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Five Most Instagrammable Places in Sydney

Annisa Maher — Wed, 28 Apr 2021 05:44:12 +0000

Sydney is hands down one of the most picturesque and photogenic cities in the world.

Naturally, this makes it the perfect destination for travellers (and Instagram lovers) who love to wander around, camera in hand, capturing the beauty around them.

The spectacular Harbour. Quirky alleys and side streets. Breathtaking beaches and rugged cliffs. Stunning parks. The list goes on…

If you find yourself in the Harbour City, make sure you explore some of Sydney’s most scenic (and Instagrammable) areas that you simply can’t miss out on.

The Rocks

I’m going to start this off with the most obvious choice.

The oldest neighbourhood in modern-day Sydney. The Rocks has so much to offer to the Instagram aficionado. Zigzag your way around the cobblestone streets to find beautiful, old sandstone buildings built by the first British settlers in the 18th century.

If charming heritage-listed buildings aren’t your thing (but also, why wouldn’t they be?), then you can always go searching for the various cosy courtyards that are lit up by warm fairy lights at night. Or the many unique underground cocktail bars that are scattered around.

For the old souls out there, I recommend that you venture out on your own tour of the oldest pubs in the area (trust me, there are a few).

The stunning architecture alone is wildly Instagram worthy. But walking around, you really do get a sense of the area’s Old World charm and character. It’s palpable.

To mix things up, witness the brilliant juxtaposition of modern, minimalist design and historical heritage by visiting the Museum of Contemporary Art. Not only is it quite unique to see such a beautiful Art Deco building against the backdrop of old brick and sandstone, it also happens to be a fantastic Museum.

What would an Instagrammable spot be without an incredible vantage point? A short 20-minute stroll from The Rocks will get you to Observatory Hill. Here, you will be able to enjoy panoramic views of the beautiful Harbour. And if you’re looking for accommodation with a view, look no further than the Sydney Harbour YHA. The views from the rooftop are phenomenal, allowing you to look out to both Harbour Bridge and the Opera House. Don’t say we didn’t tell you.

Barangaroo Reserve

I think we all know just how instagrammable parks can be, and Barangaroo Reserve is no exception.

Set in the middle of the city, this beautifully-landscaped garden is quite literally the perfect spot for a picnic. With incredible, uninterrupted views of the harbour, it is the ultimate place to get a spectacular sunset snap.

Pack a picnic, a blanket and a bottle of wine (yes, it is BYO), sit yourself down on the grass and admire the view. Once you’ve had enough to eat, go check out one of the many lookouts. Better yet, take a stroll along the foreshore promenade. Hand holding is recommended for maximum romantic effect.

If you’re someone who prefers to treat themselves and eat out, then you’re in luck.

Not only is there a multitude of incredible places to eat and drink (hello food snaps), but most of them will also have ridiculous views of the city skyline and the Harbour Bridge too. I’m talking waterfront restaurants and rooftop bars. I wasn’t kidding when I said these were some of the most instagrammable areas in Sydney…

Not only is this place stunning, but it is also culturally significant. It’s a key site where clans of the Eora Nation lived, hunted and fished both before colonial settlement and during. If you feel like learning more about the rich cultural history of Barangaroo Reserve, you can take part in an insightful Aboriginal Cultural Tour. Not only will the tour take you through the Reserve, showcasing all of the wonderful native flora, but you will also get some insight into the significance of the land to Australia’s Aboriginal heritage.

Newtown

Newtown is Sydney’s eclectic, free-spirited neighbourhood with a whole lot of character.

Boasting a thriving food, drink, art, music and theatre scene, it’s where everyone goes to eat the best ramen, snatch up rare vintage pieces, see live music and drink crisp draught beers.

But why exactly is Newtown one of Sydney’s most instagrammable areas? Well there are a few reasons. Number one: it’s home to what seems like an endless array of wonderfully colourful and often thought-provoking street art. In fact, you’d be hard pressed to find a square metre of concrete in the whole neighbourhood that ISN’T covered in vibrant illustrations.

Newtown is also where you go for your hit of multicultural deliciousness.

