Alright, Sydneysiders, let’s go! As restrictions slowly ease across New South Wales, it is time for us to venture out into the city and explore it once more. Life as we know it has been suspended for the past few months, but things are finally starting to return to normal. As some borders remain closed and Sydney’s venues begin to open again, it is the perfect opportunity to rediscover our own city while investing in local and small businesses. Today, I’m Free is here to give you some awesome recommendations on how to get back out there safely.
1. Head over to Hyde Park Barracks
Yes, it’s back! Hyde Park Barracks is one of the best museums in Sydney and it reopened in early-2020 after some renovation work before it had to close again due to the pandemic. If you didn’t get the chance to visit the museum when it reopened, we highly recommend you head over to the Barracks soon. This fully-immersive self-guided experience takes about 90 minutes and it’s definitely worth a trip. Plus, the ticketed sessions will ensure spacing and safety during your visit. Open Thursday-Sunday from 10am-5pm.
2. Come with us on an I’m Free Walking Tour
I know, I know. You never really think about doing a walking tour in your own city, but trust me, it’s one of the best ways to rediscover the city. Our tours are run by enthusiastic and knowledgeable locals who have lots of fun and interesting information to share. We offer two different tours – a Sydney Sights Tour and a Rocks Tour – and you pay what you think it’s worth, so it’s as affordable as you need it to be! To make sure our tours are as safe as possible during this period, we are offering our model for private small group tours of up to 9 people. To organise one contact us at sydney@imfree.tours
3. Visit the Mint
Sydney’s oldest public building is open to visitors once again! From Monday-Friday between the hours of 9:30am and 5pm, you can visit the building that now houses Sydney Living Museums head office. Have a coffee at the café or enjoy a meal at the restaurant and take in the ambiance of a venue so steeped in history.
4. Explore the Rocks laneways
The Rocks laneways are full of restaurants, cafes, pubs and most importantly – history! Take your time to properly explore this beautiful part of Sydney, stroll through the alleys, especially Nurse’s Walk and Suez Canal, discover the secret shortcuts and make sure to stop for a drink along the way. Take a private small group tour with I’m Free to learn the hidden history and interesting cultural facts about this area that even locals don’t know (email us sydney@imfree.tours).
5. Feel fancy at O Bar and Dining
Open again after its renovation, this popular spot is a must-do for locals. Located at the top of Australia Square, this venue rotates 360 degrees with stunning views out over the city. So, go ahead and sip on a fancy cocktail or enjoy a delicious lunch or dinner from the best seat in Sydney! Visit their website for opening hours.
6. Head up to Sydney Observatory
If you haven’t been to the Observatory before, now’s your chance. Take the scenic stroll up Observatory Hill, explore the grounds and museum of the gorgeous Observatory and then sit back, relax and enjoy the stunning view out across the harbour. If you time it right, you can even see one of the best sunset views in the entire city! Unfortunately, night tours are still suspended for the time being but there’s plenty of beautiful and interesting things to see at Sydney Observatory. If you’d like to visit, you can book a free timed entry ticket on their website.
7. Relax at one of Sydney’s small bars
There are some amazing small bars around Sydney and many of them are open again. Shady Pines Saloon, the ultimate country style bar, is now open 4pm-midnight every day. It’s located behind an unmarked door in an alley off Crown St, so use Google maps if you’ve never been before! Stitch Bar, an amazing cocktail place hidden behind a faux-dressmaker’s store front, is open again from 5pm Tuesday-Saturday. Bookings are essential so make sure you plan ahead! Also, everyone’s favourite pizza and drinks place, Frankie’s, is open again from 4pm every day! They have a maximum capacity of 50 to ensure your safety. Head to timeout.com for further recommendations.
