Here are a few travel tips from my time in Sydney.

Sleeping:

Hotel Bondi: 

http://www.hotelbondi.com.au

If you want access to Bondi Beach this location is tough to beat. Rooms are modern, clean, but very basic and small. Bondi though, is a bit inconvenient if you are looking to access most of the tourist areas or the CBD. A cab ride will cost you $35 A to $45 A including tunnel tolls, etc., depending on traffic. Buses will get you where you need to go in the CBD for around $4.60 A, but take up to an hour. Alternatively you can take a bus to Bondi Junction and then switch to the train to get to the CBD.

QT Hotel: 

http://www.qtsydney.com.au

Edit- I stayed here on my way back. Great room, fantastic decor, definitely worth a stay if you are looking in the high end category (~$290 AUD) in Sydney’s CBD. Service at the restaurant and lobby was fine. Definitely a cool boutique option in a convenient location.

 

Intercontinental Sydney: 

http://www.ihg.com/intercontinental/hotels/gb/en/sydney/sydha/hoteldetail

For what it is worth, my taxi driver who drove me there said it is one of the top hotels in Sydney. I suppose it depends on how much you want to spend. Rooms were modern and nice. Lobby bar was spacious–pretty much what you would expect from the chain.

 

Dining:

Bondi’s Best Seafood:

Home

There are a handful of tables outside, and a counter table facing the window. During my weekend I ate there three times. Seared yellowfin tuna ($24 A), grilled barramundi ($19 A), crispy skinned snapper ($21 A) were all excellent mains. The 6 piece assorted sashimi came with two pieces each of yellow fin tuna, yellowtail, and salmon, and was quite good for outside Japan, despite the bed of alfalfa (?!) on which it was served. King prawn tempura and aburi salmon rolls were also good. The house salad can be ordered in a large size (rather than the small one shown on the menu) and is a solid offering as well. The pinot gris by the glass was crisp and a good complement to the fish at $9 A. As for beer offered there, go for the Coopers Pale Ale.

Trio Bondi:

http://www.triocafe.com.au

Very good breakfast options. Good coffee as well. Tables on the sidewalk have great views of Bondi Beach, albeit your view is at risk of being blocked by parked cars. Ate breakfast there three times. Go early or call ahead and reserve if you are going on a weekend at a busy time (i.e., after 9am). Yes, they take breakfast reservations. If you are a fan of feta cheese–the stuff that comes with the vegetarian breakfast is the stuff of legends and is so good spread on the toasted bread.

Speakeasy Bondi: (where I went for wine after drinks)

http://speakeasybar.thebeats.com.au

Note–this is NOT a speakeasy in the prohibition sense. It is wide open and visible from anywhere on Curlewis Street.

Cafe Morso: 

http://www.cafemorso.com.au

Where I went for breakfast the morning I landed from LA. Located on Jones Wharf in a converted warehouse/railroad area. Great views and a nice park in the area.

Iku Wholefood: 

http://www.ikuwholefood.com

100% vegan options, gluten free, etc., multiple locations.

Cafe del Mar: 

Home

Nice covered terrace with views of Cockle Bay Wharf and Darling Harbour. Didn’t try the food at the restaurant inside.

 

Going out:

Establishment:

http://merivale.com.au/establishmentbar

 

Wedding venue:

The Tea Room at Gunners’ Barracks 

http://winterweddings.thetearoom.com.au

 

Weekend Wedding in Sydney (My Story)

Sydney, Australia: The Destination Wedding, a Great Excuse to Travel