsbestbars.com/the-ivy Featured Photo: @aranlovespink| Tag #WWTTSydney to be featured in our Sydney City Guide King’s Cross – This area of town used to be the hotspot for clubs and nightlife but since the 1:30 a.m. lockout, the vibes have died down and venues have closed. You can still make a night out of it if you head to Hugo’s Lounge (sophisticated, cosmopolitan – order the pizza) or Club 77 (grungy, electronica). There are other options as well so see what tickles your fancy. (King’s Cross Nightclubs – http://mashable.com/farewell-kings-cross) Argyle – A bar built for a chilled and relaxing night in the historic Rocks district, this venue opened in 2007 and has been a hot spot for locals. Argyle is housed in an 1820’s Argyle store building and has 5 different bars that encircle a magnificent sandstone courtyard. Be sure to get on the guest list when applicable as covers can be as high as $30 AUD but also plan to have a good night. theargylerocks.com Featured Photo: @theargylerocks| Tag #WWTTSydney to be featured in our Sydney City Guide Featured Photo: @theargylerocks | Tag #WWTTSydney to be featured in our Sydney City Guide The Star – A multi-purpose entertainment venue that is home to Sydney’s largest casino where you can test your luck against the odds 24 hours a day. It also has premier restaurants, a couple of nightclubs and lounges, and event space having played host to artist such as Alicia Keys and Coldplay. star.com.au WHERE TO STAY I would really only suggest 3 places to stay in Sydney, two of which are relatively close to each other. Hunter Valley – Looking for more of a relaxing or even romantic experience? Well, consider staying in the wine region. It will definitely be a slower pace and a good glass of wine will always be at your fingertips as you enjoy the beautiful hills of Hunter Valley. It is approximately 2 hours outside of Sydney. Featured Photo: @mishbridges | Tag #WWTTSydney to be featured in our Sydney City Guide City Center – If you want be in the middle of all the action then you want to stay in the CBD because it has it all!! You will be in close proximity to George St. which is the main street in Sydney and it is full of pubs, restaurants, lounges, and designer stores. You are also no more than a 15 minute walk to Circular Quay, the location of the Opera House and the Harbor Bridge. Darling Harbor – An entertainment precinct that not only hosts the Maritime Museum, the Seal Life Sydney Aquarium, and the largest IMAX screen in the world but also an abundance of eating options at the waterfront. You are also very close to the City Center, Circular Quay, Haymarket, and Chinatown, all within a 15-20 minute walk. Suggested Duration – 3-5 days Visa – Do not need to obtain a visa if staying for 90 days or less Airport Transport – Airport link (train) will be your cheapest route to get to the city. It takes about 20 min and will cost you approximately $17 AUD. Purchase an Opus card if you intend on using train or bus in the future. The shuttle bus option to the city will cost around $30 AUD and then there is always a taxi that will cost you anywhere from $35-$50 AUD depending on traffic to the city center. General Transportation – Local buses, the trains, or taxis will be your main mode of transportation once in the city but many places are within walking distance. You can also use the Hop-on Hop-off bus to take you around the city for $40 AUD for 24 hours or $60 AUD for 48 hours. It hits all major attractions. MY EXPERIENCE Pros – Great restaurants, wine, beaches, distinctive wildlife, and enough activities to keep you busy for a number of days. Also, easy communication because everyone speaks English. Cons – Sydney’s only negative would be that it feels like any other western city. It makes sense since it is a pretty young country but it does lack that deep cultural influence. Nevertheless, it is a city that should still be on your bucket-list and you should still make the trip. My Experience – I stayed at the Sheraton at the Park for 5 days using points. The location is phenomenal, the lounge is excellent, and it is just a few blocks away from St. George St. However, I must admit, I didn’t take full advantage of the location. This was my first time I have stayed in a 5 star hotel in my entire 6 month trip so I was enjoying it!! I relaxed so much that I even missed a wine festival that was within a 10 minute walk of my hotel so don’t be like me, stay abreast of local events. Once I shook the cobwebs off, I did do a number of things like the Bridge Climb, Bondi Beach, Newton, Opera House, and also a trip to Hunter Valley on a wine tour. The Bridge Climb was cool but as I said in the “Things To Do” section, it is bit overpriced and your money can go much farther. You do get a great view of the Opera house though. While in Sydney, I had to do at least one beach day so I tool a bus from the City Center to Bondi Beach. Now after seeing a bzillion beaches on this around the world trip and in my lifetime, this one definitely is not the greatest but it did have some unique offerings. I particularly liked the Coastal walk which took you through the cliffs and to another portion of some other beach. I also like the street art and the fact that there were a ton of restaurants directly across the street from the beach which gave me a lot of different lunch options. Now, how could I go to Sydney without going to Hunter Valley to partake in the wine. I have been to Napa so comparatively speaking I still think Napa is better as far as variety and presentation goes but I do think the wine in Sydney is better. But wine is based on the your personal palate so you be the judge. I will have to give a detailed blog about the company I chose and the vineyards I went to but just make sure you put it on your list. Now on to the Nightlife. Interestingly enough, due to violence in the past, you are not allowed into clubs past 1:30 a.m although they may not close until 4 a.m. Also, after 12 a.m. you cannot have a shot or if you have bottle service you cannot actually touch the bottle. Go Figure!!! Quite the opposite of what I was expecting after meeting Aussies on the road. They are normally the wildest and craziest of the bunch. They still turn up, don’t get me wrong but it is just not as easy to come by as you would think. If you are looking for a more relaxing vibe head to Opera Bar. Unless a special event is happening most nights there will be pretty chill and you will have a phenomenal view. 
