Sydney, Australia.
The city of blonde shaggy haired beach babes with taut, tanned bods. The city where sparkling tanzanite waters lap gleefully under the strong sturdy mothership of the Sydney Harbour Bridge. The city with plenty of unique restaurants, rockin’ bars, stunning beaches and cultural charm.
There are some places you know that you just have to visit when you come to Sydney. Sydney Harbour Bridge? Check. Bondi Beach? Check. Opera House? Check.
However, there are some lesser known gems that in my opinion that make up a large part of Sydney’s unique and vibrant culture.
For the view: Cabarita Point
Situated on Sydney’s inner west on the Parramatta River, Cabarita Point offers boat owners the chance to be located close to Sydney Harbour whilst being surrounded by the lush parklands of the inner west. If you’re fortunate enough to own a boat (hi, I’m Ally, can we be best friends? I make a mean nutella cheesecake!) Cabarita Point has a great premium restaurant for spending some time with the fam whilst your boat is berthed.
Visit http://dalboramarinas.com.au/Our-Marinas/Cabarita-Point.aspx
For the food: Watsons’s Bay Boutique Hotel
Watson’s Bay Boutique Hotel is your ultimate go-to hotspot for fantastic food and gorgeous views of Sydney Harbour to boot. Head there on a Sunday arvo for a cheeky bevvy or two whilst you put your feet up seaside where you can kickback until the sun goes down. With a wide selection of fresh seafood and a mean cocktail menu, you’ll be raving about this hotel to your friends for weeks.
Visit http://watsonsbayhotel.com.au/
For the drinks: The Glenmore
Good old Glenmore Hotel. Hanging around the The Rocks since 1921, it’s been an Aussie icon for over 90 years. WIth a ground floor, middle floor and a popular rooftop bar with a million dollar view of Sydney Harbour, The Glenmore is the ideal location for Friday night drinks or a cruisy Saturday lunch. Take your pick of ciders, beers, wines, jugs or spirits. The Glenmore is your oyster, so slurp away!
Visit http://www.theglenmore.com.au/
For a picnic: Shark Island
Whilst Shark Island is not so much a unknown gem, it’s a gem nonetheless. It’s located at the mouth of Sydney Harbour and is the perfect place for a picnic (alliteration for the win). It boasts a large gazebo, picnic shelters, plenty of grassy spaces and a beach to wade in.
Sounds great Ally! But if it’s an island, how do we get there?
Good question, my friends. A ferry from Circular Quay runs four trips a day on Saturdays and Sundays. My suggestion? Get there early, nab a spot and just relax for the day with good food and good company.
Visit: http://www.sydney.com/destinations/sydney/sydney-city/sydney-harbour/attractions/shark-island
For a swim: Milk Beach
If it’s your first time to Sydney, Bondi Beach is a must-visit. However, if you’re a little tired of the packed sands and touristy vibe, try Milk Beach for a change. It sits just at the base of Hermit Bay in Sydney Harbour National Park, and is an isolated beach that if you’re not a local, you’re unlikely to know about. Breathtaking views of Sydney without the tourist buzz-kill? Yes, please!
Where’s your favourite Sydney spot? Or where’s a must-visit in your country/
This post was written in collaboration with d’Albora Marinas, however, all the beliefs and opinions expressed in this post are written in my own words and 100% authentic.
Edibles and Travels 
Never been to Sydney and until recently it hasn’t really appealed. But the more blogs I read about it’s food, the more I want to go!
Its food is just one amazing part of Sydney! Definitely have to come one day – it’s worth the trip to the other side of the plant haha I promise!
I’ve seen more of Sydney on trips back to Australia then I did while growing up in the country — and I agree, it is a great city. (Almost as good as my home city of Adelaide!)
Adelaide is pretty lovely too! Been there a few times :)