Without a doubt, Bondi Beach is one of the most recognised and well-known beaches in Sydney. It is also one of the most wonderful beaches in Sydney. Surrounded by a tremendous selection of eateries and shopping, Bondi Beach is home to some of the beachiest and best. With the city only a train-ride away, Bondi is the perfect day-trip for any travellers who need a little R&W--Rest & Waves! And, once a year, Bondi provides a home for one of (in my opinion) the most wonderful art exhibitions in the country--"Sculpture by the Sea", a coastal walk from Bondi to Tamarama that showcases the work of Australian and international artists. This year it shall be held from October 18th until November 4th. It is not something to be missed. Bondi, however, should always remain a definite "To-Do", no matter your artistic preference. Because Bondi is a piece of art from any angle.

Yes–anyone can swim in this glorious pool for a mere $5.50. Mon-Fri: 6:00-6:30pm Sat, Sun: 6:30-6:30pm Closed Thursdays. http://icebergs.com.au Join AFAR Experiences and discover the REAL Sydney–May 6-9, 2013: http://www.afarexperiences.com/

Every year, Bondi Beach, Australia, hosts a beautiful collaborative art event that lasts around two weeks. It is beautiful, and wonderful, and creative in every single way. Known as "Sculpture by the Sea", the annual event provides a free-of-charge experience that allows anyone and everyone to appreciate the talent of Australian, and international, artists. This photo, taken during the 2010 show, always reminds me of the artistic beauty of Bondi -- perfectly captivating even without the installations.

During the 2009 "Sculpture By The Sea" exhibition along the beach-path from Bondi to Tamarama, this fabulous art-piece sat perched on a hill looking over one of the many beached inlets along the route. With the combination of its regally imposing height, the informality of the rider's clothing, and the purity of it all being made out of straw, the piece (of which I can not seem to find the artists' name) was captivating, especially placed on a cliff above the pounding ocean. Each year the pieces are different, and new artists and concepts come into play. I've had the pleasure of experiencing it twice, and highly recommend it for an art afficiandos, travellers, and fun-fiends alike! October 18th to November 4th, 2012 Bondi Beach, NSW.

Summer in Sydney, Australia, is about being outdoors morning 'til night. To celebrate the city's fabulous summer weather, outdoor film screenings are held in public parks, on the harbor, and at the world famous Bondi Beach. The next best thing to watching a movie on the sand is watching a movie in a park right near the sand—there's still an ocean view from the grassy hill in the back. Every outdoor cinema has its own flavor; Bondi, or "Ben & Jerry's Openair Cinemas," attracts younger moviegoers, who unpack picnic baskets of wine, bread, and cheese for live music performances and the big Blockbuster film. (During my visit, the lineup was heavy on movies that ended up in the Oscars). Bring an umbrella since rain is common. It's so warm you won't even mind.

Andrew Crabbe serves up honest, scrumptious food at The Crabbe Hole. People watching at this little poolside cafe is equally delicious. Have breakfast here for a real slice of everyday Icebergs. You don't have to pay the pool fees to eat here. Join AFAR Experiences and discover the REAL Sydney–May 6-9, 2013: http://www.afarexperiences.com/

Stacked between an internet café and a grocer stands this little gem of a book shop and café. I came here after a windy day at the beach, had a cup of tea and perused the endless lists, not to mentioned brilliant layout, of their book collection. More photo shoots should be taken in places like this.

Bondi to Bronte is a stunning 30-45min walk along the coast. Start early so you can park behind Icebergs (http://icebergs.com.au/). Check out the famous Icebergs pool, walk past Tamarama (a cute smaller beach) and wind up in Bronte before heading back. Bronte has a beautiful seawater pool at the end of its beach, too, so don't miss that. Once you've made your way back to Icebergs–why not have breakfast at the Crabbe Hole: http://www.afar.com/highlights/bondi-beach-brekkie-at-icebergs The picture of this highlight was taken on 2012's 'Sculpture by the Sea'–a yearly art installation along the coast. (http://www.sculpturebythesea.com) Join AFAR Experiences and discover the REAL Sydney–May 6-9, 2013: http://www.afarexperiences.com/

by Luke Nguyen, As Told To Sarah Henry This Argentine-inspired grill is cool and kitschy. The decor is a mix of cowhide, faded South American posters, and leather furniture. Whole pigs or lambs roast slowly over an open pit, and the bar upstairs has a killer cocktail list.” 358 Cleveland St., 61/(0) 2-8399-1440, porteno.com.au Photo by Petrina Tinslay. See all of Luke Nguyen’s favorite places in Surry Hills, Sydney. This story appeared in the November/December 2011 issue.

