Top Things to Do in Sydney When you Travel Solo

Lunch cruise

If you think travelling halfway across the globe all by yourself is scary, you’re absolutely right. But as someone who has done it plenty of times, I can assure you, it is one of those experiences that will alter how you feel about yourself, and the world you live in. My first experience as a solo traveller began in Sydney. While I was hesitant at first to get out of my comfort zone, the warm, colourful and inviting energy of Sydney made me feel welcome and ready. If you ever set your heart out to visit Sydney all by yourself, check out this list of things to do.

Cruise The Harbour

Do people cruise alone? Is it weird to go on a lunch cruise in Sydney all by yourself? Is cruising alone boring? Cruising by yourself is a great way to unwind, rejuvenate, score some ‘me’ time and maybe even meet some new people, if that’s you. What’s even more special about cruising alone is that you get to lose yourself in your own world while gently gliding past the mesmerising Opera House, Harbour Bridge, Luna Park and more! Vessels like the authentic paddlewheeler offer a lip-smacking buffet and houses a fully licensed bar to get your day going. 

For a more entertaining route, you can hop on a Sydney dinner cruise. You get front-row access to some of the best night attractions of the city, before heading inside for a seated and served dinner and an hour-long cabaret show!

Critique Some Art

Mastering the art of hanging out alone is pretty challenging but calling all the shots by yourself and a little self-absorption can be highly rewarding. If you’re an art lover, Sydney has plenty of joints to satisfy your soul, including the Art Gallery of New South Wales. This elegant building boasting five floors of noteworthy and rare artworks is one worth checking out. The collection here includes, Aboriginal art, Australian Art, Victorian artworks, modern arts, photography, fossils and more! You could spend hours here just switching between floors, admiring the art, learning more about the city and its culture and maybe even meeting fellow art lovers. With an in-house restaurant and casual cafe it’s also a good place to have lunch.

Introspect At Royal Botanic Gardens

Being in the midst of nature all by yourself was one of my favourite things to do in Sydney and my go-to spot was the Royal Botanic Gardens. Situated on the harbour, the garden is spectacular to say the least, spanning almost 70 acres of lush greenery and rolling hills. I spent my time here reading a book or simply just admiring the surroundings which included quiet ponds, gentle fountains, immense variety of flowers, huge trees and foliage. The combined result is an oasis that gets juxtaposed by the towering skyscrapers and the sounds of cars in the far. It is the ultimate place in the city to relax and enjoy a solo picnic, while watching the boats go past you. And if you’re keen to explore more about the indigenous history of the land, there is also the guided Aborignal Heritage tour, which was an eye-opener for me.

Bargain Hunting At The Rocks 

Not gonna lie, this one actually took some effort from me. Going alone and snagging a bargain at one of the busiest tourist hubs in the city is terrifying, well, atleast at first. On Saturdays and Sundays, a huge number of vendors meet up at The Rocks market and set up their tents to sell their unique products. If you’re longing to go home with that precious souvenir, then this is the place. Exploring The Rocks makes for a fun day out, especially on weekends when there is live music and street performers.

Sydney’s Best Lunch Spots With a View

lunch cruise

Views just make dining out all the more exciting and luxurious and there’s no doubt about it. In an attempt to find the best dining spots in Sydney that offer views as perfect as their food, we have collated a list for all the foodies out there. And here it goes! 

Sydney Harbour Cruises

The most famous destination with spectacular waterfront restaurants, cafes and hotels, Sydney Harbour is truly one amazing spot where both visitors and locals come to dine. The place is popularly known for its rich history and spectacular attractions including the Harbour Bridge and the Opera House. There are amazing lunch cruise experiences in the area that offer a stunning experience of the harbour and its surrounds. These cruises offer splendid perspectives of the major landmarks and a scrumptious lunch that is freshly prepared aboard. If we were to recommend you one of our top picks, it has to be a Sydney Showboat harbour cruise lunch. This famous vintage paddlewheeler has a ubiquitous charm that will make you fall in love with the city all over again. It serves a delicious contemporary buffet menu and you can enjoy the dishes while you take in the beautiful views through its cathedral windows. The vessel has a theatre-style layout with priority seating. It also has wrap-around verandahs where you can enjoy unobstructed views of the surroundings. A cruise dining option should definitely be on your list if you’re looking for a perfect dine-out spot in the city with waterfront views. Book your tickets today. 

