Family Adventure in Sydney

A Day of Discovery in Sydney

Today was a whirlwind of exploration, a deep dive into Sydney’s history, a brush with its underwater wonders, and a literal ascent to its highest point. It’s days like these that remind me why I love to travel – the sheer variety of experiences packed into a single day, the stories uncovered, and the memories made.

Our day began with a hearty breakfast at Cafe Sydney. Priya and Devon were particularly excited, as the cafe boasts incredible views of the harbour. The seasonal breakfast menu offered a delightful array of options. Priya opted for a classic avocado on toast, while Devon, predictably, chose the bacon and egg roll. I went for the Vogue Cafe's Big Brekkie. Fuelled up and ready to go, we set off to explore The Rocks.


Experience modern Australian cuisine at Cafe Sydney with stunning views over the Harbour and exceptional service in a vibrant atmosphere.

Our first stop was The Rocks Discovery Museum. Tucked away in a laneway, the museum is housed in a beautifully restored 1850s sandstone warehouse. It’s amazing that admission to The Rocks Discovery Museum is free. The Rocks Discovery Museum really brought the area's history to life. The Rocks Discovery Museum is divided into four displays: Warrane (pre-1788), Colony (1788–1820), Port (1820–1900) and Transformations (1900 to the present). It was fascinating to learn about the area's transformation from its indigenous roots to a bustling port and its current status as a heritage precinct. Devon, surprisingly, was captivated by the stories of early colonial characters and the artifacts on display. I found myself particularly moved by the sensitive attention given to the Gadigal people, the original inhabitants of The Rocks.


Discover Sydney's captivating history at The Rocks Discovery Museum, where every exhibit tells a story of the city's vibrant past.

History is not the past but a map of the past, drawn from a particular point of view, to be useful to the modern traveller.

After immersing ourselves in history, it was time for a change of pace. I had booked a scuba diving experience with Sydney Dive Safari. Now, I’m not usually one for extreme sports, but I thought it would be a fun way to step outside my comfort zone. Priya, ever the supportive wife, encouraged me, while Devon was practically bouncing with excitement at the prospect of seeing marine life up close. Sydney Dive Safari helps landlubbers experience Neptune's submarine kingdom. We got a brief overview of the equipment, how to breathe, and appropriate signals. The Groupon customer reviews say that there is great customer service. I was a little nervous at first, but the instructors were fantastic, putting me at ease and guiding me through the basics. Once we were in the water, all my apprehension vanished. It was an incredible experience to see the underwater world, with colorful fish and coral reefs. Devon was especially thrilled, pointing out every little creature he spotted. It was a truly unforgettable experience.


Dive into adventure at Sydney Dive Safari - your gateway to exploring Australia's vibrant underwater world with expert guides.

After our underwater adventure, we grabbed a quick lunch at Mercado. The restaurant is located in Ash Street. This Spanish restaurant, with its focus on traditional cooking methods and sustainable food, was a welcome change after our active morning. We shared a selection of tapas, savoring the flavors of the Mediterranean. The dry, dusty spice of smoked paprika came through rich and resonant in the fresh chorizo. Devon particularly enjoyed the wagyu tongue brioche, while Priya raved about the roasted octopus salad. It was a perfect spot to recharge before our final adventure of the day.


Discover Mercado: A Culinary Gem in Sydney Offering Exquisite Spanish Dishes and an Inviting Atmosphere for Unforgettable Dining Experiences.

Our last stop was the Sydney Tower Eye. Standing tall at 309 meters, it’s the city's tallest building. I had booked tickets in advance, so we skipped the ticket desk queues with express mobile ticket entry. The elevator ride to the top was swift, and as we stepped out onto the observation deck, we were greeted with breathtaking 360-degree panoramic views of Sydney. The iconic Sydney skyline, landmarks like the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Opera House, and the distant Blue Mountains stretched out before us. Devon was fascinated by the interactive displays, learning about the city's landmarks and history. I, on the other hand, was content to simply soak in the view, feeling a sense of awe and wonder at the beauty of this city. We even considered doing the SKYWALK, a 60-minute open-air adventure that takes you to the highest outdoor viewpoint in Sydney, but Devon was too young to participate and Priya wasn't too keen on the idea. Maybe next time!


Discover breathtaking views and immerse yourself in Sydney's skyline at the Sydney Tower Eye, the city's premier observation deck.

Before heading back to the hotel, we squeezed in some time for shopping at The Galeries. The Galeries offers a curated selection of footwear, accessories, homewares and body from renowned Australian and international designers. Priya was on the lookout for a new handbag, while Devon was eager to check out the latest video games. I ended up picking up a new camera lens, inspired by the stunning views we had seen from the Sydney Tower Eye. We then returned to The York by Swiss-Belhotel, exhausted but exhilarated, ready for a good night's sleep.


Explore The Galeries in Sydney: A luxurious shopping mall featuring high-end retailers, exquisite dining, and stunning architecture for a premier shopping experience.

For dinner, we had reservations at Long Chim Sydney. Unfortunately, Long Chim Sydney is now permanently closed. So we tried to find an alternative Thai restaurant. After searching online, we found a highly recommended Thai restaurant in the city center. We hopped in a taxi and headed over for dinner. The restaurant was buzzing with activity. We started with the spicy cashews with tamarind fish sauce and chilli scallion. The food was delicious, and the atmosphere was lively and fun.


Experience authentic Thai cuisine at Long Chim Sydney, where vibrant flavors meet modern dining in an unforgettable atmosphere.

Tomorrow, we are planning to visit Watsons Bay, Watsons Bay Baths, and Macquarie Lighthouse. It promises to be another day filled with exploration and adventure. I’m also looking forward to visiting The Rocks Market tomorrow. Until then, goodnight from Sydney!