Greener pastures: Sydney residents have plenty of opportunities to take a walk in the park.(JP/Amy Walker)

Sydney has always dazzled visitors with her stunning natural beauty and iconic sights, but there it has much more to this enchanting city.

To find out, we spoke to three young hip Sydneysiders (how people residing in Sydney are affectionately known) about all the happening places that are a must for any young visitor to Sydney (of course, those young at heart are welcome, too).

Elaine Pow, who works in the food industry, says Sydney is a really fun place for young people.

“It’s got a nice mix of beaches, cool bars and great restaurants,” she says.

Sydney definitely has its share of great restaurants, with a vast array of food choices from upmarket to casual.

For fine dining, Elaine recommends Icebergs Dining Room and Bar.

“It’s probably one of the best places for food and drink and it’s looking over Bondi Beach [Sydney’s most famous beach],” she says.

“The cheapskate way is to go downstairs to the RSL,” she adds. “Same view, cheaper beer!”

Sarah Crane, who works for a music producer, says she loves Sydney, because there is so much to do.

“Sydney has got quite a healthy culture, I suppose because the weather is so nice people are
always exercising and going outdoors,” she says.

“If it’s a nice day out and you don’t want to spend any money, you could always go and sit on the beach for the day. There are so many nice walks too.”

If sunshine and vitality is what you’re after, Sarah recommends grabbing a fresh fruit juice from one of the juice bars along Bondi Beach or paying a visit to Bronte Beach, which has many cafes where people can sit outside and watch the world go by.

Elaine adds one of her favorite walks is between the two beaches, after which you can finish up the day eating fish and chips while watching the sun set over Bondi Beach.

Be sure to get them from Bondi Surf Seafood and undo all that hard work of walking by getting a devilishly good deep-fried Mars Bar for dessert.

Better bars

Benn Sutton, who also works in advertising, says Sydney is only getting better and better.

“In the last couple of years there has been a real energy coming back to the place,” he says. “It feels quite fun, with more going on.”

Ben’s favorite bar “in all of Sydney” is the American speakeasy style Shady Pines Saloon in Surry Hills. The whiskey bar has a wild wild west theme, with dressed up waiters and stuffed deer heads on the walls.

It’s also a favorite of Sarah’s. “It’s like stepping into a time machine,” she says.

All three, say the Surry Hills, Redfern and Darlinghurt area is the “epicenter” for bars, clubs, music and shopping and is not to be missed. Located in the Eastern suburbs, the area attracts hipsters, fashionistas and music lovers alike.

“It’s a melting pot for so many interesting things in Sydney,” says Sarah.

A music lover herself, Sarah says she’s spoiled for choice with music venues. Her top picks are the
Oxford Arts Factory, for live music and Good God, for “awesome” DJs on the weekend and interesting
film and kitsch trivia nights during the week.

When there, make sure you check out Messina’s award-winning ice cream made on the premises. With flavors such as peanut butter and jelly, coconut and lychee and poached figs in marsala, no other ice cream will ever compare.

Then, just up the street is The Victoria Room, which is opulently decorated in British Raj style making for an exotic and decadent dinning experience. Every Saturday and Sunday they put on a high tea fit for a queen (or a sophisticated modern lady), serving sandwiches, mini cakes and the finest of tea.

But you need not limit yourself to the Eastern suburbs. As a “northsider” (originally from the north
of the city), Benn says a visit to Sydney is not complete without taking the ferry across to the northern beaches.

“I still reckon it’s one of the greatest things in Sydney,” he says. “I just did it last weekend.”

From the ferry, you can soak up the view of the Sydney Harbour Bridge until you arrive at Manly Beach. Once there, take a surf lesson at the Manly Surf School, catering for everyone from beginners to the more experienced.

“If you want to go for a swim or go for a surf I recommend the northern beaches,” says Benn.

Elaine finishes off with a warning of where not to go. “Avoid Darling Harbor, it’s a tourist trap and George Street, yuck.”

However, there is one tourist spot, which one can never tire of, she says. The Opera House.

Sitting in the Opera Bar, or outside for some drinks at dusk is a perfect way to end a holiday. “I
forget how pretty Sydney can be,” she said.

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