How to Live Like a Local in Sydney, Australia
Sydney is a city that everyone must visit, bringing the best aspects of this world together. The beauty of the beach is seamlessly combined with the convenience of the city. Locals enjoy the benefits of city life, with the surroundings being able to feed even the most extreme of shopping addictions and the hungriest of appetites. Follow these tips to experience the real Sydney, avoiding the tourist crowds, and you’ll be begging to be down under for good.
What to do in and around Sydney
Come 5pm city workers hop on the famous green and yellow tub boat from Circular Quays and chug over to Manly for an evening spent surfing. Join in and hire a surfboard for the day; enjoying one of the best places to surf in Australia.
At weekends, Sydneysiders often flee the city. The nearby Blue Mountains are the perfect escape, with green mountainous peaks offering panoramic views. Don’t worry, however, it’s not all on-foot activity, the Blue Mountains can just as easily offer a relaxing escape in Sydney. For an option closer to home, however, take a picnic, beers and friends to Watson’s Bay – one of the harbours and secluded coves where you can relax and watch the sunset. Hyde Park, to the east of the inner-city district, is a great local hang out with fun events like Sydney Cellar Door’s outdoor wine tasting.
Where to eat in Sydney
Traditional Australian ‘outback’ food is coming into vogue in many of the Sydney restaurants, with Sydneysiders re-discovering their ancestral roots and ‘bush-tucker’ food. You’ll find meat is a core food group here, so, head over to the bohemian area of Newtown to discover some unusual meaty options such as goat, ostrich, kangaroo and crocodile on the menu. In many places, these will come in the more appealing form of a burger – just in case a slab of kanga doesn’t appeal. British and Irish cuisine have heavily influenced modern-day Australian food too (being a former British colony); so, if you’re missing old blighty, fear not, fish and chips is never too far away.
Australians really do ‘throw another shrimp on the barbie’ at any occasion, from Christmas day to family gatherings, so don’t miss out on this outdoor cooking speciality. Most beaches have fixed BBQs where you can head down to enjoy your very own beach feast amongst a few friendly faces.
Where to drink in Sydney
Unlike many might think, Aussies do not drink Fosters – most have never even heard of it. However Cargo Bar, nestled in the salubrious area of Darling Harbour, is one of the places to drink in Sydney. With its jazz band, nautical theme and sparkling cocktails, you’ll be drinking and dancing here ‘till the early hours of the morning.
If clubs and bars aren’t your thing, however, head down to the urban centre known as The Rocks. Here, pubs let you take away wine bottles to find an unspoilt spot next to the harbour. That way, you can admire the colourful night sky reflecting in the bay and marvel at Australia’s most iconic building – the Opera House.
Where to shop in Sydney
For some of the best shopping in Sydney, head to Oxford Street in Darlinghurst. The spot where Sydney’s famous Madri Gras Parade is held, this is a local favourite for shopping. Nearby, you’ll find Crown, Burton and Liverpool streets, packed full of boutique shops, quirky bookshops and cosy art galleries and cafes.
So, now you know where to eat, drink and shop in Sydney, there’s no excuse for following in the footsteps of the normal tourist towpath. Experience it like a true Aussie and you’re bound to have a holiday you will never forget.