N9 In Straya Series – BONDI BEACH & COOGEE BEACH – A Short Trip To Two of Sydney’s Suburban Beaches + BOUNCE SYDNEY HOSTEL Tribute

A trip to Sydney will never be complete without a visit to the famous suburban beaches. Sydney, or New South Wales in general, has a long list of beaches. The city is also home to one of the most famous beaches in the world – the Bondi Beach. My friends & I, together with our new found friend Hari, went to see this beach & Coogee Beach on our last afternoon in Sydney. We didn’t go swimming because the weather was a bit cold.

Bondi BeacH

Bondi Beach is Sydney’s most popular beach. The beach is located about 7 kilometers away from the Sydney central business district. Locals & foreign tourists go to this beach to relax & have a quick swim while surfers enjoy the big waves. People also go to the famous Bondi Icebergs tidal pool to have a good view of the beach. For those who don’t want to swim or surf, there are nice cafes, restaurants & pubs along Campbell Pde which you can visit.

In case you missed it, my friends & I went on a walkathon around Sydney. We walked around a number of heritage sites & modern city icons. Check out the individual posts here – part 1 & part 2.

The Kanzler… Aus Jus Burger with a glass of German beer for lunch 😋

[L-R] Hari, Shane, Leng & myself at The Bavarian having lunch 😎

My friends & I had our late lunch at The Bavarian Bondi Beach (menu here) as it is one of the only few ones open during that time. Some stores close during down time (after lunch) & open again for dinner. The area also has some shops where you can go shopping for food & goodies. Bondi Beach’s area is relatively commercialized that those of the other beaches. The beach has a common amenity & a changing area for those who enjoyed the beach.

How To Go To Bondi Beach

Bondi Beach is very accessible to the public. From Central Station, one must take the local train to Bondi Junction. This train ride takes about 13 minutes. From Bondi Station, one should go to the Bus stands & take either Bus 333, 379 or 380 from Bus Stand A or B. Get off in front of Bondi Beach. The bus ride should take about 10-15 minutes.

Coogee Beach

My friends & I also went to Coogee Beach that day. Coogee Beach, compared to Bondi Beach, is relatively more relaxed & more laid back. This small beach is located in the eastern suburb Coogee, about 8 kilometers away from the Sydney central business district. This broad beach appeals to both local & foreigner swimmers & surfers. The beach also has a natural rock pool area which was closed to the public during our visit.

Coogee Beach has beach side pubs, bars, cafes & restaurants that offer alfresco dining. The place has lesser establishments & shops compared to that of Bondi Beach. The establishments in this beach area are closer to the beach. This beach also has a shower & changing facility for those who went swimming & surfing.

Coogee Beach’ rock pools 😍

Applying for an Australian tourist visa? I did the same thing a few months ago & got a 1 year multiple entry visa. Check out these 6 steps on how you can get yours.

How To Go To Coogee Beach

View of Coogee Beach from the start/end of the coastal walk

There best way to go to Coogee Beach from Sydney CBD is by bus. There is no train line / link servicing this area. The buses to take from the city area M50, 370, 372 & 374. The bus ride from the city should take about 30 minutes. This beach is also accessible by taking bus 313 or 314 from Bondi Junction Bus Stands K or F. This ride will take around 15-25 minutes.

Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk

One of the most popular to-do at these beaches is the Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk. This 6 kilometer cliff top coastal walk features awesome views of beaches, parks, rock formations & rock pools. One way walk takes about 2 hours to complete. They say the track is relatively easy with a few stairs. Unfortunately, we didn’t have enough time to walk from Coogee Beach to Bondi Beach or vice versa. This is already in my to-do list when I fly to Sydney!

Did you know that I also spent a weekend with my families in Brisbane? Check out the places we visited in this post.

BOUNCE HOSTEL SYDNEY

I was about to write about my 2 night stay in one of Sydney’s highest-rated hostels – Bounce Hostel Sydney – for the Hostel Of The Day feature but I found out that it recently ceased operations. Apparently, the government bought the site early this year & they are planning to do something to enhance Sydney Central Station. Bounce Hostel Sydney’s building & the rest of the buildings along the street will be demolished early next year. It’s so sad to see nice hostel close. Thank you Bounce Hostel Sydney for the fun 2-night stay & for the memories. Let me share to you first some photos I took during my stay at Bounce.

