One could easily forgive me for momentarily forgetting that I am travelling along Australia’s east coast in mid winter. The weather has been absolutely splendid from the start. While I don’t particularly mind the cold, it’s the clear blue skies I miss when the weather turns grey. However, grey skies have been a rarity on this trip. Yesterday marked the first day of continuous rain, enough to derail our plans and keep us mostly indoors. I have to admit, it felt somewhat like winter.

Today, however, we were encouraged to venture out despite the rain. It serves as a valuable life lesson: to embrace and dance in the rain. In truth, we didn’t quite have to dance in the rain; it largely spared us throughout the day, though the blue skies remained elusive. Nevertheless, we spent a delightful day rediscovering Sydney.

We started with The Spit and d’Albora Marinas.

The area was stunning, with its scenic views and serene atmosphere.

The boats bobbing gently on the water and the sight of the coastline stretching out in both directions made for a picturesque start to our day.

Even though the sky was overcast, the beauty of the marina shone through.

As we strolled along the waterfront, I couldn’t help but appreciate the charm of Sydney.

After exploring The Spit and the marinas, we headed towards Manly Beach. The grey skies kept us company, but it didn’t overshadow the vibrant experiences we had. Sydney has its own unique charm, rain, hail or shine.

In Manly, it seemed that the locals are outdoor enthusiasts, preferring to sit outside at cafes, surf in the ocean, play volleyball on the beach, or simply sit on a park bench and watch the world go by.

We strolled through the open-air Manly arts and crafts markets set up on Sydney Road.

The markets offered a great variety of quality artisan products.

We also met many friendly stallholders.

For lunch, we opted to go indoors and chose Bluewater Café, Bar, and Restaurant.

Situated opposite Manly Beach, it provided a relaxed setting adorned with surfboards and beach photos. The service was excellent, and the food was equally delightful.

We also dropped into Fika Manly, a cafe that brings Swedish culture Down Under. Tucked away in one of the narrow laneways, Fika was founded by three Swedish best friends who wanted to share a piece of home with Australia. I love the concept.

Although many people have mistaken me for a Swede over the years, I am actually a Finn. However, being this far from my country of birth, and with Sweden being so close to Finland, the Swedish café felt incredibly familiar and homely.

The similarities in culture and baking made me feel right at home. Not only was it a Nordic café, but I also found some Finnish Moomin biscuits and Finnish Fazer chocolates, which made me very happy.

The café was celebrating the Nordic Midsummer too currently, which added to my joy.

Satisfied with our lunch and cuppas, we wandered along the Manly beachfront, watching people surfing and playing volleyball.

The lively atmosphere and the sight of people enjoying their day outside, regardless of the weather, made the experience truly enjoyable. Someone had even etched a massive love heart into the sand.

From Manly, we left for a drive to Kirribilli, a charming suburb situated on the northern shore of Sydney Harbour.

The drive between Manly and Kirribilli itself was delightful, offering glimpses of Sydney’s diverse and vibrant neighbourhoods. As we arrived in Kirribilli, we were greeted by its quaint streets, lined with charming cafes and boutique shops. The suburb has a distinct character, blending historical significance with a contemporary, lively atmosphere.

Our primary destinations were the historic Admiralty House and the iconic Kirribilli House, but we couldn’t help but admire some houses even along the way.

Admiralty House, perched on the picturesque Kirribilli Point, serves as the official Sydney residence of the Governor-General of Australia. This grand, heritage-listed mansion, with its sweeping views of Sydney Harbour, the Opera House, and the Harbour Bridge, is a symbol of Australia’s colonial history.

The lush, manicured gardens surrounding the house add to its majestic appeal. Walking around, we admired the architectural elegance and the serene beauty of the location.

Just a short stroll away is Kirribilli House, the official Sydney residence of the Prime Minister of Australia.

This beautiful, Gothic-style house also boasts stunning views of the harbour. Although not open to the public, its exterior and surrounding grounds are a sight to behold.

The proximity of the two residences is unique, reflecting the historical and political significance of the area.

We explored the streets adjacent to these landmarks, wandering down steep steps and peering through gaps between buildings in search of the famous view of Sydney Harbour.

Our perseverance was rewarded when we discovered vantage points that showcased its breathtaking beauty.

Visiting Admiralty House and Kirribilli House offered a captivating glimpse into Australia’s political and colonial history, against the backdrop of one of the world’s most stunning harbours.

The blend of historical significance, architectural splendour, and panoramic views made this part of our journey truly fascinating.

We returned to our Airbnb satisfied with how our day unfolded.