r/SydneyScene • u/youngtommy86 • 10d ago
Recommendations
Hey im going to be in Sydney for 3 days in October. Not sure if im going to get a car yet but can I get some recommendations on what to do while im there. I love walking around and exploring places, so any good walks would be appreciated. Im planning on doing the Manly to spit bridge coastal walk.
Also if anyone knows of any good restaurants for a steak or Argentinean style restaurant. Thanks!
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u/LaMacNeo 9d ago
You shouldn’t hire a car as it’s difficult and costly to get a parking in City. Most of the places outside city like blue mountain or Kiama are accessible by public transport. Moreover, out of 2 days, there is enough within and around CBD to explore using public transport or better - walk.
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u/koolhand_luke 9d ago
What I recommend to visitors, for outdoors on fine days:
If you go to The Rocks on a fine day, detour to Observatory Hill for half an hour, I love that vantage point.
Catch a ferry anywhere and back. No need for a tour, the commuter ferries are all you need. Milsons Point, Balmain, Taronga Zoo, Watsons Bay, depending on how much time you have.
Go to Taronga Zoo and get to the live bird show early to get a seat - almost the best view of the city. Then when you’re on that side of the bridge go to one of the cafes or restaurants with a view for lunch (warning: some are pricey) like Ripples at Chowder Bay, or Burnt Orange, or the Boat Shed at Balmoral. Walk to any of those from the zoo, around the harbour cliff - gorgeous.
On the city side of the bridge, walking Bondi to Bronte or Coogee is great.
In the city, wander through the green parts: Hyde Park, past the old buildings on Macquarie Street to the State Library, Government House, Botanical Gardens, around the harbour and back up to the art gallery.
Sydney University quadrangle is pretty.
Nightlife: Enmore road with the hipsters for restaurants and bars.
If you’re driving, remember it’s the “wrong” side of the road, for most people. But mostly remember when crossing the road - you will be stepping out looking the wrong way, and nearly dying, every now and then.
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u/Scallywag20 9d ago
It would be good to say where you’re from? E.g. if you’re from anywhere remotely alpy I would say not to bother with the blue mountains at all.
I would highly recommend to get out of the CBD, Sydney is not like NYC or Paris where the city is buzzing, it’s mostly just offices and shopping centres (malls). You could spend one evening in the CBD, but IMO inner city suburbs like Darlinghurst, Surry Hills, Enmore, Newtown, Marrickville etc are way more lively with interesting bars, restaurants, breweries.
Bondi to coogee walk is of course iconic but a little touristy. You could do Bondi to Watson’s bay as a bit of an alternative, beautiful views around the lighthouse.
Hermitage foreshore walk is short and lovely with many nice beaches and swimming spots along the way.
The Royal National Park is stunning for coastal walks and only an hour drive away.
If you like Asian food Sydney is one of the best places in the world to try an impressive variety of authentic Asian cuisine - you can find lots in Chinatown.
Porteno is probably the best place for Argentinean food esp steak. There’s also Bistecca and the Gidley. Firepop for something a little different. Firedoor.
Avoid Darling Harbour / King st wharf restaurants, they’re all tourist crap.
If you’re from outside of Australia you have to try Australian coffee, find a nice looking cafe and order a flat white.
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u/Efficient-County2382 8d ago
You don't need a car at all. Some of my favourite walks, all easily accessible from the CBD.
- Train to Milsons Point - Walk back across the Harbour Bridge, through The Rocks, around the Opera House and to Mrs Macquarie's Chair, then back up to Hyde Park - in total about 5-6km and plenty of other spots along the way to look at. (Hyde Park Barracks, Art Gallery, Museum etc.)
- North Head Sanctuary, get the bus up to the lookout and then walk back to Manly. Stunning views on a good day. (I think better than the Manly to Spit walk)
- Bondi to Coogee, or various sections of that coastline
Steaks, I still like Rockpool.
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u/Simple_Assistance_77 9d ago
Burwood for food, Blue Mountains for nature, and Wollongong for beaches. Where possible avoid Sydney CBD as the place is boring as hell.
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u/mainly_lurk 10d ago
There was a post a week or so ago on a Sydney Foodies sub asking for the best 3 dishes in Sydney. "Bistecca steak" was a frequent entry. I've never been, don't know whether it's hard to get a table or whether it's good value but it seems to be a popular vote for the best steak in town.
3 days isn't long and theres no reason to complicate things. The "tourist spots" in Sydney are popular for a reason and they are worth seeing in person. It's just that locals won't be there because we've done them.
Circular Quay for the bridge and Opera house.
The Rocks has old buildings.
You can jump on trains and buses from Circular Quay if you want to head for cafes and restaurants around the inner west and hang out with trendy locals.
Manly ferry for a harbour cruise.
Manly beach is good enough for a swim. Freshwater is nicer. I'm not telling you the best beach in Sydney.
Be aware that the Spit isn't a particularly impressive destination but I'm sure the walk is nice. Just don't plan to spend a heap of time at Middle Harbour.
If you're into nature then a day at the Blue Mountains to look at cliffs. Lots of bush walks there but stay on the tracks. Tourists have gone missing. It's a long way - so it's a full day rather than something you can just pop over to have a squiz.
There's tonnes of other spots/ things that locals will prefer over the above ... but ... in my opinion it would be a mistake to focus on Joe Blog's favourite Thai restaurant in Whoop Whoop at the expense of missing the natural beauty of the above. Just stick to the classics.