Picture-perfect views
at Royal National Park
The Royal Botanic Garden; barefoot bowls (right)
Australia’s best-known beach at Bondi.
It’s definitely worth checking out, but
be warned, it gets very busy. Aim to
arrive early in the morning and watch
the sunrise as keen surfers carve up
the waves. Then take on one of the
city’s famous coastal walks: Bondi to
Bronte, or the longer-distance Bondi
to Coogee. Alternatively, catch the ferry
from Circular Quay to charming and
spacious Manly Beach. Get some fabu-
lous fish ‘n’ chips from the Fish Shack
while you’re there. Or head to Palm
Beach—my personal favourite, an hour
north of Sydney. But pack lunch and
snacks, as the area’s eating options are
mostly limited to fancy restaurants
that cater to wealthy locals. Keep your
eyes peeled: While soaking up the sun
you may catch crews filming Home and
Away, a famous Australian soap opera.
Escape downtown
Established more than 200 years ago,
the Royal Botanic Garden is the oldest
scientific institution in Australia. It’s
also an oasis in the heart of Sydney’s
central business district, for anyone
seeking respite amidst an astounding
array of native flora and fauna. You
can wander the garden’s 30 hectares
on your own—or better yet, join a free
guided walk or (paid) Aboriginal heri-
tage tour. Should you have children
in tow, they’ll be delighted to board
the Choo Choo Express, a scenic train
tour of the gardens with commentary.
You’ll have to buy tickets, but you can
hop on and off at any of the train’s four
stops. Picnicking is permitted, but the
grounds also boast a number of eat-
eries, like Piccolo Me, which offers
excellent specialty coffees, Nutella-
everything sweets and unique twists
on breakfast and lunch staples.
Raise a glass
Pub culture is as strong and vibrant in
Sydney as it is in London, Edinburgh
and Dublin. You can get a great taste of
its past and present at the Australian »
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