Singapore to Sydney and back on Scoot, no stopovers either direction. We fly out together on the same booking and land into Sydney around midday on the Monday.
Most of the eleven nights are on the eastern beaches in Randwick, minutes from Coogee and our friend's campus. For the Blue Mountains we move up to a cosy home in Katoomba, right by the walking tracks. Both are booked through Airbnb.
Our home for most of the trip, on the eastern beaches. A short walk to Coogee, ten minutes from our friend's university, and an easy run into the city.
A night up in the mountains for the big hike, in the heart of Katoomba and close to the Three Sisters and the cliff-top walking tracks.
The rest of the time is relaxed and flexible. These five are the anchors of the eleven days.
01
A full day out west: the Three Sisters lookout and the cliff-top walking tracks, with eucalyptus valleys stretching to the horizon. Our friend, who has done it, says the walks are the highlight.
02
Koalas and giraffes with the city skyline behind them. Part of the appeal is the ferry across the harbour from Circular Quay, so we plan to make the boat ride part of the day.
03
One relaxed evening out with our friend who lives here showing us around: dinner in Newtown, the harbour lights at Circular Quay, and a look at the Opera House after dark. We are with a local the whole time.
04
The aquarium at Darling Harbour for a cooler day, then a walk along the waterfront: The Rocks market, the QVB, and Circular Quay. Easy, on foot, and plenty to photograph.
05
The Coogee to Bondi cliff walk, roughly 6km of headlands, rock pools and sea air. Too cool to swim in winter, which makes it perfect for walking. Coffee at one end, the Bondi markets at the other.
Our friend Mihika studies in Sydney and offered to show us around. Here is what she suggested, from the everyday spots to the places worth the trip.
too cool to swim in winter, but the Coogee to Bondi walk is beautiful
the lookout points have the best views of the whole city
worth the early start, promise