Sydney in a Spin
Deb Caruso discovers the city she never knew she loved.
Growing up in Brisbane before moving to the Sunshine Coast, Sydney was never quite on my radar as a holiday destination. It felt more like a business centre rather than a holiday destination.
So when IN Noosa Magazine was named as a finalist for Brand of the Year and IN Publishing was named as a finalist for Publishing Company of the Year for the 2025 Mumbrella Publish Awards, it offered the perfect reason to spend a few days with the family in Australia’s iconic harbour city.
With Sunshine Coast Airport offering direct flights, we arrived in Sydney in less time than it takes to tackle the Bruce Highway for a trip to Brisbane!
Being a fan of Novotel Sunshine Coast, we chose Novotel Sydney on Darling Harbour as our base and were rewarded with super-friendly staff, a spacious room for myself, hubby John and 16-year-old Max. We were welcomed with a cheese platter and bubbles on arrival and water views over the harbour that was indeed quite darling!
Novotel’s prime location made it easy to slip into the city’s rhythm and easy access to public transport and walking paths made it easy to explore.
A short walk to Pyrmont Bay ferry offered that classic Sydney commute – gliding under the Harbour Bridge, with the Opera House coming into perfect view, ferries zigzagging the harbour like clockwork. It was our family’s first “how had we never done this before?” moment.
Within easy strolling distance, Darling Quarter and Chinatown buzzed with life, and crossing Pyrmont Bridge opened up family-friendly attractions and waterside dining.
One of the best ways to navigate Sydney quickly but well was the Big Bus hop-on hop-off tour. Its maroon double-decker offered a breezy, insightful tour of Sydney’s landmarks, from the Opera House and Harbour Bridge to Circular Quay, The Rocks, the Royal Botanic Gardens, Darling Harbour and more!
With 15 stops, you can explore at your own pace, hopping off to linger where you like, grab some lunch, do some shopping and then rejoin the route.
The guided commentary was absolute gold with entertaining local history and quirky facts, making it both fun and informative and providing a new appreciation for how Sydney came to
be what it is today.
Sydney’s icons live up to their reputation. Circular Quay is a magnetic gathering spot, with the Opera House’s shells gleaming and the Harbour Bridge soaring overhead – it’s a sight that never gets old and deserves a few days to explore all that it offers. We immediately regretted only allowing three days to soak it all in!
The adjacent Rocks precinct invites you to wander cobblestone lanes, absorb heritage charm and stop for a leisurely lunch. Meandering into the Royal Botanic Garden reveals green tranquility with harbour views framing it all perfectly.
Waterfront walks from Darling Harbour through King Street Wharf and Barangaroo lead to the base of the bridge, revealing new angles and layers of the city’s personality – next time.
Our family loves a cultural experience from museums to art galleries and theatre performances. The Book of Mormon musical was on at the historical Capitol Theatre so we took full advantage to see this extravagantly shocking satire.
Before the show, we explored the energetic Haymarket precinct nearby where Paddy’s Hay Street Markets blend food stalls and vintage shopping – a hit with my teenage son Max as he hunted vintage fashions. We were spoilt for choice with where to grab a bite before heading to the show.
The next day, we took it down a notch and headed to Circular Quay. While John caught up with an old mate at The Ship Inn, Max and I explored the Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA) and were fortunate enough to be part of the unveiling of its latest installation on the museum’s outdoor lawn, a striking bronze sculpture by Thomas J Price.
Inside, exhibitions that challenged perception were on show, including the large-scale light sculptures of Cerith Wyn Evans. The rooftop restaurant and terrace offered stunning views, intriguing sculptures and a divine menu with the best views of the Opera House, Sydney Harbour Bridge and comings-and-goings of the Harbour – another one to add to the ‘next time’ list!
Sydney’s dining scene pulses with variety. Woodcut, at Crown Sydney, serves open-fire grilled fare with smokey depth and showmanship with two open kitchens providing entertainment and nourishment. The view, service, expertise and aromas were a cut above!
Thanks to the Big Bus, we were able to hop off whenever we felt hungry or tempted, including the must-do iconic ‘Tiger’ pie at Harry’s Café de Wheels, an institution that has proudly served customers for over 80 years, including the likes of Frank Sinatra, Sir Elton John and Prince Harry.
Casual bites contrasted beautifully with plans for more indulgent future visits, perhaps exploring coastal fine dining at Bondi’s Etheus or the sky-high Infinity at Sydney Tower.
Some of the best memories were simple moments: twilight walks around Darling Harbour, the fountain-lit laughter of families, ferry-watching and seagull-avoiding at Circular Quay; shopping and vintage discoveries with Max. We were tempted by the likes of Sea Life Sydney Aquarium and Madame Tussauds just steps away from Novotel, but wanted to keep moving with the City’s energy. Same with the Bondi to Coogee coastal walk, harbour kayaking, or even a seaplane flight – next time.
A memorable moment was had with thoughtful reflections at the Anzac Memorial which is both a work of art, sprawling park and a remarkable piece of architecture. With guided tours, exhibitions and the Hall of Memory, Hall of Silence and Hall of Service, it is also a must-do – next time.
And there will easily be a next time with the ease of travel from Sunshine Coast Airport turning Sydney into a perfect quick getaway rather than a distant city. No big-city driving stress, no long transfers – just a short flight and you’re in the heart of it all.
Leaving Sydney, we all reflected on our experiences and definitely shared a new warmth, interest and appreciation for this energetic city of steel, sails, street food and theatre lights.
It has carved its own place in our short-break lineup, filled with stories and surprises that beckon us back.
There’s so much more to discover: coastal walks, harbour cruises, kayaking adventures, museums and galleries, and vistas seen from a seaplane’s window.
For someone who once saw Sydney as ‘that big city down south’, it now feels like an exciting cousin- full of life, slightly showy, but utterly welcoming.
While we didn’t win the awards, our experience was totally rewarding and another one for the family memories.
MUST-SEE SYDNEY
Stay: Novotel Sydney on Darling Harbour for central, harbourside comfort and easy access to ferries, walking routes and family attractions.
Do: Grab a Big Bus hop-on hop-off pass to cover key landmarks such as the Opera House, Harbour Bridge, Circular Quay, Darling Harbour, The Rocks and the Royal Botanic Garden without transport stress.
Culture: Visit the Museum of Contemporary Art at Circular Quay; check out the temporary outdoor sculpture by Thomas J Price and current exhibitions. Catch a theatre show such as The Book of Mormon for a big night out.
Explore: Wander Darling Harbour and Circular Quay on foot; dive into Chinatown and Paddy’s Markets for food and vintage shopping; plan ahead for walks, cruises, kayaking or seaplane adventures.
Plan: Use Tourism NSW as a go-to reference for up-to-date information on shows, exhibitions, dining and new experiences to add to your own Sydney swirl.
Fly: Sunshine Coast Airport runs regular return trips to Sydney. With onsite short and long-term parking, it’s easy and accessible.
