Exploring Sydney: A 16-Day Aussie Adventure with Friends

Sydney's Embrace: Culture, Pride, and Culinary Heights

Today in Sydney was a vibrant tapestry woven with threads of history, art, and culinary exploration. It was a day that reminded me why I love to travel: to immerse myself in different cultures and experiences, and to share those moments with good friends. From the poignant history of the Mardi Gras to the inspiring art and exquisite dining, Sydney offered a day full of unforgettable memories.

The day began with a hearty breakfast at The Gidley. As a software developer, I appreciate the finer things in life, and this place certainly delivered. The Gidley is gorgeous, there's no getting around the fact. Modelled after the darkly brooding soul of a vintage New York steakhouse, and softened with floral upholstery and velvet drapes, The Gidley feels as luxe as its menu. What you end up having to do is press the doorbell at the unmarked door, and a moment later, the lock clicks, and then you're on your way down into this subterranean haven of beef. I opted for their signature dish, the spinalis, which was absolutely divine. The creamy and indulgent mac and cheese was perfect – with the combination of gruyere, cheddar, and parmesan along with the use of truffle oil gave it a distinctly luxurious feel. The green beans were also a standout, with the combination of smoked chilli and lime that really makes them stand out. The zestiness was a great contrast to the rest of the meal, and kept us going for far longer than we should have. Fuelled up for the day, we set off to explore.


Discover culinary excellence at The Gidley in Sydney - where classic steakhouse meets modern lounge elegance.

Our first stop was the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras exhibition. It was incredibly moving to learn about the history of this iconic event and the struggles faced by the LGBTQIA+ community over the years. It's inspiring to see how far the community has come and how much the Mardi Gras has grown into a celebration of love, diversity, and acceptance. The Sydney Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras is one of Australia's biggest tourist drawcards, with the parade and dance party attracting many international and domestic tourists. It is New South Wales' second-largest annual event in terms of economic impact, generating an annual income of about A$30 million for the state.


Experience the vibrant celebration of love and diversity at the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras in World Square, New South Wales.

“The 2025 Festival theme Free to be is a celebration of the strides toward true LGBTQIA+ equality while also acting as a global reminder that our fight is far from over, and that we are not truly free until we are all free to be.”

After the Mardi Gras exhibition, we headed to the Museum of Sydney. The museum is built over and around the remains of Sydney's First Government House, the Museum of Sydney is a special place. Join us on Gadigal Country for a changing program of exhibitions, events and conversations that explore the character, cultures and soul of this city, and celebrate the diversity, strength and resilience of its First Nations custodians. The exhibits were fascinating, offering a glimpse into the city's colonial past and the lives of its early inhabitants. Seeing Sydney, Knowing Country exhibition explores Sydney's colonial and First Nations perspectives through art. I was particularly moved by the displays dedicated to the Gadigal people, the traditional owners of the land, and their enduring connection to this place. The museum presented a diverse program of exhibitions and events.


Explore the Museum of Sydney for a captivating journey through the city's history, from Indigenous heritage to modern tales, all in one stunning location.

Next on our list was the Art Gallery of New South Wales. Luckily, we visited on a Wednesday, which meant we could take advantage of the Art After Hours program and a 2-for-1 ticket offer for the Cao Fei: My City is Yours exhibition. Cao Fei brings the energy of the contemporary metropolis into the Art Gallery of New South Wales with a retrospective that includes two new commissions. The Ken Done Gallery is pleased to share a number of Ken Done's new works in our current exhibition. These showcase the artist's unique use of colour, investigation of form and reflect his unfailing optimism for life. We are very excited to announce that The Art Gallery of NSW has recently acquired one of Done's early paintings as part of its contemporary Australian art collection. It was a wonderful opportunity to immerse ourselves in the world of art and creativity.


Explore the Art Gallery of New South Wales, a cultural treasure in Sydney featuring a rich collection of Australian and international art.