Bondi Beach 

The most popular beach in Sydney, Bondi, is also popularly known for its spectacular restaurants and seaside cafes. Over the years, people have associated this beach with amazing seafood places more than its golden sands and waves. The famous ocean pool at Icebergs Restaurant is one of the most Instagrammable places in the city that also serves amazing seafood. There are some more elegant and must-visit options here including Lola’s Level 1, Totti’s, Sean’s Panorama, A Tavola Bondi, The Pacific Club, Macelleria Bondi, and Ode and many more. Head over to Bondi Beach if you’re craving some sun, surf and sand and a delicious plate of seafood. 

The Blue Mountains 

The Blue Mountains is a spectacular haven for adventurers and nature lovers. The breathtaking views don’t have to end when it’s time for lunch, does it? The area is home to a spectacular range of staggering sandstone cliffs, and cascading waterfalls canopied by lush green vegetation. And for every escarpment, clifftop or lookout in the area, there are restaurants and bars located nearby to deliver scintillating views. Some of the most charming eateries in the area include Wintergarden at Medlow Bath, Echoes Restaurant & Bar at Katoomba, Embers at the Leura Golf Club and AMbermere Inn at Little Hartley. These restaurants are known for their locally inspired menus that celebrate the local growers. The bars in the area are specialised in craft beers and Australian wines. 

Paramatta Restaurants 

From local farmers and unusual dishes for adventurous foodies to different kinds of dining experiences, Paramatta is one of the most celebrated dining destinations in the city. The fine-dining scene here is definitely worth checking out as it also offers amazing dine-with-a-view experiences. The Old Government House, for example, is one of the best places offering a wonderful ambience surrounded by the leafy Parramatta Park. Another restaurant worth the mention is Alex & Co., a newly renovated food joint that has an irresistible riverside setting and distinctive Parramatta vibes—playful, cosmopolitan and individualistic. 

With an enormous capacity to impress its food lovers, Sydney sure boasts killer views all around. We hope you find the chance to check out all the above-mentioned places. You’re welcome!  

Best of Sydney for your Next Trip Down Under in 2022

sydney harbour cruise lunch
sydney harbour cruise lunch

Sydney’s got it all, few cities in the world can rival its natural beauty, its undying heritage and history dating back to thousands of years; its creative, culinary and cultural offerings simply cannot be matched! This is the place where most people come to tick off their bucket lists, in fact there is so much to do and see here that you might be overwhelmed when visiting for the very first time. But no need to get muddle headed, this list will help you discover some exciting attractions that are noteworthy whether you’re a resident or a visitor!

Lunch Cruise on a Modern Catamaran

Cruising is an essential part of Australians and is one of the most sought-after leisure activities in the harbour. Hop on a popular lunch cruise and traverse across the harbour waterways past some breathtaking iconic city attractions including the Opera House and Harbour Bridge, among others. You get to choose from a wide range of vessels but the one that stands out is the multi-million dollar catamaran which has spacious outer decks and panoramic windows for viewing. Cruise on this purpose-built vessel and experience the harbour attractions like never before as you savour a freshly prepared buffet! Stroll the outer decks to capture mesmerising photographs of you and your companions set against the striking city skyline! You also get to purchase sparkling drinks and other beverages from the fully licensed bar so don’t forget to make the most of it! A Sydney Harbour cruise lunch, thus, is the ultimate gateway to marvel at some of the biggest attractions of the city with a delectable lunch menu and drinks in an ambient setting!

Shop at Chinatown Markets

Shopping is inevitable when you’re in a city like Sydney where culture is vast, especially if you’re out with the family. Sydney has an interesting shopping scene with everything from towering shopping centres and weekend markets to organic street stalls. Chinatown has a vibrant atmosphere on every Friday when numerous market stalls line Dixon Street, selling colourful phone covers, Pokemon toys and cats! But the best stalls are the one selling different types of food from all corners of Asia. You can taste octopus balls and ten different types of asian inspired liquorice, along with other delicacies like yum cha, teppanyaki, sushi and pho! Visit late and round off your night with a karaoke at Dynasty or at the Golden Century.