So sad to know Bounce Sydney Hostel has closed 😭 

Beautiful Sydney skyline over Sydney Central Station from Bounce’s rooftop 😍


Back to the beaches.. That pretty much sums up our short trip to two of the many Sydney suburban beaches. I want to go back to these two to finally swim & also to try the coastal walk. Have you been to other suburban beaches in Sydney? Are there other beaches which are worth-visiting? Share your experiences & thoughts in the comments below.

Do you have any questions about Sydney or budget travel in general? Feel free to send them via email to to contact@thewkndtravel.com. Check out my social media channels – FacebookInstagram or Twitter. Like & share my Facebook page too!

Watch out for our Hunter Valley Wine Tasting Tour & Scenic Blue Mountains Trip in the next N9 In Straya Series posts. Thanks for your time & have a good day! ✌️

PS. Photos were taken using my HTC U11.

N9 In Straya Series: BRISBANE Weekend – Quality Family Time In QLD

After spending a few days exploring Sydney & the nearby regions, I flew to Brisbane in Queensland to spend a weekend with my relatives. I told my aunt (my dad’s sister) about my Sydney trip & she immediately invited me to spend a few days with them in Brisbane. I haven’t seen them for about 4 years now so it was a perfect time to catch up. I gave it a go without any hesitations. My friends decided to stay in Sydney during this part of the trip.

Plane Ticket

Domestic plane fares in Australia are expensive, especially when booked last minute. I booked my Sydney-Brisbane-Sydney tickets about a month before the trip. It cost me AUD 194.41 return or that’s ₱7,855.20 in local currency, about 2/3 of my Manila-Sydney-Manila ticket which cost me a little over ₱11,500 return.

Took Virgin Australia from Sydney to Brisbane

I flew with Virgin Australia to Brisbane. I took one of the early Saturday morning flights. The one way fare cost me AUD 120.55 or ₱4,878.50 in our currency – quite expensive because of the schedule. Virgin Australia is a full-service airline so the fare included 23 kilograms check-in baggage allowance, 7 kilograms carry-on baggage allowance, in-flight snack & wireless in-flight entertainment accessed through the airline mobile application. Seat was comfortable; legroom was just right. The flight arrived Brisbane on time.

Flew with Tiger Air Australia back to Sydney

I took Tiger Air Australia, one of Australia’s low cost carriers, back to Sydney. I paid AUD 73.86 one way – about ₱2,976.70. Airfares in Australia are really expensive. The fare only included 7 kilograms carry-on baggage allowance. In-flight meals & check-in baggage allowance were offered for a fee. I didn’t avail these add-ons because I was only travelling light. The flight went well & arrived back in Sydney ahead of schedule.

Welcome to Brisbane!!!~

Tip when flying around Australia – book your tickets early! Check out promotional fares offered by the airlines few months before the trip to score really affordable fares.

Planning to visit land down under soon? Find out how I got myself a 1 year multiple entry tourist visa to Australia here.

Accommodation & Transportation

My accommodation in & transportation around Brisbane were care of my aunt & her family. They picked me up from the airport & took me around the city. I also stayed in their house so I didn’t bother booking an accommodation for this leg of my Australia trip.

Just in case you’re wondering how the transportation system works in Brisbane, they also have Translink‘s top-up card called go card. This card can be used in local trains & buses around Queensland.

Around Brisbane

My relatives brought me to a few notable places in the city given I only had the weekend in the area. Check out the following places we visited in & around Brisbane.

Lone Park Koala Sanctuary

With my cousin – we played with some kangaroos!

We went to Lone Park Koala Sanctuary in Fig Tree Pocket, Queensland. It is the world’s oldest & largest koala sanctuary. It was only until my Brisbane visit when finally I saw koalas & kangaroos up close. The kangaroos here were tame unlike those I saw in Hunter Valley. I also got the chance to have a photo hugging a koala. The koalas are so cute!

Had the chance to carry & hug a koala. 🐨 Dream come true! 🐨

Click this link for information about park tickets & koala photo fees.

Mount Coot-tha Lookout

Brisbane CBD from Mount Coot-tha Lookout 👀

We headed to Mount Coot-tha Lookout, also known as Brisbane Lookout, & had lunch overlooking the Brisbane CBD. We ordered food from the famous Kuta Cafe. The viewpoint is a must-see when in Brisbane because it gives a beautiful panoramic view of Brisbane up to Moreton Bay. Mount Coot-tha also has walking & bicycle tracks for those who are up for some adventure under the sun.

