Perhaps it is Sydney's allure that makes most people confuse it for the capital of Australia. For those misinformed, take heed that Canberra is the capital city of Australia and Sydney is the capital of New South Wales (one of six Australian States). Yet, do not blush if you were ignorant of this fact, for it can be very easy to be unaware of such tidbits especially when Sydney attracts so much attention for being Australia's cultural and business hub. For instance, Sydney is home to the Australian Stock Exchange and is considered the economic capital of the nation. It also offers chic shopping, top-notch restaurants, and a booming nightlife.
The best place in Sydney for children is the Rocks. This historic neighborhood always has a festive buzz to it (and also holds festivals frequently) along with having the Royal Botanic Gardens and Taronga Zoo very nearby. The Rocks is sure to have some great entertainment for children if you are there when a festival is going on. If not, you and your family can stroll down to the Puppet ShopRocks Toy Museum
140 George Street
The Powerhouse Museum allows visitors to peek into Sydney's scientific and technological past.
This gorgeous strip on the harbor is always buzzing and full of energy. The numerous restaurants, shops, and bars have caused it to become a tourist magnet. Yet, this does not imply this harbor is not enjoyable. On the contrary, it offers pleasant walks, tasty (and reasonably priced) dining venues with views to the harbor, and a booming nightlife that ranges from casual to posh.
No trip to Sydney would be complete without a stroll through the famed Bondi Beach. In only a 15 minute car ride from the city center, you can reach this illustrious beach town and soak-up the waterfront scene filled with street musicians, topless sunbathers, surf shops, bars, and cafes.
Tel: (02) 9281 6863. E-mail: [email protected] Opening hours: Daily 0930-1700. Admission: A$6.
Tel: (02) 9281 3300. Website: www.imax.com.au Opening hours: Daily 1000-2300. Admission: A$16 for 2D films, A$17 for 3D; concessions available.
Aquarium Pier Tel: (02) 8251 7800. Website:www.sydneyaquarium.com.au Opening hours: Daily 0900-2200. Admission: A$25; concessions available.
2 Murray Street Tel: (02) 9298 3777. Website: www.anmm.gov.au Opening hours: Daily 0930-1700. Admission: Free.
This quaint (though expensive) neighborhood is known as the birthplace of Sydney because it is where British settlers first landed in 1788.
Bécasse is an excellent choice if you are in the mood for fine French dining. Chef Justin North prepares excellent seafood dishes, so it is recommended you try one of them. However, if you want to amplify your taste buds, you can try its degustation menu that includes both seafood and beef. Reservations are recommended.
This cozy little restaurant holds a powerhouse Chef that is sure to give your taste buds an Asian punch. Chef Kylie Kwong, who has also written several cookbooks, is known for her creative dishes which hold her original Asian fusion stamp. The only thing that may not reflect Kwong completely is the name of the restaurant. Billy stems from her former partnership with celebrity chef Billy Granger. If you want to dine at Billy Kwong, be prepared for a whiles wait. This restaurant does not accept reservations.
This restaurant not only offers delicious dishes, but also magnificent views of the Opera House and the Harbor Bridge.Yet, not only is the view pleasant, but the aesthetic appeal of the food spurs the taste buds.?Also, its lunch specials (around A$65) are a good value compared to the pricier items.
As the name implies, this is famed chef Tetsuya Wakuda's restaurant. Known as one of the world's top chefs, Wakuda has become famous for fusing Japanese and Australian cuisine. His food is in such high-demand that seats at Tetsuya's are usually booked three months in advance. However, if you manage to get a table, be aware that Tetsuya's offers a degustation menu (a sample of several dishes) for A$185.
With a capacity for 400 guests, this popular Chinese restaurant is always bustling with people day or night. The biggest draw is East Ocean's yum cha, a dish where diners drink tea and then taste-test various foods.
This Malaysian delight is a great place to eat quality food without spending a fortune. Also, its attractive design and decoration (a large, colorful Buddha is its frontal piece) make it an even better bargain for your buck. Customers who often target this restaurant call it one of their favorite Asian restaurants.
This long-standing pizzeria is a favorite of families and students. Arthur's Pizza serves traditional Italian dishes prepared from scratch. Also, a welcoming environment and friendly staff add to its homemade style. However, if you want to wine and dine, you must bring your own alcohol.
