Ever wanted to visit Australia? Here's 8 compelling reasons why you should put a trip to Sydney at the top of your destination list.

As you read this, I am currently cruising high above the Pacific Ocean on route to Sydney, Australia.

I am actually on my LAX-SYD leg of my trip. (I can hear the cumulative sighs from you all the way from here...) Yes, it's a long, long journey to get to Australia. There isn't a person I've met that hasn't said to me they want to visit Australia, but the journey is SO far.

If you know me, you already know that I am from Sydney Australia, I moved to the US about 12 years ago. I continue to visit home as often as I can, not just because a lot of my friends and family are still There, but also because I think it is the most glorious travel destination on Earth.

So, this is for everyone that has ever wanted to visit Australia, but thinks it is too far away... i'm going to give you eight compelling reasons why Sydney is, simply put, "the best place to visit on Earth."

1. The Beaches

Sydney's Beaches are the envy of the world. There are over 100 beaches lining the harbor and coastline, many of which routinely feature on lists of the world's best beaches.

Beloved by surfers and beach lovers alike, from the crowds of sun-bronzed bodies strutting Bondi Beach to surf-spectacular Manly Beach to remote stretches of sand found along the rugged coastlines of protected national parks, the beaches of Sydney really do offer something for everyone.

Sydney really has a "beach culture lifestyle." This means that a quick dip in the ocean is customary before starting the day's work, and most children and families end up at the beach after a day at school.

I grew up on Sydney's northern beaches, and our weekends were spent down at Manly Beach, A short fantastic 30-minute ferry ride across the harbor. It isn't hard to see why the northern beaches is still known as "God's country!"

2. Restaurants, Cafes & Bar Scene

It's hard to imagine that a city that has such a strong beach culture could also have such a strong restaurant scene. But, hold on to your sun hat I'm about to blow your mind...

Sydney is world famous for its excellent dining scene and is recognized as one of the most thrilling culinary destinations globally. With a reputation for blending various international cuisines, including Japanese, Thai, Italian, and French cuisines, the eateries in Sydney offer a rich tapestry of delicious and inventive dishes. 

A seafood lover’s dream thanks to the abundance of fresh seafood, from Sydney rock oysters and juicy prawns to local rock lobsters and mud crabs, Sydney restaurants offer the chance to explore Australian cuisine through seasonal, local ingredients.

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While you're feasting your senses at some of the most beautiful locations to dine you could ever imagine, take your taste buds on an extraordinary journey by sampling some foods unique to Sydney and Australia:

• Barramundi, a quintessential Australian fish that’s served in restaurants all over the country but is particularly common in Sydney. Native to Australia and the Indo-Pacific.

• The Sydney rock oyster, a culinary jewel of the Australian coast. Though its taste can differ by habitat, the Sydney rock oyster has a deep, rich and lasting sweetness that differentiates it from other oyster varieties. It has a mineral intensity and copper-like finish that can be enjoyed raw, roasted or shallow-fried in a light batter.

• Australian Prawns. The balmy climate and year-round sunshine bring a bounty of lush seafood, including sweet, succulent prawns that come in different varieties with unique flavors. King prawns have a sweet, rich flavor and moist flesh that’s perfect for a cocktail dish with dipping sauces, though they can be prepared in a variety of different recipes.

• John Dory, commonly found in the waters of Sydney Harbour, John Dory is a popular fish variety that’s suited to an array of fish recipes. It has delicate, white flesh and a firm, flaky texture with a mild, slightly sweet flavor that complements different traditional herbs, spices and preparations.

• Avocado Toast (don't fight me on this) invented by Chef Bill Granger, at Sunny corner cafe, first commercially sold the breakfast dish comprising of large chunks of over ripened avocado served on sourdough. Also, a staple at Bills, a Sydney breakfast institution to this day.

