{"id":1231,"date":"2021-03-18T21:59:48","date_gmt":"2021-03-18T11:59:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/gypsyskitravels.wordpress.com\/?page_id=1231"},"modified":"2023-12-04T13:28:10","modified_gmt":"2023-12-04T03:28:10","slug":"sandy-toes-and-salty-kisses-on-the-beaches-of-sydney","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/gypsyskitravels.com\/index.php\/sandy-toes-and-salty-kisses-on-the-beaches-of-sydney\/","title":{"rendered":"Sandy Toes and Salty Kisses on the beaches of Sydney."},"content":{"rendered":"\n

There\u2019s not much snow in the Australian summer and now the government is saying \u201cthere\u2019s little chance of any International Travel\u2026(maybe to \u2018kiwiland\u2019) until later this year\u201d?
But there is plenty of beaches to get your toes into the sand and the state border to New South Wales had finally opened.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Home at Dingo Beach.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

And although my home in Queensland has a pristine eco foreshore and beach bay, a trip to Australia\u2019s iconic beach city seemed a much needed and ideal \u2018travel treat\u2019<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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diver in Whitsunday Airport fish tank.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

After jet jumping (using a cheap ticket) two hours on the friendly and comfortable JETSTAR flight from the Whitsundays, I calmly arrived to the Covid 19 restricted pace of Australia\u2019s biggest city\u2026SYDNEY.
Sleeping in a Vintage Railway Carriage in Sydney Central Railway Station is FUN and this YHA Hostel is very conveniently located for city and further journeys.
It also attracts an interesting mix of Solo and International travellers who are well looked after by the friendly and professional staff during these frustrating times.
Thank you Polly from Raro, and Sylvia for accommodating me with my late booking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Vintage Train Carriage.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Sunday in Sydney was Covid 19 calm and walking Central Sydney started with a very casual brunch at the delightfully \u2018cool\u2019 St James Cafe in Hyde Park.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Sunday Brunch at Hyde Park.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Mindless Sunday Shopping<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Then after an eerie & vacant city stroll down George Street, the bustling Sydney Quay burst into life, with glistening waters and hooting ferry\u2019s \u2018framed\u2019 by the truly iconic Opera House.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Luna Festival at the Rocks.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Sydney\u2019s outstanding beauty is definitely it\u2019s harbour and stunningly accessible beaches, but there is also a valuable ethnic mix in the Western suburbs which gives this heaving gargantuan tangle it\u2019s multi cultural and global blend.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Two Sydney classics.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Supper was a great nosh in my favourite \u2018hole in the wall restaurant\u2019, Satang Thai (it seats about eight) near the bustling Paddy\u2019s Market. Then I hit the sack in the Vintage Carriage, to be brutally woken next morning with the early suburban trains shunting!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Cin Cin. a delicious Vanilla Latte.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n


My new day began with a decent coffee in the hostel lounge and then a calming Covid 19 spaced train ride to the city of Liverpool. To enjoy its comfortable social mix and flavours of central European’s, middle-eastern Arabs, Indians, Asians and Pacific nations\u2026and many more?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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a yummy brunch in Liverpool.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s an Opp Shoppers paradise and is slathered with cool Coffee shops, Vape bars, Tattoo parlour’s, Krishna energy, Colourful fabrics and Central Asian bric-a-brac stuff.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Contemporary Art.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Only blighted somewhat, by the massive but convenient Westfield Shopping Centre which divides the original and attractive Macquarie Street Boulevard and outdoor market place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Abby Road in Liverpool?<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Breaking my original travel plan\u2026(Central Sydney Station to Liverpool, then Parramatta and back to Sydney Harbour Quay by ferry) we travelled south and through the endless Suburban Zoo to the popular and casual Coogee Beach. To enjoy the fresh beach breeze, a salty dip in the ocean pool, sand in our toes and eventually a healthy \u201cSushi Train\u201d lunch and juice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Coogee Beach. swim between the flags please.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

From Liverpool to Parramatta takes about an hour on a bus and requires the convenient and necessary Opel Travel Card used on most of Sydney city travels.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Aussie Panini?<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Parramatta City is all Glass and Concrete, with some Historic Sandstone buildings and parks, (with the inevitable Westfield shopping centre) and the river which meanders back to Sydney Harbour.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Boarding the fast Cat at Parramatta.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Coffee and cake and a Beer or two, was a comfy prelude in the Port Bar above the ferry wharf and eventually we were on a \u2018fast cat\u2019 to Sydney Quay, and new digs in the historic Rocks area beside the famous coat hanger (Sydney Harbour Bridge).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Fun at the Olympic Wharf.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The Rocks, including Walsh Bay, and Millars Point is the place to stay in Sydney.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Bridge. Opera House. Hop on-off Ferry.
<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The best value being : Rydges Sydney Harbour or the Sydney Harbour YHA. for their excellent locations and value. Or the twee (tinny)Sydney Harbour BnB, or perhaps a lux Sebel Quay App. suite on the point.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The Rock at Walsh Bay.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

And Ventuno Enoteca on Walsh Bay Wharf gets my vote for\u2026\u2018stylish everything\u2019 including (menu, wines and view) and opposite the trendy Wharf Theatres and the Roslyn Packer Theatre.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Historic Rocks Pub and rooms.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Sydney shopping is great. All those in your face \u201cGlamour Brands\u201d are there of course\u2026 and more, but my pleasure was in the city\u2019s beautiful Queen Victoria Building\u2019s four balcony floors and the dainty boutiques in the basement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Queen Victoria Arcade mid town.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