South Bank Parklands

South Bank Parklands is a recreational, cultural & social precinct located on the southern bank of the Brisbane River. Located in South Brisbane, this hub is home to different cultural institutions, restaurants, food boths & lively weekend markets. This parkland also gives a panoramic view of the Brisbane central business district.

The Wheel of Brisbane

The Wheel of Brisbane is an iconic Ferris wheel structure found in South Brisbane, within the South Bank Parklands. A ride to this Ferris wheel gives an 360-degree view of Brisbane. The ride takes about 10-15 minutes & includes an audio system which discusses some vital information about the city & its historical landmarks.

For information on tickets, head over to The Wheel of Brisbane official website.

Brisbane River

Brisbane River & 1 William Street skyscraper

Brisbane River is one of Queensland’s longest river which crosses various suburbs & cities & ends up on Moreton Bay. The river played a big role in Brisbane’s history in terms of transportation & navigation.

Brisbane CBD

View of Brisbane CBD from The Wheel of Brisbane

Brisbane central business district, commonly known as Brisbane City, is the center & capital of Queensland. Major financial, commercial, retail & business centers are found in this city. My relatives drove me around the city right before we had dinner. We also walked around one area of the CBD. The city was surprisingly laid back & quiet that weekend. My aunt told me that everyone in Brisbane or Queensland in general is relatively laid back & chill compared to other main cities like Sydney & Melbourne.

A random quiet Brisbane CBD street

Hanwoori Korean BBQ Buffet

Unlimited Korean BBQ for dinner! 😋

We capped off the day by having dinner in Hanwoori Korean Restaurant in the city. The restaurant offers unlimited Korean BBQ & side dishes. It was a good & satisfying dinner. I never thought I’ll have Korean barbecue while in Australia. Thanks to my relatives for the treat!

Korean BBQ buffet dinner with my relatives! ❤️

In case you missed it, my friends & I went on a walkathon around Sydney. Check out the list of heritage sites & city icons we visited.

Gold Coast Side Trip

Surfers Paradise from SkyPoint Gold Coast 😍

The other side of Gold Coast

My relatives took me to Gold Coast on my second day in Brisbane. We drove a little over an hour to the world famous surfers paradise. We drove around the city before going up to SkyPoint, Gold Coast’s highest attraction. This observation deck is located on Level 77 of Q1 Resort & Spa. The view deck is 230 meters above sea level & offers a 360-degree view of Gold Coast’s beaches, parkland & beyond. Tickets cost AUD 25 for adults & AUD 15 for kids & pensioners. They also offer a family plan of AUD 65 for 2 adults & 2 kids. Check out the SkyPoint website for more details.

Seafood lunch buffet! Yum~ 😋

View while having lunch in Australian’s only revolving restaurant 😍

We didn’t go for a swim on the beach because of limited time in Gold Coast plus the waves were strong. We then headed to Crown Plaza Surfers Paradise to have lunch. My uncle reserved a seafood buffet lunch (2nd buffet in less than 24 hours) for us in Four Winds 360° Revolving Restaurant – Australia’s only revolving restaurant. The buffet restaurant offered varieties of fresh seafood (crabs, prawns, mussels & oysters) & an excellent selection of hot dishes & desserts. My favorites, aside from all the seafood choices, were the following: roast turkey supreme, crispy pork belly with hoisin sauce & apple puree, ricotta & spinach tortellini & chicken tangerine. The view from the revolving restaurant was spectacular & breathtaking. Head over to the restaurant’s official website for more information on the menu & rates.

Family lunch.. Thank you for taking me around Brisbane & Gold Coast! ❤️

We headed back to Brisbane after lunch for some grocery errands. We had a simple Filipino dinner at my aunt’s house for my last night in Brisbane. I missed sinigang! I also had a few bottles of beer with my uncle after dinner to cap off my stay in Brisbane.


After spending the whole weekend with my relatives in Brisbane, I went to our local office for a quick visit then headed to Brisbane Airport for my flight back to Sydney. This basically ends my trip to Brisbane, Queensland. It was a short but a memorable visit. I got to spend some quality time with my relatives whom I haven’t seen for years. I would like to thank my aunt, uncle & cousins for accommodating me & taking me around Brisbane. Until next time!

This beautiful sunset welcomed me back in Sydney! 😍

My time in Brisbane was limited; I’d love to go back & explore more. Have you been to Brisbane? Any recommendations on where to go in my next visit? Share those places in the comments below! If you want to remain anonymous to other readers, feel free to send me an email to contact@thewkndtravel.com. You can also connect me via the following social media channels – FacebookInstagram or Twitter. Make sure to like my Facebook page too.

