Sydney is a short trip from Fiji and after nine days of relaxation we were ready to continue our honeymoon with some exploration of this famed city. And I figured I was far from the danger of the 14 most deadliest creatures found in Australia for at least the first few days of our trip.
Sydney, like many cities can be navigated on foot, bus, train or taxi. We treated it like New York City and walked as much as we could to get a sense of the architecture and expanse of the city. I was a little disappointed by the look of the city as I had envisioned a slightly modern version of England or France, which it certainly was not. If it had not been for the Harbor Bridge and the famed Opera House I may have written it off for just being a lovely city next to water. I dare say it lacked a bit of charisma. So it was time to take advantage of all it had to offer and find a little love for this metropolis. Turned out our first journey took us two hours outside the city to the Blue Hill Mountains known for the sometimes slight tint in the air from the large variety of eucalyptus growing everywhere. We trekked with a small group along trails to waterfalls, mountains carvings and down in the valley through the rain forest. The mist and clouds enveloped much of the mountain valley so our views were kept to a short distance, but the highlight of the day was coming upon two male kangaroos fighting over a female kangaroo. It was apparent neither kangaroo was hurt, more of a shoving match that ended with the males, female and younger kangaroo eating grass.
Daysun and I succumb to all things animals and got the chance to pet Wallabees, kangaroos, an owl and even a koala with its nasty screech at an animal sanctuary outside the city.
Back in Sydney and we took part in all the tourist ventures like the 3 ½ hour climb up the Harbor Bridge dressed in grey jumpsuits and a harness. We were captivated by the multiple mile long views of the city stretching out to the ocean. It was like being on a shorter version of the Empire State building.
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To keep busy in the city we discovered some of the best bets:
Hotel:
Park Hyatt Hotel (The Rocks) THE place to stay in the city. We missed Hugh Grant’s stay by just an afternoon. It’s the favorite for exceptional service, chic rooms and jaw dropper views of the Opera House. The ideal spot to sit on your balcony after dinner with a bottle of wine and watch the world pass by.
For shopping:
Oxford Street is your go to place, but be ready it can seem like a big ‘ol schlep from one end to the other so skip heels and wear comfortable shoes. Most start at the top near Centennial Parklands checking out places like Mimco for handbags and accessories and Fleur Wood for silky intimates then have forays on to Elizabeth and William Street with a visit to Aussie favorite Sass & Bide and end with a hunt for vintage goods at My Boudoir.
For your hunger pangs our favorites:
Quay (Circular Quay) Named top restaurant in Sydney for both 2009 and 2010(of course, I don’t get the 2010 when it’s only the beginning of the year) with a perfect view of the Opera House. The meal is superb with an eclectic menu that just about names every ingredient that shows up on your plate. For dessert, you’d be a fool if you didn’t order the white peach snow egg. It’s visually enchanting as if you were looking at a dessert meant for a fairytale and more delicious than you’d expect something so beautiful and delicate to be.
Universal (Palmer Street in Darlinghurst) A meal that is meant to be shared. Order several small dishes with a mix of distinctive flavors.
Sake (Argyle Street in The Rocks) Fresh, delicious sushi. Try the South Australian Butterfish and Hiramasa Kingfish.
Australian Heritage Hotel (Cumberland Street in The Rocks) Go for the pizza. They offer kangaroo, emu and crocodile, but I savored the chicken tikka masala pizza.
Baker’s Oven (on George Street in The Rocks) Ideal for a sit down in the back courtyard or take out of coffee and banana bread or croissant.
La Renaissance Patisserie (Argyle Street in The Rocks) French style pastries baked daily to take away or eat in the tree covered courtyard outside this tiny shop.
Don’t miss a day at Bondi Beach. Take the blue explorer bus for a chance to see the surrounding neighborhoods of Sydney as they look from hillsides and marinas back to the city. Once you arrive at the beaches get off at the small Bronte beach with its small intimate cove and white sand to start the coastal walk back to Bondi. You’ll walk along the cliff sides above and wind down to ocean level from Bronte through Tamarama beach and end at world famous Bondi. While in Bondi enjoy a cocktail at Icebergs or a burger on the terrace at Bondi Icebergs Club over looking the swimmers and surfers.
Off the boat in Cairns we headed north to Palm Cove, one among many small tony beachfront communities filled with resorts and restaurants. We enjoyed the Sebel Reef House Resort for a few days while we took day trips to the nearby Kuranda Skyrail, Rainforestation nature park with plenty more wallabees, kangaroos and koalas, butterfly sanctuary, and scenic railway wrapping it’s way down the mountain.
It’s amazing how many restaurants occupy just about 10 blocks in Palm Cove, many of which operate in large open spaces with just a curtain, row of plants or distinctive decoration to separate them. For top notch food we enjoyed Reef House located in the front our hotel and we highly recommend the char grilled king prawn, chorizo, pea & tomato risotto, the grilled yellow fin tuna and wasabi creamed potato plus the lemon delicious for dessert. For an awesome brunch get a seat towards the front of Nu Nu so you can watch the waves roll onto shore while you indulge in coconut hotcakes with sweet bananas, coconut sugar caramel and coconut sorbet and an energizer juice of watermelon, strawberry and pineapple. And for Italian walk to Bella Baci or Vivo.
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