If You Had One Day In Sydney, Australia….

a bridge over water with clouds in the sky

This is part of a new series of blog posts that I want to try out with readers.  I’ll definitely need your help.  We’ll pick destinations in the US and around the world and share our favorite things to do there.  And, if you’ve never been there, you can still help out by sharing the things on your bucket list for our current destination.  Got it?

If You Had One Day In Sydney, Australia

I picked Sydney because I had essentially one great day there on my first trip Down Under.  When I asked folks for their suggestions on my podcast, I used Sydney as my example.  Here goes:

If I had one day in Sydney, I’d be staying at the Park Hyatt.  I’d wake up early, mostly because my body clock would be all messed up.  I’d start with a walk along the water to a ferry-boat landing.  If I was up early enough, I’d hop on a ferry-boat before there was really anyone stirring, while the city is still sleeping.  That was such an awesome experience for me.

Sydney Harbour Bridge over water with city in the background

Standing outside, I’d watch as the ferry-boat whisked me by the various landmarks, starting near the Opera House and ending in Darling Harbour.  Then, I’d make my way to Bridge Climb, towering over the city with some the most amazing views you’ve ever seen. 

Sydney Bridge Climb

After that, I’d walk through the city, exploring the nooks and crannies.  If it was the weekend, I would peruse the markets in the Rocks near the Park Hyatt.  After all was said and done, I’d get in line early for dinner at Mr. Wong.  I’d have some prawns with pork belly in a chili, black bean and garlic sauce.  Id think about ordering some duck.  And, I’d definitely add on some fried rice.

a plate of food with a spoon

a glass of wine next to a display of meat

That’s what I’d do if I had one day in Sydney.  And, I’d have a darn good time doing it.

Here’s Where I Need Your Help

This can’t be all about me.  I need your help.  Especially because there are so many great destinations I’ve never been to yet.  I would never have done Bridge Climb in Sydney if it hadn’t been for the help of my friend, Michael.  He suggested it to me a few weeks before my trip.  I love getting tips like that.

So, what are some of your favorite things to do in Sydney?  If you’ve never been, what are you dreaming of doing when you do get there?

And, what cities would you like to see myself and others weigh in on?  Let’s have some fun with this!

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8 Comments

  1. I think I’d get up early to walk from the Park Hyatt, across the Harbour Bridge to North Sydney Olympic Pool. I’d freshen up and feel alive by going for a swim and doing some backstroke while I look up at the Harbour Bridge looming above me. Then I’d catch a train back over the bridge (sitting on the top deck of course) for views in the other direction. Then a ferry from Circular Quay to Manly. I’d wander through the Corso and along the ocean beach, knowing that same ocean continues all the way to Chile…
    I might have lunch sitting on the beach, or if it wasn’t great weather to be outside, I’d have a ginger beer and a burger at 4 Pines brewery. I’d catch the ferry back, wander through the rocks to Barangaroo Reserve, or through the Botanic Gardens. And Mr Woo would be fine for dinner.
    I wouldn’t do the bridge climb because it’s expensive, it feels contrived to me, and I don’t really enjoy heights. I prefer the immersion you can get by being so close to the harbour while on a ferry. You really see how there are pockets of natural bush between the urban development all around the harbour. Sydney is a spectacular harbour city so I think it’s worth getting amongst it.

  2. Ed, I love both your day, and Jim’s day! Wow!

    The Hyatt Regency is also in a very good spot, right on Darling Harbour, with some nice walks.

    Folk who may be thinking of SYD, why not tie it in with the upcoming FTU SYD 17-18 November! Most sessions will have global appeal, and only a few are just AU / NZ. Oh! And the Belly Dance at the optional Turkish Banquet… (This posting is all Ed Approved!) (except messing with the Belly Dancer 😉 )

    Back to Park Hyatt, head out the front door, turn right. A way along there you’ll find the wonderful Sydney Theatre Company. Most of the AU actors in Hollywood / Broadway come home every couple of years for a season here! Cate, Hugh,…

    Also I love catching either a water taxi from right outside the Park Hyatt, or walk along to a Circular Quay, to travel on the Harbour to have lunch at Catalina’s at Rose Bay. For those so inclined, you can also fly in via sea plane, and your plane parks at the restaurant jetty 😀

    So, come to FTU SYD FTUniversity.com and enjoy all of Jim & Ed’s & My suggestions 😉

  3. Heading out to the beaches and doing the cliff walk from bondi beach to coogee beach is also spectacular and highly recommended! That is probably half a day activity. But you need way more then a day in Sydney!

  4. Morning swim at bondi icebergs. Have an Aussie breakfast like vegemite avocado toast with coffee. Take the ferry to Taronga zoo. Come back to circular quay and have afternoon drinks at the opera bar – sunset or night is excellent. Have dinner at golden century and then go drink some more. And then end the night at Harry’s cafe de wheels and have some meat pie!!!

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