Paddington Market – Offering 250 stores with Australian made goods (Sat Only 10 am – 5 pm) paddysmarkets.com.au
$$ – Moderate
$ – Cheap
Went to Australia for my birthday with my sister and we had a decent time. We visited Sydney and went Bondi Beach but the water was FREEZING and the beach was very crowded so we didn’t really enjoy the water or the beach. The food was pretty mediocre. The most fun that we had was watching the fireworks for NYE!
Pro tip: A lot of people told us that if we wanted to see nice beaches we should’ve gone to Gold Coast! So add that location to your list if you are looking for nice beaches when visiting Australia!
Free travel walk by locals, they give free tours of their cities and take you places that are not in the map. We saw an alley with bird cages that had recordings of primitive birds that lived there. It was a hidden gem that not in the tour books or any website.
Travelling in Sydney, Australia was an enjoyable experience, but it’s important to be aware of the potential challenges that may arise, especially travelling while Black.
My first challenge was getting to Sydney, Australia from Toronto, Canada. I left Toronto on a Saturday evening and arrived in Sydney, Australia on the following Monday morning their local time. It’s truly a long-haul flight, so prepare accordingly.
The second challenge is dealing with racism. I didn’t personally experience any racism while I was there. I felt safe as a solo traveller, but I’m not going to pretend that it doesn’t happen. Based on what I gleaned ahead of time, it’s still a problem in Australia and is mostly geared toward “Aboriginal Blacks.” Side note – I’m not sure why they’re still called Aboriginals in Australia. I found hearing some Australians use that word uncomfortable. The “ab” in the word Aboriginal is a Latin prefix that means “away from” or “not”. In that sense, it can mean “not original” which isn’t the best description. I live in Canada where they’re called Indigenous Peoples instead. Black travellers may also encounter racism in various forms, such as verbal abuse, discriminatory treatment, or even physical violence. The best way to deal with this while travelling anywhere in the world is to stay calm, document any incidents, and report them to the relevant authorities.
Another challenge that Black travellers may face is a lack of representation and visibility in the tourism industry. I only saw two other Black people during my stay in downtown Sydney. There are few Black-owned businesses and tour operators in Sydney, and it can be difficult to find information and resources catering to Black travellers. However, there are some excellent resources available online, such as “Black Travel in Australia”, which provides information on Black-friendly places to visit around Sydney.
Despite these challenges, Sydney is a beautiful and diverse city that has a lot to offer Black travellers! The city’s vibrant culture, stunning beaches, and world-class attractions make it an ideal destination for travellers of all backgrounds. I’d recommend doing the Sydney City Walk which includes the Sydney Opera House, Royal Botanic Gardens and Mrs. Macquarie’s Chair, Hyde Park, Darling Harbour, The Rocks, and Sydney Harbour Bridge. The Rocks is a neighbourhood of historic laneways in the shadow of the Sydney Harbour Bridge. There’s a variety of places to eat at The Rocks or you can book a sunset dinner cruise on the Sydney Harbour which I had the pleasure of doing! With preparation and an open mind, you can enjoy all that Sydney has to offer just as I did!
Sydney had lots to do. We went in June which was the beginning of winter. It was beautiful weather and not very crowded. I’m from New York City and it reminded me a little of NY. We stayed in the metropolitan area so there was lots of public transportation – buses, trains, water taxi. Easy to walk from place to place as well. We went to Bondi Beach, the caverns, Blue mountains including tram ride, railway, 3 sisters, Darling Harbour, Opera House, Botanical gardens, hop on hop off bus. We didn’t do the Bridge climb but we did climb the steps to the top. We felt comfortable being out at night and it was just lots of fun. The food was great although there was so much international food, I’m not sure what Australian food actually is. I would definitely go back.
Sydney – Bridge Climb, Italian Dinner, Hung out at the Rocks and rented a motorcycle, and drove up and down the strip at Surfer’s Paradise.
I studied abroad in Australia for seven weeks. We stayed in Hervey Bay and flew down to Sydney and back. The most adventurous place I’ve ever been to. I even went sky diving here and although I enjoyed it, I no longer have a need to do it anywhere else. We drove from Hervey Bay to Cairns stopping along the way at the Gold Coast. Australia is absolutely beautiful and all of the people I came in contact with there were too. My classmates and I did a lot of volunteering on the aboriginal farms making paintings and soaps. It is a “must do” to connect with the natives and learn about their history. We spent a lot of time at zoos and animal sanctuaries.
I caught a really good deal to Sydney that I couldn’t pass up and I’m glad I didn’t! We did go during their winter time which is our summer, but it wasn’t cold to me at all. A light jacket was needed nothing heavy at all because we ended up taking our jackets off mid day because we got hot. We had no issues traveling while black but we were ripped off by a taxi service. While at the airport in line for a taxi we asked a gentleman how much would a ride be from the airport to our hotel. He was very nice and helpful and told us it should cost no more than $60 AUD. Yeah well out taxi driver charged us $100 AUD. We try not to argue with people when we are traveling internationally. However we took another taxi and told the driver what happened and he was pissed that we were overcharged (he did confirm we were overcharged). He felt bad and called the taxi company and explained to them what happened and we spoke with them. We were very appreciative of his help. Although we never got the money back because we didn’t have an Australian bank to deposit he money in we we glad they tried to help. Seeing the Sydney Opera House in person is surreal. I highly advise doing a tour because it was so informative. Also had the pleasure of going whale watching and it was so much fun! Made the mistake of going on a day a storm was approaching so water was choppy and motion sickness was real! But were able to see a lot of whales as they made migration. But my favorite experience hands down is seeing Aboriginal Australians. The city is very much Europeanized so to see them was absolutely amazing!!!
My time in Sydney was short but well worth it! Obviously the most famous thing to go is visit the opera house! There’s a really nice bar next to it where you can sit and have drinks and take your insta pics with the opera house in the background. During my time there I also climbed the Sydney Harbour bridge. This was a fun day out and only took about 3–4 hrs. Our climbing guide was really good and engaging and answered all questions about the history of Sydney. Once at the top, the views were INSANE! You can see for miles and Sydney is truly beautiful. I also visited Bondi beach during my time there. The beach is stunning and as it was a super hot day, it was packed! There are vendors selling ice cold drinks so you don’t need to travel far If you get thirsty. We wanted to go to the infamous bar with the infinity pool next to the sea, howeve the pool didn’t look as good as all the pictures we’ve seen on Instagram. The pool looked greeny dirty as all the seaweed from the sea had got inside. I’m sure once it’s cleaned it probably looks great, but for that reason we decided not to go. Ultimately I loved my time in Sydney and I can’t wait to go back!
I loved my experience in Sydney, Australia! I am fortunate enough to have a friend who lives in a suburb outside of the city, so I was staying with him and his family. Their area is more rural and green than the middle of Sydney, so I was able to get the best of both worlds in my trip. As far as things to do, there are plenty for a few days, but I found that it seemed to run out after awhile. Not that there were no new destinations to visit, but that they were more of the same. Like, okay you’ve been to Bondi and Manly Beach, do you really need to go to Coogee? Maybe not, unless beaches are your thing like that. Then, a lot of the main attractions are in one area (Circular Quay) so I found myself going back to the same general vicinity on multiple days of my trip. I was there for 6 days and I feel like I was able to do and see everything that pops up on the “Best Things to Do in Sydney” lists that you would see on google.
I will say that the food was amazing! I am a huge seafood person, and theirs is plentiful and fresh. I would have a seafood meal almost every day of my stay. In addition, I loved the availability of specific cuisines that you would not really find where I live, such as Malaysian and Sri Lankan. Tried both of those for the first time and loved it.
Lastly, a lot of times when I was out exploring I was on my own because my friend worked 9-5 on weekdays. Walking around, taking the train, and sightseeing by myself as a black woman in Sydney was actually great. I was never on edge, people were super nice. I was actually stopped several times and showered with compliments by locals. Servers at restaurants were friendly and accommodating, and if I ever stopped anyone for directions on the street I was met with a warm reception. The only thing I did notice were people tend to stare a little, but I believe that is fairly common everywhere. So, overall I would definitely recommend Sydney, Australia for a 5-7 day getaway!
We have just spent a month traveling the main cities in southern Australia and have to say that Sydney was the highlight! … The city itself has easily available restrooms, walking paths, shade areas, information booths and food! It was clean, calm and beautiful!
I stayed at the Westin Sydney which has since become The Fullerton Hotel Sydney On October 18, 2019. I went solo so I wanted a hotel that was centrally located and safe! There are several good hotels on Pitt street and in the surrounding areas and the prices are reasonable! It’s in the middle of all the action and the the business district. I felt completely safe walking around the hotel and I never had to catch an Uber because I was able to walk to the Sydney Opera House (15min straight walk, no turns) and catch the Ferry to Darling Harbour and then walk back to the hotel. The hotel was located 5 mins to all the main shopping areas and attractions such as Sydney Tower, Queen Victoria Building, The Rocks, Sydney Opera House, Meyer Department store and more. The hotel customer service was excellent. There was a little cafe next door where o would go every morning for coffee and people watch! This is the perfect location to stay when visiting Sydney, Australia
Sydney is a dynamic and energetic city. Whether your time there is long or short there are many things to do – city walks, galleries and museums or just while away your time on one of the many beaches.
The restaurant options are many and generally of a very high standard. Avoid the heavily touristed Darling Harbour and look in the more happening, Darlinghurst, Paddington and Surrey Hills. Lots of small restaurants with great atmosphere. These places are great for just a morning/ afternoon wander through the city.
Watching the sunset from the Opera Bar at the Opera House is probably one of the most thrilling early evening drinks on the planet – you might just fall in love with this wonderful place.
