Dear Future CCI Global Scholars,
Congrats on being accepted to the best study abroad program UT has to offer! Dr. Swan and Dr. Miller have truly put their hearts and souls into this program to make it the best it can be. It was a life-changing experience for me, and you’re about to have the time of your lives.
If you’re anything like me, you will spend this summer and the fall semester researching Sydney and all it has to offer. Well you’re in luck, because during my three and a half months abroad I compiled an Ultimate Australian Bucket List to help you out.
P.S.-- If you have any questions, feel free to ask Dr. Miller for my contact info!
Eat
Concrete Jungle Cafe
- The CUTEST cafe with Instagram-worthy dishes great for brunch. My recommendation: the blueberry and lemon hotcakes
- I wish I had found this sooner! Best American burgers and wings around town. Plus they have Dr. Pepper!
- This became a weekly favorite for our group. Tuesday is Dollar Dog Day at this American themed bar, so stop by to enjoy gourmet hot dogs, classic rock music, and milkshakes with a twist ;)
- One of the most popular brunch spots in Bondi, also known for Instagram-worthy dishes
- Cool cafe located in Ultimo known for their red velvet pancakes and red velvet lattes
- Easily my favorite place to get a chicken burger while at Manly Beach
- Pancakes turned up a notch. Be aware that they do not split checks!
- A hidden gem located in Glebe. Stop by one Saturday afternoon after exploring the markets for pancakes with fresh fruit
- If you travel up to Newcastle, you have to try their Mexican food! It’s reasonably priced, and Mexican food is a rarity in Sydney.
- Hole-in-the-wall restaurant that has $1 Wing Wednesday’s; P.S. ranch is apparently not a thing in Australia.
- The ultimate spot for someone with a sweet tooth
- Heaven for macaron lovers
- The best gelato in Sydney! Located in Circular Quay
Bars
Ivy- This three story bar (club?) became a favorite for our group. Go on Thursday night, known as Backpacker Night, for a $10 entry fee
- A smaller version of Ivy; good for Friday’s and Saturday’s
- Lowkey bar that usually has live music
- Great for dancing!
- Newtown is full of hip, small bars, great for bouncing around throughout the night
- Our group went on St. Patrick’s Day and it was so much fun! They even played Shania Twain and Sweet Home Alabama, which made Tennessee feel a little bit closer
- We went to the Ball Pit Party and it was a blast! Keep a watch out for their weekly fishbowl special
Beaches
Bondi- Touristy beach; known for the Icebergs Club, cute cafes and shops, and the Bondi Markets
- Known for its rich Aboriginal history; beautiful yellow sand, eateries, and shops; visit on Sunday’s for a cheaper ferry ride
- The most beautiful beach I visited in Australia; known for having the whitest sand in the world
- Family beach that is usually pretty crowded. Make sure to explore the rock pools that were built by convicts!
- Less known beach that isn’t very crowded; great for laying out and throwing a football around
- Take a daytrip to explore this area; one of Australia’s best-known TV shows is filmed here
- Easily my favorite beach because of the surfer vibe
- Take a daytrip and explore this awesome area about 2 hours out of Sydney
Activities
Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb
Icebergs Club at Bondi Beach
Surf Camp with Australian Surf Tours
Powerhouse Museum ($8 student tickets)
Luna Park
Hunter Valley Wine Tour
Grounds of Alexandria
Westfield Mall
Watson’s Bay
Royal Botanic Gardens
Royal National Park
Wendy’s Secret Garden
Blue Mountains
Coogee to Bondi Coast walk
Spit to Manly walk
Darling Harbour
Hyde Park
Taronga Zoo
Wet’n’Wild water park
Paddy’s Market
Glebe Market
Rugby game
Outdoor cinema at Bondi
