Ally May Carey's Guide to Sydney
Camp Cove
Camp Cove is a bay on the southern side of Sydney harbour – it is a part of Watsons Bay, a cute coastal suburb of Sydney. It’s a little bit of a hidden oasis, and the perfect spot to go for sunset – Take a picnic, and watch the sunset over the city/ocean.
You can definitely go there at other times of the day for a refreshing swim and to relax on the beach – (there is a great kiosk that serves fresh juice, but it’s a novelty to go in the evening to see the sunset over water on the East Coast of Australia).
Getting there: As it is tucked away, you either have to drive or bus (but it would be about a 50 min bus from Sydney City, or half an hour from Bondi)
TIPS! If while you’re there and you want to grab some food, head to either Watson’s Bay Hotel or Doyles On The Beach or their takeaway option, Doyles
On The Wharf.
Watson’s Bay Hote
1 Military Rd Watsons Bay NSW 2030
Food: Pub style
Doyles On The Wharf
11 Marine Parade Watsons Bay NSW 2030
Food: Seafood
Doyles On The Beach
Military Rd Watsons Bay NSW 2030
Food: Seafood
Surry Hills
Surry Hills holds fond memories to me – it’s where Central Station is, so I used to come here quite a lot as a kid and teen. I’d visit my older siblings and catch the bus and train all by myself, so I guess it gives a sense of freedom and individuality to me. When I moved to Sydney, it was a place I felt most familiar with and now years later, I still feel so attached to Surry Hills.
It’s definitely an arty/hipster culture, which I love. There’s a sense of warmth to it. It almost feels like a little village. It’s so close to the City and boasts so many cool cafes/restaurants/vintage clothing stores/book shops/ cool bars etc. It’s so fun to go there on the weekend to do all of the above - so it’s a must visit, for sure.
VINTAGE SHOPS
Zoo Emporium
Unit B/180 Campbell St, Surry Hills NSW 2010
U-TURN
33/277 Crown St, Surry Hills NSW 2010
SALON LANE
If you’re after a quick blow dry or cut before dinner, head into Salon Lane, in Surry Hills.
BREAKFAST & LUNCH
Four Ate Five
485 Crown St, Surry Hills NSW 2010
Reuben Hills
61 Albion St, Surry Hills NSW 2010
Paramount Coffee Project
80 Commonwealth St, Surry Hills NSW 2010
Bourke Street Bakery
633 Bourke St, Surry Hills NSW 2010
DINNER
Poly
74-76 Commonwealth St, Surry Hills NSW 2010
The Dolphin Hotel
412 Crown St, Surry Hills NSW 2010
Vacanza Pizzeria
414 Bourke St, Surry Hills NSW 2010
Don’t Tell Aunty
414 Bourke St, Surry Hills NSW 2010
Potts Point
One of my favourite places in Sydney is Potts Point etc. It’s definitely a cool, inner city vibe and a place to visit for good food. Potts Point used to be known as Sydney’s nightclubbing district. We had a blanket ban on nightclubs in the last 8 years, and our “lockout laws”, meaning places had to close at a set time, meant a lot of clubs went out of business. So now Potts Point is filled with a busy cafe and restaurant scene. There are so many great coffee shops and yummy restaurants!
The main street is Darlinghurst Road/Macleay Street and it’s a great street to people watch and walk to find places to eat and drink. On Sundays, Kings Cross Market is filled with craft vendors, flowers, fresh produce and food stalls.
BREAKFAST & LUNCH
Primary Coffee
1/9 Ward Ave Potts Point NSW 2011
Food: Coffee & snacks
Room 10
10 Llankelly Pl, Potts Point NSW 2011
Food: Modern Australian (great salads and sandwiches)
Tuckerbox
70 Elizabeth Bay Rd, Elizabeth Bay NSW 2011
Food: Great breakfast and salads
DINNER
Franca
Shop 2/81 Macleay St Potts Point NSW 2011
Food: French
Cho Cho San
73 Macleay St, Potts Point NSW 2011
Food: Japanese
Chester White
3 Orwell St, Potts Point NSW 2011
Food: Italian
Fratelli Paradiso
12-16 Challis Ave, Potts Point NSW 2011
Food: Italian
Bistro 916
22 Challis Ave, Potts Point NSW 2011
Food: Bistro Style
Dear St Eloise
5/29 Orwell St, Potts Point NSW 2011
Food: French/ share style
Bondi
I live in Bondi, and it is such an amazing lifestyle. It’s very laid back, filled with beach walks, healthy cafes and everything is so close, in fact, we call it the Bondi Bubble, because everything you need is here and it’s very hard to leave. My favourite thing to do is wake up early with my puppy, Bowie and get a coffee, followed by a walk along the coast. If you can get there for sunrise, it is MAGICAL. You can walk the coast from Bondi to Bronte - it’s about a 5km round trip, which takes about one hour(ish). It’s an easy and beautiful walk and a must if you’re in the area.
