It is easy to get overwhelmed by all the exciting experiences and sights to see in Sydney, after all, it is the largest city in Australia.

With one of the most iconic buildings in the world, beautiful beaches and mountains, and an infinite amount of cafes to check out, Sydney offers endless possibilities for visitors to spend their day.

We have compiled 17 essential activities that every tourist has to check off their list in order to proclaim that they have been to Sydney.

#1 SYDNEY OPERA HOUSE

No visitor can say that they have truly been to Sydney without an obligatory photo and visit to the Sydney Opera House!

Take a stroll towards the iconic building, have a meal right by the water and visit the souvenir shop. If you’re looking for the full experience, book a wine and dine tour at the Sydney Opera House, or better yet catch a show!

With over 40 shows per week at the Sydney Opera House, we’re sure you’ll have the most magical experience there.

#2 SYDNEY HARBOUR BRIDGE

An iconic attraction of its own situated right next to the Sydney Opera House, there are two best ways to experience the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

For a more relaxing time, take the sightseeing cruise and sip on a warm cup of tea or coffee while the cruise takes you around both the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Friendly tour guides are also available on the cruise for engaging personal stories and recommendations on sightseeing activities.

The adrenaline junkies should attempt the climb to the top of the Sydney Harbour Bridge for an extraordinary experience! Not only will you get the best view of the city, but it will also make for an epic story to share with your loved ones.

#3 THE ROCKS MARKET

Head over to the cobblestoned lanes and sandstone steps of The Rocks, where you will find a myriad of locally-made products from handcrafted jewellery to luxurious silk scarves, tasty street food, and chocolate made with Australian grown cocoa beans.

Be amazed by the artists performing glassblowing and spray-painted artworks before you at the market that takes place every weekend.

#4 DARLING HARBOUR

Bask in the warm rays of the setting sun while enjoying a romantic dinner by Darling Harbour. The colourful Star of the Show Ferris Wheel also boasts a spectacular view of the waterfront for an intimate ride with your partner.

You could also take a relaxing stroll around the bustling harbour during the day, which is equally as romantic, and look out for the numerous yachts docked along the harbour.

#5 RIDE ON THE MANLY FERRY

The Manly ferry services connect the central business district of Sydney to the suburb of Manly to bring visitors for another adventure. The exhilarating voyage to Manly offers visitors a remarkable view of the serene blue ocean that stretches as far as the eye can see.

#6 TAKE A TREK FROM MANLY TO SPIT

The entire route from Manly to Spit Bridge is an estimated 10 kilometres and will take up to 4 hours to complete the whole trek, but do not let that deter you from a visit!

The coastal walk takes you through lush greenery and is made up of several short routes that pass-through Sydney’s beautiful scenic beaches and bays.

Photo Credit: Emperor’s Puffs

#7 TAKE A WALK AROUND CHINATOWN

The Chinatown in Sydney is probably Australia’s largest, with a plethora of Asian cuisines for visitors from every corner of the world to feast on.

From quirky and uniquely named bubble teas at Song Tea to mouth-watering custard puffs made using old school machinery at Emperor’s Puffs, Sydney’s Chinatown is one you should definitely check out for how large, diverse and multicultural it is.

Photo Credit: Cre Asion

#8 BRUNCH AT CRE ASION

Matcha lovers rejoice, Cre Asion is a simple and cosy Japanese cafe hidden away in an alley that is typically spotted with a queue of eager diners awaiting their turn.

Well-balanced with earthy flavours and a bittersweet taste, diners get to choose from a plethora of matcha dishes, from freshly baked goods to aromatic lattes. If you are craving something more savoury, order their scrambled eggs, which are served perfectly cooked with a side of toast.

101/21 Alberta St,
Sydney NSW 2000, Australia
Mon to Fri: 8am to 4pm
Sat: 9am – 4pm
Sun: 10am – 3pm
Nearest Train Station: Museum Station

#9 ROYAL NATIONAL PARK

South from Sydney, the Royal National Park one of the best natural attractions in Australia with astonishing coastal cliffs to lavish forests scented with eucalyptus trees and isolated beaches.

Admire the view at Wedding Cake Rock, appreciate mother nature at the Figure Eight Rock Pools, and be awed by the waterfalls, this national park is a must-visit whether you are a nature lover or not.

Photo Credit: The Grounds of Alexandria

#10 THE GROUNDS OF ALEXANDRIA

The Grounds of Alexandria is a highly Instagram-worthy place filled with colourful flowers and photogenic structures such as the fountains and leafy arches. Inside, there are several photogenic spots for visitors to snap away including a charming flower shop.

Take a break at any of their beautifully-decorated eateries, including The Cafe that offers a seasonally inspired menu, as well as The Potting Shed, that not only serves tasty meals but also houses an adorable parrot!

