Welcome to Backpacker’s Boutique. Every Sunday, this spot will feature the luxury side of an awesome city. Guest bloggers will share about either their hometown or a town they are expat in and know very deeply so that you get a guide straight from a local.  E-mail me if you’d like to be featured.

A Luxury Guide to Newcastle

Tell us a little about yourself and tell us why you’re an expert on luxury travel in Newcastle.

Hi there! I’m Crystal, an Aussie blogger that loves to appreciate the finer things in life (aka: food and beaches). But why am I an expert on Newcastle? Well, I lived there for five years during University and I still frequently visit because I have family living there. You could say I know the place like the back of my hand. Plus I love it there! It’s the ultimate lux destination and it has everything… great beaches, great shopping, great food (yesssss!), and it’s absolutely stunning!

What makes Newcastle a perfect destination for travelers seeking a glamorous trip?

Newcastle has the perfect mix of busy and chill. It literally has everything you could want, all within a 10-minute drive. Relaxing beach time, spas, shopping, nice places to eat, nightlife and even adventures like sand dune 4WDing! It is literally YOUR choice what kind of trip you want. Newcastle also boasts some of the most beautiful beaches in Australia, and you’ll have them all to yourself!

What 5-star hotel is the best in Newcastle?

Crowne Plaza is the best, simply because of the location. It’s right on the iconic Honeysuckle waterfront with gorgeous views to the shipping port. It’s only a few seconds walk to the harbour promenade and 5 mins into the city and main drag. It is also a short 15 min walk to a couple of great beaches. It has all the amenities you could want such as balcony views, a pool and a brilliant restaurant by the water.

Are there any fun activities for the adventurous traveler?

I could go on and an about all the cool things you can do in Newcastle… But here’s a list of my favorites! I love Blackbutt Reserve, a small reserve for an array of interesting Australian animals. Bring a BBQ or a picnic and chill by the duck pond. You can also pat a koala and hand feed the emus! For something adventurous, hire a 4WD and go sand-duning out on Stockton Beach. While you’re there visit Tin City or go shore-fishing. For something a little more luxurious try out Royal Day Spa with pamper packages set in their tranquil environment. They even have private Jacuzzis! For a seriously indulgent day – do a wine tasting tour in the Hunter Valley about 40 mins out of Newcastle. Tours with Tex Tours cost $65 for the whole day and you can buy delicious wines and cheeses at the vineyards.

Where are the best hang outs during the day in Newcastle?

My favourite weekend hangout includes a late breakfast at either Goldbergs of Three Monkeys on Darby Street then hitting Bar Beach to laze around on the sand. I like Bar Beach the best because there are less people on it, but I also really love the Bogey Hole. In the afternoon I would either walk south to Merewether Beach where there are some great waterfront cafes, or walk to the rock pools at the northern end of Bar Beach to check out the starfish. *Bliss*

If you have a big date night, what are the most delicious restaurants in Newcastle and what are their best dishes?

Literally, the best and fanciest place to eat is Subo Restaurant. This decadent restaurant ensures a memorable dining experience with a 5-course set menu for $85, which changes every six weeks. The menu boasts dishes such as ‘Broth of blue swimmer crab from Bateau Bay’ and ‘Gippsland oxtail braised in soy and star anise’. If you’re a foodie, this intimate restaurant is everything.

Tell us all the hot shopping spots in Newcastle; who’s carrying the trendy local designers?

For local designers the best place to head to is the boutique stores on Darby Street. One in particular, Guanabana, has made quite a name for herself! Instilled with a penchant for all things exotic, the label fuses ethnic inspiration and bohemian luxe to create standout ranges that compliment the relaxed, free-spirited culture of coastal life. Guanabana is probably Newcastle’s most famous designer.

Time for a great sunset view… where would you go?

There are three memorable places to see the sunset that I can recommend. First, walk along the break wall of Nobby’s Head and around the base of the lighthouse. The whole harbor will light up with pretty colours and illuminate the lighthouse. Secondly, meander along the harbour from Honeysuckle and up to the top of the tower next to Queens Warf Hotel. You’ll see far-reaching views across the city and the harbor from up here. And finally, one not to miss, check out the sunset over Bar Beach and the rolling hills behind from the ANZAC memorial bridge. It’s stunning!

