bowdywanders.com

3 BEST and EASIEST Day Trips from Sydney, Australia

It’s amazing how the places in Sydney can speak right through your heart! From the urban list of places to experience around this iconic city, from romantic ones, relaxing moments, and country-side visits, there’s always a trip for you to get to know about. If you are like me, wanting to see, not just quantity but quality places around Sydney, you’ll be bewildered to find out that there’s just soooo many to choose from. The paradox of choice, I know!

Good thing is that, if you have such a criteria of accessibility within 2 hours’ time frame – that is, traveling from Sydney to the next day trip destination should be within two hours only, then these are my three go to places that I’ll recommend for you to check out soon! Not only are these landmarks packed with so many adventures, they’re so easily likeable, you’ll just want to come back to them even more than once. A quick shout out to my Filipino-Singaporean-Aussie brother for showing me to these best places around Sydney! Thank you!

Sydney Harbour National Park

Address: Bradleys Head Rd, Mosman NSW 2088, Australia

Website: https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/visit-a-park/parks/sydney-harbour-national-park

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SydneyHarbourNP/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nswnationalparks/

*Includes Fort Denison, North Head Quarantine Station, Sydney Heads, Manly to Spit Bridge Coastal Walk, Nielsen Park

Sydney Harbour is streaked with pathways for simple strolls and hectic hikes, leading to lookouts, picnic areas, beaches and bushland, with dozens of streets and walkways enticing you deeper into our most popular suburbs. Once you've seen the highlights, experiment with new tracks, knowing buses aren't far away if your legs tire. There are also endless refreshment stops with cool drinks, sweet coffee and sizzling seafood to keep you going. If you're excited to show the best side of Sydney to a first-time visitor, start with one of these top 5 hikes. Read more at: https://www.weekendnotes.com/best-walks-sydney-harbour-national-park/

Bondi Beach

Website: NSW 2026, Australia

Website: https://int.sydney.com/things-to-do/beach-lifestyle/bondi-beach

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bondibeachsydneyofficial/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/visitbondibeach/

*Includes Bondi to Bronte Coastal Walk, Hunter Park, Monument to Black Sunday, Bondi Skate Park, Bondi Pavilion, Biddigal Reserve, Aboriginal Rock Engravings, Ray O’Keefe Reserve, Flat Rock

North Bondi Rocks is Bondi’s best-kept secret. It’s where the locals come to sun themselves, most of them with pups in tow. As Ralston explains, tourists tend to stick around the middle of the beach, but heading north is where to find the local community. Spear fishers set out from this spot, and people are always jumping into the ocean from the rocks. On a clear day, snorkelling can be enjoyed with schools of fish, maybe a blue groper or two and possibly a stingray to be seen. Read more at: https://theculturetrip.com/pacific/australia/articles/top-10-things-to-do-and-see-at-sydneys-bondi-beach/

Chinatown in Sydney

Address: 82-84 Dixon St, Haymarket NSW 2000, Australia

Website: https://www.travelonline.com/sydney/attractions/chinatown.html

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Chinatown-Markets-Sydney-349413471822097/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cityofsydney/

*Includes Capitol Theatre, Paddy’s Market, Market City, World Square, Haymarket

In more recent years Chinatown has extended from the bounds of Dixon, Hay and Sussex Streets to encompass a much larger area bounded by George Street in the east and Darling Harbour in the west. The spatial expansion of Chinatown is complemented by the influx of east asian immigrants bringing with them exotic cooking styles and cuisines. The eateries in Chinatown serve up authentic asian dishes throughout the day until 4am in some cases. The food halls leave a little to be desired with respect to ambience but they make up for their shortcomings through being particularly good for their variety of cuisine and exceptionally reasonable prices. Read more at: http://www.discoversydney.com.au/things/chinatown.html

September 2020: 14 Newly Visited Nearby Cafes, Bars, & Restos in Singapore

No matter how you put it, there are just days when you just want to invest your time at a place other than your home. You know – cafes, bars, restaurants, and other social places that invite you to just sit back, relax, and enjoy each other’s company… with or without any human company with you! So much has (not) happened this year and it feels like 2020 is one big shortcut year full of staying at home, staying safe, and just being in isolation siesta. Now, if by any chance, we come out of this (literally) with a stronger mindset and spirit, there are so many speakeasy places that you can go to. Here are some of my favorite “secret” anti-isolation safe haven to go to while roaming around Singapore.

