Main Character in Sydney! From Cozy Coffee at The Rocks to Chill Vibes in Manly

SYDNEY, Australia - TOURISM - Touchdown Sydney! The moment you step out of Sydney Kingsford Smith (SYD), the atmosphere changes. The warm yet slightly breezy November spring air greets you. It's the perfect weather for a "girl of the earth" outfit or light layering. We're ready to explore the city!

Traveling in style...

Leaving the airport, there's no need to hassle for a taxi. A Mercedes Sprinter Bus is already on standby for pickup. It feels like being a celebrity on the way to a concert. The 30-minute journey to the city center is truly pleasing to the eye. The streets are neat, clean, and the transition from skyscrapers to colonial buildings is aesthetically pleasing.

We drop our luggage off at The Grace Hotel. This hotel is located in the heart of the CBD and its neo-gothic architecture exudes an old money aesthetic. Due to the hotel's check-in time at 15:00 (and check-out at 11:00), we leave our suitcases at the bell desk and head out. Adventure time!

Morning Coffee & "Croissant Healing" 

We take a leisurely 15-minute walk through the tall buildings towards The Rocks. This is an old but trendy area.

We find a charming coffee shop and decide to stop. The must-have order: a Long Black for AU$ 5 (about Rp 55,000) plus an Almond Croissant for AU$ 11. Expensive? Well, you get what you pay for, Bestie. The taste is chef’s kiss! Eating a crispy croissant while smelling the morning sea air... instantly, life's burdens disappear.

 

 

The Coathanger: The Giant Clothes Hanger 

After coffee, we walk a bit and... Boom! The view of the Sydney Harbour Bridge fills our sight. Seeing it in person is a completely different experience than seeing it on a postcard. The steel structure is impressive, contrasting with Sydney's blue sky.

Locals call this bridge "The Coathanger" because of its arch shape. This legendary bridge has stood tall since 1932! Imagine, it took 8 years to build this magnificent structure. It's like the older sibling guarding Sydney Harbour before the Opera House was born.

Taking a photo here is a must. The backdrop of the old bridge + blue sea = Automatic likes explosion! 

Meeting the Giant & The "Whale Tail"  

We continue walking towards the Sydney Opera House to catch the golden hour, when suddenly a sight at the harbor catches our attention.

"While leisurely descending from The Rocks, we're suddenly confronted by the giant Carnival Splendor!  It seems to have just finished unloading passengers. On Sunday afternoon at 15:30, it will depart again with a new group to Tasmania for 5 days. Oh, how I wish I could sneak into a suitcase and join the trip to Hobart!"

The ship is huge! It's incredibly tempting.

 

 

A Cruise-like Ferry to Manly 

After taking photos at the Opera House (an Australian icon that must be in your feed), we move to Circular Quay. Next destination: Manly Wharf.

We take a public ferry, the ticket costs about AUD 11 one way. But guys, this is not just any public transportation. The view is priceless! During the 25-minute journey, we're treated to a visual feast: the Sydney Opera House from the sea side, the Harbour Bridge looking even more majestic from a distance, plus seagulls flying alongside the ferry like in the movies. It's cinematic.

Manly Vibes: Slow Living at Its Best

Upon arriving in Manly, the atmosphere immediately becomes chill. Manly Beach in mid-November is top tier. The sand is golden, the waves are playful, and there are many foreigners surfing or just tanning.

Here we just walk along the pedestrian path, sit and gaze at the sea (an underrated activity but very satisfying), and enjoy the spring breeze. It feels like time is moving slower. Relaxing to the max.

 

 

Sunset Closure 

 

In the evening, we take the ferry back to Sydney Harbour. And I swear, the view on the way back is different. The sky is starting to turn a soft orange, the city lights are beginning to turn on one by one. The Opera House and Harbour Bridge at dusk are dramatically beautiful, beyond words.

Upon arriving at Circular Quay, we walk back to the hotel with tired legs but full hearts. From expensive coffee, the history of the old bridge, to zoning out on Manly Beach.

Sydney, you stole my heart. See you on the next trip!