When you think of Sydney, the image that instantly comes to mind is the iconic Sydney Opera House. Most people don’t leave the city without at least taking a picture of the Opera House, but few people actually go inside, and even fewer people actually stay for a performance at the venue. True Confession: I don’t actually like opera, BUT that’s not the only genre of performance at the venue. I love poetry; so during the time I was in Sydney I ended up catching a super dope poetry slam. It wasn’t expensive either (which surprised me…since you know…it’s the Opera House), and I brought my tickets the night before the slam! It was one of my favorite experiences in Australia, so if you want to try something “more local” (that goes beyond just a tour of the building), I’d highly recommend it!
https://www.sydneyoperahouse.com/
It was a solo trip just to get away and it turn out to be one ☝? of the best trip I ever taken the people the food history was amazing ?
Australia is one of the most beautiful places to visit. It’s cosmopolitan identity reminds me of picturesque Cape Town. Sydney offers you a unique vibrancy of culture, art and good food. I visited the Sydney Opera House, which is an indisputable masterpiece. I enjoyed cocktails at the Opera Bar, followed by a stroll on Darling Harbour. Later I went to the Insta-famous, Angel Place Birdcages for a picture, then ended up at the Ivy Pool Club for sundowners. The night life is insanely lively. The Marble Bar at the Hilton Hotel offers the best cocktails and music. I also went to the Sounds of Afrobeats Festival at Greenwood Hotel, which brought Africans and lovers of Afrobeats under the same roof. I explored Sydney, before flying to Brisbane.
When I first travelled to Australia back in 2009, I was afraid there was going to be a hard time for me as a Black man. I couldn’t have been any more wrong! I visited Sydney a few times before I ended up living there for 6 years. I wont get into the places I used to go back in 2009-2013 because they are all close from either the lockout law or black business just moved to another location.
When you arrive to Sydney people will embrace you to the point you think they have an agenda but they are naturally very friendly people. Heads up to the ladies, if you have an afro or big hair or if you are a guy who has dreads or an afro, they will touch it without asking. They are so infatuated with our culture they tend to cross the line and do things like that.
Fellas: Australian women will come up to you directly and hit on you with no filter. Downside is they expect all black brothers from america to dress and sound like a rapper.
Ladies: The Australian men are very timid and they will show interest but it will take them time showing it. Upside is no cat calling and you won’t be grabbed. Down side is he might be into you but too intimidated to approach.
Like everywhere there is also racism here. If clubbing is your thing, as a guy just make sure to over dress than under dress. Racism is more noticeable with bouncers at certain upscale clubs but they are now closed down.
There is a strong African american community out there. They have a facebook group called African Americans in Australia. There is usually a BBQ or special event for all of us to meet up. Last event I went to was to see the movie The Black Panther. It was an extremely big group so majority of us took up the movie theater.
There are places that has a black vibe.
Newtown area is the biggest black influence place in Sydney.
It has many African salons ,restaurants and shops. Street art is very big here. There’s a giant wall Mural of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Food wise check out Lat Dior African Eatery Restaurant. Marys restaurant has great fried chicken and burgers if that is your thing. The music is unpredictable. I’ve heard everything from 2pac to Metallica to Beyonce all within 2 hours. Newtown has a huge celebration event that is the biggest in Australia called Africultures. They have food, art, dances and music from Africa.
For places that I visited to feel at home , I would go to
Big Poppa’s. Upstairs is Italian food such as cheese and pasta. Downstairs is a Hip hop cocktail bar. The drinks were amazing and the music was always good. Music wise they play new and old school hip hop.
Soda Factory is another good spot. This is an American diner and bar that has live music. It is located in the city. Wednesday night was live Soul music. If you love wings , they are $1 that night.
For events that are catered to Americans contact Fabian.
https://www.instagram.com/dwfgent/?hl=en
I loved Sydney, there was a lot to see and do. I took the train and toured the blue mountains, hired a car for the day and drove by the great road Victoria, visited bondi beach and had some amazing food in the different restaurants. I loved the Pancakes on the Rocks by the Harbourside Shopping Centre, they have amazing stuffed pancakes. If you would like to take a trip to the blue mountains, take the train from Central Park Station to Katoomba. An adult ticket should cost 16-17 AUS $ last I checked. While you are in Katoomba make sure you eat at the Katoomba Cafe, the lamb burger especially was one of the best I’ve had (thank me later).
My trip to Australia was the absolute best!! We climbed the Sydney Harbor bridge and then went on to go see the actual Opera house. These were both amazing experiences! We also took a trip to the sea where we had dinner and it was such a beautiful experience because we got to see the opera house at night. For beach fun I recommend going to Bondi beach which is such a vibe!! There is a great aquarium for kids to go to which I guarantee they will enjoy! Beautiful trip, I will absolutely go again
My trip to Australia included 3 days in Sydney and 3 days in Clifton Beach (about 25 mins north of Cairns). Both cities had very different vibes. Sydney had a big city feels, much like New York or LA with lots to do including sight seeing, clubs, outdoor festivals (there was an afro beats festival and convo de mayo festival during our visit) and natural landmarks. I felt very much at home. The USD is stronger than the AUD which made my money stretch farther (which ultimately lead to me spending more it!). I along with a friend stayed in airbnbs while in Australia, because they worked out cheaper for our lenghty stay (we also spent 3 days in new zealand). One of the things I enjoyed about Sydney was ur ability to be in the hustle and bustle of a city one minute and lounging on a beach the next. Another is that there is something for everyone… if you’re an adrenaline junkie, you can climb the harbor bridge, if you’re artsy, there’s the opera house and tones of museums, if you’re into nature, there are parks all over the city, and the blue mountains just a couple hours outside the city and if you’re a beach bum like me, you can soak up the sun on Bondi (which is also the place to catch a wave).
