A Local's Guide to Sydney

Advisor - Taylor Carvalho
Curated By

Taylor Carvalho

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  • Australia

  • Sydney

  • Beaches

  • City Travel

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Curator’s statement

I moved to Sydney after college for a year. It was my first step into adulthood, and not only did this city welcome me with open arms, but I got to explore a new culture with the added benefits of no language barrier. Sydney is beautiful and fun and has so much to offer.

The Fora Difference

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Insider knowledge

Expert advice from people who’ve actually been there

Where to stay

Novotel Sydney on Darling Harbour

Overlooking Darling Harbor and the Sydney skyline, this lifestyle Novotel property is central in the city, offering cool vibes and comfortable, home-like spaces.

Advisor - Taylor Carvalho

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Things to do in Sydney

white-sand beach dotted with people

Darling harbor fireworks: Every Saturday night at 9pm, Darling Harbour puts on a beautiful fireworks display. Go and enjoy while walking along the harbour, or grab a table outside at one of the many restaurants along the harbour for dinner with a view. 

Manly: Manly is a little town just a short ferry ride away from downtown Sydney, which they call CBD (City Business District). The ferry leaves from Circular Quay right next to Sydney’s most famous landmark, the Sydney Opera House. Head to the New Brighton hotel for rooftop views of the ocean. Sip on a cocktail, get some sun, enjoy the views of Manly and the ocean. Manly Beach is great for relaxing and sun bathing, while Shelly Beach offers snorkeling off the beach with beautiful underwater views of the local fish and reef. The Manly flea market runs every Saturday and Sunday from 9am to 5pm. The market includes a bunch of vendors selling jewelry, art, street food, etc.

Bondi Beach: A famous beach a bit south of Sydney. Just hop on the bus and go enjoy! With beachy town vibes, there’s restaurants and shops all along the street on one side and Bondi Beach spanning the other side. Go enjoy the Bondi Iceberg Pool. It sits on the very edge of the beach overlooking the ocean and offers day passes, along with a café and a sauna.

Coogee Beach: Another famous beach south of Sydney that also has plenty of great restaurants and shops along with the Coogee Pavilion. Inside the pavilion you’ll find a bunch of different types of food, along with a rooftop terrace. Another popular activity for those looking for something active is the Coogee to Bondi Beach walk. There’s a path that leads from one beach to the other and winds along the coast with views of smaller, more secluded beaches on the way. The walk is about 3.5 miles long, or six kilometers.

Where to eat & drink in Sydney

small glass with brown liquor and garnished with herbs

Food

Spice Alley: Asian food in a alley way 

Local Mbassy: Great breakfast and lattes 

Elements Bar and Grill

Esteban

The Rook: Casual rooftop casual scene 

Parida Bondi

Bars

Palmer & Co: Speakeasy vibes, 1920s-themed, good espresso martinis

The Argyle

Opera Bar: Bar outside the Sydney Opera House

The Lobo

Advisor - Taylor Carvalho

Travel Advisor

Taylor Carvalho

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Craving more travel tips? check out Fora Advisor Michael Hay's guide to the five best walks to take in Sydney. This guide is part of our ongoing series on travel to Sydney.