A Design Lover’s Travel Guide To Sydney In A Day

Start your day by marvelling at the most well known design in Australia, the Sydney Opera House. Walk around the outside, up the stairs and inside its stunning theatre spaces to really appreciate the genius that is architect Jorn Utzon. This stunning piece of architecture has become the pinnacle of the country’s design culture.

From the Opera House, walk to the water’s edge, head towards the Harbour Bridge and wrap around the footpath towards Millers Point where the old industrial wharves have been transformed into restaurants and funky offices. Drop by Pier 8 for a coffee and admire the incredible transformation of the lobby, which pays homage to the history of the building with a modern twist. From there continue towards Barangaroo where you will find the stunning office buildings, the three International Towers, in Sydney’s new financial district.

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Make sure you’re wearing your walking shoes so that you can walk past the amazing engineering feat that is Central Park tower in Sydney’s inner city neighbourhood, Chippendale. Here you will see the impressive award-winning glass building, with a huge cantilevered balcony jutting into the sky, and greenery hanging from the façade.

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Continue your walk to the uber-trendy suburb of Darlinghurst and make your way to the Australian Design Centre. Here you will find many designs, products and exhibitions from some of the country’s best makers, thinkers and innovators.

This huge warehouse has been converted into a design lover’s dream. Designers Russell Koskela and Sasha Titchkosky display their large range of furniture but also stock plenty of homewares too. Koskela has everything from bespoke bed linen, kitchen utensils, vintage rugs, colourful pillows and popping prints. You can happily spend an hour or two here wandering around the different areas, taking notes for your dream home.

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Stop by next door to refuel for your design-filled day. Part of Koskela’s warehouse has been reserved for the bustling café slash open eatery, Koskela Kitchen. It will come as no surprise that the place is decked out with décor from its neighbour.

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End your day with a visit to Commune. The store is located in Bondi Beach, which is fitting because it looks like your dream beach house would, with whitewashed walls, plenty of plants and rustic homewares. The store is full of Australian design brands which are all ethically sourced and handmade. Products include items from the local neighbourhood and artist hubs like Byron Bay. You will find everything from wicker day beds to handwoven rugs to hanging baskets here.

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