Bondi Beach
A ‘to-do’ on every traveller’s Sydney list is Bondi Beach. This Australian icon attracts all those in search of sea, sun and sand. And with powdery white sand lining stunning aqua waters, it’s easy to see why. Watch surfers tackle the world-famous break at one of the best beaches for a surf in Sydney, swim laps at the icebergs or take the little ones for a splash in the calmer waters of north Bondi.
“Visit one of the world’s most famous beaches in Sydney to experience the charming sea breeze in the Summer” – ibis budget Sydney East
- ibis budget Sydney East team
After your swim head up to the beach and take a look at the local cafes and boutiques. Pop in for a drink or a bite to eat at the playful The Bucket List which offers sea views from a brightly coloured front patio.
Watson's Bay
Well-known for its world-class seafood offering, Watson’s Bay is a popular weekend destination for Sydney-goers in Summer. Treat yourself to a meal at Doyles on the Beach, whose menu includes barramundi, seafood paella and the classic fish and chips – if you are looking for a cheaper option, their take away menu is a little more wallet-friendly. While over in Watson’s Bay, be sure to visit Nielson Park and take in the view from above at The Gap ocean cliff lookout.
Bondi Junction
If you are looking to shop ‘till you drop on your next trip to Sydney, then make a beeline for Bondi Junction which is one of Sydney’s main shopping malls. Here you can find hundreds of retailers and food outlets to enjoy. Plus, it’s right near Bondi Junction station, making it very easy to get to via public transport.
Coogee
Another great beach in Sydney’s eastern suburbs is Coogee Beach. A little smaller than Bondi, Coogee attracts a good mix of both locals and travellers. This family-friendly beach is lined with parkland and pretty, historic buildings housing both upmarket restaurants and laid-back fish and chip shops. From Coogee beach, you can start the Bondi to Coogee (or visa versa) coastal walk which offers breathtaking views of some of Sydney’s beaches, parks, cliffs, bays and rock pools.
Rose Bay
Less busy Rose Bay is another great eastern Sydney attraction. See Sydney from a different angle and hire out a kayak to paddle through the bay or join a tour. Rose Bay dog beach and Lyne Park make for great picnic spots – pop into Sonoma and pack your picnic basket with fresh bread and baked goods. For something a little different, pop in for a drink at the glamorous Empire Lounge for an up-close view of the Sydney Seaplanes taking off and landing in the bay.
Where to Stay
Whether you are travelling for business or leisure, we all know that when it comes to picking a hotel, location and value for money are key. The ibis budget Sydney East offers affordable accommodation nestled in eastern Sydney’s bustling Darlinghurst. A smart hotel choice for travellers, the ibis budget Sydney East is only a short stroll from some of the city’s main attractions such as Oxford Street, The Australian Museum, Art Gallery of NSW and Hyde Park. Plus, only a hop-skip-and-a-jump from Bondi and Coogee beach as well as Watson’s Bay and Bondi Junction. With a range of drinking holes and eateries right on your doorstep, you really are spoilt for things to see, do, eat and drink nearby.
Offering 115 hotel rooms which can sleep up to four people, the ibis budget Sydney East is ideal for both solo travellers as well as family and friend groups. Enjoy a fully equipped ensuite bathroom, flat screen TV, desks and coffee/tea makers and air conditioning – some rooms even come with Sydney Harbour views. Daily housekeeping, underground parking and free WIFI, as well as an all you can eat buffet breakfast at an affordable price, is provided.
With welcoming and helpful staff, the affordable ibis budget Sydney East can be your home away from home on your next visit to Sydney.
Where to Eat and Drink in Eastern Sydney
There is a great range of food and drink options across Sydney’s eastern suburbs, especially around Darlinghurst and the ibis budget Sydney East hotel.
If you are looking for a pre-dinner tipple, then head to Peekaboo Bar. This sultry, moody bar has a great atmosphere with its unique cocktail list and tasty canapes attracting a crowd.
Perched high in the Potts Point skyline, Sweethearts Rooftop is another great Eastern Sydney drinking hole. This fun, laid back rooftop serves all the classic drinks, including Aperol Spritzes with lots of ice and a great selection of beers on tap.
After you’ve enjoyed a drink, you don’t need to go far to find a great place to eat. Featured in the 2018 Good Food Guide Sagra restaurant is a must-visit. The menu here changes weekly with antipasti share plates to start followed by primi plates of handmade pasta and secondi dishes of seasonal meat and fish – finished off with delicious classic Italian deserts.
If you are ok with communal tables, then be sure to book into one of the two evening sittings at The Farmhouse. Unfussy, uncomplicated meals are scrawled across the window daily, offering four courses of produce-driven, wholesome, seasonal dishes.
If you are looking for some tasty, cheap eats to take away as you explore the neighbourhood, or after a busy day of meetings then head to Joe’s Table for his famous soft-shell crab sandwich with Vietnamese pickles and chilli sauce.
Festivals and Annual Events
If you are visiting Sydney throughout October or November, then be sure to head down to Bondi beach for the annual Sculptures by the Sea exhibit. The world’s largest free public sculpture exhibition, Sculptures by the Sea Bondi stretches from Bondi Beach all the way to Tamarama with over 100 unique and innovative sculptures scattered along the way for both local and international artists. Attracting over 500,000 visitors each year, this public exhibition captures the imagination of Sydney and its visitors for three delightful weeks.
Each March the streets of central Sydney come alive with a rainbow of colour thanks to the annual Sydney Mardi Gras Parade. A celebration of the LGBTQI+ community, this parade showcases 8,500 participants who march, dance and ride their way along Sydney’s Oxford Street. It’s a Sydney celebration to not be missed.
Transport
Sydney’s Eastern suburbs are well serviced by public transport, making it a great holiday base in Sydney. Buses run extensively throughout the eastern suburbs with most originating from Circular Quay in the city, offering great views as they wind throughout the leafy eastern suburbs. There are three main bus routes which service the area: ANZAC Parade (to Clovelly, Randwick, Coogee, Maroubra and La Perouse), Oxford Street (to Bondi Junction, Bondi Beach, Bronte Beach) and William Street (to Rose Bay, Double Bay, Vaucluse, Watsons Bay).
If you have a little more time on your hands then there is a sightseeing hop-on-hop-off bus which runs throughout the eastern suburbs. Stopping off at along the southern shore of the harbour to south head, this bus makes stops at Double Bay, Watsons Bay, South Head, Bondi Beach, the city – some say the journey can be better than the destination.
Convenient hop-on hop-off transportation on an open-top double-decker bus at your own time to explore the Sydney city
- ibis budget Sydney East
If you prefer taking the train, the Eastern Suburbs line runs to Kings Cross, Edgecliff and Bondi Junction and is a speedier choice for getting around the city and avoiding peak hour on the roads. There is a whole range of Sydney transport apps you can download to help you plan your travel around Sydney.
