From the towering sails of the Opera House to the majestic Harbour Bridge, Sydney is renowned for its iconic monuments. However, there’s more than meets the eye in the Harbour City, so venture off the beaten path and discover the city as the locals do.
With more than 100 stretches of sand to choose from, escape the hustle and bustle and follow the locals to the beach. For everything from surfing to windsurfing, parasailing to snorkelling, Manly’s Oceanside Beach is where it’s at. If you have the little ones in tow, the sheltered Manly Cove offers gentle waves and plenty of clean white sand for sandcastle building. If you’re daunted by the surf, check out the spectacular tidal pools at Wylie’s Baths. If you head in the opposite direction, 30 minutes south of the city you’ll find Little Bay Beach, a coastal hideaway that is protected from large swells, making it a local favourite for swimming and snorkelling.
Dubbed Australia’s ‘flavour capital’, there’s no shortage of unique experiences for foodies. If you love fresh seafood and markets, find the best of both worlds at the Sydney Fish Market in Pyrmont. From oysters to prawns, lobster and a vast range of fish on offer, take away your ocean treats or dine in for freshly cooked seafood, straight from the boat to your plate. If you’re seeking a bit more variety, Paddy’s Night Food Markets are held on the first Saturday of the month and are a street food extravaganza. Walking through Newtown and feeling peckish? The local favourite, Mary’s Burgers is an absolute must and can be found hidden behind a darkened doorway along with delicious brews and cool tunes.
Despite being known as a concrete playground, there’s plenty of room for the nature lovers in Sydney too. Enjoy a picnic in Wendy’s Secret Garden, a leafy oasis nestled on the city’s doorstep next to Luna Park. Clovelly Bowling Club takes barefoot bowls to the next level – perched on a clifftop and serving up some of the best views of the Pacific Ocean that Sydney has to offer. For something a little further afield, jump in the car and take a drive to the spectacular Blue Mountains. Just one hour west of the city centre, you’ll uncover everything from waterfalls to caves and relaxing walks in the countryside.