Sydney Australia is stunning and well worth the trip, especially if you are getting there First Class from the U.S (see prior trip reports on Cathay Pacific First Class and Thai Airways First Class). We had an absolutely amazing 9 days in the beautiful Australian City and found it very difficult to get a bad meal which is a welcome relief for some travelers used to "tourist traps".
Since we were in Sydney during New Years 2016, we wanted a hotel with views of the Opera House and a location close to Circular Quay. We choose the Four Seasons Sydney, and we choose poorly. You can read all of my comments in my trip advisor review here, but in general this was a Four Seasons disappointment. Most of the staff was great, but we experienced terrible staff and service in the Four Seasons Sydney Executive Club Lounge. Where most other lounges we have experienced serve you, in Sydney you serve yourself. Cocktail hour here is a joke with beer and wine and some very low shelf liquors available only 5pm-8pm, again most other lounges (like the Four Seasons Maui) you can have any cocktail at anytime during the day or night. Food was a similar story, where the "daytime snacks" where just leftover breakfast pastry. The "nickel and dime" experience was also not what you would expect at a Four Seasons. The views however, were perfect!
Written by: Passports and Peeptoes
Four Seasons Sydney
Things to do in Sydney
Sydney is an incredible city to explore, we did all of our exploring on foot (and occasionally, a bike!) And very safe to roam around freely, so you can't go wrong.Things to do in Sydney
What can I say we are suckers for a bike tour. We did ours with Bike Buffs. Very safe, very well run and an amazing way to spend a day sightseeing with locals!
Written by: Passports and Peeptoes
Expensive yes, but the absolute BEST thing we did in Sydney. The Husband (who is not thrilled with heights) found this to be his highlight of the trip.
Written by: Passports and Peeptoes
Manly Beach
Great way to spend a day at the beach! Take the Manly fast ferry and spend a day beach-going, having a few cocktails and enjoying a day on the water!
Botanical Gardens
Absolutely beautiful, free, and a great way to spend a few hours. One of the highlights of the downtown area.
Chinese Gardens
Small admission fee, but incredibly worth it. Located in Darling Harbor, just a short ferry ride or walk from the central business district. This was also such a great family activity, both kids and adults can get dressed up in traditional Chinese clothing at a little shop inside the gardens - let's just say it is such a cute photo op.
Blue Mountain Day Tour
We used a tour for this day trip and had a great time! We had a small group, a great guide and great outdoorsy experiences without to much effort. Also - Koalas.
Hunter Valley Wine Tour
Because wine tasting is amazing.
Eating in Sydney
You cannot go wrong here (or at least it is really hard to!) But below is a list of my absolute favorites, in order!
It seriously is the most amazing place, make reservations at least 2 weeks in advance, more if you know for sure when you want to go. The views of the Opera House and Bridge are incredible.
Seriously the best most amazing Thai food I have ever had, and that includes in Thailand. Pro Tip - make sure you make a reservation and eat in the downstairs restaurant, not in the upstairs canteen type dining. The menus are different and the downstairs is where it is at.
We went to the Darling Harbor location and couldn't say enough positive things about our meal (burgers) we watched so many delicious looking plates of ribs go by, and the wine was spectacular.
A Sydney institution, good food, great drinks, well-heeled atmosphere.
Great Italian food at Jamie's I love Jamie Oliver restaurants anyway so this was always going to be a hit with me!