Now that the sun’s gone down, fill us on the best places to go for some evening drinks or a great pre-gaming spot.

Honeysuckle on the harbor is jammed with all the nicest bars next to each other. Cocktail bars such as Honeysuckle Hotel and MoneyPenny have great views of the coal ships and harbour and awesome relaxing lounge areas to sip your fancy cocktail on. 

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Passionate baby goat cuddler and part-time adventurer, Crystal can often be found doing headstands on the edges of cliffs, taking photos of abandoned buildings or sleeping on deserted islands with dangerous criminals. She has too many awesome stories and helpful tips to keep them all to herself so follow along and in return she will bring you inspiring pictures, travel videos and a whole load of fun! You can connect with her blog Castaway with Crystal or on Facebook,  Instagram, Google+, and Twitter.

The post Luxury Guide to Newcastle appeared first on Hippie In Heels.

Welcome to Backpacker’s Boutique. Every Sunday, this spot will feature a new travel blogger. Some weeks it will be a really fun interview about packing, fashion, and fitness so you can snoop inside their bags & lives a little bit and other weeks it’ll be a detailed luxury guide to a city the featured blogger/expat knows very well. E-mail me if you’d like to be featured.

A Luxury Guide to Perth

Tell us a little about yourself and tell us why you’re an expert on luxury travel in Perth.

Greetings, glamorous globetrotters! I’m Chantae, a travel writer who has been based in Perth, Western Australia for the past three years. I’m obsessed with finding the best of everything that Perth has to offer – and this includes luxury travel. Though I usually live a pretty simple lifestyle filled with beach days and eating at home, I love to take visitors to more high-end places and often splurge for celebrations. You can find everything you want to know about Western Australia on my blog at Chantae.com.

What makes Perth a perfect destination for travelers seeking a glamorous trip?

Perth apparently has the highest number of self-made millionaires in the world. When the mining boom hit, a demand for luxurious resorts, events, and restaurants followed as people adjusted to a more inflated lifestyle. So, there are a ton of options when it comes to luxury to-dos.

What 5 star hotel is the best in Perth?

The Richardson Hotel and Spa is a boutique, five-star hotel near downtown, King’s Park, and the trendy neighborhood of Subiaco. If you’re someone who loves to be in the middle of it all, near public transport and a short drive from the beach, then this is the perfect place for you. The hotel also has a spa, indoor pool, and trendy bars in house.

What about boutique hotels in Perth, of them all, which would you send your friends or family to stay at?

Sunmoon Boutique Resort in Scarborough Beach is a cute and reasonably priced hotel in an awesome location. It’s just behind the Rendezvous Hotel, a massive hotel with a little less personality. Both are located right near the beach and walking distance to cafes, organic food shops, boutique shops, and the ocean. It’s the perfect place to be if you’re looking to relax and stay somewhere you won’t have to leave for the duration of your stay.

Are there any fun luxury activities for the adventurous traveler in Perth?

There are so many fun luxurious adventure activities around Perth, it’s crazy. You can join a whale watching tour or take a chartered yacht to Rottnest Island for surfing, scuba diving, and sightseeing. (Think twice about visiting Penguin Island!) Three hours south of Perth is Margaret River, where you can spend half of the day on a gourmet food wine tasting tour, and the other half of the day learning how to surf, kayak, and mountain bike.

Where are the best hang outs during the day in Perth?

Scarborough Beach has the most to offer with a white sand beach perfect for swimming and lounging, nearby restaurants, and shops. You can easily pack a sarong and spend the day there without getting bored. On the weekends, there are often free salsa dancing lessons or live performances in the amphitheater.

If you have a big date night, what are the most delicious restaurants in Perth and what are their best dishes?

Il Lido is a fantastic Italian restaurant in Cottesloe Beach. A perfect date night includes grabbing a glass of wine and watching the sunset from the Ocean Beach Hotel, and then walking to Il Lido for delicious potato gnocchi. Locals love the ribs and views from Scarborough Beach Bar – personally, I like to go for the pumpkin salad. Coco’s is also a favorite place of mine, an upscale venue in South Perth with views of downtown Perth known for its seafood and prime beef.