7a/2 Huntley St,
Alexandria NSW 2015, Australia
Mon to Thu: 7am – 9pm
Fri: 7am – 10pm
Sat: 7.39am – 10pm
Sun: 7.30am – 9pm
Nearest Train Station: Green Square

#11 BLUE MOUNTAINS

Rugged sceneries of the mountainside, majestic waterfalls, and a panoramic landscape of the sky meeting the tree-lined cliffs.

The Blue Mountains is a three-hour drive out west of Sydney and is a popular location amongst tourists to observe Australian scenery at any of the magnificent lookout spots including Echo Point with an awe-inspiring view of the Three Sisters rock formation.

Photo Credit: Jenolan Caves

#12 VISIT THE JENOLAN CAVES

Close to the Blue Mountains, Jenolan Caves is one of the world’s most ancient and striking cave formations made of limestone. Adventure seekers will love this vast cave for the mystical aura it has from the years of history as well as the incredibly rare and diverse natural resources located here.

#13 SYDNEY FISH MARKET

This enormous marketplace in Sydney is the seafood heaven of your dreams! Feast on as much seafood as you want here, dive into the brightly orange-coloured fresh salmon sashimi and perfectly seared scallops covered in cheese.

Satisfy all your wildest seafood cravings and stretch your dollar for the best bang for your buck, Sydney Fish Market offers some of the best quality of seafood at great prices. Feast on huge pieces of lobsters and freshly shucked Australian oysters without bursting a hole in your wallet.

Corner Pyrmont Bridge Rd &, Bank St,
Pyrmont NSW 2009, Australia
Daily: 7am – 4pm
Nearest Light Rail Station: Fish Market/Wentworth Park

#14 MUSEUM OF CONTEMPORARY ART

Right by the waterside, the Museum of Contemporary Art is easily accessible due to its location close to the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Sydney Opera House.

Take the guided tour by the friendly staff and gain valuable insight into the artists’ vision for each piece of artwork in their exhibits. The museum also has amazing Aboriginal art exhibited for visitors to gain a brief understanding of the indigenous people’s culture.

Photo Credit: Queen Victoria Building

#15 QUEEN VICTORIA BUILDING

Quaint boutique shops and beautiful nineteenth-century architecture, the Queen Victoria Building is a heritage-listed building that is located in the heart of the Sydney central business district on George Street.

The lively ambience here is reminiscent to the magic of Christmas, with locals enjoying their brunch, tourists purchasing their gifts and taking photos of the stunning design of the clocks while a random visitor plays a romantic tune of the grand piano on the top floor.

Photo Credit: KOI Dessert Bar & Dining

#16 KOI DESSERT BAR & DINING

MasterChef Australia’s Reynold Poernomo, who has gained international recognition for his spectacularly decorated desserts, along with his brothers Arnold and Ronald are the forces behind Sydney’s most popular dessert eatery, KOI Dessert Bar.

The award-winning desserts combine unique flavours to indulge their diners’ senses with their innovative sweet treats, this is the perfect place to stop for dessert after a satisfying meal.

46 Kensington St,
Chippendale NSW 2008, Australia
Tue to Sun: 10am – 10pm
(Closed on Monday)
Nearest Train Station: Central Station

#17 BONDI BEACH

Debatably the most well-recognised beach in Australia, Bondi Beach is always packed with both locals and visitors. The emerald blue waters are constantly speckled with surfers riding waves and families splashing around while joggers run along the coastline and dogs play fetch.

Bondi Beach also has an abundance of trendy, laid-back cafes, hip bars and charming shops lining the streets nearby if you wish to hide away from the scorching sun and chilly wind for a bit.

It is official: New South Wales’ Sydney Fish Market will be moving.

The Australian seafood market will continue operations in its original venue until its new home next door is completed in 2020. It has been in its current location at Blackwattle Bay for half a century and is Southern Hemisphere’s biggest fish market; every year, a whopping 13,500 tonnes of seafood is traded here.

The iconic Sydney Fish Market was never intended to become a popular tourist attraction. However, a study undertaken by Deloitte Access Economics has revealed interesting insights – a fifth of its annual three millions visitors are tourists! The new market will be two times bigger and it is hoped that the new facilities will double the annual number of visitors to six million.

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Construction at the new location—which by the way, is located just beside the current market—is set to commence in 2018. The new Sydney Fish Market is expected to open in 2020. In the meantime, you can still visit the Sydney Fish Market.

There are currently no designs in mind, but NSW Planning Minister Rob Stokes has announced that the government is on the lookout for creative proposals from design and engineering firms. Restaurants, outdoor dining accommodating up to 3,000 patrons and a public walkway—linking the foreshore from Balmain to Woolloomooloo—are in the pipeline.

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NSW Premier Mike Baird has described the seafood market’s facilities as “tired and run down”. The new A$250-million upgrade will improve the fish market’s conditions drastically and we are looking forward to the new complex!

New features will include a wholesale market with live auctions. The existing site will be sold away to provide funding to the new market’s development.

