Sydney. Where do I start….there’s so much to do and so much to say about this city, that one post won’t do it justice. I was fortunate enough to live there for 3 years, so got under it’s skin. However this post is about what I discovered on my last trip in April 2015.

How to get there?

Any number of airlines fly to Sydney. You can’t miss it (unless you end up in Sydney, Canada). Most choices nowadays fly from Europe via Dubai or Bangkok/Singapore or from the US anticlockwise. For most people it is a big deal to head Down Under due to the flight time and associated jet lag. Being based in SE Asia, I’m lucky, for me, it’s a 7.5 hour overnight flight on BA or SQ.

Where to stay?

So many places and if you’ve never been before and want an experience to remember, then I’d recommend getting a room with a view. There are numerous options: Shangri La, Park Hyatt, Intercontinental, Marriott, Holiday Inn. Imagine opening the curtains to a view like this:

However, not needing to see this view every morning (although I was tempted), I stayed at the wonderfully located Westin on Martin Place. Landing at around 0630 I was hoping for an early check-in and I was so pleased when at 0830, after breakfast and a couple of coffees watching the sun rise over the Opera House, they allowed an early check in.

What to do?

How long do you have? That’s the real decider. But, on a list of must-sees:

Sydney Opera House – that crazy shaped, acoustically amazing opera house on the harbour.

Sydney Harbour Bridge – walk across it, sail under it, climb it. Whatever you fancy you can do it with the Harbour Bridge.

Harbour Cruise – there are so many options to do this, but my favourite is the friendly Sydney Charter Boat. For quicker options, hop on a harbour ferry and bounce between the ferry stops.

Beaches – southern, eastern or northern beaches, there’s something for everyone in Sydney. This trip was the ever beautiful Coogee Beach in the Eastern Suburbs:

 

Eating and drinking – you can’t go too far wrong in Sydney wherever you are. If you’re on Military Road in Cremorne then check out Side Car at Cremorne a friendly cocktail bar with cute bartenders and the most open and accepting patrons. Thanks guys and girls for looking after a lone tourist!

If you’re at Coogee for breakfast, or brunch, then check out Coogee Bite Café with its stunning beach views and huge plates of freshly prepared food.

In the inner west, drinks on the balcony of The London should be on your bucket list and dinner at The Riverview.

For dining with a view, think Aqua, Matt Moran’s Aria or any of the options at the Overseas Passenger Terminal.

Is a weekend long enough? No, not for everything which Sydney and its suburbs have to offer. Can you have a blast and leave loving the city and everything it stands for? Yes.