Let’s talk desserts- what place makes the best?

Greens and Co. in Leederville is practically synonymous for coffee and cake in Perth. The atmosphere is filled with funky paper lanterns, old posters, cushy couches, and hosts a variety of games. The cakes offered change on a rotating basis, so what you see is what you get!

Tell us all the hot shopping spots in Perth; who’s carrying the trendy local designers? 

If you love quirky boutique shops, head to Hillary’s Boat Harbour, a shopping center with unique storefronts set to a backdrop of multimillion dollar yachts. Keep an eye out for sweet swimwear designers like Gypsea, Nu Swimwear, PALM Swimwear, and more. Western Australia is also known for its pearls, which you can pick up at the Kailis store downtown or in Fremantle. Someone to meet is Natalie Rolt, an inspiring local who took her love of fashion first to the marketplace and now has a shop in Fremantle.

I’m also obsessed with Lydianne from Coup D’vent, who creates cute purses out of recycled kitesurfing kites.

What are a couple of the best salons and spas in Perth?

Thirty minutes outside of Perth, in a forest, is the Hidden Valley Spa – perfect for relaxing with friends for the day. Also, don’t underestimate the Crown Casino that also has a day spa in house with talented masseuses! Friends also rave about Keturah Spa, a small chain that has locations all throughout Perth.

Time for a great sunset view… where would you go?

If you’re a fan of skylines, be sure to pack a picnic and head to the top of Kings Park for a prime view of the city lights. If you’re more of a beach bunny, opt for taking a picnic down to either Cottesloe or Trigg for stunning views of Western Australia’s cloudscapes that create surreal sunsets.

Now that the sun’s gone down, fill us on the best places to go for some evening drinks or a great pre-gaming spot.

For something unique and fun, I love to join a Rivercat Cruise that serves drinks on a small boat that takes you along the Swan River. It’s located in downtown Perth, so once you’re done there, it’s great to head into the city and carry onward.

If you end the night at a fancy club in Perth, which one do you head towards?

The Brena Bar recently came under fire by having a “No Plebeians” policy, citing it only welcomes people dressed to the nines into its venue. Though that’s not really my style, I always have a great time sipping a few drinks at The Breakwater in Hillarys Boat Harbour, The Crown Perth near Victoria Park, or the Conservatory Rooftop Bar on Murray Street.

Chantae Reden is a travel writer obsessed with all things adventure and new experiences. She set off on a surf trip to Central America in 2010 and hasn’t stopped traveling since.  You can find more of her writing on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, or her personal site, Chantae.com.

The post Luxury Guide to Perth appeared first on Hippie In Heels.

Welcome to Backpacker’s Boutique. Every Sunday, this spot will feature a new travel blogger. Some weeks it will be a really fun interview about packing, fashion, and fitness so you can snoop inside their bags & lives a little bit and other weeks it’ll be a detailed luxury guide to a city the featured blogger/expat knows very well. E-mail me if you’d like to be featured.

A Luxury Guide to Hobart

Tell us a little about  yourself and tell us why you’re an expert on luxury travel in Hobart, Australia.

Hi there! I’m Carly, an Aussie girl addicted to photography, tea, sunshine and endless adventures. Born on the Gold Coast and raised in a small farming town in country Australia, I embarked on my first solo trip at the age of 14, and from that moment forth I was destined to become the perpetual wanderer, moment capturer and adventure seeker I am now! I never leave home without my camera or sense of adventure and I am living proof that you don’t have to quit your job to travel the world.

In addition to international travel, I love exploring my home country and discovering all Australia has to offer. And that leads us to Hobart! After countless visits over the years, I’m completely convinced that it is Australia’s best undiscovered gem!

What makes Hobart a perfect destination for travelers seeking a glamorous trip?

Hobart is the vibrant and trendy capital city of Australia’s island state, Tasmania. South of the mainland, Tasmania is home to unparalleled beauty, rugged wilderness, picturesque coastlines, majestic mountains and luxurious vineyards, and at the centre of it all is Hobart. With its picturesque waterfront, exceptional food and wine scene, provocative art movement and Mount Wellington towering above it, Hobart is not only the ideal home base for all your Tasmanian adventures, but a perfect destination for luxury travel.

