Beachside Brunches And MJ The Musical: Millie Elliott’s Ultimate Sydney Saturday Off The Pitch

If there’s one person who knows how to make the most of a weekend in Sydney, it’s the powerhouse NRLW player, sharp-witted commentator, and podcast co-host Millie Elliott. 

Whether she’s throwing precision passes or scouting the city’s best events, this lover of all things Sydney, is always in the know.

Word is, the MJ-obsessed (and currently pregnant) Millie has a winter weekend locked in for a special trip to Sydney—MJ The Musical is calling, and she’s not missing it. 

To get the lowdown on her ultimate winter weekend in the harbour city, we teamed up with Destination NSW to quiz Millie on all things Sydney—from best beach hangs to essential Broadway moments. 

First things first, why MJ The Musical?

"Growing up, I always loved Michael Jackson's music, so I can’t wait to see how the show brings his iconic hits and dance moves to life.

From what I’ve heard, it seems like the perfect chance to celebrate MJ in the heart of Sydney's theatre scene. As a sucker for any stretch of ocean, I also love that it’s playing at the Lyric Theatre on Pyrmont’s waterfront."

OK, imagine it's the musical weekend. How are you spending your time in Sydney?

“Sydney has the most beautiful beaches, even in winter. So getting the girls together and seizing the day with a sunrise walk along the Eastern Suburbs walkway is a must.

Once the sun's out, we'll likely hunt for the perfect park-up after a quick dip in the Coogee rockpools. With great breakfast and strong coffee, that’ll be the beachside joint Bathers. Their nourish bowl is the perfect way to fuel up pre-game or, in this case, pre-musical.

NRL is the love of my life, but if there’s an AFL game on that weekend, kicking back with mates to watch it's a real treat.

I'd also love to dabble in a South Dowling Sandwich and an arvo of shopping before a few nibbles and a pregnancy-approved mocktail down at the Pyrmont waterfront before the show.”

What Sydney venues are your non-negotiables over a wintery weekend? 

"Ooo okay. Ripples Little Manly if I'm in the north. Otherwise, Chiswick Woollahra is top of my list if I'm feeling something a little fancier—their Wood-roasted prawns with curry butter are amazing.

Non-food related, Nimbus Co. is my favourite place for an elevated recovery session after a tough training session. And before I forget, the grilled sobrasada on sourdough topped with scrambled eggs from Little Miss Piggy in Surry Hills is unreal. I'm a breakfast person through and through!”

Sydney’s weather in winter is beautiful. Are there any outdoor activities you love to do this time of year? 

“As well as a wintery dip in the Coogee rockpools, I love ditching the car and exploring Sydney via public transport. Catching the ferry from Circular Quay to Manly is always something I find magical, and being able to have a quick dip and a stroll to Shelly Beach is a massive bonus.” 

What are some winter dishes that you look forward to during the colder months? 

“I love Middle Eastern food no matter the time of year, and love Sydney’s expansive list of options for an epic kebab. Olympic Meats has just opened up in Marrickville, and I've popped it straight to my list of must-tries for the next time I'm down in Sydney.” 

Do you have any hidden gems or spots to recommend for a drink or a night out? 

“This one's not necessarily hidden, but I love anywhere by the water, like Coogee Pavilion or North Bondi Surf Club. I love sitting on a balcony overlooking the ocean, it’s both beautiful and relaxing.” 

Do you have a favourite winter walk or scenic spot in Sydney that you think everyone should experience?

“If you’ve never been to Sydney, you have to do the Coogee to Bondi Coastal Walk. If you start in Coogee, there’s no better way to finish it off than with a sauna and swim at Bondi Icebergs. Even in winter, nothing beats a day spent in and around Sydney’s Eastern Beaches.” 

Are there any winter events or festivals in Sydney that you always make time for? 

“I love attending Vivid every year and have done since I was super young. The city feels so alive and beautiful when it's lit up, and it’s such an exciting time when it comes to great food, mid-week activities, and seeing people out and about.”

Other than MJ The Musical, what’s on your winter calendar for 2025?

“As I can’t play with a baby on the way, I'll be hitting the sidelines to watch a lot of sports. I'm be making sure I'm the number one cheerleader for both the men's and women’s State Of Origin. I'm also keen to get along to a few Waratahs games and see the city buzz around the time of the Sydney Marathon.”

For anyone new to Sydney or looking to get away from the usual touristy spots, what’s one hidden gem you’d recommend for the perfect winter experience? 

“I love the secret little beaches that are tucked all along the Eastern Beaches. I definitely recommend steering away from the main ones every so often and having a bit of an explore.”

Finally, if someone only has one day to experience winter in Sydney, what would be on your must-see and must-do list for them?

“If you’ve only got one day in Sydney during winter, you have to rug up and start your morning with a walk along the Bondi to Bronte coastal trail–it’s crisp in winter but stunning. Then grab a coffee and brekkie at Blackwood in Bondi, the Spicy BAE roll never misses. 

Midday, head into the city and explore The Rocks. It’s got a real charm in winter, especially with the markets and old laneways. If you're lucky, you might even catch a pop-up event around Circular Quay. 

From there, take the ferry to Manly—the views of the Harbour Bridge and Opera House never get old, even for locals like me.

Wrap up the day with dinner somewhere cosy—maybe a pub in Paddington or a nice spot in Surry Hills. That way if you're an early bird like me, you'll be well prepped to catch a gorgeous sunrise all over again in the morning."

Join Millie this winter as she experiences MJ The Musical and the best of Sydney this chilly season. For more information, visit Sydney.com and start planning your wintery getaway.

Editor’s note: This article is sponsored by Destination NSW and proudly endorsed by The Urban List. To find out more about who we work with and why, read our editorial policy here.

Images: Millie Elliott