A perfect day in Sydney’s hottest up-and-coming suburb

Australia and OceaniaShoppingSydneyTravel Tips

Double Bay, Sydney Sightseeing

Things are happening in Sydney’s Double Bay. This once quiet suburb is now experiencing a resurgence that puts it squarely on Australia’s must-see map. Here’s how to spend one perfect day experiencing everything that makes Double Bay so irresistible, starting with its jaw-dropping swimming spots and ending at one of the city’s best pubs.

 

9 a.m. Murray Rose Pool

Murray Rose Pool, Sydney Double Bay

Source: Facebook

Map this location

After a leisurely breakfast at your hotel, it’s time to hit the water at Murray Rose Pool—one of Sydney’s most secret beaches, well off the tourist trail. Tucked behind the expansive Blackburn Gardens, this crystal-clear tidal enclosure boasts views right across the harbour. Free to use, it also features public toilets, change rooms and showers you can use to freshen up after a dip.

 

11 a.m. Clark Island

Sydney Double Bay, Clark Island

Source: Flickr

Map this location

When you’ve had enough of the water, jump aboard a water taxi for the short trip over to Clark Island. This tiny island is loved for weddings and romantic picnics because of its unrivalled views across the harbour and its expansive grassy slopes. After snapping the perfect Sydney photo, explore its walking trails, and then find a place under a tree to soak up the incredible skyline.

 

1 p.m. Redleaf Pool Cafe

Australian Sausage Rolls

Australian sausage rolls – Source: Getty Images

Map this location

Back on land, it’s time for a picturesque lunch at this laid-back Double Bay cafe. Here the specialities include wraps, pies and classic Australian sausage rolls, and there’s no shame in turning up in flip flops and with sandy feet. Opt to grab your lunch as a takeaway to make an impromptu picnic in Blackburn Gardens, or pull up a table on their balcony to soak up the views of Darling Point and the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

 

3 p.m. Shopping streets

Shopping in Double Bay, Sydney

Source: Getty Images

Map the location

With full bellies, it’s time to move away from the shoreline and see some of Double Bay’s other delights. This Sydney suburb is famous for its high-end shops, and Knox Street, Cross Street and Transvaal Avenue are where you’ll find the best of both local and international fashion and housewares.

 

5 p.m. Stillery

InterContinental Sydney Double Bay - Stillery Bar

Source: IHG

Map this location

When it’s time to head into the evening hours, there’s no better place for cocktails than the InterContinental’s Stillery bar. The gin list is extensive including more than 100 types of rare local and international gin, and their signature espresso martini will help keep your energy up for the night ahead. This bar has quickly made a name for itself as the premier location for cocktails in Double Bay and attracts both locals and tourists looking to experience the best of Sydney’s sophisticated drinking scene.

 

7 p.m. Sake Restaurant & Bar

Sake Restaurant and Bar - Double Bay, Sydney

Tuna & Tofu ceviche – Source: Facebook

Map this location

Stylish, modern, and with a menu that extends well beyond sushi, Sake Restaurant & Bar represents the fresh approach to dining that Double Bay is becoming famous for. While it’s hard to pass up the 16-piece sushi selection that put them on the culinary map, try one of the grilled dishes such as the miso-glazed toothfish or teriyaki lamb chops to see the open Robata grill in action. This white-hot grill uses specialty binchoban charcoal to reach temperatures that exceed 500 degrees Celsius, and watching the chefs expertly cook your dinner makes for an impressive show.

 

10 p.m. The Sheaf

The Sheaf: Double Bay, Sydney

Source: Facebook

Map this location

Rarely do pubs evoke the words “chic” or “sophisticated,” but that’s exactly what you’ll find at this legendary Sydney haunt. Boasting a traditional pub up front and one of the fanciest beer gardens you’ll ever visit out back, the Sheaf offers something for everyone. In the heat of summer they serve up some of the best jugs of Pimms around, and otherwise the beer is always cold and the wine list is exhaustive.

It only take a day to realise why Double Bay is attracting more and more visitors these days. Though it still retains its getaway feel, you’d better hurry before everyone finds out about Sydney’s perfect little neighbour.

Search IHG Hotels