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Stylish and tailor-made Sydney experience

Posted on by Nicola Billens

No one denies that Sydney is a beautiful city – in fact it’s probably one of the prettiest in the world.  And for first-timers to Australia, a Sydney experience is must – the Harbour sparkles, the Bridge stands proud and the Opera House radiates.

But there’s the Sydney that most tourists see and then there’s the real Sydney, which in our eyes is even better. At Alquemie we like to reveal this side of our stunning city with bespoke private tours, introducing you to the locals that live and breathe it and taking you to secret places only locals know about.

Here are some ideas of what’s available…

Experience Sydney harbour like the school children do - by stand-up paddle board
Experience Sydney Harbour like these school children do – by Stand-up Paddle board

Bespoke Sydney Experience – An Alquemie Exclusive (half, full, multi-day – as required)

This is one of the most creative Sydney experiences you’ll find. See the icons from a local’s perspective, meet with the locals and, based on your own interests, explore and learn about daily life in this beautiful city. Explore the back streets, local cafés & parks, and experience the most important and defining element of Sydney, our spectacular harbour. Starting with a rough schedule this raved about experience is highly-tailored yet ticks all the boxes of Sydney’s must see locations. Please enquire for examples of just how tailored and creative these Sydney experiences have been for our past clients.

Discover Sydney's fabulous roof-top bars
Discover Sydney’s fabulous roof-top bars in The Rocks – perfect for sunsets

See Sydney by Bike & Walk (full day)

You don’t need to travel by vehicle to enjoy some of the best aspects of Sydney. This Sydney experience helps you slow down to see the city more intimately by foot and pedal power.

  • Walk the historic Rocks quarter, the oldest part of Sydney’s colonial township
  • Meet an indigenous guide at Barangaroo to learn about the native plants and foods and hear about the Aboriginal culture and history in Sydney
  • Climb the pylon of the Sydney Harbour Bridge
  • Take a 3 hour biking tour of Sydney, crossing the Harbour Bridge, cycling through the Quay and seeing all the sights at at a relaxed pace
Swim at beautiful harbour beaches
Swim at beautiful beaches around Sydney

New Years Eve Harbour fireworks & Pittwater by luxury yacht

Why stay in a hotel when you can celebrate New Years Eve in the best way possible – on board a luxurious yacht with your friends and family. Frock up, dine on Australia’s freshest seafood, then let the party begin. Fireworks explode at 9pm for the kiddies and then the big bang goes off at midnight. As you sleep, your captain will relocate the boat to a beautiful bush setting just north of Sydney. Enjoy breakfast with the smell of the gum trees and the noise of galahs in the surrounding bushland. This is a day to relax and spend time together in beautiful, natural surrounds.

Even wth grey cloudy skies, a swim at Manly beach looks appealing!
Even wth grey cloudy skies, a swim at Manly beach looks appealing!

Australia’s Best Guides – Richard Graham | Bespoke Sydney

Posted on by Nicola Billens

Richard Graham has travelled to some of the most exotic destinations in the world and he has many amazing photos and stories to keep you entertained for hours – but no matter where he travels, he still calls Sydney home.

His new and exciting concept in tourism has come from a rich family travel history spanning three generations. Richard started travelling at the age of 5 and has travelled to a different country every year since then.

What got you started with showing people around Sydney and what do you find most interesting about it?

For young Australians, going on a solo trip overseas has long been a rite-of-passage. When I was a young man of 24 I went on a 14-month trip to South America where I tracked 16 countries along the Andes. While I referred to my Lonely Planet Guide, I wasn’t interested in following the “gringo” trail. Instead, I would befriend locals and wander back streets until I felt I had uncovered the town or city in all of its gritty glory. On returning, I wasted no time by setting up with little more than myself and a vintage 1964 EH Holden. I’d always had a real passion for the city of Sydney, storytelling, and the unbeaten track, so sharing that with visitors came naturally to me.

How do you bring Sydney to life on your tours?

My point of difference is to bring an element of creativity and surprise into everything I do. My wife always jokes that “no” doesn’t exist in my vocabulary. Because of that, I’ll come up with pretty out-there ideas, like having a barbeque on top of the Harbour Bridge or an open air movie night in the Botanic Gardens. The difference is that my team and I will always find a way to connect our guests to Sydney by giving context to their experience with us.

Why do you think it’s important that people learn about Sydney?

I try to steer clear of the expected, tired, and overdone. I always go beyond by adding an extra layer of knowledge and perspective. I also have a real passion for our country’s Indigenous culture and history, and I work with local elders and communities to incorporate that into what we do.

If people wanted to find out more about Sydney are there any particular books, documentaries or websites you would recommend?

Crocodile Dundee: I know it’s a cliché, but it really is an essential guide to understanding our dry and colourful sense of humour.

Ten Canoes: This is one of my favourite films. I would go as far as to say a masterpiece. A raw and eye-opening glimpse into Aboriginal life before British settlement, Ten Canoes is a great way to get familiarised with the culture and history of the world’s most ancient civilisation.

What’s your favourite Australian animal and why?

Kookaburra as it has the responsibility for singing out to the sun to rise every morning.

What place is Australia’s best-kept secret?

Shark Island in Sydney Harbour.

What haven’t you seen / done in Australia that you’d like to and why?

Follow the songline of the Echidna from Yengoin NSW (a sacred site for Aboriginal people) to Uluru in the Northern Territory. This ancient route was walked along by hundreds of thousands of Aboriginal people and to experience it today with an Aboriginal Elder would be a once in a lifetime experience.

Finally, how can people follow you on social media?

Instagram: @mydetour_australia

 

Click here to find out more about Australian travel with Alquemie