Honey, just five days? Practically a whirlwind! But, as you know, Rich Auntie doesn’t believe in wasting a single moment. So off I went to Sydney, Australia, and I’m here to declare that it’s worth the 24-hour journey!
Now, I know what you’re thinking (because I’ve already been asked): “Are there Black people in Sydney?” The answer is complex. While we encountered a few Black and Brown faces, Sydney’s demographics reflect its complicated European history of forced assimilation for its Indigenous population, a pain that’s still felt today. But let’s save the cultural lessons for later. This trip was to celebrate a milestone birthday for my Mum, as the Aussies say, and kick off 2025 as the year of travel.
The Stay: Kimpton Margot Sydney
Rich Auntie chose the Kimpton Margot for a luxurious stay in Sydney’s business district, known as the CBD. Part of IHG Hotel and Resorts, it’s within walking distance of the Queen Victoria Building, the Sydney Tower and Darling Harbour, the fabulous tourist-y spots one has to see during one’s stay. Now, this hotel is the city’s former Head Water Office, built in the late 1930s, and it has kept some of its precious designs from the past.
The lobby houses its on-site restaurant Luke’s Kitchen. While it was closed for lunch and dinner because it was Sydney’s summer season, we enjoyed a hearty breakfast there, sampling classic morning bites like chorizo and roast tomato and, of course, a taste of Vegemite (which tastes like putting soy sauce on buttered toast). Complimentary hot beverages and cold peach tea were available each morning, and drinks could be purchased at The Wilmot Bar, also located in the pastel-hued lobby.
Don’t miss Harper Rooftop Bar, which services the rooftop pool. We had the Waygu beef burger for lunch, and it was perfect. Every evening from 5 to 6, we enjoyed social hour in the lobby, where the hotel’s hardworking staff served wine, bubbles, Pimm’s cocktails and mocktails.
Our spacious one-king-bed suite featured a separate living area, a large bathroom and a friendly resident plant named Harvey, who joined us during our stay. Kimpton is big on mental wellness; our room included yoga mats and on-demand classes.
We stayed on the sixth-floor, which has retained some of that original architecture. Imagine Rich Auntie’s surprise when she realized she was also standing in a movie set! The Fall Guy, starring Winston Duke and Ryan Gosling, filmed just down the hall from our room.
The Sights: Sydney’s Must-Sees
Naturally, we had to secure coveted seats at the Sydney Opera House (Cinderella was on the marquee). And we enjoyed one perfectly chilled glass of something bubbly at the Opera Bar while gazing upon the Harbour Bridge. It’s practically a requirement.
At the Taronga Zoo, we saw one irresistible koala leaping so enthusiastically it was worth the early morning entry. We also got up close and personal with kangaroos and emus. As for the Chinese Garden of Friendship in Darling Harbour? It’s a welcomed moment of tranquility inside the delightful chaos of Darling Harbour.
Now here’s a Rich Auntie non-negotiable: High tea at The Tea Room QVB, with scones and finger sandwiches, yes, please! Indulging in such refined pleasures is what Rich Auntie does. And, of course, a little dip of the toes in the Pacific Ocean at Bondi Beach was the perfect way to end our last day.
The History: Acknowledging the Past
One of the most impactful experiences was visiting Sydney’s Hyde Park Barracks. This site illustrates the history and scars of European convicts sent to Sydney to serve their sentences. However, it also highlights the pre-existing presence of the city’s Brown people. As European settlement expanded, these Indigenous communities were forcibly assimilated, their land taken without consent and their lives disrupted. This is the shameful, repetitive history of disregarding original inhabitants that look like us across the globe.
Sydney is committed to acknowledging the land’s traditional custodians, the Gadigal people. The Australian Museum, which is free to the public, provides further insight into its past, and we were happy to soak up the lessons.
Sydney’s culture is distinctive, welcoming influences from neighboring Asian cultures like China, Taiwan, and Japan (we had some excellent Japanese food during our stay).
Rich Auntie never felt out of place during this trip, enjoying a long conversation with a couple celebrating their 30th anniversary, who had met while working in the Sydney Water Head Office before its transformation, and other city natives. It was a perfectly curated five-day experience, just enough to tease the appetite for our next adventure.
That’s the magic of Sydney. And Rich Auntie can’t wait to return.
