• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
  • Home
  • About
    • Contact
    • Press
  • Recipes
  • Travel
  • Lifestyle
  • Shop

Honey, Whats Cooking logo

April 19, 2019 1 Comment

Sydney, Australia

Australia is BEAUTIFUL! I’m so glad I finally visited after putting it off for years due to its distance from New York City. Now that I live in Southern California, Sydney is a 14 hour nonstop flight from LA International Airport.

When visiting Aussie, Sydney should be your first stop. There is so much to do and see here. Take a walk on the Sydney Harbour Bridge while enjoying splendid views of the Sydney Opera House. Walk along Darling Harbour and Circular Quay (pronounced key). Spend a day to visit the Blue Mountains, and wildlife park to see the kangaroos and koala bears. It’s definitely something everyone should experience.

If I had to compare Sydney to a US city, I would say it’s a cross between New York City and Los Angeles. The famous landmarks of Sydney and being able to get around on foot reminded me of being in New York City. On the other hand, palm trees along the waterfront, and the friendly, laid-back attitude of Sydneysiders reminded me of Los Angeles.

Just like both NYC and LA, Sydney has a thriving culinary scene with various cuisines, however Asian food dominates the food scene in both Sydney and Melbourne. The Asian food in both cities is amazing, but Melbourne is a culinary delight! Although I was in Australia, I didn’t muster up the courage to try some local Australian cuisine which consisted of Kangaroo Burgers, Crocodile Spring Rolls, and Meat Pies. After speaking with a few locals, I understand these items are for the tourists and not so much for the locals. With that said, Barramundi is a popular fish in Australia and I ate plenty of it. Without further ado, here is my 5 day, 4 night itinerary for Sydney.
Travel Guide Sydney Australia


Where To Stay in Sydney

Flight/Transport
Los Angeles International Airport – Sydney Airport
Uber from Sydney Airport to the hotel.

We stayed at the Radisson Plu Plaza Hotel Sydney. The hotel is centrally located in the Central Business District of Sydney. Radisson Blu Sydney is a 10 minute walk to Circular Quay, 15 minute walk to Darling Harbour, and a 7 minute walk to the shopping area near Pitt Street.

Between the two main areas, I preferred Circular Quay more because the views were spectacular. The difference – Circular Quay is where you’ll find the major landmarks of Sydney such as Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge, whereas Darling Harbour is where you’ll find all the bars and restaurants with views of the harbour. At night, Darling Harbour is more lively.

Business Lounge Rooms at Radisson Blu Plaza Sydney Hotel

Our stay at the 5 star Radisson Blu Sydney was very comfortable and the hotel staff was extremely helpful. During our stay, we had access to the Business Class Lounge where we enjoyed appetizers and cocktails before dinner. I especially loved their veggie finger sandwiches featured below. We also had an extensive buffet breakfast included in our room rate featuring American, Asian, and European cuisines. Since we had breakfast and club lounge access, we didn’t venture out much for food during the day. Needless to say, my husband was in heaven!

Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel Sydney

Star: ****** (more like 4.5 star)
Style: Classic/Luxury
Pros: Great Location | Outstanding Customer Service | Free WiFi | Complimentary Treats provided by Room Service | Comfortable Beds | Housekeeping | Complimentary Tea/Coffee | Complimentary Water | Restaurants at Hotel | Spa | Access to Business Lounge Goodies when staying on Business Floor
Cons: Not a 5 star, more along the lines of a 4.5 star | No Views from Rooms
Location: 27 O’Connell Street, Sydney, NSW 2000, Australia

Other Hotel Recommendations:

The hotels in Australia aren’t too expensive (relatively speaking), however since we visited during the Australian Open and Australia Day, the prices were higher than usual.

Shangri-La Hotel Sydney (hotel with the best views)
Four Seasons Hotel Sydney (classic, harbourfront views)
Park Hyatt Sydney (serious splurge)
Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour (pretty views of darling harbour)


What To Do in Sydney

5 nights/4 1/2 days
  • Walk on the Sydney Harbour Bridge
  • Walk along Circular Quay enjoying views of Sydney Harbour
  • Check out Sydney Opera House
  • Stroll along the lively Darling Harbour. Fireworks every Saturday at 9 PM
  • Visit the Royal Botanic Garden – it’s free!
  • Day Trip to Blue Mountains. Visit the Wild Life Sydney Zoo along the way to see the kangaroos and koala Bears too. Book directly with your hotel.
  • Visit Bondi Beach – 30 minutes by car

Day 1

Walking by the water in Circular Quay.

