Home to year-round balmy climes, an abundance of healthy eateries and activewear a-plenty, Sydney is the ultimate city when it comes to clean living. Whether you’re after ocean-based activities, the hottest spots to brunch, sundown drinks by the sea or simply the best luxury hotels, Sydney’s got something for everyone. From stunning lunch spots to the city’s best studio to get your downward dog on, here are a few things to do in Sydney this weekend.
Watson’s Bay Boutique Hotel: Spend the afternoon or spend the night at the iconic Sydney spot. Image © Lucy Pearson
Where to Stay in Sydney
First thing’s first, book yourself a couple of nights at one of the many beautiful hotels in Sydney. Boutique hotels in the suburbs are a great option in Sydney, to avoid the crowds and to get a more local feel during your short Sydney stay.
Watson’s Bay Boutique Hotel
For one of the most sumptuous stays in Sydney, Watson’s Bay Boutique Hotel certainly takes some beating. Have mastered beach-chic down to a fine art, this beautiful boutique hotel is awash with beach blue interiors and an unbeatable view of the city’s famous skyline.
QT Bondi
Offering barefoot Bondi luxury a stone’s throw from Sydney’s most famous beach, QT Bondi is perfect for the discerning traveller. Fusing beach chic with urban glamour, and offering unrivalled views of the hustle and bustle of Bondi, the QT should be top of any Sydney hit list.
Catalina offers the ideal setting for a special long lunch or date night in beautiful Rose Bay. Image © Catalina Rose Bay
Best Sydney Cafes
Porch and Parlour | 17-18/110 Ramsgate Ave, North Bondi
One of Sydney’s best spots for Brunch is Porch and Parlour, a hip cafe whose stylish interiors and bustling vibe attract locals and tourists alike. With a menu abundant in locally sourced and seasonal produce, the menu ranges from a green pea pancake to the green brekkie bowl. Their coffee is loved by barefoot beachgoers, and their famous devil’s breakfast is as good as it looks.
Sadhana Kitchen | 132 Warners Ave, Bondi Beach
For the finest in plant-based fare, Bondi hot spot Sadhana is considered one of the best vegan cafes in Sydney. Offering a seasonal vegan menu, which is gluten, dairy and refined-sugar free, they cater for even the fussiest of foodies. From vegan eggs to superfood waffles, Sadhana has perfected clean eating at its best.
The Grounds of Alexandria | 7a/2 Huntley St, Alexandria
‘The Grounds’ as Sydney-siders call it, is a foodie’s dream. Pick up a latte brewed from their freshly roasted coffee and a pastry from the bakery and find a spot in the garden, or settle in at The Cafe for a long, lazy breakfast or brunch. The Signature Avocado is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser you can’t go past.
Jonah’s | 69 Bynya Rd, Palm Beach
Located on Sydney’s northern beaches, Jonah’s is the go-to for fine dining with a perfectly picturesque view. Offering a mouth-watering menu boasting the freshest of seafood, try the grilled Atlantic scallops or fried zucchini flowers with stuffed prawns for a plate that tastes as good as it looks. If you’re feeling flash they also offer overnight stays – complete with an azure blue infinity pool overlooking the ocean, they offer luxury living at its very best.
Catalina | Lyne Park, Rose Bay
Few places do seascape dining as well as Rose Bay’s Catalina. The ultimate food with a view, Catalina has an unbeatable outlook over Rose Bay’s tranquil marina. Try the yellowfin tuna followed by their famous banana split with peanut butter parfait for the perfect combination of naughty but nice.
Jonah’s Whale Beach offers an oceanside retreat in Sydney’s northern beaches. Image © Lucy Pearson
Best Sydney Pubs
Coogee Pavilion | 169 Dolphin St, Coogee
Lesser-known eastern suburbs beach Coogee boasts one of Sydney’s best spots for sundown drinks. Beloved by locals, Coogee Pavilion is a rooftop oasis with views of the stunning shoreline, chic interiors and an exotic flair. With drinks ranging from fruity cocktails to superfood smoothies and cold-pressed juices you’ll be spoilt for choice. The perfect spot to while away a balmy afternoon in the sun, the rooftop bar showcases lively DJs with a mouth-watering menu and decadent cocktails to boot.
Royal Hotel Paddington | 237 Glenmore Rd, Paddington
The Royal Paddington Hotel is the choice of trendy creatives and city workers alike for sundown drinks with a stunning city vista. The perfect place to watch the sun go down with a cocktail in hand, the rooftop bar’s lively vibe and sumptuous cocktail list is hard to beat. Try the Passionate Botanist and watch the sunset in style.
Sip on a cocktail as the sun goes down over the stunning Sydney skyline at the Royal Hotel Paddington. Image © Royal Hotel Paddington
Where to Shop in Sydney
First Base | The Pacific, Shop 13/180 Campbell Parade, Bondi Beach
Make like a local with the finest of stylish activewear, by heading to First Base for some serious shopping. Offering an organic cotton range and stylish staples with an urban edge in their trendy Bondi Beach shop, this much-loved brand offers the perfect fusion of comfortable yet chic attire.
Carousel Lifestyle | 72 Oxford St, Paddington
Located in leafy Paddington after a stint in Bondi Beach, Carousel is a one-stop shop for all things stylish. From clothes to candles to coffee table books and beyond, it’s the perfect place to while away an afternoon and almost impossible to leave empty-handed.
Stop in at Carousel Lifestyle for some retail therapy while wandering one of Sydney’s most iconic suburbs, Paddington. Image © Carousel Lifestyle
Yoga in Sydney
Power Living | Multiple Locations
For the crème de la crème of yoga that Sydney-siders swear by, try one of Power Living’s four studios where you’ll be able to get your sweat on in style. With both Heated Vinyasa and relaxing Yin Yoga classes on offer and boasting a zen yet energetic atmosphere vibes and stylish interiors, the popular studios are well worth adding to your hit-list for any stay in Sydney.
See the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge from the water with a sunrise kayaking tour from Lavender Bay. Image via Unsplashed
Unique Things to do in Sydney
Neilsen’s Park | Greycliffe Ave, Vaucluse
Offering some of Australia’s most scenic seascapes, those looking to explore the city’s shores will be spoilt for choice when it comes to coastal walks. From the Spit to Manly walk, to the famous Bondi to Coogee, there’s an abundance of choice suitable for all manners of fitness. Our favourite is the lesser-known Rose Bay to Neilsen’s Park; a 2km rugged route through the Eastern Suburbs bush, passing hidden coves and quiet beaches, walkers will delight in unrivalled views of the bridge and finish their walk in one of Sydney’s prettiest spots.
Sunrise Kayaking at Lavender Bay | Boat Ramp, Lavender Bay
For those not fazed by a pre-dawn start, sunrise kayaking at Lavender Bay is not to be missed. A small bay north of Sydney’s harbour bridge, small groups are kitted out with kayaks and led on a 45-minute expedition around the harbour as the sun rises over Sydney’s glistening waters. An unforgettable way to see some of the city’s lesser-known waterways, it’s well worth the early alarm.
Lucy Pearson is a certified bookworm, wanderluster, and qualified yoga teacher with a thirst for adventure and a love for life.
Lucy has her own blog, The Literary Edit, and also contributes to Stylist Magazine and Hip and Healthy.