holidays – Affordable Luxury

6 of the best day trips from Sydney

Australia is huge! If you’ve only got a couple of days to explore, then day trips could be the perfect option for you. If you’re looking for a quick adventure not too far from the hustle and bustle of Sydney, consider taking these day trips!

Central Coast

The central coast is home to a collective of stunning beaches, so if you love the sand and the sea, you need to be there! With dozens of beaches available at your fingertips, you’ll be spoilt for choice. The area offers a chilled vibe and secluded hideaways so this is the perfect place for a relaxing getaway. Is the beach not your thing? If not, the coast also offers astounding bush and coastal walks as well as some amazing markets!

Royal National Park

The distance to this national park isn’t too bad for the visitors that don’t want to travel for more than an hour. There’s so much to do and see at the Royal National park! Whether you’re just sightseeing or after an adventure, this national park is the place for you. It’s the home of stunning waterfalls, coastal cliffs and the infamous Wedding Cake Rock. Whether you’re taking a dip, a hike or want to hire a canoe, this is the perfect spot!

Southern Highlands

Although this is a large area, dropping in at any city in the Southern Highlands won’t disappoint! If you’re looking to travel somewhere closer to Sydney, try stopping by Stanwell Park or Helensburgh! They have great lookouts for spectacular views and have beaches that are much quieter than the ones in larger cities. If you’re willing to go the distance, drive down a bit and check out Kiama. Whilst you’re there, go and check out the Kiama blowhole or stroll along the Kiama Coast walkway!

Blue Mountains

The Blue Mountains is one of the top day trip destinations for visitors and for good reason! Both Sydney siders and visitors come to the Blue Mountains to immerse themselves in the lush landscape filled with dense eucalyptus trees. With more than 140kms worth of hiking trails, you’ve got plenty to explore! The location is also home to spectacular rock formations like the Three Sisters and Bridal Veil Falls! Whether you’re hiking, rock climbing or just having a stroll, Blue Mountains is the perfect place to visit.

Ku-ring-gai National Park

Ku-ring-gai is just a dash north from Sydney and it’s the second oldest national park in Australia! Filled with tranquil bays, waterfalls and stunning bushland, you’d be crazy to give this one a miss! You’ll be surrounded by an astounding view and it’s the best place for a kayak down the river or for some solid hiking. Without a doubt, you won’t regret spending your day here!

Palm Beach

If you’ve just visited Ku-ring-gai National Park, why not head up a bit to the breathtaking palm beach! Here you can snap a pic at instafamous Barrenjoey Lighthouse as it’ll give you a spectacular panoramic backdrop! The area is home to some of the best beaches and is the perfect place to settle down for a picnic.

Looking for a place to stay? Check out Aabode.com because we’ve got the perfect accommodation for you!

What’s on in Sydney | June

While the rest of the world is jumping into the summer hype, everyone in Australia is burrito-ing themselves into blankets and amping up the heater to its highest temperature because winter is definitely going to be a big one. But the cold shouldn’t stop you from getting out of your house! Grab your coats and sweaters and let us help you with this list by adding some fun and warmth in this sweater weather!

Markets!

Markets all around the year and markets some more! Sydney is bringing you some of the best markets with products ranging from vintage collectibles to mouth-watering food trucks that will keep you going back for more because one day will just not be enough! Go to the Glebe markets that have over 200 stalls, combined with live music to add some jazz and really yummy eats for your tummy! Head to one of Sydney’s finest shopping precincts and get lost in the Mosman Artisans markets that are held every first Saturday of the month throughout the year except January. With over 140 arts and crafts stalls, gourmet food and musical entertainment, you’ll surely have a lively winter’s day fun in the sun! Located in Sydney’s only remaining drive-in theatre- The Skyline Drivein will have the Blacktown Markets that will be complimenting a variety of food-trucks and pop-up food places with live music and a big bouncy castle for the kids!

Cruises

Want to take it up a notch and add some luxury into your winter days? Sydney is bringing you lunch and dinner cruises for you and your friends, partner, family and everyone else to feel oh so fancy! One of Sydney’s most majestic cruises, The Catarman that is a hit amongst the locals as well as tourists. Enjoy beautiful panoramic views of the Sydney Harbour while you have lunch in an air-conditioned dining saloon. For some city lights in the evenings have an unforgettable cruising experience aboard the Spectacular Sydney Showboat II. A three-hour dinner cruise on an authentic, air-conditioned paddlewheeler with a deluxe three-course seated and served menu. Take advantage of the fabulous photo opportunities with the magnificent Harbour Bridge and Opera House in the background.

And while you’re at it, catch the fireworks at Darling Harbour every Saturday from 8:30 PM.

