It’s almost September! It’s a special month for Keith and I. It’s our wedding month. We can’t believe it has been five years since Our Tiny, Skinny Greek Wedding in Santorini. As we prepare to depart for our next anniversary trip, we fondly reminisce the wonderful trip we had for our first – in Australia. It seems like yesterday. Our first stop was Sydney where fell in love with its charming people, beautiful harbors, lovely surf beaches, its beautiful crazy sky, etc. Join us as we reminisce the things and places we enjoyed in Sydney.
1. The Rocks and The Rocks Market
We found The Rocks an interesting place to wander around in our first morningt in Sydney. It is the original European settlement in the city and is filled with architectural and cultural heritage.
We were delighted to stumble upon The Rocks Market, a weekend market selling a wide variety of local produce, wine, food, crafts and novelties. Set in beautiful cobbled streets, the market is a Sydney institution.
As fans of Australian wines, we were thrilled to find wine stalls at the market. We enjoyed tasting good local wines from boutique wineries in the New South Wales regions and chatting with the friendly vendors. This vendor not only informed us about the local wines but she also gave us practical travel tips around the city.
2. The Harbour, Cirqular Quay and the Opera House
Who wouldn’t be infatuated with the lovely view of the city skyline from the Circular Quay, the hub of the spectacular Sydney Harbour.
We liked the vibracy of Circular Quay. It is bustling with ferries sailing to different parts of the harbour. It also surrounded with wide array of excellent dining options.
Keith’s devoured a lunch of skewered kangaroo and crocodile at one of Circular Quay’s restaurant. His verdict: “They tasted like chicken!”
Fun scene by the harbor. “We can’t believe you didn’t share some bits with us….:
The tantalizing Opera curves.
Soaking up the Sydney sunshine on the steps of the Opera House.
3. The Ferry Ride to Manly and the Sydney Sky
One of the tips that the friendly vendor at The Rock Markets gave us was to take a ferry to Manly Beach instead of taking one of the harbor cruises. She said that it was a lot less expensive and offered the same great view as the cruises. She was right.
Stunning Sydney sky!
Despite the spectacular view from the ferry, Keith couldn’t help indulging in one of his favorite pastime — napping. He may be a bit jetlaged but he really has a gift of snoozing anytime, anywhere.
After about half an hour, we reached the charming Manly Marina.
At Manly Beach, we had a relaxing time watching the late afternoon waves and the surfers.
On the ferry ride back to the Circular Quay, we were in awe of the even more dramatic sky and the view of the Sydney Harbour Bridge from afar.
There seemed to be a fire on the horizon as we got closer to the harbour.
4. Sydney at Night
The evenings are lively by the harbour. We joined the locals as they enjoyed after-work happy hour at one of the outdoor bars by the waterfront.
Dining under the dramatic evening sky.
We were mesmerized at the sight of the moon shining over the Opera House.
The Sydney Harbour Bridge beautifully lit at night.
5. Bondi Beach
What could be more quintenssential Aussie experience than the fabulous Bondi Beach?
The colorful water and foamy waves of Bondi Beach.
The water looked inviting but we found the spring temperature a bit chilly to strip and take a dip…
…but obviously these adorable little Aussies didn’t think so…
.. as well as this bunch of local young men playing football on the beach.
Since it was a bit chilly for us to enjoy the water, we took a nice short hike instead on the scenic clifftop trail.
The lovely view from the clifftop trail.
6. Chinatown
Lively and colorful, Sydney’s Chinatown is a fascinating mesh of restaurants, food halls and quirky shops. We appreciate it not only for its delicious offerings but also for the cultural diversity it represents.
7. The Royal Botanical Gardens
The tranquil botanical garden was established in 1816 as the colony’s vegetable patch. Today, it is home to incredible collection of plants from within and outside Austaralia. We found it a lovely place to take a leisurely stroll, go for picnics, and catch a good view of the harbour.
The bats colonies (left) were one of the things that fascinated us at the garden. We heard that the management repeatedly tried to oust them because they destroyed vegetation, but they just keep hanging around. We were also fascinated with unique species of plants such as the Wollemi Pines (right), one of the rarest plant in the world.
Located in the northeastern tip of the botanical garden is Mrs. Macquaries Point, named after the wife of a former governor who ordered that this chair be chiselled into a rock from where she could view the harbour.
View of the harbour from Mrs. Macquaries’s chair.
8. The Art Gallery of NSW
For a great art scene, we headed to The Art Gallery of NSW, one of Australia’s leading cultural institutions, where we enjoyed viewing the masterpieces of great Australian artists.
