Sydney & Beyond: My Favorite Oz Moments
My favorite place in the world and important chapter in my life. Here are some of my experiences as well as others' of which I hope to have when I return.
Rottnest Island WA 6161, Australia
There's not too much to do on Rottnest Island, just off the coast of Perth in Western Australia, unless you want there to be! Since there aren't cars on the island, excepting the off maintenance vehicle and one bus, visitors use their two feet or...
Circular Quay Railway Station, Alfred St, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia
For a relaxing rainy morning on the harbor, there are many covered restaurants along the outer edges of Circular Quay at which you can sit and soak in the view with a cup of coffee or tea. As the day progresses, watch the Quay fill with people as...
Paddington NSW 2021, Australia
It was a beautiful evening for a walk down Paddington Street in Sydney. A great place for an inexpensive gourmet dinner is A Fish Called Paddo at Five Ways, a junction of streets in the heart of Paddington.
Chippendale NSW 2008, Australia
Since Surry Hills was an industrial and commercial center early on, it seems like there’s a pub on nearly every corner. The Norfolk recently got a makeover. It’s a funky little place with great photos on the wall, an internal courtyard, tacos on...
152-156 Clarence St, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia
Sydney’s small bar epidemic is at its peak, and no lane or alleyway is safe from its symptoms. Needless to say, Sydneysiders are finding it hard to keep up with the dizzying number of small bars opening after recent changes to the city’s...
Perth WA, Australia
Cinema go-ers of Perth get particularly excited when the days become longer and the sun becomes stronger because the start of summer signals the start of the outdoor cinema season. Pack up a picnic, select a nice bottle of wine, gather some...
176 Cumberland St, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia
The Shangri-La Hotel has the greatest breakfast in the world, and the best part is: it's free (for hotel guests). Fruits from all over the world were so fresh and delicious, they set a new mark for quality. There were breakfast foods available for...
11 Hickson Rd, Walsh Bay NSW 2000, Australia
I live in Sydney, but that's not to say I haven't tried a few of her hotels—I've even worked in some. The Sebel Pier One is definitely my pick. It's got comfortable, modern rooms and the thing I love most about good hotels: a pillow menu (who...
George St, The Rocks NSW 2000, Australia
The Rocks is undoubtedly one of Sydney's most beautiful areas. Follow George Street until the very end and it’s almost like you’ve stepped back in time—there are cobblestones under your feet, quaint stores to browse, and great pubs to visit. One...
2/13 Kirketon Rd, Sydney NSW 2010, Australia
Firstly, go directly to the eight-course degustation menu (often with an extra course thrown in for good measure), and organize yourself a side helping of the triple-fried fries. Secondly, loose fitting clothes are optional but strongly...
Port Campbell VIC 3269, Australia
Australia’s Great Ocean Road tops the world’s coastal drives with its dramatic coastline from Melbourne to Adelaide. Rough waves and wind relentlessly beat against the harsh cliffs and leave behind battle wounds of bizarre limestone rock...
229 Darlinghurst Rd, Sydney NSW 2010, Australia
Eau-De-Vie in Darlinghurst is regarded by many Sydneysiders as the best bar in town. I was there on a quiet night but still loved the place and people. The bartenders rock, and the drinks are spectacular. It's the perfect place to start or end a...
Bondi NSW 2026, Australia
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...
Cape Hillsborough Rd, Cape Hillsborough QLD 4740, Australia
All along the Eastern Seashore of Australia you will encounter spheres of sand in patterns, lines, and random assortments on the beach. At first, it looks a bit like sand circles after an alien beach landing, but if you wait around long enough,...
Northern Territory, Australia
I love trains. That being said, how could I go to Australia and not ride the Ghan from Alice Springs to Adelaide? The train was stopped on a siding to wait for another train to pass. This gave me plenty of time to enjoy the view from the lounge...
Cowper Wharf Rd &, Brougham St, Woolloomooloo NSW 2011, Australia
199 George St, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia
Sydney Harbour Bridge, Sydney NSW, Australia
I look this picture on the ferry on the way back from Cockatoo Island in Sydney Harbor. I thought it was interesting the way the sunset made the Sydney Harbor Bridge look red.
Australia’s most famous beach has played many roles throughout history. In 1907, a group of local swimmers became the world’s first lifeguards; during World War II, it was fortified by barbed wire and iron stakes; and over the last few...
