Page 24 - Explore Magazine Autumn 2017

48 HOURS
22

IN SYDNEY

Viv Blackmore of helloworld Napier packs a lot into a short
sightseeing visit. The secret, she says, is pre-booking.
DAY ONE

AM: We took an early flight and had a glass of
bubbles on board to get us in the holiday mood.
Clearing Customs was a breeze early in the morning
and we were picked up and taken to The Grounds
of Alexandria for brunch. This complex of cafés and
entertainment venues in a former pie factory in the
inner-city suburb of Alexandria is well worth the
visit for its amazing deconstructed coffees, fabulous
home-style food, organic gardens and even a few
farm animals.
Next we were off to our stylish serviced apartment
at Fraser Suites in the CBD. We had pre-booked all
the events we planned to do in Sydney and if you
are on a short trip I recommend you do this too.
Helen Fraser from Ultimately Sydney lifestyle tours
met us at Fraser Suites and took us on her Gourmet
South tour. This takes around three hours and was
nice and relaxing and because there were so many
free samples along the way no lunch was needed.
We went to an old-time Italian deli, a winemaker, a
boutique brewery, a cake bakery and more; it was
extremely varied with lots of tastings.
PM: Then it was back to our apartment to glam up
a bit for a sumptuous high tea with bubbles at the
5-star Primus Hotel in Pitt Street. We carried an extra
bag with flat shoes and a tee shirt because our next
stop was the night-time Sydney Harbour Bridge climb.
Off came the glam clothes and on went the not-so-
glamorous grey jumpsuit they provide you with! It was
fabulous to do this climb at night; we could see for
miles and as we were fortunate enough to be there
during the annual Vivid Sydney month when the city
comes alive with lights and music and cultural events,
it was like walking above a disco dance floor!
Back in our glamorous clothes again we walked to
the Rocks and had dinner at the iconic Waterfront
Restaurant facing the Sydney Opera House. I hate to
say this but we had no energy left to visit one of the
popular bars for a cocktail or two. But we did enjoy PM: After brunch we were off to Taronga Zoo where
our walk back to our hotel through the happy crowds we went on a Wild Ropes aerial adventure followed
enjoying the lights and music.
by a look at some of the amazing Australian animals
DAY TWO featured at the zoo. We then treated ourselves to a
water taxi over to Darling Harbour for a visit to the Star
AM: We started our day with the Backstage Tour at the Casino and some shopping. We had dinner at Black
Sydney Opera House. Our guide was wonderful and by ezard, a contemporary grill restaurant in the Star
besides being knowledgeable about the Opera House complex and then, unfortunately, it was time to leave
she had many stories to tell about the personalities for our late-night flight home.
who have performed here. Then we headed off to
the Skywalk at the Sydney Tower Eye where we had
amazing views and a hilarious guide and we all enjoyed
the experience.

HELLOWORLD : EXPLORE : AUTUMN EDITION