If you’re a fan of anything from Vietnamese, to Pakistani, Japanese, Ethiopian or Greek, Newtown’s got you covered. Add your pick of craft breweries, grungy bars and classic pubs to the list, and you’ve got yourself the perfect day of eating and drinking. Fill your camera roll up with shots of the different dishes, beautiful cocktails and charming venues and you’re good to go!

And finally, Newtown just so happens to be home to all of the vintage stores, thrift shops and knick knacks of your dreams. If you love to wander around in search of second-hand treasures and “little cute things”, you’ll be delighted at the number of shops you can cruise through. Not only are these quirky shops and stalls aesthetically pleasing (instagram-worthy for sure), you’ll also be contributing to a more sustainable model of shopping by purchasing pre-loved items. Win win!

Bondi Beach

This one needs no introduction.

Bondi Beach probably takes the crown as THE most instagrammable area in Sydney, and rightly so. The spot itself is iconic – after all, what’s not to love? Surfers in their element. Turquoise blue waves washing up on orange sand. A beautiful rugged coastline. It’s no wonder Instagram lovers all flock here to try to capture the magic.

Start at the northern side of Bondi Beach and make your way to the Grassy Knoll for the ultimate panoramic view. Hint: take a picnic blanket and kick back with some snacks as you watch the sunset give off beautiful pinks and purples over the neighbourhood. Of course, you can also stroll down the beach and get that epic Lifeguard Tower shot (Bondi Rescue, anyone?) because we all know it’s a good one.

Slowly make your way down the beach to the famous Icebergs saltwater pool – the most photographed pool in the world.

You know the one – runs 50m long and is quite literally placed RIGHT next to the ocean? I’ll admit, it is pretty special to watch the wild waves crash up against the rocks and the side of the pool.

Not enough content there for your Instagram? Well, if you really wanted to level-up, you could set off on the Bondi to Coogee walk along the coast, passing by four more beaches. And trust me when I say that the shots you can get on the way are breathtaking. I’m talking dramatic cliffs, rock pools, Aboriginal rock carvings and tons of orange roof speckles scattered around everywhere. Oh, and if you get hungry, just pop in to any of the cute little suburbs on the way for a delicious treat to refuel.

Royal Botanic Gardens

Heritage-listed, majestic and lush.

A trip to the Royal Botanic Gardens in Sydney is good for the soul, and for the camera roll (rhyme intended). A green oasis that spreads out over 30 hectares, it is once again an ideal place for a picnic, a leisurely stroll or a quiet ponder. Try and see if you can spot any of the birds, fish, lizards and frogs that are roaming around – bonus points if you manage to catch them on camera!

And seeing as we are talking about Sydney after all, what would this instagrammable place be if it didn’t showcase TWO of the most famous landmarks in the world – the Opera House and the Harbour Bridge.

The spot I’m talking about is called Mrs. Macquarie’s Chair, a sandstone bench on the Garden Island Peninsula. From this bench, you can take in the ultimate, uninterrupted view of both of these beauties, side by side. Best seat in the house.

Next, take advantage of the ridiculous amount of colourful flowers, trees and berries because they are at every corner. And if you’re doubting just how picturesque this place is, head to the RBG Sydney Instagram page and see for yourself!

There are also endless events and workshops and exhibitions at the RBG, so make sure to check what’s on when you visit. Head down to The Calyx, the centre that hosts these activities, and take in the cool light features at night. Oh, and the building itself is prime instagram material.

Now, while we deem these five places to be the most instagrammable areas in Sydney, the truth is that every corner of this city is spectacular and wonderfully Instagram-worthy. There is an abundance of picture-perfect spots that all need to be seen to be believed.

Reading blogs, watching videos, planning an itinerary and chatting to experts can all help make sure you don’t miss out on the “must-sees” and that you make the most of your time. After all, we haven’t even touched on Sydney’s beautiful surrounds in this blog. You’ve got a lot of ground to cover.

The post Five Most Instagrammable Places in Sydney appeared first on Welcome to Travel.

Top Five Experiences in Sydney

Annisa Maher — Wed, 10 Mar 2021 05:56:26 +0000

Sydney is about as iconic as cities get, so it’s important that you experience it properly.

How? By making sure you add these top five things to do to your list.

It can be daunting when you’re trying to plan the perfect trip in a city as exciting and with as much to offer as Sydney.

