6:00 am
A marine alarm clock in Bondi
Sydney wakes up… In Bondi beach, the brave are already doing laps in the seawater basin overlooking the Pacific. At Tamarama, the nearby beach, we take a dip before a green apple/ginger/mint juice, as refreshing as a dawn visit (the time difference helps) to Pyrmont's Fish Market, the largest fish and shellfish market in the southern hemisphere.
10:00 am
Circular Quay
Ferries dock at Circular Quay and let a flood of workers escape to the CBD (business district). It is the daily boat (or bike)-office-pub ride of many Sydneysiders.
11:00 am
Panoramic view of Manly
As travellers who go against the tide, we'd advise embarking in the opposite direction for a panoramic view of the city, Harbour Bridge and of course the Opera House, before heading to one of Manly's beaches. The most secret of these, Collins Beach (ask for access to the premises) is worthy of a visit : an incredibly white arc of sand is bordered by the vegetation of North Head National Park, guarded at either end by a small waterfall and a colony of penguins.
1:00 pm
Lunch on the water at Balmoral Beach
If you choose a private cruise our local representative will take care of everything . The creek exploration will be done on board a small trimaran and at your convenience. Don't miss a family lunch at the Bathers Pavilion on Balmoral Beach, or stroll through Watsons Bay, Doyles. At sunset, a drink on board is necessary, facing the dusky bay.
4:00 pm
Bohemian afternoon in Paddington
Then head to Paddington, a bohemian neighbourhood combining Victorian homes and young designers, and splurge out at Bassike and Manning Cartell before taking refreshments in the cool courtyard of the Underground Café.
6:00 pm
High tea at the Park Hyatt
In the late afternoon at Harbour Bridge, climb the 200 steps of the southeast tower, next to the Park Hyatt where you'll meet for high tea, and stunning views.
8:00 pm
Supper surrounded by Sydneysiders
There are several options for the evening : the renovated docks of Wooloomooloo, the cosmopolitan neighbourhood of Potts Point , or the more rock'n'roll feel of Surry Hills. There, between the old red brick warehouses, are burgeoning bars, restaurants, young designer showrooms, and trendy shops on Crown Street. Let yourself be tempted by a glass of syrah at The Winery before savouring gourmet Thai cuisine at the Longrain.
11:30 pm
Sydney falls asleep
Return to CBD for one last drink and maybe a night at the QT . An unusual, vintage address, the hotel boasts a lobby that adds a touch of Broadway to the heart of Sydney. Upstairs you'll find downlighting, fifties-inspired furniture (for sale ). The QT's Gowings Bar is the place to enjoy one (or more) late night watermelon-coriander caipirinha to round off one day in Sydney.
