Overview
The Windsors are in the building. Prince Charles and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall are currently in Australia for a five-day state visit, meeting with politicians, activists and koalas and enjoying the best of what the country has to offer. Admittedly, the public excitement hasn't been quite as intense as when Kate and Will were here — but hey, we'll take what we can get.
In anticipation of the Sydney leg of the royal couple's tour, Destination NSW has released a jam-packed itinerary, featuring many of the city's cultural and culinary hotspots. Usually we'd turn a blind eye, but this time around, someone's done their homework. It's not a bad list to have if you're up for a spot of royal stalking watching. But keep it handy for the next time you have parents or mates in from out of town and want to treat them to a Sydney experience fit for a (future) king.
ROYAL EATS
With so many places to visit in so short an amount of time, royal visitors will need plenty of fuel to keep them going through the day. Truthfully, one of the best things about this country is the sheer variety of different cuisines to try. They'll be tasting Chinese at Billy Kwong in Potts Point, organic cooking at Biota out in Bowral, or a hearty lamb roast at Firedoor in Surry Hills. Not sure about the inclusion of Harry's Café de Wheels though, where the royals will be getting into a few pies. Sure, it's a local institution, but if you're after pies might we recommend Pie Tin or Upper Crust instead? On the beverage front, Willie the Boatman is one of our favourite craft breweries. Alternatively, you can grab something a little more fancy at the fittingly named Royal Hotel, where C&C will also be throwing back a few pints.
ROYAL FUN
Once your guests have eaten their regal stomachs full to the point of bursting, the fun times can begin in earnest. One of our favourite royal stops from Destination NSW? Axe throwing at Maniax in St Peters (yep, the royals are actually going here). It's a little medieval, sure, but then again so is the monarchy. A trip to the Sydney Polo Club seems appropriately posh, before mixing with the common folk at one of the city's many markets. Charles and Camilla are tipped to visit The Rocks Markets — although if it were up to us we'd be taking them to Eveleigh, Rozelle or Glebe.
ROYAL ARTING
The Prince of Wales has always been a major patron of the arts, so it makes sense that he'd take time from his schedule for a trip to the Chippendale Creative Precinct. White Rabbit Gallery on Balfour Street boasts one of the largest collections of contemporary Chinese art anywhere in the world, while the aMBUSH Gallery is a hub of site-specific art activations and a breeding ground for innovative Australian artists.
ROYAL BEACHES
Look, to be brutally honest, we don’t really need to see Charles and Camilla in their swimming trunks. Still, no trip to Sydney, royal or otherwise, would be complete without a spot of sun baking on one of our many sandy beaches. Avoid the crowds at Bondi and instead pay a visit to somewhere a little more secluded, such as Parsley Bay in Vaucluse or Lady Martin's Beach in Point Piper.
Images: Firedoor (Nikki To), Maniax, aMBUSH Gallery, Cacau & Xande (Flickr).