48 hours in Sydney

When there’s a million and one things to do in Sydney spending your time wisely ain’t always so easy. Whether you live up the coast, are on a layover, holiday or want to see more of your glorious city here’s a go-to guide for spending an epic 48 hours in Sydney.

Friday

You may be jetlagged and tired but Friday night in the city is alive and buzzing with people. Freshen up, have a power nap if needed and escape your hotel by 5:30pm. Make your way down to Opera Bar, which you guessed it, has iconic views of the Harbour Bridge and the Opera House. Watch the sun go down behind the bridge with a cocktail in hand to enjoy some of the best Sydney can offer. You may be feeling a little peckish, Mr Bao in the CBD serves some of the best Bao buns filled with moreish pork crackling, crispy chicken or battered prawns. If you’re after pizza, head down to Pizza Autentico for an epic $20 all you can eat feast. Having been fed and watered it’s now time to hit the town.

Saturday

It’s time for a swim in the pristine beaches. First off catch a train to Bondi and enjoy a laid-back brekkie by the beach. Try Porch and Parlour for a delectable yet healthy start to the day. If you’re feeling up to it, walk from Bondi to Bronte beach on the most magnificent coastal walk featuring endless blue skies and an expanse of ocean. Time for a dip in cool blue and finish off by drying in the sun.

Unfortunately it’s time to drag yourself away, so make a beeline for the train and get yourself back to the CBD. If there is a single ‘must-do’ it is to walk along the Harbour Bridge. Bring your camera because there are some great shots to be had! All this walking has left you a little peckish, it’s time for ice-cream! There is a great many ice cream parlours around, my favourites are Messina or N2. Try them both. From here walk down Elizabeth St, the main street in the CBD for a little window shopping. Make sure to visit the Queen Victoria Building as it really is something special!

From here keep walking till you hit China Town. It serves the best and cheapest Asian food around. Treat yourself to Yum Cha and enjoy a selection of dumplings, prawn crackers and an array of meat and veggies.

Back on the town tonight. Try the Beresford for a laid-back casual vibe which has a relax outdoor setting down stairs and a nightclub upstairs if you find some hidden energy. They also serve Italian food and have an extensive cocktail menu.

Sunday

Last day, don’t cry it will be one to remember. Get on an early bus to Manly, Australia’s second most famous beach. There is nothing like an early swim while the crowds are at a minimum and the only noise is the waves crashing at your feet. Bring a book and bask in the sun. When your tummy starts to rumble walk around the Corso (main street right behind the beach, impossible to miss) and have your choice of breakfast. There’s pancakes, eggs and healthier options like Acai bowls plus plenty of great coffee around. Sit in the sunshine and watch the world go by.

For your last chance to see some dolphins and have a beautiful ride, catch the ferry from Manly to Circular Quay. Slowly begin your walk back to the hotel to pack up and check out. With your bags in tow there is only one place to grab your last epic meal before boarding the plane home. Head straight to the Gardens of Alexandria for some gorgeous food served in a picturesque location. You won’t regret it.

Your feet are probably weary, your eyelids heavy but Sydney is such a magical city and there is so much more to see. You’ll be back!

A weekend guide to Melbourne

For Sydney-siders, a weekend foray into the cultural and foodie-obsessed Melbourne is easy and oh so good. Here is a Thursday to Monday guide to seeing the best Melbourne can offer.

Thursday

Arrive, catch the Sky bus to Flinders St Station and then hop on a free tram, or walk to your hotel. Freshen up and enjoy a leisurely stroll around the city late afternoon getting to know the streets and experiencing the vibe. Night time means food and drinks galore. While not luxe, it is cheap and Asian Beer Cafe in Melbourne Central Shopping Centre boasts free champagne before 7pm and $1 till 9pm. From here we headed down to Docklands to eat our way through the Lunar Festival, sampling pork skewers, pork buns and dumplings. Eat your way happy, enjoy a night near the water with a glass of wine before bunking down to rest your weary body.

Friday

Sleep ins are essential, why, because you’re on holiday! Keep those curtains pulled until your tummy rumbles just a little too loud. Then don your walking shoes and head straight to Queen Victoria Market, QVM, for all things yummy! From cheese, to hamon serrano, bread, croissants, fresh juice, coffee, pasta and borek, not to mention the abundance of fresh fruit and veggies this place is a mecca for food. Everything smells delicious, but borek (a turkish dish consisting of pastry filled with spinach and cheese) is too good to pass up and is one of my all time favourite foods. I restrain myself and grab one for $2. Then I give in to temptation on my second round and buy another, plus a sour cherry one. This may be the best borek I have ever had. When you’ve had your fair (or more than fair) share, head off towards the CBD for shopping and art. Walking through the streets can take you hours, as it should. There is a million and one lane ways to wander through, window shopping to be done and ogling at beautiful displays of macaroons and cakes. Make sure to walk through Centre Place one of Melbourne’s most famous streets – perfect to stop, rest, enjoy a coffee and listen to local musicians.

