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Travel & Tourism
Travel reviews around the world and information for tourists visiting Sydney.


Travel Guide: The Unusual Natural Wonders of China
China is a diverse country filled with many spectacular Unesco World Heritage Sites, allowing visitors to see unique natural wonders all year round. From desert landscapes to snow-capped mountains, you won’t be short of Mother Nature’s most beautiful creations.

Sydney Chic
5 min read


Royal Cricketers Arms, Prospect: A Historic Western Sydney Pub Worth the Drive
Tucked away in Prospect, this historic Western Sydney pub has been welcoming locals since 1880, and yet it still feels like one of Sydney’s best-kept secrets. With its country-style warmth, generous hospitality and genuinely good food, it’s the kind of place that reminds you why classic Australian pubs never go out of style.

Deb Carr
2 min read


Oasis Hotels & Resorts Cancun: Current Special Offers on All-Inclusive Stays in Mexico
New Year's Offer - Up to 47% off | Oasis Hotels Hotel Strip Cancun If Mexico has been on your travel wish list, now is a great time to look at the latest special offers from Oasis Hotels & Resorts . Oasis is known for its all-inclusive beachfront resorts in Cancun and surrounding areas, offering excellent value for travellers looking for sun, culture and stress-free holidays — with meals, drinks and entertainment included. Current Cancun Oasis Hotels & Resorts Special Offers

Deb Carr
2 min read


Sydney’s Best Rooftop Bars & Terraces for Al Fresco Dining
There’s something about Sydney dining that just belongs outdoors. From leafy terraces perched above city streets to harbourfront rooftops designed for golden hour drinks, the city does al fresco better than almost anywhere else. Whether it’s cocktails at sunset, long lunches with friends, or relaxed rooftop dining with a view, these are some of Sydney’s best rooftops bars and terraces worth booking (or discovering) right now. Here's Our List of Sydney’s Best Rooftop Bars &

Deb Carr
5 min read


25hours Hotel The Olympia: A New Cultural Landmark on Oxford Street
Image Credit: Justin Nicholas Location 25hours Hotel The Olympia Set within the heritage-listed former Olympia Theatre, 25hours Hotel The Olympia is Sydney’s newest boutique hotel — and the first Australian property for the globally recognised 25hours brand. Opening in October 2025, the hotel sits at the meeting point of Paddington, Surry Hills, Darlinghurst, Kings Cross and Moore Park, placing it firmly in the heart of Sydney’s creative and cultural corridor. Rather than f

Deb Carr
2 min read


Watsons Bay Hotel Unveils $3 Million Transformation of Its Iconic Harbour front Decks
Club Amalfi One of Sydney’s most iconic waterfront venues has entered a new chapter, with Watsons Bay Hotel revealing a $3 million transformation of its Top and Mid Decks. The extensive refurbishment marks one of the most significant upgrades in the hotel’s 190-year history, reimagining how these elevated spaces are used while preserving what has always made them special: uninterrupted views across Sydney Harbour. Bottomless Brunch A thoughtful redesign that celebrates the h

Deb Carr
3 min read


Applejack Brings New Energy to Sydney Opera House Dining with Opera Bar and House Canteen Now Open
Opera Bar Sydney Two of Sydney’s most recognisable harbourside dining spots have entered a new era, with Applejack officially taking over Opera Bar and launching House Canteen , both located beneath the sails of the Sydney Opera House . The change marks the beginning of a 10-year stewardship for Applejack at one of the world’s most iconic cultural landmarks, bringing a refreshed approach to food, music and the overall visitor experience at these harbourside venues. Spring R

Deb Carr
3 min read


Considering a Sea Change: Do it! I Have No Regrets.
I first began writing this post at the very end of 2018, and it took me weeks to find the courage to finish it. At the time, I worried about what readers might think. How could someone run a blog called Sydney Chic and then leave Sydney?

