I’ve recently returned from a long-awaited trip back to my favourite city in the world: Sydney.
I just love the whole vibe of this waterfront city and the way everyday life unfolds alongside one of the most beautiful harbours on the planet. Even after more than 20 visits, the sight of the Opera House and Harbour Bridge never fails to make me smile. The bays and inlets, the beaches, the sunshine and the laid-back energy all combine to create a city that is impossible not to love. If cities had personalities, Sydney would be fun, outgoing, bright and always cheerful.
Our first base was Coogee, where the recently opened InterContinental Sydney Coogee provides a great option for those wanting a beach stay within easy reach of the city. The coastal walk from Coogee to Bondi was the perfect antidote to a long flight, with spectacular ocean views around every corner. Arriving in Bondi, we stopped for lunch and a drink at Icebergs, a Sydney institution with magnificent views over the beach, before spending some time exploring the bars, cafés and lively atmosphere of the suburb.
Back in the city, that obligatory Aperol at Opera Bar was every bit as good as I remembered, with arguably one of the best views in the world. A tour of the Opera House was fascinating, offering a real insight into its remarkable history and construction, followed by dinner overlooking the harbour. What a way to start a trip.
After a day of supplier meetings and hotel visits, we headed north to the Bouddi Peninsula, around 90 minutes from Sydney but feeling a world away. Staying at Bells at Killcare, a charming boutique retreat surrounded by nature, we explored the national park’s beautiful coastal trails and enjoyed some truly spectacular views. En route, we stopped at a pearl and oyster farm, which was a fascinating experience and well worth including for anyone travelling in this direction.
From here it was on to the Hunter Valley, one of Australia’s best-known wine regions. We stayed at Spicers Guesthouse, which has been beautifully refreshed and offers a warm welcome, lovely pool and wonderful vineyard views. For those seeking something a little more exclusive, nearby Spicers Vineyard Estate is a definite step up, with fewer, more luxurious rooms and an elevated dining experience.
One of the highlights of the entire trip was an early morning hot air balloon flight over the vineyards. Floating silently above the valley as the sun rose was magical enough, but watching kangaroos hopping between the vines below made it truly unforgettable.
Back in Sydney, we checked into Eve Sydney, a stylish new boutique hotel in Redfern, right on the edge of Surry Hills. This area has changed enormously in recent years and is now packed with fantastic bars, restaurants and independent shops. The hotel itself has a cool rooftop pool, a great atmosphere and was buzzing with young Sydneysiders. It felt like a very different side of the city to the traditional harbour hotels.
One of Sydney’s newest attractions is the spectacular Fish Market redevelopment, the city’s biggest architectural project since the Opera House. It may not sound like an obvious sightseeing stop, but it is absolutely worth a visit. Guests can learn about the workings of Australia’s largest seafood market or simply settle in for an exceptionally fresh seafood lunch overlooking the water.
From here we joined Sydney Harbour Boat Tours for one of the most enjoyable experiences of the trip. Their small private boats are ideal for couples or families and offer a completely different perspective of the city. Cruising beneath the Harbour Bridge, past the Opera House and into the hidden bays and coves of the harbour while enjoying a seafood platter was an absolute treat. They also offer lunch cruises and tours linked to the Fish Market, which would make a fantastic addition to any Sydney itinerary.
Sydney Harbour Boat Tours
Another highlight was dinner at the Wildlife Retreat at Taronga. I had never really considered it before, but I completely changed my mind after visiting. The rooms overlook the zoo’s native animal habitats and the views back across Sydney are simply incredible. Waking up to kangaroos hopping around outside your room or spotting koalas in the trees would be such a special experience for families. Add in breakfast overlooking the harbour and I genuinely think it is one of the most unique places to stay in the city.
A walking tour with Local Sauce Tours revealed a completely different side of Sydney, taking us through neighbourhoods filled with incredible street art and local stories that many visitors never get to see. We also spent time with Splendour Tailored Tours, whose immersive experiences provide a fascinating insight into both Sydney and the wider region. Their Indigenous cultural experience was particularly memorable, offering a deeper understanding of Aboriginal history, traditions and bushcraft, rounded off with a delicious lunch in Surry Hills.
Sydney never disappoints. Every time I visit, I discover something new, whether it’s a hidden neighbourhood, an exciting hotel opening or a fresh way to experience the harbour. Combined with a few days in the Hunter Valley, it made for a wonderful trip and one that left me even more excited to share these experiences with our guests.
If you’re planning a trip Down Under, we’d love to help you discover some of these special places for yourself.
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