A Vibrant Voyage with Katy and Adam
G’day, mates! Ready for a whirlwind tour of Sydney through the eyes of our fabulous Katy and her husband, Adam? Buckle up, because their adventure was packed with picturesque views, thrilling experiences, and a dash of Aussie charm.
Adam and I took the shortest trip to Sydney – May 25 – June 02 – and made the absolute most of it! When you have three small children and you’re asking your in-laws ever-so-nicely if they would look after them while you’re out exploring the world, you make trips as compact as possible!
A Grand Welcome at Intercontinental Sydney
We kicked off our Sydney escapade at the luxurious InterContinental Sydney. Nestled in the heart of the CBD, this hotel boasted breathtaking views of the iconic Opera House and Harbour Bridge right from their window, and was a short walk across the street from the Royal Botanic Gardens. Its central location made it easy to explore the city without spending too much time traveling, which is especially beneficial when you’re jetlagged. I loved the blackout curtains which was incredibly helpful when my body was particularly confused about what time of day it was and I just needed to rest! The hotel is in a historic building, blending old-world charm with modern luxury, and added a unique touch to the whole stay!
Day 1: A Harbour Welcome
Without wasting a minute, we set sail on a private picnic lunch boat tour around Sydney Harbour. Nothing beats jetlag like fresh sea breeze and stunning vistas. “Sea Sydney Harbour” put together a custom cruising tour and provided us with delicious local fare in our special picnic lunch. It was a wonderful way to soak in the sun and sights and make the most of a day that would otherwise likely have been spent napping!
Day 2: Coastal Charms
Feeling refreshed, we picked up our rental car and headed to one of Sydney’s most beloved trails: the Bondi to Bronte Coastal Walk. This cliffside path offers dramatic ocean views, golden beaches, and the famous Bondi Beach Lifeguard Hut – a nod to the iconic “Bondi Rescue” TV show. It was easy to get lost in the view while knowing exactly where you are because of how easy it was to follow the pathway. The rugged coastline, charming rock pools, and the laid-back surfers catching waves was both exactly what we had expected and even more cool than we could have imagined.
Day 3: Blue Mountains Bound
We hopped in our rental car and crossed the majestic Sydney Harbour Bridge for the first time. Wow, that felt ICONIC! We ventured to the enchanting Blue Mountains. The scenery was incredible, and we would definitely spend longer here if we had more time. With just one day here, we decided to do something a bit tourist-focused so we could make the most of our time, so we headed to Scenic World. Here, we soared above the treetops on the Scenic Skyway, descended into the ancient rainforest via the Scenic Railway, and strolled along the Scenic Walkway. The views were simply awe-inspiring, with lush landscapes and dramatic cliffs stretching as far as the eye could see.
Day 4: Exeter, Southern Highlands
This was a really off-the-beaten-path stop, and particularly meaningful for me. I had found a long-lost cousin, Donald, through Ancestry DNA, and we drove out to the Southern Highlands to meet him! Since then, he has sadly passed away, but I will be forever grateful that I had the opportunity to meet him. He took us for lunch at the Exeter General Store, which has since featured in the TV show “The Traitors Australia”. A quaint shop with delicious food, and a homey feel.
The most random part of this trip for me was the drive – it was our first drive on country roads, and the strangest part for me was… the roadkill! Living in America, you almost get used to seeing deer roadkill, maybe the odd racoon, but in Australia I mostly saw wombats AND discovered your Unique Fact Of The Day: Wombat poop is CUBOID. I’m not going to post a picture, but feel free to Google it… it’s true!
On our way back to Sydney we stopped at a delightful little winery, Bendooley Estate winery. This winery was an absolute gem, and was highly recommended by Don. Nestled in the scenic Southern Highlands, its charming ambiance, exquisite wines, and picturesque setting made it a real highlight. The combination of delightful sips and serene views created an unforgettable experience that we can’t wait to revisit. Cheers to Bendooley for capturing our hearts and taste buds!