Notes:
Coffee served without sweetener (it was sweet enough without it), American bacon is the winner, sometimes Australians walk in public without shoes, it is pretty safe (even for solo female walking alone at night), huge bar scene, Friday is the main party day because locals are currently in the CBD and go out after work, there are wifi zones in public areas, use google maps to plan out trips with public trans (locals helped me when I was lost and without service though), don’t try to walk from Circular Quay rail station to your hotel in The Rocks with luggage like me bc it is close by, and I did not experience any racism
Sydney:
Modern city with lots of shopping, restaurants, and multicultural influence. Many cute parks to relax at. The coastal walk near Bondi is beautiful. Did a shark dive at the aquarium. The sharks just swam around you like any other fish. Enjoyed the Susannah Place Museum tour. It’s 12 AUD and you go on guided tours of old homes. Try the watermelon cake at Black Star Pastry, fish plate at Cidery Bar and Kitchen, and Gelato Messina.
Cairns:
Hot and humid. Pack some mosquito spray if going on a bush walk. Otherwise, didn’t see mosquitoes in town. Large aboriginal presence here. Tjapukai was okay, but I was looking for more of an authentic experience. Cairns Botanical Gardens is free and very beautiful. There is a night markey every night near the esplanade with souvenirs and food. Going to Kuranda is a must. Save your money and go by the TransNorth bus. Be sure to take a pic holding a koala, see the tropical birds at BirdWorld, and visit the Butterfly Sanctuary.
The Great Barrier Reef:
I have wanted to come here for a long time. Decided it should be sooner than later, due to concerns of bleaching of the corals. Although, there are some spots where coral have died, the color underwater exceeded my expectations. I did 2 days and 1 night here with Reef Encounter. The ride over gave me the worse sea sickness ever, so I snorkeled the first day and did 1 dive the next day. You do see quite a lot from snorkeling though. Try not to smile underwater, unless you want water in your mask (water got in my mask bc it’s impossible to not smile seeing the beauty underwater).
Sydney is a really good place for adventurous people because there’s so much to do. If you like outdoor adventures places to visit are Wentworth falls, minamurra falls, Bondi beach (Bondi to Coogee scenic walk), wedding cake rock, and figure 8 pools.
I travelled to Sydney from Jan 26th – 30th with my 6 yr old daughter. We rented an Airbnb by Manly beach for two days and we stayed at the Hilton one night and the Sofitel one night, both in darling harbour.
Day 1 – After arriving the first day we checked into our airbnb , showered and took a nap. After well needed rest, we went to the mall and stopped at Target for food and snacks for the beach. `After the target run we headed to Manly beach. It was a nice clean beach and the waves were perfect. There are a tremendous amount of food options but beware because parking is a nightmare. We stopped at Guzman and Gomez for dinner on the way home. Food was good. I would compare it to a chipotle.
Day 2 – We took the fast ferry to Circular Quay. from Manly. The ferry is cheap and fast way to get to darling harbour. The ferry takes about 20 minutes and the view is AMAZING. You get the view of the Opera House. (Highly Recommend ). We then walked to the Royal Botanical Garden. It just so happen to be family day, so they had games, painting and activities for children. Walking through the garden was phenomenal ! its so pretty and relaxing for a chill day. After, we took a uber to Mad Pizza E Bar in darlinghurst. DO NOT eat here! I’m 100 percent sure I got food poisoning. I ordered a cheese pizza with pepperoni and spinach and later that night until the next day afternoon I was vomiting my brains out. That was the only thing I ate that day so I’m sure it was that place.
Day 3 – Checked into the Hilton. The Hilton is located in the perfect location! We went to the mall, literally less than a 5 minute walk. Did shopping and grabbed food at the mall. The Mall is HUGE! Then back to the Hilton, we went to the pool for a few and called it a night.
DAY 4 – Checked into the Sofitel. This hotel is A1, pricey, but well worth it. Took the train and bus to Symbio Wild Life park. If you have children take them here! We went for the kangaroos. The kangaroos are in a huge fenced in area and you can buy feed for $2 upon entry. They also have a waterpark which was well needed because it was HOT. Highly recommend this place if your looking to see animals. They had koalas, and even a tasmanian devil which was cool to see in person. Got back to the hotel, showered and went for Korean BBQ at Yang San Park. Food was GREAT. The place was not traditional korean bbq, the have the grills at the table bu the waiter actually cooks the food for you. After we just walked around the harbour before going back to the hotel.
Day 5 – checked out. Uber to the airport 75 USD!!!!!! crazyyyyyyyy
I’m not sure why we chose Sydney, Australia, but we have this thing about not repeating countries and we wanted to go somewhere far away from home. It took about a day and a half to travel from Miami, FL.