Guaranteed to be a diversely palatable list of food places, going to at least one of these choices will surely be something to look forward to. These places are definitely considered to be, without a fail, most loved by locals and foreigners alike!

Sweet Spot Marina Bay Sands

Website: https://www.marinabaysands.com/restaurants/sweetspot.html

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/explore/locations/720275/sweet-spot-marina-bay-sands

Marina Bay Sands is well-known to tourists and locals alike. With tons of shopping, food and entertainment options, there is little wonder why the place is constantly packed. Adding on to this all-in-one hub, Marina Bay Sands has launched their first flagship cafe, SweetSpot. Located at the ArtScience Museum, this family-friendly cafe even includes a kids’ corner with games and activities just for them. Read more at: https://sethlui.com/mbs-sweetspot-june-singapore-2019/

Awfully Chocolate

Website: https://www.awfullychocolate.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/awfullychocolate.sg/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/awfullychocolatesg/

After failing to find the ultimate chocolate cake, lawyer Lyn Lee decided to leave her profession behind to open up her own cake shop, Awfully Chocolate, in Singapore. "Most cakes that I grew up with - the more colourful they were, the fancier they were, the more dolls and butterflies and whatever on it - would signal to you that it was a great cake." "More often than not, I was disappointed because there wasn't really any very good chocolate taste. It'd be chocolate flavouring or some synthetic tasting thing," recalls Lyn. Read more at: https://www.bbc.com/news/business-11701575

M&S Cafe

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MarksandSpencerCafeSG/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marksandspencer_sg/

The 60-seater café is located near the Food Hall of the store, with a menu which includes a selection of hot meals such as British classics of Fish & Chips, afternoon tea, snacks and drinks. The new Marks & Spencer Cafe occupies the atrium space under and between the two circular escalators; which means some tables get bright and sunny at certain times of the day. We were there just before noon and managed to secure one of the last tables, the sunniest ones being the least popular. A short queue formed after that. Read more at: https://ordinarypatrons.com/2016/09/08/m-s-cafe-new-marks-spencer-cafe-wheelock-singapore/

Starbucks South Beach

Website: https://www.starbucks.com.sg/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StarbucksSingapore/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/starbuckssg/

A cup of coffee in one hand and a book in another is the perfect way to spend the evening. Or perhaps you’re looking for somewhere to get some work done, or relax and catch up with a couple of friends. Whichever it is, these gorgeous Starbucks outlets in Singapore will present you with the perfect setting to do just that. Read more at: https://thesmartlocal.com/read/unique-starbucks/

Tiong Bahru Bakery

Website: https://www.tiongbahrubakery.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tiongbahrubakery/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tiongbahrubakery/

Did you know Tiong Bahru Bakery first debuted in 2012 with its first store at Eng Hoon Street? As one of the very first French bakeries in Singapore, TBB revolutionised the way locals enjoy bread with top-notch bakes, sparking a trend for French bakeries across the sunny shores. TBB’s baking philosophy is to marry international flavours into the recipes while paying homage to classic French baking techniques. It offers sweet and savory breads, flaky viennoiseries and an amazing selection of beautifully crafted desserts, all made with the best French flour and butter. Read more at: https://www.sochic.sg/french-brand/tiong-bahru-bakery/

Paul

Website: https://www.paulsgcatering.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PAUL1889.singapore/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/paulfranceofficiel/

Paul should be quite well known to most in Singapore. If you are not familiar with one, just visit the one in Takashimaya like I did – you will not miss the snaking queue of diners waiting impatiently for a spot to sample their patisserie. They have set up branches in various spots but my favorite haunt remains the one in Takashimaya. I usually prefer to patronize Paul before noon for a hearty brunch, a time when the crowd is thinner and the queue more acceptable. I prefer a seat within, admiring the interior decor reminiscent of European styles but sometimes I can only get a seat outside of the cafe, staring at patrons of the mall and get stared back in return. Read more at: http://draftsfromcoffeetable.blogspot.com/2015/11/singapore-food-blog-paul-takashimaya.html

Dimbulah

Website: https://dimbulahcoffee.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Dimbulah/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dimbulahcoffee/

