24 hours in sydney

It’s a January Saturday morning in Sydney’s Surry Hills neighbourhood. The sun is out and it’s 27ºC at 7:30am. I throw on my sneakers, a running pack and hit the road. Single Origin, known for some of the best cold-drip coffee in Sydney, is right on route, but only open Monday to Friday. Fortunately, these hills known for warehouse-gallery conversions, eclectic terrace homes, bars, boutiques and its coffee culture also do a fine job of getting my heart pumping, so I sprint up Reservoir Street, heading east.

7km later, through Moore Park, passed the Sydney Cricket Ground on toward the ocean, I arrive at Body Mind Life in Bondi, just on time for Noelle’s class. Even without the heat turned on in the studio, practice promises to get even sweatier than my run. The class is packed with regulars who are there to challenge themselves and play. After 75 minutes, I’m grateful for Savasana (or, as I see it, prep pose for laying on the beach).

Thankfully Bondi rivals Surry Hills for healthy and hearty breakfast options—restaurants line Hall Street and the side streets of North Bondi. I head straight to Ramsgate Avenue and land firmly on Porch & Parlour for its delicious green pea pancake with smashed egg, avocado, feta and mint.

After, it’s over to Bondi Beach Public School, where the Bondi Markets are held every weekend (9am – 1pm) peddling fresh produce on Saturdays and crafts, home wares and clothing on Sundays. I meet with friends and we grab groceries for tomorrow night’s dinner before taking a seat on the lawn and catching up over tea from Chai Tent, one of the regular stalls at the markets. When the last drop is gone, it’s time for the beach.

We head to Ben Buckler, Bondi Beach’s most northern point, to pick up super food salad bowls at Bondi Whole Foods so we’re all set for an afternoon by the sea. Rather than lying on the sand, we trek to the end of the rocks and find a flat spot to set up. It’s a local secret, well away from the hustle and bustle of the beach. It’s sweet relief to plunge into the refreshing ocean at the end of the point and we spend all afternoon swimming, watching the surfers, paddle boarders and spear fishers.

In early evening, we walk toward Watson’s Bay to capture the last of the fading daylight. It’s a winding stroll that hugs the coastline, 10 to 20 metres above the crashing waves and the sapphire blue Pacific, as far as the eye can see, but nothing beats the view at the end: the sun setting behind Sydney’s cityscape. In a city that is spoiled with breathtaking views, this one—the grandeur of the harbour juxtaposed with a fiery sky dancing against the silhouette of Sydney city and Harbour Bridge—takes the cake. We can take it in from the Watson’s Bay Hotel, or bring our beach towels and grab a spot in the park. Either way, I’m happy, but hungry again.

Back in Surry Hills there’s a wealth of restaurants with great décor and cool vibes. From Thai at Spice I Am, to tapas at Porteño, or Israeli at Kepos St. Kitchen, the foodscape is ever-changing. Tonight we’re in the mood for modern Australian fare, an eclectic blend of Mediterranean and Northern European influences, and we find ourselves at Nomad. It’s got a robust farm-to-table menu and extensive selection of national wines that bring the flavours of local produce to life. Over dinner we make plans to connect during the week at the Golden Age, a beautifully restored, underground cinema just around the corner where there’s always a documentary or indie film to watch with trendy libations at the ready, before or after.

Tio’s, just next door, is perfect for a post-dinner margarita, while 121 BC serves wine in an intimate setting. Close by, Sticky Bar has live music, and the Wild Rover is a charming speak-easy, a great spot for sipping a whiskey. When the night is young, why not try them all?

Sources:
images Single O; images Porch and Parlour; images Watson Bay Boutique Hotel

A Canadian abroad, Rob leads the lululemon teams in northeast Australia. When the out-of-office is on, he’s on another adventure. He loves to travel and explore new countries through food, culture and the natural beauty they have to offer. Follow along his adventures on Instagram.