eatsleeptravelrepeat

So after a mammoth journey, I finally arrived down under! 

Circular Quay, Harbour Bridge, Sydney Opera House 

So after finally getting over the jet lag we thought we should get our bearings a bit better. What better way to explore a city than on foot? We walked from our hostel on Kent Street towards Circular Quay and the Harbour Bridge. We were lucky it was such a good day to soak up the sights of Sydney in the sunshine. We walked over the bridge to see across Sydney and the harbour itself and the views are phenomenal. Here is a great place to get those postcard photo moments that you dreamed of! On exploring across the Harbour bridge we went to see the Sydney Opera House. It's worth checking out the surrounding bars and what events are in and around circular quay! 

Bondi Beach 

 A trip to Sydney would not be complete without a trip to Bondi! It's an amazing beach and it also has a grassy area if you don't fancy getting covered in sand. Be careful though because the cool breeze makes you unaware of how much you are actually tanning/burning -watch out! Supermarkets around here are even more extortionate than in the city so if you are going to get snacks etc, get them beforehand. 

 Manly Beach 

 To get to Manly from the city, you have to get the ferry. The views that you get on the boat of the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge are phenomenal especially if it's a good day. We actually went to Manly on the day of a surf competition, there were events going on all over the beach and with the music playing, the atmosphere was buzzing. Manly in general is such a gorgeous little sea side town. The corso is filled with shops-just incase you forgot your bikini and loads of eateries, varying in prices and style. 

View From The Ferry

 Coogee Beach 

 Not as well known as the infamous Bondi, Coogee beach is just as beautiful. We went on a Sunday and due to travel being capped on a Sunday with an opal card, the journey cost next to nothing! If you are staying in the city catch the 373 or 374 from Hyde Park and you will be on your way! Again, there is a grassy area with shade if you are not a sand sort of person! I would really recommend checking out Coogee and if you are feeling adventurous maybe try the coastal walk from Coogee to Bondi! 

 Hyde Park 

For when there are sunny days in the city but you don't fancy/don't have time to go to the beach, Hyde Park is your destination. There are several areas of the park you can relax in, with shaded areas for the less sun friendly! The park is also the perfect destination for a picnic and you can guarantee no sand side order like you would at the beach! The only down side of the park is that unlike the beach, the breeze is not as strong. 

Royal Botanic Gardens 

 I thought the Botanic Gardens were beautiful. There was an array of lovely flowers and foliage. Like Hyde Park, this is perfect for a picnic and with you being so close to the harbour, the view is phenomenal too! 

Government House 

 The opening times for Government house are between 10 and 4. We came just after so were unable to take a look inside but the building itself was really impressive. The security guard was helpful and also offered to take our photo with the sign! I would of loved to have come back and seen the property in all its glory but time did not permit! 

Museum of Contemporary Art 

So one day we were in Sydney and the day took a turn for the worst and was a bit grey. I never thought being grey would amount to negative weather-how times have changed ay! So we thought we would check out the art museum. It wasn't particularly art that I loved as I like portraits and landscapes but it was interesting and most importantly free! If you have limited time in Sydney, unless you are really in to contemporary art I would give it a miss. Although the building on the Circular Quay side does make a good photo! 

Cyren

I had difficulty placing this activity because it comprises of day time drinking! However, between 3 and 6 in the afternoon several bars on darling harbour so happy hour. We saw the advertisement as we were walking passed and thought it would be perfect. The offer includes $5 for champagne,bulmers cider on draught,, wine, bottled corona. Also, they offer a reduced food menu as well which includes pizza, salads and calamari. We liked that there was a bit of variety, plus the views of the harbour.

 Scubar

Close to YHA, a backpacker haunt through and through. It has cheap drinks with a bit of variance. For example I had a cheeky vimto rather than the no standard vodka mixer. This bar is free to get in to and has free wifi- in Australia this is gold dust!! 

 Sidebar

Well known amongst backpackers, Side Bar provides cheap drinks and a good time. The biggest night here is often a Monday. It's is free to get in and again if you download the base app you have $4 drinks until midnight-job done! 

