Just a stone’s throw away from the beach are the famous Bondi Icebergs, Sydney’s eastern suburbs pool that is popular with Instagram influencers and socialites.
Grounds, which is packed with the lunchtime crowd.
It is only midweek but people from all walks of life are taking their time to enjoy a cuppa while tucking into their food.
Surrounded by neighbouring offices and large warehouses nearby, the inside of The Grounds is almost another world of its own. It is divided into two — both are eateries with al fresco seatings.
I am told that The Grounds is packed at all times so do expect to be on the waiting list.
While waiting, I check out the premises. My favourite corner is at the far end of Breakfast at the Crabbe Hole in Bondi Icebergs; The iconic swimming pool at the Bondi Icebergs.
the entrance where a flower shop stands. Large pots of gossypium take up most of the space outside, while the inside of the shop is filled with plants and flowers that owner Silva gets from the farms around Sydney.
With its wood panelling and linoleum floor, it feels as if I have stepped back in time.
Besides plants and flowers, it also sells trinkets, souvenirs and home decor stuff.
It’s my turn in the queue so I quickly head back to my seat beside a window. I order my usual coffee and settle for black rice with roasted vegetables salad before washing it down with a beetroot and ginger juice.
The Grounds is more than just a restaurant. It is surrounded by a gorgeous and picturesque garden, an old school bar, a patisserie and various cool spots for photography.
There are also smaller stalls selling pastries and strawberries. With so much to see, I quickly down my lunch and sets out once again. Before leaving though, I pack some fresh coffee beans from the coffee bar to take home. There are also homemade jams and coffee cups for those who want to take a little piece of The Grounds home.
In the evening, I make my way to the harbour front that overlooks the Sydney Opera House, one of the most iconic landmarks in Sydney.
It’s Vivid Sydney, one of Australia’s most loved festivals that brings together light art artists and musicians from around the world.
The festival takes place from late May to mid-June every year. Returning for the 11th year, no buildings are spared from the
technicolour lights from 6pm onwards.
I arrive just in time as the Lighting of the Sails unfurls its colourful lights across the buildings along the Light Walk.
All around, colourful lights dances on the facade of buildings and towers from the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney to Barangaroo, Darling Harbour, Circular Quay, The Rocks and Chatswood.
On Light Walk alone, there are over 50 installations and projections that are created by more than 100 artists. The walk stretches about 3km.
Being a huge fan of Pixar’s Toy Story, my heart does a little dance of excitement when I come across some of my favourite characters, including Buzz Lightyear.
At Darling Harbour, I walk along the space-inspired Tumbalong Lights, where there is a play space that is accessible to people of all ages. Over at Cockle Bay, I look up to find a 16m high Ecobot that is constructed from recyclable waste.
With so many Insta-worthy sights, I visit The Royal Botanic Gardens Sydney last. The late autumnal chill starts to set in just as I begin my leisure stroll across the Gardens.
Here, I walk past the River of Light which comprises two pools of “water” made with twinkling LED lights that flows in a wave, just like a real river.
At Dancing Grass, I weave in and out of the tall illuminated “grass” before making my way back to the hotel.
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