When staying at the Savoy, it’s easy to just soak in the charm and glamour of Double Bay with its variety of shopping options, great places to eat and a chilled vibe that can make you forget you are minutes from the centre of Australia’s largest city. If you do feel like getting out and experiencing some quintessential Sydney experiences, here’s a checklist to get you started!
Sydney Harbour Bridge
“The Coat Hanger” is an iconic part of Sydney’s history and a presence that must be seen to be believed. After nearly nine years of construction the arch-through bridge with its majestic, towering granite pylons, was opened to the public in March 1932. Linking Dawes Point to Milsons Point over Port Jackson, it’s 8 lanes of road, dual train tracks and public walkways average around 180,000 crossings a day. There are four great ways to experience this amazing feat of engineering. Take a trip by road or rail across the bridge. Even from the confines of a car, bus, or train carriage, the sheer magnitude of the structure will leave you spellbound.
Alternately, you can walk the entire 1149 metre span using the walkway on the eastern side of the bridge accessed by stairways at The Rocks in the South or Kirribilli in the north. To take in even more spectacular views and learn more about the bridge you can visit the lookout and museum located in the southern pylon, which is open every weekend and every day during school holiday periods. The truly adventurous can even make their way up the arch with the safe and expert guidance of the Bridge Climb team to enjoy incredible 360-degree views of the Harbour City. Whichever way you choose your experience of the Sydney Harbour Bridge will be unforgettable.
Taronga Zoo
Located directly north across the Harbour from Double Bay at Bradley’s Head, Taronga Zoo has been home to wildlife from all over the world since 1916. You can drive to the zoo where there is ample paid parking, but it is also easily accessible by public transport. Undoubtedly the pick of these options is by ferry from either Circular Quay or darling Harbour. After disembarking at the Zoo wharf, you can hop on the Taronga SkySafari, Sydney’s only cable car. Jump in and soak up the views as you are pulled up the hill to the main entrance. You can get a bird’s eye view of the zoo and its inhabitants, and more fantastic views of Sydney harbour itself. Once inside there’s so much to explore! Dedicated to not only the exhibition, but conservation of animal life, the Zoo is home to mammals, reptiles, bird and marine life from around the world. Extensive exhibits of native Australian animals and a variety of extra experiences are available.
Sydney Opera House
When thinking about iconic Sydney imagery, if the Harbour Bridge isn’t the first thought that pops into your head, chances are it’s because you thought of the Sydney Opera House. Finally opened in 1973, 14 years after construction started (it was plagued by drama and controversy worthy of it’s very own opera), Danish architect Joern Utzon’s stunning, timeless and unique design is home to multiple performance spaces and companies such as Opera Australia, The Sydney Symphony Orchestra and the Sydney Theatre Company. Hosting local and international acts regularly, there’s barely a genre that hasn’t been performed in its hallowed halls.
Comedy, rock, dance, classical and all points in between on the cultural compass can be found performing here throughout the year. If you’re not attending a performance, there are also world class dining options, whether at the more casual Opera Kitchen or Opera Bar with views west towards Circular Quay, The Rocks and Sydney Harbour Bridge, or the lavish and spectacular dining room at Bennelong restaurant, the culinary connoisseur is catered to just as much as the cultural.
Bondi Beach
Sydney is home to many incredible beaches, but it’s hard to imagine a more famous or recognisable example than Bondi. Easily accessed from Double Bay by car or public transport, the one-kilometre stretch of sand is frequently packed with locals and visitors chasing their taste of Sydney sun and surf. Close to the beach you can find a skate park, outdoor exercise equipment and a promenade favoured by joggers and sightseers.
Further back from the beach reached only by a short stroll is beautiful food and great coffee. Check out the markets held every weekend in the grounds of Bondi Beach Public school; Saturdays are focussed on fresh produce whilst Sundays are for anything and everything weird and wonderful. Surfboard hire is readily available for those wishing to try out something new, while for more experienced surfers, the best conditions are usually found at the more sheltered southern end of the beach. A great vantage point to check out the surf action is from the famous Bondi Icebergs club.
For those keen on exploring on foot a great way to experience the wonders of the Sydney coastline, is the six-kilometre Bondi to Coogee walk. This beautiful stroll offers plenty of opportunity for refreshment stops along the way and becomes even more lively during the Sculptures By the Sea Festival, adding to the already stunning views. A favoured destination for folk from all over the world, a visit to Bondi is a must for those wanting a true taste of the best the city has to offer.
The Rocks
Teeming with local history linking back to the first European settlement of Australia, it’s extremely difficult to say that The Rocks is a single attraction. Thanks to a campaign by residents and unions in the 1970’s, many historic buildings were saved and restored preserving a glimpse of days gone by as evidenced by the numerous heritage listed buildings, famous old pubs and some of the city’s first major pieces of infrastructure like The Argyle Cut. Spend the day winding up and down the streets and lanes in the shadow of the Harbour Bridge. There are plenty of food and drink options and souvenirs available. The Rocks area is home to many Sydney landmarks such as The Museum Of Contemporary Art, Sydney Observatory and Cadman’s Cottage. If you walk a little further, check out Barrangaroo, with its mix of parkland and retail. You might need more than a day to take it all in!
Start your Sydney experience at The Savoy.
Located just 4.5 kilometres from the centre, yet seemingly a million miles from the hustle and bustle, The Savoy Double Bay is the ideal base to rest and recover between whatever Sydney adventures you choose. To reserve your room now call 1800 811 846, email at info@savoyhotel.com.au or use the contact form here. You’re in one of the southern hemisphere’s most beautiful cities – soak it up and enjoy your stay!