 Scary Canary

Again, not 100% sure where to put this bar as it is open throughout the day but here we are. There are two happy hours at this place if you are staying at Base. The first is for everyone and is 4-6 whereas the second one is 8-10 and only for Base hostel residents. It is normally buzzing most nights however not on a Tuesday as we found out! 

 The Ivy 

I have heard this club be described as the best club in Australia! On a Thursday they have free entry and discounted drinks to appeal to the backpackers on a budget among us. The location is really amazing they even have a bar with a pool. Known to be a local celeb hangout aswell if you are in to this sort of thing. I had such a good night at The Ivy, the music was so good although get there early to avoid queues because this place will get packed! So pull on your gladrags and do your thing! 

 Establishment 

 This is owned by the same people that own the Ivy. It's got a really chilled out vibe and is quite similar to the Ivy. The music in here is good although a little repetitive. If you can get on guest list I would recommend it because like anywhere in Sydney on a Saturday nighty it can be a bit pricey!

 Darling Harbour Fireworks 

Every Saturday night, Darling Harbour puts on a firework display at 9 o'clock. It's worth getting there early so you can get a seat. It is synchronised to music and we were lucky enough to see the 'Month of Love' display. I would definitely recommend going along to see it, even if it's a pre event to your Saturday night festivities! Check out my Facebook page for video of the event: https://www.facebook.com/imogentravels

 The Argyle

Be sure to get to the Argyle before 10 especially on a weekend because they start to charge entry. This is quite a classy place so dress nicely! I must admit coming here made me regret not bringing heels with me- I know backpackers don't have space for heels but it is not the point! I managed to find a $10 discount card so drinks were a little bit cheaper. I would advise predrinks beforehand because like most of the establishments not aimed at backpackers, it can be quite pricey! Regardless of this we had such a good night and even managed to walk around the harbour before we came home. 

Visions of Vienna 

This was quite possibly the best thing we did in Sydney. I have always liked the idea of going to see an Opera at Sydney Opera House however travellers budgets don't always allow for that and also you need to coincide your trips with dates. We were lucky enough to see w poster in our hostel advertising the Visions of Vienna event. 

The event itself consisted of a light show that was projected on to the Opera House that you could watch from Campbell's Cove. Not only did the light show consist of artwork and photographs but also projections of the opera being performed. As well as this, they played the opera on speakers at the event. This event was FREE! In my opinion, the perfect opportunity to backpackers- check these events out or even if you miss out on tickets, check to see if anything like this is going on so you don't miss out completely! 

 Scary Canary 

 By staying at Base, Scary Canary was so convenient as it's just next door. They have several deals on throughout the week including free pasta on a Tuesday with the purchase of a drink, steak and mash for $7 on a Monday. Furthermore, if you download the Base app then you can get 20% of all main meals- I would recommend the steak! 

 Lentils

I was introduced to this adorable restaurant by a fellow traveller. Situated in Newtown it is slightly further out but it's definitely worth the train journey! The premise behind the restaurant is that you pay what you think the meal us worth. All meals are vegetarian; the selection is good with spaghetti marinara, a selection of curry dishes including a sublime coconut curry dish and a red bean soup. The restaurant is run by volunteers and the service is great. You can spot it easily because there is always a queue but you are seated quickly. This is a must to check out whilst in Sydney! 

 Sydney Fish Market 

This is a must! It is a 20 minute walk from the city centre but you can get the light rail if you don't fancy the walk. When you approach the fish market, don't judge by appearances because it does look like a random car park before you get closer. However, the quality of the food is amazing! We had a seafood platter from one of the sellers and it was amazing. The quality of the fresh fish to be taken away and cooked was unreal also and there was such a wide selection. Furthermore, the place itself is not that expensive- we shared a $15 seafood share platter and there was more than enough between us.

I absolutely love my time in Sydney. It is an amazing city with so much to offer and I can't wait to go back again! 

Love Imogen xoxo