I’ve visited Sydney a few times as an adult, and this trip was all about catching up with Joe’s family, and seeing Sydney through their locals’ eyes. Which meant great cafes and beaches, just what I like!
We were based in Newtown, in the central west of Sydney. If you’re looking to stay outside the CBD I definitely recommend it – lots of quirky cafes, good public transport, and amazing street art. We started with the breakfast of champions at Gather on the Green where, when the cafe fills up, they just send you to the park across the street and bring your food to you – brilliant!
Our next destination was beautiful Bronte Beach, where we made up for the long months since our last swims in Croatia. You should be a decent swimmer to take on the waves, but there are usually lots of surf lifesavers around on the busy beaches. I just try not to think too much about sharks when I’m in!
Isn’t the water just phenomenal?!
The family snap, taken by Joe’s mum
I adore this coastline
There’s a brilliant walk along the clifftops from Bronte to Bondi that I highly recommend if you’re in Sydney. It takes about an hour, although I challenge you not to stop more often to marvel at these views. It’s an undulating footpath the whole way and passes cafes and of course these gorgeous beaches.
When we visited, it was also the annual Sculpture by the Sea exhibition, meaning weird and wonderful sights such as the giant snorkeller above! That did also mean the footpath was pretty crowded, so if you’re checking it out, I would go earlier in the day. There were some fascinating pieces and it was quite surreal to be contemplating, for example, a giant Buddha perched on the Bondi cliffs!
The Tamarama Prawn
One of my favourite sculptures – literal but beautiful
We finished our wander with a drink at the famous Icebergs of Bondi. The restaurant itself is very busy, but they had an upstairs roof terrace where we relaxed with beers and those incredible views.
After a raucous night of pizza and board games, we headed out to the Grounds of Alexandria, an incredible brunch / lunch / patisserie / cafe / gelato / market place, with bonus florist and cute farm animals. It’s totally made for Instagram and I loved every bit of it!
Well, if they would do away with the takeaway cups, I’d love every bit 🙂
I’d recommend being prepared to spend at least a couple of hours here – it’s busy but not packed, given how big it is – it’s built in a former factory! But you’ll need the time to explore every corner and have one of these fantastic meals, like my vegan tofu and mushroom pasta salad.
This was my favourite style of city-break, particularly when I visit somewhere I’ve already been. We did all the things I love at home, with friends, while exploring a super-fun city! Looking forward to many more Sydney weekends.
Have you visited Sydney? What was your favourite part?
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