AND WILL CAPTURE YOUR HEART
Put Sydney on your bucket list if it’s not already there! This city blends natural beauty, and urban sophistication with a unique vibe you only find in Australia. The iconic white sails of the Sydney Opera House, the stunning coastal landscapes, a vibrant cultural scene, and a laid-back Aussie charm are only a few reasons why Sydney is the ultimate travel destination and will capture your heart for certain.
Australia was never at the top of my bucket list. It didn’t seem quite exotic enough to be worth flying all the way around the world. What did Australia have that couldn’t be found somewhere else, besides venomous snakes, spiders, jellyfish, ants, bees, and octopuses? Well, maybe the famous Sydney Opera House!
View From 13th Floor
During our journey across the US, we had planned on staying in Austin, Texas, for a month, after we left Florida. However, amazing things can happen when you leave a door open for opportunities. My husband had to travel three weeks to Sydney for work, and I defied my fear of venomous creatures and tagged along. Austin or Australia? It seemed like an obvious choice.
On our first day in Sydney, I found myself, constantly gazing out the panoramic windows of our small Airbnb. I was overwhelmed with emotions, and all I could think was, “I’m in Sydney! What took me so long?”
To be on the safe side, I had booked an apartment on the 13th floor, convinced that snakes and spiders rarely take the elevator. We were facing Hyde Park, a beautiful green oasis in the heart of the Central Business District (CBD) with impressive highrises and the Sydney Tower Eye as a backdrop.
View of Sydney skyline and Hyde Park from our 13th-floor apartment
Sydney CBD (Central Business District)
Hyde Park
We arrived very early on a Saturday morning. As soon as the city seemed to have woken up we ventured out. We stepped into Hyde Park and followed a picturesque walkway lined with tall fig trees. Along the way, we were greeted by a flock of Australian white ibis strolling around the park. These big black and white birds, with their long, downward-curving black beak and black, featherless heads, were the first sign that Sydney was more exotic than I had thought.
Historic monument and Australian white ibis in Hyde Park
Loud, harsh screeches in the trees above us were another sign of how wildlife blends into everyday urban life in Sydney. Flocks of charismatic snow-white cockatoos with a pale-yellow crest could be seen and heard everywhere. These Sulphur-crested Cockatoos are native to Australia and are iconic symbols of Australian wildlife.
Hyde Park was lush and green even in May when Australia was heading into its winter season. We enjoyed several sights along the way. The Archibald Fountain, the ANZAC Memorial, and the Sandringham Garden & Fountain, to mention a few. At the eastern edge of Hyde Park, we passed St. Mary’s Cathedral, an impressive Gothic-style cathedral. However, we were on a mission, heading towards one of the most iconic landmarks in the world, – the Sydney Opera House.
St. Mary’s Cathedral
Sydney Opera House
As we got closer to the Sydney Harbor, we were awestruck by the sculptural white sails of this architectural marvel. The Sydney Opera House is located at Bennelong Point and is surrounded by water on three sides. It offers stunning views of the Harbor Bridge and the city skyline.
Sydney Opera House up close
As a Dane, I am proud to say that the Opera House was designed by Danish architect Jørn Utzon in 1957. It’s a globally recognized representation of modern architecture and has become a symbol of Sydney. It’s simply fascinating in every aspect.
The Opera House is a multi-venue performing arts center and offers different guided tours to explore the interior, learn about the history, and get behind-the-scenes insights.
Harbor Bridge
Sydney Harbor Bridge is another captivating, hard-to-miss landmark in Sydney. This impressive steel arch bridge is called “Coathanger” because of its distinctive shape. It’s an important transportation link, but also a symbol of unity, bringing together diverse communities across Sydney Harbor. The bridge is another way to experience incredible views of the stunning coastline, the vibrant city skyline, the harbor, and the Opera House.
If you’re up for an adventure, the Bridge Climb offers guided climbs up the steel arch.
Sydney Harbor Bridge and Opera House seen across the water from scenic trail
Sydney Harbor
One of the things I love most about Sydney is the way it’s built around a winding harbor. Sydney Harbor is a breathtaking natural wonder where inlets, bays, and headlands shape the layout of the city. Small islands are scattered in the deep blue waters, and framed by lush greenery and dramatic cliffs.
The harbor is surrounded by walking trails and they are a fantastic way to explore the area. We followed a scenic trail winding along the coastline, connecting several of the harbor’s most beautiful parks and historic landmarks.
Royal Botanic Garden
The trail brought us to the Royal Botanic Garden, one of the oldest botanic gardens in the world. It’s such a peaceful place, showcasing rare and exotic plants from around the world, as well as interesting art installations. From Mrs Macquarie’s Chair, a sandstone rock cut into the shape of a bench, we had one of the best viewpoints of the harbor.
Allan in the Royal Botanic Garden
A fig tree in the Royal Botanic Garden
Coastal Energy and Cosmopolitan Vibe
La Niña had brought consistent rain to Sydney for almost 3 months before we arrived. During our first weekend in Sydney, the rain took a break, and we had a couple of wonderful sunny days before the rain returned.
