Loving All of Sydney, Australia in a Few Days

Sydney was quite the city! Learning how to surf was definitely a challenge needing lots of patience. Miami does not have waves to do this kind of excursion, so falling off the board was natural, to say the least. Even though I learned the technique before trying to surf. It is all a mental game!

Bondi Beach

We split into two groups– those learning how to surf and those with a bit more practice. My group learned with 1:1 time with the instructors to get to know our strengths/ weaknesses. In retrospect, paying AUD $70 for surfing was worth it. The other group learned by putting their knowledge to the test– the hands-on experience, if you will. If you are interested in surfing, ask for someone willing to teach you, answer your questions, and help you throughout the few hours you are paying for. That is truly what made it worth the time.

Fish Bowl

Picture poke bowls on the beach… *Chef’s kiss.* They had great options too!!! We got the miso salmon, with a brown rice base, and the “OG with sushi rice base.”

The Gap Park, Watson’s Bay

Our tour guide told us about a story of one of the residents, Don Richie, who moved into the home across the cliff decades ago. Through the years, he would see locals and tourists commit suicide on the cliff across his home. Being from a military background, he felt brave to speak to these individuals long enough to invite them over to his humble abode. Mr. Richie would invite them for tea and talk out their feelings, in turn, saving them without them knowing.

Throughout Don Richie’s lifetime, it became evident that his impact would have these people come back and thank him for saving their lives. It was said that more than 164 locals and tourists were saved because of his generous act of inviting them for tea. He passed away in 2012 and lived a rewarding life. Those people will never forget him and still visit the area to commemorate Don Richie.

Watson’s Bay is a mostly residential area with recreational areas and beaches, including Camp Cove and a legal nude beach at Lady Bay. Some restaurants, cafes, and a hotel are located here. The coastal walk with ocean views of the Gap along South Head makes Watson’s Bay a popular tourist attraction in Sydney.

Gap Park

Other places we visited:

• Opal Museum
  • Opal is Australia’s stone
  • 95% of opal in the world is found in Australia
  • Black opal is the rarest
• Queen Victoria Building – QVB Mall
  • Located in the Sydney Central Business District
  • Built in 1898 and designed by 28-year-old architect, George McRae
  • Built as a monument to the long-reigning monarch

Let’s Talk Foodie

One of my favorite spots was a last-minute girl’s dinner at the Opera Bar. We thought we needed reservations, but apparently, they do not have that. We got lucky with a spot I found in perfect view of the Opera House when the sunset came in. The weather was perfect too!!! As for the food, while there were not many options, the portions were large. I think the best time to come would be for sunset. The photos were immaculate!

OPERA BAR

outdoor restaurant

Close to the Hotel

Sushi Ichi Bar

A hole in the wall for sure! We all love seafood, so a few of the girls from the EF group went into this sushi spot to share a meal. It was a tight space, but the quality of the food was great. I got miso soup and the Ichi beef aburi roll.

Betty’s Burgers

This burger joint is hard to miss!!! They have so many around town and each has that diner feel inside. It is adorable– from the branding to the decor inside to the colors they used for packaging– very much thought out! We sat upstairs to enjoy the view. of town, ate burgers and drank milkshakes, and enjoyed each other’s company. If you are a Miami native or even visiting my hometown, imagine Big Pink in Miami Beach with two floors.

Momma’s Bar & Kitchen

One of EF’s favorite dinner spots for the group turned into memories with Ben’s group. We reserved our meals in advanced to make sure it was all ready by the time we arrived at this Italian joint. I ordered the Sex on the Beach cocktail, ate the mushroom risotto, and for dessert had the tiramisu and chocolate mousse. Everything was delicious and homemade.

Bars and Speakeasies in Sydney

Cargo Bar

We went around town to explore Ben’s favorite three-floor bar in Sydney to dance the night away. The first floor was part indoor and outdoor; the second floor was where the lounges were; and the third floor was the rooftop area (closed for the rain). There may have been a little Bad Bunny playing too… Thanks, Ari!

Earl’s Juke Joint

If you know me, you know I have to go to some type of speakeasy on my trips. This one was specifically a butcher’s shop turned into a jazzy dinner spot. It had all the New Orleans feel to it, which the dim lights, jazz music playing, and the small candles as center pieces.

Stitch Bar

THIS SPEAKEASY WAS AN EXPERIENCE! There was a country vibe walking in, and stairs to walk down to the bar with little reading booths. Lots of old town newspaper-style decor. I loved this speakeasy more than the previous one because it just felt more like the vibe I was looking for. It was also well recommended by our tour guide!

We had so so much fun in Sydney! It felt like the city life Miami. or Chicago are, but we went to Biondi Beach and hang around town. Mostly the best of both worlds. The transportation was easy to use and it was free from the Beach to the hotel. Sadly, this was our last stop in Australia…

We’re flying into Queenstown, New zealand next– the adventure capital!

PS We stayed at IBIS Budget Sydney East | 191-201 William St, Darlinghurst NSW 2010, Australia

*EF is a travel group that plans trips all over the world. I’ve gone on a few trips with their groups in my life because it’s a fun way of traveling with like-minded people around your age group, meeting travelers nationwide, and you don’t have to plan anything! I got to know so many tour directors and have made so many memories, that they gave me the opportunity to become an EF Ambassador. I even get to give you a special link as a first-time traveler to get $100 per traveler you and your buddies go on! Just tap away here and find a trip that’s right for you. And if you have any questions, as always, let me know!