1. For breakfast: Sadhana Kitchen Bondi
There’s no place like Sadhana Kitchen for breakfast; it specialises in organic vegan meals. If I lived in Sydney this would be my favourite hang out spot for breakfast before a great swim by Bondi beach. What to order: The Acai Bowl & SK Style Deluxe Avo on Toast
132 Warners Ave, Bondi Beach NSW 2026, Australia; +61 2 9516 1334. www.sadhanakitchen.com
2. One stop street for Australian fashion: Oxford Street
Image: Destination NSW
If you only have an afternoon, I highly recommend heading down to Oxford street for a crash course of Australian designer. From Manning Cartell, Tony Bianco, Alice McCall and the highly love Zimmermann. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oxford_Street,_Sydney
3. For lovers of street art and vintage stores: Newtown
Enmore Street Art is not to be missed with works from local and international graffiti artist. Located just 10 minutes away from the cbd this fun and quirky area is made for the artist at heart. Remember to head down during the weekend for their markets which has amazing vinyl collection for sale. www.facebook.com/Street-Art-in-Newtown-Inner-West-Sydney
4. For the sweet tooth: Good Times Artisan Ice Cream
Image: Good Times Ice Cream
Founded by Mr and Mrs Sasi, the couple is living their dream making ice cream and soft serves from good quality ingredients. A little bit of cheek and a lot of love.
87B MacLeay St, Potts Point NSW 2011, Australia. www.facebook.com/goodtimesicecream
5. For the sweet tooth part 2: Gelato Messina
I was never a fan of Gelato until I had one at Messina. Now Gelato Messina sets the benchmark for gelato in my mind, with over 40 unique gelato flavours, bespoke gelato cakes and daily specials. There’s always something for everyone.
There are a number of outlets: 389 Crown St, Surry Hills NSW 2010, Australia; +61 2 9332 1191. 241 Victoria St, Darlinghurst NSW 2010, Australia; +61 2 9331 1588. 6/61 Hall St, Bondi Beach NSW 2026, Australia; +61 2 9130 2877. www.gelatomessina.com/au
6. Affordable art: Aquabumps
Image: Aquabumps
Eugene Tan, a frustrated Creative Director, combined his three passions – photography, surfing and the web – and created Aquabumps. Aquabumps depicts images of waves, surfers (good and bad), swimmers, sunrises and whatever happens in the wee hours down the beach every weekday.
151 Curlewis St, Bondi Beach NSW 2026, Australia; +61 2 9130 7788. www.aquabumps.com
7. The perfect sunglasses: Bailey Nelson
Image: Bailey Nelson
Down by the beach but forgot about your sunglasses, fret not Bailey Nelson has wide range of design that will keep you cool by the beach.
188 Pitt St, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia; +61 2 9233 3153. baileynelson.com.au
8. Cool girl hit list: Tuchuzy
Get your shopping fix here with their wide range of products. Bringing in not only international but also local brand into the mix. Brands not to be missed while you are there, Sir The Label, Dylan Kain and Chosen.
Shop 11, The Beach House, 178 Campbell Parade, Bondi Beach NSW 2026, Australia; +61 2 9365 7775. www.tuchuzy.com
9. For your coffee break: Sonoma
After all the walking around, Sonoma is a great spot to take a break and have a sit while you people watch or just grab a coffee for on the go. Their bread is made of organic flour, filtered water, sourdough starter and sea salt. How yummy does that sound.
There are a number of outlets but they’re all good: Sonoma Cafe Waterloo 2/9-15 Danks St, Waterloo NSW 2017, Australia; +61 2 9699 1920. Sonoma Bakery Café Glebe 215A Glebe Point Rd, Glebe NSW 2037, Australia; +61 2 9660 2116. Sonoma Cafe Paddington 241B Glenmore Rd, Paddington NSW 2021, Australia; +61 2 9331 3601. www.sonoma.com.au
10. For your skincare Needs: Grown Alchemist
Image: Grown Alchemist
Where else but in Australia you shall get your fix for organic skincare, this cult favourite has yet to land in Singapore. With its finest, most effective natural ingredients combine together with clean minimal packaging, what’s there not to love about Grown Alchemist. Their Tinted Hydra-Repair Day Cream is my daily go to when I am out and about for a quick run.
You can shop this brand online at www.beautybay.com/grownalchemist; or at all major department stores in Sydney like Myer and David Jones. www.grownalchemist.com
Read the first story in this Sydney series: 7 fun & foodie reasons to book a flight to Sydney right now
All images by NC Wong unless otherwise noted