An Outsider’s ‘Inside’ Guide to Sydney

02 Dec An Outsider’s ‘Inside’ Guide to Sydney

Leaving behind everything familiar to move halfway around the world is a big step, and for Brits, Australia offers just the right mix of sunshine, change, and new opportunities. Fresh out of university, my best friend and I took the plunge and headed for Sydney- a decision that involved plenty of trial and error along the way.

Sydney vs. Melbourne: The Great Debate

For many Brits considering a move to Australia, the choice often boils down to Sydney or Melbourne. Initially, I thought Melbourne would be the perfect fit for me, with its thriving arts scene, endless cafés, vibrant nightlife, and charming neighbourhoods like Fitzroy and Carlton. Often compared to European cities, Melbourne has its fair share of culture and character. However, while Melbourne’s ‘culture capital’ reputation is well-earned, the damp weather rivals that of back home. After travelling halfway around the world, the last thing I wanted was more of the same, so we set our sights on sunny Sydney.

Sydney offers a lifestyle that’s refreshingly different, with beaches, ocean views, and outdoor spaces all wrapped into daily life. There’s a unique blend of cosmopolitan energy and coastal relaxation that quickly grows on you, and settling here felt like a natural shift in pace.

Lifestyle

Sydney’s early starts might take you by surprise. By 5 a.m., the beaches are already alive with swimmers, joggers, and surfers. Though I never quite joined the 5 a.m. club, the shift was welcome; I soon found myself trading pub nights for coastal walks and exploring new hobbies. Australians seem to have mastered the art of slowing down while keeping life varied, and it’s a lifestyle change you can’t help but appreciate once you’re living it.

Beaches & Wildlife

Sydney’s beaches are integral to its identity, and each one offers its own distinct charm. While Bondi may be the star attraction, there’s no shortage of hidden gems to explore:

• Bronte: A more laid-back alternative to Bondi, with a natural saltwater pool and stunning sunset views. It quickly became a favourite, with evening swims turning into a Sunday ritual.
• Tamarama: Nestled along the Bondi-to-Bronte coastal walk, Tamarama combines bold waves with scenic views and just enough buzz to feel lively without being overcrowded.
• Castle Rock: A secluded beach near Clontarf in the Northern Beaches, with crystal-clear waters and often no one else in sight.
• Collins Flat Beach: Tucked off the beaten path, this idyllic spot features a small waterfall and an inviting, peaceful atmosphere- it became my personal favourite.
• Manly & Shelly Beach: Manly is known for its big waves, vibrant beachside scene, and plenty of restaurants and cafes, while nearby Shelly Beach offers a quieter, sunbather’s haven.

For those craving a dose of nature beyond the beaches, the Blue Mountains are ideal for hiking. Trails like the Three Sisters and Grand Canyon Track offer breathtaking panoramic views. For something closer to home, a walk from the NSW Gallery through the Royal Botanic Gardens, finishing with a drink at the Opera Bar overlooking the harbour, was one of my favourite ways to unwind.

Food Scene

Sydney’s food scene is as diverse as it is global, catering to every taste and occasion. Here are a few personal favourites:

• Four Ate Five, Surry Hills: A Middle Eastern-inspired brunch spot with consistently excellent food and a relaxed vibe.
• La Favola, Newtown: Fresh, authentic pasta with an inviting atmosphere that’s hard to beat.
• The Fenwick, Balmain: A waterfront restaurant with stunning views of the Harbour Bridge.
• Valentina’s, Marrickville: An American-style diner serving excellent coffee and a standout breakfast burrito.
• Bar Positano, Surry Hills: An Italian deli and coffee shop run by a warm, welcoming team.
• Girdlers, Dee Why: Found across the Northern Beaches, Girdlers offers organic, healthy brunch options with ocean views—a favourite after work.
• Restaurant Hubert, CBD: A cosy, dimly-lit French spot with live jazz and excellent steak frites.
• El Jannah: Arguably better than Nando’s, this Lebanese chain serves the most incredible grilled chicken and sides, and I often still find myself reminiscing about their garlic sauce!

And for those craving home comforts, there’s no shortage of pubs offering Sunday roasts across the city.

Neighbourhoods

Sydney’s neighbourhoods each offer something unique, and finding the right one can make all the difference. For those trying to picture where they might fit, here’s a guide comparing Sydney’s standout areas to their London counterparts:

• Balmain: This harbourside village is filled with sandstone cottages, independent boutiques, and a bustling high street (Darling Street) brimming with pubs and cafes. The ferry ride to the CBD offers stunning views of the Harbour Bridge and Opera House, especially at night.
  London equivalent: Hampstead for its village feel and city views from renowned Parliament Hill.
• Northern Beaches (Manly and Beyond): A stretch of coastal suburbs offering relaxed beachside living, pine-trees lining the streets, and waterfront restaurants, the Northern Beaches are perfect if you want distance from the city without isolation. With the B-Line bus and ferry making the commute extremely manageable, life in much of the Northern Beaches can offer the best of both worlds.
  London equivalent: Trying to compare life on the Thames to the Pacific Ocean is no easy feat but if you’re after a British reference, it has a similar rugged charm to that of Croyde in North Devon or Polzeath in Cornwall – just without the wetsuits and raincoats as daily necessities.
• Newtown: A vibrant and eclectic area full of vintage shops, cafes, and live music venues along King Street. It’s similar to Melbourne’s Fitzroy or Brunswick but with its own Sydney flair.
  London equivalent: think Shoreditch, Camden or Hackney.
• Paddington: Home to stylish boutiques, art galleries, and high-end cafes. The Intersection is the place to go for Australian fashion, and the area is filled with beautiful, terraced houses. London equivalent: It’s polished but not pretentious, likening itself to Notting Hill, Marylebone or Chelsea.
• Surry Hills: A mix of vibrant energy and creative charm, Surry Hills is dotted with Victorian terraces, buzzing pubs, and independent shops, making it one of Sydney’s most sought-after neighbourhoods.
  London equivalent: Soho for its lively mix of dining, nightlife, and artsy vibe.

Nightlife

While Sydney’s club scene has quieted down due to Lockout laws, the city’s bar and pub culture is alive and thriving:

• The Cricketers, Surry Hills: A fond favourite of mine, this pub offers a friendly crowd, a great beer garden and plenty of atmosphere.

• Earl’s Juke Joint, Newtown: A dimly-lit, fun cocktail bar with exposed brick walls and a vibrant aura.

• Alcatraz Bar, Annandale: A blend of cocktails, Spanish tapas, and music, Alcatraz turns into a lively evening spot with DJs.

• Bar Nina, Surry Hills: Perfect for al fresco drinks in summer.
• Opera Bar: A must-visit for its unbeatable views of the Opera House and Harbour Bridge.

• Caterpillar Club: Having opened recently, this bar offers a great atmosphere, live music, an extensive record collection and cosy decor with dim lighting.

The culture here is as relaxed as you’d expect. Australians are friendly and genuinely approachable, and you’ll quickly adapt to seeing locals out and about barefoot. There’s a relaxed attitude that makes settling in easy, even if it takes a bit of adjusting at first. If you’re considering the move, I’d say go for it. The lifestyle, weather, and experiences make it more than worthwhile. You might miss a few comforts from back home, but before long, you’ll find yourself calling Sydney home.