One last ‘roo shot before ending this post! 👀

Watch out for the posts about the side trips we took from Sydney – to be posted soon! Thanks for reading my latest post & see you next time! ✌️

PS. Photos were taken using my HTC U11.

N9 In Straya Series: Exploring SYDNEY By Foot Part 2 – City Icons, Alleys & Harbours

Heya! Apologies for being relatively quiet the past month. My work & personal lives have been very busy. There are just so many things going on. Don’t worry, I am back & I will try to post as many articles as I can before I embark on another trip in November.

View of Sydney Opera House & Sydney Harbour Bridge from Circular Quay

Last month, I shared with you the list of heritage sites our Sydney walking tour went into. We’ve been to historical buildings such as the Sydney Town Hall, St Mary’s Cathedral, Customs House & a lot more. These buildings & places were big parts of Sydney’s history & heritage. I mentioned in my previous Exploring Sydney By Foot post that my friends & I took 2 walking tours with I’m Free Walking Tours. These free walking tours are conducted by the local guides to share Sydney’s history & heritage with the visitors. The tour runs by donation – no fixed fee required. Head over to their website for more information about the tours.

As mentioned in the title, this post will talk about Sydney’s city icons, alleys & harbours. From the heritage structures in the previous article, we will now jump to the modern & iconic places Sydney is more known for. Check out the featured places below!

Central Station

Central Station is an iconic place in Sydney, but isn’t really a modern one. This is the city’s main train station. All trains around Sydney & most of New South Wales either leave from, arrive to or stop by this iconic station. The station has a grand & beautiful concourse, especially at night. The structure may be old, but the train facilities are modern, clean & well-maintained.

Sydney Tower

Best photo of Sydney Tower in my files, view from Pitt Street Mall

Sydney Tower, officially known as the Sydney Tower Eye, is the city’s tallest structure. Built in 1981, this tower stands 309 meters above the Sydney Central Business District. It is located within the Pitt Street Mall premises. This tower also houses a buffet restaurant, a bar & dining area & an event space. The observation deck is located at the topmost level of the tower. For information about entry tickets & passes, head over to the tower’s official website.

Pitt Street Mall

Pitt Street Mall is Sydney’s biggest pedestrian shopping & retail center. A portion of Pitt Street has been closed to vehicles to accommodate this retail precinct. This block is home to hundreds & hundreds of specialty shops & flagship stores. According to our guide, it also has one of the highest retail leasing rates in Sydney & in the world. It is the perfect place to go shopping for branded products. Entry to the Sydney Tower can be found within the mall premises.

Angel Place

Angel Place is one of the more interesting alleys in Sydney. Empty bird cages are hung above Angel Place. As you stand underneath these bird cages, you can hear the sounds of birds that once lived in Sydney before the all the buildings & structures were built. The bird songs change during night time, giving way to the sounds of nocturnal birds.

One of the most beautiful alleys in Sydney – definitely my fave! 😍

This special artwork is called ‘Forgotten Songs‘ & was designed by Michael Thomas Hill. The best time to visit the alley is during the day. It can be a little busy at night because of the establishments around it.

Planning to apply for an Australian Tourist Visa soon? I got you covered! Check this post to know more about the application process.

Circular Quay

Circular Quay / Sydney Harbour from Sydney Opera House grounds

Circular Quay, also know as Sydney Harbour, is Sydney’s main harbour & ferry terminal. 2 city icons – Sydney Opera House & Sydney Harbour Bridge – can be seen from this harbour. This is also where most ferries arrive & depart. The best way to explore this area of the city is by foot. Make sure to go from one end to the other.

Sydney Opera House

Sydney Opera House is the city’s most iconic & distinctive structure. Sydney has been associated with this famous building since it was finished in 1973. The opera house is a multi-venue performing arts & function center. The structure occupies the whole of Bennelong Point in Sydney Harbour. This iconic building was listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site in 2007.

A visit to Sydney will never be complete without seeing & having a photo with the Sydney Opera House. If you have time, make sure to check out what’s on the Opera House to complete the experience. The Sydney Opera House also conducts daily tours. However, these tours sell out pretty quick. Book the tour early if you plan to check it out during your visit.

