Why Australia Travel Inspires Design Lovers

“No airs and graces here, mate. Just pack your budgie smugglers, clear customs, and hit the surf.”

That is the Aussie call from Down Under.

And let me tell you, it hit home.

As a South African, so much about Australia felt familiar, the Southern Hemisphere sunshine, the beach culture, the emphasis on a healthier lifestyle, and even the architecture. It all spoke to me.

Oh, and did I mention the coffee is next level.

While there I caught a rerun of Trevor Noah’s Australian stand-up show, where he described their daily news broadcasts as "adorable". I laughed out loud — partly because his delivery was genius, but also out of pure envy. What I noticed immediately was how people — café goers, commuters, even joggers — were genuinely engaging with one another, not their phones or laptops. Hard news may not grab their attention 24/7, but conversation, the outdoors, and leisure clearly do, even during the work week.

Now that I have set the scene, let us get into the where, what, and the why of visiting Oz. If you love interiors, travel, and beautiful experiences, Australia travel will speak to you too.

Sydney, Where to Stay

We kicked off with a couple of nights at Lyf Hotel in Bondi Junction, they had just opened that week. Smack in the heart of the shopping hub, it was perfect for stocking up on supplies and sampling a few standout breakfast spots. We then headed to our Airbnb in Bondi Beach, positioned right above the ever thriving Cali Press, think lively energy all day long. Pro Australian Airbnb tip: choose one with air conditioning, this one did not. To be fair, the authentic MCM interiors got me just as fired up, always a sucker for that era of design.

Bondi equates to longboards, sculpted bodies, lively chats, and breakfast reigns supreme.

After your morning dip, swing by Trading in Style, a higher end consignment store that strikes the right balance, luxury but wearable. For coffee, do not miss Skittle Lane Coffee, Harrys Bondi, and Bare Naked Bowls. Sushi is an everyday staple here, and plant based options are both delicious and plentiful, a nod to preserving sea life over seafood.

After a blissful week in Bondi, we checked into a boutique hotel gem, the Ace Hotel in Surry Hills. Both hotels mentioned were well priced, clean, and conveniently located, good bets depending on which vibe you are after. While in Surry Hills, the matcha at Parami is a must, easily one of the best I have had.

The Vintage Scene

I was itching to explore Sydney’s vintage offerings. I had heard it was slim pickings, understandable given the country’s younger history, but what I found was plentiful, well priced, and full of character.

Mitchell Road Antique and Design Centre

A massive warehouse filled with vendor booths selling everything from antique furniture to jewellery and lighting. I spent three hours there, hands on, learning about origins, materials, textures, and styles. My must buy list painstakingly went from one hundred to two.

1. A hand painted floral bowl by ceramicist Susan DeMay. The irony of bringing home an American art piece from Australia was not lost on me.

2. A textured mid century modern style Australian pottery vase with a crackled glaze. Earthy, organic, and deeply reflective of the landscape and cultural heritage. I was smitten.

That Vintage Emporium

Let me preface this, while also housed in a giant warehouse, the space mixes true vintage and antique with newly produced pieces, which makes the purist in me cringe. I wish they would separate the two, especially for those untrained in spotting the difference. That said, I did uncover plenty of furniture gems and yes, found a cheeky Kay Bojesen wooden monkey to bring home.

Vampt Vintage Design

This was a serendipitous find en route to visit one of my favourite suppliers, Armadillo, they make the most beautiful earth friendly rugs.

Vampt is packed with incredible MCM pieces, from Giuseppe Scapinelli armchairs and a first edition Onda Bench by Jorge Zalszupin (see below), to the red-framed 2006 Cocoa Chair by Carlo Colombo. I wanted the latter so badly.

Australian Design Centre

I was not quite sure what to expect here, part of me thought it might echo the scale of design spaces in Texas or NYC. Instead, it is an intimate showcase with rotating exhibitions featuring collectible ceramics, glassware, jewellery, textiles, and more. A must visit for lovers of the bespoke and beautifully made.

It is discovery moments like these that reminded me why Australia travel inspires design lovers, because the creativity, ease, and lifestyle you find here stay with you long after you leave.

Getting Around and Scenic Walks

Public transport, especially buses, is efficient and easy to navigate. That said, walking is a cultural norm and often the preferred way to explore. Some stunning coastal walks include:

• Bondi to Bronte

• Coogee coastline

• Double Bay to Rose Bay

• Manly Lagoon to North Head, catch the ferry to Manly first

Next Stop, Byron Bay

I will be following up with a must-read post dedicated entirely to Byron Bay, it deserves its own space for the coastal vibes alone. You won't want to miss it.

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Until next time, naked flat whites and ceramic finds.