You’re not spoiled for choice when it comes to good coffee or food in Bondi. For breakfast and lunch, you can walk into most cafes (there may be a slight wait), and for dinner reservations, I would advise to book ahead. It’s a pretty relaxed atmosphere when it comes to dressing for most cafes and restaurants in Bondi – true coastal vibes.
The Beach: Of course, if you’re visiting Bondi, then you must take a moment to head to the beach. It’s so pretty and so great to swim. It’s fully patrolled, but is VERY busy during summer. My other favourite spot to swim is North Bondi Rocks, at the end of Ramsgate Ave. It’s called Ben Buckler, and it’s one of the best views! You can swim off the rocks, and it’s dog friendly too!
Where to Get Cultural
The Art Gallery of NSW and Botanical Gardens are two of my favourite places to spend time. They’re both so peaceful, and a place where I feel very inspired. I have been coming here since I was a child, and it never ceases to amaze me. They are located very close to one another, and a close walk from Sydney City. If you walk North, through the Botanical Gardens, you will reach the beautiful Sydney Harbour, home to our most historic icons – The Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge (which just turned 90!) - both a must see.
The Art Gallery of NSW is 151 years old – it celebrated its 150th birthday last year. It’s in the middle of a reconstruction, which is super exciting, as they are expanding! There are always great exhibitions on! Matisse just finished, and it was magic to see it in an Australian gallery. There is a great restaurant and cafe inside the gallery as well. If you’re looking to venture out of the gallery, and explore more food/drink options, you’re a short distance to the city with a plethora of options.
Royal Botanical Gardens Sydney: The gardens have so many hidden pockets - from a secret cactus garden, to little cafes. The garden also hosts exhibitions, guided walks, schools, and art nights. It’s really more than just a garden!
GETTING THERE: If coming from the city, they’re both within walking distance. You can also catch a train to Martin Place, and it’s a short walk. It’s still very accessible from other suburbs, you can come by bus, train or Uber/drive.
Paddington
Paddington is another really cool suburb and one I spend a lot of time in! It’s known for having amazing cafes, bars, food and shopping. There are a cluster of boutiques at the Intersection, on Glenmore Road, which showcases Australian designers. It’s where a lot of designers have their flagship stores. It’s also known as a contemporary art precinct - with lots of small galleries in side streets, which is really cool!
Paddington Markets are a must visit too - lots of little crafts, trinkets, vintage and clothes. The area is definitely trendy when it comes to dressing - not as laid back as Bondi! Think a pair of jeans, loafers, and a blazer or fashion suit or tailored pants vibe.
Five Ways in Paddington has some great cafes and restaurants too. There are more fashion bou- tique shops and one of my favourite magazine stores called Journal.
GALLERIES
Saint Cloche
37 MacDonald St, Paddington NSW 2021
Olsen
63 Jersey Rd, Woollahra NSW 2025 (pretty much paddington!)
BREAKFAST & LUNCH
Jackies
1C Glenmore Rd
Food: Modern Aust and Sushi
Ampersand Coffee
78 Oxford St, Paddington NSW 2021
Food: Modern Australia and good coffee
Sonder
227 Glenmore Rd Paddington NSW 2021
Food: Modern Australia, great breakfast and coffee
Barbetta
2 Elizabeth St, Paddington NSW 2021
Food: Italian
DINNER
The Paddington
384 Oxford St, Paddington NSW 2021
Food: Modern Pub
10 William Street
10 William St, Paddington NSW 2021
Food: Italian
The Wine Library
18 Oxford St, Woollahra NSW 2025
Food: Share style
Tequila Mockingbird
6 Heeley St, Paddington NSW 2021
Food: Mexican
Vino E Cucina
211 Glenmore Rd, Paddington NSW 2021
Food: Italian
Fred’s
380 Oxford St, Paddington NSW 2021
Food: Rustic, homely food ($$$)
Charlie Parker (Below Fred’s)
Basement/380 Oxford St, Paddington NSW 2021
Food: Bar & Share style
Oxford Street is Paddington’s main street and it is our L.G.B.T.Q.I.A.+ area - there are lots of fun bars and of course Mardi Gras, a huge street festival in March every year.