What 5 star hotel is the best in Hobart?

You can’t go past the iconic Lenna of Hobart Hotel. Located in the historic neighborhood of Battery Point, this hotel is a meticulously restored sandstone mansion from the late 1800s and never fails to make me think I’ve stepped onto the filming set of Downton Abbey. It just oozes old world sophistication and charm! The rooms are gorgeous and overlook Salamanca Place and the Hobart waterfront, which is exactly what you want on a trip to Hobart.

What about boutique hotels in Hobart, of them all, which would you send your friends or family to stay at?

The Islington Hotel! Snuggled into the foothills of Mount Wellington, the hotel is gorgeous, unique and very luxurious. Every guest room is adorned with fine arts and antiques, but the pièce-de-résistance in my opinion is the hotel’s immaculate garden, complete with glass pavilion and tranquil reflecting pool. Talk about serene!

Are there any fun activities for the adventurous traveler in Hobart?

Where to begin – you’ll be totally spoiled for choice! Some of my favourite escapades (and my recommendations for visitors to Hobart) have been reaching Mount Wellington’s summit, feeding Tasmanian Devils at the conservation park outside Hobart, vineyard hopping through the Southern Wine Route, boating around Bruny Island alongside fur seals, dolphins and whales, gazing awe-struck at MONA’s provocative art installations and stepping back in time to Hobart’s colonial and convict era at Port Arthur. Incredible adventures await in Hobart! You also don’t want to miss the Southern Lights.

Where are the best hang outs during the day in Hobart?

Again, there are so many great hang outs in Hobart, but you absolutely can’t go past my three favourites: Sullivan’s Cove, Battery Point and Salamanca Place. Sullivan’s Cove is Hobart’s historic waterfront precinct. Wander the picturesque marina, visit Elizabeth Street Pier to indulge in all the food and wine you can handle and take a trip from Brooke Street Pier to MONA.

Salamanca Place is the location for the Salamanca Markets held each Saturday. The markets are a true celebration of the sights and sounds of Tasmania, along with its finest produce so are great for wandering, sampling and picking up some local goodies. Every other day, it’s the perfect place to potter away the hours as you hop between cafes, art houses, boutique shops and trendy bars.

Last but not least is Battery Point. This idyllic neighborhood is home to cute colonial cottages and my favourite bakery – Jackman and McRoss. Here, you’ll find all the unhealthy stuff. It’s delicious.

If you have a big date night, what are the most delicious restaurants in Hobart and what are their best dishes?

I’m going to pick two of my favourite restaurants at completely opposite ends of the spectrum to cover either a casual or fancy date night. For something a little more casual, you absolutely can’t go past Fish Frenzy at Sullivan’s Cove. The fish and seafood is the freshest and tastiest I’ve ever had and the salads, soup and chips are awesome too. The waterfront location makes it even more perfect and  it’s easy walking distance to the bars at Salamanca after dinner. For a more upscale option, Frogmore Creek Winery is outstanding. The food, beverages and service are impeccable, and the vineyard setting is perfect for the romantics!

Tell us all the hot shopping spots; who’s carrying the trendy local designers in Hobart?  

Salamanca Place is the shopping mecca for art and antiques. The Saturday morning markets are the place to go if you are after anything local, whether it be food, produce or other goodies. The arcades in the Hobart CBD have a fabulous mix of boutique, independent and chain stores, and the area is so walk-able – you can easily spend all day wandering and getting around on foot, which is always the best way to discover the hidden gems!

Time for a great sunset view… where would you go?

Mount Wellington for sure! With its 360 degrees view of the city and the entire surrounding region, the summit is the perfect spot to take in a sunrise or a sunset.

Now that the sun’s gone down, fill us on the best places to go for some evening drinks or a great pre-gaming spot.

Salamanca Square and Salamanca Place are trendy places to go to socialise, with no shortage of cafes, pubs and bars all within close vicinity to keep you entertained for hours ;) The fun, lively atmosphere and fabulous live music just draws you in! Grape Wine Bar is one of my favourites!

