I originally created this post in September 2017 while working for an awesome Canadian Company Called "OzTREKK Educational Services" ( Side note: if you’re interested in studying in Australia I would highly recommend checking them out). OzTREKK had sent me to Australia for a month to help some of our 500+ students moving from Canada to Australia settle in to their new home.
During my time in Sydney I identified a few “Must Do’s” for new students or visitors to check out!
Beach: Palm Beach
Palm Beach is located one hour north of Sydney and used at the set for the hit Australian TV series Home and Away. The beach is located on a long peninsula with a beautiful hike to Barrenjoey Lighthouse at the northern tip, the South Pacific Ocean to the east, and a small harbour know as Pittwater to the west.
Park: Pool in Prince Alfred Park
Prince Alfred Park is an amazing community space in the heart of Sydney. Its location is easily accessible as it is a 10-minute walk from Central Station. The park is home to basketball and tennis courts, an open-air workout area and lots of green space; however, the most important feature is the public pool to help you stay cool during the hot Sydney summers.
Food: Spice Alley – Kensington Street
Spice Alley is a unique open-air dining experience comprising six “hawker style” eateries that weave though a back alley and host tables beneath Asian lanterns. The prices in Spice Alley are very reasonable and this neat location is within walking distance of the University of Sydney campus and Central Station.
Bar: Soda Factory
Soda Factory is one of the most famous speakeasy bars in Sydney. Those interested have to be sure to keep their eyes peeled—the bar is hidden behind a Coca-Cola machine in an American-style hot dog joint. But on the other side you find a busy bar with a bare-bones industrial style and a happenin’ dance floor.
Entertainment: Sydney Football Club “football” match (soccer)
Sydney FC is a professional soccer team that plays in the top division in Australia. Their stadium holds more than 45,000 spectators and is located a short distance from the CBD in Moore Park. Some of the most exciting nights at Allianz Stadium are when they are playing their arch rivals, the Western Sydney Wanderers. Fans who want a true experience should also be sure to stop by one of the local pubs to have a beer with local Aussie fans before the game.
Enjoy!
- John