High morning tea was very relaxing in the Palace Tea Rooms and a late lunch at the popular Sushi Hub below the historic Strand Arcade balanced my Yin and yang, before buying Lush Soaps for presents completed the day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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the busy Sushi Hub.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Most Sydney Ferry\u2019s start and finish at Circular Quay and my first \u2018Ferry to Beach\u2019 trip was to Manly Beach and the petit Shelly Beach tucked in the southern corner.
And after all that fresh sea air on the ferry and \u2018huff n\u2019 puff\u2019(walking) the delicious fruit punch at the Boat House Restaurant and Bar was well worth the $$.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Manly Beach Sunday.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Followed by a refreshing swim in the clear waters off Shelly Beach and down the glassy and lazy waves beyond.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The Boat Shed at Shelly Beach.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Manly Beach is very \u2018surfie and casual\u2019 and a good spot to enjoy true-blue Aussie Beach Culture. Gelato\u2019s and the Ice Creamery, Fish n\u2019 Chips or Sushi and salad, and of course Aussie Pub Grub is every where\u2026 along with Beer, Chardonnay, Prosecco and some pretty flash offerings at the stylish Manly Wine-Cafe and Restaurant on the path to Shelly Beach.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Petit Shelly Beach.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

It was a great day out and after the fast ferry back to the Quay my day was NOT done! I walked the Bridge (on the foot path) from The Rocks to Kirribilli and then spied the historic \u2018Church by the Bridge\u2019 and a congregation ready to enjoy evensong.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The \u2018Hip\u2019 Kirribilly Royal Chapel.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Covid check this, and that, and then I was in\u2026to my first ever \u201cModern and Hip\u201d church service, with 3 guitars, drums, and a cool singer in the former choirs cloisters.
An amazing service, with a full house of obviously \u2018mobile and more\u2019 Guys and Gals singing, swaying and listening to a modern take on the Christian Faith with a broad community focus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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the view from the Bridge Walk.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

On my last day of being a \u201ccity n\u2019 beach tourist\u201d I visited the Modern Art Museum centre stage at the Rocks\u2026 (closed on Mondays), then jumped a fast ferry from the Quay to Watson\u2019s Bay.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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from the YHA. Sydney Harbour.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The view from the upper deck is spectacular, passing the Opera House, Rushcutters Bay, Double Bay, Rose Bay and eventually into the calm and beauty of Watsons Bay gardens and inner harbour swimming baths. \u201cTogs On\u201d! Then enjoy the laid back facilities of this salubrious enclave.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Watsons Bay babes.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Finally finish your morning with High Tea on the gracious Dunbar House verandah or with Coffee and Cake in the Tea Gardens above the Sea Baths.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Tea for two at Dunbar House.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Bondi Beach is just over the hill!\u2026well, it\u2019s a simple 15 minute bus ride from the Bay Village on the 308, then get off and walk from the North Bondi Beach stop.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Wow! North Bondi beach babe.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI love Bondi\u201d and it\u2019s more than Iconic. Westies, Locals, Tourists and Drovers, they are all here and it really is THE classy aussie beach, and and, \u2026all those Micro-bikinis and Speedo\u2019s will make your eyes water!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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every body loves Bondi.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Centre stage\u2026is the popular Bondi Rescue TV. program\u2019s Life Guard Tower with Boards and Surf boats, Hunks and hour glass Lass, keeping you safe to enjoy all that intoxicating FUN in the SUN and Surf, even in Covid 19.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Bondi Rescue TV. look out.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

There\u2019s plenty of beachy shopping, bars and restaurants on the promenade. It\u2019s hardly Nice or Saint Trop (thank goodness) but very aussie-cool and casual. Check out the Speedo Shop and enjoy lunch in the Macelleria Restaurant with it\u2019s pedestrian hustle and Bondi Beach vista.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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the story of Speedo swimwear.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Choices\u2026was it the train from Bondi Juction Station (near the dreaded Westfield Centre) or the bus back to Doyles Restaurant on the Beach at Watsons Bay, or Fish n\u2019 Chips in the relaxing park?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Covid 19 sign and beach view.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

As this was my \u201cLast Supper\u201d in Sydney and being solo\u2026.the Picnic Pack of fresh Fish n\u2019 Chips and a freshly squeezed Jumbo Juice savoured the moment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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the Fish n\u2019 Chippery at Watsons Bay.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Our \u2018fast cat\u2019 stopped at beautiful Rose Bay and it was here I spotted another adventure for inquisitive visitors. A Float Plane for Hire, including one way Taxi Flights to the exclusive tip of Sydney\u2019s northern beaches\u2026Palm Beach.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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the float plane at Rose Bay.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Bye Bye Sydney<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Enjoy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n

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Murray Sandman<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

There\u2019s not much snow in the Australian summer and now the government is saying \u201cthere\u2019s little chance of any International Travel\u2026(maybe to \u2018kiwiland\u2019) until later this year\u201d?But there is plenty of beaches to get your toes into the sand and the state border to New South Wales had finally opened. And although my home in […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"_uf_show_specific_survey":0,"_uf_disable_surveys":false,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-1231","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/gypsyskitravels.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1231","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/gypsyskitravels.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/gypsyskitravels.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gypsyskitravels.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gypsyskitravels.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1231"}],"version-history":[{"count":8,"href":"https:\/\/gypsyskitravels.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1231\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":3684,"href":"https:\/\/gypsyskitravels.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1231\/revisions\/3684"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/gypsyskitravels.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1231"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}