Melbourne to Noosa Roadtrip: Sydney

The first stop on our Noosa road trip was Sydney. We arrived on Friday at about 4:30 pm and left on Sunday at about 9:30 am. We’d been to Sydney for a week in 2021 with all the kids, so we had done some major sights, including kayaking on the Sydney Harbour from Manly, The Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb and the Bondi to Coogee coastal walk. This time we had a decent chunk of running to get done and also wanted to enjoy some good food.

Running

Saturday: Big South Head Loop I planned this approximately 17km route using a section of the Bondi to Manly Walk, then cutting back from Rose Bay to Bondi. I aimed to complete some decent km while enjoying some spectacular scenery, finishing near a good cafe. I drove and parked in North Bondi. The start of the route was up a ridiculously steep hill that dead-ended at a set of steps that led up to Military Rd. Here I joined the Bondi to Manly Walk. I used the Bondi to Manly Walk app to keep myself on the route. Anytime I was unsure, I could open the app to see exactly where I was and get instructions for the next turn.

The route was on shared paths, footpaths, and trails. There were lots of stairs and photo ops.

Sunday: To Woolloomooloo. I had 8km to do, so I decided to run down to Circular Quay and then round past the Botanic Gardens until the 4km mark, which worked out to be at Woolloomooloo. The GPS did not work well in the city buildings. The Sydney half-marathon was Sunday morning, and I ran along with some of the runners through a small section of the botanic gardens.

ACTIVITIES

I booked a tour of Susannah Place at 4 pm on Saturday. They run for an hour, and the tickets are free, but only eight people are allowed n each tour, so you need to book. This group of terraces in The Rocks was built in 1844. It remains essentially unchanged through the redevelopment of the area, so you get to see how the working-class people in the area would have lived. Former residents have shared their oral histories with the museum, which are relayed during the tour as you move through the residences. This museum was closed the last time we visited Sydney. Highly recommended, especially for people who find a real person in front of them more engaging than self-led tours. After the tour we wandered around circular quay and took some photos before heading to our dinner booking.

FOOD

Fabrica Pasta Shop: As mentioned previously, probably one of the best pappardelle with lamb ragu of my life. It was busy the night we were there so I’d recommend booking. Very casual, seating is either at their shop counters (no leg room) or at bar tables in the courtyard at the front.

Shuk Bondi: Brunch on Saturday after our runs. I had the Teff pancakes, but there were a few dishes I would have liked to try. Good coffee too. We booked the night before.

Bennelong: We took the family here in Sydney for a special dinner last time, and Hubby wanted to return. Located in the Opera House with Harbour views. It’s a three-course a la carte menu. The executive chef is Peter Gilmore, who is often called to set Masterchef pressure tests.

Dutch Smuggler: Breakfast before we left Sydney. Well-known for their Mee Goreng Toasties, which we couldn’t go past, they lived up to the hype. Good coffee also.