Walking Tour at Dharawal National Park

Sydney has plenty of national parks and public gardens where you can connect with nature, enjoy a family picnic or just simply take a break from the busy city life. Located approximately 45 kilometres away from the city Central Business District  (CBD) lies the 6000+ hectares of breathtaking scenery and wildlife, the Dharawal National Park. Public access to this paradise of natural flora and fauna was granted only recently and now you can enjoy guided tours every second Saturday of the month. These 90-minute walks are designed for people of all fitness levels and there are also other catered tours like children and wheelchair accessible tours. The walks are guided by Aborignal Discovery Rangers who will share insights into the local flora and fauna as well as Dreamtime stories which hold sacred messages representing connections between the land and the indigineous Australians.

Others

Overlooking the massive Pacific Ocean on the edge of South head is one of Sydney’s prettiest lighthouses which offers breathtaking views of the ocean to the east and that of the city to the west. You can easily make a day of it by jumping on the South Head walking trail from Watsons Bay and burn some calories!
Wendy’s Secret Garden is also an  underrated attraction offering incredible harbour views and a serene environment filled with flowers, fountains and berries!

Important Yet Forgotten Tips for a Healthy Lifestyle

If you have plans to change your lifestyle and make it more healthy, if it is not, great! It is better late than never. You might have come across many advice from people, from magazines, and from health experts around you. But have you ever tried following at least one of them? All you ever see is how important it is to exercise, eat healthy food, and drink a lot of water. But being healthy is not only about being physically fit but also mentally strong and emotionally well built. The article will help you find some of the essential yet forgotten tips for a healthy lifestyle. Read along and see if you need to work on anything.

1- Taking a Break

It might be hard for you to take a break from your everyday existence. But if you don’t you will lose something that is more important than your job and the money you have earned so far- Health! Give yourself a break and get ready with the people you love. Try hitting somewhere peaceful and calm. You can try heading to a beach, a garden, or even a park where you can be yourself, without any external hassles. If you are a Sydneysider looking for a getaway idea with your family, you can try reaching out to Sydney Harbour where there are so many world-class cruising restaurants offering excellent cruising and dining experience on a Sydney Harbour lunch cruise. You can aboard an authentic paddlewheeler if you want it more elegant and classy, maybe to add a bit of fun, grandeur in disguise! A lunch cruise could be an amazing option since it can give you the best views of the iconic Sydney skyline, the radiant sun, and fresh air.

2- Tight Sleep

It is important to acknowledge the fact that the mind has a strong impact on the body. So, if you have a mentally unfit state, it will definitely affect your body. No matter how much time you exercise or how much protein rich food and veggies you have, it won’t make you healthy. Something will still be missing, the equilibrium of body and mind. All aspects of your health are important and having a good night’s sleep can be identified as certainly one of the important aspects in the list. You should really consider your sleeping pattern and biological cycle if you want to be healthy. Rest is something that is quintessential in leading a healthy lifestyle. Around seven to eight hours of sleep will only make you productive and energetic so that you can go through all those things on your to-do list when you are awake, full of life, without losing an inch of your patience and emotional stability.     

Unique Outing Ideas for Groups in Sydney

Sydney is known for its multitude of cultural diversity and this can be seen in the form of art, food, architecture and so on. This vibrant capital of New South Wales is one of the most visited destinations in the world and sees over a million visitors every year. A city like Sydney is never low on entertainment and you can head to its various venues and experience the city’s artistic flavour. Here is a curated list of some top spots you can visit in groups.