Where do I start? What are some unique experiences that I won’t find everywhere? Are there any places I should skip? What won’t be worth my time? Where can I get the best margarita? Okay, maybe that last one is just me.

Well lucky for you, the team at Welcome to Travel just happen to have all the answers. While we are experts in all things Melbourne, we also have a secret soft spot for Sydney. So, we want to make sure you do it the right way, by ticking these top five experiences off!

Shake Things Up At A Cocktail-Making Class

Are you someone who likes to try new things and have more unique experiences? Then this one’s right up your alley. Sydney’s food and drink scene is amazing and I’m sure you’ll have plenty of time to try the local watering hole out. But why not experience it’s bar culture the right way and do something more unique?

Taking an actual class means you’ll learn from the best. We’re talking professional mixologists who are incredibly passionate about what they do and would love nothing more than to teach you all about it. Learn which ingredients complement which flavours the best. Make the best looking drink you’ve (probably) ever made. Then, proceed to taste your masterpiece and get a little silly with your mates. It won’t be all work and no play – there’s plenty of time to get a bit tipsy and fool around – but be sure to make the most of it!

A cocktail-making class is fun, unique and if nothing else, a great place to learn a new party trick. It’s also the IDEAL activity for a rainy day. So do yourself a favour and take note of this unreal experience for when you’re in Sydney.

Learn More About Australia’s First Nations Peoples With An Aboriginal Cultural Tour

If travelling to you means seeking insightful, enriching experiences – then absolutely consider doing an Aboriginal Cultural Tour.

Australian Aboriginal culture is the oldest living culture in the world. Naturally, when the opportunity comes up to learn from an Aboriginal educator or guide, you take it. Whether it be their stories, spirituality, traditions, bush tucker (bush food) practices or their meaningful relationship with the land (or country), I guarantee you will learn something new and exciting about the rich history and heritage of the place we now call Australia and its First Peoples.

The Gadigal people of the Eora Nation are the tradition owners of the land that is now known as Sydney. Eora means “from this place” or “here”. Come along to a tour with an open and curious mind, and learn all about their culture, customs and beliefs! You won’t be disappointed.

The Aboriginal Cultural Tour held at Barangaroo Reserve is a fantastic experience. Other examples include the Aboriginal Heritage Tour at the Royal Botanic Gardens, or the Sydney Rocks Dreaming Tour.

Take In The Crystal Clear Waters of Jervis Bay and Closely Admire The Bottlenose Dolphins

Just three hours outside of Sydney, you’ll find one of the most unique places on earth. We’re talking about the whitest sand in the world, mesmerising turquoise waters and an abundance of wildlife. If you haven’t yet visited the famous Jervis Bay area, you’re in for a treat. If you’ve had the chance of witnessing the natural beauty of this place, then you undoubtedly understand why it’s in our top five experiences in (near) Sydney.

What could possibly make the experience more unforgettable, you ask? Well, for starters, how about cruising around the bay for an hour or so to really take it all in from the best seat in the house (or boat)? Not good enough? No worries, let’s throw some BOTTLENOSE DOLPHINS into the mix and see if that gets you going.

I’m not sure if there is anything more magical than being able to watch dolphins in their natural habitat, gliding through the crystal clear water and jumping up to say hello right beside you on the boat. There are around 80-90 resident bottlenose dolphins in the Jervis Bay Marine Park just waiting to amaze you, so don’t forget to write this one down on your bucket list.

Learn How To Surf

We know this one seems relatively obvious, but you absolutely can’t visit Sydney without attempting to carve on a surfboard. Attempting being the key word here.

Sydney and its surrounding areas on the South Coast of New South Wales have arguably some of the best surf beaches in the world. It is therefore IMPERATIVE that you try out as many as you can, and while you’re at it, might as well slap a wettie (wetsuit) on and go for a paddle. You are, after all, in Australia.

If you’re a beginner and are put off by the idea of trying to learn on overcrowded beaches such as Bondi Beach, then getting further out of the city is always a great alternative. In fact, I would argue that places such as Gerroa, Terrigal, Ulladulla or Corrimal Beach, all less than 2 hours outside of Sydney, are IDEAL spots to learn to surf. Plus, it gives you a wonderful reason to explore surrounding areas and get more of a genuine travel experience.

