SYDNEY
If you know me, you know I have a bit of a sweet tooth. Whenever I travel, I look up where I can find the best frozen dessert in town. So I *conveniently* booked a hostel my first night that was within walking distance of the best gelato place in town: Gelato Messina. I tried their Salted Caramel & White Chocolate + Coconut & Lychee. Amazing. They have a few flagship stores throughout NSW, Victoria, and Queensland.
I have to say, I didn’t realize how multicultural Australia was. They have a huge Asian population, which I should have realized when I was doing research and saw how large their Chinatown was… the fact that even had a Chinatown should have told me a thing or two! Let’s just say I felt like I was reliving my Asia travels last year.
Chinatown is every budgeting-backpackers best friend when traveling. Think fresh, cheap, Chinese baked goods, and souvenirs. Chinatown is enough to make me wish I lived in a larger city. Stop by Emperor’s Garden Cakes & Bakery for a pineapple bun (or whatever your pastry-craving desires) and if the queue isn’t wild, pick up an Emperor Puff (a custard-filled cream puff) right next door. You’ll know you’re in the right place if there’s a line for it. That’s what piqued my interest! The puff was served piping hot, and tasted okay, but it’s personally not something I’d queue up for again.
For food, my host took me to a favorite local place known for it’s dumplings. If you are looking for authentic Chinese food and homemade dumplings at a really good price point, wander about to 8 Quay Street, “Chinatown Noodle Restaurant.” Most dishes are under 10$, making it a hotspot for students. Also, don’t be surprised if you’re seated next to a stranger. In true Chinese fashion, they’ll try and accommodate you however they can!
I would never have found such a place if it wasn’t for my host. If you haven’t tried Couchsurfing, I definitely recommend it. I’ve posted about it a few times on my Instagram, but through Couchsurfing I’ve made friends from all-over. A special shout-out to my Sydney Couchsurfing host, Hang!
While in Sydney, one has to do their famous Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk. I enjoy Denver, but being landlocked feels pretty restricting sometimes. I never appreciated the beach when I lived in Florida, but goodness gracious was I so head over heels for these views on my hike.
It was about 6 kms, and without stopping, should take you less than 3 hours return. But if you’re leisurely (really, really leisurely) strolling and are just in complete awe of the views, and taking a million pictures every few yards like I was, it can easily take you an extra hour. And I say to completely enjoy and take it all in. Bring lunch (or pick up something along the way), people/surfer watch, and pack your swimsuit if it’s nice out. You’ll pass multiple beaches and baths that are so beautiful that even though it’s “winter,” you’ll be so tempted to dip your toes in.
And ~*girls*~ there is a women & children’s only bath a little past Coogee called McIver’s Bath. It’s the last one left in Australia and only takes a gold coin donation to enter the Girl’s Rooooom (The Amanda Show, anyone??!).
MANLY BEACH
My last day in Sydney, Hang and I adventured to Manly Beach. It’s a ferry ride from Sydney, and it was a beautiful day that day. Manly reminded me of Venice Beach in California, where you had an area of shops and buskers, and places to eat at, but you were never more than a stone throw’s away from the beach. You get the best of both world’s over there.
It was interesting to see that for Australia’s winter, there were locals laying out in swimsuits, while some people were bundled up in sweatshirts and beanies… all within a few feet of each other! Of course, there were a decent amount of surfers and loads of crowds to people-watch.
I had asked a few locals what (aside from marmite & Tim-Tams, haha) would be considered an “Australian dish.” A couple of them had said fish ‘n chips! Hang’s favorite fish ‘n chips place on Manly is a place called Fishmongers. So of course, we had to go! They have a set menu, but also catches and specials that change every so often. We both went for their ginger salmon, and it was amazing. A great location really near to the beach, we did takeaway and had ourselves a picnic.
Walk along the main beach and towards the end you’ll find yourself climbing to the top of a peak with an incredible view of the sunset. Perfect way to end my trip.
JACKIEXPLORES 