Sydney Harbour is an inevitable location in this list and it’s not only because of its iconic entertainment venues, restaurants  and live street performers. Cruising has always been a part of Australians and the Sydney Harbour cruise with lunch and views is one of the most desired group activities in the city. The unique paddlewheeler with its theatre-style interiors offers a restaurant quality dining experience with a freshly prepared lunch buffet and stunning views of the harbour. You can zest up the experience even further by purchasing drinks and other beverages from the fully licensed bar onboard, perfect for any group gathering. This lunch cruise takes you on a voyage past the iconic Opera House and Harbour Bridge, so be on the lookout for the ideal photo ops.

Surly’s American Tavern, located at the heart of Surry Hills, is one of the best venues to get your gang together and have a fun night out, Nashville style. A constant entertainment area and a quick getaway from the daily grind, the tavern offers delicious food, cocktails, free arcade games and even live music. The food, especially the burgers and bbqs are a staple that keeps the visitors more than just well fed and the creamy and crispy collections of sides and homemade dips takes the menu to the next  levels. Challenge your partners to a dance off or go against them in the plethora of arcade games and burn those bbqs or just lay back and ease up with a drink inside Smokey’s Cabin. People usually come here for a fun night of entertainment but they usually stay for the food.

For more than 50 years, Sydney has been famous for its drag shows, a unique blend of comedy, cabaret and costumes. A local legend of the LGBTQIA+ community, The Imperial Erskineville is a great place to have a memorable night out with your friends. The restaurant in the base floor offers some intensely good food and killer cocktails that match the ambience of the interiors which celebrates self-expression, creativity, dance and music. The Basement is a safe ground for all the creative expressionists and welcomes all  members of LGBTQIA+ community. This part of the restaurant comes alive at night with late night discoes, DJs, special events, drag and performance arts and ensures a night of non-stop entertainment.

Planning your perfect picnic in Sydney

Sydney is a beautiful harbour city which effortlessly houses some of the prettiest landscapes in the world. When it comes to planning an aesthetic picnic with your family in Sydney, there will be a few concerns that pop into your mind such as finding an affordable picnic spot, food, transport and more.

One of the easiest ways to do a picnic right in Sydney would be to hop on board one of those magnificent lunch cruises in Sydney Harbour, and fun and happiness is assured. These lunch cruises in Sydney also organise exclusive expeditions for its guests, allowing them to explore some of the remote islands off the coast of Sydney. So if you haven’t had enough time to plan the perfect picnic for your family, head to Sydney Harbour and all you have to do is pick a favourite lunch cruise destination in Sydney and there! You have your picture perfect picnic to brag about for a week on Instagram. Of the likes, you may also approach picnic planners in Sydney who also do a stunning job at organising tiny al fresco events for you. Name a place and time and you’ll have the perfect picnic arranged for you by the time you reach there.

Wouldn’t it be awful if you sail smoothly to your destination only to find out that it’s going to be a wet day? So when planning a picnic, do a weather-check so that you won’t regret it on the day. Another pro tip to keep in mind about picnicking is that you ought to be well-equipped with enough amenities to tackle any unforeseen events.

If you’re one of those sprightly souls who love to do it all by themselves, but without much skills at organising a picnic, let’s get down to some basic etiquettes in al fresco dining. Choosing a peaceful place is the first rule and it cannot be compromised come what may. Imagine feasting on your favourite cheeseburgers and steak ribs only to be swarmed in by buzzing flies and mosquitoes. Or it could be the stray dogs or an unsolicited flock of birds. So, it’s always better to make sure that your spot is not already taken by someone or something else.

For those who love to take photographs, having an aesthetically arranged picnic mat might be your top priority. So choosing a theme beforehand and keeping things ready a day or two prior to the day might work well for you. From freshly cut flowers, glossy mason jars, sweet smelling breads and fresh fruits to fun toys and props to inspire your skills in photography, find your best picnic supplies from the street markets in Sydney.

On the whole, organising a picnic comes down to how much time and energy you invest for it. A picnic can happen on any day off the calendar and that’s the beauty of it. Spending too much money on a picnic wouldn’t be worth it if at the end of the day it doesn’t turn out to be as good as you expected. So always remember to keep it simple folks and you wouldn’t regret it.

Are you planning a picnic with your family in Sydney? Here’s a look-see into some of the pro tips to have a picture-perfect picnic.