Bondi Beach. Carry On with Curtis & Lindsay - Sydney. Credit: Damian Bennett
Bondi Beach. Carry On with Curtis & Lindsay - Sydney.
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It’s been two years since celebrity chef, author and television presenter Curtis Stone and his wife, actor Lindsay Price Stone, were last in Sydney. Follow in their footsteps with this guide of quintessential Sydney experiences, from sensational restaurants and providores to chic boutiques, tiny bars and deep cultural connections.
Bondi to Coogee and beyond
Begin your journey overlooking the iconic sandy crescent beach and cool coastal blues of Bondi before heading south on the Bondi to Coogee Walk, passing the much-photographed Bondi Icebergs. This spectacular clifftop trail winds along the coast, linking picturesque beaches and boasting panoramic ocean views throughout. Ready to refuel over a memorable meal? Stop for lunch at Mimi’s, the Mediterranean-inspired fine dining restaurant on the middle floor of Coogee Pavilion. It’s all about indulgence here, starting with a bump of caviar and ice-cold vodka, then onto fresh lobster, truffles and more.
Elevate your riverside escape
Soar sky high on an awe-inspiring flight with Sydney Seaplanes bound for the Broken Bay Pearl Farm. Located on the pristine waters of the Hawkesbury River, it is the only pearl farm in NSW cultivating akoya pearl oysters. Unwind on a scenic cruise along the river to the oyster leases, learn about the art of pearl grading and finish the tour savouring freshly shucked oysters at the Shellar Door whilst perusing the beautiful pearl jewellery for sale. Make a night, or a weekend, of it and treat yourself to a stay at the luxury retreat Marramarra Lodge.
Mimi’s, Coogee. Carry On with Curtis & Lindsay - Sydney. Credit: Damian Bennett
Mimi’s, Coogee. Carry On with Curtis & Lindsay - Sydney.
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Mimi’s, Coogee. Carry On with Curtis & Lindsay - Sydney. Credit: Damian Bennett
Mimi’s, Coogee. Carry On with Curtis & Lindsay - Sydney.
Marramarra Lodge, Berowra Waters Credit: Isabel Darling
Woman enjoying a beverage with scenic views across Hawkesbury River at Marramarra Lodge, Berowra Waters.
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Marramarra Lodge, Berowra Waters Credit: Isabel Darling
Woman enjoying a beverage with scenic views across Hawkesbury River at Marramarra Lodge, Berowra Waters.
Indulge in a seafood extravaganza
Ready to learn something new? Discover the art of fish butchery from the expert himself, hatted chef Josh Niland at his new Fish Butchery Waterloo outlet. Home to Sydney’s best fish and chips, mouth-watering tuna cheeseburgers and prawn rolls, plus ready to eat meals and exceptional fresh seafood. Or, step it up a notch with an unforgettable dining experience at Josh’s other venue – Saint Peter in Paddington.
Soak up the harbour views
What would a trip to Sydney be without a cruise on the harbour? There’s no better way to experience the magic of Sydney’s glittering harbour than by boat. Soak up the sights – including a pinch-me moment as you venture under the Sydney Harbour Bridge to spot the sails of the Sydney Opera House with a cruise with Captain Cook Cruises, Lifestyle Charters or EastSail.
Lap up a different view of the city with a stay at Wildlife Retreat at Taronga. This luxury lodge is surrounded by The Sanctuary, a place for rescued native animals to rest and recuperate before being released back into the wild.
Connect with Sydney’s history
Join an eye-opening Aboriginal Bush Tucker Tour through The Royal Botanic Garden Sydney and discover native ingredients and foods that have been consumed in NSW for thousands of years. Led by a First Nations guide, the tour explores the Cadi Jam Ora garden, tasting bush foods like the tart Davidson plum, and learning how native plants were used for medicine and tools.
Learn more about Indigenous culture with a visit to Bangarra Dance Theatre, an acclaimed company of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander performers that bring the world’s oldest culture to global audiences through mesmerising dance performances.
Fish Butchery, Waterloo. Carry On with Curtis & Lindsay - Sydney. Credit: Damian Bennett
Fish Butchery, Waterloo. Carry On with Curtis & Lindsay - Sydney.
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Fish Butchery, Waterloo. Carry On with Curtis & Lindsay - Sydney. Credit: Damian Bennett
Fish Butchery, Waterloo. Carry On with Curtis & Lindsay - Sydney.
Sailing, Sydney Harbour Credit: Destination NSW
Sun setting over a sail boat on Sydney Harbour.