9. Hyde Park
With its serene setting and lush greeneries, we had a very relaxing time at Hyde Parks, one of the oldest public park located in the city center. The sky writing over the park was a delightful treat.
10. Darling Harbour
Darling Harbour is a pleasant recreational area along Cockle Bay with a wide array of entertainment and dining establishments. It is popular for family outings.
The wharf at Cockle Bay bathed in golden light at sunset.
What made my time in Sydney even more special was my reunion with wonderful friends I went to high school with in the Philippines and who now reside in Sydney. We had not seen each other since I left the Philippines for New York. It was a precious time.
We had a wonderful Sydney experience and we hope you enjoyed reminiscing it with us. We look forward to return to this beautiful city and to scratch it beneath the surface.
Next stop – Soulful Melbourne!
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You and Keith have covered a lot of ground since the time you’ve been together. It looks like you kept yourself very busy in Sydney. What fun meeting up with old friends while visiting too.
What are your plans for your upcoming anniversary?
Leigh recently posted..Baffin Island Backpacking in Auyuittuq National Park: Part II
Hi Leigh, yes we love to cover as much ground as we can. We wished we had more time in Sydney but we made the most of the 3 days we had. We’re heading to the Himalayas for the next:)
First, congrats on that upcoming anniversary you two!! Can hardly wait to follow along on the anniversary trip. This post was exactly what we needed as we will be heading to Sydney for the first time the end of October (cruising from Honolulu to Sydney but we have five nights there afterwards) We’ve been devouring guidebooks and web sites but nothing matches your spectacular photos! You’ve got the travel juices flowing so badly I need to open the flood gates!
Thanks!
Jackie Smith recently posted..Crete’s Gorgeous Samaria Gorge
Thanks Jackie,
Wow, Hawaii to Sydney! What a grand trip. I’m pleased that our photos made you more excited about your trip. I have not doubt that you and Joel will enjoy Sydney. Have a wonderful cruise and I look forward to your post about it.
Wow what a wonderful flavour you give of Sydney for anyone who has never been. In your photos you really capture its diversity and buzz. I love Sydney, particularly the Rocks area and of course the Opera House.
Hi Jo, thanks! I’m glad that you think so. Sydney is so vast and beautiful that I don’t think we did it enough justice.
Happy Anniversary Month! I really like that photo of Keith with the Opera House reflected in the window behind him. It’s a fresh perspective on an often photographed subject. Bondi Beach in your picture is certainly much less crowded than when we were there on New Year’s Day. I also like that the Aussies are running around shirtless and in shorts while you’re more covered up.
Michele {Malaysian Meanders} recently posted..Dirty, Hungry Elephants
Hi Michelle, thank you! The Opera House reflection is one of my favorites, too. I was glad to find that perspective. I know, we felt out of place in Bondi Beach being so covered up, but we really felt cold!
Beautiful pictures…
Muza-chan recently posted..Mizu-kake Matsuri
Thanks Muza-chan!
How beautiful… I love your photos, each one could be a post-card! <3
Erica recently posted..SO many questions
Thank you, Erica! Such a sweet compliment.
Beautiful series of shots. I particularly like the ones which capture moments, such as the one with the man and the seagulls
Denise recently posted..I want to go back to Kyoto
Thanks Denise. Glad you enjoyed the photos.
I just moved to Sydney a month ago and have found myself a nice flat on Manly beach and a job in the city, so I really enjoyed looking through your photos and checking off where I’ve been against where I still have to go. It’s a fantastic city, right?!
Arianwen recently posted..A Scenic Journey with KiwiRail
HI Arianwen, oh you’re so lucky to live in that beautiful city and on Manly Beach at that! It is indeed a fantastic city. Enjoy your new home and good luck with your new job.
Beautiful pics – thanks for taking me on a walk back down memory lane! The first time I went to Sydney was with a friend from college. But I can’t wait to go back and explore this beautiful city with the hubs. Have a happy anniversary month, and I love the new look of your site.
Dana Carmel @ Time Travel Plans recently posted..In Tahiti: Fa’a’ā, Far Away
Hi Dana, thanks. So please that we were able to take you back. I hope you get to return soon with you husband and have a more beautiful experience. Glad you like our new look:)
What an excellent post, I have never thought of going to Australia because it’s so western in look and feel, but might reconsider since the dollar is getting stronger..the views everywhere are dynamic and beautiful!
noel recently posted..A quirky and fun garden in Mendocino
Hi Noel, it maybe western but it has very different feel than the US. It really is an amazingly picturesque country and I’m pretty sure you and your camera will have a ball there.
