Taste of Sydney

Located in a quaint 1866 cottage, Percy’s is within walking distance of the picturesque Nepean River. Take in the views, and watch passing boats and wildlife along the 7km Great River Walk. If your serene walking trail needs a few more thrills, Penrith’s Throw Axe might be the action-packed answer. Now that you’ve worked up an appetite, lunch beckons. Load up on those river views at Tench Reserve where The East Bank restaurant precinct will have you spoilt for choice.

Alternatively, cross the river and grab a bite at historic Emu Hall. Then settle in at Rusty Penny Brewery for an afternoon ale or two. Penrith’s Burger Head delivers quintessential American-style burgers and sides while after-dinner cocktails await at Mr Watkins. Rest your weary head at Mercure Penrith, located next door to the endless entertainment options of Penrith Panthers Leagues Club.

In the heart of Sydney’s South West, Liverpool is a multicultural gem. Sample its global flavours on a guided tour with Taste Cultural Food Tours and try Balkan, Lebanese, Iraqi and Indian delights. Nearby Bankstown is also known for its authentic international cuisine. Book in for a brewery tour and a tasting paddle at the Basement Brewhouse, before making your way to Chippendale in the city’s Inner West. have dinner at renowned fine-dining spot Ester, or something more casual under the romantic lanterns of Spice Alley.

You won’t have to travel far for a stylish place to bed down. Brewery-turned-hotel The Old Clare Hotel is just next door and offers a stylish mix of grit and glam, while Little Albion in Surry Hills is another luxe stay. Nearby at Darling Square, you can cure your sweet tooth with a scoop (or two) of Gelato Messina’s creative gelato for dessert.

Soak up the stunning views with a stroll around the Royal Botanic Garden and Mrs Macquarie’s Chair before joining Sydney Harbour Boat Tours for the spectacular Sydney Icons, Bays & Beaches cruise. For lunch surrounded by nature, book in at Botanic House, a modern Asian eatery inside the garden with a menu designed by celebrity chef Luke Nguyen.

Dave’s 3 in 3 Brewery Tour is a thirst-quenching way to spend an afternoon. Or if you prefer a self-guided adventure, the Inner West suburbs of Newtown, Enmore, Marrickville and Camperdown are diverse neighbourhoods to explore. Be sure to visit Young Henrys, Wayward Brewing Co. and Batch Brewing Co. If spirits are more your style, head to Surry Hills to infuse your own rum at Brix Distillers’ Rum School or become a G&T pro at Four Pillars’ Gin Masterclasses.

For dinner with a side serve of jaw-dropping views, grab a table at 6Head in the new Campbell’s Stores at Circular Quay. Let the views continue with drinks at Hotel Palisade’s chic two-storey cocktail bar, Henry Deane; or experience the Aussie pub scene at The Glenmore – harbour views still included. Set on a historic pier under the Sydney Harbour Bridge in Walsh Bay, Pier One hotel is on the doorstep of Sydney’s arts district and walking distance from the city.

Alternatively, take the pace down a notch with an early morning behind-the-scenes tour of the Sydney Fish Market (Monday to Friday) or, on Saturday mornings, indulge your senses at the Carriageworks Farmers Market. For foodies, Ultimately Sydney’s The Taste of Sydney tour is a six-hour epicurean delight, taking in Barangaroo, Tramsheds, Rosebery and Urban Winery. Culture vultures might prefer a visit to one of the city’s many galleries or museums.

If you have room for dinner, explore the finger wharf at Woolloomooloo. Otto serves up authentic Italian dishes, while China Doll is an award-winning spot for modern Asian cuisine on the water. Stay local and stroll back to Ovolo Woolloomooloo, a five-star boutique hotel which fuses heritage and modern luxury. Alternatively, check out Spicers Potts Point or InterContinental Double Bay in the trendy Eastern Suburbs.

Explore the area on bike or on foot from Queenscliff to Shelly Beach and North Head, followed by a well-earned beachside breakfast. If the water beckons, as it so often does around here, join Ecotreasures for a morning snorkel before winding down with lunch at the famous Hugo’s on Manly Wharf. For fine dining, check out Saké Restaurant and Bar, where you can indulge in contemporary Japanese cuisine.

Manly Surf School has you covered for an active afternoon. For those keen on another beer-inspired adventure, a tour of Manly’s Four Pines Brewpub will keep you busy, or drive to nearby Brookvale where 7th Day Brewery and Nomad Brewing Co. will deliver the goods. Bid farewell to the Emerald City at one of its finest restaurants, Pilu at Freshwater, before drifting off to your sweet Sydney dreams at The Sebel Manly Beach.