Day 5: Sydney Harbor Bridge
We decided to climb the pylons at Sydney Harbour Bridge, which offered us breathtaking panoramic views of the city and harbour. The pylons, massive stone structures that support the iconic bridge, are a perfect introduction to the beauty and engineering marvel of the bridge itself. They house exhibits and viewing platforms that allowed us to appreciate the bridge’s history and significance up close. Next time, we’re excited to take on the full Bridge Climb, scaling the entire arch for an even more exhilarating experience and unparalleled views from the top. We spent several hours walking around and across the bridge and back, and stopped by the Fortune of War pub on our way back for a bite to eat – it’s the oldest pub in Sydney, dating back to 1828! We also wandered through The Rocks Markets, which is a bustling local market that proudly reflects Sydney’s culture.
Bridgeclimb Pylon Lookout & Museum
Day 6: Endemic Animals & Cultural Connections
A new day dawned with a unique breakfast experience at Wild Life Sydney. We had a tricky time trying to navigate our way through Sydney by car, and if we were to do this again we would DEFINITELY walk! We enjoyed our morning meal with the adorable koalas, although we just observed them from a small distance and didn’t hold them. Fun fact: you can only hold these cuddly creatures in Queensland, South Australia, and Western Australia. After breakfast, we strolled through the zoo, getting up close with Australia’s diverse wildlife.
Cultural Connections and Botanical Beauty
The afternoon was spent wandering around Sydney on foot. A highlight was our pre-booked tour of the Sydney Botanical Gardens and Sydney Harbour foreshore, guided by a First Nations guide. The guide shared captivating stories of Gadigal lifestyle, traditions, history, and connection to country and community. He also played the didgeridoo, and offered a deep dive into their rich heritage and culture.
Aboriginal Harbour Heritage Tour
Vivid Sydney: A Festival of Lights
Our adventure culminated in the spectacular Vivid Sydney festival, where the city transforms into a vibrant canvas of light, music, and ideas. We were absolutely enchanted by the dazzling displays and energetic atmosphere. The grand finale was the Wild Lights at Taronga Zoo – a mesmerizing light display that illuminated the zoo in a magical glow. Many of the Vivid Sydney sights are free to view – such as the enormous light projection on the Opera House.
Restaurants We Loved
Quay
Dining at Quay in Sydney was an unforgettable culinary experience that captivated us from start to finish. With its prime location offering stunning views of the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge, the ambiance alone was breathtaking. The innovative menu, crafted by renowned chef Peter Gilmore, showcased a perfect harmony of flavors and textures using the finest local ingredients. Each dish was a work of art, delivering an explosion of taste that delighted our palates. The exceptional service and attention to detail made our evening at Quay truly special, leaving us eager to return on our next visit to Sydney.
Rockpool
Our dining experience at Rockpool in Sydney was nothing short of extraordinary. Ranked the 8th Best Steakhouse in the World, the elegant ambiance set the perfect tone for an evening of culinary delight, with sophisticated décor and a warm, inviting atmosphere. The menu, curated by acclaimed chef Neil Perry, featured an exquisite selection of dishes that celebrated the finest Australian produce, each plate a masterful blend of flavors and presentation. The impeccable service and knowledgeable staff enhanced our experience, ensuring that every moment was memorable. From the first bite to the last, dining at Rockpool was a true gastronomic adventure that left us thoroughly impressed and eager to return.
Aria
Our meal at Aria in Sydney was a highlight of our culinary journey. Situated with breathtaking views of the Sydney Opera House and Harbour, Aria offered an enchanting dining experience from start to finish. The menu, crafted by talented chef Matt Moran, showcased seasonal ingredients through innovative dishes that delighted our taste buds with each course. The elegant yet relaxed atmosphere, coupled with exceptional service, made us feel both pampered and at home. Every aspect of our meal, from the artfully presented plates to the perfectly paired wines, contributed to an evening of pure gastronomic bliss.
Final Thoughts
From stunning harbour views to coastal walks, mountain adventures, cultural insights, and a city alive with light, our Sydney trip was nothing short of spectacular. Whether you’re planning a visit or simply daydreaming about it, we hope our journey inspires your next Aussie adventure.
Lo+Mo 
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