If you’re beginning to feel a bit peckish, PonyFish Island makes a lovely antipasto platter that is best shared under the sun alongside a jug of pimms. It is definitely the place to be. Enjoy, drink at leisure.

Friday night is all about fun. Sahara bar is a fun Moroccan themed bar, with happy hour, that looks over the city. Little Red Pocket, a hidden gem up two flights of stairs, is a Japanese-inspired bar with romantic black and red lighting. Did I mention it was named number 8/100 in the Worlds best bars? Yep enjoy that knowledge while sipping on two for one drinks and $1 chicken from 4-8pm.

If you happen to be staying at Space Hotel, then bring a bikini because the rooftop spa boasts an epic view of the skyline.

Saturday

Feeling a bit weary from Friday night? Not to worry, there is nothing Melbourne coffee can’t fix. Don your street-cool, casual-but-planned outfit and hit the pavement. There are so many cafes to choose from, but we tried Riva in an alleyway off the main street that served quality Eggs Benedict with smoked salmon and spinach, all washed down with a cup of smooth strong coffee. Once you’re feeling refreshed, it’s all about art today. Wander around town and find all the hidden gems. Go up, down, left, right, sidewards and back again until your utterly confused. Make a beeline for Hozier Lane, Rutledge Lane, Union Lane and Centre Place.

You’ve been walking all day, time to cool off with N2. On Sutherland ST in the CBD, this sweet haven makes delicious cold treats. Make sure to get a needle full of liquid chocolate. It’s nearly 3pm, time to fill that tummy! Head back to QVM for the most mind-blowingingly delicious bowl of fresh hot mussels. This stuff is made of dreams. I opted for the chilli, tomato and parsley bowl. My only recommendation, don’t share. Get your own bowl.

It’s back to the CBD after that to soak up the sunshine with a cool drink. Rooftop bar is hugely popular and boasts an epic view of the city. Sit amongst the crowd and enjoy. There is no better place to be. Once you’ve had your fill of liquid gold, there is only one place for dinner: 400 gradi, one of the world’s best pizza eateries. Make sure to wear stretchy clothes because once you have a bite, you are hooked. This is true Neapolitan pizza. We opted for a Margarita, Prosciutto and Rocket and a Seafood Linguine with a glass of Italian red. I still dream of this dinner today.

Sunday

Sunday blues are real as you realise tomorrow you are leaving. Beautiful sunny days call for a visit to St Kilda, where it only happens the St Kilda festival is on. Grab a coffee and almond croissant from Plantation Coffee and then jump on a tram. 20 minutes later, stroll down St Kilda Esplanade and along the pier. Walk or hire a bike and ride along the waters edge. Tuck into a big brekky with a fresh OJ to finish off your morning.

Naked for Satan, a 20 minute walk outside of the CBD is the place to be for drinks with a view. Located outside of the CBD it has a fantastic view of the undulating rooftops. With an extensive drink menu, it will have something for everyone.

No trip is complete without a picnic. Head back to the QVM and pick up some fresh cheeses, salami, bread, biscuits, fruit and a bottle of wine for a gorgeous picnic in the park.

Monday

Pack up the bags and check out. Today is for pancakes topped with ice-cream and maple syrup. Oh so naughty and delicious. Pancake Parlour has infamous pancakes – for a reason. Burn it off with a final stroll, one last coffee and a lie down in the sun to people watch. Then jump on a sky bus, head back to the airport and star planning your next trip.

26 fun facts about Australia

1. We invented the pavlova – a highly contested claim but I’m sticking with it. Marshmallowy base topped with whipped cream and fresh berries delicious!
2. The biggest property in Australia is the size of Belgium!
3. Australia was the second country in the world to allow women to vote.
4. Australia is very sparsely populated: The UK has 248.25 persons per square kilometre, while Australia has only 2.66 persons per square kilometre.
5. There were over one million feral camels in outback Australia, until the government launched the $19m Feral Camel Management Program, which aims to keep the pest problem under control.
6. Australia is home to the longest fence in the world. It is 5,614 km long, and was originally built to keep dingoes away from fertile land.
7. Australia was one of the founding members of the United Nations.
8. Before the arrival of humans, Australia was home to megafauna: three metre tall kangaroos, seven metre long goannas, horse-sized ducks, and a marsupial lion the size of a leopard.
9. The Great Barrier Reef is the planet’s largest living structure.
10. Before 1902, it was illegal to swim at the beach during the day.
11. The average Aussie drinks 96 litres of beer per year.
12. If all the sails of the Opera House roof were combined, they would create a perfect sphere.
13. The wine cask (goon sack) is an Australian invention.
14. The closest American state in population is New York, which has 19.6 million people, yet Australia is more than 53 times its size.
15. Australia is home to 10 of the world’s 15 most poisonous snakes as well as a disproportionate number of venomous spiders.
16. Australians developed a fake animal to scare tourists. The drop bear was purported by mainstream institutions including the Australian Museum to drop from trees and attack tourists. There is no drop bear.
17. Australia has more than 10,000 beaches.
18. World champion beer drinker for a prime minister.
19. 10,000 species of Australian spiders.
20. We have a bright pink lake in Perth called Lake Hillier.
21. Australia’s first police force was a band of 12 of the most well behaved Convicts.
22. Emus and kangaroos cannot walk backwards, and are on the Australian coat of arms for that reason.
23. Tasmania has the cleanest air in the world.
24. More than 80 percent of Australians live within 100 kilometres of the coast.
25. It has 16 world heritage listed sites.
26. Kangaroo meat can be purchased from the supermarket or butcher.