There’s no feeling quite like paddling out, bobbing up and down on your surfboard and looking out to the horizon. Surfing is, hands down, one of the best experiences you can do in Sydney. And of course, getting absolutely thrashed by the waves and falling off your board are equally as fun.

Have A Chilled Beach Experience At Bondi

If you go to Sydney, there’s no leaving without experiencing all that Bondi Beach has to offer.

Bondi is easy to get to from the city centre, and you can comfortably spend a full day (or more) there. Had a couple of drinks last night and woke up feeling a bit dusty? Bondi has the perfect remedy. Head to the Northern End of the beach, jump into the crisp ocean to get that saltwater hit and body surf your way through the consistently great waves. Don’t forget to always swim between the flags, otherwise your hangover might just get a little bit worse.

What better way to dry off than with the Bondi to Coogee Walk?

This walk goes from the Southern End of Bondi Beach to Coogee, passing three other beaches along the way. It takes about 2 hours one-way, but if you’re not in the mood for an extended stroll, you can always tap out at any of the stops, grab a bite to eat and a beer, and head back. The Bondi to Coogee walk is incredibly scenic, and you have the opportunity to spot Aboriginal rock carvings and beautiful ocean pools along the way. It’s a yes from me.

While it’s not necessarily an experience in itself, exploring Bondi Beach is without a doubt one of the top five things to do in Sydney. The lifestyle, the beach, the great restaurants and bars, and of course, the world-famous Bondi Rescue Team – Bondi’s got it all.

Now don’t get me wrong, I know the examples that I’ve listed here are just touching the surface of what you can see and do in Sydney. After all, it is one of the most vibrant, bustling and iconic cities in the world. But at least you can leave after having read this with a better idea of what’s absolutely not to miss out on in terms of experiences (according to us, of course).

If you’re still feeling a bit overwhelmed about where to start with your travel planning, I would definitely suggest reaching out to some travel experts and asking them to point you in the right direction. We love to see how enthusiastic people are about travelling and above all, we love to connect with likeminded people and make sure they make the most out of their adventure.

The post Top Five Experiences in Sydney appeared first on Welcome to Travel.

The Four Best Hostels In Sydney

Annisa Maher — Fri, 06 Apr 2018 01:02:12 +0000

In the planning stages for your travels around Australia and need help deciding which is the best hostel in Sydney? That's what we're here for!

Over the last decade specifically, hostels have had to evolve and change with the times. Hotels are getting cheaper, AirBnB is becoming a very solid alternative and it’s a competitive world. To top it all of, there are a lot more hostels around in general…

Hostels are a really great place to kick back and meet people from all over the world, particularly if you’re travelling. But cleanliness and location just don’t cut it anymore – we expect more. We want free wifi, breakfasts, recommendations, evening events, we want to feel special and for each place to have that individual wow factor. With that being said, here’s a list of the best hostels in Sydney that have a lot to offer.

Sydney Harbour YHA - The Rocks

Looking for the best hostel in Sydney? Then look no further.

Sydney is an ICONIC and world-famous city. I don’t know if you’re aware, but one of the reasons for this is that it’s got a pretty nice harbour. Oh you haven’t heard? Well, it’s really great. It has this gigantic bridge (Sydney Harbour Bridge… Still haven’t heard of it?) and a funny shaped, majestic building (Sydney Opera House… anybody?!) set on a quaint waterfront. It’s simply lovely.

So naturally, if you’re only in Sydney for a couple of days and you know you want to spend time around the harbour and The Rocks, the city’s oldest neighbourhood, then why waste travel time when you can stay in the middle of it all?!

Where can you find such a place, do you ask? Well, the Sydney Harbour YHA is quite literally the hostel of your dreams.

There aren’t too many hostels around the world that are situated in the VERY heart of such action and in such proximity of renowned icons. Trust us, you’ll feel lucky to be there.

The hostel’s main draw is its location, yes. But what’s even more incredible is the view of EVERYTHING listed above from the hostel’s rooftop. Oh yeah, we meant it when we said this is quite possibly the best hostel in Sydney.

We also love that they offer a Free Archaeology Tour and a Historic Pub Tour (also free!) to all guests. Throw in a guided beach walk, free pancake breakfast, $2 sausage sizzle and $7 burger night and you’ve got quite the package deal.

