G’day from Sydney! Our first days in Sydney were a whirlwind of sleepless nights, early morning adventures, and a few surprises we definitely didn’t see coming. From iconic landmarks as the Opera House to unexpected encounters, here’re our experiences during our time in Australia’s most famous city. Let’s dust off the next pages of my Down Under Diary!
TL;TR · Sydney
Too long to read (TL;TR) the whole blog article? Here’s the quick summary
- 🎞️ Travel Recap: Travel preparation and leaving Switzerland.
- 🕷️ Giant Spider: Our Aussie wildlife debut – a giant huntsman spider in our taxi.
- 💡 Tip Venomous and Dangerous Wildlife: How to stay safe.
- 💤 Jetlag: Awake at 3 AM, hungry and mildly delirious.
- 🌿 Botanic Garden: Kookaburras and secret art, all in the middle of the city.
- 🏖️ Manly Ferry: Harbour views, wild waves, and our first dip in the Pacific.
- 🐰 Easter Bilby: Forget bunnies – Australia’s got their own Easter mascot.
- 💡 Tip Local Holidays: Shops close early on holidays – plan ahead.
- 🌊 Bondi to Bronte: Coastal cliffs, rock pools, and sunset pizza.
- 🌴 Lavender Bay: A palm circle, a secret garden, and Harbour Bridge views.
- 🚌 Motorhome Handover: Goodbye hotel, hello chaos on wheels.
- 💡 Tip Motorhome Handover: What to ask before hitting the road.
- 💡 Tip Motorhome Essentials: Your first shopping list.
- 🗳️ Your Vote: What’s your biggest Aussie fear? Vote now!
- 📝 All Diaries: Missed a post? Catch up on all Down Under Diary adventures.
- 💬 Your Stories: Share your spider and insects (horror) stories in the comments!
- 📨 All Comments: View what the Down Under Diary community is sharing.
🎞️ Travel Recap · Travel Preperation
With our route set, bags bursting at the seams, and each of us ready for our motorhome roles, we left Switzerland behind and boarded our flight to Australia. Here we go with your top pick from the poll of the first blog article: Sydney!
April 4, 17:00 · Arrival and First Spider Encounter 🕷️
We finally touched down in Sydney after a looong journey with a stopover in Singapore. From the plane, we spotted orange dunes, Sydney’s skyline, and even a glimpse of the Opera House. Pretty magical!
But we hadn’t even been in Australia for an hour when we had our first Aussie wildlife encounter, and it wasn’t a cute kangaroo or koala, it was a giant spider clinging to the back of our taxi. Sabrina, our designated “animal expert” was the first to spot it. Even the taxi driver was disgusted, which made us panic even more! But in true Aussie fashion, he eventually removed it. But don’t worry, this was our only run-in with a Huntsman spider as we found out after obsessively checking our hotel rooms, the motorhome, and every corner for each evening the next six weeks, they’re not lurking around everywhere.
Later, we checked into our stylish 20th-floor apartment at “A by Adina”, handpicked by Vanessa, our designated accommodation critic. The skyscraper views were so New York – but warmer, quieter, and with a rooftop pool we were dying to try.
💡Insider Tip: If you’re hesitant about visiting Australia because of spiders and other creepy crawlies, you can relax, it’s not as scary as it seems.
💡Insider Tip: Huntsman spiders are common in Australia. While their size can be intimidating, they’re not venomous and generally harmless to humans.
💡 Extra Tip · Australia’s Venomous and Dangerous Wildlife
Australia is home to some of the world’s most venomous and dangerous creatures. Get them to know here:
Most dangerous Australian animals in the water (Source):
- 🦑 Blue-ringed Octopus: Tiny and colorful with deadly bite, which causes paralysis. No antivenom exists.
- 🪼 Australian Box Jellyfish: World’s most venomous marine animal. Can cause heart failure.
- 🦈 Bull Shark: Aggressive, unpredictable and found in both salt and freshwater.
- 🐚 Cone Shells (Cone Snails): Harmless-looking shells, but delivers a deadly neurotoxin.
- 🪼 Irukandji Jellyfish: Extremely small, nearly invisible. Its sting causes excruciating pain and illness.
- 🐊 Saltwater Crocodile: Huge and territorial. Known for fatal attacks.
