Wondering what to do while in Sydney for the newly-minted World Marathon Major? Sportplus.sg and Destination New South Wales have got you covered
As the TCS Sydney Marathon Presented by ASICS celebrates becoming the seventh Abbott World Marathon Major, it now also prepares itself for a much larger scale race, with thousands more set to take part. Now a Marathon Major, countless of runners, supporters and even members of the media from all over the world will inevitably descend upon the capital of New South Wales in August.
As two Muslims who've covered the marathon before, with the help of Destination New South Wales (DNSW), we've got you covered with things to do and the best food spots around town.
If you're looking for Muslim-friendly options, here are just a few unassuming ones.
Kürtősh - Darling Square
Kürtősh is a Hungarian cafe located at Darling Square in the inner city suburb of Haymarket. There are multiple outlets, however, Darling Square's is the closest to ICC Sydney — where the race expo will be held — and in the heart of Chinatown. The cafe announced itself as a halal cafe but has also warned of several pastries containing traces of alcohol, so remember to check with the staff on which to stay away from!
While hot drinks range from AUD$4.40 to $5 (an estimate of SGD$4 to $4.90), the iced drinks are slightly pricier, ranging from AUD$5.20 to $7.70 (SGD$4.60 to $6.90). For Singaporeans, the coffee at Kurtosh would probably be on the cheaper end, as coffee in Singapore can easily be $7 to $8 if they're not your local Kopi Os and Kopi Cs.
Kürtősh's coffee was addicting, and as two coffee lovers, it got our seal of approval within the first sip. The coffee was refreshing, not too bitter and not too sweet. If you're one to ask for syrup like me, the baristas knew just how much syrup to drizzle to perfection.
The cafe has a range of cakes and pastries and breakfast options as well. There was a debate between us on whether the cinnamon scroll or smashed avocado on toast was better, but why not let two good things co-exist peacefully? They were both delectable after all.
It opens early, so get that coffee in before hitting the streets to explore. You'll need it!
Kürtősh - Darling Square
Shop 1, 16 Nicolle Walk Darling Square, Haymarket NSW 2000, Australia
Monday - Thursday: 7.40am - 10.30pm
Friday: 7.30am - 11pm
Saturday: 8.30am - 11pm
Sunday: 8.30am - 10pm
1915 Lanzhou Beef Noodles - World Square
If you love Tongue Tip Lanzhou Beef Noodles or Nuodle here in Singapore, then you have to go to 1915 Lanzhou Beef Noodles at World Square in Sydney. The quaint restaurant tucked away in the mall on Liverpool Street is 100% halal. It has four outlets in Sydney, with World Square's being the only one in the city center.
The restaurant serves different types of hand-pulled beef noodles hailing from Lanzhou, a city in China with over a million Muslims. The menu is simple and caters to both the spice lovers and those who prefer a hearty, non-spicy meal. If you're really into spicy food, every table comes with extra crispy chilli oil for you to go crazy with.
There's also an array of dry noodles and sides such as cucumber salads and hand-made dumplings.
With the Sydney Marathon being held during the tail-end of winter, and with the 2024 edition in particular being caught in windy conditions, the hot bowls of soupy noodles were our saviours. Portions were also big and filling, with authentic hand-pulled chewy noodles.
Overall? 10/10!
1915 Lanzhou Beef Noodles - World Square
Shop 17/123 Liverpool St, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia
Monday - Sunday: 11am - 9pm
Betty's Burgers - Multiple Outlets
While Betty's Burgers is not independently Halal certified, it's chicken and beef suppliers are. Upon request, workers will clean the grill to ensure no remnants of pork is left when grilling your meal.
Betty's Burgers boasts three convenient locations in Sydney, all situated in the heart of the city. Their burgers are exactly what you crave after a long day of exploring—comforting, satisfying, and delicious. While the menu may not be groundbreaking, the juicy, perfectly grilled beef and impeccably seasoned fries hit the spot. What more could you ask for?
Its menu also contained interesting options like the Bare Betty: Angus beef, tomato, onion, cheese, Betty's special sauce, all wrapped in lettuce. Intrigued and feeling healthy, I gave it a go. After all, it was something I'd never seen in Singapore before in a Halal restaurant.
Overall, the Bare Betty felt much lighter than a traditional burger, yet it was satisfyingly filling. The crisp crunch of fresh lettuce on the first bite, followed by the tender, juicy perfection of the beef patty, was a whole experience in itself. 10/10, easy!
Betty's Burgers also has plenty of chicken options and an array of milkshakes!
Betty's Burgers - Market St / Circular Quay / Darling Harbour
Opening hours depends on outlet
Things to do after race day
Runcations are the latest craze, so don't let the marathon be the only thing you do when you're in Sydney. Apart from strolling around the city center and shopping, there's plenty to do in and around Sydney. Here are some fun ideas!
Taronga Zoo
Taronga Zoo Sydney is one of the most popular attractions the city has to offer, and the experience begins even before stepping into the 70-acre park.
Located in the suburb of Mosman on the shores of the Sydney Harbour, the most popular way of getting to the zoo is by ferry from the heart of the city. You can choose to board from either Darling Harbour or Circular Quay, both of which provide breathtaking views of Sydney's iconic landmarks including the the Sydney Opera House, and the opportunity to sail beneath the world-famous Sydney Harbour Bridge.
Keep in mind that this isn't even the main attraction of the day! It's a 12 minute ride to Taronga Zoo from Circular Quay so sit back, feel the wind in your hair, and rest up. There'll be plenty of walking around at the zoo.
