THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO SYDNEY

Oh Hey Doll....

Sydney.... What a place!!
So many memories made, friends made. The last 2 years building a life there.

If you're planning to move there, I've added absolutely everything that

you'd want to know whilst being there. 

YES. YOU ARE WELCOME!!! 

HANDY THINGS TO KNOW!!!

As soon as you land you want to sort out the below!!

TFN (Tax File Number) 

You'll need this for work purposes, It's super easy to sort out. You'll need to be 

in Australia to apply (click the link below to apply)

TFN Application 

Healthcare (Medicare)

If you're from the UK or Ireland you'll receive free healthcare whilst in Australia.

From the UK - You would need to visit your closest Centre Link Centre they are 

dotted around everywhere in Australia. You just need a photo ID and proof of your 

visa.

From Ireland - You don't need Medicare, your passport will be enough when you visit

doctors or hospital.

Bank Account

Super easy to set up, just pop into one of the banks. The banks below are accessible for backpackers.

COMMONWEALTH- This is the one I used and couldn't fault it, so easy to use and 

able to send money home with a small fee.

ANZ

NAB 

WESTPAC

Travelling around Sydney

You can use a debit card to travel around Sydney, but if you're travelling to work you're better off getting an Opal Card

Driving in Sydney

I didn't need to buy a car whilst I was in Sydney, I used Go Get. Just sign up with 

your driving license, get your card, just tap and go. Go Get cars are all around Sydney. You tap the windscreen, pay for the number of hours you use it and pop it back where you found it. 

I used this for all my little small trips around the city

WARNING - You get used to using the car because it is so easy! It's also super 

cheap and Go Get pay for the petrol. You can't go wrong 

Driving License

You'll be ok to drive in Sydney using your current driving license whilst you're on 

you're on a Working Holiday Visa.

BEAUTY!!!!

Lashes 

I and my friends all went to Her Lashes (Sydney) she is so fab, 

the lashes are stunning and they last 6 weeks and only $120 for a new fresh set.

Nails

The cheapest and best nail shop in Bondi Junction, Focus Nails you'll pay 

around $60 for WAIT FOR IT

- Gel take off, manicure, and paint

PLUS
- Gel take off, pedicure and paint

Absolute bargain  

Hair

Finding a new hairdresser is probably the hardest thing to adjust to. 

I am very grateful to have a girl I knew from home doing hair from home. 

The only person I let do my hair for the entire 2 years. 

Just pop Faye over a message she is based in Bondi 

Laser

This absolutely changed the game for me. There is a different laser clinic 

on every corner. I used Laser Clinics Australia. They are everywhere in 

Australia, so you never need to miss a session even when you're travelling.

Brows

There's only one place for brows and that's Sophie Luz. 

An Irish girl based in Bondi Junction. 

Facials 

I am yet to find a facial in the UK that compares to Oracle Skin. 

Not only do you get the best facial, and skincare advise, but you also get a neck, shoulder,

and arm massage. The ULTIMATE relaxation.

WHERE TO LIVE!!!!

Beach Vibes

If you're looking for beach vibes, The below locations are still super close to the city.

30 mins MAX.

Living at the beach means going to watch a sunrise in the morning, as on your doorstep A MUST DO

- North Bondi 
- Bondi Beach 
- Bronte
- Coogee
- Randwick
- Maroubra 

City Vibes

If you're more of a city person. The locations below are also easy to get to the beach.

Advantage if you work in the city, very quick journey to work.

- Surry Hills 
- Darlinghurst
- Paddington
- Glebe
- Waterloo
- Woolloomooloo
- Redfern
- Kings Cross

I've lived in both the city and at the beach, in terms of where you go, is the experience you

want to have.

My preference would be the BEACH VIBES. I am a sucker for a sunrise/sunset.

Finding a place to live

My advice is to book into a hostel or Airbnb for the first couple of weeks 

to find your feet.

Whether you're with friends or solo house sharing is a great way to meet people, 

and live in a nice place for a lower cost.

Irish Around Sydney - This is a great resource to find rooms to rent and 

apartments to rent. (this is used by individuals renting out a room)

Domain - Also a great place to go to find places that are currently on the market to rent. 

(This is used by estate agents) 

DRINKS AND FOOD!!

Food

Fratelli Fresh - My favourite brunch. Unlimited Aperol Spritz and Espresso Martinis
plus... Pizza Pasta and Ice cream (UNREAL).

