A little escape from Sydney is a trip to Manly. The ferry ride over from Circular Quay is very easy. Not only do you get an incredible view of the harbour and the Opera House from the water, but it also immediately puts you in holiday mode.
Once you arrive, there’s Manly Beach, where you can either try your hand at surfing or just enjoy some serious surfer spotting from the sand. Between the beach and the ferry, The Corso is full of little shops, cafés, and ice cream spots. Check out Bánh Mì Plenty for lunch, which has actually won an award for their sandwiches.
A bit further along the coast, I made a stop at the Freshwater Rockpools, which is a peaceful, protected swimming spot carved into the rocks, perfect for a dip. And for a nice coastal walk, the Curl Curl Boardwalk is a must.