With my darling in Darling Harbour. 🙂

Darling Harbour at twilight – so pretty.

Since it was Saturday night, we got to watch fireworks at 9 pm. Apparently this happens every Saturday night.

Day 2

Walked on the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Views of the Sydney Opera House from above.

We are on the other side of the bridge at Milsons Point. We took the ferry back to Circular Quay.

The Opera House up close and personal.

Grab drinks at Opera Bar and enjoy the views.

Sydney Harbour Bridge from Circular Quay.

Walked around The Royal Botanic Garden.

Day 3

Day trip to Featherdale Wildlife Park to see the kangaroos and koala bears. Feeding the kangaroos. Initially I was scared, but they’re so cute and quite small for a kangaroo.

The koala bears were just soooooooooooo cute. They sleep 22 hours a day. Nice life!

We then headed to see the spectacular Blue Mountains. This trolley ride was so fun.

Just breathtaking.

The Three Sisters.

And then us!

Day 4

A low-key day. Walked around The Rocks neighborhood.

And another walk around Circular Quay.

Delicious gelato from Messina – located in Circular Quay.

Day 5

Chocolate High Tea at the Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel Sydney. It was just okay for me!

Checked out. Afternoon flight to Melbourne.


Where To Eat in Sydney

  • Grab a drink at Opera Bar and/or Circular Quay Restaurant
  • Check out Mr. Wong – slightly hyped up, but good food
  • Dinner at Sokyo – fine Japanese cuisine and best meal on the trip
  • Dessert at La Renaissance Patisserie and Cafe – garden-like setting and delicious pastries.

1. Sokyo (darling harbour)

Fine Japanese cuisine and the best meal in Sydney with outstanding service! It’s a slight trek from Circular Quay and the Central Business District, but it’s definitely worth it.

Cost: $$$$ | Cuisine: Fine Japanese | Location: 80 Pyrmont St, Pyrmont NSW 2009, Australia
Overall: 4.5 / 5
Favorites: Kingfish Miso Ceviche | Maguro Tataki | Eggplant Tempura | Dengakuman Miso Cod | Queensland Sushi Roll | Kingfish Sashimi (regular) | Nikka Caramel Macchiato

Queensland Sushi Roll, Dengakuman Miso Cod - Sokyo, Sydney

Queensland Sushi Roll, Dengakuman Miso Cod

Eggplant Tempura - Sokyo, Sydney

Eggplant Tempura

2. Mr. Wong (central business district)

One of the most popular restaurants in Sydney with rave reviews. It’s good, but slightly overrated. Mr. Wong’s special fried rice is hyped up and bland, the dish to order here is the King Crab Fried Rice (which I didn’t try). Delicious steamed dumplings and hot & sour soup.

Cost: $$$ | Cuisine: Chinese | Location: 3 Bridge Lane, Sydney, NSW 2000, Australia
Overall: 4 / 5
Favorites: Steamed Dim Sum Platter | Roast Duck Hot & Sour Soup | King Crab Fried Rice (I didn’t order this, but it looked amazing and has good reviews online)
Mr. Wong - Sydney, Australia

Steamed Dim Sum Platter, Hot & Sour Soup - Mr. Wong, Sydney

Steamed Dim Sum Platter, Hot & Sour Soup

3. La Renaissance Patisserie & Cafe (the rocks)

A taste of Paris in Sydney! Beautiful courtyard seating in the back – it’s a hidden gem. The pastries are beautiful and you’ll be indecisive like me trying to figure out what to order. Perfect for an afternoon tea/coffee break.

Cost: $-$$ | Cuisine: French/Patisserie | Location: 47 Argyle St, Sydney, NSW 2000, Australia
Overall: 5 / 5
Favorites: Goya (raspberry mousse cake with passionfruit center) | Latte | English Breakfast Tea | Almond Croissant (this is the famous item to order, however I didn’t try it)
La Renaissance Patisserie & Cafe - Sydney, Australia

La Renaissance Patisserie & Cafe - Sydney, Australia

Goya (raspberry mousse pastry), Latte, English Breakfast Tea

4. The Malaya (darling harbour)

Malaysian cuisine with harbour views… dine here at sunset. Menu is extensive so stick to the Signature Menu which features the best dishes. The food is delicious, however it’s extremely rich and heavy since most items are either fried, oily, or coconut based. The Beef Rendang is outstanding! The Szechuan Eggplant is good, but overrated. Order wisely!

