- Words and Photos by John Domine
On the Road: Sydney, Australia
Sydney, the capital of New South Wales in Southeastern Australia, is known first and foremost for its beautiful Opera House at Circular Quay with its sail-like roof and the Harbor Bridge as a backdrop. This alone makes it a visually-stunning destination. Add to this the nearby Royal Botanic Gardens, a visit to the Taronga Zoo to get up close and personal with some of Australia's unique wildlife, and some amazing beaches like Bondi and Bronte where you can hit the surf even in winter, and you have the makings for an incredible holiday any time of year.
In addition to the dramatic vistas, the culinary scene here is just as appealing. For me, Asian food, with its sweet, spicy, tangy flavor profile, ranks high on the list for me in general (and is deliciously abundant in Sydney), so what better place to feast than the amazing fusion restaurant, Chin Chin, in Surry Hills, which just so happens to sit right next to the building where I was staying. Believe me when I say my taste buds were dancing for days after the Chef's Choice "Feed Me" menu. By the time you are finished, they will have to roll you out of the restaurant, but it's worth it.
And if you want to enjoy a meal on the water, you can't go wrong taking the "fast ferry" over to Manly for lunch al fresco at Hugos. With an incredible selection of fresh seafood, pastas and pizzas, paired with an extensive cocktail list, there really is something to please everyone here. (And I would recommend finishing with an espresso martini. It will help you to endure the 15 minute ferry trip back to to Circular Quay. At least, it worked for me!)
I am getting hungry just reminiscing about the delectable treasures to be discovered in Sydney!
Although I enjoy all that Sydney has to offer with regard to the myriad sights and foodstuffs, I was here for the urban art scene. And, I was pleased to find an abundance to keep me occupied during my short few days here.
To my surprise, there were no less than a dozen works by Anthony Lister just outside my door. (What a way to be welcomed to the city!) And in the nearby neighborhood of Newtown, there are countless works by world-renowned artist, and Newtown local, Fintan Magee. While in Newtown, be sure to wander the streets and alleys for works by CRISP, Daniel O'Toole (Captain Earwax), Matt Scott (Kamion), and Tim Phibs to name a few.
Mays Lane, in Newtown, is a popular spot for tourists, and although I think it is worth a visit, there are many other spots with high-quality work nearby, if you are willing to get lost and explore. And why not, you're on holiday!
But if you are pressed for time and want to make the most of it, do what I did and consult the Street Art Cities website and download the app, which has contributions from the locals with addresses and background information about the artworks. It is my go-to when visiting a new city.
Daniel O'Toole (Captain Earwax)
Aside from the plethora of work by the artists above, there are many beautiful walls to be discovered in Sydney. Works by Shepard Fairey, Vhils, Dabs Myla, and Thierry Noir are but a few. Check out some of the other pieces you may see when you visit:
And after a day of cruising the streets in search of all things beautiful on Sydney's urban walls, why not cool off at the beach. And where better than Bondi Beach, where you not only get a great view of the surf, but you are surrounded by the "Bondi Graffiti Walls"? Sounds like heaven doesn't it? Well, it may be just about the next best thing.
So, what are you waiting for? Sydney is calling.
As a side note, I'd like to thank @danap07 for her thoughtfulness while visiting. Thanks for sharing your passion for the Sydney street art scene! Also, thank you to the contributors to the Sydney Street Art Cities map. I look forward to watching this map grow! And thanks so much to Cass Hinze for being such a hospitable host.