- 🐟 Stonefish: Camouflaged on the seafloor. Extremely painful if stepped on and sometimes deathly.
- 🦈 Tiger Shark: Large predator, sometimes attacks humans.
Most dangerous Australian animals on the land (Source):
- 🐍 Coastal Taipan: Fast and very venomous. Bite can be deadly.
- 🐍 Death Adder: Well-camouflaged with a lightning-fast strike.
- 🐍 Eastern Brown Snake: Aggressive and responsible for most snakebite deaths.
- 🕷️ Funnel-web Spider: One of the deadliest spiders. Quick medical help needed.
- 🐍 Inland Taipan: World’s most toxic snake, but rarely seen.
- 🕷️ Redback Spider: Small with a red stripe. Painful but treatable bite.
- 🦃 Southern Cassowary: Large bird with sharp claws. Can be aggressive and dangerous.
Before hitting the road, download the Australian Bites and Stings App (only available in Australia) to identify venomous creatures. Developed in partnership with the Australian Government, the app provides essential first aid instructions for bites and stings from snakes, spiders, jellyfish, and more. Whether you’re at the beach, in the bush, or relaxing at your campsite – knowing what to watch out for, how to avoid danger, and how to respond in an emergency could save a life.
April 5, 04:00 · Sleepless in Sydney 💤
Thanks to jetlag, we were all awake at 12 AM and desperately hunting for snacks at 3 AM. By morning at 4 AM, we debated hitting the hotel gym or pool (which were obviously closed at that time) to fight the fatigue but ended up wandering the city instead. We rallied for a sunrise mission at the Opera House. Although it was cloudy, it still felt iconic to stand there.
April 5, 14:00 · Royal Botanic Garden 🌿
The day continued with breakfast, window shopping, and a stroll through the Royal Botanic Garden. Nestled between Sydney’s skyscrapers and the harbor, the Royal Botanic Garden felt like stepping into a different world. Wandering through lush greenery, we spotted a kookaburra laughing in the trees and stumbled upon giant spiders hanging above the walkways (a true Aussie welcome). We even thought we’d spotted a rare bird, only to learn it was just a very common (and trash-loving) ibis, aka the infamous Aussie bin chicken. The garden’s hidden pathways led us to some of the best views of the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge. But the real surprises were incredible artworks such as a whale made of plants.
✨ Hidden Gem: Royal Botanic Garden
April 6, 12:00 · Manly Beach Adventures 🏖️
We took the ferry to Manly Beach and got to see Sydney’s landmarks from the water – including the Harbour Bridge and Opera House. After battling seagulls over lunch (they’re surprisingly aggressive), we dipped our feet the first time in the pacific ocean. While most visitors stick to the main shoreline, we took the scenic route and discovered Manly’s hidden gems. We wandered into the jungle, where we spotted a Water Dragon lizard casually sunbathing. We enjoyed a breathtaking sunset on the beach before catching the ferry back, watching Sydney’s skyline sparkle in the night.
✨ Hidden Gem: Manly Beach
✨ Hidden Gem: Fairy Bower Rockpool
April 7, 10:00 · Easter Brekkie and Easter Bilby 🐰
We were expecting an Aussie brekkie (brunch) experience on Easter Sunday… only to find everything closed. Our Easter meal was 7-Eleven snacks. Lesson learned: Always check open hours of restaurants, cafes etc. on public holiday schedules. And while we expected to see bunnies everywhere, Australians have a different mascot: the Easter Bilby. It replaces the bunny in Australia because rabbits, introduced by Europeans, became an invasive species. To protect the native ecosystem, Aussies celebrate with chocolate bilbies, supporting conservation efforts.
💡Insider Tip: Plan for Public Holidays (and forget easter bunnies)
April 8, 16:00 · Bondi to Bronte Beach Walk 🌊
Bondi Beach with the Bondi Icebergs Pool may be world-famous, but the real magic lies in the coastal walk to Bronte Beach. As we followed the path along the rugged cliffs, we admired surfers mastering the waves below and stopped at hidden viewpoints along the way. Bronte Beach itself was a peaceful contrast to Bondi’s crowds, perfect for unwinding. At Bronte, we devoured delicious pizza before heading back to the city in an Uber.
