Headed to Australia for a work trip and have 1 day in Sydney and 1 day in Melbourne on my own. Any recommendations for can't miss sites, restaurants, rooftop bars with a view, etc would be appreciated. Not so much interested in the touristy stuff as much as getting a good local feel for each place, and high quality restaurants, bars, etc.

I live in Sydney. My favourite rooftop in Sydney is the Glenmore Hotel. Younger vibe but the view can't be beat. Firedoor is an incredible dining experience but takes a while. Mr. Wong has some great Cantonese food.

Where are you staying in Sydney?

Actually only doing a long 1 day layover in Sydney, landing 7 am and flying out at 6:30 pm. So I should have about 6-7 hours in Sydney once out of the airport. Would like a nice place for Sunday brunch, spend a few hours hitting the sights (my first time in Sydney) and then finish at a rooftop bar before heading back to the airport around 4 pm. And I love the Glenmore Hotel rooftop bar recommendations…that is exactly what I'm looking for!

In Melbourne I am actually spending the night so I have closer to 24 hours there.

I'll give it a shot:

• From airport, head to the right after you exit customs to the trains into the city
• Go to the train platform to the right to get to the train to the City
• About 15-20 minutes later, exit at Circular Quay (pronounced 'key')
• Walk around and find some coffee for a pick me up, plenty of good coffee spots around there
• Take ferry to Manly, you'll skirt right around the Opera House
• Make a booking at The Pantry in Manly for brunch, upper tier food right up against the best beach in Australia and #7 beach in the world
• Manly's a good spot for a walkaround or you can take the ferry back into Sydney for a walk around either the Botanic Gardens or the historic Rocks area (the Glenmore is in The Rocks)
• Head back to Circular Quay to take the train back to the airport

HollywoodBQ will be by shortly to offer his opinion as well, he may suggest staying in and around the Sydney CBD just so you don't use 2x20 minutes on ferry rides. If you end up heading to Manly, please let me know, if I'm in town I can meet you at the wharf and show you around.

I go to Melbourne all the time for work but have only ever done work stuff there. I don't really care for Melbourne but pretty much everyone else loves it.

Not an expert, just pass through when visiting family, but also in the Rocks...

https://www.fortuneofwar.com.au/

touted as the oldest bar in Sydney.

The whole Rocks area is pretty cool.

Plan your next trip during Vivid!

Mate - you absolutely nailed it. That's exactly what I would have said of course I'm partial to 4 Pines and the Manly Wharf Bar but, Manly Beach is a must see.

Bondi is more touristy but it's Winter now so, I'd just do Manly. Plus that Ferry ride is a must.

Only thing to be warned about is the $15+ extra they charge you on the train for getting off at the airport.

Fortunes of War was a frequent stop after Muster during my 12 years in SYD.
Damn we had some good times there.

Since bthotugigem05 gave you the rundown on SYD, I'll chime in with some recommendations for Melb.

First - I freaking hate Melbourne. During my first decade in Australia, I went there twice for work.
During my last two years living in Australia, work sent me there probably 10 times.

In Melbourne, the main things to see are Crown Casino and depending where you're staying and what you're after, The Docklands.

Melbourne was my last stop in Australia back in March 2020 about a week before the California Covid lockdowns started so my final view of the place was a bit crazy. It's funny how in 2 seconds on Google Maps, it all comes rushing back.

Melbourne is known for Coffee, Laneways, better food than Sydney (which isn't saying much), Hook Turns and AFL which in Sydney we call Gay-FL.

Melbourne does have a better craft beer scene than Sydney if you're after some high powered hopped up beers.

I found good Chinese food in Chinatown but also there are plenty of food options at Crown Casino.

There was one epic Indian place that I went to near St. Kilda but I'm struggling to find it right now, assuming it survived the scamdemic.

The best food you'll find in Melbourne would probably be Greek, Indian or Thai.

One of the fancy, critically acclaimed restaurants is "Rockpool" and I can personally vouch for "Spice Temple".
https://www.crownmelbourne.com.au/restaurants

And in case you're wondering what a hook turn is:

Trying to get out of the office to head over to 4 Pines for chicken parmy night actually.

You're killing me. I'm envious.

For a very short time in 2020, I could get 4 Pines Pale Ale at BevMo in Van Nuys (they also had Steinlager Pure for a bit).

Really appreciate the great recommendations and I will try to fit it all in. If I do make it over to Manly Beach area then I will send you a note bhto05. Thanks again.

HollywoodBQ said:

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You're killing me. I'm envious.

For a very short time in 2020, I could get 4 Pines Pale Ale at BevMo in Van Nuys (they also had Steinlager Pure for a bit).

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You can still get Fosters here!



If you like canadian lager.

And don't forget authentic aussie grub from Outback Steakhouse.

I just realised there are a few Outbacks around Sydney, need to visit one soon just for the lols.

Went to a random footy game at the MCG one time. Walked up and bought a general admission ticket on gameday to North Melbourne v. Hawthorne. Had no clue wtf was going on but ate beer and meat pies. Sat with a bunch of blue collar fans on their day off raising hell. After the game went over to a pub across from the MCG and people started to get rowdy and the owner shut the whole pub down in about 30 mins. Place was packed and the owner cleared the place out at 4 in the afternoon.

So footy at the MCG for a real experience.

bthotugigem05 said:

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I just realised there are a few Outbacks around Sydney, need to visit one soon just for the lols.

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Went to the one between Homebush and Strathfield a couple times in my 12 years. Turns out it was a big hang out for Hong Kong people. Saw a guy from my work who helps run the Sydney Hot Import Nights car show.

I've also eaten at the one in Norwest once or twice. Definitely LoLs.

If you get further afield like Newcastle or Tamworth, there are similar restaurants.

Melbourne:
Take a ride along the Great Ocean Road
-Bells Beach
-Anglesea
- Lorne for lunch
- 12 Apostles

Collins St is the place for high end shopping experience.

Flinders Lane has lots of bars and restaurants
South Bank bars and restaurants along the Yarra Four River.

Eue di vie Speakeasy bar behind Chanel

Visit Yarra Valley for the wineries
-Stone winery

Bar Lui