Suburb guide for your visit to Sydney, Australia.

If you followed, my previous blog post, you would know that I am currently visiting Sydney Australia. I mentioned in that post, that Sydney is a city of villages. Each village has its own unique style, and your experience from one “village” to the other can be quite varied, so I’m here to break them down for you.

By no means is this a comprehensive list, there are quite literally 658 suburbs in Sydney, but here are six must-visit ones while you’re here!

1. Bondi

Let’s start with the lowest hanging fruit, the iconic suburb of Bondi. I say “lowest hanging fruit” because you would be hard-pressed to find somebody that hasn’t heard of Bondi before.

A distinct neighborhood that hugs the coast, this small pocket is all about shopping, eating, drinking and getting outdoors. Whole foods and organic produce are at the core of most menus. Offering quick access to Sydney’s CBD, Bondi will always be a must visit destination.

The suburb of Bondi is home to the world famous Bondi Beach, and you simply cannot come to Bondi without checking out the iconic Bondi icebergs.

2. Coogee

While we are on the topic of the eastern suburbs of Sydney, we can’t forget to mention Coogee. A neighbourhood that loves to bask in the outdoors, Coogee is a vibrant beachside destination that attracts outdoor enthusiasts every day of the week.

Holding centre stage is Coogee Beach and the expansive green space of Goldstein Reserve, which flows up along the cliff-side into Dolphin Point and Grant Reserve. This natural playground is prime real estate during the warmer months for barbeques, frisbee throwing, cricket and football games.

Due to its dangerous shore breaks, beachgoers can opt to swim in one of the two sea pools at the southern end of Coogee Beach, Wylies or McIvers Baths, or in neighboring Gordons Bay, which is loved for its snorkelling.

3. Manly

Tucked away on a small peninsula surrounded by popular surfing beaches and the spectacular bush lands of North Head, Manly is laid back and relaxed though not at all sleepy. Manly-siders embrace daytrippers and tourists, sharing with them the natural wonders and world-class shopping and dining that define this beachside suburb.

Surfing beaches, coves and inlets provide a water wonderland for surfers, kayakers, parasailers, swimmers, divers and snorkelers. Along the shoreline walkers and joggers pound the extensive pathways that wind through North Head Sanctuary and up into Sydney Harbour National Park. 

Reachable by Ferry from the city in around 30 minutes, Manly and her coves and beaches are a must visit.

4. Mosman

Situated atop the rugged headlands of Sydney Harbor, luxurious Mosman encompasses Balmoral, Beauty Point, The Spit, Georges Heights and Clifton Gardens – all boasting grand historic homes and architecturally-designed townhouses with breathtaking views across Sydney Harbor, from Middle Head to the CBD. 

Mosmanites linger in cafés and delicatessens in village-like clusters close to home. For a wider choice, they venture to the shopping precinct along Military Road which flows from Spit Junction’s casual shopping vibe to upmarket boutique stores such as Manning Cartell, Camilla and Von Troska.

Mosman is also home to the iconic “Bathers Pavilion Restaurant” located on Balmoral Beach, which is another desirable destination to add to your list!

5. Paddington

If you love to shop, as I do, you simply cannot miss the suburb of Paddington.

Stylish and fashionable Paddington has emerged from its bohemian roots into a vibrant art, film and fashion district. Home to cutting-edge art galleries that showcase local and international artists, designer brand shopping, and a vibrant café culture - this inner-city enclave demands attention.

Well-heeled shoppers are in their element with boutique and designer brands along William Street, Oxford Street and Five Ways. The Intersection Paddington (corner of Glenmore Road and Oxford Street) has a well earned reputation for being the Australian Fashion Precinct with a curated selection of Australian designers. 

Come here to find Designers such as Zimmerman, Rachel Gilbert, Scanlan and Theodore, Aesop, Bassike, Parlour X, Kookai and many, many others.

6. The Rocks

Sydney’s most iconic tourist precinct blends the city’s humble beginnings with a modern and continuously changing skyline. Beautiful Sydney Harbour, the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Sydney Opera House are the backdrop to The Rocks and Circular Quay. This is an area that is brimming with dining establishments, cocktail lounges, historic pubs, boutique shopping and arts venues – all of which draw crowds to a part of Sydney that has an alluring historical ambience.

Every Friday a Foodies Market is held along Argyle and Playfair Streets. Saturday and Sunday The Rocks Markets can be found on Playfair and George Streets, selling textiles, homewares, photography, fashion and handcrafted jewelry.

The last two times I’ve been back to Sydney I’ve stayed at the historic Pier One hotel, by Autograph Collection. I find the hotel to be unique and centrally located to both the City with easy access to the surrounding suburbs.

So there you have it, six can’t-miss suburbs of Sydney to visit during your trip down under.

If there’s one you think I’ve missed, let me know in the comments section below!

Fallon xo