WanderLex

Category: Sydney

  • Sydney Fish Market and Circular Quay

    Sydney Fish Market and Circular Quay

    The second day started with a visit to Sydney Fish Market aka Sydney Seafood Paradise. The main building of Sydney Fish Market includes fresh seafood retail stalls and eateries. It is among the largest fish markets in the world which mean there will be a wide variety of seafood available. I was hoping to avoid weekend’s lunchtime crowd by turning up earlier for brunch. But it’s already jam-packed with people. It’s difficult to move around and the queuing time at each stall is crazy. Hence, choosing a stall with the shortest queue is the best option for me.

    Sydney Fish Market

    Crowded Sydney Fish Market

    Stall at Sydney Fish Market

    Sydney Fish Market stall

    And so I grabbed my seafood and chips from Doyles. The meal costs around AUD 40 which I cannot say it’s exactly cheap. But I suppose it’s the experience that counts and the taste were good enough for me. I would probably avoid weekends totally if I were to visit the Fish Market again.

    Doyles at Sydney Fish Market

    Doyles Sydney Fish Market

    Brunch at Sydney Fish Market

    Some fresh strawberries from this gentleman’s fruit stall.

    Strawberries at Sydney Fish Market

    Fruit stall at Sydney Fish Market

    Circular Quay and Pylon Lookout

    Thereafter is a visit to Circular Quay where the 2 iconic landmarks of Sydney are located: Sydney Harbour Bridge and Sydney Opera House. The Circular Quay is a major transportation hub of Sydney Harbour and it’s interesting to see the ferries in action.

    Circular Quay Sydney

    Museum of Contemporary Art in Sydney

    Harbour Bridge view from Circular Quay

    Opera House view from Circular Quay

    Views from Circular Quay

    There’s also the popular Rocks Market during the weekends. The stall owners sell things like chocolates, artsy stuff, clothing, jewellery and among many others.

    The rocks market sydney

    The rocks market stalls

    Walking on the pedestrian path of the Harbour Bridge for the panoramic view is a must. It’s also possible to get the view at higher levels via the famous Sydney Harbour Bridge Walk Tour or the Pylon Lookout. Cameras are not allowed for the Bridge Climb hence I opted for Pylon Lookout, which is a cheaper alternative too.

    Harbour Bridge of Sydney

    Pedestrian path of Harbour Bridge

    Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb Tour

    These are the views which I got from the Pylon Lookout.

    Pylon Lookout view of Opera House

    Pylon Lookout view of Circular Quay

    Pylon Lookout view of Harbour Bridge

    Ferry ride to Watsons Bay

    I wanted to capture the harbour view from the ferry so I board the one heading for Watsons Bay, with the intention to visit The Gap as well. Climbing the stairs and following the coastal path brought me to The Gap. It’s a cliff overlooking the ocean with an exceptional view. Not forgetting the rough waters below that send constant reminders through powerful crashing waves.

    The Gap at Watsons Bay

    View from The Gap at Watsons Bay

    Watsons Bay Sydney

    Boats at Watsons Bay

    I did not stay long enough to explore the rest of Watsons Bay before heading back to Circular Quay. It’s a pity but I am glad to have captured the sunset behind Sydney Opera House.

    Sunset at Sydney Opera House

    Sunset in Sydney on a ferry

    Harbour Bridge view from a ferry

    Harbour Bridge and the bench

    Sydney Opera House

    Sydney Opera House is easily among the most recognisable structures in the world with its bold and unique roof design. The curved shell-shaped sails roof is indeed mesmerising and one-of-its-kind. It’s too bad that I am not a theatre person.

    Sydney Opera House walkway

    Sydney Opera House

    Unique Sydney Opera House

    Sydney Opera House sideview

    Sunset around Sydney Opera House

    I also went over to Mrs Macquarie’s Chair in Royal Botanic Gardens for a blue hour view of the Opera House.

    Harbour Bridge and Sydney Opera House

    Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera House

    I had a sandwich dinner and went over to Guylian Belgian Chocolate Café for some sweet stuff before heading back to the hotel.

    Sandwich dinner in Sydney

    Chocolate at Guylian Belgian Chocolate Café Sydney

    Dessert at Guylian Belgian Chocolate Café Sydney

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    What are your thoughts about Sydney Fish Market or Circular Quay? Leave a comment and share it with me.