Congratulations on your 5th anniversary. We just celebrated our 23rd at Disney World — who says we have to grow up? I love your photos — especially the sky writing in Hyde Park. Thanks for reminiscing with us.
Karen Dawkins recently posted..Frugal Family Fun in Savannah
Thank you, Karen. Congratulations to you, too! What a fun way to celebrate. I know it’s not fun if we all grow up!
Great photos. Looks like an amazing experience
Wildlife and Glamour in Corbett National Park recently posted..Wildlife and Glamour in Corbett National Park
Thanks! It truly was amazing.
Nicely illustrated story. Cockle Bay reminds me of Seattle’s waterfront at sunset.
Dick Jordan recently posted..Travel Photo Thursday: “On Golden Pond” Sunset Shots
Thanks Dick!
Gorgeous photos Marisol.
Congratulations on your 5th anniversary. WoW you got married in Santorini, that must have been so romantic getting married in such a stunning setting.
Freya recently posted..The Quintessential Guide to New Delhi
Hi Freya, thanks! Yes, it was romantic getting married in Santorini. It was truly a special moment.
Wow! What a great trip and fabulous pictures!! Someday we hope to make it to Sydney. Can’t wait to see where you travel next.
Hi Zenda, thank you! It truly is a great city to visit and I hope you make it there someday.
Marisol recently posted..Under the Sydney Sky
great photographs! You are making me totally miss sydney. I hope i get back there soon.
A recently posted..Into the Eastern Desert – Part 2
Hi A, thank! I don’t blame you for missing it. Hope you get there soon.
Marisol recently posted..Under the Sydney Sky
Love these gorgeous shots and the new look of the blog. Great job showcasing your photos. Sydney holds a special place in my heart. My husband and I honeymooned here as well as Melbourne and Auckland almost 13 years ago. No digital photos back then
My favorite shot is the Opera house at night. We can’t wait to return with the kids. Thanks for these special photos. We stayed across from Darling Harbour. You’ve got one of those that can sleep anytime, anywhere too. My husband is just like Keith that I did a post on him (http://www.theworldisabook.com/8107/sleeping-around-world/). I hope you do a post soon too 
Happy special anniversary to the both of you.
Mary {The World Is A Book} recently posted..Exploring Nymphenburg Palace Munich
HI Mary, Oh what a wonderful honeymoon destinations you had!
Ha! Ha! Our husbands are funny. Thanks for sending me the link and giving me the idea about a post.
Thanks for the annivesary wishes and I’m pleased you liked the new look of the site.
Marisol recently posted..Under the Sydney Sky
What a nice trip to down under you had, Marisol! That picture of the Opera House with the moon is truly amazing! And you seemed to know how to enjoy the city really well!
I wonder what Melburnians think when they see this post because I personally think that this is one of the most interesting posts on Sydney that I’ve read.
Hey Bama, thanks! I’m sure you’ve seen tons of posts on Sydney, so I’m very flattered that you think this is one of the most interesting. It hard not to enjoy the city – it’s beautiful and there’s so many things to see and do. I don’t think Melbournians should worry – as much as we loved Sydney we were more at home in Melbourne.
Seems you two have been busy in Sydney. It’s good to see some of the not-so-popular attractions as well. Hope you’ll enjoy your anniversary trip
Salika Jay recently posted..10 Must-See Famous Landmarks Around The World
Hi Salika, thank you! Yes we made the most our time in Sydney. There were so much to see and to discover.
Happy Anniversary! Love the pic of you two lovebirds on the steps of the opera house. Our anniversary is in September, too (on the 14th) and we love it when we can plan getaways or trips to celebrate. Sydney looks amazing — can’t wait until we can celebrate an anniversary there someday.
Cathy Sweeney recently posted..Portico in Arte: Village of the Artists
Thanks Cathy! Happy Anniversary to you, too! Sydney is a beautiful place to celebrate and I hope you get to do so soon.
What exquisite photos you captured of some of Sydney most iconic attractions. I recently celebrated my one year anniversary and had a weekend away in Sydney, we took a ferry with my hubby on the harbor to Circular Quay, walked around to the Opera house, the view was amazing, Circular quay defiantly has a nice vibe. We dined at Cafe Sydney, the view was amazing. We also did the Harbour Bridge tour which i recommend- I hope to visit Sydney again for a longer period to see more- defiantly would love to go to botanical gardens, and also see the Cathedral. I look forward to seeing more travel photos. Cheers!