Sydney Harbour Bridge

Sunny day in Sydney Harbour – view from the Opera House 😍

Sydney Harbour Bridge is a steel arch bridge that divides the Sydney central business district & the predominantly residential area of North Shore (or north of Sydney). This city icon goes across Sydney Harbour & is the primary structure that carries vehicles, pedestrian & bicycle traffic between the 2 areas. If you want to cross the bridge by foot or by bicycle, make sure to look for the pedestrian-only way on the east side of the bridge or the cycle-only way on the west side of the bridge.

If you fancy crossing the bridge through the arch, check out the AUD 300 Sydney Harbour Bridge tours offered by various agencies & websites like Klook & Oz Experience.

Australia Square

Australia Square is a retail & commercial tower located at 264 George St, Sydney. Contrary to its name, this 50-storey tower is actually cylindrical in shape. The tower also has a 360-degree revolving bar & restaurant on Level 47. Check out O Bar & Dining for details. My friends & I were supposed to go to this bar & restaurant on our last night but plans changed.

Darling Harbour

Darling Harbour at night 😍

Darling Harbour is another harbour located near the city center. This primarily functions as a recreational & pedestrian hub. Various attractions such as the Sea Life Sydney Aquarium, Wild Life Sydney Zoo, Madame Tussauds & the Australian National Maritime Museum can be found here. The area also boasts a very scenic restaurant & bar area called Harbourside. The renowned exhibition center, International Convention Centre Sydney (ICC Sydney), can also be found here.

The best view to cap off our last night in Sydney 🍻

In my opinion, the best time to visit Darling Harbour is during dinner time. The reflection of the buildings in the water & the vibe of the area gives a very relaxing feeling.

Kensington Street

Kensington Street is a restaurant & retail precinct located in Chippendale, just a few meters from the Central Station. This street is home to various specialty shops, cafes & restaurants owned by famous chefs in Sydney. I had dinner with my Sydney colleagues in a contemporary restaurant called Eastside Kitchen & Bar. The food was super good, but a bit pricey. Service was top notch.

Inside Spice Alley – Asian food everywhere! 😋

If you’re looking for Asian cuisine, head over to Spice Alley. This alley features 6 hawker-style eateries under glowing lanterns. This place is perfect for those who miss eating rice (like me!) when in Australia. We met up with some friends & had dinner here for our last night in Sydney. We then had dessert in KOI Dessert Bar after dinner.

Lanterns everywhere in Spice Alley 🏮

Kensington Street & Spice Alley are must-visit places for Asians having holidays in Sydney. Food, pricing & ambiance were good.

Places Missed

Just like the other post, I also missed a few good places, namely Paddy’s Market (closed every Monday & Tuesday – ugh we planned to go there on those days), Barangaroo (a new inner city suburb being developed), Chinese Garden of Friendship (just before Darling Harbour – no idea why I missed this) & the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia. These places are not as major the heritage ones I missed, but I still look forward to going back to Sydney to explore ’em.

Central Station at night 😍


So far this post & the previous post sum up the sites & places we covered while walking around Sydney. I know we missed a few notable ones but I don’t mind going back for those. After exploring Sydney, my friends & I went on day trips to Hunter Valley & Scenic World Blue Mountains. Keep an eye on the posts about these day trips!

For the last time in this post – the Sydney Opera House! 🇦🇺

Have you been to Sydney? Are there places which are worth-visiting? Feel free to comment them below. Feeling shy? You can send it to me via email to contact@thewkndtravel.com. Feel free to connect with me via my social media channels such as FacebookInstagram or Twitter.. If you haven’t liked or followed my Facebook page, check this link. You know what to do!

Thanks for reading! 👍 I hope to post the next article soon. Watch out!

PS. Photos were taken using my HTC U11.

N9 In Straya Series: Exploring SYDNEY By Foot Part 1 – Heritage Sites Within The City

Last month, my university blockmates & I flew to Sydney, Australia. We spent a few days around Sydney & took day trips to Blue Mountains National Park & Hunter Valley Wine Region. I also flew to Brisbane to visit my relatives who were living there. While I was away, my friends visited Taronga Zoo & Manly area plus went on a day trip to Australia’s capital, Canberra.

Martin Place at night 😍

I will post a series of blogs about our Australia trip in the coming weeks, this blog being the first. This & the next post will be mainly about exploring Sydney by foot. We were in Australia towards the end of winter so the weather was just right. It was not too hot & not too cold; it was actually perfect for walking around the city.

