Sydney is our home, and even though it can be flashy and silly and so expensive at times, we love it, because it's just so beautiful. Sydney may be our city, but it's Dee's city too. Dee is the fashion editor of Shop Til You Drop, and the kind of Sydney girl who always light ups the room with a big smile. She lives by the beach, like all Sydney girls ought to if they possibly can, and she's sharing some of her favourite places in our city here. This is Sydney, by Dee.
Sydney Harbour Bridge - source
one. Best thing about your city?
Working in the city but living by the beach.
two. Worst thing about your city?
Everything is so expensive.
three. Favourite secret spot?
Down south in the National Park where you can whale watch from the cliff tops and gaze at the ocean while the big southerlies blow in. I grew up around here so visits are always accompanied by a sense of nostalgia. The Cape Solander cliffs are especially magical.
Bondi to Bronte walk - source
four. Favourite everyone-knows-it-but-it's-still-good spot?
The Bondi to Bronte coastal walk is pretty special. No matter how many times I do it I’m always amazed at how beautiful the view is. Or even better is walking it in the other direction and finishing up at North Bondi during sunset for drinks and aranchini at NBI.
five. What is your newest discovery in your city? What about somewhere you've been going since forever but can't quite give up?
I’ve recently discovered the Farmers Markets and like to spending Saturday morning there just wandering around, drinking coffee, buying fresh flowers and stocking up on fruit and veggies for the week. I head to Bondi as it’s closest to me but Eveleigh and Kings Cross are also great.
An old favourite is the Four In Hand in Paddington, which I discovered years ago when living right across the road. The steak and fries on the bar menu are insanely good and combined with good company and a cider make for the perfect lazy Sunday afternoon.
Bang Bang cafe - source
six. Where is the best place for.... morning coffee? meal with friends? romantic rendez-vous? late night drink? even later-night boogie?
My favourite morning coffees are those that accompany poached eggs and crispy pancetta during a relaxed weekend breakfast at Bang Bang in Surry Hills. For a meal with friends, you can’t beat a BYO bottle of red and as much pasta and pizza as you can eat (usually with change from a $20) at Bar Reggio in Darlinghurst or Phamish around the corner is great too. I think that Sydney is such a picturesque city that a picnic is the perfect romantic rendezvous - Sydney Picnic Co can whip something up if there’s no time to DIY and the view from the Botanic Gardens is lovely. I always enjoy a nightcap at Eau-De-Vie in Darlinghurst. And finally, for one last boogie and the opportunity to embarrass yourself amongst friends in what will surely become a night to remember, you must hire a room at Ding Dong Dang karaoke bar on Randle St in Surry Hills. It's always very fun and funny!
seven. Where are the city's style spots? Where is the best shopping?
You're bound to find someone worthy of a street style snap in either Surry Hills, Paddington or Bondi. For shopping, the Corner Shop always has something that I will fall in love with. I usually drop into the Strand Arcade store as it is close to my office. Lover, also a favourite, have recently opened their first boutique in there too which means another beautiful store to visit. Otherwise Glenmore Road in Paddington is always great for checking out all your favourite Australian designers (plus Acne!).
eight. What is something you can get/read/experience/eat that you can only do in your city?
See something interesting and inspiring at the MCA down at The Rocks and then jump on the ferry and head across the harbour to Taronga Zoo. Those giraffes have the best view of the city!
Giraffes at Taronga zoo - source
nine. You can tell a lot about a city from their airport. Describe yours.
All I seem to be able to find there are cheesy souvenir shops, newsagencies, McDonalds and Duty Free stores. Maybe it’s like Sydney in that there are lots of cool places to eat and fun things to do but you need to be with someone in the know to show you around?
ten. How would you describe your city to someone who has never been there before?
It’s fun - whether you choose to be busy and do lots or just lie on the beach and do nothing at all, you’re sure to have a good time.
Benah's This Is My City guides: