The famous Bondi Icebergs Pool on a cliff overlooking the ocean in Sydney.
Thanks to Radisson for partnering with me to share this guide to Sydney, Australia and a fabulous giveaway!
I probably don’t even need to say it, but be sure to visit Sydney during its Summer (December – March) for optimal outdoor experiences. The beaches in Sydney are what make it fabulous. In NYC to get to a really nice quiet beach, I have to travel a few hours. For Sydney locals, they can work in the city and have the beach in their backyard or just a few minutes down the road! I had the pleasure of visiting Sydney a few years ago when I dropped my friend off for her working holiday visa. Here are a few of the highlights from the trip.
Bondi – Coogee Beach Walk
Bondi Beach, famous for its surfing and the starting point of this beautiful hike.
This is a truly can’t miss experience and it’s almost free. The only expense is getting to the start/end points, which can be done via public transport. This was the first excursion we did upon arrival in Sydney, and it truly was beyond anything you can imagine. This 6km walk takes you along the cliffs and beaches of Sydney providing truly breathtaking views and opportunities to stop and swim, exercise, eat, and play. One of my favorite things about Sydney are the public bubblers (water fountains) to ensure you stay hydrated on your walks in this sunny paradise.
The walk starts at Bondi Beach where you see the iconic Bondi Iceberg Pools on a cliff overlooking the ocean. As you pass through the other popular beaches of Tamaran, Bronte, Clovelly, and Coogee you will encounter rock pools, sculptures, playground, and those famous sandy beaches. This is one tourist attraction where you’ll be sure to encounter plenty of locals trying to catch a break from the heat.
The view of Coogee beach from the cliff, and the end of the walk.
My classic handstand pose at Tamaran Beach.
The beautiful rock pools on the Bondi – Coogee beach walk.
These are just a few of the many highlights from this spectacular cliff side hike through Sydney’s best beaches. Be sure to put this at the top of your to-do list if you find yourself visiting Sydney.
Sydney Opera House
My month long trip to Sydney left me with a pretty tight budget or I would have splurged to see an opera at the famous opera house on Sydney Harbour. Instead, I settled for a few drinks at the Sydney Opera Bar. Here you’ll meet an eclectic group of travelers and locals. It’s the perfect spot to grab a drink and enjoy warm summer evenings.
Sydney Harbour Bridge
I was in Sydney for New Year’s Eve, and knowing the festivities would be anything but healthy, I decided to take my run on the Sydney Harbour Bridge. It was great as it provided amazing views of the harbour, opera house, and cityscape but also helped keep me in shape. There is also a pricey bridge climb that gives you an even better view, but we opted out of it due to funds and timing.
Where to Stay
Radisson Hotel & Suites Sydney
Sydney is a pretty easy city to navigate by bus. The Radisson Hotel and Suites Sydney is located in a convenient neighborhood for tourists. It is situated in a great location near the shopping center, chinese gardens, and a ton of bars & restaurants. Be sure to join Club Carlson program for easy booking and to receive rewards for all of your stays. As a member you will receive the Members Only Rate Exclusive.
The giveaway for this post has ended. Congratulations to our winner Danielle!
Sydney and the nsw coast is so pretty! I never gave it much time before but after visiting family there recently it has grown on me for sure! That handstand of yours is also super impressive!
Great photos, and whoa, nice handstand! I didn’t know it was possible to get members-only rates at hotels, thanks for opening my eyes to that. Maybe I’ll sign up and head to Sydney if I win the giveaway 😉
I love the rock pools! And the cliff-side hike! I love how cute all the little houses look next to all the rocks and sea! Absolutely breathtaking!
Oooh, entering now! Sydney looks incredible. I’ve always wanted to go to Australia. Lovely photos too!
I love Sydney so much! The whole Darling Harbour are is amazing and so easy to get around thanks to the public transport and lovely walks. In that area there is also Luna Park, Taronga Zoo, Ferries around the harbour to places like Manly and of course the sunset cruises. Just so much to see and do!!
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I’ve never been to Sydney! Would love to go here.
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Id love to check out the Radisson hotel & suites in Austin, TX
I’d go to the Martinique in NYC
I’d go to minneapolis!
I love Sydney but it never fails to amaze me how small Bondi is compared to what you imagine before you visit. Personally I much prefer the beaches at Manley and Palm Beach (scene of Home and Away for any Brits who grew up on that gem!)
I just spent a weekend at the beach outside of NYC with an Australian, so I heard a lot about how the beaches in Australia are better. Your photos look gorgeous. I still haven’t made it out there, but it’s on the list.
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Beautiful beaches! That would be a great getaway from NYC in December. I would love to scuba dive out there.
Bondi beach looks awesome and I would love to swim in that cliff pool. I’m a huge fan of wild swimming and that looks like a great way to feel like you’re swimming in the wild, but from the safety of a pool. Love it! Great hand stand btw!
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And I’d like to go to Copenhagen if I won the competition!
Amanda Williams recently posted…Will you help redefine tourism?
Sydney looks so pretty, and your pictures are amazing! I love that little handstand you did, too! I would love to visit here one day <3
For such a city traveler, I always find myself seeking out the natural beauty in cities. Urban parks and city beaches like the ones you highlight here. I just think there’s something so special about a city’s green areas.
It’s so cool that you get to spend NYE in Sydney, I heard it’s epic there. Not sure though if I’d go for a run as well along Sydney HarbourBridge, I’d definitely walk though. Lol
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I did not know about this 6 km walk along the beaches. I could visit only Bondi beach when I was in Sydney since I was hardly there for 3 days. Even had to be content seeing the Opera house from outside. Will definitely keep this in mind next time I am in Sydney.
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I would not complain at all if I would have a beach in my backyard! I did not know they are so oriented on beach life – that makes me love Sydney even more.
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Sydney is such a wonderful city. I would love to visit again. We were there for a month in October-November years ago so it was a little cold to swim but being able to experience Spring Down Under made it worth it. No one should miss Bondi.
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I was in Sydney recently (on my 3rd or 4th trip) and can definitely vouch for all these beaches. One of the awesome things about Sydney is that it is a bustling city, right near stunning beaches.
You should come and visit the rest of Australia, Queensland has the best beaches and the best weather year round! 🙂 Sydney does have some good beaches to explore also.
I didn’t hit any beaches when I was in Brisbane, but I did see Noosa, Byron Bay, and then up to the Whitsunday Islands. I still haven’t topped whitehaven, although some travel bloggers claim there are better beaches in the world. I have some investigating to do!
I’ve been dying to get to that corner of the world! Sydney is obviously a must see but I had no idea how beautiful Coogee beach was! Thanks for sharing!
I hope to see Australia especially Sydney one day. The beach looks beautiful. Great giveaway
Thanks for the tip on Radisson Hotel & Suites Sydney – we live in Canberra which is only 3 hours away so we’re always looking for fabulous new hotels to stay on our weekend trips 🙂
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The last time I went Sydney was ages ago. Looking at your photos make me want to fly there soon! Loved how peaceful and clean the city was
As someone who comes from New York, I’m curious to know how you settled back into life in NY after spending a month in Australia. Did you find Australia a little too quiet? Sydney is a beautiful city but its beaches are way too crowded compared to other beaches in Aus.
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Those beaches sure do look incredible. With amazing views of the opera house as well! Too bad you didn’t get to see an opera, but it looks like you had a great time!
Ahh great post! I really wish we had done the Bondi to Congee walk but we only spent 3 nights in Sydney on our way to NZ — 1 of which was our first jet lag one!! I need to make my way back 🙂
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Wow amazing..>I would love to go here so bad…Australia has always been on my bucket list!!
Valerie
xo
I definitely would pick Sydney! Australia has always been on the top of my list, and Bondi beach looks stunning
Wow! I can’t stop thinking about Sydney. I would love to go to Australia.
I was able to visit Sydney a couple years ago and, like you, decided to forego the bridge climb, but did walk a 3k that went across it – was a lot of fun to see the bridge from that perspective! If I won your contest, I would love to go to Japan, as I’ve never been and have always wanted to visit! Fingers crossed!!
I would love to use it to stay in Calgary to see one of our good friends and to finally see Banff National Park with my boyfriend. Thank you for this awesome opportunity and good luck to everyone 🙂
Australia has been one of my dream destinations! Need to do more planning for it though as I live in Europe and visit India each winter.I love so many of the Radisson properties that it would be difficult to decide where I’d use these points..but the no.1 desire I have is to see the Northern Lights in Norway or North Finland.So, I might just use it there!! Or perhaps I’ll manage visiting the US for the first time next year..so NYC/Boston would be fantastic!!
This seems like the perfect place to relax – the beaches, the wildlife (though a bit scary!), the relaxed lifestyle… One day I will get there, and cannot wait for that day to come. If only I could nail a handstand like you have… looks like I have some practicing to do! Thanks for sharing your tips and experiences! Safe travels from here on out!
Wow, this is so perfect! I am visiting Sydney in a few months, so this post could not come at a better time. Thank you for sharing your tips! If I won the giveaway, I would use them there! 😉
Ohhh, I’ve always wanted to go to Australia! This guide is wonderful, thank you- pinning for when I finally make it! 🙂
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Sydney is definitely on my list, esp after seeing your photos. =)
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what a great giveaway! I would love to go to Sydney one day! It looks wonderful!
I’ve heard so much about Bondi beach! This guide is a great starting point for planning my future plans to hit up Australia. 🙂
While I’d love to go Australia, that trip is probably a few years away. For now Austin, TX is more probable. Still not a bad place to go 🙂
Sydney is a fabulous place to soak up the sunshine…even in the winter 😉 So many things to do and see…with plenty of budget options!
All set and signed up for both subscriptions (kudos, ps!). I’d love to have a stay in Sydney, although we are thinking about moving to Melbourne! Can’t wait to see all the exciting spots you’ve shown in your beautiful photos.
Sydney looks completely lovely! I would really ove to visit some time. Its a good note to tell us when to visit, because I may overlook that.
I am very curious about working with a large hotel chain for a sponsorship. we stay with IHG a TON and I would love to feature them- but I don’t know if I should contact them before or after booking- or even after staying. I would love to see some insights on how you manage that, for other travel bloggers!
Thank you!
Amy
http://www.NewlylfedsBlog.com
I love Sydney. It was a good feeling to step back in time in my memories of my trip few years ago. Thanks for sharing!
I’ve always wanted to visit Sydney, but we still haven’t done it yet (our route has taken us a different path) but I miss having the beach close to home, so Sydney sounds perfect!
I have been DREAMING of going to Sydney! This post certainly doesn’t help get rid of that desire. Loved your descriptions about the beaches and even getting to experience the Opera House. I can only imagine how expensive the city is…I’ll be sure to save before heading down there!
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Great pics. I would love to visit Sydney one day especially the beach. 🙂
Sydney looks amazing! I’ve honestly never put much thought into planning a trip here anytime soon, but now that I see these photos I have started thinking about it more. I need to do more research on Australia 🙂
In all the time I spent living in Australia (Perth), I’ve never visited Sydney! This is definitely giving me beach envy to say the least. There’s no where better to spend your summer days than on a aussie beach 😉
I’ve only visited Sydney once and did more “city things.” This is a great review of their beaches! Definitely going to pin this.
I signed up! I would love to go to Sydney! It looks amazing and love your pics! Thanks for sharing!!
Been in Bondi two summers ago and it was really beautiful. The weather is perfect and the waves are great for surfing. And you’re right, it’s nice that the beach is just around the city. Accessible anytime. 🙂
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I think going back to Sydney would be wonderful, but my next trip starts in Prague, so I’m looking at the Radisson Blu Alcron Hotel because of its incredible views.
I became a member today. I’d love to visit my BFF in Duluth, MN. It’s so pretty there!
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