Seal Bay Rd, Seal Bay SA 5221, Australia
One of my top must-do things for Australia was to see a kangaroo in the wild. After a short road trip, that was checked off my bucket list and then changed to feeding one. We were lucky enough to arrive at Parndana Animal Park, where there were...
9 Hosier Ln, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia
Aerosol-wielding artistsfrom around the world have lefttheir mark on Melbourne. HosierLane, declared a “graffiti tolerancezone” by the city council, containsthe area’s densest collectionof spray-painted masterpieces. —Chris Baty This appeared in...
Sydney Harbour Bridge, Sydney NSW, Australia
1199D Barrenjoey Rd, Palm Beach NSW 2108, Australia
If you need a break from lounging on the lovely northern beaches, cruising up to Barrenjoey in Palm Beach will bring you to this absolute gem. The hiking trails are plentiful and the view from the top is incredible. With sweeping views in all...
1 Nelly Bay Road, Magnetic Island QLD 4819, Australia
The sound of the ocean's waves lapping the shore greets you when you wake up at Base Backpackers Magnetic Island. As if that's not enough, this Australian hostel is located on Magnetic Island National Park, just a short ferry ride from Townsville,...
7a/2 Huntley St, Alexandria NSW 2015, Australia
The Grounds café—run out of a former pie factory in the warehouse district of Alexandria—makes coffee, juices, smoothies, baked goods, and rustic breakfast and lunch dishes with equal care. Order a flat white (a cross between a...
Manly NSW 2095, Australia
From Shelly Beach in Manly, the path climbs a flight of stairs surrounded by jungle foliage before alternating between idyllic neighborhoods, clifftop bushland, secluded beaches, and more rainforest. Along the way, you’ll see tropical...
Shelly Beach, Manly NSW 2095, Australia
If you're a beach lover like me, you'll be overwhelmed by the quality and diversity of Sydney's shores. Shelly Beach in the suburb of Manly is protected from wind and waves, making it great for swimming and snorkeling. (Snorkel challenge: find the...
394 Shute Harbour Rd, Airlie Beach QLD 4802, Australia
Originally we had not set our sights on the Whitsunday's, rather we had booked a trip to Fraser Island. However a storm had cancelled those plans and suddenly the Whitsunday's came to us with all the magic of spontaneous travel. There are many...
2, 88 Cumberland St, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia
Caves Rd & Quininup Rd, Yallingup WA 6282, Australia
Gabriel Chocolate in the Margaret River Wine Region of Western Australia isn't unusual for being a chocolatier in wine country. There are always a great number of them in any region renown for wine. What makes Gabriel special is the way they treat...
3341 Caves Rd, Yallingup WA 6282, Australia
Tony Howell might be the nicest Chef in Australia. Cooking primarily food that's locally sourced or grown in the garden just outside his kitchen, this Margaret River Chef begins most days by surfing. A family man who seems to have all his...
40 Mews Rd, Fremantle WA 6160, Australia
The Little Creatures microbrewery, housed in a converted shed overlooking the waters of Fishing Boat Harbour, was founded in 2000. After a morning spent exploring historic Fremantle, repair to the brewery’s convivial outdoor terrace and order one...
60 Rose St, Fitzroy VIC 3065, Australia
Venture out of the CBD of Melbourne by foot, or short train ride, to the neighborhood of Fitzroy. It's quite an eclectic place with a hipster feel, aroma of fresh coffee beans wafting through the streets, some of the best vintage shops...
1 Bailey St, Timboon VIC 3268, Australia
When my guide described the place we were stopping for lunch, on our way back to Melbourne following completion of the Great Ocean Road, I pictured a truck stop; an American, side-of-the-road barn with quick eats that would offer McDonalds or...
490 Seven Day Rd, Manjimup WA 6258, Australia
Manjimup, east of Margaret River, produces Périgord truffles between May and August. With the Wine & Truffle Co., Australia’s largest cultivator, guests can follow labradors as they sniff for truffles beneath oak and hazel trees. Afterward, lunch...
1/46 Hall St, Bondi Beach NSW 2026, Australia
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 mention brilliant layout, of their book collection....
18 Lower Esplanade, St Kilda VIC 3182, Australia
Although the neighborhood of St Kilda is located 6km from the city center it is easily accessible by bike or tram and is one of the coolest areas of Melbourne. It is extremely bohemian due to the prevalence of music and art and is riddled with...