by Luke Nguyen, As Told To Sarah Henry Luke Nguyen says: “Our restaurant’s dining room is rustic, and we hope it feels warm and inviting, like you’re visiting our home.” 545 Crown St., 61/(0) 2-9698-4355, redlantern.com.au Photo by Petrina Tinslay. See all of Luke Nguyen’s favorite places in Surry Hills, Sydney. This story appeared in the November/December 2011 issue.

If you want to learn to surf, there is no better place than Bondi Beach in Sydney Australia. Join a lesson at Let's Go Surfing and let the gentle and super nice instructors help you catch your first way. Remember to bring a camera, as they will take photos for you so you can remember the day long after your ride last!

It was a beautiful evening for a walk down Paddington St. in Sydney. A great place for inexpensive gourmet dinner is "A Fish Called Paddo" at Five Ways, a junction of streets in the heart of Paddington.

by Sarah Henry Name: Luke Nguyen Neighborhood: Surry Hills, Sydney, Australia Occupation: Luke is co-owner of the award-winning Vietnamese restaurant Red Lantern. He also hosts a culinary travel show called Luke Nguyen’s Vietnam, which airs on the Cooking Channel. There is so much to do in Surry Hills— theaters, galleries, cafés, and pubs—and yet it’s got a small community feel. Everyone knows each other. The area is what’s known in Sydney as an inner-city suburb, which means it’s a residential area close to the city center. Surry Hills is near everything Sydney has to offer, from the Central Business District to beautiful Bondi Beach. I live with my partner, Suzanna Boyd, and our two cats, in a three-level Victorian-era home. The architecture here is fantastic. From my house, I can walk to my restaurant, Red Lantern, which is also in a renovated Victorian building with an ornate, cast-iron fence. There is a thriving food scene here. I would argue it’s one of the best in the world. You can find fine-dining establishments such as Marque, which has a French feel, or the Bentley, which is modern and creative, with a touch of molecular gastronomy and a great wine list. We also have casual, sunny, and stylish cafés, such as Bills, which is famous for its creamy scrambled eggs and ricotta hotcakes. There’s a fantastic performance space right around the corner from me. The Belvoir Street Theatre is run by one of the most respected theater companies in the country. Geoffrey Rush and Cate Blanchett have been on stage there. The best part? I can go see a current Australian play or a European classic for a bargain price on cheap Tuesdays. I’m an Aussie with a strong Vietnamese heritage, and I communicate my culture through my food. I grew up in Cabramatta, in Sydney’s southwestern suburbs. This is the area where my family and many other Vietnamese migrants, or “boat people,” as we were called, settled and set up businesses. After my parents spent a year in a Thai refugee camp, where I was born, they eventually opened a restaurant in Cabramatta called Pho Cay Du. I worked there as soon as I could walk. I swept floors and served coffee. Luckily, I enjoyed the restaurant world. I always knew that one day I would have my own place. Today, food is how I connect with my family. In 2002, I opened Red Lantern in Surry Hills because nobody here was doing authentic, modern Vietnamese food, like shaking beef (bo luc lac) and salt-and-pepper squid (muc rang muoi). And I wanted the kind of place where my mates would come for a meal. Surry Hills used to be a ghetto, but now it’s hip to hang out here. These days, I spend a lot of time in Vietnam and other Asian countries because of my TV series. The cities there are busy and vibrant and crazy and energetic, and I love it. But I also love coming back to Surry Hills. People think Sydney is a busy city. I guess it is. But it’s also a great place to chill out. Read more about Luke Nguyen’s favorite places in Surry Hills:Brett Whitely Studio Mao and More The Norfolk Twig Café at Garden Life Surry Hills Library and Community Centre Dolly UpPorteñoRed LanternWafu Photo by Petrina Tinslay. This story appeared in the November/December 2011 issue.

