One of our co-founders Holly recently spent a sunny weekend in Sydney, discovering the best the city had to offer from food, drinks and shopping. Check out her weekend below. We also get tips from Sydney local Kim, co-founder of Sun Rituals.
I’ve been lucky enough to visit Sydney lots, and it always lives up to expectations. The sky seems to be permanently bright blue, the glossy white sails of the opera house will always make me giddy and there’s a general ‘good times’ feeling in the air.
This trip was a quick weekend visit that included an unexpected toddler in tow (!), nevertheless we got to explore much of the city, Isle of Eden sunnies in hand….
Saturday
Sydney is only a short 3 hour flight from where we live in Auckland, so after an early morning flight we arrive in the city mid morning and take the train straight to our hotel to check in. We stayed at Crystalbrook Albion, a boutique hotel in Surry Hills. It was one of the best places I’ve stayed in the city - luxurious but not pretentious, the perfect place to come back to after a long day exploring. Some of my favourite elements include the ‘honesty bar’ in the foyer stocked with local wine and beers, $10 G&T hour at 5pm, the cute roof terrace and huge complimentary croissants and coffee in the morning. Each room has a different look and feel with unique touches all around.
After checking in we hit the neighbourhood and went straight to a mezze lunch and wine at The Winery on the main drag, Crown Street in Surry Hills. There’s a great outdoor area for soaking up the rays and is the perfect culinary start to our trip. Crown Street is ideal for whiling away the afternoon - full of shops, cafes, wine bars, vintage shops and restaurants. Shoutout to Elms, Above the Clouds and the huge Vinnies Op Shop (charity shop) that’s full of treasures.
Next we jump on the metro to Circular Quay to get our tourist hit. We walk around to The Royal Botanic Gardens, which is less crowded and offers incredible views of the Opera House and Bridge. Wishing I had my Sun Rituals Lagos Towel to lie out on whilst our one year old runs around. The park is full of activities, cafes and a cute pop up wine bar whilst we were there.
Then it’s back to the hotel to refresh before dinner at a local Italian restaurant in Surry Hills (so discrete and local I can’t remember the name) before we headed out to the England v Colombia Women’s World Cup game at Stadium Australia.
Sunday
After a dreamy sleep in the huge bed at Albion we demolish some coffee and croissants before once again heading out to Crown Street. We meet friends at the delicious Four Ate Five for brunch. Flat whites and brunch are staples of the Australian lifestyle and this Surry Hills spot did not disappoint, I highly recommend the Beetroot Labneh.
Leaning into Sunday, we head for a leisurely stroll down Crown Street and then on to Oxford Street, in Sydney’s Paddington suburb. Much like its namesake in London, Oxford Street is full of well known and independent shops and is the perfect place to explore local Australian brands. Some highlights include Hansen & Gretel for statement dresses, In Bed for interiors, Cleveland on Oxford for quirky vintage treasures, Ampersand Cafe & Bookstore for second hand books and Emma Mulholland on Holiday for fun resort wear.
We stop for coffee and a bite to eat at The Hood on William St, opposite is 10 William St which I’ve heard very good things about. William Street itself is full of beautiful jewellery shops as well as home to the dreamy Lucy Folk shop and at the bottom incredible pre-owned fashion store Di Nuovo.
With a few new purchases in hand we head for a drink at Cafe Sydney (which many locals recommend) but it’s closed for refurbishment so settle for a champagne at the Opera Bar (tough life). We finish the day with a few wines from the honesty bar and takeaway Greek (Sydney has incredible Greek food) surrounded by the fairy lights on Albion rooftop.
Monday
It’s up and at them on a Monday morning and first stop is Reuben Hills, opposite our hotel for a perfect first coffee. We then jump on the metro to Bondi Beach (it’s got to be done). We stroll the beach before stopping for brunch at Harrys just off the main drag, The Depot opposite looks equally as good and is teaming with surfers just out of the water.
Bondi Pavilion has just been renovated and looks like it will be full of independent shops, cafes and restaurants very soon. On previous visits we’ve done the Bondi Icebergs which is an experience not to be missed and the classic Bondi to Coogee walk feels quintessentially Australian.
It’s back to the city and we check out the Steve McCurry ICON exhibition at Dawes Point, the piers have incredible views back to the bridge and Luna Park.
It’s sadly time for us to head to the airport but we leave feeling energised from a weekend in the welcoming, diverse and sunny Sydney.
Shop our Sydney packing list here.
Hear from a Sydney local, Kim, co-founder of Sun Rituals
Best spot for morning coffee
The best mornings start at the beach. I’ll usually grab a takeaway cup from the Coogee Pavillion and drink it as I walk along the coastline for a combination of all my favourite things: caffeine, fresh air and the ocean!
If I’m sticking near to work, I’ll head to HAVN, Mecca or Genovese to grab a cup.
Best spot for brunch
I can’t go past an inner west adventure to Two Chaps, Marrickville for deluxe vegetarian delights! And I usually can’t help but grab some pastries for an afternoon treat while I’m there.
Best spot for a swim
Hands down it’s Gordon’s Bay for me. You’re transported to another place, reminiscent of Europe with the rocks and crystal clear water. Pack your snorkel for a glance at some of the wildlife, and head out along the rocks towards the horizon for a bit of privacy for topless baking if you want to go full Euro. ;)
Best walk
Coogee to Tamarama. This has to be one of the most picturesque walks in the country. It never gets old.
Best shops
I can’t go past a browse at Maple (Newtown) and Incu – the Galleries location in the CBD is my favourite. Lucy Folk is another fave if I’m feelin’ a treat is on the cards. If I’m over the bridge I like Coco & Lola for more occasion dressing,
For a blend of fashion and homewares check out Commune in Bondi Beach, and We are Mindful (two locations – Cronulla and Rozelle).
There are some great bookshops around too – Berkelouw in Paddington is a bit of an institution and Ariel is very well curated.
Best spot for after work drinks
Archie Rose mix up some damn fine cocktails! It’s a fairly intimate setting, but super vibey.
Best dinner spot
Sydney has so many amazing spots to eat! It’s hard to pick one… but I’m going to offer a suggestion that’s a little off beat. The Green Mushroom in Newtown is one of my favourite spots for dinner. It’s a vegan Indian place which serves up the most amazing hearty dishes which are absolutely delicious. Make sure you order the honey chilli cauliflower!!
Best date spot
Ante Bar – this is a very sexy sake bar with delicious small plate food. Kick things off with a sake tasting paddle, and let the bar staff take your taste buds on a journey...
Chester White – another great spot giving us European vibes with it’s antipasto and pasta based menu. With casual tall table dining spilling onto the backstreets of Kings Cross, it’s such a fun place to have a few wines and plates to share.