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!

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

Naughty but oh so nice: Chipotle Chicken Burrito

There’s nothing quite like a good burrito; soft bread that encases a delicious mix of flavoursome rice and beans, strips of seasoned chicken, sour cream, cheese, salsa and my all-time favourite, guacamole. Finding a good burrito is like finding a needle in a haystack, which is why I want to spill the beans on a delicious Chipotle Chicken Burrito I got the pleasure of tucking in to on the weekend.

Inspired by a recent post on Urban List, of the top 50 places to eat in Sydney I decided to work my way through it and of course, couldn’t go past a Mexican joint with their signature burrito. The Beach Burrito Club in Bondi serves this wonderfully delicious burrito that had me salivating for more – if only my tummy was big enough for another. For a mere $13.95 expect to be full and delightfully satisfied. For a chilli lover like myself, the beans could of done with a hint more chilli salt, but if chilli isn’t your forte you cannot fault this Mexican wonder.

Where’s your favourite Burrito joint? (or just your favourite foodie place in general because we all love a belly-warming meal). Next week ill release the name of the next joint and I’ve heard it’s a doozy…

 

VIVID Sydney

With the Harbour Bridge and Opera House, Sydney is often a destination everyone wants to visit, and for those who live here wandering through the area is a rare but beautiful experience. Once a year Sydney hosts VIVID, a spectacular lightshow that showcases our harbour. Buildings are light up in interactive displays, ribbons of colour stream across buildings casting a glow in either direction. Lilypads that light up as you step on them captivate the children, and sticks that reach into the sky are ablaze with pink and white light. Giant blow-up bunny’s glow white and families surround them taking pictures of their children, looking across you can see the Opera House which changes shape and colour every few seconds. VIVID showcases the area and its vast beauty, just take a look for yourself.

9 reasons you need to travel now

Thinking about travelling? Experiencing wanderlust? Travelling is exhilarating and if you’ve never been I urge you to pack a bag and see what the world has in-store for you.

Here are 9 reasons you need to travel now:

1. You have no responsibilities. As a young 20something year old I have no mortgage to repay, or husband and kids to take care off. Celebrate this now, and later celebrate your family.
2. You have time. Pretty soon you’ll be climbing that corporate ladder so take a chance to become a more worldly person now.
3. You have energy. Trust me you’ll be grateful for this when you’ve spent all day looking at the beautiful sights, drinking and dancing till 3 am and getting on a bus at 7am hungover and tired.
4. You’re independent. Chances are you haven’t met ‘the one’ yet so go explore before you can’t.
5. You have (or can get) money. Work nights in a bar, all day at cafes or borrow from your mum either way you’ll soon have all the dosh you need.
6. You are young. Your future is still being shaped so let it form in the best way possible.
7. You’re insecure or shy. Travelling teaches you to be more confident, more sure of yourself and stronger – traits that will always be in fashion.
8. You have absolutely no idea what you’re doing. With parents, teachers, family and friends asking you what you want to be and shoving ideas into your head it’s hard to make a decision. Take some time away, immerse yourself in new ideas and cultures and decisions will come easier – when I went travelling I found what I wanted my future career to look like.
9. For the memories and stories. Want to be the cool nan with the amazing stories of trekking it through forests, climbing mountains, meeting boys, and sleeping under the stars? You need to go somewhere to enjoy all these experiences.

Boating, Manly and the Long Weekend

This long weekend has been fantastic. Spent time with family, friends eating chocolate eggs, boating and a late beach run (trying to burn off the chocolate eggs). On Sunday I went out on a friends boat, the day was gorgeous. The sun kissed our bare skin, making it warm to the touch and the wind streamed through my hair leaving knots in its wake. We dived off the back of the boat the water fresh and cool on our burnt skin. It straightened out the knots and left salt streaks on our arms and hair. We lay on the nose of the boat and listened to music while the warm air sent us to sleep. Such a blissful day!

 

Then on Monday, I went for a nice 45 min run along Manly beach. It felt good to be out in the warm Autumn sun, plus the view was fantastic.

Exploring Sydney: Buns and Balls

To be honest, this isn’t an entirely new post. I went to Buns and Balls in early February but since I didn’t go anywhere new this week I decided to relive the memory. So this is another blog about exploring sydney and just so happens to be in Kings Cross, again.. But bear with me because this isn’t about delectable pizza and decadent cocktails like last time. This is about good old burgers and spicy chicken wings.

Buns and Balls

We first went here hungry and annoyed after being denied entry to another bar due to strict dress codes but it has some winning elements that more than shelved our annoyed selves. It’s a little tucked away which makes it hard to find but inside there are rows of table, pool tables and corners with padded cushions and lounge chairs perfect to relax, enjoy a cocktail and some good friends company. The lighting is dim and lends to the overall ambience of the place. Towards the back is their alcohol cabinet made of glass where we sat and picked out our favourite spirits and marvelled at all the weird yet oddly cool bottles. We ordered a sangria, or two but no-one’s counting right, while we waited for our food to arrive. Seeing as the name was Buns and Balls we all got a burger, mine was a chilli chicken burger and a serving of wings to go with it. The burger was about $10 and wings $1 each. While the place is known for having great burgers they didn’t knock my socks off. They were delicious, but  I expected more of a WOW factor due to its reputation. The wings, however were incredible. Dusted with chilli and other spices they pack a punch, to cool them down they come with a very generous pot of melted blue cheese sauce and when paired together create a taste explosion in your mouth. If you can handle a bit of spice and a lot of flavour, I definitely recommend getting at least 3 wings each because you will definitely want them all.

Unfortunately the place has since moved on from Kings Cross but is re-opening in the Eastern Beaches, so if you’re around go down and get yourself some chicken wings. Yes, you can thank me later.

 

 

Exploring Sydney: Hugo’s Lounge

Kings Cross isn’t all about drunk teenagers and police fights. On the edge’s lies a range of restaurants where you can enjoy a meal and a drink without the bar fights. It’s been a while since I posted my first blog about exploring my beautiful hometown of Sydney and I’m happy to say I’ve finally got around to it.

Hugo’s Lounge

On a sunday night this place is cranking. Packed with young 20 year olds in fancy dresses and sky high heels this is a place where you leave your comfy flats and loose top packed safely away in the drawers. And boys make sure you wear a button up as we were denied entry one night after one of our friends wore a singlet.

Separated into an outside and inside area, the outside is cool with night air, where people lounge on padded cushioned seats and whisper secrets from their week. Inside, the music is pumping and you can’t hold a conversation as your ears ring with the beats. Groups of people sway with the music or gather around the bar. On sunday nights they some pretty great specials, $5 pizza and $5 cocktails. I had the prawn pizza and it is delicious! Cruncy bases, melted cheese, a hint of chilli and fresh cooked prawns – does it get any better? There’s a range of cocktails from fruit to chocolatey and all taste decadent. I tried a martini (as in picture below), a tequila one which was salt rimmed and topped with juice, and a mashed berry and vodka. I have to say the tequila cocktail takes the hat and as nice as the berry one sounded it didn’t hit the mark. But $5 cocktails is rare in Sydney so no-ones complaining.

The venue has a cover fee of $5 but when you consider how cheap the pizza and drinks are you don’t mind paying. If you’re starting work late on a Monday and enjoy a great pizza and decadent cocktail, Sunday night at Hugo’s is a great place to go.