After a crazy NYE by the Sydney Harbour bridge, this was pretty much the perfect spot to spend my day of recovery with good friends, good weather, and a bottle of Coopers Green. One of Sydney's smaller beaches, it is one of the most popular - very busy during the summer months. The town is great for food and drinks and boutique shopping. One of my favorite things to do was walk from Coogee to Bondi - a great walk (about 45 mins each way) along the cliffs, through one of the most beautiful graveyards as well as several more intimate beaches. A must!

Banana bread: a staple in Sydney's cafes. This was one of my favorites -- warmed banana bread with ricotta and honey. Served with a perfect latte. Simply delicious. (Unfortunately this particular cafe closed while I was there, but like I said, you can find this anywhere in the city.)

The meat pie is synonymous with Australia and no place is more iconic in Sydney than Woolloomooloo's Harry's Cafe de Wheels. What started out as a stand turned into one of the first food trucks when local ordinances dictated that mobile food carts had to move at least 12 inches every day. There are now dozens of Harry's around Sydney, each serving up their famous pies. "The Tiger" is the most well known: a pie topped with mashed potatoes, gravy and mushy peas. There are no tables to speak of, but rather a counter attached to the truck. Hundreds of celebrities, politicians and locals have flocked to Harry's for their pie fix. They're also open until 2 a.m., making this a great late-night spot.

Only a mere snapshot into the charm that is The Rocks - Sydney's historical suburb. Although sprinkled with expensive boutiques, brand name shops, and high end restaurants, the cobblestone alleyways, old pubs, and hidden cafes gives a feeling of escape and wonder in the midst of all the Circular Quay craziness. The weekend markets are great to visit with beautiful local jewelry, art, and crafts. If you're a fan of pancakes, Pancakes on the Rocks is a fun place to go for every kind of pancake you could think of. Although the Harbour View Hotel no longer gives the best view of the harbour due to the massive bridge that was built over it, its deck is a great place to sit and have bloody marys and watch what's happening down below. Although I recommend visiting The Rocks during the weekend when there's a lot going on, I also highly recommend walking through The Rocks in the early hours of the day before the city really wakes up and the tourists stampede Circular Quay. It's such a magical part of the city and when you're there before the noise, it's like you have the Opera House to yourself.

The hike from Coogee Beach to Bondi Beach in Sydney, Australia is one of the best urban trails I have experienced. Although you're never far from the city the walk feels quite scenic at times and the many beaches you come across along the way are all beautiful. Of course you can always walk from Bondi to Coogee if you find yourself heading in the other direction. Either way you'll find yourself at one of Sydney's top beach destinations! The hike is an easy walk that will include towering cliffs, sandy beaches, public pools, rock formations, parks, and epic vistas along the 6km trail. You could do the hike in a few hours but it would be best to allocate 3+hrs with a stop at Bronte Beach for lunch or drinks and if it is a hot day then some time for a swim!

If you're a beer drinker (or drinker in general), you'll fit right in down under. Here is a pretty well-rounded assortment of brews - from vintage Resch's to the popular low carb Super Dry and Pure Blonde to the staples VB and Carlton. Bluetongue is a brewery located in NSW's wine country, Hunter Valley, and serves as a nice addition to your wine tasting itinerary. Down on the end are a variety of Schwartz beers. Dr. Schwartz owns this hotel, The Sebel Surry Hills, as well as a handful of others. The Macquarie Hotel is located just down the street and is where these ales are brewed. As a matter of fact, I believe it has been renamed since I've been there The Schwartz Brewery Hotel. Not only can you visit where the beer is made, but they have a great happy hour - $3 schooners - and a live music venue, The Mac. Go to the Sebel Surry Hills for a killer lunch special. Each week there are three meals to choose from (the steak sandwich is always on the menu due to its demand). Your choice plus a schooner of beer or a glass of wine for $10! Hard to beat in Sydney. The suburb of Surry Hills was one of my favorites in Sydney. The pub culture alone makes it an eventful place to walk around and explore.

Growing up in Mexico, I would get all my haircuts from my grandfather's old-school barber. He would cut my hair and finish off the session with a mock shave using warm shaving cream and the dull edge of his blade. Three decades later - now with some facial hair to shave, my memory instantly flashed back to those times in Mexico when I saw QT Sydney's retro Barber Shop. Outfitted with imported American vintage barber chairs and a solid menu of men's treatments and Cut Throat Shaves (make note of the Mr. Bond and The Don), the Barber Shop at the hotel's SpaQ is a must-do while in Sydney.