Dream of vacationing in Sydney, Australia? Well now you can, through the eyes of our blogger Vandana Bharti as she reminsices about the beautiful time she spent down under.
Australia was never a place I considered travelling to, but after spending just a few days there I can't wait to explore this continent. Sydney has lots to offer with breathtaking views, a vibrant harbour and unforgettable experiences.
I Fell in Love in Four Days
I have been to many beaches and cities in my life however this short sprint to Sydney reminded me why and how much I love to travel. In four days I managed to experience the best and most beautiful parts of Sydney that will forever be part of me.
Vandana in front of the historical Sydney cityscape.
Photo Credit: Vandana Bharti
All Lit Up
I arrived on the second day of the
Vivid Light Show in Australia. Highlights included a stunning light show that reflected off of the Opera House, a short film projected on the government buildings, the canon pavilion, and a video stream of a ballet on the Sydney Harbour Bridge. The best way to describe this experience is magical, spectacular and mesmerizing.
Vivid Light Show
Photo Credit: Vandana Bharti
To reach the centre of town I had to walk through European-influenced cobblestone streets with fancy restaurants, pubs and patios overflowing onto the sidewalks. Drawn in by the spectacular light show on the ceiling of a tunnel, I found myself in the heart of one of Sydney’s most popular bars,
The Argyle. Clueless, I walked around the area taking pictures, enjoying the atmosphere.
Watsons Bay and Taronga Zoo
A short ferry ride away is the
Taronga Zoo, tucked deep within the trees and full of the world’s most exotic creatures who have deluxe views of Sydney. The highpoint of the day was playing hide and seek with the Koalas and almost getting run down by a mob of Kangaroos. Filled with the excitement from the Zoo, I headed to
Watsons Bay.
Koala hanging at Taronga Zoo.
Photo Credit: Vandana Bharti
Standing at the sharp edges of the coastline, soaking in the picturesque views of the Tasman Sea and watching deep blue waves crashing up against the rocks was cleansing for the soul. Watsons Bay is known as a fishing village and home to some of the best seafood restaurants in Sydney. I decided it was time to try some Oysters and what better place than Doyle’s, the oldest seafood restaurant; open for over 130 years.
Watsons Bay
Photo Credit: Vandana Bharti
The first oyster I tried was the larger of the two and it was from the Tasman Sea. It was grayish in colour, salty and left a foamy or filmy-like aftertaste in my mouth. The second oyster was from Stephens Bay, smaller, fatter in size and brighter in colour. It was creamy with a hint of sweetness; definitely woke up the senses.
Working, Exploring and Lounging by the Beach
It was time to relax at Manly Beach. During a glorious nap by the ocean a surfer struck up a conversation with me. He could not understand why I was not chilling at Shelley Beach, a small strip of beach to the right of us. I tried to explain to him that I was fine but he insisted that I take the 10-minute walk to the part of the island that is considered a “surfers paradise”. Realizing that he was not going to leave until I agree to go, I packed up my stuff and headed over to the “best beach” around. The walk over was beautiful.
Manly Beach
Photo Credit: Vandana Bharti
On my way over I saw a group of people sitting on a ledge above the water and knew that I had to explore it for myself. The two-minute journey turned into a 2-hour hike up to the North Head of the beach where I sat back and watched some of the world’s best surfers ride enormous and impressive waves. That was when I started to fall in love with Sydney.
A Coastal Walk to Remember
I was flying home the next day and was excited about my last destination, Bondi Beach. Known as one of the best beaches in Sydney, and for its coastal walk, I was not prepared for beauty that lay ahead. Words cannot describe the incredible stretch of beach that unfolded in front of my eyes. As a group, we stood in silence for 10 minutes soaking in the rich blue of the ocean, the mammoth-sized waves and the fearless surfers riding the massive waves.
During the walk we passed by similarly stunning beaches and the famous
Iceberg Hotel. This world famous hotel hosts two Olympic size manmade pools that sit along the coast of Bondi Beach and are filled with ice cold water (yes, ice cold water). The unique trait about this hotel is its location and how the waves from the ocean crash over the wall dousing the swimmers with ocean water.
Iceberg Hotel
Photo Credit: Vandana Bharti
As all good things must do, my time in Sydney came to an end. Too busy experiencing the city to shop; I left for the airport with my luggage, pictures and memories. I just met you Australia and before my time is done, I intend to know you inside and out. Until we meet again, mate!