How Solo Experiences Connected Me to Sydney

My first week in Sydney was chock-full of exciting new experiences and faces. The society, sport, and leadership program I am part of for the 6-week exchange is very active and keeps us students engaged from the start. Solo adventuring is a great way to immerse yourself in a new city, but it can easily become overwhelming for a young traveler like me. I have always been the type who needs time to myself to recharge my social battery, and I found some pretty cool places in Sydney to do so.

1. Exercise Spots 

Health and wellness culture is massive in Australia! In Sydney, there are numerous running clubs, fitness studios, and other similar establishments. During my first week here, I downloaded an app called ClassPass and started a free trial, which allows you to use a certain number of credits to sign up for fitness and wellness classes around the city. Back home in Wisconsin, I often practice yoga to recenter myself. I took a Yin Yoga class at Vivid Flow Studio, a quaint spot out in Woolloomooloo. Here is a direct quote from my diary after that day: “The class was very grounding and helped bring peace to my abroad experience.” The class itself was terrific, but the experience of navigating public transportation, walking to the studio in the rain, and meeting the excellent instructor was what made me feel so empowered and revitalized. With ClassPass, I have explored a few other studios on my own and have experienced the same energized feeling. I recommend Vivid Flow Studio (not heated), One Hot Yoga & Pilates in Potts Point (with heated options and reformer Pilates machines), and my personal favorite, Yoga Parlour in Crows Nest (heated with infrared panels). 

2. Weekend Markets 

Sydney has an incredible number of weekend markets to pick from. There are beach options, such as Bondi and Manly, as well as others throughout the city. One weekend, I found myself needing some solo exploration time, and I consulted social media to find a market that could brighten up my Saturday afternoon. A highly recommended spot was Paddington Markets in Paddington, so I hopped on public transport and made my way across town. It was a beautiful sunny day, and upon arrival, I could sense the good energy. This market offers a diverse selection of jewelry, produce, vintage clothing, and plants. You name it! I chatted with most of the vendors at the tables I stopped at and had delightful conversations about their products, the city, and life in general. I bought a gemstone ring, picked up some fresh fruit, and even managed to get a discount on a few crossbody bags! Paddington was by far one of my favorite solo experiences in Sydney. 

3. Appreciating the food and scenery 

Australia is a beautiful country that offers a diverse range of delicious food and drink options. I have had some of the best matcha lattes of my life while I’ve been here. An easy way to find time for yourself is to explore Australia's natural landscape and treat yourself to a dessert or coffee. With a friend, we walked the coastline from Coogee to Bondi Beach, and that was breathtaking. Sydney offers various trails, beach walks, and parks that are ideal for a leisurely walk to clear your mind. After your walk, you might find yourself trying one of the many froyo or acai spots, or exploring the Asian-influenced cuisine. As someone who is more health-conscious when it comes to dining out, I have been thoroughly impressed by the options available around Sydney and the labeling on menus for those with dietary restrictions. Sydney’s wide range of food options has made my solo adventures a lot simpler. 

I understand the importance of having time to yourself to recharge. Being in a new country is the perfect opportunity to push yourself to stray from the pack now and then and find activities that interest you and will bring you joy. Solo exploring is not about isolating yourself from friends or classmates; however, there is an important balance to strike when it comes to socializing and processing your experience abroad on your own. 

Happy exploring!