Australia is one of the best vacation spots in the world! Unfortunately, due to Australia’s remote location, many people find it impossible to cross this wondrous country off their travel bucket lists. In case you do find yourself lucky enough to be heading down under one day though, we’ve put together a list of can’t-miss activities to help simplify things during your time in Sydney (which absolutely has to be on your itinerary!).
1. Make The Trek From Coogee To Bondi Beach
Sydney is known for its marvelous beaches, used by tourists and locals alike for sunbathing, surfing, and swimming. And the best way to take advantage of the city’s beautiful oceanside terrain is to visit two of the main beaches, Coogee and Bondi, by way of the walking trail that exists between them. This trail is about 6km in length and takes you along the coast and past some of the beautiful Sydney suburbs. What makes it unique though is its rock formations. Portions of the trail top cliffs overlooking the water, or wind through rock pools where interesting sea creatures dwell. The route also has several rock pools suitable for swimming, for those who might prefer to relax in calmer waters over catching waves on the beach!
2. Catch A Race At Royal Randwick Racecourse
Want to feel like a local for a day? The best way is to partake in one of the area’s popular traditions. Australians take their horse races very seriously. They use them as an excuse to break out their highest heels and biggest sunhats. Think Kentucky Derby but swap the southern accent for some Aussie slang. To match the audience’s sophistication, the Randwick venue offers better concessions than most sports venues, including artisan cheese and wine selections.
Upon entering the arena, you will be invited to place bets on your favorite horses at the in-house computer stations, though some might also opt to tap into the reliable sportsbooks based in Europe that are increasingly available via mobile devices to place wagers. Whatever the case, a nice outfit, a few bets laid, and some tasty food and wine in hand will set you up for a lovely day at the course. All of the action is just a short ride from Sydney’s Central Business District.
3. Satisfy Your Hunger With Authentic Asian Cuisine
Another interesting aspect of Australia that sometimes goes overlooked is its proximity to Southeast Asia. This has led to a fair amount of immigration; particularly to Sydney, which in turn has meant an influx of authentic Asian food. Sydney is home to a bustling Chinatown, which includes many wonderful restaurants and unique shops you can’t miss. (It’s also the location where the music video for David Bowie’s song “China Girl” was filmed; so you know the architecture must also be impressive!) While you’re there, we also recommend you check out the Chinese Garden of Friendship nearby. It’s a serene oasis in an otherwise busy city. And finally, if you visit during the fall, you may be able to catch the Sydney Night Noodle Markets; a delicious food and drink festival located right in the center of downtown Sydney.
4. Do Some Shopping At The Rocks Markets
The Rocks is the name for the neighborhood immediately surrounding Sydney Harbor. From here you can enjoy stunning views of the iconic Sydney Opera House and the Harbour Bridge. It is also home to many unique events that attract locals and tourists; including food festivals, wine tasting events, and even a celebration of chocolate. Can’t catch any of these special events during your visit? There are still plenty of opportunities to interact with local vendors and buy souvenirs for your family and friends at The Rocks. The Rocks Markets occur every Saturday and Sunday, when the cobblestone streets around the harbor are lined with local artists selling their work. Once you’ve done your shopping, be sure to grab dinner at one of the restaurants nearby. Some of which serve a particular Australian delicacy: gourmet burgers made from Kangaroo meat!
You could easily spend weeks exploring Sydney and its beautiful beachside suburbs. Hopefully, this list will help you narrow down your itinerary so that you can make the most of your time there. Given how difficult it can be to get to Australia in the first place, it’s always a good idea to plan and prioritize in advance.
