Sydney: Top Picks

New Year Fireworks

Watching the world famous fireworks light up the sky over Sydney was the best way to begin an adventurous 2013.

Making the most of the sunshine and holiday vibe I loved exploring the city. My favourite sights in were:

Bondi to Bronte Cliff Top Walk

Bondi Cliff Top Trail

With the clear blue ocean ahead we headed South round the cliffs as the sweltering sunshine beat down. A few minutes into the walk we spotted dolphins gracefully jumping out of the water to say hello on the last day of the year. This was even more amazing having swum with the beautiful creatures a few days earlier in New Zealand! 

There were plenty of beaches to choose from along the way and we settled on Bronte to soak up the sunshine and have an ice-cream while the surfers caught the last waves of the year.

Shelly Beach

Ferry to Manly

Regular ferries depart from Circular Quay to Manly Beach. We set sail with the Opera House and Harbour Bridge glistening in the sunshine.

Manly on New Year’s Day was, as expected, really busy so we wandered through the promenade and along the shore to the slightly quieter Shelly Beach. A great little cove to soak up some rays and cool off in the calmer waters.

Sunset from the Manly Ferry

The very best part of the day was the ferry back. We timed it so we would be sailing at sunset (something I would definitely recommend.) The light over the water was incredible and I had to pinch myself at the pink sky erupting over the iconic sights of, what is fast becoming, one of my favourite cities.

Pottering around Surrey Hills

After browsing the vintage shops, Surrey Hills is a great place to relax with a glass of wine. We’d been recommended The Winery and with the funky decor and big courtyard garden I can see why it is a favourite with Sydney-siders.

Feeling peckish we popped into Dimitri’s Pizzeria on Crown Street. Greeted with a smile and the tantalising scents of fresh cooking we tucked into possibly one of the best pizzas I’ve ever tasted.

Walking over Sydney Harbour Bridge

View from Sydney Harbour Bridge

A must do on a clear day is taking the train to Milsons Point and walking over the 1,149 meter bridge that links North Sydney with the CBD.

The views are slightly interrupted by the steel slats spanning the entire length of the bridge but I soon got used to that and thoroughly enjoyed the stroll to the harbour.

View from Opera Bar

A drink at Opera Bar

A visit to Sydney wouldn’t be complete without enjoying a glass of wine on a balmy evening at Opera Bar. 

The views were extraordinary with the skyscrapers to one side, the magnificent steel bridge ahead and the billowing sales of the Opera House behind.

Drinks weren’t as extortionate as I’d imagined (although everything in Sydney is pretty pricey!) so we whiled away the evening catching up with friends with the stunning backdrop.

Darling Harbour

Not favoured by my guide book but a must in my opinion. Making the most of Happy Hour we managed to get a reasonable priced dinner at one of the many bars overlooking Cockle Bay.

Darling Harbour

The early evening sun was magical as the jelly fish floated by and the birds sang their evening songs.

Lots of great things to do in a fabulous city and I also enjoyed getting out of town for a day, hiking in the Blue Mountains but that’s for another blog…