Exploring Sydney: A 16-Day Aussie Adventure with Friends

Sydney's Wild Embrace & Culinary Escapades

Today was a delightful whirlwind of native Australian animals, stunning mountain vistas, and exquisite French cuisine. It's amazing how a single day can encapsulate so many different facets of this incredible country. From furry koalas to the echoes of jazz in a dimly lit restaurant, Sydney continues to surprise and enchant.

The day began with an early start, as we made our way to Featherdale Sydney Wildlife Park. I was particularly excited, as I had heard so much about their conservation efforts and the chance to get up close with some iconic Aussie animals. It felt like stepping into a living postcard, with kangaroos lounging in the sun and wallabies peeking out from behind the bushes. It was a photographer's dream, and I snapped away, trying to capture every moment. Elodie would have loved this, she always had a soft spot for animals, and I know she would have enjoyed the opportunity to interact with them.


Explore Featherdale Sydney Wildlife Park, where you can interact with Australia's unique wildlife in a beautiful, conservation-focused environment.
The highlight was definitely the Koala Kindy Encounter. Being able to help the keepers feed the koalas their daily eucalyptus leaves was an incredible experience. They were so gentle and seemed to enjoy the attention. I even managed to snap a selfie with one, a memory I'll treasure forever. I am already planning to get a similar experience for Élodie when we return to Montreal, maybe a visit to the Ecomuseum Zoo.

The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only one page.

Next on the agenda was a tour of the Blue Mountains. The drive itself was scenic, winding through charming towns and offering glimpses of the vast Australian landscape. Once we arrived, the views were simply breathtaking. The sheer scale of the mountains, combined with the eucalyptus haze that gives them their distinctive blue hue, was awe-inspiring.


Experience the breathtaking beauty of the Blue Mountains with unforgettable tours showcasing nature, culture, and adventure in Australia.
We spent a good portion of the afternoon exploring various lookout points, each offering a unique perspective of the Jamison Valley. The Three Sisters rock formation was particularly impressive, steeped in Aboriginal legend and rising majestically from the landscape. We took a guided walk along some of the trails, immersing ourselves in the native flora and fauna. The air was crisp and clean, filled with the scent of eucalyptus, a welcome change from the city bustle.

Before heading back to Sydney, we made a stop at Warriewood Wetlands. I had read about the diverse birdlife in the area, and as a keen photographer, I was eager to see what I could capture. The wetlands were a haven of tranquility, a world away from the bustling city. We followed the boardwalk, listening to the calls of various birds and keeping an eye out for any signs of wildlife.


Explore the stunning Warriewood Wetlands, a nature preserve in Sydney, showcasing vibrant wildlife and serene walking trails in a breathtaking setting.
I spotted several species of honeyeaters, their vibrant colors flitting through the trees, and a couple of swamphens wading in the shallows. Although I didn't see any of the more elusive species like the Regent Honeyeater or the Powerful Owl, the experience was still incredibly rewarding. The peace and quiet of the wetlands were a welcome respite after a busy day.

As evening approached, it was time to indulge in some French cuisine. For breakfast, we started our day at Balcon by Tapavino, a Spanish restaurant in the CBD. It was a delightful experience, offering a taste of Spain in the heart of Sydney. The restaurant had a cozy and inviting atmosphere, with a wide selection of Spanish wines on display. I particularly enjoyed the stuffed coca flat bread with chorizo, egg, and greens, a tasty and satisfying way to kick off the day. The service was impeccable, and I appreciated the staff's recommendations, which did not disappoint.


Experience authentic Spanish cuisine with exquisite tapas and wines at Balcon by Tapavino in Sydney's vibrant dining scene.
For lunch, we headed to Bistro Papillon, a charming brasserie known for its fusion of French and New American cuisine. I opted for the Papillon Salad with Chicken, a delightful mix of mixed greens, dried cranberries, blue cheese crumbles, candied walnuts, and truffle vinaigrette. It was a perfect balance of flavors and textures, and the portion size was just right for a midday meal. I appreciated the festive decor and attentive service, which added to the overall dining experience.


Discover exquisite French cuisine at Bistro Papillon in Sydney - where every dish is a delightful journey through France's culinary heritage.
To cap off the day, we had dinner at Restaurant Hubert, an elegant French restaurant hidden below ground in the Sydney CBD. From the moment we stepped inside, we were transported to post-war Paris. The dining room was dimly lit, with low ceilings, red leather booths, and vintage prints on the walls. The atmosphere was intimate and romantic, reminiscent of a classic French bistro. The restaurant is famous for its French cuisine, live jazz, and is known to be one of the most romantic restaurants in Sydney. The combination of classic French dishes, soft live jazz music and endless bottles of wine on display give Hubert a charm and ambience you would be hard pressed to find in Sydney.


Indulge in modern French elegance at Restaurant Hubert - where culinary artistry meets unforgettable ambiance in the heart of Sydney.
I ordered the escargots in XO oil, which were cooked to perfection and bursting with flavor. For the main course, I opted for the beef tartare, a classic French dish that was executed flawlessly. The wine list was extensive, and the sommelier helped me choose a perfect pairing for my meal. I definitely understand that you can eat whatever you want but I do think it is good to explore and try something new. I guess that's why I was so decisive on what I wanted to order. I knew Elodie wouldn't even touch the snails or tartare despite how much I insisted to give it a go. I guess there was more for me so I can't complain. Restaurant Hubert definitely lived up to my expectations and I can't wait to go again.

After dinner, we decided to check out Cantina OK!, a tiny mezcal bar tucked away in a service laneway. The bar was incredibly small, with standing room only for about 20 people. It felt like stepping into a secret world, a hidden gem known only to a select few. The bartenders were passionate about their craft, eager to share their knowledge of mezcal and tequila. I tried a margarita, which was expertly crafted with a perfect balance of sweet and sour. It was a great way to end the evening, sipping on a delicious cocktail in a unique and intimate setting. The bar's creative lead, Harrison Kenney, really knows how to make the place fun, human, and hospitable, stuffing all of that into a room the size of one car space.


Experience the vibrant nightlife at Cantina OK! in Sydney, where expertly crafted cocktails and a lively atmosphere await.
Tomorrow, we're planning a day of diving and beach hopping, with a visit to Sydney Dive Safari, Shelly Beach, and Manly Beach. I'm looking forward to exploring Sydney's underwater world and soaking up some sun on its beautiful beaches. We'll also be trying out some new restaurants, including 10 William St for breakfast, Carte for lunch, and NEL restaurant for dinner. And of course, no trip to Sydney would be complete without a bit of shopping, so we'll be making a stop at Westfield Sydney.

Sydney continues to amaze me with its diversity and charm. Each day brings new adventures and experiences, leaving me with a deeper appreciation for this incredible city. It's a place where you can connect with nature, indulge in culinary delights, and immerse yourself in a vibrant culture. I can't wait to see what tomorrow brings!

As I reflect on the day, I'm reminded of a quote by Marcel Proust:

The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes, but in having new eyes.

Sydney is indeed a place that opens your eyes to new possibilities, new perspectives, and new ways of seeing the world. And I'm grateful for every moment of this journey.

The thought of sharing these experiences with Élodie when I return home fills me with anticipation. Perhaps we'll even recreate some of these culinary adventures in our own kitchen, bringing a taste of Sydney to Montreal.

Until tomorrow, à bientôt!