Carly Fowler is the avid photographer, writer and adventurer behind the travel blog Let Us Wanderlust. A nomadic soul from Australia, she embarked on her first international adventure at age 12 and has never looked back. Sharing her travel adventures, destination guides, advice and oodles of inspiration on her blog, she aims to inspire others to go and see the world. Crediting her partner-in-crime (her husband), her camera and her never-ending sense of adventure as the three things she couldn’t live without, Carly currently lives in the gorgeous Australian countryside and works full-time in healthcare, proving you don’t have to quit your job to travel the world. You can follow the adventure on her blog Let Us Wanderlust, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

The post Luxury Guide to Hobart appeared first on Hippie In Heels.

The post A Completely Comprehensive 3 Week Guide to Backpacking Western Australia appeared first on Hippie In Heels.

Welcome to Backpacker’s Boutique. Every Sunday, this spot will feature a new travel blogger. Some weeks it will be a really fun interview about packing, fashion, and fitness so you can snoop inside their bags & lives a little bit and other weeks it’ll be a detailed luxury guide to a city the featured blogger/expat knows very well. E-mail me if you’d like to be featured.

A Luxury Guide to Adelaide

Tell us a little about  yourself and tell us why you’re an expert on luxury travel in Adelaide. 

Hi, I’m Christine from The Traveloguer.  Adelaide is South Australia’s capital city, and the surrounding area is home to both vineyards and stunning beaches. I lived there for more than a year and enjoyed its luxury offerings on a backpacker budget! 

What makes Adelaide a perfect destination for travelers seeking a glamorous trip?

Adelaide, and in particular the beach suburb of Glenelg, is an ideal place to experience the finer things in life. Home to a marina filled with yachts and amazing restaurants, picture-perfect beaches and surrounded by gorgeous scenery and vineyards as far as the eye can see, it has plenty to offer any traveller.

What 5 star hotel is the best in your town?

My favourite hotel in Adelaide is the Stamford Grand, a hotel that’s full of class and with stunning views of the ocean. It has luxurious rooms and the greatest seafood buffet you’ll ever have, as well as a foodie’s dream of a breakfast.

In the city, the Rendevous is modern perfection. Sleek rooms with amazing views of Adelaide and jaw droppingly fabulous bathrooms and make this a perfect city destination.

Are there any fun activities for the adventurous traveler?

If swimming with sharks is your idea of adventurous, then Adelaide is the perfect place! There are lots of water activities to enjoy, as well as skydiving and camping adventures in the bush. Check out even more things to do in Adelaide.

Where are the best hang outs during the day?

Glenelg is the best place to be in Adelaide, in my biased opinion! It has a lot to offer. There’s the main street, the epitome of a holiday resort that manages to be both kitschy and chic. The beach and jetty are gorgeous places to hang out. In the summer it’s packed with tourists and volleyball playing Aussies, people jumping off the jetty, there’s an open air cinema and spectacular sunsets. In the winter it’s just as beautiful, only you may want to swap your gelato for a coffee.

The city centre has lots of parks which are perfect for picnics, and are really popular for weddings. In the summer, Adelaide has lots of festivals which are so much fun. 

If you have a big date night, what are the most delicious restaurants in Adelaide, and what are their best dishes?

For a date night, my favourite place is Pure, a laidback yet stylish heaven, with trendy décor, very cool waiters and possibly the best food and coffee in South Australia.

For a more romantic setting, Cardones on Jetty Road is perfect. Their oysters are the best I’ve had. Any of the restaurants along the marina are also great spots for a date.

Let’s talk desserts- what place makes the best?

I think for something sweet, Adelaide’s best offerings are found in their gelato shops, which tend to have queues out the door no matter what time you get there.

Afternoon tea in the Grand is another winner, they even offer a take away version, so you can enjoy your cakes by the sea.

In the city, there is a hole in the wall in Chinatown that sells only macaroons! They come in cute little individual boxes which makes them all the more enjoyable! 

Time for a great sunset view… where would you go?

Sunset is all about the beach. Any patch of sand in Glenelg gives you a perfect view of the sunset. In Glenelg, the Grand (again) offers a great view, as do any of the bars along the marina.