Taste of the Opera House

Calling all the foodies in! Wine and dine your way around the Sydney Opera House’s restaurants and bars. An entirely different way to experience Australia’s most inspiring building while taking in the culinary delights of some of Sydney’s best chefs.

Escorted by your own personal Sydney Opera House guide from Stage Door, begin with a cocktail making a class at Opera Bar learning to create one of their signature cocktails while enjoying fresh seafood and charcuterie from Matt Moran influenced RAW bar and Meat and Cheese Room. You will make your way down the concourse to get hands-on at Opera Kitchen in a poke bowl making masterclass with one of their expert chefs. The best part of the masterclass is you get to eat it after. A spectacular lunch will then be served at Portside Sydney, where you enjoy a scrumptious main course paired with matched Australian wines.

Finish your day at Bennelong restaurant, enjoying a delicious Peter Gilmore signature dessert and theatrical cocktail to accompany.

Aboriginal Heritage Tour

Whether you’re a tourist or a local looking to enrich your cultural and historical knowledge, go on an Aboriginal Tour with an Aboriginal guide in the heart of the city. Located in a spectacular harbourside setting, the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney is one of Sydney’s most treasured and iconic destinations.

On the traditional land of the Cadigal people, the land now occupied by the Garden is the site where the modern transformation of the Australian continent began and can be regarded as the ‘first frontier’ between Aboriginal and European societies.

Join an experienced Aboriginal guide on a 1.5-hour walking tour of the Garden which highlights the significance of the site to Aboriginal people, as well as the rich heritage and culture of Aboriginal people of the Sydney region.

The tour runs every Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday at 10 AM, starting from the 29th of May.

Sydney’s largest yoga and meditation group

If you want to do something different and find your inner peace and balance within you, Mita Meditation which is a volunteer-run Meditation and Wellness center is bringing you various meditation programs every Sunday starting from 2nd June.

It is a movement that promotes self-empowerment of individuals thus creating no/less dependency on external factors for them to achieve success in any area of life.

Mita Meditation also has a mission to empower every being by spreading a basic understanding of one’s true self which is referred to as Eternal Power. They also teach various Mind training techniques including meditation. Mita Meditation sessions are free of cost solely run on voluntary contributions.

Vivid

An event that is all the craze now! If there’s one place in the world where inspiration shines bright, it’s Vivid Sydney. Returning for its eleventh year from 24th May to 15th June 2019. Vivid Sydney is Australia’s most awarded festival that brings together light artists, music makers, and brilliant minds to share their creativity with you.

Vivid Light illuminates Sydney’s skyline with Lights On! from 6 PM each evening. As the Lighting of the Sails unfurls across the architectural wonders of the Sydney Opera House, weave your way along the Light Walk around the harbor front and the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney, and venture into other parts of Sydney to brighten up your winter nights. Additionally, Vivid Ideas brings you 23 days and nights of future-facing talks, hands-on workshops, and industry-shaping forums. Game Changers Spike Lee and Esther Perel challenge assumptions on race and relationships. The Mark Colvin Conversation: Net Worth, asks what price we’ll pay for our constant digital distraction. What more could you ask for when you can experience, knowledge, fun and bright lights all in one place?!

For making your stay more memorable in Sydney, visit Aabode.com now to have a look at some exciting properties ranging from funky apartments to serene accommodations with a homely vibe!

Schools out, Sydney is the escape!

Sydney is the perfect escape when the holidays are in. You’ll find plenty of things to do in this harbor city from meeting and greeting animals to exploring galaxies and museums, riding ferries and bicycles, and enjoying the great beaches! The vibrant city offers a range of dynamic activities starting with whale watching from May that lasts until November and bush-walking in wonderful national parks are popular all year.

A trip to the beach is always popular with the kids, and there are exhilarating walks along the beaches and headlands to stay active and world-famous Bondi Beach has plenty of kid-friendly cafes for those who love to embrace the inner foodie in them.

So dive into this list of must-experience activities so that you and your little ones make the most out of their school holidays!

Powerhouse Museum

Located in the Ultimo Power Station in Darling Harbor, the Powerhouse Museum’s building is in itself worthwhile visiting as part of Sydney’s history.

The permanent and temporary exhibitions are ideal for families that are looking to understand Australia’s unique culture – particularly focused on creativity and design. There are regular tours and demonstrations and other special events that are held throughout the Museum.

Some tours are available for free and others require a small fee. And right now, the Star Wars exhibition is on, visiting Australia for the first time and exclusive to the Powerhouse Museum, Sydney! So don’t miss your chance to get to know Luke, Han, Leia, Yoda, and more Star Wars characters on a whole new level as you learn more about yourself in this interactive adventure.

