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6 Of The Best Coastal Walks In Sydney

admin — Sat, 09 Mar 2024 21:57:48 +0000

As a city, some of the world’s best coastal walks are in Sydney. Sydney boasts around 200 km or 125 miles of continuous coastline linked by walking trails. From Palm Beach in the north to Cronulla in the south, you could spend weeks hiking Sydney’s coastline or 60 hours to be precise! If you’ve got a short visit to Sydney it’s definitely worth trying to incorporate a few of the stunning coastal walks into your itinerary. It’s a great way to experience Sydney’s gorgeous outdoor lifestyle which is so much about the harbour. Make a day of it if you can, bring a picnic lunch or plan your journey around stopping at one of the many devine Sydney cafes this city has to offer!

The list below includes my favourite coastal walks around Sydney.

Bondi to Coogee coastal walk by Pinterest

Bondi to Coogee coastal walk

Probably one of the busiest coastal walks in Sydney, the 6km stretch between Bondi to Coogee has been a popular Sydney walk for some time. The walk either starts or finishes at Australia’s famous Bondi Beach and Bondi Icebergs pool and passes through the rugged sandstone cliffs to Coogee via boardwalks and the mansions of the eastern suburbs. Time your walk around a meal in Bondi – there are plenty of amazing cafes to choose from.

For three weeks every October, the section of coastline between Bondi and Tamarama hosts Sculpture by the Sea. The free public exhibition is the largest annual sculpture exhibition in the world.

Distance: 6km

Time: About 3 hours

Watsons Bay to Bondi Beach coastal walk

Definitely a favourite of mine! Catch a ferry from Circular Quay passing through Sydney’s iconic harbour to start your walk from Wastons Bay. Walk out towards the Hornby Lighthouse to catch views towards Sydney Harbour. Follow the coastline south checking out the views and vistas from the viewing platforms along the rugged coastline. You may even catch a glimpse of some migrating humpback whales between July and September or Aussie birds in the trees and scrub.

Distance: 5km

Time: 1.5 hours

Sydney Harbour Bridge Walk

Okay technically a pedestrian bridge crossing, not a coastal walk but walking the Harbour Bridge is one of my favourite things to do in Sydney. This harbour city is like no other and the views from the bridge are absolutely breathtaking. Catching my first glimpses of the Opera House from the bridge always brings a smile from ear to ear. You can walk across the bridge via the pedestrian walk for way free of charge in just 20 minutes or via over the top bridge span with Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb for about $200. The Pylon look out can be accessed for $15 from the pedestrian footbridge and offers views over the city skyline and harbour also.

Extend your walk by exploring the surrounding villages of the Rocks and Kirribilli.

Distance: 1.5 km

Time: 20 mins (one way)

Spit to Manly coast walk

Spit Bridge to Manly coastal walk

One of my personal favourites, the Spit Bridge to Manly walk travels along the harbour taking in bushland, ocean views and Aboriginal rock engravings. This walk spans about 10km in length and can be started at either end but I personally like finishing up in Manly, for a drink or ice cream then to ferry back to the city or to a parked car at the Spit Bridge.

When the weather is warm be sure to bring your swimmers for a dip in the ocean, there are many beaches along the way for you to cool down in.

Distance: 10 km

Time: 4-5 hours

Taronga Zoo to Balmoral Beach coastal walk

This walk ticks all the boxes for iconic Sydney experiences starting with a ferry ride with picturesque harbour views to Taronga Zoo. The harbour views just keep getting better as you follow the coastline north towards Balmoral.

Distance: 7km

Time: About 2-3 hours

Barrenjoey lighthouse walk

A visit to Palm Beach just isn’t complete without walking to the tip of the northern beaches to Barrenjoey Headland. This is a relatively quick walk of 30 minutes one way and is quite steep in places. Walking from the beach via Smugglers Track, the path to the Barrenjoey Headland takes in 360 degree views back towards Palm Beach and Pittwater. Making it to the top of the lighthouse you’ll see vast views of the Pacific Ocean, the Hawkesbury River and the still waters of Pittwater and Broken Bay.

Distance: 3km

Time: 1 hour (return)

24 Hours In Sydney, Australia – The Best Things To Do

admin — Sat, 24 Feb 2024 01:26:05 +0000

You’ve only got 24 hours in Sydney?! A short stop over?! Too bad, there is so much to do and see in Sydney, but with this guide you’ll be able to hit the hotspots giving you a good taste of this gorgeous harbour city.

