A local’s guide to Sydney, Australia | Canada Voices

Rochelle Adonis spent her first 10 years in Montreal before moving to her parents’ hometown of Sydney, Australia, but maintains a strong connection to her Canadian heritage. She credits that pride with helping her land a judging role on the first two seasons of CBC’s The Great Canadian Baking Show.

Adonis has found that Australians celebrate her French-Canadian roots – something that comes up often in her personal and professional life.

“It’s always been a conversation starter, and ‘fiercely Canadian’ is something I’ve always advertised on my website,” she said.

A classically trained pastry chef with more than 30 years of experience, Adonis opened her namesake restaurant and storefront in Perth, on Australia’s west coast, in 2001. At its peak, the operation employed 20 people – offering cooking classes, a wholesale arm, and a catering business.

She returned to Sydney in 2013 and now lives with her two children in the Eastern Suburbs, home to Bondi Beach, where she runs a catering business and works as a private chef. Having lived on two of Australia’s sun-soaked coasts, Adonis speaks from experience on the best spots in the city.

“There’s a lot of rivalry between cities in Australia,” she said. “Particularly between Sydney and Melbourne, but it doesn’t get much more beautiful than Sydney: The harbour, the architecture.”

For visitors, she recommends staying in Elizabeth Bay or Potts Point. Often overlooked areas with excellent cafes and restaurants within walking distance of the Royal Botanic Garden, the Sydney Opera House and Darling Point, which she describes, as ideal for harbourside strolls.

Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb – A bucket-list activity

“I’ve done it three times in my life. I was petrified the first time, because it involves climbing up a vertical ladder on the bridge, but it’s a special experience with the greatest views of Sydney.”

Watsons Bay Hotel – The best fish and chips in town

“The restaurant at this hotel in Watsons Bay is my favourite for lunch. I recommend taking the ferry from Circular Quay in downtown Sydney to Watsons Bay and grab some fish and chips and a beer or spritz for lunch. The restaurant can get busy on the weekend.”

Coogee Beach – The top beach that isn’t Bondi

“I’d recommend walking the Bondi Beach to Coogee Beach coastal walk. It gives you breathtaking clifftop views of the ocean. I prefer Coogee Beach because it’s calmer than Bondi. Clovelly Beach is also nearby, where you can snorkel and sometimes catch seals lounging.”

Bistro Moncur – A chef’s favourite restaurant

“Not only does this restaurant have classic French bistro fare, it’s also in Woollahra, a great neighbourhood to wander around, with Paddington, an area with great boutiques, close by. I’ve been going since they opened over 30 years ago. They use the very best of fresh Australian produce. It’s hard, as a chef, to pay for food that nine times out of 10 I can make better myself, but I’m always happy to pay for a meal here. They also have a beautiful wine list and some of the best service in town.”

The Museum of Contemporary Art Australia – A quiet stroll in a gallery

“The location of this museum is great – it faces the Sydney Opera House.

“Not only do they have some really interesting exhibits, they have a great rooftop restaurant with some of the best views in Sydney, so you can spend a day here.

“I love their gift shop. It’s full of impressive and beautiful things.”

Hermitage Foreshore Track – A harbour walk with stunning views

“This walk is at the water’s edge of Sydney Harbour. You look straight down at the bridge and can stop for a swim at some quiet beaches along the path. There’s eucalyptus and other native plants and fauna, and it’s one of the best ways to see the mansions of the Eastern Suburbs.”