The Thousands

Ah, Sydney.  Land of the long lunch.

With such amazing weather, breath-taking scenery, and delicious food, it’s no wonder Sydneysiders go ape-shit for al fresco dining.  In the middle of Sydney Harbour sits Fort Denison Café – possibly the best spot to share a few bottles with friends.

Fort Denison was nicknamed "Pinchgut" in the 1700s due to the crappy prison meals. The food’s improved considerably. Tailored Events Catering runs a restaurant here every day, serving affordable, no frills food, with a small brunch menu and full bar; yes, you can get your Mimosa or your Bloody Mary on. They even do a special cheese tasting event with 14 Australian cheeses.  Uh – yum?**Take a Captain Cook ferry from Wharf 6 at Circular Quay ($17 round-trip fare, ferries leave every 30-45 minutes). They do a special menu for groups over eight, and as seating is limited it’s never crowded. It’s a special event kinda place without ‘special event’ prices, so go for your birthday with friends and don’t forget the sunscreen.