Welcome to Australia

One week down under, and I think the first blog post is well overdue! I’ve been staying in Manly for the past week and it is the perfect Aussie beach-side suburb you could imagine. So, here are my top spots.

Top Eats

For a sweet eat, it would have to be Butter Boy.  The cookies are larger than your face and the soft serve is delish! With a rotating menu of cookies baked right in front of you, the options are endless. I shared a dark chocolate and espresso cookie and soft serve with a friend, and it was only 16AUD.

For a savoury meal, Felons is your place. They have a different chef special every night which is such a bargain - 55AUD for half a lobster, chips and a glass of fizz, yes please! The broccoli salad is also a must try. With views over the wharf and beaches it’s great for sundowners too.

For drinks only, I would head to Cibaria, just off of Manly beach. Watching the waves whilst sipping on a cocktail is the best way to end the day. Their Italian bar snacks are also a must try, somehow they make pizza and calamari feel elevated and healthy.

Top Views

The best way to see any new place is to walk it.

The Spit to Manly walk is defo my fav, it takes about two and a half hours and covers 10km. Its views are unmatched. Varying from vistas of the sea which go on for miles, to great houses and boats, to tropical bushland. There’s also a great coffee spot in the last 3ish km, called Manly Boathouse. Top tip; get up early for this as it gets hot hot hot!

Sydney Opera House

Of course, how could I tell you about the top views without including this one! The most iconic building in Sydney and it definitely deserves the title. It is amazing too look at both on land and on the ferry. The Opera Bar and House Canteen both offer amazing drinks, snacks and coffee so that you can take in the view for a little while longer.

The open air cinema with views of the Opera House is right at the top of my list for must-do’s in Sydney. With a different movie each night, it is truly a unique experience!

Top Beaches

Shelly Beach, Manly

A smaller bay across from Manly Beach, Shelley Beach is idyllic. With great cliff top views on one side and the palm tree lined beach on the other side, it feels like a tropical paradise.

Freshwater Beach, Freshwater

This feels like the stereotypical Aussie beach. The beach runs for miles, and is full of bronzed beach babes tanning and surfing. The town is also postcard worthy, scattered with boutiques and ice cream shops.

Manly Beach, Manly

This is the main beach in Manly, it’s obviously a must-go. Popular with locals and tourists, it is a very chilled day out. Views include Shelly Beach , and the sea. There’s a surf school here too, so to watch the surfers glide in is very therapeutic! The waves here are strong but the sea is so warm and refreshing you have to take a dip! Remember to slip, slap, slop as the sun is no joke on these Aussie beaches.

Speak soon, Bella x