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Aotearoa-born photographer and friend of Ashley & Co Sophia Doak currently resides in Sydney, she recently took us on a visual guide through her favourite spots to visit, eat and drink throughout the Summer season. Whether you’re planning a visit across the ditch, or seeking some fun ideas on how to spend a weekend, we think you’ll love her recommendations.
Hit the beach, Sydney obviously has no shortage but some of my favourites are North Bondi (the local), Camp Cove, Gordons Bay, Mahon Pool at Maroubra and the Ladies Baths at Coogee.
That coastal walk that you see everyone doing? Do it, get up before the sun and meet at North Bondi to walk to Bronte and enjoy the sunrise. You can walk all the way to Coogee but I have yet to walk all the way back. Get a coffee from The Depot on your return, can't beat those good vibes.
Explore Paddington, I love this little suburb with all its beautiful shops and terrace houses. Get a takeaway coffee from The Hood and wander through the stalls at the Paddo markets if it's a Saturday. Pick up a new book from Ariel, one of my favourite book stores. Stop in at Freds and prepare to be overwhelmed by the selection of decadent treats.
If I listed all my favourite Sydney spots to wine and dine it would be overwhelmingly long, so I will just limit myself to two regular haunts and some surrounding spots. Bar Copains or Cafe Fredas for an early evening tipple and maybe a small bite. If you're at Bar Copains, venture to Pellegrino 2000's and if you're at Cafe Fredas, visit Paski Vineria Popolare, Dimitri's or Cicerone. These happen to be all Italian spots but they’re the best.
If you want to venture a bit further, hit Newtown. This is one of my favourite areas of Sydney and in my humble opinion, it is home to some of the best food and bev around. One Another, Tokyo Lamington and Cairo Takeaways during the day. Continental Deli, Huelo, Bella Brutta, Bar Planet for the evening.
Stretch it out and find your flow at One Hot Yoga in Potts Point or feel the burn at Body by Berner in North Bondi.
Recently, my friends and I have been finding our way out of Sydney on Sundays to enjoy a hike and a swim. If this is an option for you, I highly recommend it. There are several great walks and adventures just a short drive from Sydney.
One of my other favourite things which I shall not gatekeep, is buying a bottle of natural wine (highly recommend P&V) and sitting outside at Chinese Noodle Restaurant in Haymarket. The food here is so good and the outside seating vibe is so enjoyable. Please get the eggplant, 'tis all I ask.
Thank you Sophia for the visual trip, it left us feeling relaxed, happy for summer and ready for a Sydney trip very soon!
See more of her work below –