One last bonus is the ease of access to nearby hotspots such as Manly, Watsons Bay (look it up, it’s beautiful!) and Taronga Zoo. You’re a hop, skip and a jump away from ferries, trains and light rail! If you’re keen to be right in the middle of the culture, history, beaches and action, then Sydney Harbour YHA is the one for you.

Wake Up!

There are many super hostels and flashpackers right now, but I’d say WakeUp! was the first of its kind in this iconic city.

This hostel is right next to Central Station, meaning it has one of the best and most convenient locations in Sydney.

Not convinced yet? Well, they also have the VERY BEST service I’ve ever encountered in a hostel. You can tell the staff really want to help and are genuinely interested in making your stay better in any way they can.

They also have Guided City Tours and organised Group Beach Days. These added experiences are great for meeting new people, getting out of the hostel to explore and seeing more of Sydney.

Quality is what Wake Up! lives and breathe, and you can tell when you walk into Roy’s Café or Side Bar. Both of these are Wake Up! side projects – great venues with fantastic offerings. Nothing but quality here!

Roy’s does good food and is the daily coffee fix for many locals, yet is still very affordable for us backpackers. Side Bar’s prices are also affordable, making it popular with residents. It is also a Sydney institution. It’s globally recognised as the place for a good night out for backpackers and students, with DJs, theme nights and live music.

Wake Up! has many common areas and a huge welcoming lobby that has wifi, luggage storage and a professional travel desk.

It’s fair to say WakeUp! makes the cut as one of the best hostels in Sydney. That’s probably why it came 6th in the Hoscars (Oscars for Hostels!), in the category for Best Extra Large Hostel in the world! We’re impressed.

If you’re keen for Wake Up!’s vibe, but prefer to wake up to the sound of crashing waves, then you’ll be happy to know that there is a Wake Up! in Bondi Beach too!

Sydney Central YHA

Where’s the ideal place to stay when you’re in Sydney? Next to Central Station or next to the Harbour of course! And since we’ve already covered the latter, we need to make sure Sydney Central gets a shout out too.

Something that’s incredibly impressive about the property is its open, alfresco feel, despite it being SO central and in such a busy part of town. Fun fact: it’s also located in a heritage-listed building.

This laid-back and spacious vibe is partly owed to their rooftop, which features a heated swimming pool and spectacular views of the city.

This is what I’m talking about when I say we expect more from hostels these days. How about a morning swim before setting out to explore the city, followed by evening drinks on the rooftop? Don’t mind if I do!

Like WakeUp!, they also have a bar and a great café attached. In addition to $4 bacon and egg rolls to appeal to the masses, they also do more unique dishes, like a cracking Thai Beef Salad for example!

These guys also offer daily activities and everything else you didn’t think you needed, but you do. This includes 24h access, wifi options, air-con, a travel desk, luggage storage and even… A CINEMA AND A SAUNA? Yeah, we probably should have started with that.

Because it is so central, public transport is right at your doorstep – meaning you can easily venture out to Sydney’s many neighbourhoods.

Mad Monkey Kings Cross

Aside from the cool name, Mad Monkey is a fantastic hostel to try on for size.

If you’re partial to a party, then this is the best hostel for you. Located in an inner-city suburb that is recognised for being the embodiment of Sydney’s nightlife scene, you certainly won’t get bored staying in a place like this.

With quirky artwork all along the walls inside, a real group atmosphere and tons of free activities on offer, we recommend Mad Monkey for our social butterflies who want to make the most of their time here.

What free activities, do you ask? Oh, only rooftop yoga classes, surfboard hire, gym access, plenty of events and a dedicated FIFA gaming area. Not enough for you? They also have a travel desk, free WiFi, luggage storage and a free hot breakfast in the mornings. Mic drop.

So, there you have it: our humble list of the top four hostels in Sydney. Do your research, see which one suits you and the vibe you’re after best, and don’t hesitate to get in touch with a local guide or travel expert if you need help booking any nights. Hostels are the backbone of backpacking and are the ultimate place to meet people and start exploring, which makes choosing the right one that much more important. At the end of the day though, no matter what hostel you choose, you’re bound to have the time of your life in Sydney.

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