Be a traveler, not a tourist, in Sydney
It’s summer in Sydney and fortunately I’m in town. After a few weeks in San Francisco and New York, I welcome the warm weather in Sydney, a place I happily call home. This is a great time of year to visit; even though it’s high Summer, Sydney is a coastal city and sea breezes keep the temperature comfortable. If it’s your first trip, here are some tips to ensure you get off to a great start!
If your plane to Sydney lands early in the day, and most do, resist the urge to nap and head just 10 or so clicks (kilometers) beyond downtown for an authentic urban experience along the Bondi to Bronte walk.
This very special 2.5k walk starts at the world famous Bondi Beach. The journey takes you past the Bondi Surf Bathers’ Life Saving Club, Mackenzies Beach and Tamarama, on your way to Bronte Beach, home to the world’s oldest life saving club, Bronte Surf Life Saving Club (1903). This area has a rather strong rip current, so always use great caution and swim between the red and yellow flags - that’s the patrolled area - if you decide to sport your cozzie (swimsuit) and jump in for a cool-down.
Both Bronte and Bondi feature a great selection of cafes specialising in breakfast and brunch: you’ll discover Australian breakfasts are a little different to what you’re used to, even if you don’t try the Vegemite on your toast. And if you’re not so hungry because you ate breakfast on the plane (you poor thing!), there are plenty of cafes at which to grab a quick flat white (caffe latte), short black (espresso), long black (espresso diluted with water) or a regular coffee, and perhaps a biscuit (cookie).
You’re certain to love this walk. The many beaches, clubs, surfers, joggers, walkers and homes along the way scream “Australia!” louder than any guidebook could ever manage. And, with a little help from the sunshine (and Vitamin D), your body clock will naturally start to readjust.
At the end of your walk, a bus (AUD $3) or a cab (AUD $20) are easy to pick up back to downtown Sydney.
By the way, if you’re feeling adventurous, you could try a Bondi Beach surfing lesson. And there are many ways to continue your experience throughout Sydney, including a leisurely Sydney Harbour sailing cruise, an adrenaline-pumping Sydney Harbour high-speed jet boat ride, a behind-the-scenes look at the world-famous Sydney Opera House, a Sydney helicopter tour (which has a four-star traveler rating) or an aerial view of it all from the Sydney Skywalk.
How do you unwind from it all? Easy. Sip on a sub-zero cool-down cocktail at the Minus5 Ice Lounge. And tomorrow? Why not take a Blue Mountains day tour. Or if you need more inspiration check out Viator’s complete list of things to do in Sydney, and then decide.
Get articles like this one delivered to your favorite RSS feed reader. Subscribe to Viator Travel Blog now.