The time has come for me to enter the world of guest blogging and I am thrilled to kick that off with Aussie lifestyle blogger Emma Watson who is an avid traveler and lover of all things that make our lives more enjoyable. And with my very own travel diaries being my most well read portion of Go French Yourself, I thought it would be lovely to give you all a dose of some Aussie insights through her eyes.

Emma is a passionate writer, online article editor and a health enthusiast. In her spare time, she likes to discover the beauty of her home land, and write articles to create awareness regarding healthy lifestyle.

Where, Why, and How-In Sydney...by Emma Lawson

When you mention Sydney, there are certain things that come to mind: the surfers at Bondi beach, the iconic Opera House, the Harbour Bridge. But for me, the real attraction of a place is not to follow in the well beaten tourist tracks; rather, I love experiencing the authentic vibe of a destination, mingling with the locals and discovering the gems that are usually hidden from short term visitors. Here are my top choices for an unforgettable holiday in Sydney.

First things first

While I think that a lot of the time spontaneity can contribute to an unforgettable holiday, there are still things to know and consider before setting out. First of all, if you are from the Northern Hemisphere, you should know that the seasons in Australia are not the same as ours. December to February it’s summer in Sydney, and that’s the perfect time for a beach holiday – the weather is hot and humid. June to August is winter, which is generally cooler, and autumn and spring are mild – the best times for sightseeing. The currency is Australian dollar. Like most metropolises, Sydney is pretty expensive, especially when it comes to accommodation. I have been several times and I usually check out if there are any free house sitting deals in Sydney. Public transport is well organized and quite inexpensive, they use smart cards that are valid for all means of transport – trains, buses and ferries.

The foodie experience

Like so many multicultural cities, Sydney is going through a bit of a foodie revolution at the moment. The interesting thing is that Australia doesn’t really have a distinct cuisine of its own – rather it’s a fusion of a western base and Asian influences. The city’s most iconic dish is a dessert – the guava Snow Egg at The Quay. If you are very keen to try the strange sweet treat, bear in mind that you should book a table months in advance and be prepared to part with a significant sum for a full dinner. Luckily, there are plenty of inexpensive eateries that offer excellent food. I have two favorites that I always go back to. Mr Crackles in Darlinghurst has amazing pulled pork sandwiches, for when I’m craving a first-rate fast food experience. The other place is Mamak – a Malay restaurant in the CBD – but be prepared to queue for one of their mouth-watering curries. If you intend to cook for yourself, don’t forget to check out some authentic native Australian ingredients.

Fun and culture

The great thing about Sydney is that there are always so many things going on, and a lot of them are free of charge. My favourite experience so far is the Sculpture by the Sea Festival, when Bondi beach is transformed into a huge open air gallery. I think the best way to get to know a city is to wander and get lost, and Sydney has some really gorgeous areas to explore. The Rocks is the bustling hub, and if you prefer nature, you can take the Bondi to Coogee coastal walk. When it comes to beaches, I preferred taking a ferry to the evergreen lined Manly. The best way to see the world-famous sites of the Harbour, in my opinion, is getting breakfast at the Museum of Contemporary Art Cafe. The terrace offers a breathtaking view of the Bridge and Opera House. And if you like having a guide, you might want to try the I’m Free Walking Tours.

Sydney is a city with many faces, and it takes time to discover all of its secrets. It can also serve as the perfect starting point to discover other gems of the continent, like Brisbane, the Great Barrier Reef and the Southern Highlands.

And now I cannot wait to experience Sydney with my own eyes! Have you been? And what are some of your favorites that should not be passed?!

See more of Emma's fantastic work here.

XOOXOOXO
SAM