✨ Hidden Gem: Bondi Icebergs Pools, Bondi to Bronte Beach Walk, Bronte Baths
April 9, 11:00 · Lavender Bay Views 🌴
Just across the Harbour Bridge lies one of Sydney’s most charming hidden spots: Milson Park and Lavender Bay, home to the enchanting Wendy’s Secret Garden. We started our walk at Milson Park, where a beautiful formation of palm trees in a perfect circle caught our eye, an aesthetic spot for photos or a quiet break. From there, we strolled along the bay to discover Wendy’s Secret Garden, a fairytale-like oasis filled with lush greenery, quirky sculptures, and winding paths. With its peaceful vibe and stunning views of the Harbour Bridge from a whole new angle.
✨ Hidden Gem: Palm formation at Milson Park
✨ Hidden Gem: Wendy’s Secret Garden with view over the Harbor Bridge
✨ Hidden Gem: Lavender Bay
April 10, 10:00 · Goodbye Luxury, Hello Motorhome Life 🚌
It was tough saying goodbye to our fancy hotel. We crammed our bags into an Uber and headed to the motorhome rental office. That’s where we met our Fiat Ducato home-on-wheels (aka Köbi) for the next few weeks. After going through our list full of questions and three practice drives around the block, the staff looked a bit worried. They were even so concerned about us (or more about the motorhome) they gave us their private number. We made directly our way to the next mall to buy the essentials.
💡Insider Tip: Ask as much as you can about the motorhome, otherwise you have to figure it out yourself later.
💡Packlist Tip: Bring several shopping bags, the first shopping trip will be extensive due to all essentials.
💡 Extra Tip · Motorhome Handover Checklist
Ask as many questions as possible during the handover — it’s your chance to learn everything before you’re out on the road. This checklist covers the key things you should clarify before starting your motorhome adventure. Most motorhomes come with a user manual or guidebook. Be sure to ask for it during the handover and keep it accessible throughout your trip. It can be an invaluable resource for troubleshooting and understanding your vehicle’s features.
Driving 🚌
- How to start and stop the engine?
- How to operate the turn signals (indicators)?
- How to activate and adjust the windshield wipers and washer fluid?
- How to turn on the headlights, high beams, fog lights, hazard lights (emergency flashers)?
- How to adjust the side and rearview mirrors?
- How to operate the handbrake?
- How to operate the gear shift (manual or automatic)?
- How to drive on the left side of the road safely?
- What are the exact height, width, and weight of the motorhome (for bridges, ferries, parking garages)?
- Where is the spare tire (if available) and how do I change it in case of a flat?
Inside the Motorhome 🛌
- How to lock/unlock the doors?
- How to operate the gas/electric cooker?
- How to operate the fridge (especially if gas-powered)?
- How to use the air conditioning or heating system?
- How to set up and fold away the bed(s)?
- How to use the toilet and how often does it need emptying?
- Where to safely store luggage and groceries?
- Where is the fire extinguisher and first aid kit (if available)?
Tech & Power 🔌
- How to connect to external power?
- Where is the control panel and what do all the buttons mean?
- What appliances can I use when not plugged into shore power?
- How to charge phones and devices (USB, outlets)?
Water & Waste 🚰
- How to fill the fresh water tank?
- How to connect the fresh water hose?
- How to empty the grey water tank?
- How to connect the grey water hose?
- How to empty the toilet cassette (black water)?
- Where to find dump stations and freshwater fill-ups?
Fuel & Maintenance ⛽️
- What type of fuel does the motorhome need: diesel or petrol?
- Where to refill AdBlue and how do I know when it’s low?
- Where is the fuel cap and how to open and close it?
- How to check oil and coolant levels?
Gas 🔥
- Where is the gas bottle stored and how is it secured?
- How and when to turn the gas on/off safely?
- How to exchange or refill the gas bottles and where?
- What appliances use gas (e.g. stove, fridge, heating)?
- How to know when the gas is running low?
- What to do if I smell gas or suspect a leak?
Outdoor Setup 🌞
- How to set up the awning or sunshade properly?
- Where are the camping table and chairs stored and how to install them?
💡 Extra Tip · Motorhome Essentials Checklist
After the motorhome hand-over, check what’s already included in your motorhome — from kitchen tools to cleaning supplies. Anything missing? Add it to your shopping list before heading to the store to make sure your first grocery run covers all the basics!