Deb Carr
7 min read


A Guide to the Manning Valley and Forster NSW
Updated January 2026 Morning Mist Nabiac The Manning Valley and Forster region is one of the most naturally beautiful areas on the NSW Mid North Coast, offering a mix of pristine beaches, river towns, national parks, and relaxed coastal living. From the coastline around Forster and Pacific Palms to the inland charm of towns along the Manning River, this region is ideal for slow travel, weekend getaways, and longer coastal escapes. This guide brings together key places to exp

Deb Carr
6 min read


Things to Do in Cabramatta: A Food and Cultural Experience in Sydney
Updated January 2026 If you’re looking for things to do in Sydney and love food, culture and exploring different neighbourhoods, a visit to Cabramatta is well worth it. I’ve lived in Sydney since 1979, yet this was my first time visiting Cabramatta — a place once known for all the wrong reasons, but now a thriving, vibrant hub of Asian culture, markets and incredible food. What Makes Cabramatta Worth Visiting So today, being a Saturday, I decided I'd go and visit Cabramatta

Deb Carr
3 min read


Grace Hotel Sydney Review: A Heritage Stay in the CBD
This article was originally published in 2016 and has been updated in 2026 to reflect current information about the Grace Hotel Sydney. The Grace Hotel Sydney, a heritage-listed Art Deco landmark in the CBD. The first thing you will notice about the Grace Hotel is elegance! How could it not be with the name Grace? Incidentally my youngest daughter's name is Grace. I'm staying here for a night to share with Sydney Chic readers some of the features of this beautiful hotel.

Deb Carr
3 min read


Forster NSW Travel Guide: Best Things to Do, Beaches & Where to Stay
Updated June 2025 - Things to do, places to stay in Forster NSW

Deb Carr
7 min read


The French Wine Regions You Should Know (And Why They’re Making a Comeback in Australia)
For years, French wine has carried a reputation that’s both revered and let’s be honest, a little intimidating. Grand Cru? Appellation d’Origine Protégée? A wine that’s “flinty”? It can all feel like a secret language. But beyond the codes and classifications lies a truth worth rediscovering: French wine is less about labels and more about land. And today, a new generation of producers is making that land speak louder with clarity, purpose, and a surprising accessib

Sydney Chic
4 min read


The Grand Canyon Walk - Blackheath Blue Mountains
Evans Lookout If you're looking for a challenging 3.5-hour hike, The Grand Canyon walk at Blackheath should be on your to-do list. It is possible to do this as a day trip from Sydney , or even better, as part of a fun experience staying at Blackheath. We began our trek from the initial entry point instead of Evans Lookout, which required a 1.6 km walk back to retrieve the car after finishing the hike. Otherwise parking is available at Evans Lookout as are toilets. Descending

Deb Carr
3 min read


Unique Things to Do in Cairns: Memorable Adventures, Markets, and Day Trips
Unique Things to Do in Cairns Searching for unique things to do in Cairns? During a recent visit back to Cairns, I uncovered breathtaking...

Maxine Reid
3 min read


Why Solo Travel Is the Most Powerful Movement in Australia Right Now
In a world that often tells us to wait for the right moment, the right crew, or the right stage of life, a growing number of Australians...

Deb Carr
3 min read


Discover Dungog, NSW - A Regional Town with Plenty to Offer
Updated July 2025 Bank Hotel Dungog Have you even heard of Dungog? I had, but it has taken me a long time to actually visit the town, and...

Deb Carr
6 min read


Best Day Trips from Sydney: A Guide to Scenic Escapes
Sydney is a vibrant city, but sometimes, a day away can rejuvenate the soul. Whether you're a local seeking a quick getaway or a visitor...

Deb Carr
11 min read


Exploring K'gari & Rainbow Beach: A Queensland Adventure to Remember
If you're looking for a nature-filled adventure off the beaten track , K’gari (Fraser Island) and Rainbow Beach make the perfect duo. I...

Maxine Reid
3 min read


The Westin Bora Bora Resort & Spa: A Personal Paradise
Sean and I recently had the pleasure of staying at The Westin Bora Bora Resort & Spa, and I'm thrilled to share my experience with...

Grace Carr
2 min read


A Dream Birthday at Conrad Bora Bora Nui: Overwater Luxury
Luxury and Lagoon Views: Our Stay at Conrad Bora Bora Nui Bora Bora has long been a destination that inspires wanderlust — with its...

Grace Carr
3 min read
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