Park after dark

Head to the great outdoors for an overnight camp without leaving the city boundaries for a fun camping experience!

Sure, the Centennial Parklands isn’t a wild, rugged wilderness, but the 189 hectare space is a beautiful green escape from the busy city streets. Start off your morning with walks and fun-filled activities for kids and catch that beautiful sunrise over the hills and then escape the bright city lights and spend the evening and night away camping in the dark.

It’ll be just like when you used to put up a tent in the backyard as a kid, exploring in the freedom of sleeping three meters away from the safety of your sheets.

Plus, with a barbecue dinner, guided tour of nocturnal wildlife and marshmallows by the bonfire all included in the experience, there’s outdoorsy fun to suit all ages. Also, remember to bring your own tent and cozy sleeping gear, because nights can get quite chilly and you don’t want to be left out in the cold!

Taronga Zoo

One of Sydney’s most famous attractions, the award-winning Taronga Zoo is home to over 4,000 animals, including Australian native wildlife, as well as rare and endangered exotic animals.

Overlooking the magnificent Sydney Harbor, Taronga Zoo is just 12 minutes from the city by ferry. Enjoy the QBE Free-Flight Bird Show overlooking Sydney Harbor, featuring some of the world’s most spectacular birds and be delighted by the Daily Seal Show where Australian and Californian Sea-lions and the New Zealand Fur-seals will impress you with their grace and skill.

Also if you are up to it, challenge yourself on Taronga’s exciting new sky high adventure, Wild Ropes. Tackle obstacles, cross suspension bridges and soar through the trees while enjoying breath-taking views of Sydney Harbor.

Free weekly kids’ yoga

Everyone wants to give their kids the best start in life, and yoga helps toddlers and kids connect with their bodies, promoting overall positive awareness and individuality. The classes are tailored for pre-schoolers, aged 2 to 5 years, with primary school-aged children able to participate during school holidays. You don’t have to worry about bringing anything as mats are supplied and there also is no need to wear anything fancy!

Qualified children’s yoga specialist and actress Dee Dee Conno takes the yoga studio outdoors with two half hour pre-schooler sessions every Friday (10.30-11am, 11.30am-12pm) at the Village Green North, with the option of primary school joining in on the fun during their school holidays, and if you’d like to nama-stay, parents and sitters are welcome to join in!

Also, if it’s a rainy day, no stress – the classes will move indoors at the Monkey Baa Theatre foyer.

Explore the Cockatoo Island

Cockatoo island is the ultimate adventurer’s paradise! This Island, which is a world heritage site has buildings that date back to the convict era. A trip to the island is quite an adventure as you’ll be able to explore each precinct from the convict times through to the times when the island boasted a thriving dockland. You can even walk through a number of tunnels that have been cut through the island.

The island does not only offer a rich history, but it also has some really aesthetically pleasing views with sparkling clear water and the harbor bridge of course. And exploring the island is free, which is the best part!

Visit Aabode.com now to find a comfortable accommodation and make your stay memorable!

Your Perfect Nature Getaway to Blue Mountains

The Blue Mountains is a must visit for anyone who comes for a trip to Australia. The national park, located just two hours west of the Sydney CBD is your perfect nature getaway, filled with nature trails, waterfalls, caves, cliffs for that will help you get that perfect Instagram shot and surrounding towns like Katoomba and Leura are filled with quaint cafes and vintage shops for a unique shopping experience.

Three Sisters: Views that should not be missed

Anybody who has been to the Blue Mountains or is planning a trip there will always have the Three Sisters at the top of their mind. From the Echo Point, you can easily head to the marvelous Three Sisters Rock, which was formed naturally. Get the perfect Instagram click during sunrise, or sunset, while breathing in fresh air.

Scenic World: Your alternative to hiking

If you want to skip all the hikes and walks, which is absolutely fine as they can be really strenuous if you are not completely prepared, you can go for a tour and get a overview of the entire place. A cable car will take you across the valley to the lookout and give you an amazing view of the whole area Ride the world’s steepest train at this attraction!

Book tickets to skip the crowds on weekends!

Cute cafes alert!

Surrounding towns like Leura are filled with cute cafes and stores that will grab your attention instantly. Cafes like Red Door Café and Blackheath Deli are your perfect stops for some delicious eats and will surely make your tummy happy.

Image result for cafes in blue mountains

So pack your bags and plan an spontaneous trip to connect all your senses with nature and you can also go on Aabode.com to find some of the cutest cottages or cabins for your stay, which will give you the perfect Blue Mountains experience!