EAT, DRINK, EXPLORE: SYDNEY

BEST FOOD TO EAT IN SYDNEY

While in Sydney, a stop at Black Star Pastry for a slice of their signature Strawberry Watermelon Cake is practically mandatory. The bakery opened its doors in 2008 and has since become creator of the world’s most Instagrammed cake. Originally developed for a wedding, Strawberry Watermelon Cake features almond dacquoise (dessert cake) layered with rose-scented cream and thin slices of seedless watermelon. On top, strawberries, pistachios, and dried rose petals create a beautiful fruity and floral coating. Black Star Pastry sells more than one million slices of Strawberry Watermelon Cake a year – stop by early before the line gets too long!

Top Cultural Foods To Try in Sydney

While there are no single region-specific foods that are unique to Sydney, there are several traditional and local foods you can try that make you feel like a city local. We recommend trying the following:

• Barramundi: This northern Australian fish is a key part of Sydney's food culture, and you'll often find it available on most menus around the city. It is highly prized for its mild yet sweet flavor and its fantastic texture.
• Sydney Rock Oysters: This native Australian oyster species is a culinary treasure and an integral part of Australia's seafood culture. With a complexly rich flavor and creamy texture, it's perfect for any seafood lover to try.
• Meat Pies: As one of the country's national foods, the meat pie is an iconic and widely loved staple of Australian cuisine. Sydney in particular has a strong relationship with meat pies, and you'll find a wide variety of both classic and modern versions that showcase the city's diverse food culture.

BEST DRINK IN SYDNEY

Australia lacks an official national drink but based on sheer popularity among Aussies, unofficially it’s Lemon-Lime & Bitters (LLB). LLB is a tangy, spicy, and refreshing mixed drink made with lemonade, sweetened lime juice, and Angostura bitters (concentrated herbs and spices). The alcohol content in LLB is so low, it’s mostly considered a “mocktail” (non-alcoholic cocktail). You’ll often find LLB in bars, restaurants, and even pre-mixed in supermarkets throughout Australia. LLB is the quintessential Aussie beverage and with more than 100 million served country-wide each year, it’s only fitting to order yourself a glass while in Sydney!

Top Cultural Drinks To Try in Sydney

Here are some of the top cultural drinks to try while you're studying in Sydney:

• Lemon, Lime and Bitters: This popular non-alcoholic mixed drink is a quintessential part of both Australian and New Zealand beverage culture. It's so widely popular and loved by Australians that it's considered the country's unofficial national drink! It's a staple on the menus of pubs, cafés, and restaurants across the country.
• Iced Coffee: While not unique to the city, iced coffee is a staple in Sydney and Australia as a whole. It's especially popular due to Sydney's warm and humid climate, making it the perfect beverage to cool down and re-energize.
• Native Refreshments: In recent years, Sydney has seen a growing trend in the use of native Australian ingredients in its food and drinks. For travelers, they offer a taste of Australia's unique identity. You can find beverages like Bush Tucker-Infused Teas or native fruit-flavored sodas - both are definitely worth a taste!

BEST PLACE TO EXPLORE IN SYDNEY

Sydney’s white-sanded, crescent-shaped Bondi Beach is recognized as one of Australia’s most iconic beaches and one of the best beaches in the world. It’s a global treasure for many reasons, one of which is that you can visit it year-round. During the summer months, Bondi Beach is the place for surfing, swimming, sunbathing, and hosting parties. In the winter, you can ice skate in the Bondi Beach Pavilion and participate in seasonal festivals. Bondi Beach plays host to many of the community’s cultural events as well, including political gatherings, company events, and food festivals. Join 2.5 million annual visitors and make Bondi Beach a part of your Sydney experience!

Top Cultural Attractions to Visit in Sydney

• The Sydney Opera House: The Sydney Opera House is one of the most famous and recognizable buildings in the world, and one of the most classically Australian landmarks you need to see. Enjoy the beautiful design, catch a show or enjoy a meal - you won't be sorry!
• Bondi to Coogee Walk: The Bondi to Coogee Walk is a coastal trail that is one of Sydney's most popular and iconic outdoor activities for locals and tourists alike. Spanning approximately 6 kilometers along Sydney's eastern coastline, it connects the world-famous Bondi Beach to Coogee Beach with several other beautiful beaches and bays to visit along the way.
• Snorkel at Manly & Shelly Beach: Snorkeling at Manly and Shelly Beach is one of Sydney's most popular and accessible underwater experiences. It is a fantastic way to experience a different side of the city's coastal lifestyle and marine biodiversity.

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