About the writer:
Hui Jun Ng is a staff writer for ladyironchef. She previously worked in the food and marketing industry. She loves travelling and enjoys exploring underrated destinations. In her free time, you will find her indulging in coffee and her all-time favourite local dish – bak chor mee.

I really don’t visit Sydney often enough. But whenever I am there, I can trust a few friends to show me some of the best eating places. The following is a few of the must-go places, especially for first-timers to the city. Here is my guide to where to eat in Sydney.

Adriano Zumbo

If you follow MasterChef Australia, you would be familiar with Adriano Zumbo – who is probably the most well-known patissier in Australia. His followers love him for the unusual creations, while he also has his fair share of critics who do not understand what they are eating. I am a big fan of Zumbo and while there are hits and misses, I very much enjoy his desserts. The main patisserie at Balmain is slightly inaccessible, but trust me, it is worth the trip. Otherwise, you can go to his new shop at The Star to takeaway cakes and macarons.

296 Darling St
Balmain, NSW 2040, Australia
Mon to Sat: 8am – 6pm
Sun: 8am – 5pm

Shop 1, Cafe Court The Star/80 Pyrmont Street
Pyrmont NSW 2009, Australia
Tel: +61 2 9777 9000
Mon: 11am – 10pm
Tue to Thu: 11am – 11pm
Fri & Sat: 11am – 12am
Sun: 11am – 9pm

Bills

A trip to Sydney is not complete without a visit to one of Bill Granger’s restaurants. Having breakfast at Bills is one of the must-do things when you are in the city. Come here for his much-lauded ricotta hotcakes and scrambled eggs. You will not be disappointed.

For more recommendations, read my post on Sydney’s best brunch spots.

359 Crown Street
Surry Hills NSW 2010, Australia
Tel: +61 2 9360 4762
Daily: 7am – 10pm

433 Liverpool Street
Darlinghurst NSW 2010, Australia
Tel: +61 2 9360 9631
Daily: 7am – 3pm

Bourke Street Bakery

Bourke Street Bakery is a neighbourhood joint where locals meet their friends for coffee; or drop by to grab some pastries for breakfast next day. My experience at Bourke Street Bakery was mind-blowing. Everything – lemon curd tart, croissant, chocolate tart, strawberry & vanilla brulee tart, flourless chocolate cake – that we had was so good.

For more recommendations, read my post on Sydney’s best desserts.

633 Bourke Street
Surry Hills, Sydney NSW 2010
Tel: +6 2 9699 1011
Mon to Fri: 7am – 6pm
Sat & Sun: 8am – 5pm

Chat Thai

The most famous Thai restaurant in Sydney, Chat Thai serves good Thai food at decent prices (by Sydney’s standard), and most importantly, they open till late night. If you are craving for Thai food when you are in Sydney, Chat Thai is your best bet.

20 Campbell Street
Haymarket NSW 2000, Australia
Tel: +61 2 9211 1808
Daily: 10am – 2am

Gelato Messina

This is probably one of the most popular gelato shops in Sydney. Besides offering a variety of their signature flavours, the folks at Messina also constantly come up with new treats.

Shop 1/241 Victoria St,
Darlinghurst NSW 2010
Tel: +61 2 8354 1223
Sun to Thu: 12pm – 11pm
Fri & Sat: 12pm – 11.30pm

Harry’s Cafe de Wheels

Harry’s Cafe de Wheels is an Australian icon serving legendary pies and mushy peas, pasties and hot dogs. Definitely a must-visit when you are in Sydney.

730/742 George Street
Haymarket NSW 2000, Australia
Tel: +61 2 9211 2506
Mon & Tue: 9am – 10pm
Wed & Thu: 9am – 1am
Fri & Sat: 10a – 4pm
Sun: 10am – 10pm

Hurricane’s Grill Steakhouse

Another Sydney institution. Hurricane’s Grill Steakhouse is where locals and tourists go for the famous Hurricane’s ribs. If ribs are not your thing, you can try their premium Australian steaks and burgers.

2-10 Darling Drive
Darling Harbour NSW 2000, Australia
Tel: +61 2 9211 2210
Daily: 12pm – 3pm, 5.30pm – 11pm

Kura Japanese

One of my favourite to-go places is Kura, a little hole-in-the-wall eatery at Haymarket that serves very decent Japanese food at affordable prices.

3/76 Ultimo Rd, Haymarket NSW 2000, Australia
Tel: +61 2 9212 5661
Mon to Thu: 10.30am – 11.30pm
Fri & Sat: 10.30am – 12 midnight
Sun: 10.30am – 10.30pm

Madang Korean BBQ

Madang is a household name in Sydney. It is the hottest Korean BBQ joint in town, and the queue – usually at least an hour wait during peak hours – is the testimony of its popularity. There is no doubt that Madang has good Korean BBQ and tasty kimchi pancakes. Definitely one of the must-eat places in Sydney.

