The Secret Side Of Sydney

Sun and surf are practically synonymous with Sydney but there’s much more to this town than beach bums and working on your tan. Take advantage of off- peak season airfares to experience the other side of Australia’s largest city.

During the winter, Sydney temperatures are mild, ranging from an often sunny 22 degrees in the daytime to a nippy 10 degrees at night. That’s not to say that you should skip the beaches completely. As strange as it sounds,
there’s plenty to do oceanside during the winter like ice skating by the beach. Bondi Winter Magic returns this year until 13 July and for AU$ 22 you can get 45 minutes on the beachside rink. Of course, there’s the iconic Bondi Beach Icebergs, which proudly calls itself “the home of winter swimming since 1929”. Regulars swear that there’s nothing more energising than braving the icy temperatures to do a few laps in the ocean baths. A drop-in dip will cost you AU$ 6, though beaches just south of Bondi have baths that are free of charge. You can get there by taking a leisurely stroll passing other beaches: Tamarama, Clovelly, Bronte and finally Coogee. Not brave enough? You can sign up to do a few chaturangas on the deck via Yoga by the Sea (web: www.yogabythesea.com.au), which also runs classes on Bronte Beach.

After you work up an appetite, you can chow down some fish and chips, although you’ll be paying a premium for it around Bondi. Our recommendation is to tuck into some quality Australian ribs instead and save the fish and chips for when
you visit the fish market in Pyrmont. Hurricanes, located off the main strip at Bondi, serves up hefty half and full racks of lamb, beef or pork. It’s a delicious and messy affair to be sure. Waiters tie bibs around your neck and hand you a large steak knife and a supply of wet wipes.

Despite what rival Melbournites may
say, Sydney doesn’t disappoint for the culturally inclined. Don’t miss out on
the Museum of Contemporary Art at Circular Quay where you can discover local Australian artists. For the first
five days of July, there’s a free Game of Thrones exhibition – immersive virtual experience that lets you experience the show’s infamous wall. When your legs are feeling tired, settle down at the MCA cafe on the fourth floor, order up a flat white and enjoy floor-to-ceiling glass windows offering stunning views of the harbour and watch the boats sail past.

Paddington serves as the shopping mecca of the city and is where many designers cut their teeth. Sydney has
a strong tradition of nurturing young local labels that have gone on to become international favourites such as Josh Goot, Zimmermann, Bassike and Sass & Bide. You’ll find them all – and perhaps some yet to be discovered newcomers– concentrated along Oxford Street.

Dining-wise, we suggest sampling from the food empires of quintessential Australian chefs such as Neil Perry or
Bill Granger or head to the hipster-filled neighbourhood of Surry Hills for brunch. Meanwhile, Justin Hemmes-owned Ivy is the see and be seen club to dance the night away. Those looking for a more low-key night can check out speakeasy, Palmer & Co, for fantastic drinks.

The Darling Part of The Star casino complex is, for now, the only casino 
in Sydney. The Darling is a chic and modern boutique hotel, which offers up a Vegas like experience with a lot less jet-lag and hassle. Located in Pyrmont, just a 15-minute walk from the CBD, we like staying here for a weather-proof weekend escape where you don’t have to think about planning anything. With designer shops, clubs, a spa, nightlife and gourmet dining all under one roof, it’s perfect for a bachelorette or a birthday party. All the 171 rooms in the hotel are decked out in a dark plum scheme and fitted with gorgeous rain shower baths. Anyone coming from China will feel very much at home. The enormous popularity of the casino hotel with Chinese guests – as much as 70 per cent says the receptionist – means
they cater to almost every need in Mandarin even offering you a choice of Chinese-language daily newspapers.

In the casino, you have a choice of trying your luck at the roulette tables or four bars from live music venue Rock Lily
to Marquee club, which often hosts
major international DJs. The breakfast buffet is not included with the room,
and very perfunctory; so instead, take advantage of the many award-winning dining options downstairs. David Chang fans will make a beeline to Momofuku Seiobo, the only eatery by the famed Korean-American chef outside North America. Just be sure to book online for this three-hatted restaurant (southern hemisphere version of Michelin stars) and savour the signature succulent pork buns. The complex also boasts a Gelato Messina outlet, voted the best gelato in Sydney, which is easy to locate because of the frequent lines that form outside the store. It offers more than your run-of-the- mill flavours and the cuisine curious can try out pandan, honeycomb and lime, or even maple and whisky sprinkled with bacon bits.