One of Australia’s most popular cities, Sydney is a buzzing metropolitan filled with interesting people, amazing sights, and delicious food. Whether you’re visiting sunny Sydney for a quick 48-hour layover or planning a luxurious weekend away, we’ve got the inside scoop on how to make the most of your trip.
ARRIVING
In order to make the most of your journey, we recommend arriving the night before. While you’re at the airport, be sure to grab an Opal card and top it up (you’ll need this to jump on any bus, train or ferry in Sydney). Now that we’ve got that sorted, it’s time to head to your holiday accommodation at Meriton Suites. We have two convenient locations – Meriton Suites Sydney Airport on Coward St in Mascot and Meriton Suites Mascot Central on Jackson Drive in Mascot. Both are just a stone’s throw away from the International and Domestic Airports and offer a convenient airport shuttle service. Hop on board and head to your suite for a good night’s sleep.
DAY ONE
Breakfast at Barangaroo
You’ve got a big day ahead of you, so our first stop is Wild Sage for a hearty breakfast. Simply jump on the train at Mascot Station, get off at Wynyard Station, and take a short 3-minute stroll to Sussex Street. Everything on their menu is divine but we can’t go past the Chilli Scramble with scrambled eggs, fermented chilli roasted broccolini, crispy kale, bacon and mixed grains.
After a scrumptious meal, it’s time to head to Circular Quay. There’s so much to do in this area so we’ve picked a few must-see attractions and experiences.
Art Appreciation at the MCA
Nestled on the edge of Sydney Harbour, the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia has a constantly-changing array of exhibitions. The museum boasts over 4000 works by Australian artists in a variety of museums including painting, photography, moving image and sculpture, making it easy to spend a whole day here! Entry is free but make sure to check their website to see what’s currently on exhibition.
Indulge Your Inner Shopaholic at The Rocks
With its unforgettable heritage architecture and cobble-stoned laneways, The Rocks is home to a plethora of delights including Sydney’s oldest pub, the famous open-air Rocks Markets, and stylish boutiques. Take your time browsing through shops like Coco Leather, Get Drenched and Squidinki. If you’re feeling peckish, there are scores of cafes to choose from but we love a little pick-me-up at The Tea Cosy. This hidden gem serves freshly-baked scones made from a secret family recipe, and baskets of knitting needles and wool adorn the many cosy corners.
Enjoy the View at Mrs Macquarie’s Chair
Located at the tip of Mrs. Macquaries Point, this leafy area is the perfect spot to catch your breath and gaze at the stunning views of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera House. You can always book in a Harbour Bridge Climb or catch one of the riveting performances on at the Opera House, but make sure you pop in and wave a flipper at the Sydney Opera House Seal, Benny (you may have seen him on The Simpsons). For a little bit of extra fun, you can now chat to this “seal-ebrity” on Facebook Messenger!
You Can’t Go Wrong with Mr Wong
Hidden in a secret side street in Sydney’s CBD, Mr Wong is one of the city’s most popular spots for Cantonese-style dining with a twist. For starters, the restaurant is a feast for the eyes with their timber ceilings and rustic brick walls, but the menu is where Mr Wong really pulls out all the stops. Make sure to try their range of mouth-watering dim sums, Crispy Pork Spare Ribs and unforgettable Mapo Tofu. And, if you have room to spare, their Mango Pudding with coconut tapioca, lychee granita and mango pearls is a must-have.
DAY TWO
Walk From Bondi to Coogee
You had a busy day yesterday, so it’s time to switch gears and do something a little more relaxing for your second day in Sydney. You might have seen our previous article on the Perfect Day in Bondi Beach, but we’re stretching our wings and exploring further this time around. The Bondi to Coogee walk extends for 6km and offers amazing views, lush parks, and rock pools teeming with the ocean’s treasures. Your walk will take you about two hours so make sure you wear comfy shoes and hat, and bring some sunscreen and a bottle of water. For lunch, make your way to The Little Kitchen on Arden St and order up a serve of their mouthwatering Ricotta Pancakes with summer berries and salted caramel.
Get Back to Nature in Centennial Park
Now that you’re fed and watered, it’s time to head over to Centennial Park. There are buses running every five minutes from Arden St near Carr St that will take you to the park’s entrance. There’s so much to see and do at Centennial Park but our favourite activities include hiring a bicycle to explore the gardens, horse riding at the Equestrian Centre, or simply strolling around the park as you stop to smell the roses. If you happen to be an avid golfer, Moore Park Golf Course is just across the road and boasts a three-level driving range!
Experience Hipster Culture on King St
No trip to Sydney would be complete without a walk down the iconic King St in Newtown. Known for its eclectic and alternative culture, King St is teeming with vintage clothing shops, ethnic galleries, retro hideaways and restaurants with cuisines from all around the world. For the fashionistas among us, Faster Pussycat is a rockabilly’s paradise while Maplestore is home to some of the city’s most iconic denim designs. Meanwhile, foodies will love exploring the many cheese and wines at The Stinking Bishops. Need something to read? Head over to Elizabeth’s Bookshops for a blind date with a book where tomes are wrapped in brown paper with just a few key words on the front – so you never know what to expect!
Drink, Dine and Dance at The Imperial
Turn off King St and head down Erskineville Road to explore the leafy suburb with a quaint village vibe. Some of you might recognise recently-renovated Imperial Hotel from its iconic role in the 1994 hit, The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert – and this hot spot is just as fabulous as ever. Every night, The Imperial hosts Drag N’ Dine, a magnificent spectacle that changes daily from drag queen to visual art to pole dancing. It truly is a dining experience like no other!
DEPARTING
We’ve jam-packed a lot of action into these last couple of days but sadly, it’s time to head back to your holiday accommodation at the Meriton Suites on Coward St or Jackson Drive. Luckily, you’re only minutes away from the airport so you can indulge in a well-deserved sleep in. Just make sure you carefully pack all your souvenirs and mementoes from your whirlwind adventure!