  
  
  
  

3. Hiking and walking trails

It is no secret that Sydney is an outdoor lover's paradise. There is so much to see and do that gets you close to nature, if hiking was at the top of your list of things to do, Sydney would be one of the best places to do it. With plenty of walks to do in and around the harbor, along the coast, and in the national parks, some must try hikes that are easy enough for all levels of fitness are:

• Bradley's Head hiking trail

• Rose bay to Neilsen park walk

• Ku-Ring-Gai Chase national park

• Maroubra beach rocky climb

• Echo Point Park, middle harbor

• Collaroy to Manly coastal walk

• Bondi to Coogee walk

Bradley's Head Hiking Trail

Rose Bay to Neilsen Park Walk

Ku-Ring_Gai Chase Park

Collaroy to Manly Coastal walk

Echo point Park, Middle Harbor

Maroubra beach rocky climb

Bondi to Coogee walk

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4. Museums and Art Galleries

While both of these topics could be addressed in individual posts, I have decided to combine them for the sake of keeping this blog at a somewhat digestible length.

Sydney is home to no shortage of museums, exhibitions, and art galleries. Australian are known worldwide to have a knack for artistry and design and Sydney has no shortage of places you can visit (often for free) where you can immerse yourself in the creative culture of the city.

ART

1. The art gallery of New South Wales showcases contemporary, historical, and indigenous art for art enthusiasts. Established in 1871, it is situated in a classical style building overlooking Sydney Harbor. Following its recent expansion, it now spans two interconnected buildings with a shared public garden.

Despite being a prominent art establishment in Australia, admission is free to make it accessible to everyone interested in exploring the local art scene. Through its diverse exhibitions, visitors can

delve into different art forms and periods, such as modern and Aboriginal art.

1. The Museum of Contemporary Art Australia is one of the country’s leading modern art galleries. Located at Circular Quay, the museum is housed inside the former Maritime Services building of late Art Deco design. It showcases more than 4,000 pieces of art from Australian artists, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists.

   With a permanent collection and ever-changing temporary exhibitions, it showcases different art forms and techniques, all viewable with a stunning g backdrop of Sydney harbor.

MUSEUMS

1. The Australian National Maritime Museum is a popular attraction on the waterfront of Sydney's Darling Harbor. As one of the largest and most diverse in-water fleet museums in the world, there are some incredible ship replicas to explore. 

   The museum also has 6 permanent galleries detailing the history and workings of the Royal Australian Navy. It features frequent temporary exhibitions, with a 3-D theater showcasing informative documentaries.

2. The Australian Museum is one of Australia’s oldest museums, having been founded in 1827. Its permanent exhibitions include expansive zoological and anthropological collections, with more than 21 million objects and specimens.

   The Australian Museum is free to enter year-round, making it accessible to everyone. Families might enjoy the Prehistoric Playground and children’s activities

3. The Powerhouse Museum is a modern museum that focuses on science, innovation, and design. It occupies an old converted electric streetcar in Sydney's Ultimo inner-city suburb. The museum features more than 500,000 items spanning Australian social history, science, technology, transportation, and space exploration. 

   Some of the temporary exhibitions showcase the Indigenous history, photographic exhibitions, fashion displays, and Australian transportation history. The museum has free entry.

5. Shopping

Sydney is a shopping lover's paradise. Whether you fancy designer luxury items, Australian based fashion designers, perusing collectors' markets for vinyls, or even local handicrafts Sydney has you covered!

There are markets dotted all over Sydney on the weekends, popular markets are:

• The Rocks Market, a waterfront market in The Rocks neighborhood of Sydney. It takes place every Saturday and Sunday under the shadow of the Sydney Harbor Bridge. The bustling market hosts local vendors selling all sorts of local products and goods.

• Marrickville Organic Food Market is a must-visit destination for anyone who loves fresh, locally sourced organic produce. The market, which takes place every Sunday, is held in the unique and historic setting of a WWII army barracks in Marrickville, situated to the southwest of the city center in the inner west of Sydney.