Once you disembark the ferry, the main gates of Taronga Zoo is just a short bus ride away. Perched atop the hill on Bradleys Head Road, the bus winds its way up, filled with excited tourists eagerly taking in the journey.
When you finally get to the zoo, remember to take a map with you. With all the different animals to visit, you won't want to miss out on any. One of the most interesting parts of to zoo is the Keeper Talks, where the park's zookeepers dish out fact after fact about the animals under their care.
We were fortunate to catch the Chimpanzee Keeper Feed, an experience that felt like a live documentary. From within the secure enclosure, the keeper fed the chimpanzees while sharing fascinating insights into their characteristics and remarkable intelligence. To top it off, playful baby chimpanzees swung energetically through the trees, adding an extra layer of charm to the experience.
The word "Taronga" derives from the Aboriginals, the Indigenous peoples of Australia and it islands. It means "beautiful view". Nothing quite encapsulated this like the cityscape backdrop of the zoo's giraffe enclosure.
Standing atop a small hill, you find yourself almost eye-to-eye with the majestic giraffes, towering at an impressive 14 to 19 feet tall.As if their presence wasn't already awe-inspiring, the view is flawlessly framed by the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge, with the city’s stunning skyline stretching out in the distance. You won't want to leave, but there are more animals to meet.
As you make your way through the zoo, don't be afraid to take a few detours into some of the smaller paths, as they're likely to also contain several species of animals as well. Be sure to read the map though, as it may be easy to get lost and miss a couple of animals.
Once you get to the seals and penguins, the route takes you indoors and into a space that provides peace like no other. Offering a cool refuge from the sun, the marine animal enclosures are thoughtfully designed with a tranquil ambiance.
Only dim lights illuminate the space, apart from the shimmering sunlight filtering through the waters of the penguin and seal pools. There's even a big auditorium-like room for people to rest and soak in the serenity.
Once you've gallivanted around the zoo, you'll eventually reach Australia's symbolic kangaroos and Tasmanian Red Devils. While the red devils are slightly harder to spot within their indoor enclosures, there are plenty of Red 'Roos and Rock Wallabies out and about for you to obsess over. As you approach the zoo entrance, and the end of the route, you'll encounter even more kangaroo species at Kangaroo Country. You thought we forgot about the Koalas? They're there too! Located next to Kangaroo Country is Koala Country. There's also a separate enclosure by the entrance of the zoo.
With over 150 species of animals, Taronga Zoo prides itself on being a non-profit organisation and leads vital work that supports wildlife and communities, and its clear to see just how knowledgable and passionate its keepers are.
Just a tip for Muslim travellers, there are no Halal options within the zoo, though vegetarian options are available! Packing and bringing your own food in is also allowed.
Hop on, Hop Off Bus
If you're strapped for time, there's really no better way to hit all the touristy spots than getting on the Hop on, Hop Off buses by BigBus Sydney. There are two route options.
The Red Route takes you around the city. From Circular Quay, to Woolloomooloo Bay, Sydney Opera House and Sydney Fish Market, you name it, they'll take you there.
The Blue Route however, is what we would recommend as it takes you the the sandy shores of Bondi Beach. Being slightly out of the way, Bondi Beach is not as easy to get to as compared to the spots on the red route, making the blue route the perfect way of getting there as you get to enjoy Sydney's suburbs on the way.
If you're sat on the bus' upper deck (if you're not, what are you doing?), you'll start to see the ocean as the bus makes its way downhill towards the beach. Made world famous through its stunning views, iconic surf culture and 'Bondi Rescue', a show focusing on the lives of its famous lifeguards, Bondi Beach is a must visit.
Get off the bus once you're on Campbell Parade and Bondi Beach will be on your right. If you're into merchandise (like me), the bus stop is right by 'Between the Flags', a shop selling an array of Bondi themed clothes. Making your way down Campbell Parade right by the beach, you'll find a plethora of seafood bistros.
And if you're by the Pacific Ocean, seafood is a must. First up, oysters and sashimi.
It's no secret that oysters are an acquired taste, you either love them or you hate them. The oysters at Bondi were fresh and succulent, even for someone who used to avoid them at all costs. Squeezing the lemons onto the oysters is highly recommended!
As a huge sashimi hater turned lover in recent years, I've learned to appreciate the freshness in its acquired taste. There's an entire range of sushi and sashimi on display, however my eyes were locked in on the scallops laid on a bed of Wakame seaweed topped with fish roe.
It all melted within a bite. Paired with the wakame and lemon, the freshness was truly something that can't be found in Singapore.
With our taste buds now tantalised and lunch time approaching, we began our search for fish and chips, because what else should you be having by the ocean?
We chanced upon an old-fashioned looking Fish and Chip Shop called Bondi Surf Seafoods. Charmed by its timeless and nostalgic appearance, we decided to give it a go and packed our lunches away to the beach, something we highly recommend if you're in Sydney in spring, summer or early autumn!
There's nothing quite like a picnic by the beach and good weather. Though the price of lunch was on the higher end, it's understandable considering the location. The peaceful experience however, felt worth the price. It was a slow weekday afternoon, perfect for a picnic, people watching and soaking in the serenity provided by the sounds of waves crashing.
Sure, after running a half or full marathon, your legs will surely be begging for mercy but these activities will have you feeling rejuvenated and wanting to return to Sydney in no time. Keep them in mind when planning your next Sydney Marathon!
Looking to plan your next trip to Sydney? Visit DNSW for more ideas for your itinerary.
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