Nine days in Sydney, Australia is ample opportunity to see everything Sydney has to offer and more. There is so much to do and see in the areas surrounding Sydney as well, including unlimited stunning beaches. As a busy-bee traveler, I make sure I don’t miss any iconic sights (hopefully I didn’t). I made a list of all the places I wanted to see and I accomplished my list and more. There were a few places (beaches of course) I even had the opportunity to see twice. Each suburb, neighbourhood, and area of Sydney has a unique feel about it so I wanted to stop in each area to get the best taste of Sydney.
As I mentioned in my Walking Sydney post, there is no greater way to get to know a city then by walking around with the locals. I try my best to become a “local” in each destination that I visit so that I feel at home in that place. I think I accomplished making Sydney my home for the nine days I was there.
Here are the places I saw in a nut-shell:
North Sydney:
Milson’s Point
Luna Park
Downtown Sydney & Sydney:
Circular Quay, promenade, & wharf buskers- didgeridoo, aboriginal art
Sydney Harbour & Ferry Ride
Sydney Harbour Bridge
Sydney Opera House & Opera Bar
Cahill Walk
St. Mary’s Cathedral & Cathedral Park
Hyde Park
Queen Victoria Building
Martin Place
Art off the Wall- Sydney’s Living in Colour, Summer 2014 city display
The Rocks
Walsh Bay & Miller’s Point- Bridge View
City Market & Sydney’s Paddy’s Markets
China Town & Hay Markey
Chinese Gardens
Harbour Side
Darling Harbour
Cockle Bay Wharf
Queen Elizabeth II Gate
Bennelong Precinct, Australian Native Rockery
Royal Botanical Gardens of Sydney to Woollomooloo (I love the name of this place)
The Domain- Government House, Government Gate, Palace Gardens, Lower Gardens, Palace Gardens Gate
The Ivy
Mascot Government Meat Pies
Suburbs and Neighbourhoods:
City Center- Architecture
Prymont- Coffee
Kingscoss- Shopping & Nightlife
Paddington- Fashion
Peamont- Café’s & Quiet Atmosphere
Surry Hills- Bohemian
Surrounding Areas:
Randwick
Hurstville
Blakehurst
Coogee & Coogee Beach
Dunningham Park
Paul’s Famous Hamburgers
Bondi & Bondi Beach
Wally Weeks Tidal Pool
Biddigal Reserve
Bondi Park, Iceburgs, Pavilion
Cabbage Tree Bay Coastal Walk
Maroubra & Maroubra Beach
Bronte & Bronte Beach
Bronte Park, Aquatic Reserve, Baths
Tamarama Beach View
Crunella
North Shore:
Manly Harbour, Wharf, Esplanade, Promenade
Manly Beach: “Surf City” (North & South Steyne)
Hurley Australia Open Surf Competition
Queenscliff
Queenscliff ocean pool
Shelly Beach
Two of my favourite places in Sydney are the Botanical Gardens and the Government House. I felt like Alice In Wonderland in a secret garden far away from the city. Although minutes from downtown, I felt like I was miles away. The park was the calm amidst the loud busy metropolitan city. I spent an afternoon exploring The Domain and The Bennelong Precinct, while enjoying the quiet away from the city. The flowers in the gardens are immaculate and the benches staggered throughout the park are the perfect place for a picnic. Both the Botanical Gardens and Government House have free entry! It was my favourite place to get some writing done in the shade of a tree on a hot Sydney afternoon.
So there you have it, my busy tour of Sydney. How did I do? Did I miss anything? I’d love to hear what your favourite places in Sydney are!
I went to Australia in my gap year and fell in love with Sydney! what an amazing city! x
You are right about that, Sydney is an amazing city. I am currently on my gap year and I have never been happier. What other countries did you travel to?
Jessica, Turquoise Compass
I just did Australia for three months and then Hong Kong. My sister was far more adventurous and went to India, Thailand, Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia and loved it! Which countries are you venturing to?x
Sounds amazing. For this trip I plan on doing Australia for 3 months and then I am not sure. Hopefully I will have time for NZ before I go home for a visit. Then I am off to Europe.
Seems like you’re planning to get the most out of your journey 🙂 Wishing you the best of weather and a safe journey!!
Thank you so much. My first 2.5 weeks in Australia have flown by. The weather has been good for the most part and the beaches are beautiful. This is the life.
Jessica, Turquoise Compass
Wow Jessica, I lived in Sydney for 16 years and you have done and seen things that I never have. Haha. Good on you! I love the Surry Hills area. I used to live in Glebe, it’s got a similar kind of vibe and is nearby.
Thanks for stopping by and for your comment. I am in love with Australia already. There is so much to see and do. Where do you live now?
No worries!
I’m so glad you love it, it’s a beautiful country.
I live in Spain now so I don’t go back often. I did go back last year though and it was great to visit!
Wow, Spain would be amazing! I would love to visit there!
Amazing post, Jessica! I need to make it to Australia one day.:) Looks like paradise. How long are you staying?
– Donna
I am staying 3.5 months! My longest trip this year!
oh wooooowwww!! You have tons of time to really explore Australia then. That’s amazing!!
Yeah I am pretty excited!
It’s a great city to visit.
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