Sydney Guide: Food, Workouts & Adventures in Australia
It’s crazy to think that two years ago I was studying and interning abroad in Sydney, Australia! In those six weeks spent in the land of Oz, I quickly felt at home. Living each day to the fullest, I made an effort to explore as much as possible. I packed my free time with countless outings- restaurants, cafés, beach walks, hikes, yoga, art exhibits… My time in Sydney was absolutely one of the most memorable experiences in my young adult life, and for that I am so grateful.
Australia is truly the most magical place on earth. I was constantly in awe of its beauty. Looking back at these pictures brings me so much joy and reminds me how much I want to go back. I highly recommend adding Sydney to your travel bucket list!
In Sydney, it’s so easy to jump on the nearest train or ferry to see everything. Read below for a list of all my favorites!
Sydney/NSW
Food
★ About Life (Rozelle): organic grocery & café, build a plate
★ Bodhi: fancy vegan pan-Asian cuisine, small plates (get the sweet potato dumplings), stunning atmosphere
★ Bondi Wholefoods (Surry Hills): best healthy food café
★ Concrete Jungle Café (Chippendale): delicious all-day brekkie, yummy bowls, beautiful lattes & smoothies
★ Cross Eatery: quality food & coffee, quick service, good for groups, located in the central business district (ground floor of my internship building)
★ The Fine Food Store (The Rocks): gourmet brekkie & lunch
★ Fusion16 (Ultimo): creative pizzas
★ The Grounds of Alexandria: a café, restaurant, bar, coffee roastery, bakery, florist, market and farm all in one, a must-visit for a day out
★ The Merchants of Ultimo: My obsession! With five eateries in one, it’s guaranteed to satisfy every foodie. Unique salad bowls, delicious brekkie, in-house Italian, crafted coffee. Creative, quality dishes made from fresh, local produce; located in the Broadway Shopping Center.
★ Nalini’s Wholesome Streetfood (Bondi Junction): contemporary Indian cuisine, ayurvedic food
★ Nook Urban Fresh Bar: international café, amazing all-day brekkie & seasonal food
★ Proteini Café (Darlinghurst): healthy vegetarian & vegan food
★ Signal Café: casual brekkie, vegetarian options
★ Something for Jess (Chippendale): seasonal, organic café, delicious all-day brekkie, very local, vibrant art
★ Suzie Q Coffee & Records (Surry Hills): seasonal café, nourish bowl, rustic vibe
★ THR1VE: next-level healthy chain
★ Two Sis & Co. (Pyrmont): all-day brekkie, bright café with colorful food creations
★ The Wedge Espresso (Glebe): delicious all-day brekkie, specialty coffee, cozy setting
coffee
★ Fork & Grind (Ultimo)
★ Mecca Coffee
★ The Pigeonhole Café (Ultimo)
★ The Upside Café (Ultimo)
Workouts
★ Barre Body (Surry Hills): fun & challenging toning with light weights
★ InYoga (Surry Hills): energizing flow, beautiful meditation classes, stunning studio
Adventures
★ Blue Mountains National Park: nature hike, steep cliffs, forests, waterfalls, breathtaking scenery; see the Three Sisters sandstone rock formation from Echo Point; check out Katoomba, a major town in the area
★ Featherdale Wildlife Park: koalas & kangaroos, oh my!
★ The Ken Done Gallery
★ Luna Park: rides & carnival food
★ Museum of Contemporary Art
★ Newtown Food Crawl
★ Opera House: iconic; I was there during Vivid Sydney, the annual light festival
★ Paddy’s Markets: offers fashion, souvenirs & fresh produce in a traditional market setting
★ Queen Victoria Building: designer shopping in the central business district
★ The Rocks: historic neighborhood by the bridge, with some of Sydney’s oldest pubs & upscale restaurants with harbor views; buy street food & handmade fashions at the open-air markets
★ Royal Botanic Gardens
★ Taronga Zoo: Australia’s largest
Views
★ Bridge Climb: pay for the actual climb or walk across for free
★ Pylon Lookout: located on the bridge for fantastic views
★ Sydney Observatory: panoramic views of Sydney Harbour; also a museum; do a night tour
★ Sydney Tower Eye: located in the heart of the city; incredible views from the top floor observation deck; Sydney’s tallest structure
Bondi Beach
Food
★ Acai Brothers: smoothies, juices, raw treats, coffee, big açaí bowls with cocowhip
★ Bru Coffee: cold pressed juices, smoothies, brekkie & lunch
★ Cali Press: amazing organic café offering pressed juices, refreshing superfood smoothies, bowls, coffee
★ Earth Food Store (UMU): organic grocery & plant-based café, all-day brekkie, lunch, dinner, unique beverages
★ Fruitologist: high quality, gourmet grocery with the most insane açaí bowls!
★ Porch and Parlour: hip café serving creative & delicious brunch, community setting, beach views
★ Preach Café: epic brunch, good for groups so you can attempt to try the whole menu!
★ Speedo’s Café: sea views & a casual vibe on the trendy north side, more Instagrammable brekkie & lunch dishes
Adventures
★ Bondi Icebergs: go for a swim in this dreamy club pool; $7 entry fee
★ Bondi to Coogee Walk: 3.7 miles of pure bliss along the coast; stunning oceanfront walk takes in beaches, cliffs & parks with stop-offs at cafés & viewpoints; pass through Waverley Cemetery after Bronte Beach; eat at Coogee Pavilion
Manly Beach
Food
★ Bare Naked Bowls: my favorite superfood café, specializing in outstanding açaí & brekkie bowls, smoothies, gorgeous lattes, healthy treats; lovely outdoor seating in Market Place & near the Corso shopping strip; several locations
★ Girdlers: health conscious, community-oriented café with wholesome brekkie & lunch (best salmon crepe I’ve ever had); beautiful interior
★ Ruby Lane Wholefoods: unreal café & organic grocery; all-day nourishing brunch; monthly educational workshops
