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 Açaí 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!