Cost: $$-$$$ | Cuisine: Malaysian | Location: 39 Lime St | King Street Wharf, Sydney, NSW 2000, Australia
Overall: 4 / 5
Favorites: Kapitan Chicken Curry | Coconut Beef Rendang | Roti Canai (I didn’t order this, but it’s supposedly very good)
The Malaya - Sydney, Australia

Coconut Beef Rendang (top), Kapitan Chicken Curry (bottom) - The Malaya, Sydney

Coconut Beef Rendang (top), Kapitan Chicken Curry (bottom)

Other Dining Recommendations

Spice Alley
Din Tai Fung (locations in the USA too)

Recipes You Will Love:

Filed Under: Australia, Food & Travel, Sydney Tagged With: Food & Travel

Previous Post: « Kadak Masala Chai (gluten-free)
Next Post: Quinoa Bhel Salad (vegan, gluten-free, healthy-ish) »

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Bhaskar. Desai says

    October 4, 2020 at 3:39 am

    I like the narration of the tour. I would like to have a visit of Sydney in future.

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




Primary Sidebar





About

A foodie who is passionate about living a healthy-ish lifestyle, cooking, and traveling. I moved from Jersey City leaving behind my family & friends to beautiful Southern California for love. I'm adjusting to the laid-back SoCal lifestyle and learning a lot about myself along the way. Come join me on a soul searching journey and I'll tell YOU "what's cooking" through my love for food, fashion, and travel.

Subscribe

Don't miss a single post!


Trending

  • Green Moong Dal Khichdi (healthy, gluten-free, veg...
  • Chocolate Depression Cake with Mocha Buttercream (...
  • Gajar Ka Halwa | Indian Carrot Pudding (gluten-fre...
  • Mexican Pizza Taco Bell (vegetarian, 10 ingredient...
  • World’s BEST Spaghetti RAO’s Homemade Marina...
  • Honey Glazed Ginger Garlic Salmon (gluten-free, da...
  • Cajun Shrimp Tacos with Avocado Cream Sauce (glute...
  • 7 Layer Burrito Taco Bell (vegetarian)

