The Perfect Sydney Weekend

Sydney has it all: The Opera House. The Harbour Bridge. The icons are known world-wide, but what else is there to explore in the most famous city in Australia?

In partnership with Expedia.com.au, The Plus Ones have designed your ultimate weekend experience. From Friday to Sunday, we have you covered with everything from underground artsy experiences, great food and drinks, mixed in with a healthy dose of quintessentially Sydney experiences you just can’t get anywhere else.

food

Friday night underground shenanigans

You’ve landed in Sydney for a decadent weekend. Where to start? Surry Hills, of course. This inner-city suburb is a mélange of bars, cafes, and restaurants, all mixed in with historic homes. This is where you want to be on a Friday night.

A must-do for dinner: Poreñto. The Argentinian restaurant is known for its asado (fire pit) and parilla (barbeque). You’ll be wowed by the magnificent cuts of beef. If lighter vegetarian fare is more your style, head to Yulli’s. Watch out – you might convert to being a vegan. They also brew their own craft beer. Try the Norman Australian Ale.

For a true underground experience, try The Gin Mill Social. Travel back in time to the 1930s. Dinner, dancing, burlesque, costumes. Pretend it’s Prohibition, and you’re in the coolest speakeasy in town. This only pops up on selected Fridays, so you have to be in the know.

If you’re a culture-vore, the Museum of Contemporary Art has you sorted. Their ArtBar series, also on select Fridays, is the place to be. Hundreds of hip Sydneysiders take over the MCA Rooftop bar. Gazing over the Opera House after you’ve viewed some international art is our top recommendation for a magnificent evening.

harbour

Saturday views, cruises, and rooftops

Sydney is known for its outdoor experiences – with the great weather, residents practically live outside. Start your morning with a run in Hyde Park (the oldest public park in Australia). After you’ve worked up an appetite, it’s time to explore The Rocks Markets. You’ll find all sorts of goodies here, from pastries to coffee to fresh-pressed juice. Pick up a handmade souvenir or two while you’re at it.

Once you’ve done a spot of shopping at The Rocks’ many local and international shops, visit The Tea Cosy. This hidden slice of England serves up the best scones in town. It’s hidden – but worth the trouble to find it. You won’t believe you’re in Australia as you’re having high tea.

A trip to Sydney simply must include getting out on the idyllic Sydney Harbour. Treat yourself to a Sydney Harbour Dinner cruise. Sail past the iconic Opera House and Harbour Bridge as you indulge in fine dining onboard the boat. Soak in the views and the live entertainment on board.

Back on shore, there’s one last place to go before you head back to your hotel or AirBnb: O Bar. There’s no better place to order a Saturday night drink than the 47th floor of the Australia Square building. Endless views of the glorious Sydney skyline stretch in all directions.

If you’re up for a little more exploring, head on to York Street nearby for an endless number of hidden, underground bars. (We recommend The Barber Shop and The Baxter Inn.)

beachie

Sunday Funday

It’s your final day in Sydney. Let’s channel your inner healthy Sydneysider. Begin your day with at the iconic Coogee Beach. We recommend a stand-up paddleboarding lesson with Let’s Go Surfing.

Time for brunch! The Coogee Pavilion not only has the best views of any brunch spot in the city, it also has some of the best food. With everything from seafood to salad on the menu, pair your meal with a mimosa or Bloody Mary.

Now it’s time to experience the Coogee to Bondi walk. Talk about a scenic overload! The six-kilometre hike will see you hugging clifftops and watching waves crash below. Keep an eye out for surfers, sailboats, and kitesurfers as you make your way past five of Sydney’s most stunning beaches and parks.

Halfway through, stop for Yoga by the Sea at Bronte Beach to recharge and renew. Less known than its sibling Bondi, Bronte is the beach most beloved by locals.

Continue to the famous Bondi Beach for the last stop on your hike: Bondi Icebergs. You’ve earned the right to indulge in a martini or beer (or three). Gorgeous waterside views and a see-and-be-seen crowd turn Icebergs into a party every weekend. Delectable tapas platters don’t hurt either.

If you’re sticking around Sydney for the evening, we recommend one place. The Bucket List, also in Bondi, is where the party kicks off. Quaff sangria in the open-air beachside bar as you listen to top DJs.

Time to raise a toast and say a big ‘cheers’ to the ultimate weekend in Sydney!

– Theresa & Ace

For more incredible experiences in Sydney, check out Expedia.com.au.