I’m Free Walking Tours

One of Lonely Planet‘s recommended activities in Sydney is to join the I’m Free Walking Tour. This guided walking tour is conducted by knowledgeable & accommodating Sydney-siders who have the passion of sharing the history & culture of Sydney to the visitors. This tour doesn’t require a booking. Interested parties need to just show up in the meeting place at a certain time & look for the person wearing the green I’m Free shirt. The guides don’t ask for a fixed fee; they only ask for a donation at the end of each walking tour.

Our guide Adrian in front of the Queen Victoria Building

Sydney Free Walking Tours have 2 tours. The 1st walking tour is the Sydney Sights Tour. The guide will take you through Sydney’s history up to what it is now in the present. The walking tour will go around downtown Sydney passing by historical & iconic buildings & places. This tour happens everyday & starts 10:30 am & 2:30 pm from Town Hall Square. The meeting place is located along George St, between the Sydney Town Hall & St Andrew’s Cathedral.

The 2nd walking tour is The Rocks at 6 pm Tour. This walking tour focuses on the history & interesting facts about The Rocks District, Australia’s 1st European settlement. The guide will walk the guests through various pubs, lane ways & buildings & share the stories of past & present controversies of The Rocks. The hour happens everyday & starts at 6:00 pm in front of Cadman’s Cottage.

Our walking tour group with our guide in front of St. Andrew’s Cathedral

My friends & I took both tours on our first day in Sydney. We joined the afternoon sights tour followed by The Rocks evening tour. This walking tour is a must-do when visiting Sydney. The walking tours were fun & very informative. We knew a lot about Sydney – it’s history, controversies & interesting stories. Shout-out to Adrian & Justine for the amazing walking tours!

If you have questions about these walking tours, feel free to check their website for more information. They also have these walking tours in Melbourne so check them out. I guarantee you a fun walking tour around the city!

In case you missed it, I already shared how I applied for my Australian Tourist Visa. Check this post to know more about the application process.

Heritage Sites Visited

The 2 walking tours lasted for around 4 hours combined. We walked past a lot of heritage & modern places. Here are some of the heritage sites we visited.

Sydney Town Hall

The Sydney Town Hall is a historic civic building that houses the Sydney City Council chambers, offices, meeting & function halls. The town hall is located in the corner of George & Druitt Streets in Sydney.

St Andrew’s Cathedral

Located next to Sydney Town Hall is St Andrew’s Cathedral. If I remember it right, this is the oldest cathedral in Australia & is the seat of the Anglican Church of Australia This cathedral is located in the corner of George Street & Bathurst Street, Sydney.

Queen Victoria Building

The Queen Victoria Building, called by locals as QVB, is one of the iconic historical buildings in Sydney. This building was built in the late 1800s & was used as a marketplace. Since then, the building has undergone a number of restoration projects to preserve its Victorian heritage. Today, this building is a shopping center housing various specialty shops & restaurants.

Outside Queen Victoria Building

Make sure to look for the status of Queen Victoria & her favorite dog, Islay, right outside of the QVB. This beautiful building is bounded by George, Druitt, Market & York Streets.

Inside QVB

ANZAC War Memorial

Located a few blocks away from the QVB is the ANZAC War Memorial. This historic war monument was built in memory of the Australian & New Zealand Army Corps who fought during the World War 1. I was not able to take a photo of the war memorial because it was under renovation during our visit.

Hyde Park

The ANZAC War Memorial is located within a bigger parkland called Hyde Park. This park is located in the center of Sydney Central Business district & is the oldest park in Australia. Apart from the war memorial, make sure to look for the Archibald Fountain, the park’s centerpiece.

 Archibald Fountain – Hyde Park’s Centerpiece

St Mary’s Cathedral

Right across the Hyde Park is St Mary’s Cathedral Sydney. This cathedral church is the center of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Sydney & the seat of the Archbishop of Sydney. This minor basilica is dedicated to the Patroness of Australia – Immaculate Mother of God, Help of Christians. The cathedral has one of the most beautiful heritage exteriors & interiors in Sydney.

Inside St. Mary’s Cathedral

Hyde Park Barracks

At the back of St Mary’s Cathedral is Hyde Park Barracks. This heritage-listed brick building was designed by Francis Greenway & served as a place to house convicts in the early days. The barracks building now serves as a museum. Visitors pay $12 entrance fee to enter the facility.

There are other notable buildings located near Hyde Park Barracks. These include St James Church, Supreme Court of New South Wales, Sydney Mint & the Sydney Hospital.