• The Rozelle Collectors Market is a vintage and secondhand open-air market that operates on weekends, situated west of the city center. The market is situated on the premises of Rozelle Public School and has been running for over 20 years. The community market is renowned for its antique items, bric-a-brac, and secondhand goods.

Sydney is known for its magnificent shopping malls. To think of it, Westfield shopping malls were born in western Sydney 1n 1959. Today, you simply cannot spend a day in Sydney without visiting one of the magnificently appointed shopping malls.

My personal favorite malls are:

• Westfield Sydney is one of the largest shopping malls in the city. Located underneath the Sydney Tower on Pitt Street Mall, this indoor shopping complex is home to nearly 300 retail stores across 6 floors. It's within walking distance of many major shopping destinations so you can easily include it in your all-day retail adventure in Sydney.

  You can find major fashion brands from around the world at Westfield, including luxury department store Harrolds, Balenciaga, Chanel, Celine, Fendi, Ferragamo, Gucci, Loewe, Prada, Sanit Lauren... the list goes on..

• The strand Arcade, a heritage-listed retail walkway in the heart of Sydney. The well-known shopping destination is located on Pitt Street, making it a popular stop on a full day of shopping in the city centre. Originally opened in 1892, it’s one of Australia's remaining arcades with an original Victorian style.

• QVB An iconic Sydney landmark, the Queen Victoria Building (QVB) is a must-visit for both shoppers and history buffs. Its Romanesque architecture stands as a testament to the rich heritage and craftsmanship of the era. Since its inception as a marketplace in the late 19th century, the QVB has seen numerous renovations, with the most notable in the 1980s, elevating it to the prestigious shopping center it is today.

The historic QVB building

6. Culture

It's very hard to define the culture of Sydney. But I'm going to give it a shot. Sydney is a melting pot of various cultures, People from various backgrounds, diverse ethnicities and religious beliefs are what make Sydney the amazing place it is today. Sydney is known as the city of villages, and as you would expect, each village has a slightly different flavor. From the Italian influenced town of Leichhardt to the bustling landmark of Chinatown in Sydney's center, to the various Greek enclaves dotted around the inner-city suburbs, to the vast mélange of southeastern Asian communities, there is no shortage of diversity. Add to that the beach lifestyle and you have a culture that can only be described as truly unique.

Most Australians today are descendants of immigrants. It is no mystery that Australia was a convict settlement from 1788, So, with that statistic in mind it is safe to assume that every single person that resides in Australia that is not An Australia's First People is either first, second, or third generation born in Australia. What that means is, everybody has brought their unique perspective and influences, and it has created a rich tapestry of culture and dynamics.

Australians are very laid back, relaxed, and happy people. How could you not be when you have the most beautiful beaches in the world, and the best coffee to go along with it!

Bondi Pavillion Cafe

I simply could not end the culture section of this blog without a special mention of the coffee culture in Sydney. Sydney has, hands down the best coffee in the world.

Let's begin with what most Americans think about when you mention coffee, Starbucks.

In 2008, Starbucks closed over 70% of their Australian stores, no-one was buying their coffee. Presently, there are just 22 locations in the entire country, making just under one per million people who live there. For a company that has opened an average of two new locations every single day for the last three decades, it was pretty brutal. In fact, Australia is literally the only country where they’ve ever had to scale back their operations. WHY is that, well settle in, I'm about to tell you!

During WWII, many Italian and Greek families were compelled to leave their homes, destroyed by Hitler's bombings, and migrated to Australia, the new land of opportunity. They brought with them their stovetop coffeemakers.

These stovetop coffeemakers were significant because Italians and Greeks used them to brew espresso, not drip or filter coffee. Although more time-consuming and yielding less coffee, espresso was considered superior. Consequently, in the 1950s, a network of coffee shops and Italian cafes emerged across Australia, all serving espresso. While the rest of the world was stuck in a filter-coffee era, Australia was cultivating a cafe culture that prioritized quality over convenience.

