For my 30th birthday last year, I decided we needed to plan an epic birthday trip! When I started my research, I wasn’t quite sure what our travels plans would be but I knew they would take us to Australia! Well, and of course if you travel 15+ hours and cross the international date line, then we had to include New Zealand too. After vigorous research and planning, I realized just how close Fiji is to New Zealand and so we had to add that one in there as well! We are 100% beach people and if the opportunity to go to Fiji presents itself, then you go to Fiji.
Getting engaged in Australia
Our first stop was Sydney, Australia. We flew over on American Airlines from LAX. We desperately tried to upgrade our seats with points to business class but considering we do not have high status on American, and let’s be honest, everyone wants a business class seat on a 15+ hour flight and most people are actually willing to pay for it. Needless to say, I think Adam and I were 14th & 15th on the upgrade list and we in fact did not make it! We flew in economy roundtrip and for someone like me who flies all the time, I was actually anxious about the terribly long flight. Until then, I had only flown 8 hours to and from Europe but this was practically double that. I was certain I would be very restless and very bored. So I brought a few things that I thought would help me be more comfortable / keep me entertained and let me tell you… It was one of the best flights I have had to date. I purchased Sleepy Ride, which is a foot rest that you can attach the back of the seat in front of you over the tray table. It really is so helpful to keep your legs elevated and relaxed through the long flight! The food was great, the entertainment was awesome and my foot rest came in clutch.
Day 1 – Sydney Opera House / Bridge Climb
When we first arrived in Sydney we went straight to our hotel QT Sydney. We decided to choose a hotel in the CBD (central business district) because it was very close to public transportation, very easy to get a cab, and walking distance to almost everywhere we wanted to go! Up first, the Opera house. We decided to walk from our hotel so we could see everything possible. We went through Hyde park and the Royal Botanical Gardens down to the waterfront and eventually ended up at the Sydney Opera House. It was gorgeous! Everything we had hoped for and more. Unfortunately, there were no shows or performances playing the days we were in Sydney but if there had been I think we would have spent whatever it cost to have that experience. After gazing at the Opera House and taking way too many pictures, we kept walking around the Circluar Quay and found our way to the Australian Herritage Hotel for lunch. This was located in an area of Sydney called “The Rocks.” I had made us a reservation just to be on the safe side but they were not extremely busy. We wanted to eat here because they served Kangaroo Pizza. I know it sounds ridiculous, but when in Australia right? It honestly was so good and I highly recommend it! After lunch we went to a another hotel with a rooftop bar in The Rocks called The Glenmore and grabbed another drink just to stare at the Opera House. Next up: the Bridge Climb: several points I should hit on here.
- It is an absolute must do in Sydney – DO NOT MISS THIS
- There are several options for climbs including the summit climb which takes about 3 hours and goes all the way up or there is the Sampler climb (what we did) that takes about 1.5 hours and goes half way up.
- They give you a breathalyzer test before you suit up – no one under the influence is allowed to climb (for good reason) BUT Adam and I were super nervous since we had each had a beer and a glass of Champagne at lunch which was right before our scheduled climb! Needless to say we passed the breathalyzer but truly had no idea they would be actually testing us. NOTE: do not drink before the bridge climb
Our first dinner in Sydney was at this amazing Modern Asian restaurant in Woolloomooloo called China Doll. We made reservations in advance and sat on the terrace looking over the harbor. The food was absolutely delicious and the atmosphere was very laid back and more casual outside. We ended the night back at the Opera House having drinks at Bennelong. This was the most stunning bar and perfect for a late night drink.
Dinner at China Doll 
Bennelong
Day 2 – Bondi Beach
Day 2 in Australia is a very special day to us. This was the day I was most excited about and Adam knew it! We started off by catching a cab to Bondi Beach. This was about a 30 minute cab ride, although they do have a bus service available but we didn’t want to have to figure that out. We ate breakfast at this small cafe off the beach called Speedos Cafe. They have the most amazing breakfast creations and fun lattes. They pride themselves on being the “world’s most instagramable food” and they are not wrong. The food is not only yummy, it’s gorgeous. We then began our walk along Bondi Beach making our way to the Bondi to Coogee Costal Walk. This is where it gets exciting. I had dropped major hints I wanted Adam to propose on the trip, but I will say I had absolutely no hard evidence that he would do it. I didn’t know he had bought the ring or brought it on the trip but I had a hunch it was about to happen. Off the costal path a little bit on the rocks Adam got down on one knee and proposed. It was the happiest moment of my life! It was the perfect proposal. We finished our costal walk and then went back to the Bondi Icebergs Club to celebrate! We ordered Champagne and ate lunch while looking over the iceberg pools and the ocean. It was the perfect day and I will never forget it! For our celebratory dinner back in Sydney, we had made reservations at Cafe Sydney. This place was amazing. Definitely more upscale dining with amazing views of the Sydney harbour.
Day 3 – Taronga Zoo Sydney
Our last day in Sydney we spent it at the Taronga Zoo! Where else? To get there from the Circular Quay you have to take the ferry. It’s about a 15 minute ride with gorgeous views of the whole harbour and Sydney skyline. We bought our tickets at the Circluar Quay Wharf 4 that day. Once you get off the ferry you can pay to ride the gondola up to the entrance. I would highly recommend it! Great views of the city and the zoo below.