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  • Scenic Sydney and Harbour Bridge

    Scenic Sydney and Harbour Bridge

    My Down Under visit to Sydney was another solo trip for me after Eastern Europe. It’s my first visit to Australia and I literally jumped on Scoot’s promotional fares upon seeing it. I have heard so much about Australia from friends and wifey that I thought bustling Sydney would be a good place to start with. I simply cannot contain my excitement to finally see the stunning Opera House and Harbour Bridge. G’Day Mate for the next 4D3N!

    The flight arrived at Sydney Kingsford Airport in the early afternoon. And I have to say that the legroom space of Scoot’s aircraft is rather good for a budget airline, Kudos to that! Getting from Sydney airport to city center is an easy-peasy 13 minutes’ train ride to the Central station, which is quite near to Cambridge Hotel Sydney.

    Sydney-Airpor

    Hyde Park and St Mary’s Cathedral

    Sydney’s CBD area is within a short walking distance from the hotel. Hence, it’s time for some wandering after the usual check-in procedure. And the first stop would be St Mary’s Cathedral. Maybe I should have relaxed a while more around Hyde Park too.

    Chess-game-at-Hyde-Park

    Hyde-Park-and-St-Mary-Cathedral

    The good-looking Cathedral seems to be a popular backdrop for wedding photoshoot.

    St-Mary-Cathedral

    Wedding couple at St Mary Cathedral

    St-Mary-Cathedral

    St-Mary-Cathedral

    Sydney Tower Eye and surrounding

    Also did the touristy bit by visiting Sydney Tower Eye to have a quick overview of the beautiful city. One side of the tower faces the Harbour Bridge and Opera House. But sadly it’s more of a partial view since there are too many buildings in the way. Perhaps the better time to be here would be around sunset.

    Sydney Tower Eye

    Darling Harbour view from Sydney Tower Eye

    View-from-Sydney-Tower-Eye

    The-view-from-Sydney-Tower-Eye

    It’s also possible to step out of the internal observation deck by joining the Sydney Tower Eye Skywalk Tour. But I didn’t do that as cameras are disallowed and that’s a major bummer for me.

    Skywalk at Sydney Tower Eye

    The Queen Victoria Building (or simply QVB) nearby is a majestic looking shopping mall. There’s even a tour for people wanting to learn some insights about the building.

    Queen Victoria Building Sydney

    Queen Victoria Building interior

    Funny person at Market Street Sydney

    Street Performance in Sydney

    Nice tree around Market Street Sydney

    Darling Harbour

    Darling Harbour is the ‘happening’ leisure hub of Sydney with plenty of dining and entertainment options to choose from. Here’s where locals unwind the day with live music, food, and drinks. And I am here to soak up the atmosphere.

    Darling Harbour in Sydney

    The promenade and Pyrmont Bridge makes it easy to stroll around the wharf area to take in the views or enjoy an evening breeze. Popular tourist destinations here include Museums like Madame Tussauds, National Maritime and Sydney Aquarium.

    Darling Harbour Sydney

    Ships at Darling Harbour

    Chill out at Darling Harbour

    Pyrmont Bridge

    Red ship at Pyrmont Bay

    Dinner was a very nice and tasty burger from Grill’d.

    Burger from Grill'd

    Harbour Bridge and Luna Park

    After bidding farewell to Darling, it’s time to make my way across Harbour Bridge to Milson’s Point. There are many ways to reach there by either bus, train or ferry to Milson’s Point wharf. I opted for a bus ride. And my, this lookout has a great view of both Harbour Bridge and Sydney Opera House. How wonderful!

    The mesmerizing view causes me to overstay despite the strong wind but totally worth it for a view as such.

    Harbour Bridge Sydney at night

    Harbour Bridge at night

    Beautiful Harbour Bridge

    Sydney Opera House at night

    Luna Park is an amusement just around the corner.

    Luna Park in Sydney

    Ferris wheel at Luna Park

    STAY: Cambridge Hotel Sydney review

    The location is the key reason why I opted for Cambridge Hotel Sydney. It’s relatively close to Central Station and CBD area which makes it easy for me to move around. The surrounding is quiet and safe – Surry Hills Police Station is just right across. The comfortable spacious room was a pleasant surprise for a central hotel and the balcony has a great view too. It’s valued for money and I would definitely recommend Cambridge Hotel Sydney.

    Cambridge Hotel Sydney room

    Cambridge Hotel Sydney bathroom

    Cambridge Hotel Sydney pantry area

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    What are your thoughts about Sydney or Harbour Bridge? Leave a comment and share it with me.

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