371A Pitt Street
Sydney NSW 2000, Australia
Tel: +61 2 9264 7010
Daily: 11.30am – 12am

Mamak Malaysian Restaurant

Mamak is one of the most popular eateries in Sydney. It has affordable and authentic Malaysian food – think roti, nasi goreng and nasi lemak. You are probably thinking: why would anyone want to eat Malaysian food in Sydney? You need to know that Mamak dishes out tantalising Malaysian cuisine that you can otherwise hardly find in Sydney. If you have never been to Malaysia, or if you are working/studying in Sydney and miss this Asian genre, you have a new option now.

15 Goulburn Street
Haymarket NSW 2000, Australia
Tel: +61 2 9211 1668
Sun to Thu: 11.30am – 2.30pm, 5.30pm – 10pm
Fri: 11.30am – 2.30pm, 5.30pm – 2am
Sat: 11.30am – 2.30pm, 5.30pm – 12 midnight

Ms G Restaurant

A cool and funky modern Asian restaurant which sprawls over four floors – the perfect place to hang out with your friends over cocktails and delicious food. I wish someone would open a restaurant that has a similar concept to Ms G in Singapore.

155 Victoria St, Potts Point NSW 2011, Australia
Tel: +61 2 8313 1000
Mon to Sat: 5pm – 11pm
Sun: 1pm – 10pm

Pancakes on the Rocks

Another institution in Sydney, Pancakes on the Rocks serves all kinds of pancakes. There are plenty of things to choose from the menu, and best of all, it opens 24 hours 7 days a week.

4 Hickson Rd, The Rocks NSW 2000, Australia
Tel: +61 2 9247 6371
Daily: 24 Hours

Sydney Fish Market

Here, you can get the freshest seafood in town. Enjoy freshly shucked oysters and a scrumptious seafood platter alongside seagulls and giant pelicans on the wharf.

Bank Street
Pyrmont NSW 2009, Australia
Tel: +61 2 9004 1100

The Tea Cosy

A great spot for afternoon tea, The Tea Cosy is a lovely tea room where you can get terrific scones and enjoy a pot of tea.

33 George Street
The Rocks, Sydney NSW 2000
Tel: +61 2 9247 3233

All I care about on a lazy Sunday morning is brunch. Really. Just by thinking about the warm cup of coffee and awesome scramble with toasts is enough to make me hungry. Being in Sydney for at least a year now, I’ve visited quite a few brunch places and there are just a few that I love to rave about!

The following is a list of 5 brunch places in Sydney that you must check out, and trust me on this, they are not your usual eggs and toast.

Before we get started, you might also want to check out my list of Sydney’s best dessert places.

Baffi & Mo

The must-haves at Baffi & Mo are their Baked Eggs and Buttermilk Pancakes. I can guarantee you that you will be mind blown once you bite into that soft triple layer of pancakes that sits nicely in a plate, topped with fresh berries, vanilla ice cream and most importantly, BUTTERSCOTCH sauce!

The other favourite is the Baked Eggs with toast! There are no words to describe how delicious the baked eggs are. It comes in a hot pan with some minced meat wrapped under the baked eggs topped with fresh toast. Bring your friends along so you can share, the portions are huge and you do not want to have either only!

94 Redfern Street
Redfern 2016
Tel: (02) 8065 3294

Jakyll & Hyde Coffee & Wine Bar

This place was a lovely surprise. I cannot believe that I’ve had actually walked past it countless of times without heading in. The atmosphere is peaceful and gives you a little Italian lane kind of mood. The breakfast menu is not extensive but it is different from the usual. I had the Dr Jakyll’s Eggs, which comprises scramble eggs with feta cheese on a toasted wholemeal sourdough and topped with tomato relish. The tomato relish gives your palate a refreshing tang that sets the scramble apart from the norm. Perfect place to go for a Sunday brunch!

333 Victoria Street
Darlinghurst NSW 2010
Tel: (02) 9360 5568

Clipper Café

One of the more popular brunch places among the university kids is Clipper Café, where they just love to take a break from all the books. The café’s interior is decorated with wooden furnishings, with cute little cactus on each table and vintage bicycles hanging off the walls.

This little café is known for their Panini sandwiches. Other must tries are their Baked Eggs with Mushrooms and Poached Eggs with Salmon, Avocado and Sourdough Toast! Do not forget to get a cup of their freshly brewed coffee to boost your energy!

16 Glebe Point Road
Glebe 2037
Tel: (04) 1180 0063

Le Monde Café

I’ve heard so much about Le Monde Café and their breakfast for a very long time now. Finally, I got my chance at stuffing myself with all the great brekkie items on the menu! Scrambles are always a safe choice. While, an adventurous appetite will not let you leave without trying the Ricotta Pancakes with Cinnamon Apple and Honeycomb topped with vanilla ice cream!