Sydney was pretty much what I expected it to be. A city that reminded me of the U.S. but their own spice of history. I thought of all the cliche things to do like making sure to see Kangaroo’s and koala bears.
When you think of Sydney, the Opera House is one of the most famous attractions that comes to mind. I thought of how cool it would be for my friends and I to watch a symphony in the Opera house. For about $100 we got tickets to see Beethoven. We must have been pretty dapper because the stares, and compliments were endless. It’s pretty interesting to note that there was only one other black traveler that we ran into at the Opera House. She was traveling alone from Detroit, Michigan.
At intermission, we were invited down by house staff to sit behind the orchestra. I’m not sure if these people thought we were celebrities, but hey I didn’t mind the extra attention. It was a very different experience, and I must say one that I did enjoy.
The Sydney Harbour Bridge- tons and tons of visitors flocked outside the Opera House to get a view, pictures and selfies of the bridge. To me, there was absolutely nothing special about this bridge, except that it is iconic image when you think of Sydney. They do offer a bridge climb, but for $350 it didn’t seem worth it to do a guided climb up and climb back down, and you weren’t allowed phones and cameras up there.
There was a pier with tons of restaurants and hang out spots along the water with a view of the bridge. The weather in November is what we consider spring in the U.S. It was perfect to sit out, take in the view, have a bite to eat and talk over libations and music.
As a foodie, I have to note that the food in Sydney was amazing. I love flavor and that it did not lack! It was the typical meal, like burgers, fish, etc but it just wasn’t injected with additives and all that junk used to “preserve”it. There was kangaroo meat on every menu, but I chose to pass on it. Like the U.S. the portions were large, and breakfast is always a must for them. The bacon was thick and juicy, the eggs were fresh and always free range. *kisses fingers*
The area of our Air BnB was pretty diverse. Asian, Indian and Italian cuisine were everywhere.
Kangaroos- I must admit that when I thought of the Kangaroos, I thought I’d see the ones standing up, with a baby in their pouch. I was educated that there were different types of Kangaroos, and I probably didn’t want to see the “Red Kangaroo” because they are mostly in the wild and can be very aggressive.
We visited Featherdale Wildlife park, they had a smaller version of the Kangaroos called “wallabies”. We were able to feed and pet the wallabies, I was also amazed to see that they bounced around on their tails and not their legs.
Also, in Featherdale was a Koala bear exhibit. Some of the laziest animals ever. They sleep for about 18-22 hours a day. We were lucky enough to find one that was actually up and moving about in the trees. Koala bears have sharp claws that they use to climb trees, so we unfortunately weren’t able to hold them.
The park had many of the other zoo animals that you’d expect to see.
Bondi Beach- the weather was a little to cool for my liking to enter the water at Bondi Beach. The tide though was high enough that the waves from the ocean were entering the Bondi pool. Bondi Beach is a little beach town about an hours drive from Sydney. While there, there was a skate tournament going on, and many day parties at the restaurants and bars along the beach. Each restaurants and bar was packed with young people enjoying the oncoming spring weather.
Kirribilli- is one of the most photographed spots in Sydney. It is an affluent area in New South Wales. There is one street in particular that is lined with Jacaranda trees. Its the perfect place for a photo op. There were many people trying to get pictures in the street which pissed off the residents and motorists because the local street was constantly blocked. The purple Jacaranda trees were beautiful and there were so many of them.
Darling Harbour- the harbor had a mall, a convention center, small amusement park and tons and tons of restaurants along the water. We chose this spot on two nights because of the vibe. You can sit anywhere and have a dope view of the harbor and the adjacent side of hotels, shoppes and eateries. Again the food was great especially the fish, which was expected since everything comes right out of the water.
Traveling while black- we had no issues what so ever. Everyone was very inviting and we got lots of questions from locals because they could “tell” we were from the U.S. They complimented us and requested that we come back and visit. I don’t think I’d return to Sydney because I hit all of the highlights and things that I wanted to do.
I had the great opportunity to travel to Australia for work. Two Cities- Sydney to meet with Sydney Water and Adelaide the main site of my project meeting with South Australia Water. Starting off in Sydney was quite intense. I loved the work ethics of Aussies but when it was “Miller time” -End of the work day, it was time to unwind and relax (everyone takes that equally serious). I explored all the tourist sites with colleagues (Sydney harbor, Bondi Beach, Manly Beach, The opera house etc.)…but it felt too rushed and intense. Since it was a busness trip, my Aussies rolled out the red carpet and the food was delicious every night and even tea time. Love the tea breaks with patties not pastries:-)
My hotel was walking distance to Circular Quay which is a great base for exploring the Sydney harbour. Once the weekend rolled in, I finally had time to myself to explore all the places I had been oriented on but now on water:-)
I took a 20 minute water taxi ride to double bay and treated myself to a massage. I only regret I didn’t do the Sydney Bridge Walk.
Traveling while black – There’s a quiet drinking problem amongst a minority few and since we share the same melanin complexion, confrontations/interactions by colleagues was sometimes awkward.
