
Happy Australia Day mademoiselles!
There are so many things I love about Australia and feel so proud to be apart of. Not only do we have our famous meat pies, pavlovas and lamingtons among our many iconic places such as Bondi Beach, the Sydney Opera House and Uluru; it is the best place to grow up and experience life with it’s diverse culture. Australians are such laid-back and relaxed people who are very friendly and giving. As Oprah clarified in her Ultimate Australian Adventure: “Australians work to live and Americans live to work,” which pretty much sums up who we Aussies are.
So in celebration of Australia Day, I’m going to share with you a few of the many things I love about Australia (as well as the many places you should visit on your travels here).
1. Harry’s Cafe de Wheels, Woolloomooloo
Famous for their pies and hot dogs, Harry’s Cafe de Wheels (dating back to 1945) is an integral part of the Sydney culture. Being dubbed as a ‘quintessential Sydney icon’ by the National Trust of Australia, it is the best and only place that I buy my pies. The signature dish being Harry’s ‘Tiger’ (named after the founder Harry Edwards himself) my favourite would definitely have to be the Chicken & Mushroom Pie with cheese sauce and the Harry’s Cheese Dog. Visit the Woolloomooloo location for an authentic Aussie meal and stunning waterfront views.
2. Bondi Beach, Sydney
Australia’s most famous Bondi Beach is definitely quintessentially Australian and reflects the laid-back lifestyle. With the long waiting-list restaurants and surf shops selling well-known Aussie brands, everyone is going there; especially the Hollywood A-listers and celebs. Think Paris Hilton, Nicole Richie, Zac Efron, Kim Kardashian, Hugh Jackman and our born and bred beauty, Jessica Hart. While baking in the sun and working on your tan, why not stop off for some gelato and fish & chips nearby?
3. Pavlova
The iconic dessert consisting of egg whites, whipped cream and fresh fruits is best eaten on a hot Christmas day or like today – Australia Day. Here’s a recipe I like to use by Donna Hay which is simple to make and even easier to eat. The best part is that there is no one specific way of making a ‘right’ pavlova; all you need is creativity.
4. The Queen Victoria Building (QVB)
It seems that whenever I’m in the city, I always make a stop to the QVB. Whether it’s to just make a round on the floor and browse through the shop windows, or grab a bite at one of the elegant cafes and restaurants, there’s always something that keeps me interested wanting to go back the next time. Of course, the designer bags and dresses are to die for, as well as the beautiful interiors and late nineteenth century architecture. However, I think it is the intricate exteriors that first captivate me.
5. Sydney Harbour
Choosing the final quintessentially Australian thing for me is such a tough choice. With all the amazing things that the country has to offer, I decided that the views are just spectacular. Just sitting by the harbour or gazing from a distance, the sight of boats sailing past or even the sun’s reflection on the surface of the water is just breath taking. Not only do we have the Sydney Harbour Bridge which is just a vision when lit up for the NYE fireworks but the Opera House is such an elegant place that you can’t help but feel you are always undressed. There’s always live entertainment and acts on the side walk, even if it’s just a busker looking to earn a bit more cash. The bustling city is just so vibrant and full of life, which such diverse scenery everywhere you turn to look.
So that’s my list representing my Australian pride. I’d love to hear what you think. Hope you enjoyed a sweltering Australia Day in the sun.
xo.
Tags: architecture, Aussie icons, Australia Day, Bondi Beach, Harry's Cafe de Wheels, Pavlova, Pies, QVB, Sydney Harbour, Sydney Opera House, Woolloomooloo