“Le Mon”, the way we call it, also serves some pretty legit coffee with their daily special blends for the caffeine lovers out there. Situated near Central Station, along the café filled Surry Hills, is where you will find this amazing brekkie place.

83 Foveaus Street
Surry Hills NSW 2010
Tel: (02) 9211 3568

Luxe Bakery

Can I just say that I am in love with their sourdough!!! This pretty café sits on a small lane along Newtown, where it usually gets packed with people during the breakfast and lunch hour. It does not have an extensive menu, but why go for quantity when you have quality.

As you can tell, I do like my scrambles and this place makes one of the best scramble eggs in town. It’s silky and buttery. You can choose your sides ranging from mushrooms, bacon, to cured ocean trout. It all comes with a slice of sourdough toast. Luxe is known for their sourdough and pastries, and apparently, it supplies sourdough to most of the cafes in Newtown. Apart from that, Luxe do have a lunch menu as well and always go for their Specials if you’re in the mood for something different!

195 Missenden Road
Newtown NSW 2042
Tel: (02) 8084 1775

About the writer:
Just like that foodie friend of yours, Natalie is one who hunts down all the yummy food places and will want to order every single dish on the menu! Especially if it comes to dessert! With a strong passion for food and writing, she started a little writing space on Tumblr and her journey begins. You can read about Natalie’s adventures in Sydney here.

One of the highlights of my recent Sydney trip was climbing the Sydney Harbour Bridge. During the climb, I had the chance to see the city in a different light while thinking about life.

Here are 5 life lessons learned from climbing the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

1. You only live once. Live for the moment.

If you don’t climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge now, when are you going to get the chance again? You only live once, don’t live to regret things.

2. The view is great on top, but you need to work hard to get there.

When you get to the top of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, the view is beyond amazing. I never knew Sydney could be so beautiful, and I think it is partly because I worked hard to climb my way to the top. The same applies for everything else in life. If you want something, you need to work hard for it.

3. Sometimes when you are scared, the only way is to move forward.

If you’ve climbed the Sydney Harbour Bridge in a group before, you would know that it is not quite possible to stop, and even if you are scared of heights, the only way is to move forward.

Always push yourself to move forward, to break

Photos credit: Dawn Yang

4. Good things always come at a price.

Let’s just face it: nothing in this world is free. You want to see the spectacular view from the top of Sydney Harbour Bridge? Sure, pay A$218 for it. In life, good things always come at a price.

5. Life is a journey, not a destination.

This quote by Ralph Waldo Emerson says it all. Sometimes we are too focused on the destination, that we forget to enjoy the journey. Don’t be too anxious to get to the top, learn to enjoy the process. Life is a journey.

If you are planning a trip down-under, read my post about my adventure in Sydney

I heard everyone has a separate stomach for desserts. At least, it’s true for all those with a sweet tooth like me. Some people say that Sydney is known for the awesome cafés and beaches. However, do you know there is quite a handful of amazing dessert places too?

Here is a list of my top 10 favourite dessert places in Sydney. While discovering Sydney, why not make it a sweet one too?

From cakes, to tarts, and pastries, and ice cream, we have it all covered!

The Grounds of Alexandria

Good Food Guide awarded the Best New Café of the Year 2012 to The Grounds of Alexandria. I did not know this fact until I witness the insane number of people waiting to get a seat when I arrived (and of course the award that was placed on top of the dessert display glass case).

While in line, we could not help but get started on the sweet bites available at the take away counter. After being offered a bite of the Lemon Curd Tart by my friend, I could not help but went to get another one! I can safely say it’s one of the best in Sydney. The filling of the tart is pudding-like that is lemony sweet. The lemon zest on top of the tart not only made it look pretty but also adds a hint of bitterness that blends out the sweetness. The Chocolate Tart has a crust like those of an egg tart, fluffy and flaky. You will be spoilt with choices at The Grounds. No doubt, this place is worth the wait!

Building 7A, No.2 Huntley Street
Alexandria, Sydney NSW 2015
Tel: (02) 9699 2225

Black Star Pastry

Tuck away in a small lane of Newtown is this little pastry café that serves pastries that have an interesting mix of flavours. The Strawberry & Watermelon Cake (AUD$6) is a local favourite; mine too. It’s a blend of fruity freshness from the watermelon and sweetness from the strawberries. I love how the watermelon adds that extra crunch to the cake. It’s a must try in Sydney.

If you are feeling ambitious, go for the Raspberry Crème Brulee tart. What really add that magic spark to this place is their little creative creations of sweet treats. You’ll definitely find something out of the norm at Black Star Pastry!

277 Australia Street
Newtown, Sydney NSW 2042
Tel: (02) 9557 8656

The French House

This French House is one of the many nice cafés in Waterloo, Sydney. What drew me to it were the French inspired exteriors with the metal floral designed seats and rich black velvet cushion ones inside. This is just the place where you will want to laze your day away catching up with some friends over a cup of latte and sweet treats.