Now that the sun’s gone down, fill us on the best places to go for some evening drinks or a great pre-gaming spot. 

Well, a not-so-glamorous spot is the iconic Jetty Bar on Jetty Road. Filled with backpackers and Aussie holiday-makers, it’s a good spot for some pre-game fun. The Dublin is also great for a good time.

The Sunset Bar and The Pier on Glenelg’s marina, and Casablabla in the city centre are perfect for cocktails.

The post Luxury Guide to Adelaide appeared first on Hippie In Heels.

Welcome to Backpacker’s Boutique. Every Sunday, this spot will feature a new travel blogger. Some weeks it will be a really fun interview about packing, fashion, and fitness so you can snoop inside their bags & lives a little bit and other weeks it’ll be a detailed luxury guide to a city the featured blogger/expat knows very well. E-mail me if you’d like to be featured.

A Luxury Guide to Sydney

Tell us a little about  yourself and tell us why you’re an expert on luxury travel in Sydney.

My name is Laura. I’m originally from New York, but after graduating from college, I decided to move to New Zealand where I spent a year discovering my love for craft beer and meat pies. After leaving New Zealand I moved to Sydney. For two years I explored new restaurants, new bars and everything else this cosmopolitan city has to offer.

What makes Sydney a perfect destination for travelers seeking a glamorous trip?

Sydney is by far the most glamorous place to go in Australia. It’s a city of laid back, beautiful people who spend most of their time either at the beach or working on looking good at the beach. It is a haven for budding new chefs to open restaurants of all cuisines. There are boutique hotels, small themed bars, big night clubs, rooftop party places and stunning beaches to recover on.

What 5 star hotel is the best in your town?

The Park Hyatt on the Sydney Harbour has to be the best spot. It has the best view in the city. It sits under the Harbour bridge and looks out over the Sydney Opera House. You can enjoy your breakfast as you watch the city wake up in front of you. Head up to the rooftop for comfortable chase lounges and poolside views of the entire harbour. There’s a fitness center and a spa to make sure you look all the bit a glamorous Sydney-sider before you head out the door.

What about boutique hotels, of them all, which would you send your friends or family to stay at?

I would definitely send my family and friends to QT Boutique Hotel in the center of Sydney. It’s housed in the historic Gowings and State old theater building. They have worked to retain the theater vibe from the moment you step inside. It feels luxurious while also being fun. All of the furniture is oversized and plush, there are antique pieces of luggage and re-upolstured cloth mannequins awaiting their next costume design. It not only has one of the best spas in Sydney, it was even voted as one of the best new spas in the world by Conde Nast in 2013.

Are there any fun activities for the adventurous traveler?

If you’re looking to do something totally lavish in Sydney, you should hire the Island.  Choose any spot in the harbor to lay atop this luxury barge with 200 of your closest friends. If the price tag is too steep, consider buying a ticket to their weekend parties or hiring a smaller boat to cruise around the harbour.   

If you’re a bit more of a thrill seeker, you can always hook yourself to the Harbour Bridge for a climb. Opt for the sunrise or the sunset walks and watch the colors change across the water.

Where are the best hang outs during the day?

There isn’t a bad place to hang out in Sydney if you’re by the water. My absolute favorite has to be Cremorne point. Just over the Harbour Bridge to the north sits a grassy hill overlooking the Opera House and the Harbour Bridge. Get there early on the weekend to get a good, shady spot.

You can’t come to Sydney and not go to the beach for the day. Skip the crowded surf beaches of Bondi and Manly and head for the more secluded Balmoral Beach to the north or Milk Beach to the east. Both are better for swimming and sunning.

You could easily while away an entire afternoon sitting in a cafe. There is one on almost every corner of every street in the entire metro area. Coffee is a religion here and people are very devout. The best collection of cafes is on Crown Street in Surry Hills where al fresco dining is always on the menu. That and good cappuccino.

If you have a big date night, what are the most delicious restaurants in Sydney  and what are their best dishes?