This blog post has been inspired the countless times I’ve given this advice when asked “What should I do when I have 24 hours in Sydney?” Usually this happens when I’m flying back from a trip and sitting next to someone who is in town for work or on a brief lay over. It’s also been tried and tested by the countless times I had friends visit or when I’ve had a short stay in Sydney.

Morning in Bondi Beach

A trip to Sydney, wouldn’t be complete without a visit to Australia’s most famous beach, Bondi. Start your day early to fit as much as you can into the day – you’re only in Sydney for a day after all.

Bondi Beach is known for it’s extensive organic and gate-to-plate movement cafes. It makes a great place to grab breakfast during your 24 hours in Sydney. Some Bondi breakfast favs include Harry’s Cafe, Brown Sugar or Lox Stock & Barrel.

Bondi Beach

What to do in Bondi?

Bondi Beach

Make your way to the iconic Bondi Beach, easily Australia’s most famous beach. Here you may find the life guards filming Bondi Rescue or the beautiful people of Bondi doing their morning exercise.

Bondi Icebergs

Bondi Icebergs

Bondi Icebergs is the home to Australia and one of the world’s oldest surf clubs. Take a dip in the icebergs pool or just admire the view.

Bondi to Coogee walk via Pinterest

Bondi to Coogee coastal walk

Easily Sydney’s most popular coastal walk, the Bondi to Coogee coastal walk is a tourist favourite. The 6km pathway links the eastern beaches of Sydney passing sandstone cliffs, mansions and views to die for!

Sculptures by the Sea 2018

In late October to early November every year, Sculpture by the Sea takes place along the Bondi to Tamarama coastline. Sculpture by the Sea is the largest outdoor sculpture exhibition in the world.

Between June – July and September – October watch for migrating whales.

How to get to Bondi

Arriving by plane:

From the Sydney Airport, make your way downstairs in the International or Domestic terminals following signs to the train station. Make your way to Central Station, it’s only 2 stops from the domestic terminal and 3 from the international terminal. This is a great place to start your Sydney adventures.

Arriving by cruise ship:

If arriving by cruise ship, you’ll arrive in Circular Quay. From Albert Street bus bay, catch the bus to Bondi Beach. The trip will take about 45 minutes.

Arriving by bus/train:

If arriving by bus or train, you’ll most likely you’ll arrive to Central Train Station. Central Station, is the major transport hub. From here make your way to platform 4 to take a train to Bondi Junction. Once you arrive at Bondi Junction, take the 333 bus to Bondi Beach.

How to get back to the city:

When you’ve completed the Bondi to Coogee walk, take the bus back to Circular Quay. It will take about 40 mins to get back into central Sydney.

Afternoon in Sydney

Sydney Harbour

Sydney Harbour

Arriving in Circular Quay you are in the heart of Sydney Harbour. You might call it the tourist heart of Sydney. Take some time to wander around the waterfront, watching the bustling harbour with ferries constantly moving people around the city.

Opera House

Once you’ve wandering around the waterfront a bit, make your way towards Sydney’s Opera House. Grab lunch here at the Opera Bar for stunning views over the harbour.

Alternatives to lunch could include any of the German pubs in The Rocks – the next stop on your itinerary. Otherwise, nearby Mr Wong, is a popular little Cantonese bar with fantastic food.

The Rocks

The Rocks

The Rocks is Sydney’s oldest neighbourhood and adjoins Sydney Harbour. It marks the place where the first Europeans settled Australia. Wander the cobbled stones streets, stop off for a beer at some of Australia’s oldest pubs or visit the galleries, museums or stock up on Australian souvenirs at the markets on Saturday, if that’s your thing.

Take a ferry

Make your way to Circular Quay’s ferry terminal to take a short ferry trip on the harbour to Barangaroo. On your way you’ll pass by the Opera House, pass under the Sydney Harbour Bridge and then onto Luna Park. Luna Park is an amusement park also located on Sydney Harbour.

Barangaroo

The city once turned its’ back to this corner of Sydney’s central business district and with good reason, it was a large industrial ship yard. Barangaroo is one of the world’s largest urban renewal projects. Once the last stage is complete in 2024, it will be not only be home for 3,500 people but also home to high end restaurants, a world-renowned casino and expansive parklands, plazas and coves. Spending some time wandering around to take it all in.