I simply could not resist the Citron Tart when saw it. With the first bite, the tart simply melts away in my mouth. You get the buttery crust with the sweet citron filling and a zesty touch. Another one that I love is the Strawberry Cream Tart topped with loads of fresh strawberries. The list just goes on and on. If your love for tarts never ends, The French House is the place to go.

1 Danks Street
Waterloo, Sydney NSW 2017
Tel: (02) 8399 2770

Baroque Bistro Patisserie

When I step foot in this place, I was in awe. It’s such a beautiful patisserie that sits in the middle of The Rocks with an awesome view of the Sydney Harbour Bridge. It’s a nice place to go to just unwind with some desserts and tea.

I have to say Baroque has the best macarons in Sydney. The flavours are classic and sweet but not overpowering. It’s light and fluffy that melts in your mouth with every little bite. Some of my favourites include the Passionfruit, Pistachio and Sour Cream and Rosewater Macaron ($2.70 each).

Not to mention they have really yummy cakes as well that comes with a sorbet on the side. Definitely a great place to have an afternoon out with your girlfriends.

88 George Street (corner of Hickson Road)
The Rocks, Sydney NSW 2000
Tel: (02) 9241 4811

The Sweet Spot Patisserie

This patisserie reminds me of the colours of Tiffany & Co. with delicate interior décor. More importantly, it’s packed with a wide variety of cakes and sweets.

One of my favourite got to be the Caprioska! Not only does it look pretty, it’s filled with a bag full of flavours. It’s a short cake with vanilla cream, and lychee in the middle, topped with some raspberries. Now, the magic is in the pink dome exterior. It’s crispy and cracks open when you push your dessert folk into it. Imagine all the textures, a crispy exterior with a soft mousse-like short cake in the middle filled with sweetness. I’m in heaven right now. If you love cakes, you’ll love this!

18 Perouse Road
Randwick, Sydney NSW 2031
Tel: (02) 9399 3344

The Tea Cozy

Who doesn’t love buttery scones and a pot of fragrant tea on a lazy Sunday afternoon? The Tea Cozy serves one of the best scones in town! Ranging from the classic flavours like Buttermilk (plain) to their daily specialty scones.

All scones come with your choice of jam and double thick cream. I love how you can always get the best of both worlds with the jams available. Both the classic flavours (Strawberry jam) and the adventurous ones like Pawpaw, Lime and Passionfruit jam. My favourite is definitely the Pear and Vanilla jam! Living up to its name, it brings in an amazing range of Irish teas. Some unique ones that I totally adore are the Crème Brulee tea and Green Tea with Strawberry!

33 George Street
The Rocks, Sydney NSW 2000
Tel: (02) 9247 3233

Pancakes On The Rocks

Pancakes are huge in Australia. Anyone who first arrived in Sydney will definitely be directed to Pancakes On The Rocks. Some even said if you have not tried the pancakes here, you have not been to Sydney!

Obviously, I’ve a sweet tooth and my favourite is the Hot ‘N’ Troppo dessert pancake! It has two huge buttermilk pancakes topped with cream, chocolate ice cream, walnuts that add an extra crunch to the dessert and grilled bananas on the side for that fruity touch! Of course not forgetting the home made chocolate drizzle to complete this heart-warming plate. The Hot ‘N; Troppo is a sure winner among the many sweet pancakes on the Menu!

4 Hickson Road
The Rocks, Sydney NSW 2000
Tel: (02) 9683 4322

Bourke Street Bakery

You know a place is special when it makes you sit up and take notice. Okay, maybe I am not getting the point across, let’s try this again. To use the word ‘special’, is an understatement. My experience at Bourke Street Bakery was mind-blowing. Everything that we had was so good. Lemon curd tart, croissant, chocolate tart, strawberry and vanilla brulee tart, flourless chocolate cake – wow!!

“We should definitely come back again.” I overheard this as two guests were leaving the bakery. I think it tells you everything you need to know about Bourke Street Bakery.

633 Bourke Street
Surry Hills, Sydney NSW 2010
Tel: (02) 9699 1011

Chocolateria San Churro

It’s not easy to find good churros in Singapore. For those who don’t know, Churro is a Spanish Doughnut. When I first arrive in Sydney, everyone was talking about San Churro. The churros here got to be one of the better ones that I’ve had. It’s crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and topped with cinnamon sugar. It comes with San Churro Chocolate dips of white, milk, dark, hazelnut choc or caramel. If you like really sweet stuff, go for the white, and the dark is the perfect choice for bittersweet lovers.

At San Churro, apart from the churros, you will want to give their drinks a go, namely, Hot and Cold. It comes with a white chocolate ice cream in your classic hot chocolate. Something worth trying out in Sydney!

