Introduction

I’ve been to Australia a couple of times thus far, and it does not disappoint. The first thing to remember is Australia’s seasons are the opposite of ours; so hotter months are actually December to March. And traveling there from the US is actually a 2 day event - but totally worth it. And here’s why...

Sydney

Some of the must see’s and do’s in Australia whilst stationed in Sydney would be Sydney (duh), Sydney Harbor bridge, quays (pronounced keys), Bondi Beach, Manly Beach, Blue Mountains, and Featherdale Sydney Wildlife Park. You’ll be walking, hiking, beaching, and site seeing as you soak in all that New South Wales has to offer.

Let’s start with Sydney itself. Naturally, you need to visit the Opera House, Royal Botanical Garden, historic Sydney, the street fair under the Harbour Bridge, Circular Quay (all the cruise ships dock there), Modern Museum of Art (free admission), then a ferry ride to the Sydney Zoo if that tickles your fancy (I’ve heard its great but I’m not a zoo type of gal). 

Beaches

There are 2 beaches I would recommend - Bondi Beach and Manly Beach. Bondi is the most popular with a decent beach front and waves for days. There is a coastal trail at Bondi where you get to be in and on the cliffs overlooking the waves that crash against them and experience the true majesty of the Bondi Beach waves. Manly Beach is more remote and actually home to fairy penguins (so cute). We also kayaked there so that you can see those remote beaches. Manly Kayak Centre offers guided tours. They also do paddle boarding, but the waters can get rough so better to kayak.

Outdoors & Wildlife

Lastly, I did a day trip to Blue Mountains and Featherdale Sydney Wildlife Park. Blue Mountains boast hundreds of species of eucalyptus trees which omit this gorgeous blue haze on the horizon. The air is crisp and fresh, and the views are stunning. You get to ride the steepest train which felt like a roller coaster, and hike to the 3 sisters which was steep and fun, and the visitors center. Other tours offer more stops and like national parks here, there are plenty of look out spots and trails if you have time. Featherdale Sydney Wildlife Park is home to kangaroos, wallabies, koala bears, tasmanian devil, and several other animals. The roos and wallabies are just freely jumping around waiting to eat from your hand and greet you. The devil is fenced off because, well, they are dangerous! And the koala bear was so soft and gorgeous. Great way to interact with animals native to Australia.

Food and whatnot:

Eating or drinking at the Opera Bar right by the Opera House is super fun and usually has some live music. A lot of seating available but usually packed at those prime drinking times.

My favorite restaurant is Spice Room at Circular Quay - just mouth wateringly delicious Indian cuisine. My favorite food strip is Spice Alley in Chippendale. And if you like architecture, there are some Frank Gehry buildings at the university of technology close by. Anzac Memorial and St Mary’s Cathedral area also quite incredible.

 Must dos:

• Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb at sunset - more expensive but worth it. Recommend reserving well before arriving in Sydney as spots are limited daily and sunset sells out the fastest.

• Blue Mountains and Featherdale day trip - just no reason to not do it!

• Bondi to Bronte coastal walk - the trail is so exhilarating, cliff side, gorgeous views, freeing

 Tips:

• Sydney is EXPENSIVE! A bottle of water will cost you almost $5 USD So I typically try to grab a case of water from a grocery store versus buying on the go. Be sure to budget wisely!

• Purchase an international plan for data - you don’t want to be stranded without being able to grab an uber. Also, converters for electric devices.

• Book a hotel that offers or partners with tours/excursions around the area. Makes life so much easier! Most mid-range hotels will provide that service.

• Reserve your Bridge Climb experience as soon as possible.

• Be familiar with the lay of the land. It is easy to navigate around town since everyone has a smart phone.

• There really is an amazing vibe in Australia. The boys and I have traveled to many places, and Sydney is still my eldest sons’ favorite place in the world.

• Lemme know if you have any questions at all. Hope you enjoyed this read 😀