Arguably Sydney’s busiest pedestrian street.
Has anybody else felt the sudden change in weather recently? Air that had felt icy cold has now warmed and the sun is shining for longer stretches of the day.
Sydney transport has been made more efficient by the opening of the Sydney Metro City line! I took the new, driverless train yesterday (19 August 2024) and the experience was modern, seamless, and exciting.
Each of the six new stations (Crows Nest, Victoria Cross, Barangaroo, Gadigal, Martin Place, Waterloo) are distinctive in design. The interiors are futuristic while honouring Sydney’s original, Indigenous inhabitants.
Got a question? Message me on Instagram, our Sydney travel concierge is here to help.
Prince Centre building houses authentic Chinese and Japanese restaurants. On the ground floor, the outdoor tables regularly hum with locals enjoying cheap dumplings, noodles and BYO drinks.
Sitting above on the 1st floor of Prince Centre building is “Caysorn Thai”, a stylish and heritage-honouring restaurant. Classics such as Gaeng Som Pla (spicy and sour fish curry) and Bai Liang Phad Kai (stir-fried Melinjo leaves with egg) represent Southern Thai cuisine.
Caysorn serves a menu that you wouldn’t normally find at other Thai restaurants. If you like spicy food, you’ll be spoilt for choice here. The ambience is very conversational and the service is friendly.
See the Google Map link to Caysorn Thai (Haymarket) here.
The Olympic Games in Paris finished on 11 August 2024 and what a show it was! Well done to the Australian athletes, who brought home 53 medals (18 gold, 19 silver, 16 bronze). If you walked past Tumbalong Park in the Darling Harbour precinct, you could have watched the Games on 2 massive screens erected in front of the main stage.
I love going for a stroll in Darling Harbour precinct. Particularly on weekends, it’s so alive! Tumbalong Park is a popular play area for families, with children chasing soccer balls and wide grassy area accomodating picnics. Events and activations are regularly happening – stay updated here.
As spring season arrives and the sun warms up the CBD, enjoy the outdoor cafe and dining spots in Darling Quarter. My cafe recommendations are “Kurtosh” or “Haven Specialty Coffee“. If you like Brazilian meat, you can’t go wrong with the all-you-can-eat package at “Braza Churrascaria“.
See the Google Map link to Tumbalong Park (next to Darling Harbour) here.
I’m a part time digital nomad, so I love discovering places I can rely on for long hours of peaceful remote work. My friend, a postgraduate student at UTS university, introduced me to Attila Brungs Reading Room.
Surprisingly, this perfect study and laptop-friendly place is available to public visitors! It’s on the 5th and 6th floors of Building 2 in the UTS Central precinct. The Reading Room is large and cavernous, with sunlight enchanting the book-filled walls. I love that, during a break from remote work, I can walk around and pick a book at random to read.
See the Google Map link to Attila Brungs Reading Room (UTS Central) here. A top space for academic research, self-study, or working out of office.
Synomymous with “Pho An”, AN Restaurant is as famous in Bankstown as the Sydney Harbour Bridge is famous in Australia. This Vietnamese eatery, which was founded in 1987, is a go-to for hot, soupy noodles!
I must say that the price is higher than other Vietnamese restaurants (of which there are many) in Bankstown. I usually prefer visiting mum n’ pop style venues because I find them more authentic. But AN Restaurant, despite being more “commercial”, did not disappoint.
My Pho topped with Beef Combination (including rare slices of beef, tendon and tripe) was succulent. The beef bone broth was flavourful and the portion size was filling. All I can say is, I get why the restaurant is popular!
See the Google Map link to AN Restaurant (Bankstown) here. If you prefer Chicken Pho, their bowls of chicken bone broth look sumptuous – perhaps my meal next time.
I love dining in restaurants that feel like a home. Khao Hom Thai doesn’t offer a fancy setting nor food with special effects. It simply serves up Thai classic in satisfying, tasty portions.
We ordered the Soft Shell Crab, Pad See Ew (you can choose between 5 different types of meat), and Laksa (with duck meat).
See the Google Map link to “Khao Hom Thai Restaurant (Glebe)” here. If I’m in Glebe and in the mood for Thai, I’ll be back!
I’m Garry Ho, founder of Koalamate.
If our website has helped you, please consider supporting us.
Payment can be made via all major cards.
We use cookies to enhance your browsing experience.
By continuing to use this site, you agree to our use of cookies.