It’s always been a dream of mine to travel to Australia and I’m glad I finally got the chance! Our original trip was to Bali but we decided to go to Australia for a few days from Bali. The flight was only about $398 from Bali and was a 6 hour flight. I will mention that Australia requires a Visa to gain entry to the country and a person CANNOT board a flight to Australia without it. Sydney is beautiful! We visited the infamous Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge and it was breathtaking. We primarily used the train to travel around the city and we found it to be the most affordable way to travel throughout the city. The people were nice and atmosphere was great. We also visited torango zoo where we got to see the cutest koala bear and kangaroo. I wasn’t impressed with the nightlife however. We went to the Marquee nightclub but the music wasn’t the best! The food was delicious too and I recommend trying a Aussie pie if you’re ever in Australia. Lastly, I found Sydney to be very affordable and I was able to remain within my budget.
This was the first place I’ve visited where the USD was stronger than the local currency so I was excited to get to Sydney. It’s still expensive but when we start converting AUD to USD you will notice that things a little cheaper or about the same as in the states.
We stayed walking distance to Darling Harbour which also meant that we were walking distance to Circular Quay (pronounced Key) and The Rocks which is where the Opera House is.
We visited Taronga Zoo which was a bunch of fun and did the expensive Bridge Climb. If the bridge climb is too expensive, visit the lookout which is very close to get similar views.
The Opera House has a cute bar situation on the outside near the Harbour which is great for drinks during sunset.
Want more relaxation? Take a flight to Hamilton Island which is where the Australians vacation!
Sydney is pricey to visit. From hotel accommodation to dinning and sight-seeing were very expensive. For instance, my Dad and I spent 5 nights around Sydney Habour (right next to Operah House). Average nightly cost = $290 AUS. We had a rental car (which was a big mistake due to hight cost of parking $39AUS/day).
Regardless there was plus side to having a rental car because we were able to drive to Blue Mountain and Bondi Beach for sight-seeing. Movement was very easy since we relied on the NAV. Though a bit pricey, overall, Sydney is Must-visit city for all adventurers.
Sydney is an expensive city so you would need quite a bit of spending money, hence why its considered the most expensive city in Australia. Luckily, we booked an amazing airbnb for the weekend in Elizabeth Bay (Sydney), which cost £43 per night. The place had a great view of the harbour and was close to the main attractions such as the Royal Botanic Gardens, Sydney Central and the Opera house.
We took a Jetstar flight from Melbourne, so prices were decent since we were coming from another Australian city. If you are coming from abroad, its best to book your tickets to Sydney early. Going to Sydney in August is still amazing, even though its winter here, but the weather in Sydney was warm. We got to witness City2Surf, which is an annual road run covering a 14 kilometre course, people run from the central to Bondi Beach. Bondi Beach is a must, you will get to see surfers and have an opportunity to go to Bondi Icebergs, and swim in a swimming pool that mixes with the ocean waters.
If you want a great view of the city, book a table at the Sydney Tower, its a bit pricey but the revolving restaurant with great views is worth it. The ferry which you can take from Circular Quay, will give you great views of the Sydney Bridge, Opera house and some islands whilst you are on your way to Manly. Manly has a great beach, cheap shops and restaurants.
If you want to add to your Sydney experience, make sure you book a show at the Sydney Opera house. We booked to watch Opera called Aida, an eye-popping production with brilliant cast which was hugely advertised in Sydney. The tickets were somewhat expensive as it was high in demand but don’t let them trick you in buying seats for 300-400 dollars when you can get the cheapest for 118 dollars and still get an amazing view.
Sydney is LOADED with fun and interesting things to do. Just the Sydney Habor alone could occupy a full day or two. Obviusly the Opra house and the Harbor Bridge are a must. There is aslo a strand of bars with a bit of food that you can sit and enjoy right in the middle of the two. There are a few museums (many with aboriginal art) and many shops and restaurants. Wildlife reservations are also a must to check out animals that you would only find there in Aussieland. If you have enough time, you should definitely check out the Blue Mountains which are right outside the city. There are so many different trails and bridges you are sure to get many amazings shots. The nightlife pretty much sucks since the government put all the drinking laws in place, but one good thing about it is that you can check out a few bars on a Saturday night, listen to some good music, and not have to worry about crowds.
One of the dopest places to relax with your significant other and enjoy a beautiful scenery!!!
Sydney was a great experience, I was able to visit during my study abroad in undergrad. There is a lot to do as far as activities – you can tour the Opera House, visit Bondi Beach, Luna Park, the Botanical Gardens. Going out at night we went to some of the smaller bars, but they were still a lot of fun, one place I would recommend is ScuBar but only if you are in the 18-21 age range. Like I said, I visited during undergrad but it’s not a place I would go to now. If you want a relaxing drink with a view I would recommend the Opera Bar, it’s located right in front of the Sydney Opera House so you have a view of the water and bridge as well. As far as costs go.. I wouldn’t really say any place in Australia was cheap to me. Coming from the States the conversion rate was great but the prices were very similar to America if not more in some places. It is definitely an affordable trip and one I would say everyone should try!
