One month in Australia ; Part II

Sydney & Canberra, Australia

Jan – Feb 2024

Hello there, welcome back to another episode of my time in Australia! For part II, I’m excited to share my adventures in Sydney and Canberra. I spent about a week in these two places, and honestly, Sydney could easily be my favorite city in Australia, while Canberra… Well, let’s just say it’s not my favorite.

My boyfriend and I left Jindabyne for Canberra and caught a bus from there to Sydney, a comfortable three-hour ride. No complaints since I sat comfortably the entire ride. Upon arrival in Sydney, my friend Ryan kindly picked us up from the station and took us to our accommodation..

After settling in and resting for a bit, we ventured out to explore this vibrant city. Our first stop was Circular Quay, and let me tell you, it was such a cool experience. I even saw some Aboriginal people busking in the area, which was fascinating. And, as I’ve said before, wildlife in Australia is just different, even the pigeons here look stylish hahah.

Nearby, we explored the Royal Botanic Gardens, a must-visit spot with detailed insights into Aboriginal practices and culture. Apparently, it’s one of the world’s most historically significant botanical institutions. Definitely worth stopping by if you’re ever in Sydney!

We lingered around Circular Quay even after dinner and stumbled upon some quiet spots to admire the Opera House from afar. Wandering along the coast, we chanced upon an open-air cinema. With no plans for the night, we decided to sit down and watch bits of a movie, almost a perfect way to end off the day. 

The next day, we hopped on a water taxi to Manly. I can’t recall the exact fare, but it was super affordable. The ferry ride was a treat in itself, taking us closer to the Opera House while letting us enjoy the breeze. It’s also a great opportunity for those iconic photos with the famous landmark.

We spent most of the day at Manly Beach and Shelly Beach. Both were stunning, with cheap and delicious fish and chips stalls everywhere. Naturally, I couldn’t resist and got myself some grilled octopus with chips, while Flo  went for shrimp and chips. We strolled along the beach, eventually reaching the Shelly walking track. A short hike later, we were rewarded with amazing views of the coastline, though I nearly fell off a cliff at one point hahaha. After our beach day, we headed back to the city center, hung out near the Opera House, and met up with my friends for dinner. We explored another part of the city, called Inner West, a lively area full of mixed cuisines and quirky shops. Dinner was at a Thai restaurant, followed by two rounds of bowling. It felt so heartwarming to connect with my friends outside Singapore and experience Sydney’s vibrant nightlife.

With my partner returning to Jindabyne for work, I had a few days to explore Sydney solo. One highlight was the coastal walk from Coogee Beach to Bondi Beach. It was one of the most beautiful walks I’ve done, offering countless photo opportunities along the way. Sure, Coogee Beach wasn’t the prettiest or busiest, but the journey itself was magnificent. I stopped at parks and reserves along the way, just sitting and appreciating the beauty around me. I spent quite sometime enjoying this coastal walk and I am sure you would too 😀

The walk to Bondi Beach took me about two hours (it could’ve been shorter if I hadn’t stopped for pictures). From Bondi, I continued to Paddington Reservoir Garden. The walk there, through Sydney’s quiet residential areas, was more enjoyable than the destination itself. The garden was much smaller than I’d imagined, but hey, not every stop has to be a win 😀 Regardless, it was a nice walk and a bonus

Another popular spot near Sydney is the Blue Mountains. My friend and I rid a motorbike there, which was straightforward enough. While the scenery was nice, famously known for “3 sisters”, I wasn’t particularly impressed. Perhaps it would’ve been more rewarding if we’d hiked, as there’s always something rewarding about earning those views. That said, the sheer number of tour buses made it feel overly touristy.

We also visited Mt Druitt, a neighborhood that’s rumored to be the most dangerous in NSW. I can’t confirm the accuracy of that statement, but it was cool to see a different side of the region.

Okay, enough of Sydney, now let’s talk a bit about Canberra, the capital of Australia. What would you imagine a capital city to be? Bustling, lively, full of energy? Well… it was not the case for Canberra, at least in my opinion. Somewhat I was eager to visit this city, however the experience itself turned out to be just average. Regardless, I made the most of my time there. I wandered around the central area, visited Glebe Park, and walked further out to the Australian War Memorial. The War Memorial was a highlight, especially the Last Post Ceremony at 4:30 PM, where they shared the story behind a name on the Roll of Honour on a daily basis.

Despite my efforts, Canberra didn’t leave much of an impression. I cut my time there short and returned to Jindabyne, which felt like home by that point.

Sydney captured my heart with its vibrant energy, stunning beaches, and endless activities, while Canberra… Well, let’s just say it wasn’t my favorite. But every place adds its own flavor to a trip, and for that, I’m grateful.

Anyway, thank you once again for taking the time to read 😀 I will be writing more about my one month in Australia. Stay tuned for me😊