Well known in Singapore for their gourmet estate-grown coffee and sociable cafes, Dimbulah Coffee have recently opened their new bistro concept outlet within the Raffles Hospital complex. Conveniently located opposite Bugis Junction, the stylish new bistro serves Australian mountain estate-grown coffee – plus a gourmet menu and full bar service – open until late evenings. In addition to the all-day coffee and pastries, Dimbulah is a popular choice for casual dining with a new bistro menu complemented with well-priced Australian wines, a new list of craft cocktails created by expert mixologists, plus draft and bottled beer. Read more at: https://www.asia-bars.com/2019/03/dimbulah-bistro-new-opening-at-raffles-hospital-in-singapore/

JAB Cafe

Website: https://jab.com.sg/menu/food/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jabcoffeeco/

JAB Handcrafted Shots is a new kiosk that had started operations within the newly opened One Raffles Place. Focusing on takeaway coffee, they use Toby’s Estate blends for their coffee, as well as offering teas from T2. Also worthy to note is the Kees Van Der Westen Spirit Duette; the machine which is also used at Necessary Provisions. Read more at: https://jiaksimipng.wordpress.com/2014/07/12/jab-coffee-bar-one-raffles-place/

Hans im Glück

Website: https://hansimglueck-burgergrill.sg/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HANS.IM.GLUECK.German.Burgergrill/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hansimglueck_singapore/

It is essentially a burger joint, so burgers are the main attractions here. There are some salad options and vegetarian burgers for those who prefer to have a meatless meal. Prices starting from $14 a burger. What we like about Hans Im Gluck is the meal option at lunch time. Topping up $5 got us a side order, a cold drink and a hot drink. Read more at: https://ordinarypatrons.com/2019/03/29/hans-im-gluck-vivocity-dining-in-a-fairytale-forest-by-the-sea/

Quarter Life Coffee Roasters

Website: https://quarterlifecoffee.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/quarterlifecoffee/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/quarterlifecoffee/

Opening at the start of August is local coffee roaster, Quarter Life Coffee. Having been roasting coffee beans for close to two years, they have finally set up a physical storefront for their coffee in Deck at Prinsep! This quaint and cosy coffee place is tucked away in the streets of the busy Bras Basah neighbourhood, near to schools such as Lasalle, SMU and Nafa. Serving delicious cups of single-origin coffee and cold brews, this is definitely one coffee shop you should visit when you’re in town! Read more at: https://www.ladyironchef.com/2019/08/quarter-life-coffee-singapore/

Nunsongyee Korean Dessert Café

Website: https://nunsongyeeofficial.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nunsongyeebugis

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/explore/locations/964634438/nunsongyee-korean-dessert-cafe/

My personal favourite flavours are Black Sesame ($18.90), Mix Berries ($15.90) and Snow White ($18.90) which had a sweet-salty taste due to the mix of cheese strips and white chocolate. The macadamia nuts added a complementary crunch to the smooth shavings. Read more at: https://danielfooddiary.com/2015/09/06/nunsongyeebugis/

Wolf Burger Expo

Website: https://www.wolfburgers.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/burgersbywolf/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/burgersbywolf/

“Our philosophy is to bring a wonderful, exciting, and complete gourmet meal for customers at accessible price points, coupled with great service in an edgy setting, where our customers can catch up with friends and family,” Mr Ho said. Read more at: https://vulcanpost.com/655249/wolf-burgers-singapore/

Hokkaido-ya

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hokkaidoyasg/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hokkaidoyasg/

The aburi mentai bara chirashi don ($14.90) is similar to the bara chirashi salad, except with a staple of carbohydrates instead of vegetables for a more tummy-filling meal. Another difference lies in the addition of the mentaiko sauce. The slightly charred finishing on the seafood after it has been torched adds a nice smokiness to the sweet and creamy mentaiko sauce. However, the rice seems to clump together. Read more at: https://rubbisheatrubbishgrow.com/2018/07/04/hokkaido-ya-singapore/

Artea

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/arteasg/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arteasg/

Our top picks include the Original Tiramisu, Earl Grey Tiramisu, and Matcha, which are rich and creamy. My personal favourite is the Matcha, whose deceptively simple presentation had me unprepared for its well balanced flavours. However, we could hardly make out the taste of mojito in the highest priced flavour, which also tasted more strongly of cheese. Fruity flavours like Strawberry and Mango provide that much needed refreshment amongst all that cream. Plus points for all those generous chunks of fruit in the tiramisu, too! Read more at: https://chueonit.com/2019/03/25/artea-tiramisu/