Sydney Highlights
PHOTO: Aerial view of Sydney and Circular Quay area.
by Sam Vogts
A holiday in the Pacific is never complete without a visit to Sydney.
Host to the stunning beaches that only Australia can offer, exciting entertainment and amazing sights, Sydney is a must-see for all travellers.
On arrival in Sydney Airport, visitors are only 15 minutes via train to the city centre. The Airport link train into mid city will set you back $12.80 or a cab will cost about $20-30. If you want any help before you leave the airport, the information desk on the ground floor of the International Terminal will tell you all you need to know about transport, sights, events and accommodation.
Once you're in the city it is best to take advantage of Sydney's first-class public transport. A short trip on the bus or train can take you anywhere in and around the city and the harbour ferry is a great way to explore the outer suburbs. Ticket deals, like the CityRail DayTripper (all day ferry, bus and rail), make public transport even cheaper and are found at CityRail stations. Sightseeing buses are a fun way to see the city and harbour cruises offer a beautiful ride around Sydney Harbour.
The city centre is George Street, and the newly renovated end, near Central Station, is a hotspot for travellers, offering trendy hostels, bars and internet cafes. At night, head to Darling Harbour for clubs and bars or check out live theatre and bands around the city. Entertainment guides are found in record stores and some cafes - look out for Drum Media and The Brag or if you want entertainment news from Sydney's large gay and lesbian scene get Lesbians on the Loose and the Sydney Star Observer.
Sydney offers many spectacular sights of which the Harbour Bridge, the Opera House and Sydney Tower are only a few. But don't forget to take time out and relax on some of the city's world-class beaches.
Sydney Visitor Centres are located at Darling Harbour and The Rocks and provide information about Sydney, NSW and entertainment.
Outside Sydney
Once in Sydney, you're surrounded by many other beautiful Australian places. The Blue Mountains, less than an hour to the west of Sydney, are a spectacular sight. The amazing cliffs and hazy blue atmosphere, offer many fun activities including bushwalks, horserides, abseiling and great eating facilities.
To see the Blue Mountains or anywhere else around NSW check out CountryLink's coach and rail network.
It's fun & it's free!
PHOTO: Sydney monorail and cityscape
Fun doesn't have to cost a fortune, especially with Sydney's many amazing experiences that are free and easy to access.
To experience some Australian history, head to The Rocks where Captain Arthur Phillip established the first European settlement in 1778. This central city area has been restored to include beautiful shops, markets, street entertainment and eating facilities. Historical walking tours take you to city's first hospital, colonial churches and Sydney's shortest street, among other sights.
Take a walk across Sydney Harbour Bridge using the pedestrian walkway. The walk offers beautiful city views and perfect photo opportunities.
For more photos, follow the curve of Farm Cove, just east of the Opera House and you'll end up at Mrs Macquaries Point. Made famous as the getaway spot of Governor Lachlan Macquarie's wife, the point and Mrs Macquarie's rock chair, offer unbeatable views of the Harbour Bridge and Opera House.
The Art Gallery of New South Wales, the Museum of Contemporary Art and the Australian National Maritime Museum all have free entry and display the best of Australian and Aboriginal art and history among international works.
Darling Harbour is Sydney's nightlife hotspot but the superb eating facilities and the spectacular scenery can be enjoyed at anytime during the day. The harbour offers beautiful walks, street entertainment and free concerts on floating platoons.
The two most recognised beaches and definite must-sees, Bondi and Manly, are only two of over 30 beaches - each offering a day of sun, surf and fun. Bondi, in the eastern suburbs, is a great starting point for exploring some of the city's beaches. Bronte, Tamarama, Clovelly and Maroubra can all be found along a coastline walk from Bondi to the smaller Coogee beach. Just north of the city, Manly can be reached by ferry and is one of over 20 beaches along the coast, including Palm Beach - the home of Australian TV series Home and Away.
The Royal Botanic Gardens are a wonderful display of Australia's wild botanical beauty. The gardens are a great way to experience true Australian flora and fauna, offering plenty of interesting plants and birds.
FACT FILE
BridgeClimb
http://www.bridgeclimb.com/
The Rocks
Sydney Opera House
http://www.sydneyoperahouse.com
Bus, Ferry, Rail
http://www.131500.com.au/
Or phone 13 15 00 (within Aus)
Sydney - official website
http://www.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/
CountryLink
http://www.countrylink.info/
Or phone 13 22 32 (within Aus)
Blue Mountains
Currency Exchange Rates
Places To Stay - VIP Backpackers
Base Sydney
477 Kent Street, Sydney. Ph 02 9267 7718
Big Hostel
212 Elizabeth Street. Surry Hills. Ph 02 9281 6030
Billabong Gardens
5-11 Egan Street, Newtown. Ph 02 9550 3236
Boardrider Backpacker
Rear 63, The Corso, Manly. Ph 02 9977 6077
Funk House Backpackers
23 Darlinghurst Roads, Kings Cross. Ph 02 9358 6455
G'day Backpackers
153 Forbes Street, Woolloomooloo, Sydney.
Ph 02 9358 4327
Glebe Village Backpackers
256 Glebe Point Road, Glebe. Ph 02 9660 8133
Harbour City Hotel
50 Sir John Young Crescent, Woolloomooloo.
Ph 02 9380 2922
Hyde Park Backpackers
90 Wentworth Avenue, Sydney. Ph 02 9282 9266
Jolly Swagman Backpackers
27 Orwell Street, Kings Cross. Ph 02 9358 6400
Katoomba Mountain Backpackers Lodge
31 Lurline Street, Katoomba. Ph 02 4782 3933
Manly Astra Backpackers
68 Pittwater Road, Manly. Ph 02 9977 2092
Manly Backpackers
24 - 28 Raglan Street, Manly. Ph 02 9977 3411
Manly Bunkhouse
35 Pine Street, Manly. Ph 02 9976 0472
Manly Cottage Inn
25 Pittwater Road, Manly. Ph 02 9976 0297
Surfside Backpackers Bondi Beach
35a Hall Street, Bondi Beach. Ph 02 9365 4900
Surfside Backpackers Coogee
186 Arden Street, Coogee. Ph 02 9315 7888
Wake Up
509 Pitt Street, Sydney. Ph 02 9288 7888