Macquarie Street

Sydney Mint located along Macquarie St

Macquarie Street is one, if not the most popular streets in Sydney. This street is named after Lachlan Macquarie, one of New South Wales’ first governors. This long stretch has the majority of the historical buildings & places in Sydney such as Hyde Park, Hyde Park Barracks, Sydney Mint, Supreme Court of New South Wales, Parliament of New South Wales, Sydney Hospital, State Library of New South Wales & the Royal Botanic Gardens. You need more than a day to explore everything that is located in this area. We passed by a few buildings during our walking tour.

Martin Place

Known as the Sydney’s Center of Business & Finance, Martin Place is slowly becoming a pop culture icon in Australia. Major financial institutions, businesses & offices such as the Reserve Bank of Australia, Commonwealth Bank of Australia, Westpac, Sydney GPO & US Embassy are located in this area.

This area is also popular to movie fanatics because The Matrix (1999) & Superman Returns (2006) filmed some scenes in this area.

Customs House

Customs House is a heritage building that used to house the headquarters of Australia’s customs & border protection office. This is located at Circular Quay, a few meters away from the harbor. Currently, the building is used for several events & functions plus as one of the many libraries of the City of Sydney.

Don’t miss the Sydney city center model located in the ground floor of the building. This model can be viewed through a glass floor.

The Rocks

Random lane way in The Rocks

The Rocks is a small historical Sydney suburb located in the southern shore of the Sydney Harbour, right before the Sydney Harbour Bridge. This is one of Sydney’s first residential areas thus features very old but well-maintained houses. It also served as the government’s social housing settlement. The area now is characterized by restaurants, pubs & shops.

Inside one of the museums in The Rocks

This area had some of the most interesting controversies & stories about Sydney’s past. It will probably take me the whole day to share the story with all of you. If you are interested to know more about these controversies & stories, I recommend that you join I’m Free Walking Tours The Rocks Tour everyday at 6:00 pm. My friends & I joined this walking tour & oh boy, we knew a lot about the history of The Rocks.

Random street in The Rocks District

Cadman’s Cottage

Cadman’s Cottage is one of the oldest surviving residential buildings in The Rocks & in the whole of Sydney. The building housed various government agencies & offices from past until the 1970s. This building is now used as a tourist information center.

Heritage Sites Missed

Sad to say, I missed out a few notable heritage sites due to limited time in the city. These places include the University of Sydney, State Library of New South Wales, Royal Botanic Gardens, New South Wales Parliament House & Art Gallery of New South Wales. Pretty major ones, eh? I know! These places are the reasons why I’d love to fly back to Sydney in the future.


This list is just half of the places we visited when we took the walking tour plus when we walked on our own. I know you’re wondering where the other iconic Sydney sites are. Don’t worry, it’ll be featured in the next post. Stay tuned!

Have you been to Sydney? What were your favorite heritage sites? The city is so beautiful & full of character, right? Share your thoughts in the comments below. You can also send me an email to contact@thewkndtravel.com. Feel free to connect with me via my social media channels such as FacebookInstagram or Twitter.. If you haven’t liked or followed my Facebook page, check this link. You know what to do!

Druitt Street Sydney full of heritage buildings

In case you missed it, I already shared a detailed post about my first hostel in Sydney – The Pod Sydney. Head over to this post to know more about his contemporary minimalist hostel.

Thank you for reading. 🙂 Have a great day, mate! ✌️🇦🇺

PS. Photos were taken using my HTC U11.

Hostel Of The Day: THE POD SYDNEY – Minimalist & Contemporary Hostel In The Middle Of A Busy City

I recently got back from a week long trip to Australia. I explored Sydney with my college friends for 5 days & spent quality time with my cousins & relatives in Brisbane for 3 days. In my first 3 nights in Sydney, I stayed in a minimalist & a contemporary capsule hostel called The Pod Sydney. Let me share with you some information about this hostel plus I will give you some insights on how my stay went.

Location & Access

The Pod Sydney is located in Level 6, 396 Pitt St Sydney 2000. It is located in the middle of the busy city, in the corner of Goulburn & Pitt Streets. Access to this property is very easy. It is about 7-10 minutes walk from the Central Station. The other 2 nearby stations are Town Hall & Museum Stations, which are both few minutes walk from the hostel. Train fares from the domestic & international airports start from $16.90, depending on which station you board or get off.