But the Italians and Greeks have been making espresso for generations, too. So, what sets the Aussies apart?

Well, to put it simply: creativity. And milk. Italians don't drink their espresso with milk after 11:00am. In Sydney, they’ll experiment with beans, blends, and temperatures. And they’ll do it all with baristas who’re treated more like chefs than waiters. (I realize I may be opening a can of Melbourne vs Sydney worms here... but I digress...)

7. Animals and Nature

If you are a nature lover, Sydney cannot be beat. The sparkling blue harbor alive with incredible sea life, including dolphins, humpback whales (which migrate north from May to August.) Penguins, seals, a huge array of fish, and of course sharks. The harbor is edged by an array of national parks where you can take picnics, enjoy the view of the harbor, and go on hikes where you feel like you are 1,000,000 miles away from the city.

One of the most incredible things about Sydney is how close it is to nature. Infact Sydneysiders have adopted inside-outside way of living, easily experienced at any of the restaurants and cafes you visit. They don't believe in keeping the outdoors out, most restaurants have open air patios, and if you ever go to a Sydneysiders home, you'll see that all the doors and windows are open, allowing the fresh breeze to circulate through the home.

While you may very well encounter some animals on your hikes, one of the more popular destinations to visit in Sydney is Taronga Zoo. One of Sydney's most famous attractions, the award-winning Taronga Zoo is home to over 4,000 animals, including Australian native wildlife, as well as rare and endangered exotic animals.

Taronga Zoo's beautiful outdoor harborside location is a sight to behold. The glittering harbor and city skyline are the most spectacular backdrop. and they even have a Kangaroo and Koala experience where you can get up close and personal with your favorite aussie animals.

Sydney's Taronga Zoo

8. Weather

In my opinion, the weather is what sets Sydney apart from other cities in Australia. Cairns In Queensland experiences monsoon weather, coupled with extreme humidity. Melbourne in Victoria experiences much more frigid winters, often with four seasons in one day type weather.

Sydney enjoys a sunny climate with mild winters and warm summers, perfect for making the most of the outdoors.

• Summer (December – February) During summer, average temperatures range from 18.6 - 25.8°C (65.5 - 78.4°F), and average humidity spikes to 65%. This is a great time to enjoy Sydney’s abundant beaches when water temperatures rise to 21.9 - 23.7°C (71.4 - 74.7°F).

• Autumn (March – May) Autumn is the mildest time of year in Sydney when the humidity drops and average temperatures fall between 14.6 - 22.2°C (58.3 - 72°F). Crisp, fresh air makes autumn the season for enjoying Sydney’s coastal walks.

• Winter (June – August) Sydney’s winter months are June to August when average temperatures drop between 8.8 - 17°C (47.8 - 62.6°F).  Sydney’s rainfall is generally highest in June, with an average of 132 mm (5.2 inches), while July is the coolest month when average daytime temperatures reach about 17°C (62.6°F).  

• Spring (September – November) In spring, days are warmer, but the humidity is not as high as summer. Average daily temperatures range from 11 - 23°C (51.8 - 73.4°F).

As I write this blog, cruising closer to the coast of Australia, its early October, so I'm anticipating sunny skies and crisp evenings. Perfect for long coastal walks with friends, followed by a good coffee at the Bondi Pavillion.

Sydney Harbor

So, there you have it, 8 compelling reasons to visit Sydney, Australia. People often ask me how long they should spend in Australia, and my answer is always: How long is a piece of string?

You could spend a week in Sydney, and still feel as though you have not scratched the surface, although a week in Sydney is better than nothing at all.

There are, without a doubt other places to visit in Australia, but if you have plans to make it down under, I would seriously consider making Sydney the place where you spend the most time, because it is, simply put: Unreal.

Fallon xo