A Weekend in Sydney!

Jun 20

Wow what an amazing weekend! After months of looking forward to it, I was a bit worried that my weekend in Sydney would be a non-event due to the Volcanic ash blowing over from Chile, and then the miserable cot and wet weather that threatened. Miraculously, the Mummy Gods smiled on me and we had the most perfect sunny warm weather! Looking back at the photos I can’t believe how much we squeezed into two and a half days, although there was still plenty more that we would have liked to do. Oh well… next time!

It all started very early on Friday morning.

My first task was to pack up the Stokke Xplory. I was a little nervous. I knew the Prampack would protect it, but it’s still hard watching it heading off on it’s own little journey!

When we landed in Sydney, we jumped onto the train and after a 5 min walk arrived at our hotel – the Swissotel. It was a beautiful room, and what’s more was smack bang in the middle of everything!

So we headed straight down to Darling Harbour for a cool drink and a spot of lunch. What a glorious day!

And to top off a perfect day – what else but an afternoon tea at the Lindt Cafe!! Complete decadence!

The next morning we headed down to Circular Quay. It was freezing in the shade, so we searched for a cafe that would warm us up. This gorgeous little Cafe appeared out of nowhere, and gave us the most amazing views of the Harbour Bridge as we sat near the very tip of the Opera House.

 

Lucy was so excited that she perfected her Stink-Eye face. She thinks she is so clever – so do I!

Walking around the Quay, we headed up to markets at The Rocks. It was HUGE! I found a few little treasures to bring home for the kidlets, and saw some beautiful artwork. Then I drooled for a while over cupcakes and choc-coated strawberries!

With such perfect weather, ther really was no other option but to jump onboard a ferry and head to Watson’s Bay. The Harbour is one of the most beautiful sights – so many yachts and little skiffs enjoying the day. Makes a change from the muddy brown river of Brisbane!

We were planning on going to Doyle’s Restaurant for lunch, but at the end of the jetty was a Doyle’s takeaway for about a third of the price!

So we grabbed some of the best seafood I have ever eaten and set up a little blanket for a picnic in the sun (along with about 2000 hungry seagulls).

Catching the ferry back into town, Mum and Lucy went up to the room for a little rest while I did a quick shop (of course!). Other than some very cute Bloch ballet flats, nothing really took my eye – I know, SHOCKING I tell you! Next stop was the David Jones Food Hall – WOW! I had no idea what to expect! Food from just about every country, and little nooks of fresh food being served at bars. Seriously – how could you pick just one!!

Sunday morning was just as beautiful, warm and sunny. First stop – a scrummy breakast at the Sheraton.

Then we had a lovely walk around Hyde Park, and through one of the most spectacular avenues I have seen.

After a last minute browse through Zara and Myer, we were back at the airport again and headed for home.

I must say that without the help of so many Sydney (and ex-Sydney) Mummies on Facebook, we never would have seen so many amazing things. For those of you have gave me suggestions and guidance on what to do – thank you so much! You contributed to what was an amazing weekend. Having never really done the touristy Sydney thing, I was amazed at just what a gorgeous city it is.

Now that I am home again, I miss my Doorman, Concierge, Room Service, and having the city at my fingertips. But it was lovely to get cuddles from my big kids and listen to what they got up to with Daddy while I was away.

I am feeling energised and refreshed, and ready to schedule some more Me Time. I realise now how important this is to do – it’s too easy to feel overwhelmed by things, and time out is essential. I wonder what will be next …?

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12 comments

  1. What an adventure you had Nat!! You saw some wonderful Sydney sights. So glad you went to Watson’s Bay, you were in the exact spot that is our favourite for lunch!!

    • PS. Lucy looks like the easiest child to look after …. she appeared to have a great time
      PPS. Not only did you get “you” time but you also had “mother – daughter – granddaughter” time, now that is special time!

      • Natalie /

        Thanks Mel – it was so special! Lucy is a very happy and contented child – thank goodness!

        Zara was nothing special. I actually don’t quite understand what all the fuss is about! Loved Watson’s Bay – our favourite part of the whole weekend!

  2. Interested to hear what you thought of Zara after all the hype, I have heard good & bad, but figure it depends on the day you go in whether they have something to catch your eye.

  3. Hayley /

    What an awesome weekend you have had Nat and Lucy looks so snug in her Stokke :)

    • Natalie /

      Hayley – she was snug as a bug! I would have loved the winter kit for her (and for my hands!!)

  4. your little girl is ADORABLE!
    Love that photo you took in Hyde Park gorgeous!
    Now I am home sick even though I don’t miss the traffic or amount of people lol…
    Yes its very important to have time out for you (even day trips) glad you had a lovely weekend!

    • Natalie /

      Thanks Neen! Hyde Park was just so peaceful – I’d love to see it in summer!

  5. Joanne /

    This was great to see. We are thinking about going to Sydney in February with the kids. My husband wants to drive which would take us 2 1/2 days from mount Gambier SA. i want to fly but the reason he wants to drive is so we can get around. Obviously we don’t need a car to get around. How did you find out about the train from airport?

    • Natalie /

      Joanne, as long as you are staying in the city and can walk to the train station and Circular Quay, then you can get almost anywhere! Driving (and parking!) in Sydney is a bit scary.
      But on the other hand, if you want to do some little stops on the way from Mt Gambier, then driving gives you great flexibility for a road trip.
      Either way – you will have a fantastic time!!
      Oh, and my wonderful Facebook friends gave me the heads up about the airport train – couldn’t have been easier!

  6. Stephanie /

    Jealous! You sounded like you had fun!!! How was Sheraton breakky ?? they have the best buffets! We are off to Sydney this Friday! To go to Lindt amongst other things!!

    • Natalie /

      The Brekky was YUM!!! (But they don’t serve Free Range Eggs??? What’s with that?).

      Enjoy your little break – the Lindt macarons are simply spectacular!

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