Nicky Zimmermann Shares Her Guide to Sydney
“My life in Sydney is often centered around the outdoors, never far from the water or nature,” Nicky Zimmermann says as she begins to describe her hometown Down Under, where she founded her eponymous label with her sister, Simone, in 1991. In terms of her favorite activities, she lists walks along the coastline, drinks overlooking Bondi Beach, and swimming in the city’s picturesque ocean pools. The Australian designer likes to relax and unwind outdoors when she’s not busy grinding away in the fast-paced gears of the fashion industry, or opening her latest store location in St. Barts with friends including Erin Wasson, Jourdan Dunn, and Isla Fisher.
Below, Zimmermann rounds up the best things to do in Sydney.
TRAVEL
o Swim — Sydney is home to some of the best beaches in the world, and nothing beats a morning swim. My favorite beaches are Tamarama Beach, Camp Cove, and Nielsen Park.
o Walk — The Hermitage Foreshore walk is a gorgeous, easy track with views out to Sydney Harbour and the Opera House. The Bondi to Coogee walk along the coastline is another must-do while you’re in town.
o Boat — Sydney Harbour is really the centerpiece of the city. It also offers a great vantage point, so seeing it by boat is the best way. There are incredible bays and nooks for anchoring and swimming.
STAY
o Capella Sydney — An incredible luxury hotel in a historic building. Their spa feels like stepping into a world-class retreat.
o Ace Hotel Sydney — A boutique hotel with lively atmosphere. The lobby bar is a convenient meeting place for drinks and often has local DJs on the weekends, while Kiln on the rooftop is a beautifully designed restaurant with a menu curated by chef Mitch Orr.
o Paramount House Hotel — Another boutique property in Surry Hills, Paramount House Hotel has a community feel, with local artist collaborations in the reception area, a newly opened pilates studio on the rooftop, and a Golden Age-era cinema and bar right next door.
EAT
o Icebergs Dining Room and Bar — Icebergs is an unparalleled spot that looks right over Bondi Beach. A nice place for both dinner or drinks in their bar. The Tiramisu is divine!
o Margaret — A restaurant by beloved chef Neil Perry, Margaret is home to some of Sydney’s best seafood and always has a good energy.
o Bert’s Bar & Brasserie — When I’m in the Northern Beaches or for special occasions, Bert’s is always warm and welcoming, with a delicious menu and oysters.
SHOP
o Ariel Books — Ariel stocks an impressive selection of Australian authors, coffee table books, and emerging magazines.
o William Street — A community street in Paddington with an eclectic mix of vintage and emerging designers, homewares, jewelry, flowers, and small businesses.
o Mitchell Road Antique & Design Centre — A warehouse rife with one-of-a-kind vintage homewares. You can spend hours exploring here.
EXPERIENCE
o Art Gallery of New South Wales — A cultural hub that’s home to Australia’s annual Archibald Prize. Plus, they’ve just opened up a fantastic new modern wing.
o Sydney Opera House — There’s always something to see at the Sydney Opera House, from writer’s festivals to the Australian Ballet, they run year-round cultural programming. Watching artists perform in the Joan Sutherland Theatre always feels like an intimate experience.
o Ocean Pools — So much of the magic and beauty of the city is on our coastline and harbour; ocean pools like Watsons Bay Baths and Wylie’s in Coogee are wonderful places to experience it in its full glory.
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