Kitchen & Household 🍽️
✔️ Paper towels
✔️ Toilet paper
✔️ Dish soap, sponge, brush
✔️ Kitchen towels / drying cloths
✔️ Dish cloth / rag
✔️ Disinfectant wipes or spray
✔️ Hand soap
✔️ Aluminum foil / plastic wrap
✔️ Food storage containers
✔️ Ziplock bags
✔️ Trash bags
✔️ Matches or lighter
✔️ Laundry detergent
✔️ Clothespins or clips
✔️ Bug spray or citronella candle
Pantry Basics 👩🏼🍳
Plan a few basic meals in advance to avoid overbuying.
✔️ Sugar, salt, pepper, mixed spices
✔️ Olive oil, cooking oil
✔️ Vinegar, salad dressing
✔️ Ketchup, mustard, mayo
✔️ Pasta, pasta sauce
✔️ Rice, couscous
✔️ Tortillas
✔️ Breakfast cereal, oats, granola
✔️ Jam, honey, nutella
✔️ Canned goods (tomatoes, corn, etc.)
✔️ Snacks (crackers, nuts, bars)
✔️ Tea, coffee
✔️ Water
✔️ Flavored drinks
Fresh Food 🧀
✔️ Milk
✔️ Butter
✔️ Eggs
✔️ Cheese, mozzarella, parmesan
✔️ Yogurt, cream cheese
✔️ Meat
✔️ Fruits (apples, bananas, seasonal)
✔️ Veggies (carrots, peppers, salad, tomatoes, cucumber, avocado, potatoes)
✔️ Bread, wraps
✔️ Juice
Hygiene & Personal 🧴
✔️ Body wash, shampoo
✔️ Deodorant
✔️ Sunscreen
✔️ Toothbrush, toothpaste
✔️ Feminine hygiene products (pads/tampons/liners)
✔️ Tissues (travel pack or box)
✔️ Wet wipes
✔️ Hand sanitizer
✔️ Microfiber towel, quick-dry towel
✔️ Hairdryer
🗳️ Your Vote · Biggest Aussie Fear
After the welcome from a giant Huntsman spider, we were nervous about what else might be waiting for us in the wild. Would the spiders get even bigger once we left the city? Our imaginations ran wild. Now it’s your turn! What would you be most afraid of on an Aussie adventure? Take our fun poll and see how your fears compare to others!
All Down Under Diaries
Did you miss one of the blog posts? Catch up on all the Down Under Diary adventures here:
- 🌴 #1 G’day: The Ultimate Australia’s East Coast Road Trip
- 🏄🏼♂️ #2 Sydney: Giant Spider, Jetlag, & the Great Easter Brekkie Fail (this blog article)
- 🦘 #3 Emerald Beach: Motorhome Issues, Kangaroos, & the Surprise Visit on the Dunny
- 🌊 #4 Noosa: Rain Disaster, Desperate Cash Hunt, & the Coastal Night(mare) Walk
- 🐕 #5 Fraser Island: Guided Adventure Tour, Dingos, & the Champagne Pools (with Video!)
- 🌅 #6 Cape Hillsborough: Digital Detox, Failed Job Interviews, & the Sunrise Kangaroo Dream
- 🩵 #7 Airlie Beach: Great Barrier Reef, Whitehaven Beach Paradise, & the Scenic Flight (with Videos!)
- 🐨 #8 Magnetic Island: Barbie Car, Wild Koala Hunts, & the Motorhome Breakdown Finale
💬 Your Stories · Spiders
Share your stories in the comments at the very bottom of the page (after “You might also like”) in English or German. I’m happy about every comment and reply to each one!
Full East Coast Australia itinerary: If you leave at least three comments across any of my eight blog posts by 1 June 2025, and I’ll email you my full itinerary – with must-sees, hidden gems, campgrounds, and activities. Let’s just say I love lists: over 150 stops are already noted, and my Apple Maps has 200+ saved places. But first, let me finish my semester – promise! 💌
🕷️ How do you feel about spiders and creepy crawlies?
😱 Are you the type to stay calm or would you react like us, full panic mode?
Thanks for following along, cheers from Sydney and ’til next time in Emerald Beach!