The Winery - Boozy brunch, really pretty restaurant igloo pods in May/June.

Untied Rooftop - All Vegan brunch and a jazz brunch. They have slush cocktails on

tap, an all you can eat pick a mix and a doughnut wall.

Basket Brother - Best Breakfast!! This was my local. The best hash browns in Sydney and personalised photos on your coffee.

The Grounds of Alexandria - Food is amazing!! They have a new theme every few 

months - the current theme is Beauty and the beast check out their Instagram for photos.

Spice Alley - So pretty! Alley full of amazing Asian street food, pick and choose exactly
what you want and it's BYO.

Pagewood Kitchen - A Chinese takeaway in Bondi.

Tandoori Express - My number one Indian takeaway in Australia. MUST TRY.

Don't Tell Aunty - Indian Tapas, a beautiful restaurant and the perfect night out with the girls.

Bangkok Bites - Unreal Thai food in Bondi.

The Charing Cross Hotel - For the best roast in Sydney.

Goros - One of my fav restaurants/bars - Japanese tapas, Super Cool interior, DJ after 8pm

karaoke rooms and old school games.  

Bondi Icebergs - Dinner on the balcony overlooking the beach. Book a table and hour 

before sunset so you catch it.

Macchiato - My number 1 pizza restaurant. Most amazing vegan menu.

Drinks

Kingswood -  My number one coffee spot in the city. The coffee is one of the best and they

put your name on the top in pink pen ha!

The Coop - Coffee by the beach - With a little quote on each cup, different every morning.

PJ O'briens - A pint of Guinness and live music all week long.

Saltys - A beach bar, cocktails, beer and a DJ. All around good vibes. 

Beach Road - Cheap Guinness, A Tuesday trivia, pool tables, DJ Wednesday and weekends 

perfect all-rounder every day of the week.

Blackbird - Great place for dinner and drinks, saxophone at the weekend. 

Babylon Rooftop - Perfect happy hour 4pm-7pm, huge balcony and Turkish bar snacks.

Opera Bar - Outside of the Opera House. Overlooking the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the city.

Perfect spot for sunset with an amazing view and a live singer every night of the week.

Universal - A cheesy bar, go to sing and dance the night away.

Coogee Bay Hotel - The perfect place for a sunny Sunday afternoon, with good music

big courtyard and vibes

Smoke bar - A hidden bar in Sydney, with beautiful views and the best DJ. One of the 

best cocktail menus.

The Soda Factory - Really cool bar, movie nights Monday and music bingo Wednesdays

Bar 83 Sydney Tower - A360 view of Sydney and the best Espresso Martinis in Sydney.

The Wonderland Bar - The most unique bar in Sydney. 3 floors of immersive theatrical 

experiences.

THINGS TO DO IN SYDNEY!!!

Walks 

- Bondi - Coogee coastal walk - This takes around 4 hours there and back. You can stop off at 
each beach and swim, advised to wear trainers if you are doing the round trip, it can be rocky
at some points

- Manly - Spit - This takes around 4 hours round trip. Can also stop off and swim.

- Bradleys Head - This walk is so pretty, with lots of photo opportunities. Make sure you stay there for 
sunset, sit on the edge by the water and watch the sun go down

- Barangaroo Foreshore - This is my favourite walk/ride, you can either walk or rent a lime a bike
 Very Scenic passing the Opera House, Sydney Harbour Bridge.

Visit

- Luna Park - An amusement park for all ages. I prefer going for sunset + it is cheaper to go after

6pm.

Bridge Climb - Climb across the Sydney Harbour bridge. Go for sunrise!!

- Watch a show at the Opera House - Get dressed up and go a see musical or a concert.

- Sunrise Kayaking  - Kayak around the harbour whilst the sun is rising with a coffee in hand. You're with a group of 10. Some say you sometimes see dolphins.

- Learn to Surf at Bondi Beach - Jump on a board and ride the waves.

- Sunrise Swim - Go down to Bronte beach 15 mins before first light, jump in the pool and watch the 

sun come up

- Sunsets at Bondi Beach - Head towards North Bondi, grab a bottle of wine and a speaker and watch

the sun goes down.

- Giant Rubix Cube - In the middle of the beach in Maroubra, this is also a quieter beach.

- Bondi Iceberg Pools 

If you loved this blog, read 'An Essex girl's guide to SE Asia' and follow my Travel Instagram for 

more tips tricks and adventures.