Dinner

To finish your 24 hours in Sydney, stay within the Barangaroo precinct for plenty of food options. And by plenty of food options I mean many of the city’s best. While you can’t go wrong with any, some stand outs are Zushi Barangaroo (Japanese), Anason (Turkish), Cirrus Dining (seafood), Ume Burger or The Meat and Wine Co.

How to get around in 24 hours

The most cost affective way to see Sydney is to use the public transport network. Sydney’s public transport network is world class and locals rely on it to get around for work and fun. Sydney locals use their ‘opal card’ as their transport ticket which can be reused and ‘topped up’. It is free to obtain but a minimum of $20 needs to be loaded for adults and $10 for students and seniors.

For visitors to Sydney, you can get an opal card or use your own contactless credit or debit card or mobile device. Purchasing a single ticket is also available on some services. For all you need to know about paying on Sydney’s transportation network, click through here.

If you’d prefer you can also Uber or taxi for more direct trip.

Where to stay with 24 hours in Sydney

Assuming your 24 hours in Sydney is a lay over while travelling by air, it is suggested you stay close to the airport to allow for ….

Got longer than 24 hours in Sydney?

Check out my favourite coastal walks in Sydney

Or plan your time wisely hitting up all the best places to eat in Sydney. Read my post on best brunch spots in Sydney.

The post 24 Hours In Sydney, Australia – The Best Things To Do appeared first on Follow The Sun Seeker.

Best Brunch In Sydney

admin — Sat, 17 Feb 2024 16:12:01 +0000

Over the last few years I’ve spent almost a year living in Sydney and over another year flying in and out for work. I’ve managed to scope out the best places for brunch in Sydney’s inner city and I visit them repeatedly! Here are the best, of the best brunch places in Sydney – enjoy!

Rueben Hills

This hipster Surry Hills brunch spot oozes Melbourne vibes. Located on Albion Street, blink and you’ll miss the Rueben Hills sign (as I’ve done too often). Rueben Hills’ menu is inspired by trips to Latin America to buy coffee. The menu offers something a bit different and the coffee just as good. The soft eggs and polenta porridge are some of my go-tos.

Rueben Hills is easily one of the best brunch places you’ll find in Sydney.

Bircher muesli – Four Ate Five, Surry Hills

Four Ate Five

I walk 20 minutes through Surry Hills’ streets in the rain for a Four Ate Five breakfast. Easily one of the best brunch in Sydney, it’s highly encouraged that you visit this gem. Four Ate Five has a small yet wonderful menu and I can’t help but order their apple, macadamia & coconut bircher every time. Always hopeful to branch out, the seasonal fruit gets me every time.

by Paramount Coffee Project

Paramount Coffee Project

Located on the edge of Surry Hills and the city, Paramount Coffee Project is without a doubt one of the best places for brunch in Sydney. The menu brings the classics but with a little bit extra – think bacon and egg roll which features kale, garlic scrambled eggs or banana bread with passionfruit cream (yum!).

Paramount Coffee Project Paramount Coffee Project is also one of my favourite brunch places to people watch. With a constant stream of people coming through it’s a good indication that the coffee is on-point.

Single O brunch

Single O

There are two Single O cafes in inner city Sydney, one in Surry Hills and the other in the CBD. Single O is my favourite for coffee, and has a pretty fine selection of food. My go-to being the avo on rye with beetroot hummus plus a poaches egg – it’s easy to see why Single O is one of the best brunch in Sydney.

Pablo and Rusty

This little inner city cafe serves up Sydney favourite Single O coffee. You’d be forgiven for thinking you were in a bustling New York cafe. This funky urban cafe will leave you wanting more… baked apple granola, whipped macadamia cream, truffles toasties, fried green tomato benny, plus an amazing display of pastries.

Celsuis by @lickyourphone

Celsius

For a very unique Sydney experience, catch the ferry to Kirribilli and dine on the Kirribilli waterfront taking in views over the harbour. The food draws in crowds from all over the city. The menu is ever changing but expect to see their signature waffles and Celsius’ take on eggs benedict with spiced lamb.

More on Sydney coming soon! For more on planning your Sydney trip – check out Destination Sydney.

The post Best Brunch In Sydney appeared first on Follow The Sun Seeker.