Sydney, Australia
Sydney is definitely on the cool and collected side, but by no means boring. It has everything you could ask for, and knows it doesn’t need to try too hard to stand out from the crowd. We have culture and diversity here, and it brings with it a certain energy that makes for living in Sydney so enjoyable! From the beaches and mountains that encapsulate the city, to the hipster suburbs and of course our beautiful harbour, Sydney always brings a smile to my face.
Know Before You Go
Foodie Town
Sydney is definitely a city for the foodie. Given our multiculturalism, we have plenty of pockets of authentic cuisine that is wide ranging, from Thai and Vietnamese, to Peruvian and French. This made all the more better by the high quality of the local produce that’s used to put these dishes together.
Outside Voice
Sydney is also a city known for its outdoor living. Most locals will spend their time outside, whether it be at our many beaches, or hitting up the wine valleys an hour north of the city, playing footy at the local park or hitting a cafe and a catch up.
Endless Summer
Sydney’s weather is a key attraction for a lot of travelers, and I can certainly vouch for it. The temps are comfortable, and our Summer, Spring and Autumn, whilst considered by some to be on the warmer side, is constant and predictable. Even our Winter isn’t that cold! Regardless of what season we’re in, the sun and blue skies are always out in abundance!
Sports
Sydney is also known for its sports. We play it religiously, and are obsessed with our local teams. AFL, NRL, rugby union, swimming, tennis, golf, soccer, you name it and we probably play it! To that effect, Sydney siders are also incredibly active, and with so many running and cycling paths, parks and open air gyms the city is definitely catered for this.
Blue Mountains
The mountain range looming in the distance is known as the Blue Mountains for a reason: its eucalyptus tree forests discharges a fine, great-smelling mist of oil that takes the form of a blue haze en masse.
Cultural Diversity
While you’re no doubt familiar with the distinctive Australian accent we’ve all come to know and love, Sydney is a major melting pot when it comes to language: Over 250 language are spoken in the city.
Can’t-Miss Neighborhoods
Newtown
Just a few minutes outside of the city, this suburb carries with it bohemian vibes, littered with cafes, restaurants, bars, pubs and boutique shopping. It’s high energy, and a perfect place to sample everything Sydney has to offer to satisfy your culinary senses.
Cabramatta
Not well known to outsiders, but a gem of a town an hour south of the City. Famous for offering some of the most incredibly tasting and authentic Vietnamese food anywhere in the world (and I can certainly vouch for that!). You can spend a day here simply wondering the alley ways, experiencing a bit of authentic Asia without being there, and filling you belly with incredible delights.
Hunter Valley
I love going here. A must for any wine or cheese lover, or for those that are looking for quality restaurants and endless views of valleys, hills, and vineyards. The sunsets here are extra special.
When to Go
Definitely Summer. Australia is known for its beautiful weather, and Summer is really where it shines! Whilst some days can head north of 30 degrees Celsius, the days are long, the warmth will keep a smile on your face, and Sun will keep you outdoors and enjoying life; there’s really nothing quite like it.
Featured Local: David Ngo
I have been a Sydney-sider since I was two years old, after moving down from Brisbane where my parents hit shore in Australia as refugees. I work in the healthcare industry as my main profession, but spend my weekends with camera in hand, mostly shooting films for Weddings! For the past 5 years I have made it my mission to see the world, and with my wife, we have now travelled to most corners of the world, even taking 7 months off in one stint to do nothing else but travel! Despite having seeing and done so much, I still call Sydney home and always will. I love being active, and am a self-confessed gym addict and coffee lover. I wake up intentionally early every morning so that I can hit up a cafe and chill!
David’s Must-Dos
Coffee Alchemy
Consistently rated as one of the top coffee roasters in Sydney, and believe me, there’s a lot of them. Located in Marrickville in Sydney’s inner west, it’s a small place with a very discrete shop front, but oh man the coffee here is incredible. You’ll have two at each sitting, I always do.
Coogee Beach
A beautiful beach, especially at Sunset, without the crowds. Super close to some fantastic bars, restaurants and cafe’s. For convenience, check out the Pavillion, located right next to the beach, that serves everything from pizza, to beer, to coffee, to ice cream :)
David’s Recs
Marrickville Pork Roll
This "hole in the wall takeaway" establishment are true masters when it comes to the Vietnamese pork roll. They rule as one of the best stops to get a pork roll, and once you see the line of people waiting to buy one, you'll appreciate why. At $5 a roll, you get a crispy, crunchy baguette, filled with the perfect balance of pork meat, vegetables, pate and butter. The smell coming from this place will have you salivating by the time it's your turn to order. They do offer types of meat rolls as well, but the winner here is the traditional pork roll. Add chilli if you dare, but be warned that this chilli will add some serious sweat to your face!
Palm Beach
A mere one hours' drive north of the CBD, this is a little piece of paradise that is 'technically' still within Sydney, and yet feels like the perfect escape! It's perfect for anyone looking to spend a day soaking up the sun and partaking in some fine fish and chips whilst you're at it! When you're there, grab a seat at the Boat House and admire the ocean views before wrapping it up with some fine dining at the Dunes, serving up some modern Australian cuisine.
Sixpenny
One of the very few fine-dining establishments in Sydney that focuses solely on celebrating Australian cuisine and local produce! Sixpenny sits deep in the residential bush of Sydney's inner west, and is a fav amongst the locals. They offer 7-course degustation menu's with a wine pairing should you be so inclined, and puts incredible effort into the looks and the taste. It's such a well thought menu, you will always leave satisfied.
