#urbanfamilyinsydney
Here at Urban Family on Tour we like to make sure we get at least one holiday a year with each other. Even though we LOVE our family holidays and time with our kids and hubby, the 4 of us really appreciate and enjoy the time we have with just us!
It helps us remember why we have been friends for so long, who we are as individuals as well as wives and mothers, and allows us to entertain our love for shopping without competing agendas.
This year, we went local (sort of) and took a trip to Sydney, NSW.
Our main aim was some shopping, harbour views, yummy food and quality time together. If we could throw in some roof tops bars (as is our custom!) then the trip would be complete. We managed to do this and more.
Flights
Economy flights to Sydney from Brisbane range in price from $80 to $300 and from Perth they range from $200-$500 each way. It really depends on how early you book and the type of fare you choose. Its always good to get in early.
Accomodation
We decided to stay as close to the CBD and the excellent Pitt St Mall shopping precinct as we could. This way we could walk to as many places as possible and save a little on Taxis and Ubers.
We chose the Meriton Suites on Pitt St for the first 4 nights of our trip. The apartments are spacious enough for 4 people to share although the second bedroom was a bit of a squeeze. There are 2 bathrooms, which is critical for 4 women to ensure maximum ‘getting ready’ time and space.
The Meriton apartments are modern, clean and have a kitchen and lounge area which is also great for post shopping wind down - usually champagne and a nice platter of nibbles.
Taryn and I stayed on a little longer in Sydney to visit some friends and see the Human Nature - One night Only - show at The Star. As there were only 2 of use by then we moved on to new digs at The Astral Tower at The Star. We booked a standard room but were upgraded to a beautiful 2BR Suite #winning.
The suite was lovely, very modern and bigger than the Meriton. A great view of the Glebe Island Bridge and surrounds from the balcony.
Entertainment
We spent most of our shopping time around the Pitt Street Mall and the Queen Victoria Building. If you can’t find what you’re looking for in this precinct, it probably doesn’t exist. The shops range from fast fashion to the highest end boutiques and includes the big department stores like Myer and David Jones. Shopping heaven!
For entertainment we pre-booked tickets to The Book of Mormon that was playing at the Lyric Theatre at The Star. One of the funniest musicals you’ll ever see if you have an irreverent sense of humour. Not for the sensitive or genuinely religious, however the cast were amazing and the singing and choreography were on point.
The Star is pretty much like any casino in the world. Lots of pretty lights and slots surrounding the roulette tables. Not really our thing, however the shows The Star attract are second to none and the Human Nature show was (as usual) a fabulous night out and supremely entertaining.
Food and Drinks
If you are a foodie, Sydney does not disappoint and you really are spoiled for choice. We recommend researching and booking ahead where possible, although we also managed walk-ins in a number of great places.
Bars
Smoke - Barangaroo House. Great cocktails, a lovely view of the water and a superb champagne list
Grandmas - a cool little underground bar that is really just for drinking unless you are keen for a toastie - yes, 2 pieces of bread toasted with something in the middle. Its all they have on the menu. The hipster in you will love this joint and if you love ginger in your cocktail, this is your place.
Opera Bar - Ahhhh the Opera Bar. A personal favourite really for the incomparable view. Its not as fancy as it sounds. Really a bit of a concrete bunker next toe the beautiful opera house but the menu is fantastic, the wine and cocktail list is extensive, they generally have live music and did I mention view? The best in Sydney.
Whirly Bird at Pyrmont - We stopped here on a whim for a cheeky glass of bubbles after yet another day of shopping. Couldn’t tell you what was on the menu but the service was great and although it was in the middle of the day when we were there, it looks like a great place to visit at happy hour.
Food
Chinchin - Darlinghurst. On Day 1 we wanted some food! We were starving and based on reputation and on recommendation from a close friend we walked to Chin Chin. What a great way to start the trip. The food was fantastic and the Rose we bought was lovely. 5 starts for Chin Chin.
Spiced by Billus - Barangaroo. We walked in to Spiced without a booking but they were happy to accomodate. The food was fab - honest, authentic, homestyle Indian cooking.
Georges Mediterranean Bar & Grill King St Wharf. A great lunchtime spot with a fantastic seafood platter and view of Darling Harbour from the King St Wharf.
Harbour Bar and Kitchen - A little wind off the harbour made it a bit chilly to hang out on the deck at HBK however it was a great place to stop for lunch near our hotel and gave another great view of the other side of darling harbour.
Total Cost
Flights and Accommodation for Sydney will set you back around $2000 (you could spend much much more on your hotel or less if you’re happy to go backpacker style)
The rest of your budget really depends on where you eat and what your shopping addiction really costs you.