After a stimulating afternoon of art appreciation, it was time for a late lunch at Fred's. Fred's is one of the most likeable restaurants to have opened in Sydney in years. It's had a considerable amount of time and money lavished on it, and has the power of a large restaurant group behind it, yet it's steered with the nimble finesse of something more intimate. It has personality. The open kitchen concept to its apex, removing the walls entirely so that the dining room and kitchen are one and the same. Fred's is unique among Sydney fine diners. I opted for the wood-roasted marron basted in lemon and parsley, which was cooked to perfection. It was a culinary experience that I won't soon forget. The corn pancake was an exercise in layered luxury, with a generous scoop of Italian caviar crowning crème fraîche, on top of soft folds of translucent kingfish, all carried on the broad back of a golden, buttery pancake with perfectly crisp edges and a meltingly soft centre. The atmosphere was relaxed and inviting, and I felt right at home.


Discover Fred's in Paddington - where exquisite Australian cuisine meets an elegant dining experience.

As the sun began to set, we made our way to Kittyhawk for a pre-dinner drink. Kittyhawk is a seductive bar and restaurant on Phillip Lane hiding in plain sight from the blur of corporate warriors and traffic that are customary for a location where the city and Circular Quay intersect. Taking its name from a US fighter jet, Kittyhawk takes you back to the historic French liberation, when US and French troops celebrated liberté, egalité and fraternité on the streets of Paris. The bar's vintage wartime posters and handcrafted American oak bar created a unique and inviting ambiance. I enjoyed a perfectly mixed martini while soaking in the atmosphere and reflecting on the day's adventures. The Kittyhawk drinks menu is presented as a pilot's flight operating manual and, like the real thing, it is a lengthy document: 32 pages of triumphant cocktails, a versatile and varied wine list, and spirits ranging from Australian whiskey to amaro.


Experience the fusion of French cuisine and vibrant cocktails at Kittyhawk, Sydney's chic bar and restaurant with live music and elegant ambiance.

For our final culinary experience of the day, we ascended to Infinity at Sydney Tower for dinner. The revolving restaurant offered breathtaking 360-degree views of the city skyline, creating a magical backdrop for our meal. Infinity at Sydney Tower embodies quintessential Australian dining. The restaurant has a great location in Sydney's CBD, as well as a unique and stylish interior. The view is great and it was a great experience. The food is good. Infinity embodies quintessential Australian dining. I opted for the seven-course degustation menu with matching wines. While the five-course option – with steamed hapuka and miso-laced raw swordfish – is enough to fill you up and give you at least a couple of revolutions with stellar views of Sydney after dark, if you wish to make a night of it, opt for the seven course dégustation with matching wines. Just don't forget to take your appetite. Each dish was a work of art, and the sommelier's wine pairings elevated the experience to new heights. The service was impeccable, and I felt like royalty as I savored each course and marveled at the ever-changing cityscape.


Discover a fine dining experience like no other at Infinity at Sydney Tower—where modern Australian cuisine meets stunning panoramic views.

As I sit here reflecting on the day, I can't help but feel grateful for the opportunity to experience Sydney's vibrant culture with my friends. It was a day of laughter, learning, and culinary indulgence, a perfect blend of everything that makes travel so rewarding. Tomorrow, we're planning to visit the Sydney Zoo, the Justice and Police Museum, and Cockatoo Island. I'm excited to continue exploring this amazing city and sharing my experiences with you all.

This trip has been particularly special as it's given me a chance to reconnect with my love for history and culture. Working as a software developer in Montreal, I often find myself immersed in the digital world. While I enjoy my work, it's important for me to step away from the screen and engage with the tangible world, to explore different cultures, and to learn about the stories that have shaped our world.

I'm also reminded of how important it is to travel with good company. Sharing these experiences with my friends has made them even more meaningful. We've laughed together, learned together, and created memories that will last a lifetime. It's a reminder that travel is not just about seeing new places, but also about connecting with people and building lasting relationships.

As I prepare for another day of exploration in Sydney, I'm filled with a sense of excitement and anticipation. This city has so much to offer, and I'm eager to uncover its hidden gems and share them with you all. Stay tuned for more updates on our Aussie adventure!

The universal power adapter and umbrella remain on my list of forgotten essentials, a small reminder that even the best-laid plans can have their hiccups. But as any seasoned traveler knows, it's often the unexpected detours that lead to the most memorable experiences.

I'm excited about what tomorrow holds, especially a visit to the Sydney Zoo. I've heard great things about their conservation efforts, and I'm eager to see some of Australia's unique wildlife up close. Until then, goodnight from Sydney!