Sydney

Almost 90% of Australians live within 50km of the coast, and the 20% who live in Sydney have 240km of shoreline to enjoy around the largest natural harbour in the world. I was only able to explore a small amount of it during my three days there, but that was long enough for me to be taken in by the charms of this coastal metropolis!

Within minutes of dropping my bags at my modern and comfortable hostel, I got talking to a French traveller, Timothée, who became my enthusiastic guide for the evening. We first explored the impressive CBD, with skyscrapers and wide streets that had a Manhattan feel to them.

We then headed down to the harbour for dinner, and I was having to pinch myself that I was actually in such an iconic and beautiful location!

The next day, I took the bus to Coogee Beach, and did the 6km walk along the coast to Bondi. The forecast was for rain, but instead it was sunny for much of the afternoon, making the scenic route even more spectacular.

From Bondi, I took two buses, through the rush hour traffic and across the Harbour Bridge, to North Sydney. Here I went for a “sunset kayak”, although the sun was no longer visible by this point… It was nonetheless a very peaceful way to spend the evening and the other kayakers were great company.

I had a leisurely start the next day, having decided to continue being sociable when I got back to the hostel! When I finally got going, I walked through the Botanic Gardens to the Opera House, before boarding a ferry to Manly from Circular Quay.

Manly is a very liveable suburb, on an isthmus between the ocean and the harbour. I fancied another walk, so spent several hours exploring the National Park up towards the headland at North Head.

Having ended up further away from Manly Wharf than I’d realised, I was relieved to find there was a bus back. Sydney has one of the best public transport systems I’ve ever experienced: it is cheap, user-friendly and makes the whole city incredibly well-connected.

I spent my final evening in Sydney at a very European-feeling Christmas market. It was festive and homely, but it did feel rather surreal to be sipping mulled wine in T-shirt and shorts!