小杰与小吉——JZ World Travel

Day 2 – Sydney: Circular Quay and the Icons

We took the morning flight to Sydney, and by noon we were already checking into our hotel near the circular quay, the perfect location for city walk to Sydney’s Iconic sites. Sydney greeted us with bright sunshine and a refreshing harbor breeze, and we had a delicious gelato.

Our first stop was The Rocks, one of the oldest neighborhoods in Sydney, full of cobblestone lanes, heritage pubs, cafe and modern galleries. History and modern city life blended seamlessly here.

From there, we walked towards the Harbor Bridge, admiring its steel arches. We didn’t do the famous 3-hour Bridge Climb, but asend to the tower instead, a breathtaking view to admire the city.

After the bridge, a short hike brought us to the Sydney Observatory, a quiet hilltop spot with panoramic views of the harbor — a perfect break place.

By down the highlight of Sydney came into view: the Sydney Opera House. Its white sails glistened under the sun, and as we walked around the forecourt, we couldn’t help but feel the magnetism of this world-famous landmark.

For dinner, we treated ourselves to Bopp & Tone, a stylish restaurant in the city center. The modern Australian menu and elegant setting made it the perfect way to end our first full day in Sydney, the waiter was french, however recommended us a not so good Yarra Valley Pinot Noir to pair with the wagu beef.

First impressions of Sydney? A city that blends history, iconic architecture, dynamic and full of charm.

---

Day 3 – Sydney: Culture, Friends, and Seaside Sunset

We started the day with a visit to the Museum of Sydney, built on the site of the first Government House. The exhibits traced the city’s colonial past and its transformation into a multicultural metropolis, giving us a deeper understanding of the stories behind the places we were exploring.

Lunch was a special occasion — meeting a friend I’ve known for 28 years. Time flew by as we caught up over good food (highly recommended —— Babylon Rooftop & Garden Bar), a reminder that old friendships always feel fresh no matter how many years pass.

In the afternoon, we headed to Darling Harbour, one of Sydney’s entertainment hubs, where we visited SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium. The underwater tunnels, full of sharks, stingrays, and colorful marine life, were as much fun for adults as for kids.

As the day wound down, we boarded a ferry to Manly. The ride itself was magical, with the Sydney skyline slowly fading into the golden hues of sunset. Once in Manly, we strolled along the beach before heading to the port for dinner.

Dinner in Manly was amazing, we went to a seaside restaurant called Hugo’s famous for its seafood. We ordered a spread of fresh dishes and paired them with a 2024 Tyrrell’s Semillon — crisp, citrusy, and a perfect match with the seafood feast.

The evening ended with the sound of waves, good wine, and great company — the kind of moment that captures the essence of traveling in Australia.

Sydney Impression: Between Icons and Intimacy

Sydney offered us the best of both worlds: world-famous landmarks like the Opera House and Harbour Bridge, alongside intimate, personal experiences — reconnecting with an old friend, sipping Semillon by the sea, and catching the ferry to Manly. Compared with Melbourne’s artsy and laid-back charm, Sydney felt grand, sparkling, and alive with energy. Together, they painted the first chapters of our Australian journey.