Yours, Géraldine 👋🏻👩🏼🦱🏄🏼♂️
I’d love to hear from you (in English or German)! 💬
Full East Coast Australia itinerary: If you leave at least three comments across any of my eight blog posts by 1 June 2025, and I’ll email you my full itinerary! 💌
English
🕷️ How do you feel about spiders and creepy crawlies?
😱 Are you the type to stay calm or would you react like us, full panic mode?
Deutsch
🕷️ Was hältst du von Spinnen und anderen Krabbeltieren?
😱 Bist du der Typ, der ruhig bleibt, oder würdest du wie wir reagieren und in Panik verfallen?
I’m 100% on Team Panic! 🤝🏼 If it crawls or flies, I’m out. I once barricaded myself in a room because a couple of wasps got lost in our apartment – okay, I’m allergic, but still. 🐝 And a Huntsman spider in the car? Nope. I’d have tucked and rolled out of there like it’s an action movie and never looked back. That car would be theirs now! 😂👋🏼🕷️
G’day Saara, I totally get you! 🐝 I’m fortunately not that afraid of spiders, but even I was shaken when that giant Huntsman popped up behind us in the taxi 🕷️🚖 And the fact that even the driver (as a real Aussie) looked disgusted didn’t help much 🥹 Would you still like to visit Australia someday or do the insects and other dangerous animals keep you away? 🐍
I loved reading your blog entry. Gorgeous pictures and amusing experiences! As I have always dreamt about going to Australia (I’ll probably plan a trip after facing my fear of spiders), I am so excited to read your next blogs 🙂
G’day and thank you so much! I promise, that spider moment was one of the only real shocks during our entire 6-week trip! The rest of the time, they mostly just chilled in the trees and kept their distance. So don’t let the spiders stop you – Australia is so worth it! 🇦🇺 What would be your dream destination in Australia?
I‘m defintely not the type of person that stays calm when I‘m facing a spider or any other insect!😂 I‘m always happy when I‘m with someone who has no problem with getting them out of my way..😉🕷️
G’day Simona, yes, it’s always good to have that one fearless friend (aka Sabrina) around! 🕷️💪 What was your worst spider or insect moment so far?
Love your blog and the visuals! You really make me want to go visit Australia ☀️
G’day Stella, thank you for your kind words! Stay tuned for the next blog article about a hidden gem with kangaroos 🦘 Which place or destination would you like to visit in Australia? 🌏
very nice pictures! 😍 I was just thinking about my next travel destination and I think I found it: Australia it is 🌏🦘
G’day Jasmin, thank you very much! Australia is such a stunning and diverse destination. I’m sure you’ll fall in love with it just like we did! 🌅🦘 Can’t wait to share more travel inspo and tips with you – stay tuned! Which destination would you like to see most? 🌴
Hi, with spiders I’m definitely the calm type of person. I would be somewhat happy to see a dangerous spider 😂 So, I wouldn’t run away, instead I would pick up my camera to take a picture of it 🕷️ I have to say after your travel tips for Sydney this town is a must see for me 😍
G‘day Andrin, lucky you! We could’ve used you in our taxi during our first spider encounter – we were all in panic mode while you’d probably have been snapping National Geographic-level pics! 📸 So glad to hear Sydney made it onto your bucket list – more stories from the east coast are coming soon! 🔜 What kind of camera do you use? 📷
Hey dear, thank you for your amazing stories. I stay calm around spiders, but I really don’t like snakes. I hope you haven’t met one?🐍
I totally get that – snakes aren’t for everyone 🐍 And yes, we did spot one on our trip — luckily from a safe distance. It was a quick but exciting moment! More wild (and snake-free) stories of our encounters are coming soon! 🦘🦝 What’s the wildest animal encounter you’ve ever had (while traveling)?
I hate spiders and insects in general so I am not sure if I could survive this trip 😂. But I love to hear your adventures and the pictures of your trip look amazing!
G’day Erato, honestly, apart from one dramatic spider encounter on the first day, it was way less scary than we expected! And the landscapes and wildlife totally make up for it 🐨🌴 Thanks so much for following along – I’m so happy you’re enjoying the stories and photos! 🥰 Would you consider going on a roadtrip like this, or do the bugs and spiders still win? 🪲🕷️
I’m generally not a fan of spiders and creepy crawlies. I try to stay calm, but my first instinct is usually to freak out! I do my best to relocate them when I can, though. It’s just hard to keep calm when they’re suddenly in the room!