#feelnewsydney #ilovesydney
Sailing, Sydney Harbour Credit: Destination NSW
Sun setting over a sail boat on Sydney Harbour.
Shop til you drop
Indulge in some high-end retail therapy with a trip to The Strand. This exquisite three-storey shopping arcade in the heart of the city first opened in 1892 and is still home to top local designers like Aje, Camilla and Marc, Dion Lee, Rebecca Vallance and more. For dinner, make your way down to the new Quay Quarter Lanes precinct for an innovative Korean-style omakase at the eight-seat Kobo restaurant. Afterwards, enjoy your favourite tipple at nearby underground bar, Apollonia.
Hit the sweet spot
Satisfy your sugar cravings with an unparalleled dessert courtesy of the master himself - MasterChef alum Reynold Poernomo. His new KOI Dessert Bar in Chippendale serves up sweets almost too pretty to eat, topped with flowers grown in his mother’s garden. There’s just time for one last margarita, mixed by the experts at Cantina OK! – a tiny bar with a big personality, hidden down a laneway in the centre of the city.
You can watch Carry On with Curtis and Lindsay on the Sydney.com YouTube channel now.
Negroni Series, Apollonia Credit: Steven Woodburn
A selection of negronis from Apollonia's Negroni Series, courtesy of a stack of celebrated international bartenders from The World’s 50 Best Bars.
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Negroni Series, Apollonia Credit: Steven Woodburn
A selection of negronis from Apollonia's Negroni Series, courtesy of a stack of celebrated international bartenders from The World’s 50 Best Bars.
Circular Quay, Sydney. Carry On with Curtis & Lindsay - Sydney Credit: Damian Bennett
Circular Quay, Sydney. Carry On with Curtis & Lindsay - Sydney
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Circular Quay, Sydney. Carry On with Curtis & Lindsay - Sydney Credit: Damian Bennett
Circular Quay, Sydney. Carry On with Curtis & Lindsay - Sydney
More Inspirational Stories
Murray Rose Pool, Double BayCredit: Destination NSW
Harbour views from Murray Rose Pool, Double Bay in Sydney's eastern suburbs.
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Connect with the true essence of Sydney by mingling with the friendly locals and discovering the vibrant energy that defines the city. Beyond its stunning landmarks, Sydney invites you to experience its warmth and charm.
Showstopping At Royal Randwick
Dress to Impress at Royal Randwick Racecourse for a Saturday at the races during the Sydney Everest Carnival. Don’t miss the fresh new destination, the Peacock Lounge in the Winx Stand at Royal Randwick. For five exclusive days only, the Peacock Lounge will be the place to be to elevate your race day
Don't miss the fresh new destination, the Peacock Lounge in the Winx Stand at Royal Randwick. For five exclusive days only, the Peacock Lounge will be the place to be this Carnival to elevate your raceday.
Check out the open air Theatre Of The Horse to watch the racehorses' parade with their jockeys in vibrant racing silks before the competition .Then hit the rose garden for further festivities, this time it’s all about preening and social media.
For post-race shenanigans, join racegoers at one of Paddington’s watering holes including the rooftop at The Light Brigade, The Royal Hotel at Fiveways or The Paddington, which boasts some excellent dining options. Alternatively, saddle up for a pasta blowout at fashionable Paddington institution, 10 William Street.
Salute the Dawn at Bronte Beach
The 440 Run Club is a free Saturday morning running club that is open to everyone at any fitness level. Meet in the park in front of Bronte Beach in the dark, and join a crew of all ages and backgrounds to run, jog or even walk up and down a hill in a continuous loop. Sunrise over this beautiful beach never looked so good.
Afterwards go cafe hopping at the beachside strip and nabone of the outdoor tables for pinch yourself views. The Bogey Hole Cafe is a great place to start.
If you’re still full of beans, do the stunning Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk Follow the scenic pathway back to Bondi or go further afield to another action-packed beach suburb, Coogee. This is also where you’ll find one of Sydney’s Insta-famous restaurants, Mimi’s.
The Championship Races, Royal Randwick Credit: Destination NSW
The Championship Races, Royal Randwick 2014..
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The Championship Races, Royal Randwick Credit: Destination NSW
The Championship Races, Royal Randwick 2014..
Bronte Beach, Sydney Credit: Destination NSW
Surfer heading out to catch a wave at Bronte Beach, Sydney.
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Bronte Beach, Sydney Credit: Destination NSW
Surfer heading out to catch a wave at Bronte Beach, Sydney.