The things I miss about home

It’s a funny thing how at the start of a trip you’re excited and eager to get away from all aspects that make home, home yet give it a few weeks or months and suddenly those aspects you wanted to leave or never thought about are the main reasons you want to come.

Tired, broke and sick of listening to people snore in 12-bed dorms I was excited to come home. I missed a million things, mostly simple luxuries like a washing machine, or a fridge where your food isn’t stolen. Don’t get me wrong, I would never stop traveling just to enjoy these basic aspects, but after 8-months the desire for my own space was desperate. Not to mention being able to shower without shoes on! The 3 things I missed most were:

1. Non-smoking venues. Virtually everywhere in Sydney is non-smoking these days and I’m accustomed to being able to eat, drink, sit, talk or walk without breathing in polluted air yet in Europe it’s a whole other story. Good luck being able to go a day without inhaling cigarette smoke. After a while, I missed being able to enjoy my food without the taint of smoke. Sorry for all the smokers out there, but Sydney might not be your greatest friend in that regard.
2. Not paying for toilets. Everywhere in Europe, there is a personal cleaner who seems to own the toilet block and will ask for money before you’re allowed to use it. I know the money is for the cleaner and it’s nice having clean bathrooms, but having to fork out anywhere from €.20-1 can be a drain especially if you’re struggling with money already. Not to mention when they toilets aren’t clean but you’ve already paid.. It’s nice to come home and know you can walk into any mall, fast-food outlet etc and use the bathroom without searching through your entire bag to find that dreaded coin.
3. I can read! Sounds so simple but it really is a luxury to be able to get yourself around without relying on others. I love being part of new cultures and not speaking their language provides an opportunity to learn, but sometimes when you’re in a rush, on 3 hours sleep, lost and confused with no idea it’s nice to be able to guide yourself

What did you miss most about being home?

Sunday snaps: Bondi beach

 

It may be a little late, but better late than never right?! After ending my 8month trip in Europe, coming home and settling into a routine was a little boring. I craved adventure and being somewhere unknown. To get a small fix, I took a Saturday off work and went to Bondi beach, arguably one of Australia’s most famous beaches. It was a perfect day to be near the water with the sun shining and sending the promise of a hot summer.

It’s hard to find a beach as glorious as this in Europe.

To see more pictures, find me on Instagram: madeleine.curby

Cuba

My godmother, Fiona and her Cuban husband, Osiel are back in Australia and made me realise I hadn’t yet told my experience of visiting Cuba. That little island in the Caribbean’s that’s been closed to tourists for years.

Its an island with untold stories that few get to experience. Culture and history embedded in society. Its like the country has been frozen in time, the people keep moving yet somehow its not developing.

Wifi, laptops, fridges (although these are growing in popularity) are items we all take for granted. IPhones are a necessity, a material possession perceived to be crucial to our social and business life, yet somehow Cuban society manage fine without such items. People drop in on each other to say hey, invite them out, to celebrate a birthday or event and all without the internet.

The buildings in Havana are extraordinario. They are remnants of the past, pictures of wealth and glory, marble staircases and intricate detailing, high arched walkways and cobblestone streets. They are beautiful and breathtaking invoking questions of how, why and what. Such buildings line the streets casting your eye and forcing your tired legs to walk just that bit further in hopes to see something spectacular, and you always do.

Sometimes its not always the buildings that stand upright and tall, showing off their glory that are spectacular, sometimes it’s the buildings that once stood tall but now cower in the corners. Buildings that are literally crumbling and breaking down. Walls, roofs, doorways and windows completely gone. Rows of mid-rise apartment blocks with gaping black holes on the top floor, middle floor and even bottom floor, show where a home once existed but has now fallen away. You have to wonder how people can still live there when their neighbors home has just disintegrated and what happens to these people when their house falls away.

But Cuba isn’t all buildings. As part of the Caribbean you can be assured it has beautiful beaches and parks. White sandy beaches stretching for miles with clear blue water. Its almost like a painting. Untouched and pristine.

As well as the beach are the parks. We went for a hike in parque guanayara which was beautiful. Lush green areas, gushing waterfalls and still lakes. Giant rocks make the perfect place to sit and absorb the surroundings.

Clambering into caves, the air around you changes. Its like an invisible line you can cross where the air becomes cooler. Moss covers the rocks making a slippery green carpet you need to be wary of.

Waterfalls descend from way above you, forcing your neck to crane upwards. If you get close enough you can feel sprays of water hitting your skin. The contrast of white water, green plants and blue sky feels like another world. An untouched world that’s never know commercialism, and hopefully that’s just how it stays. A precious wonder for all to experience.