We headed Down Under for the first time to see if Sydney really is worth the long-haul

Kirsty Spence

Published: 0:40, 10 Nov 2019
Updated: 1:45, 8 Nov 2019

‘WELCOME to the best cafe in the world!” announces our kayaking guide as we bob, coffees in hand, in the middle of Sydney Harbour.

Watching the sunrise behind the Opera House, my partner Ross and I have to agree.

Fabulous Magazine's Kirsty Spence heads Down Under for the first time to see if Sydney really is worth the long-haulCredit: Getty Images

OK, it’s a long way to go for a flat white (even if they were invented here), but brave the jet lag and you’ll be rewarded with amazing beaches, delicious food and the friendliest people.

It’s all about the opera

IN a bid to beat the 11-hour time difference, as soon as we arrive we strike out for Circular Quay.

It’s a 30-minute amble around the harbour overlooking the iconic Opera House.

Get a totally different view of the Opera House on a behind-the-scenes tour, £23, where you could catch performers rehearsing ().

For a special treat, we book dinner at Bennelong inside the Opera House. The view is magical, and we can’t believe our luck when fireworks go off as we tuck into our cherry jam lamington pud. A two-course dinner costs £60 ().

Roo do you think you are?

AT the Southern end of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, Barangaroo is a buzzy waterfront prom lined with cool restaurants like Love.Fish – the perfect spot to people-watch over a plate of calamari, £11 ().

Get your vitamin sea

DON'T miss that sunrise kayaking session as the sky blazes orange, from £68 ().

More of a surfer? Take a pilgrimage to Bondi, with its super-size beaches and waves.

The Bondi to Coogee coastline is all rock pools, Aboriginal rock art and coves of bathers. If snorkelling is on your bucket list, Manly is straight out of Blue Planet.

BTW

Plan your trip at and .
Return flights from London to Sydney with Quantas cost from £737 ().

Caffeine culture

AWAY from the hustle in Chippendale, brekkie at Concrete Jungle is an Insta-treat – I go for a Blue Majik smoothie bowl, £10, which is like eating healthy blue ice cream ().

When the Aussie sun gets too much, the Australian Museum reels us in with displays of Captain Cook’s cape and Australia’s first bank note.

). Arty types will heart the free Museum of Contemporary Art Australia – think vast spaces and installations () – plus there are sculptures and paintings galore at the grand Art Gallery of New South Wales. Entry is free ().

Stay and play

WE check into cool hotel Ovolo Woolloomooloo, which sits on the world’s longest timber wharf with harbour views.

With ping-pong, fire pits, a DJ and a basement pool, staying there makes us feel instantly cooler, plus rooms come with their own iPad and a free mini bar which is replenished daily. Yes, really!

After a sophis stay? The luxe Langham is all pink decor, with a swanky spa and a baby grand in the foyer. Doubles cost from £209 B&B ().

Unwind in wine country

IF you fancy getting out of the city, Mudgee and its 43 wineries is only a 45-minute flight from Sydney, from £63 one way ().

Line your stomach with delish dukka eggs, £9, at quirky Artisan On Lewis (), before heading into the vines with Mudgee VIP Wine Tours.

Dinner in Alby & Esthers’ fairy-lit courtyard is a must. We share lip-smacking honey pork ribs, £16, and cheesy hasselbacks, £11 ().

Luckily, Perry Street Hotel is within stumbling distance. Once a mechanics’ institute, it’s now home to stylish suites with balconies.