Sydney is a thriving city with tons of culture and a cosmopolitan vibe. I was there for two weeks and I was never bored. If you stay anywhere in Sydney, I recommend staying in the Rocks. The Rocks is a historic district with a quaint atmosphere and an excellent location. Our hostel in the Rocks District (Sydney Harbour YHA) had unobstructed rooftop views of the Sydney Harbour. Nightlife and shopping in downtown area were only a few steps away. Also, the Sydney Harbour Bridge was right outside our front door. The other worthwhile areas of Sydney, Manly Beach and Bondi Beach, were well connected by public transit. Sydney must-do activities include: Sydney Opera House, Harbour Bridge climb, beach walk from Bronte Beach to Bondi Beach, explore Manly Beach using the ferry, eat at the Chinatown Night Market, sample seafood at the Sydney Seafood Market, learn about Aboriginal History in Redfern District, and day trip from Sydney to the Blue Mountains.
I had so much fun in Sydney. It was not on the top of my list, but had an opportunity to go and took advantage of the opportunity. I am soo glad I did. Things that I did that I would recommend: Featherdale Wildlife Park, Sydney Harbor, Bondi Beach, taking the double deck bus to explore the city. Sydney is a huge city and has many different pockets with tons of cool restaurants and coffee shops, check those out as well!
Sydney is a fun city with all the joys of most major cities. Great restaurants, bars, activities. It is always fun to do a quick walking tour to get some ideas on things to do and your bearings. There are several famous sites you can venture to see, Opera House, Harbor Bay Bridge, Sky Tower. If you are up for some fun I would fully recommend the Bridge Climb.
I was here for about a week and enjoyed my stay very much. Yes, it’s expe dive but that reflects the brand name, services, etc. The rooms are nice and quiet so I had some great sleep ins. Room service is also decent. You can buy movies to watch and these can.be costly but at least you have that option. It would be good if they could offer free Netflix or similar as it’s a low cost setup but adds to the experience as a guest. They can also improve the quality of their bath products as I found these a bit drying on my skin. Otherwise I was in a room with deep soaking tub which was nice. There are tea and coffee facilities and housekeeping was friendly. Nice, big bed which was relaxing. Close to Pitt St Mall and The Rocks
Hello my loves… let me tell you how expensive Australia is. Lol. Jk. But Australia is a very rich country and nothing is inexpensive or cheap. But the experience is worth every penny. Go check out the behind the scenes tour for the Sydney opera house,don’t just stand outside and take pics,there’s a lot of dope history behind it,go across the street to complete the bridge climb at the Sydney Barbour bridge, which gives you a 360 view of Sydney at the top,definitely check out the royal botanic gardens it’s so beautiful,Darling Harbour is a great place to have lunch or dinner,check out Taronga zoo for the owl and koala experience and las but not least go take some album cover pics at Bondi Beach and try to learn how to surf while you’re there. Enjoy
I visited Sydney, Australia for my birthday last year. This city is calm and relaxing coming from NYC. The people are nice, laid back, and helpful. I’ve heard many rumors about Sydney being expensive, I found everything to be priced similarly to the U.S. and a tad bit less expensive. Lastly, I flew to Sydney from New Zealand and I was required to purchase a Visa for £20 (I have a U.S. passport).
I lived in Sydney for a year last year. I made it my mission to see everything I could especially in the first few months. There’s a LOT to do in a reasonable distance. Of course you have the Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge (which you can walk across) in Circular Quay and Bondi Beach. Although the best parts of the city are in the CBD (downtown), surrounding areas and mountains. The Blue Mountains, an hour outside of the city, are breathtaking and for perfect for anyone who likes hiking. Because the city is so culturally diverse there is always a culture based festival with activities, shows and music. The list of scenic places is never ending. There are the Figure 8 pools, Newcastle, Coogie beach, Sydney Tower Eye, Manly, Taranga Zoo, Cronulla Beach, O Bar (which spins 360 degrees to city all of the city), etc. Most people don’t know about Featherdale Wildlife Park where you can feed/pet kangaroos and koalas. The food scene is REALLY competitive and it is a little expensive. The Madam Tussauds Wax Museum and art museums are all phenomenal as well. Hope this helps!
Hi,
Sydney it’s a perfect city, you can fine what you want.. it’s a Big attractive city with amazing beach around (bondi beach, congee beach, manly beach) it’s also a green city with a lot of garden like the Botanic garden just on the top of the beautiful Opera of Sydney..
The night life are pretty nice around Dearling Harbour à lot of bar,club, restaurant, and every Saturday night they do fireworks it’s just amazing!
Sydney was awesome. I went there after I went to Melbourne so I constantly compared the two cities. I reminded a little of England with the old school taxis but it was still cool. And plus the currency rate was great compared to USA.
If you are into surfing and beach activities then Sydney is the perfect city for you. Bondi beach is a must.
After meeting so many Aussies on the road, I expected to party hard when I came to Sydney. I was sadly disappointed. Something as simple as bar-hopping proved to be difficult since once it got passed 1:30 a.m. you could not get back into the bar/club due to the “Lock-out”. Also, I did go to a club and got bottle service and for whatever reason you are not allowed to touch the bottle you paid for! The waitress has to pour your drinks and you cannot get a double shot! There were evidently too many fights in the past after people left the club, but still very bizarre.