Sydney Opera House lit by Laurie AndersonWho would fly halfway around the planet just to see Australia? Well, I did and what a trip it was. Writing about the experience makes me want to return more than ever. The pleasant weather, carefree lifestyle and great food (and wine) are desirable qualities of a city and country that rival that of my current home state of California. First stop, the beach!
This is Shelly Beach which is a smaller secluded spot near the much larger Manly beach. Both are located just north of Sydney. Surfers are most likely to be spotted here.Surfer dudes in Manly
The most famous of all the Sydney area beaches is Bondi, which is an absolute mob scene on the weekend. Beware!
Another hot spot not far from Bondi is Tamarama Beach. Also known as Glamorama for its disproportionate amount of Sydney's beautiful people, it lies in a sheltered bay between Bronte and Bondi beaches. Just beware of the blue bottles (jellyfish) as they are sometimes present here.
When tired of all the sun and sand, there is plenty else to do here! How about the zoo? Taronga Zoo is a quick drive across the Harbour Bridge and a world away from the bustle of Sydney proper. However, the lucky giraffes do have a wonderful view of downtown!
Take Me to the Zoo!
Matschie's Tree Kangaroo is an endangered species native to New Guinea. They spend most of their time in trees but come down to feed.
Who doesn't love a Koala Bear? Cute, cuddly and always sleeping, the koala is only awake approximately five hours per day, three of which are spent dining on eucalyptus leaves.
Adorable Emu! the largest native Australian bird.And of course, the Aussie Kangaroo with her Joey
Sights of Sydney
Sydney Opera HouseSailboats in Sydney Harbour
Sydney Harbour with a view of the centre
Cafe & Restaurant Hopping
At the Rocks
The Rocks is a uniquely historical Australian quarter, and the oldest preserved colonial district in Australia. Today boutique shops, galleries and fabulous restaurants are in the place where Australia's European settlement began. It's a village which echoes a long and colourful past and can be enjoyed by everyone in an equally colourful present including at Wildfire (below).
Wildfire
Overseas Passenger Terminal
Circular Quay West
SYDNEYNSW 2000
P: (02) 8273 1222
http://www.wildfiresydney.com/
Hands down my favorite place in Sydney. The food, ambiance, service and views of the bustling Circular Quay make for a stupendous evening out. And if you reserve on a Saturday, you can try the house special Roast Suckling Pig which will wow you with its melt-in-your-mouth quality! The Wagyu Beef is also a must and do not leave without trying one of their desserts. Hazelnut Souffle is a culinary treat.
Dessert at Wildfire: Hazelnut Souffle
Darlinghurst
Located in eastern Sydney, Darlinghurst is full of lively cafes, bookstores and mid-range shops. A great meeting spot for a casual lunch, coffee or a chocolate fix at Boon!
Boon
251 Victoria Street
Darlinghurst
SYDNEY
NSW 2010
P: (02) 9356 8876
http://www.boonchocolates.com.au/
Boon is a chocolate destination! In fact, it is *the* chocolate experience in Sydney. Legendary chocolate drinks and fresh chocolates in an ambient cafe environment.
Bar Coluzzi
3/99 Elizabeth Street
Darlinghurst
SYDNEY
NSW 2000
P: (02) 9233 1651
Best place to hang and enjoy your coffee or tea. Not really a bar, but more of a coffee joint.
Red Lantern
545 Crown Street
Surry Hills
SYDNEY
NSW 2010P:(02) 9698 4355
http://www.redlantern.com.au/
The scarlet interior is always buzzing. Red Lantern is a cozy Vietnamese restaurant in Surry Hills. The philosophy here is a focus on ethical eating by using the freshest in local sustainable organic produce. All of the entrees are remarkable and I would suggest ordering a few and sharing. Very important to save room for dessert. The coconut creme caramel is sublime.
Mandarin & rhubarb Caprioska w/ fresh pomegranate juice
Otto Ristorante Italiano
6 Cowper Wharf Road
Woolloomooloo
SYDNEY
NSW 2011
P: (02) 9368 7488
Dining alfresco on modern Italian cuisine and a carefully selected wine list which pairs well with most anything on the menu. Excellent selection of New Zealand reds. The Barramundi here was the best fish I had in Sydney!
Miranda Kerr seen leaving Otto. She loved the Barramundi.Pampered (the big splurge)
at Milk Day Spa
Indigenous Purifying Hot Stone Massage
Using ancient healing rituals, the warm stones are glided and worked over the body, soothing aching muscles and restoring the bodies balance. After leaving Milk, my entire body felt like jelly and I experienced a sense of calm like nothing before or since. Wow!
Milk Day Spa
1/357 Glenmore Road
Paddington
SYDNEY NSW 2021
P:(02) 9331 7933
http://www.milkdayspa.com/
Hotel
Blue Sydney
Had I not stayed with a friend while in Sydney (thanks Mark!), you would have found me here. A former W property was taken over by Taj Hotels and converted to a 5-star property on the wharf in Woolloomooloo. Pure lux and the best location. Drinks at Water Bar were high but you are paying for the ambiance.
Blue Sydney
The Wharf at Woolloomooloo
6 Cowper Wharf Road
Woolloomooloo
SYDNEY
NSW 2011
P:(02) 9331 9000
http://www.tajhotels.com/cities/Sydney/
Destino seguinte (Up next): LISBOA, Portugal
11 June, 2010
No comments:
Post a Comment