Sydney is constantly opening new restaurants. One of my favorite chefs in the city is Colin Fassnidge. I saw him butcher a pig at a food festival before showing the audience how to confit it. He believes nothing should be wasted, especially a good piece of pork. Originally from Ireland, he has made Sydney his home, opening two of the best (in my opinion) restaurants in the city. Four in Hand, his first restaurant in Paddington, is full of simple, comforting food done incredibly well. His menu changes monthly in order to source local, fresh produce, but you can never go wrong with anything from a pig.

Location: 105 Sutherland St Paddington NSW 2021

His second restaurant, 4Fourteen, is located in Surry Hills. This place is all about sharing. The menu is broken up into “Nibbles”, “Small Plates” and “Large Plates”. The wine list is extensive and all of the wait staff have excellent knowledge of what will go best with your food choice. Again, the menu changes seasonally, but luckily with all of the small plates, you can sample pretty much everything on the menu if you bring enough people.

Location: 414 Bourke St. Surry Hills NSW 2010 Entrance via: 72c Fitzroy St. Surry Hills

Let’s talk desserts- what place makes the best?

Messina Ice Cream is the best ice cream I’ve had outside of Italy. The dark chocolate sorbet was my first love until I tried the creamier versions. The tiramisu is heavenly. They are constantly adding new ones or doing seasonal flavors of the month. They now have several branches around Sydney – Surry Hills, Darlinghurst and the Star Casino.

When it comes to dessert in Sydney, Adriano Zumbo is a household name. He’s a regular on Masterchef Australia, famous for challenging the contestants to complete his towering pastry creations. His location at the Star Casino is set up like a sushi train restaurant. Choose wisely. 

Tell us all the hot shopping spots; who’s carrying the trendy local designers?

The main shopping district of central Sydney is at Pitt Street Mall. This pedestrian only street is surrounded by a large Westfield that forms the base of one of Sydney’s more iconic buildings, the Westfield Tower. It’s also home to all of your big name brands. But if you’re looking for local, Australian based designers, head across the street to the Strand. It’s an old arcade style building from the Victorian era and it has kept much of it’s charm. Start at the bottom with a coffee at Strand Espresso to fuel your shopping.

Dinasaur Designs make stunningly unique clay jewelry as well as quirky and colorful homeware pieces.  Manning Cartel has quickly become one of Australia’s hottest design houses. Their fabrics are glorious and their designs and patterns can’t be found on the high street. Go to Lover for romantic dresses and gowns and anything lace. If you’re interested in meeting some of the designers in person be sure to shop during one of the year’s many “Evening with the Designers”, generally held at the start of every design season.

Time for a great sunset view… where would you go?

My absolute favorite spot to head for a sunset is Camp Cove, a beach on the South Head of the harbour. It’s really easy to get to by bus and requires only a little bit of walking to reach; trust me, it’s worth it.  You can walk around to a lighthouse and stare out into the Pacific Ocean or look back at the city in the distance. To do it in true Sydney style, pack some snacks and a bottle of wine to enjoy as the sun goes down. If you come at the right time of year and you get lucky, you might even spot some migrating whales. 

Now that the sun’s gone down, fill us on the best places to go for some evening drinks.

There are so many amazing little bars popping up all over Sydney. A few years ago the city center wasn’t the best spot to start a night out, but as licensing laws have begun to slacken, the night life has livened up. If you want somewhere with a view, head to the Glenmore in the rocks. It’s a great alternative to the busier, tourist bars around the Opera House and the view from the rooftop isn’t too bad either. Some of my favorite small bars around the city include Lobo Plantation, a rum bar styled to look like an old American sugar plantation and Since I left You, a tiny little bar with a stone walled courtyard and a long cocktail list.

If you end the night at a fancy club, which one do you head towards?

The place to see and be seen is definitely the Ivy in the city center. It’s tucked down a side alley, but all you have to do is follow the music (and the line) and you’ll know you’ve arrived. The Ivy is a chic spot for cocktails and dancing. Head down early to sip cocktails by the rooftop pool in summer. If you’re more interested in dancing than looking cute by the bar, head to Marquee in the Star Casino. Popular DJ’s are constantly being featured there. Different nights of the weekend generally play different types of music, so be sure to check up on what’s happening on their website before you head out.

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