No trip down under is complete without a visit to Australia’s most iconic city and you certainly won’t be disappointed taking in views of the world famous Opera House and Sydney’s equally renowned beaches. There’s simply no way we can cover all that Sydney has to offer -- mainly because we haven’t experienced it all ourselves -- but we’ll try to highlight a few must do’s and our favorite spots thus far.
At the top of an admittedly long list is the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge. Take in one of the world’s most recognizable settings over a cold (and expensive) beer. Although we saw a show at the Opera House, the inside is nothing special and there are better things to spend your money on. The same could be said for climbing the Harbour Bridge, which offers an unparalleled view, but will also set you back about AUD $300. Instead, grab some sandwiches and picnic in the Royal Botanic Gardens while taking in the Bridge and Opera House from across the water (see top of page picture). For another budget friendly activity, hop on a ferry from Circular Quay and see Sydney by water while also traveling to either the famous Manly Beach or Taronga Zoo, which is a good way to see the more reclusive of Australia’s animals.
Manly is reachable by a 30 minute ferry, and along with Bondi Beach, is one of Sydney’s most well-known beaches. Although undeniably pretty, the Permanent Holiday team did find it quite touristy and consequently spent just a few hours there. That being said, the ferry ride alone made the trip worth it. There are also kilometers of hiking trails, such as the highly recommended Spit Bridge to Manly walk.
That brings us to our favorite spot in Sydney, Bondi Beach. Bondi is Australia’s most famous beach for good reason. With ample space, warm water, and fine white sand, spending hours here is an absolute breeze. Feeling hungry? Stop at the countless beach side cafes for a bite and a cold beer. Bucket List is a trendy but expensive option, while Hotel Bondi is more budget friendly and has excellent drink deals. Beach Road Hotel is a popular Wednesday night spot, featuring two large bars and DJs upstairs, but be sure to get there early to avoid a long wait. Overall, however, the nightlife in Bondi is fairly lackluster, though the “daytime sesh” options are endless.
Bondi Beach is also the starting point for our favorite walk in Sydney, the Bondi to Coogee Walk. Hugging the coastline, this five kilometer trek winds past secluded coves and imposing cliffs. You’ll also see some serious surfers, avoiding the kooks who rent boards for the day at Bondi. Cool down with a swim on the way and finish at Coogee Pavilion for a good lunch.
For a more adventurous walkabout, plan a day trip to the Blue Mountains, just a few hours outside Sydney. There are loads of tours leaving daily from Sydney to explore the city’s rugged surroundings. Although it’s quite a drive out there, you’ll be rewarded by towering rock formations and an abundance of kangaroos, wallabies and wombats. We also saw a bush fire, which was very exciting.
Lastly, we’ve got to give a shout out to our number one spot in Bondi Beach, the Le Paris Go cafe. We like to call it the office because, fueled by their unreal cold brews, we built most of this website there. Check it out, ask for their cold brew, and tell the waitresses that we say "hi."
Where to Stay
In the city, we recommend staying at Wake Up! Sydney. With plenty of amenities and a prime location, this hostel offers the best backpacking option for staying within the CBD. There are loads of hostel options in Sydney, though, so you will easily be able to find one that suits your preferences.
In Bondi, there are only a few hostel options. The Permanent Holiday team spent a couple weeks at the Village Bondi. While it is located right near the beach and offers A/C, a decent kitchen and a movie room, it is a more chill hostel with noise curfews at night. Bondi Backpackers is the more socially active (and expensive option) and is located right on the main street of Bondi, overlooking the beach. If you are only planning on spending a few nights in Bondi, this hostel would be more than ideal. Noah’s Backpackers is a third solid option to look into as well.
