First Time in Sydney
One never forgets their first visit to what may be one of the loveliest cities in the world. Surrounded by dazzling water, stylish people, historic buildings, and awe-inspiring landmarks, Sydney just feels good. Just hours after arriving in the glorious city that would bookmark our one-month adventure through Australia, my husband and I thought, “Wow, we could live here!”
Capella Sydney
Nestled in the heart of downtown Sydney, Capella Sydney redefines urban luxury and reflects the city’s unique fusion of heritage and modernity.
While it may not boast harbour views, Capella’s intuitive service, polish, and design, mark the hotel as the top luxury offering in the city. The former Department of Education building is in the ideal location, within easy walking distance to the Harbour and the dining, shopping, and sights of the city.
Iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge & Sydney Opera House
These breathtaking engineering feats are as spectacular as I had hoped and somehow the city never tires of admiring them. We loved drinks with friends at the Opera Bar overlooking the harbour.
Sydney’s Neighborhoods
Bondi Beach and lunch at Icebergs was a terrific introduction to Sydney, and I was utterly overwhelmed with my first taste of Australian oysters – particularly the sweet creaminess of Sydney Rock Oysters.
Sydney rock oysters are considered excellent because of their unique, rich, and sweet flavor profile, which is a result of their specific growing conditions in the waters along the east coast of Australia, combined with their strong adductor muscles that help them retain freshness longer than other oyster varieties; they are also known for their ability to keep their shells tightly closed, preserving quality when harvested.
We loved walking throughout the city and in addition to the busy Bangalaroo and Darling Wharf areas, we found ourselves enjoying several trendy neighborhoods including Surrey Hills and Paddington. Each area has wonderful boutiques, simply to die for coffee shops, exceptional wine bars, and excellent restaurants of all ethnicities and style.
Ferry Travel Through Sydney is Delightful
We absolutely loved the beauty and efficiency of ferry travel throughout Sydney. We took the ferry on several occasions to enjoy lunch in Manly, to meet up with friends at Neutral Bay, and Balmoral Beach. The ferries run extremely promptly and are spotless and easy. You simply tap a credit card and pay $1 Australian dollar – yes that is it – and you board. No tickets, no fuss, virtually no cost. Truly a magnificent way to get around.
Sydney Fish Market
The Sydney Fish Market is not only a place of commerce and auctioneering, it is also a seafood lover’s dream day out!
The bustling seafood market is the place to go to gorge yourself with oysters, calamari, lobster, crab, abalone, eel, fish of every imaginable sort prepared as sushi, sashimi, tacos, grilled, curried, blackened, in a soup and the options go on!
This is an international market of people from all walks enjoying food at shared picnic tables in the style that they love. There is a wine shop for those that wish to purchase a bottle and some of the establishments sell beer. There is a new larger more contemporary seafood market being built which when open, will surely double this blissful experience.
Park Hyatt Sydney
We ended our trip back in Sydney and for those who want a view, there is nothing better than staying at the Park Hyatt Sydney. This is a beautifully designed hotel hugging the harbour and nestled up right at the entrance to the Sydney Harbour Bridge. The main restaurant has magnificent views as does the lobby bar and rooftop pool. Definitely splurge for the Deluxe Harbourview rooms which are huge, have two balconies, and a bathtub, yes with that iconic view!! For first timers to Sydney or for those coming back through the city on their way home, this is one heck of send-off.
Australian Friends
Perhaps the best part of being in Sydney was the wonderful opportunity to meet up with several of my clients who have easily become dear friends. Australians may be the most hospitable people, and we enjoyed being entertained in beautiful homes, meeting up for drinks with a view, and enjoying simply delicious meals together! What a treat for us to see Sydney with locals and making the long-anticipated trip Down Under all the more special!
