After leaving LAX on a Tuesday at 10:30PM, a 15 hour direct flight, and 2 edibles later, I woke up in Sydney on Thursday at 10AM. I was definitely nervous about this long of a flight, I've never been on a plane more than 8 hours. Luckily, I was able to sleep quite a bit of it, so it wasn't too bad and once you are on, what are you going to do? There is no getting off lol.
DAY 1
I arrive at my hotel, Amora Hotel Jamison Sydney, around 11AM and luckily was able to check-in. I already decided, I was not taking any naps today, I was going to power through, use the whole day to explore and try and get on this new time zone (+19 hours). I wash my face, change, a quick selfie, and I am off to The Rocks.
About a 10 minute walk from my hotel, you stumble upon The Rocks which is the oldest part of Sydney. The Rocks has cobbled laneways, cosy cafés and Australia's oldest pubs. It kind of reminds me of Greenwich village in NYC. There are a ton of cute restaurants, stores, weekend markets, art museums, street entertainment, and beautiful views of the harbor, Opera House, and bridge make this one of the coolest areas of the city. I really enjoyed walking around this neighborhood and then got some food. I kept it simple for my first meal, I got a burger, chips (fries) and a beer at Ribs &. Burgers (~22 USD), and enjoyed the view. This was my first meal alone, which was a little weird, but it quickly got better as the trip went on. Then I stopped by this cute shop, Get Drenched, and bought a bath bomb for the tub in my hotel (PS It was called 'One Day I'll Fly Away' and it was AMAZING!).
On a sunnier day, I headed up to the Sydney Observatory Hill Park (also in The Rocks) to tan and you also get a great view of the bridge and the city.
Next, I was on to check out the Queen Victoria Building. After about a 19 minute walk from The Rocks, which I recommend since you get to see this beautiful city, the Queen Victoria Building is basically a 5 story mall, in a beautiful historical building. While I did not do any shopping, besides a coffee, it's worth a look!
And just an 8 minute walk away, you can check out Hyde Park, which is like a little central park in the middle of the city. If you have some time to chill, have a coffee, read a book, this is the spot!
It was about 6PM and I went back to my hotel, got ready and I met up with a friend from LA who was in Sydney for a soccer tournament. We went to a bar, had some drinks, and danced the night away.
DAY 2
YAY, the sun is out. My initial impressions when walking around - Sydney is so clean, and the architecture of a lot of the buildings is super impressive. Also, they decked out the city for Pride. Literally everywhere you turned, there was a flag, or a painted walkway - rainbows on every turn, I loved it!
My first stop, The Royal Botanic Garden Sydney. So, they do have free guided tours that you can sign up for online. I did, and I started to do the tour, but beware it is SUPER plant technical, photosynthesis explanations, what's happening beneath the ground. If that is for you, totally sign up. It wasn't for me and I had to sneak away, which for me was so much better. The garden is beautiful and it was really nice to walk around and explore. I even laid down in one of the grassy areas for a bit and admired the nature around me.
A few minute walk away, of course is the iconic Sydney Oprah House and view of the Sydney Bridge. Loved it, so pretty!
Then, I headed back to The Rocks, where you can walk the bridge. I highly suggest this as well, you get some awesome views of the Oprah House, the city - and yes, it's free!
Nearing close to sunset I headed to Barangaroo - which is the perfect time to go (~15 minute walk from The Rocks). This area is right on the harbor with a ton of shopping and beautiful restaurants to eat at while admiring the water and city around you. I was alone, so I opted for Gelato - and watching the sunset.
I was so tired from the jam-packed day, I had dinner at a dumpling spot nearby, went back to the hotel and watched the Sydney World Pride Opening Concert with Kylie Minogue and Charlie XCX from bed and passed out.
DAY 3
Up early and off to Darling Harbour (~15 minute walk) for a World Pride spin class. The class was fun - hard, and I met Lauren and Helen, both from the states, who are studying in Sydney. Definitely prefer Barangaroo over Darling Harbour, but if you have time, I suggest checking it out.
Ok - now for the main event, the Sydney Mardi Gras Parade! I got ready, met up with some friends from LA for a pre-game, and then we headed to Oxford Street (this is the main street with LGBTQ+ Bars) in Darlinghurst. Impression: WOW! So many people, amazing floats, sexy & beautiful outfits. It was definitely a sight to see. I also met some really cool people along they way. After, we went to "THE Mardi Gras After Party" which is basically at the end of the parade, and tickets sell out way in advance. It was a lot of fun - they have 4 stages, playing all different types of music, one was outside, one had performances going on, and it goes until 8AM. These picture don't do it justice, the energy was unreal!