47 Glebe Point Road
Glebe, Sydney NSW 2037
Tel: (02) 9692 0119

Adriano Zumbo

If you are a Masterchef fan, you might have heard of Adriano Zumbo, the man behind this wonderful Adriano Zumbo Patisserie. Zumbo is known for the creative flavours of macarons and desserts. Think Pancake & Maple Syrup or Custard Crunch flavoured macarons. Doesn’t this make you want to get some?

I would like to point out that apart from the macarons, what I truly love is the Passionfruit Tart. It’s filled with the fragrance of passionfruit with every bite, sweet with a hint of sourness. The crust adds the crunch to the soft fillings of the tart. It is so addictive with each mouthful that you want to go back for more!

Shop 1 Café Court, The Star
80 Pyrmont Steet, Sydney NSW 2009
Tel: (02) 9777 9000

Messina

I know we have already listed the top 10 dessert places in Sydney, but here’s a bonus if you love ice cream. Messina – voted the best gelato in Australia by the Good Food Guide – is located along the streets of Darlinghurst and is constantly jam packed with people from evening onwards!

Trust me, during winter one would think that the business for any ice cream parlors would slow down, but this is not true for Messina. They have a wide variety of unique ice cream flavours and there is a favourite for everyone! Not to forget, they also have a wide range of sorbets for the fruity people!

241 Victoria Street
Darlinghurst, Sydney NSW 2010
Tel: (02) 8354 1223

About the writer:
Just like that foodie friend of yours, Natalie is one who hunts down all the yummy food places and will want to order every single dish on the menu! Especially if it comes to dessert! With a strong passion for food and writing, she started a little writing space on Tumblr and her journey begins. You can read about Natalie’s adventures in Sydney here.

I’ve had the chance to go on different media junkets over the last few years, and while all of them are very special, my recent trip to Sydney with Scoot Airlines was particularly memorable. We were part of Scoot’s inaugural flight, we ate our way around the city, we went skydiving, as well as the Sydney Harbour Bridge climb. It was in short, an awesome trip.

With my awesome travel partner Dawn

It is so much easier to get to Sydney from Singapore now that Scoot is flying there. Here are some things you can do in Sydney, read on to find out about our adventure!

After checking into Amora Hotel (11 Jamison Street Sydney New South Wales 2000, Australia 02 9696 2500), we went off for lunch at Sailor Thai (106 George Street The Rocks New South Wales 2000, Australia Tel: +61 02 9251 2466) – a popular restaurant at The Rocks known for serving good Thai food.

It is divided into two sides: at the restaurant, you can get exquisite Thai food in a fine dining setting; while over at the ‘canteen’, they serve the classic street food which are much more affordable.

We managed to try quite a few dishes such as pad Thai (A$17), curry puffs filled with sweet potato (A$10), crispy pork belly in sweet & sour sauce (A$27), grilled wagyu beef with tamarind and chilli sauce (A$29), and green papaya salad (A$25). A great start to our Sydney adventure!

After lunch, we popped by the Museum of Contemporary Art (140 George Street Sydney Tel: +61 02 9245 2400),  just a few steps down the road. There, you get to see contemporary art from across Australia, and they also have an collection of aboriginal art.

It started to pour as we left the museum, but the rain did not stop us from visiting Sydney Opera House, which is undoubtedly one of the most recognisable images of the modern world.

I’ve only been to the outside of Sydney Opera House before, so I was really happy that we had a guided tour within the beautiful arts centre this time around. It was really fascinating to hear about the stories of the building, though I have to admit that I did not manage to catch everything that the guide told us as I was feeling the effect of after-lunch sleepiness.

We had dinner at Cruise (Level 2, Overseas Passenger Terminal, Circular Quay West, The Rocks; Tel: +61 2 9251 1118) – a nice restaurant sitting at the edge of Circular Quay which offers a stunning view of the harbour.

We started with a seared beef salad (A$18) as an appetiser. This was followed by the choice of either a grilled king salmon ($36), or a steak (A$38). For the price, the food was sadly, unremarkable. But still, I guess we cannot complain since we got to dine with a fantastic view.

Photo credit: Dawn Yang

If it is your first time visiting Sydney, you must do climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge. There are different packages to choose from: the express climb, a two hour and fifteen minutes climb, the fastest way to the top of the bridge; or the the bridge climb, a three and a half hour journey that takes you along the outer arch of the Bridge on catwalks and ladders all the way to the summit.

While it is not cheap to climb the bridge (A$218), I think it is a fantastic experience (more on this in another post) – definitely one of the things that you must do at least once.

All of us were starving after our “workout”, so we were happy to go to Otto Ristorante (8/6 Cowper Wharf Road Woolloomooloo Tel: +61 02 9368 7488) for lunch.

The food was good, and in particular, the mushroom risotto was one of the best I’ve ever had. Most of the pastas are priced between A$26-29; while you can also find main courses such as duck breast (A$39), and eye fillet of Angus beef (A$44).

