You might know of Aussie-born Julia Trotti for her dreamy fashion photography for labels such as Suzi Rose Designs and Bride La Boheme. When she’s not shooting for work, she shoots dreamy landscapes on the side, which have brought her to some of the most beautiful views of the Australian outback. In this interview, Julia shares her favourite Sydney suburbs to get the local experience, why an Australian coffee is not to be missed, and where to get that perfect cup of Joe. 

Photo: Julia Trotti

Where can we go to see your favourite view in Australia?

Kangaroo Valley is my favourite place in Australia. I could spend days exploring the countryside and driving the winding roads up and down mountains. One day I hope to own a little cottage there.

Photo: Julia Trotti

Name one local dish you feel travellers can’t leave Sydney without trying

This isn’t a dish but I will always tell someone visiting Sydney that they can’t leave until they’ve had a cup of locally brewed coffee! If there’s one thing that Sydney does right, it’s coffee.

Where are your favourite restaurants or cafés in Sydney?

The list could be endless, so I’m going to keep it to my favourite two. Flying Fajita Sisters in Glebe for some delicious Mexican, and the Coogee Pavilion in Coogee for some beachside lunch.

Photo: Julia Trotti

What is a typical Australian breakfast for you?

I love eating local organic plain yogurt with some fresh blueberries, strawberries, kiwis and bananas for breakfast. I’ll occasionally add some granola if I’m going to have a big day!

Name your favourite spot in Sydney for a good cup of coffee

Like I mentioned before, one of the things that Sydney does best is coffee so you can pretty much walk into any place that makes coffee and it’ll be a good cup. If you’re in the city centre, a good place to get coffee is the Workshop Espresso in the Queen Victoria Building.

Photo: Julia Trotti

As a local, where would you recommend travellers go to get the true Sydney experience?

While Sydney is known for its Harbour, where you can see the Harbour Bridge and the Opera House, I would recommend that you explore the smaller suburbs on foot to experience Sydney more like a local. Suburbs like Newtown, Surry Hills and Darlinghurst have so many amazing local restaurants, coffee shops and Australian designer clothing stores to explore.

WHERE TO EAT IN SYDNEY

Flying Fajita Sisters

Where: 65 Glebe Point Rd, Glebe NSW 2037, Australia

For: Mexican food

Coogee Pavilion

Where: 169 Dolphin St, Coogee NSW 2034, Australia

For: A casual meal by the beach

Workshop Espresso

Where: 500 George St, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia

For: Locally brewed coffee

WHERE TO GO IN SYDNEY

Newtown

Where: King Street and Enmore Road, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia

For: Vintage shops and cafés

Surry Hills

Where: Surry Hills NSW 2010, Australia

For: For art galleries and boutiques

Darlinghurst

Where: Darlinghurst NSW, Australia

For: For restaurants, bars and clubs.

WHERE TO GO IN AUSTRALIA

Kangaroo Valley

Region: New South Wales

Where: Kangaroo Valley NSW, Australia

For: Great views