I’ve just returned from a weekend trip to Sydney with 12-year-old Marlow. It was so wonderful to get to spend a few days just the two of us, and we crammed in so much in our short time in the city. Marlow actually planned the itinerary in advance, even booking the restaurants. (I love this girl and all her gusto!) This is my second mother-daughter trip to Sydney — Ivy and I spent a weekend there about five years ago now, and she still talks about that special weekend all the time. It’s really such a wonderful thing to do!

It’s been a while since I’ve written up a little travel guide like we did for our Somewhere Slower blog, but I thought it would be good to write one now. Below I’ve shared a list of our favourite things to see, do, eat and places to stay in beautiful Sydney.

SEE/DO: 

  • We love visiting the Art Gallery of NSW. It’s the most beautiful museum and they always have such wonderful exhibits. If you can time it to see the Archibald Prize (and the Young Archie too), it’s always so inspiring, especially if you have a young artist in your family.
  • We also love the Museum of Contemporary Art located in The Rocks. Again, there are always interesting exhibits on, and usually an interactive experience for kids.
  • A trip to the Sydney Opera House is such a special and iconic experience. This past weekend we saw the new Oscar Ballet at the Opera House and it was so beautiful. They also have lots of shows for younger kids. (Check the Kids & Families section for info.)
  • The Botanic Gardens are beautiful! Pack a picnic and find a spot overlooking the harbour bridge and the opera house for a beautiful, laid back meal in beautiful surroundings.
  • We love walking the coastal track from Bondi Beach to Bronte. When we had little kids, we were always able to urge them on with the promise of a play at the playground at Bronte beach. (You can also grab fish & chips and eat your dinner beachside.)
  • According to the kids, a trip to Sydney is not complete without a visit to Luna Park. Amusement parks are not my favourite, but I’ll admit that there’s something charming and colourful about the old-school rides and signage. Plus, the slides in Coney Island are FUN!
  • On one of our recent stays in Sydney, we rented an apartment overlooking the Barangaroo Reserve, which felt like a cool, new spot in Sydney and a great place to picnic. (We actually spent Easter here one year and even did an egg hunt in the park!)
  • My friend, Alfiya, recently set up Mira Mira Studios in Alexandria (across from The Grounds) where you can book a studio and take photos of yourself! (No photographer, no awkwardness…!) You stand facing the mirror and take photos of yourself using a small remote in your hand. Marlow LOVED this! It would be fun if you were with your whole family and wanted to get some family photos.

EAT: 

  • We always make sure to have breakfast at Bills. There are a few locations around Sydney and they’re all pretty great. The ricotta hotcakes will not disappoint!
  • My friend, Jordi, who grew up in Sydney, recently recommended Emperor’s Garden Bakery in China Town. It’s a hole-in-the-wall tiny joint serving delicious cream puffs out of the small serving window. (You’ll probably see the queue as you get close!)
  • A.P. Bakery makes THE most delicious pastries. Seriously, best thing I’ve eaten in my life. Marlow and I ordered an orange & cardamom cinnamon scroll pastry that was out of this world. I think there are a few locations in Sydney, but we went up to A.P. House at the top of the Paramount House Hotel to eat breakfast on the rooftop and loved everything about it!
  • Sonoma Bakery in Bondi is also great for a coffee and cinnamon scroll. (It’s a real weakness of mine!)
  • Everyone in our family votes Bella Brutta as having the best pizza in Sydney! We always try to reserve a table whenever we are in town. Plus, it’s fun to stroll down King Street in Newtown to pop into all the vintage clothing shops. After pizza, walk down the street and grab gelato from Mapo. Yum!!
  • 10 William Street in Paddington is a little gem of a restaurant. A favourite for sure. Definitely order the pretzel!
  • We discovered Ryo’s Noodles, a tiny ramen bar in North Sydney, on our last trip to the city. You could pop in here before or after a visit to Luna Park for a delicious and quick meal.
  • Before the ballet on Friday night, Marlow and I had delicious pasta from Bill & Toni’s, an iconic old-school Italian restaurant that’s been there since the 1950s. We sat on the terrace upstairs and it was so fun to watch the activity on the street below.
  • Gertrude & Alice is a bookstore and cafe in one. My kind of combo! Every time we’ve been, we always find such good books in the children’s used books section.

SHOP:

  • Puddleduck Toys in Paddington is the cutest toy shop ever, especially if you’ve got creative or Waldorf/Steiner kids. They stock the very best brands, so many of our favourites, and the staff is so friendly and helpful and everything is beautiful.
  • The Vinnie’s op shop in North Sydney is one of my favourites of all I’ve visited in Sydney (and Marlow and I went on an op shop mission!).
  • I’m not a big shopper, but I do like to have a quick browse through Standard Store on Crown Street in Surry Hills, just for a peek at what’s in fashion.
  • Marlow and I walked into Midsummer Star, a little jewellery store on Crown Street in Surry Hills and she ended up spending her birthday money on a pair of hoop earrings with charms. The owner was so lovely, and we’ve already said we want to go back to get more charms for her next birthday.
  • Title Store on Crown Street sells great books and records and will make you want to buy both!
  • The outdoor market stalls in The Rocks is fun to stroll through. We also love the Glebe Markets which take place every Saturday.
  • The kids always love walking down King Street in Newtown for vintage and second-hand clothing.

STAY:

  • On this recent trip, Marlow and I stayed at the Ace Hotel, which is trendy and hip. We had dinner one night in the Loam restaurant on the ground floor and loved it. Marlow loved that the rooms have a guitar in them! And of course we took photos in the photo booth, an Ace Hotel must-do!
  • When Ivy and I stayed in Sydney, we stayed at the Paramount House Hotel and LOVED it. Again, it’s hip and cool. Plus the bakery at the top… so yum!