As we explored the iconic sights in the warm Autumn sun and enjoyed delicious food and drinks at the waterfront restaurants we sensed the unique “Sydney vibe,” a blend of laid-back coastal energy and cosmopolitan vitality. Different cultures seemed to blend effortlessly, creating a welcoming, easygoing, and inclusive environment. It was hard to imagine that Australia only recently had fully reopened its international borders after nearly two years of pandemic-related closings.
View of Sydney highrises from the Royal Botanic Garden
The Rocks
Later in the afternoon, we headed up the hill to The Rocks. This is a fascinating historic area that combines cobblestone streets and colonial architecture with trendy cafes, bars, and fine dining. The Rocks’ open-air weekend market is a great place to buy souvenirs. They have everything from handcrafted souvenirs to fun jewelry, and local art.
We bought some freshly made Turkish bread filled with spinach and chicken at one of the many food stalls. Then we headed over to the Harbor Bridge and had a little a little picnic. From under the bridge, we had an amazing view of the harbor while listening to live music from the market.
Food stalls at the Rocks weekend market
Observatory Park
Before heading back to the apartment, we walked up to Observatory Park. This park is home to an astronomical observatory built in 1858, now serving as a museum. It is perched on a hill in the heart of the city and offers more stunning panoramic views of Sydney Harbor and Darling Harbor on the opposite side. Sculptures and art installations along the observatory give the park a unique atmosphere combining art, science, and natural beauty.
View of Harbor Bridge and Darling Harbor from Observatory Park
With sore feet and a few blisters, we walked through the city back to the apartment just in time to see the sunset from the 13th floor. Our first day in Sydney had been magical and so was the sunset.
View of Sydney skyline and Hyde Park at sunset from our 13th-floor apartment
Manley
Circular Quay
Sydney relies a great deal on ferries to connect the different neighborhoods and suburbs. The ferries are an efficient means of transportation (faster and more direct than driving, and no traffic congestion) but also an extremely scenic, enjoyable, and affordable way to get around.
Circular Quay is the central terminal for ferries and is located right next to the Opera House. It’s also a bustling area filled with high-rises, shops, restaurants, and cultural landmarks.
Ferries and Harbor Bridge at Circular Quay
Taking the Ferry
Sunday morning, we took a scenic 30-minute ferry ride from Circular Quay to Manly. Manly is located on the Northern Beaches, and this beachside suburb is one of the most popular destinations in Sydney. The ferry ride was one of the highlights of the day since the whole area is even more spectacular from the water.
View of Sydney Harbor from the ferry to Manly
Manley Beach
We arrived at Manly Wharf, a lively district with shops, outdoor restaurants, and cafes. Most of these places have beautiful views of the harbor, especially at sunset. From here there we took a short walk to the beach on the other side of the peninsula. We stopped at a cozy coffee shop on the way. Then, walked along Manly Beach’s long stretch of golden sand, taking in the crashing waves and relaxed atmosphere.
Coffee shop with a large mural in Manly
Manly has a strong surf culture, with waves suitable for all skill levels. Even though it was late Autumn, the sun had attracted lots of families and surfers to the beach.
We took a break at the Cabbage Tree Bay Aquatic Reserve, an area aiming to protect marine life and popular among diving and snorkeling enthusiasts. At the edge of The Fairy Bower Rockpool, a small triangular ocean pool built by locals in 1929, people were soaking up the sun.
Walk along the rugged coast in Manly
We walked further along the rocky shore to Shelly Beach, a sheltered cove with calm waters ideal for snorkeling and diving. It’s one of the top snorkeling spots in Sydney, known for its vibrant marine life, with colorful fish and corals visible just a few meters offshore.
The Fairy Bower Rockpool in Manly
If we had kept walking along the rugged coastline for about 10 kilometers, we could have done the famous coastal Manly to Spit Bridge Walk. It’s a moderate 3–4-hour hike, passing through stunning coastal scenery, secluded beaches, and picturesque lookouts. This hike looks like something you would want to do if you have the time.
Corso – Downtown Manly
We went back along the beach to explore more of downtown Manly and the bustling pedestrian street Corso. Here, we got drinks and snacks at the rooftop bar at the historic Hotel Steyne. The coastal energy from the Corso below, the rhythmic sound of waves, and the salty breeze in the air made it easy to see why Manly is one of Sydney’s most popular destinations.
“Surf Vibe” in Manly
Corso, seen from the rooftop bar at Hotel Steyne
Sunset Ferry Ride
Leaving Manly right before sunset
We couldn’t have timed it any better as we got on the ferry back to Sydney. The sun was setting, and a tender twilight glow gradually transformed into a stunning shimmer of high-rises reflecting off the waters. An illuminated Opera House as the centerpiece. Another magical ending to an amazing day.
On our way back we had dinner at a trendy and colorful Southeast Asian restaurant called MuMu. We had no expectations but were impressed by the bold flavors and modern take on Asian cuisine.
Sydney skyline and Opera House at night
Sydney Opera House at night
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More adventures from the Sydney neighborhoods, the Blue Mountains, Taronga ZOO, and Watson Bay coming soon!
Check out the travel journal for more destinations, – especially across the US.
Interested in my take on midlife while traveling as a digital nomad? Check out the midlife journal