DAY 4
While many were heading to the Domain Dance Party - I had limited time in Sydney and it was the perfect beach day - I took an Uber and headed to Bondi Beach (~25 minutes away). I met up with my new friends I met from spin class and the Mardi Gras pre-game and it really was a beautiful beach and day. I didn't know this, but the UV index gets really high in Australia - which means the sun is that much stronger. So make sure you put that sunscreen on. The water is pretty clear and tons of surfers to watch.
The Açaà Bowl and Coffee from Harry's right by the beach was on point, and the Sushi at Raw Bar was really good!
I highly suggest the Bronte Coastal Walk to get some amazing views, and where you will pass the Bondi Icebergs and end at another very popular beach, Coogee Beach.
DAY 5
It was my last day in Sydney and I wanted to check out Manly Beach before I had to head to the airport to fly to Melbourne. I woke up early and walked down to Circular Quay port (~10 minutes) to take the Manly fast ferry, which runs about every 20 minutes, only takes 20 minutes and is ~$7USD each way. And it is totally worth it! The view from the ferry alone is stunning of the Oprah house and the Bridge. The beach is beautiful with the gorgeous trees outlining it on the pavement, and the town is a beach town, it's almost like you left the city life with skyscrapers, yet you are so close. I didn't have too much time here, I would suggest making a day trip out of it!
While I was at Manly Beach, I get an e-mail from Jetstar (an Australian airline) that my flight to Melbourne has been canceled due to technical issues. I re-book for 6PM instead of my original 2PM and decide I will still check out of my room and might as well check out the Barry's Bootcamp here since I go all the time in LA.. Class was great, and pretty much the same as in LA. The main differences are that the weights are not in pounds, most of the music wasn't your standard American pop, and the locker rooms were 1000x better.
I check my phone when I finish, and what do you know, I have another email from Jetstar that my flight has been canceled for the same reason. So, instead of getting worked up, I chose to remember my lessons pre-trip and remind myself everything can be figured out and to roll with what's given to me. I connect to the Barry's wifi, do a google search of flights, and book a flight on a different airline (REX) for 4PM (PS it's 1:30PM). I shower QUICK, get back to my hotel to grab my bags, and head to the airport for Melbourne!
I loved Sydney. It's a beautiful city, that is really clean, has a lot to do, and is close to some beautiful beaches. Most of all the sightseeing mentioned here is free, and I would say the prices in Sydney are quite comparable to Los Angeles.
Accommodation
-Stay: 5 nights in a Deluxe King Room; I paid $950 (Using a Corporate Discount)
-The Hotel is a '5 star hotel' - It was very nice, but old nice. It did not have updated accommodations like you would expect, ie. Smart TV, Bluetooth Speaker, USB Charging Ports.
-I would not suggest the Breakfast Buffet.
-Loved the Tub & the room has a fully stocked bar which is convenient.
-Location is AMAZING. I would 100% stay here again, or somewhere nearby since you can see so much so close, and by foot.
- The Tea 🫖 -
Very pretty, walkable, and clean city. Multiple different areas, with different vibes. Lots of places to eat with great views.
Everyone's friendly? Eh. Many were nice but the majority of times when at a restaurant or taking an Uber, it was quite transactional (possibly because most of these workers were foreign?). Whereas in LA it is quite friendly. It also can be since there is no tipping in Australia.
Everyone's Hot? Eh. Of course there were good looking people but it was not like they were on every corner as people make it seem. I think we could be spoiled in LA.
Food? Not good. I think the Sushi was my favorite meal. Everything was mediocre. Also, service tends to be very poor.
Huge on tap and pay. Makes it super fast and easy.
Alcohol is very expensive, they have many taxes on liquor. A higher percent alcohol bottle will be taxed more! Also, the alcohol is measured for mixed drinks.
The business attire is very dressy - not as relaxed as it is here in LA.
They wear a lot of perfume/cologne. As you walk the streets you smell people..and they smell good, so not complaining!
When ordering Iced Coffee - be prepared to have ice cream instead of ice.
Jetstar is known for Flight Cancelations and Delays - stay clear!
A few naps will be necessary! The Jet lag definitely kicks in.
PS. If you are using your phone for photos/videos & directions..it dies fast. Don't forget to pack an external battery charger like I did!
*Please note this is only my experience*
Would I go back? Definitely.
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