Go Boho In Bondi
Sydney’s famous Bondi has plenty of trophy hang outs including Icebergs Dining Room and the Promenade ,but it also has a Boho beating heart. At North Bondi (which is where the locals swim), refill at heritage cafe, Speedos or drop into the laid back Bondi RSL filled with interesting characters and extraordinary views of the beach.
Explore the shopping thoroughfare of Gould Street with signature store, Tuchuzy and keep walking all the way to the Bondi Farmer’s Market
Other boho outposts include Gertrude & Alice bookstore and cafe on Hall Street, Up South on Bondi Road, Bondi Tony’s for Aussie Burgers in Glenayr Avenue, and Shop & Wine Bar in Curlewis Street Bondi.
Heritage, Art and Harbourside Delights
Sydney’s Parliament House, steeped in colonial history, is open to the public every Monday and Friday. The Legislative Assembly chamber (also known as the bear pit) is the place where laws are made with vigorous debate. Afterwards take a stroll across the Domain, spread out in front of you like a green carpet to the Art Gallery Of NSW. Head to the newly opened and architecturally amazing North Wing - Naala Badu - for lunch at MOD. Dining by Clayton Wells.
Then cool down and at the nearby spectacular, enclosed Andrew (Boy) Charlton Pool, set into the harbour where you can swim while taking in the yachts and ferries on the other side of the glass.
Finish your day with some soothing drinks at the Library of NSW rooftop bar or head across the road to the Intercontinental Hotel’s scenic Aster Bar for cocktails accompanied by stunning views right down the harbour.
Bondi Icebergs, Bondi Credit: Destination NSW
Aerial view of Bondi Icebergs and surrounds, Bondi
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Bondi Icebergs, Bondi Credit: Destination NSW
Aerial view of Bondi Icebergs and surrounds, Bondi
Art Gallery of New South Wales, Sydney Credit: Destination NSW
Friends enjoying a visit the the Art Gallery of New South Wales in Sydney.
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Art Gallery of New South Wales, Sydney Credit: Destination NSW
Friends enjoying a visit the the Art Gallery of New South Wales in Sydney.
Pining for Manly
Board the Manly Ferry for the 30-minute voyage to Manly - the beachside suburb, ringed with ancient Norfolk Pine trees where it always seems to be holiday time.
Check into the newly revamped Manly Pacific Hotel with its opulent appointments but fairly modest rates. You could also consider Pepper’s Manly Beach, which also just across the road from this prime surf spot. The Corso runs from the Harbour side to the beachside and offers interesting eateries including Butter Boy for their famous cookies baked on the spot. Next door is Norma’s Deli for excellent sandwiches, cakes, and traditional Greek spreads.
Go for a stroll to Shelly Beach where you may encounter some harmless Eastern Water Dragons sun baking on the rocks along the way and ready for their close up. Dip into the water at the beach or the ocean pool then head to The Boathouse where you order at the bar and find your own table. Dine on everything from pizza and salads to fish and chips to get a real taste of Manly.
Spa It Up In Double Bay
Double Bay is Sydney’s most luxe village. It boasts plenty of hair salons along with decadent day spas, excellent shopping and five-star restaurants and bars.Head to All Saint Clinic founded by one of Australia’s best aesthetic skin doctors for pure indulgence where the treatment menu includes the Fire & Ice facial.
Next visit the famous Joh Bailey Salon for a blow out or head to La Boutique in Transvaal Avenue, where owner Belinda Jeffries is the blonde whisperer.
Celebrate the newly refreshed you with a lunch at Margaret Double Bay, owned by prestigious Icon Awards winner, Neil Perry. Take an outdoor table to make your own contribution to Double Bay’s street life, then duck downstairs to the newly opened cocktail bar, Bobbie’s.
You could also have a drink on the deck at a popular locals’ hang out, the 18 Footers Bar Restaurant & Cafe, which is right next to the Double Bay Ferry Wharf. It’s the perfect spot to watch the sun setting over the harbour and then hop on a ferry back to Circular Quay.
Manly Pacific Credit: Manly Pacific
Coastal Suites at Manly Pacific Bedroom
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Manly Pacific Credit: Manly Pacific
Coastal Suites at Manly Pacific Bedroom
Murray Rose Pool, Double Bay Credit: Destination NSW
Couple enjoying a walk by Murray Rose Pool, Double Bay.
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Murray Rose Pool, Double Bay Credit: Destination NSW
Couple enjoying a walk by Murray Rose Pool, Double Bay.