G’day Lulu, staying calm is easier said than done when something with eight legs suddenly appears 🕷️ Good on you for relocating them when you can – that’s brave! Thanks for reading along, and I promise, there are more cute animals than creepy crawlies coming up! 🦘 Have you had any unexpected animal “visitors” on past trips?
I hate spiders and don’t like them at all! 😖 I used to react with extreme panic, but now I don’t panic as much anymore. I was glad that Sabrina and you were the ones who could remove all those little crawlies without fear. 👀😂
G’day Vanessa, you’ve already made progress if you panic less than before – that’s a win! 💪🏻 And yes, even if we didn’t always feel that fearless either 🥹 Thanks for reading along and sharing your thoughts! How do you usually handle spiders and insects if we aren’t there? 🤭🕷️
Ich habe nur vor grossen Spinnen Angst, die kleinen sind kein Problem. Ich habe noch nie giftige Spinnen gesehen und Kontakt mit ihnen gehabt.
Jetlag ist blöd und kann einem den Tag versauen.
Ich hoffe auf weiterhin schöne Berichte aus Australien
G’day Sandra, oh ja, bei grossen Spinnen wird’s auch für uns grenzwertig – vor allem, wenn sie plötzlich auf dem Taxi sitzen 🚕🕷️! Kleine lassen wir meistens in Ruhe weiterkrabbeln. Und beim Jetlag geben wir dir voll recht… der hat uns in Sydney ganz schön aus dem Rhythmus gebracht. Danke dir fürs Lesen, ich freue mich, bald mehr Eindrücke aus Australien zu teilen! 🇦🇺 Welches ist deine bemerkenswerte Erinnerung an einen Jetlag? ✈️
G’day Géraldine! 🌏 I absolutely loved this blog entry—your storytelling makes me feel like I’m right there in Sydney with you! The mix of funny mishaps, hidden gems, and travel tips is perfect. That Huntsman spider encounter? Yikes! I would have been in full panic mode too. 😱🕷️ But the coastal walks and secret gardens sound like a dream. Definitely adding Sydney to my bucket list now! Can’t wait to read about your next adventure—bring on the kangaroos! 🦘✨
G’day Cornel, thank you so much! So happy you felt like you were right there with me. Sydney really is full of surprises and you should definitely add it to your bucket list. What would you like to see in Sydney? 🏙️
See this blog article for kangaroo adventures! 🦘
https://blog.hslu.ch/majorobm/2025/03/27/downunderdiary-post-3/
Hi Geraldine, the pool with a view looks amazing. I like the good tips on the Hidden Gem, especially: Fairy Bower Rockpool as well as Wendy’s Secret Garden with view over the Harbor Bridge which I didn’t know about them so I never visited them during my only vacation there. A good reason for me to visit again someday.
G’day Michelle, thanks so much! So glad you liked the hidden gems. Wendy’s Secret Garden is such a peaceful spot, definitely worth checking out next time you’re in Sydney! 🌿 What places you visited during your time in Sydney?
Hi Géraldine
I would be in the panic team too – with all these silent coming animals…. Okay, at your age I was much more courageous and spiders and Co couldn’t stop me from a good trip 🙂
So – go to your dream destinations and don’t let you be stopped of fear!
G’day Silvia, I can totally agree with you, spiders shouldn’t stop us from exploring other destinations! 🕷️ Which is your favorite travel destination so far?
Hi Géraldine
To me it depends on 2 things:
1. the type of spider. If it‘s a „Zimmermann“ then I carry them outdoors on my hand. But when they‘re not only big but fat, then I don‘t like them…
2. the place of the spider. It stresses me when a spider is right above my bed! I always fear it would crawl in body holes while I‘m sleeping… But for a while there was a small 🕷️ in the corner over my bed and we somehow lived together – as long as everybody stays in his place…
G’day Rachele, yes, the type and where you find the spider really makes a difference! A skinny “Zimmermann” crawling across the wall feels much less threatening than a big, fat one 🤢 And I love the idea of peacefully co-existing! 🏡 What happened to your roommate at the end? 🕷️