The Pod Sydney is located on Level 6 of 396 Pitt St building in Sydney

Another way to go to the hostel is by an airport shuttle bus. It costs around $15 per person & can be availed in the airport arrival halls or online via Klook. You can also take an Uber or a taxi which will cost around $30-$40 per way.

The hostel is strategically located in the city & is very accessible to public transportation. There are also convenience stores & restaurants in the area. The nearest supermarket is a crossing away. I took the train from the airport to Central Station for $16.90 & walked to the property which is less than a kilometer from the train station.

Pricing & Room Options

The Pod Sydney offers both dormitory & private rooms. According to the property’s website, a night in a dormitory room costs $59 while a night stay in a private twin / double room costs $129. Dormitory rooms can be converted to private rooms for 4 or 6; these rooms cost $239-$349 per night. The rates look expensive, but these are the maximum rates. In fact, you can get the dormitory bed for as low as $35 per night. I booked my stay with Agoda & it cost me $105 for 3 nights, that’s $35 a night. Rates vary per website so watch out for those deals & discounts available in your preferred booking website.

My spacious dormitory bed in The Pod Sydney

Staying in these capsule-type dormitory rooms & private rooms includes the following: free Wi-Fi access throughout the property, electronic key card access, air conditioning, fresh linen, bath towel & toiletries, free locker (bring your own padlock), individual reading light & power plug. Guests also have access to some facilities which I will share in the next section.

The room / dormitory prices of The Pod Sydney may not be the cheapest in Sydney, but it is still in the cheap accommodation bracket. For such an affordable rate, guests have access to a clean & comfortable accommodation in an expensive city like Sydney.

Facilities

The Pod Sydney may only be located on one level of the building, but this small space didn’t hinder the management in giving its guests a range of amenities.

Communal Kitchen & Dining Area

Guests have access to a fully-equipped kitchen & a spacious dining area. Guests can store some food in the refrigerator & can also cook their own food. They can also use the dining area to eat food & also to meet fellow travelers. Guests also have access to free tea & coffee. This area has a vending machine which has snacks & drinks.

Television Area

The Pod Sydney has a television area where guests can watch shows & hang out with other guests. It is a good place to meet with other guests & travelers. This area also has a nice view of the city.

Luggage Store Room

Guests can store their luggage for free on the days of check-in & checkout only. The hostel does not accept overnight luggage storage.

Lobby Lounge

The hostel has a lobby lounge which guests can use while waiting for check in or check out. This area has a wide range of tour brochures which guests can get.

Communal Toilet & Shower Areas

All guests have access to communal toilet & shower areas. The male & female amenity area is located between the reception area & the kitchen & dining area. The hostel also has a dedicated disabled toilet & shower for guests who require disable mobility.

Limited Reception Time

Reception is open from 9:00 am to 11:00 pm daily. Check-in is from 2:00 pm to 11:00 pm while checkout is until 11:00 am. The hostel receptionists & staff are very nice & helpful. You can also ask reception for airport shuttle & printing services. Charges may apply.

The Pod Sydney’s reception area

Laundry Facilities

The Pod Sydney has a coin-operated washing machine & dryer which the guests can use. Just ask the reception where the machine is & how to use it.


The Pod Sydney is perfect for those who are looking for a minimalist, modern & cheap accommodation in Sydney. It offers both private & shared rooms for affordable rates. The Pod Sydney may not be as social as the other hostels in the city, but its facilities make up for it. I was not able to fully enjoy the facilities & amenities of the hostel ,but I am happy that I had a comfortable & peaceful stay in The Pod Sydney. I’ll definitely check this out again when I fly back to Sydney in the future.

Feel free to contact The Pod Sydney in the contact details below:

The Pod Sydney
Address: Level 6, 396 Pitt St, Sydney NSW 2000
Phone Numbers: +61 2 8959 1293 / +61 411 476 966
Email Address: thepodsydney@gmail.com / service@thepodsydney.com.au
Website: www.thepodsydney.com.au
Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/thepodsydney

Have you been to The Pod Sydney? How was your stay? Are you flying to Sydney soon & looking for a place to stay? Make sure to check out this hostel / capsule hotel. It’s worth every penny. Do you have any questions about my stay? Feel free to post a question in the comments below. You can also contact me via email to contact@thewkndtravel.com or contact me via FacebookInstagram or Twitter.

Watch out for my feature about Bounce Hostel Sydney & my upcoming blogs about Sydney & Brisbane. Thank you for reading! ✌