Footer

“Of all the things my hands have held the best b “Of all the things my hands have held the best by far is you.”⁠
⁠
HAPPY ONE MONTH to my little Krishie baba! Thank you for choosing me to be your mama. In just a few weeks, I’ve grown to love you more than anything in this world.⁠
⁠
The best moments are cuddling with you. I love how you snuggle up to me... oh I just wanna bottle up every ounce of your newborn scent.  You are the BEST thing that has ever happened to me. I’m trying to cherish every moment with you because one day I will look back and wonder where the time went. The days are long, but the years are short. ❤️⁠
⁠
📷 by @photography_by_yaz⁠
⁠
⁠
⁠
⁠
#motherhood #newmom #newborn #newbornphotography #newbornshoot #babyhoneywhstscooking #happyonemonth⁠ #babyonamoon
This day could not have come sooner. Celebrating t This day could not have come sooner. Celebrating this moment with something sweet. The 💫 ABSOLUTE BEST BROWNIES 💫  They are super easy to make! Gooey, chewy, and oh so fudgy. 😋⁠
⁠
Recipe on the blog. Link in bio!!! ❤️🤍💙⁠
⁠
⁠
⁠
⁠
#inaugurationday #letscelebrate #brownies #bestbrownies #chocolatebrownies #dessert #buzzfeed #huffposttaste #fudgybrownies #desiinfluencer @diipakhosla
💫 MOM’S INSTANT POT GREEN MOONG DAL KHICHADI 💫 MOM’S INSTANT POT GREEN MOONG DAL KHICHADI 💫 Now that I’m supposed to increase my caloric intake, I’m taking advantage of adding a dollop of ghee over khichadi (not shown). Comfort meal that’s so good and good for you. My mom’s khichadi recipe is seriously so simple and can be made in the instant pot.  Recipe on the blog. Link in bio. ❤️  #khichadi #indianfood #comfortfood #postpartumfood #simplehealthymeals #ayurvedicfood #indiancomfortfood #desiinfluencer @diipakhosla #buzzfeedindia
💫 CHILI TOFU NO FRY 💫 I'm all about quick an 💫 CHILI TOFU NO FRY 💫 I'm all about quick and easy meals now 😊. Here's a healthier spin on Chili Paneer using tofu. This dish takes 15 minutes to prep and 10 minutes to cook. Vegan, no fry, and a gluten-free option is available.⁠
⁠
⁠Recipe on the blog. Link in bio. ❤️
⁠
⁠
⁠
#chilitofu #indochinese #indianchinese #chilipaneer #quickandeasy #veganuary #indianfusion #desiinfluencer #tofurecipes #bestofvegan @diipakhosla @buzzfeedindia
"Just when you think you know love, someone little "Just when you think you know love, someone little comes along to remind you just how big it really is." - Unknown⁠
⁠
How can I love someone this tiny so much? He tests my patience every day, but also brings me so much joy! ⁠
⁠
For all you moms who said, “I have no time”, I finally get it. Now, I can’t even spare 5 minutes to shower. Yes, Nisha - Welcome to the Club! I can’t tell you how many people sent me this EXACT message 😂.⁠
⁠
Before I became a mom, the idea of changing diapers and spit-up grossed me out. Now, no biggie. I can’t even count on one hand how many times I’ve put my baby to sleep and I get so excited to have some “me time”. To my disappointment, he wakes up 1/2 hour later and I have to start the process all over again… is he burped, is he wet, is he hungry? The days are long!
⁠
Despite the hardships of motherhood, one of the greatest joys has been watching and holding my baby while he sleeps, and knowing I provide comfort to him like no other. I’m sure he will get used to it and I’ll probably regret it later on, but for now, I am just soaking up these precious moments while he’s still little and innocent. ☺️⁠
⁠
⁠
⁠
⁠
⁠
⁠
#motherhood #krishandnish #babyhoneywhatscooking #loveofmylife #mamasboy #3weekspostpartum
💫 MY BIRTH STORY 💫 Sharing my last post of 2 💫 MY BIRTH STORY 💫 Sharing my last post of 2020. I know it's been a rough year for many, including myself. On the other hand, it's also been an amazing year for me because I was given the greatest gift of all... my baby boy! ❤️⁠
⁠
I never shared that as of week 26 my baby was breached. I was scheduled for a C-Section on December 29, however Baby Krish decided he wanted to come 2 weeks sooner. Sharing my Birth Story in this very detailed post... how it happened, C-Section, Walking after a C, the pain, the recovery, and more.⁠
⁠
Thanks for reading and allowing me to share my journey with you guys. I hope and pray 2021 brings us all lots of good luck and happiness. 🙏 for the world!!!⁠
⁠
⁠
⁠
⁠
⁠
#welcomebaby #birthstory #38weeks #pandemicbaby #newborn #pregnancy #desiinfluencer #babyhoneywhatscooking
Just in time for a New Years Day Brunch that won't Just in time for a New Years Day Brunch that won't have you slaving in from of the stove. 💫 BAKED STRAWBERRY FRENCH TOAST 💫 using @stpierrebakeryus NON-GMO brioche bread that's so buttery soft delicious. Simply cube brioche bread slices, whisk the egg batter, add the bread to the batter, and bake it in the oven. Finish with a dusting of powdered sugar and top with maple syrup. So good. Recipe below! #HolidaysWithStPierre #BriocheBrunch #StPierreBrioche #StPierre #Ad 
.
BAKED STRAWBERRY FRENCH TOAST
🔺INGREDIENTS
4 eggs
1 1/2 cups whole milk
2 tbsp sugar
2 tbsp light brown sugar
2 tsp vanilla
1/4 tsp salt
1 cup strawberries, sliced
8 slices @stpierrebakeryus brioche bread, 1-inch cubes
1 tbsp sugar, for topping
Powdered sugar, for garnish
Maple syrup, for garnish
.
🔺DIRECTIONS
1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk the egg mixture together - eggs, milk, sugar, light brown sugar, vanilla, and salt.
2. Cube 8 slices of brioche bread - this should yield roughly 5 cups.
3. Transfer the brioche bread into the egg mixture. Make sure the bread is well-coated. 
4. Spray a 7” x 11” x 2” deep baking dish with coconut oil. 
5. Add half the brioche bread egg mixture into the baking dish.
6. Top with all the sliced strawberries.
7. Top with the remaining brioche bread egg mixture.
8. Cover with a plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes to 2 hours.
9. Top baking dish with 1 tbsp of sugar.
10. Place in the oven for 60 minutes or until the top is golden brown.
11. Serve hot. Top with powdered sugar and maple syrup. #brunch
Follow Me On Instagram
  • About
  • Recipes
  • Travel
  • Shop
  • Contact
  • Privacy

Subscribe

Don't miss a single post!

Recent Posts

  • My Birth Story
  • Jalapeno Popper Garlic Bread (vegetarian)
  • My Baby Registry
  • Rajma Masala (Healthy, Vegan, GF)
  • No-Bake Pecan Pie Cheesecake (Eggless, GF option, 8 Ingredients)

© 2020 Honey, What's Cooking.