Next, we visited some of the best vintage outlets in Surry Hills and Paddington with a personalised guide. Although I am not a fan of vintage things, it was nice to walk around the charming area.

For dinner that night, we went to Balla (Level G, Harbour Side, The Star, 80 Pyrmont Street Tel: +61 02 9567 9129) – a modern interpretation of the classic Osteria Milanese – at The Star, Sydney’s one-of-a-kind entertainment venue, where you can find fine dining restaurants, casino, bars, and entertainment.

As we were rushing to catch a musical, we could only sample the 2 course pre theatre menu, which came with an antipasti platter and a choice of three main courses: wood-grilled lamb rump, potato gnocchi, and wood-grilled tuna.

I am so glad that we were able to watch ‘An officer and a gentleman’ the musical at the Lyric Theatre, The Star. The performers were uber-talented, and by the end of the show, I was left speechless and all I could do was to give them a big round of applause.

The next day, we went on a road-trip down south of Sydney, along the coast of Wollongong. After an hour drive, we reached Bald Hill, one of the most well famous lookouts with excellent 360 degree views over the Pacific Ocean and the New South Wales coast. It is also a popular place for hang gliding, an activity that I would love to try in the future.

We had the chance to go on the Harley Davidson motorcycles, and it was a nice ride down the coast, and through the quaint seaside villages.

Photo credit: Skydive the beach

Another highlight of this journey was jumping off a plane! It was, and still is, one of the best things I’ve ever done in my life. You can read about my skydiving experience here.

After the adrenaline rush, we went back to Sydney, and for our last meal of the tour, we went to Ms G restaurant (155 Victoria Street Potts Point Australia Tel: +61 2 8313 1000) – a cool and funky modern Asian restaurant which sprawls over four floors – the perfect place to hang out with your friends over cocktails and delicious food.

This is where we say goodbye to our Scoot adventure. This is, however, not the end of my Sydney trip. I still have a few stories to share with you guys next week, so see you again!

Full Disclosure & Fine Print: I travelled to Sydney as a guest of Scoot Airlines and Destination NSW. No monetary benefits were received, only air tickets and hotel accommodations were sponsored.

Let me begin with a confession about me being a scaredy-cat. I hated outdoor adventures, I hated horror movies, I hated roller coasters, I hated anything that was (then deemed as) too scary. But that was a few years ago, and I have since changed to someone who is now open-minded and receptive towards embracing new phases and challenges.

So, when Scoot and Destination NSW arranged for us to attempt skydiving (OMG!!!) during our ‘Scoot off to Sydney trip‘, I knew it was something that I had to try at least once in my life despite my innate fear.

I literally took a leap of faith, and jumped out of the plane. To say that skydiving is amazing, would be an understatement. Trust me, it is one of the best things you can do in your life – I am so glad that I’ve tried it.

If you’ve always wanted to try skydiving, read on to find out about my experience.  After finishing this post, make sure you book a ticket on Scoot and go to Sydney for your first jump.

Skydive in Sydney Australia, here we go!

We did our jump at Wollongong – a beautiful seaside city located just south of Sydney. It is quite possibly one of the best places in Australia you can skydive as you get a magnificent view of the coastal area.

Before the dive, we were listening to people who have done it before, and it was kind of intimidating for Dawn (my awesome travelling partner for this trip) and I. Still, nothing was going to stop us, and we proceeded to sign the indemnity form. Gulp.

Preparation was a breeze with the help from the well-trained staff, and after everything was done, we took a 20 minutes bus ride to the airport.

When the plane took off, all nervous thoughts were gone. At 14,000 ft, the view was incredible. I was too busy looking at the beautiful coast to be afraid, and even though I was the first one to jump, I did not feel tense at all.

And then, the jump. Everything happened so quickly. All I remember was jumping off the plane, and in an instance, I was free-falling (which lasted for 60 seconds). It was absolutely amazing (for the lack of a better word). Amazing, amazing, amazing! Then, I felt a gentle pull, and the parachute was up. We began to descend slowly; it was really peaceful and nice. At that point, it felt as though I had the whole world to myself. I have never felt so peaceful and happy in my life.

From the fluffy white clouds; to the clear blue skies; to the cars (they looked like toys) moving around, to the powerful waves splashing towards the coast; and the breathtaking view of the whole Wollongong – I could see everything so clearly.

My instructor showed me how to control the parachute, and I had fun turning us around. Shortly after, we landed. I could not stop smiling to myself – it is definitely one of the best memories in my life. I am happy to tick this off my bucket list. Skydiving is not scary at all. It is something that everyone must try it at least once.

And of course, the life-changing experience does not come cheap. Tandem skydive is A$285 on weekdays, and A$339 on weekends. You can check out Skydive the Beach Sydney for more information.

Full Disclosure & Fine Print: I travelled to Sydney as a guest of Scoot Airlines and Destination NSW. No monetary benefits were received, only air tickets and hotel accommodations were sponsored.