Bodhi Restaurant is very vegan-friendly, so vegetarians and health conscious eaters will be delighted with both taste and price. The yum cha is a must eat.
Bill and Toni's very inexpensive prices (around A$15) add high appeal to the restaurant, since the design nor the food could be described as above average. Though the food is palatable, it would be more enjoyable to go in a group. The atmosphere and setting seem to lend itself to a large crowd. No alcohol is served here, so make sure you bring your own.
This moving van offers some of the best Australian pies in town. It is nothing fancy (hoodlums and sailors were its staple customers until the middle of the twentieth century), but that is of no concern when the food is so delicious and served quickly. Opened until 4 a.m., many tipsy customers head over to this stand to satisfy their early morning food cravings.
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If location is a priority when it comes to booking your accommodation you can't get any more central than the Marriott Sydney Harbor Hotel that is located in the heart of the business, financial, and tourist area at Circular Quay. Imagine the world-famous Sydney Opera House and Harbor Bridge being just a stone's throw away. Moreover, museums, galleries, cinemas, theatres, the Royal Botanic Gardens, duty free shopping, bus, train and ferry transport and the historic area of the rocks are all at your door step. The Marriott is also located 7 miles north of Sydney International Airport.
This is Sydney's premier hotel with all rooms offering views to the Harbor. The rooms are styled in an Asian-European theme and offer chic and luxurious comfort. Also, the hotel has seven restaurants including the Japanese Restaurant on 36 and the Rocks Teppanyaki. If you want to drink in style, grab a cocktail at the Blue Horizons Bar.
Formerly known as the Ritz-Carlton, this European-style hotel offers traditional elegance and grandeur. Its antique furnished rooms exude a blend of wealth and coziness. Also, its exceptional personalized service adds a further level of intimacy. If you are in town on business, there is a private meeting lounge that comes with secretarial and IT staff if needed. In 2001, Condafa©Nast Traveller voted Sir Stamford at Circular Quay as Australia's finest hotel.
The Hilton Sydney is the city's trendiest and most hi-tech hotel. All 577 rooms offer flat screen TVs with a DVD player, internet protocol telephony, blackout screens, and a Magic Button found in all room telephones that addresses all your needs and wants anytime of day or night.
Formerly known as W Sydney, this recently acquired hotel by Taj Hotels is pleasantly located on the harbor at Woolloomooloo Bay. Blue's architecture offers a nice mixture of past and present. For instance, the exterior, faithful to its industrial past, has retained its original design. On the other hand, the 100 rooms and 36 lofts have been completely revamped into utterly modern accommodations. <!--
The newly renovated Ultimate Apartments Bondi Beach is located smack in the middle of Bondi village and within a 5 minutes walk from the beach. There are 45 fully furnished studio apartments that cater to couples, singles, and families who wish to stay for short or longer terms.
For partygoers, the Crest Hotel is ideal because it is smack in the middle of the buzzing nightlife of Kings Cross and Darlinghurst. If you want to bring the party back to your place, you can since all the rooms offer a mini-bar, TV, and safe. Also, all rooms are en suite.
This hotel is perfect for those not looking to spend wads of cash on accommodation, but still want a pleasant place to stay in. The en suite rooms offer a kitchenette with microwave and cable television. Also, its central location (a five minute walk from the Quay) is a bonus.
The Kirketon hotel is known for accommodating many fashion models. For this reason, its stainless steel designs keep up with its fashionable guests by being cool without being imposing. Yet, do not think being cool means lacking comfort. Its 40 guest rooms are very comfortable. If you stay at this hotel, you must try the delicious food served at its acclaimed restaurant Salt.
This cozy and comfy bed and breakfast offers the sweetness and unpretentious fun not often found in hotels. And though modernity or an uber-cool design does not rein its interior, be assured that its history and age (built in 1913) is enough to put any young hotel to shame. Also, its 10 bedrooms, with four shared bathrooms that still have its 1930's original tile work, are serene and comfortable. This B&B also offers a glimpse of the Harbor Bridge from its rooftop. < Cumberland Street
Sydney is a flexible city to visit because of its pleasant climate. For this reason, choosing the best time to vacation will depend more on your needs and demands rather than on Sydney's temporal temperament. Summer, the most crowded time of year, begins in December and ends in February and holds an average maximum of 26°C (79°F) and an average minimum of 19°C (68°F). The tourist head count takes a drop in spring (September to November), when rain becomes mildly prevalent. However, since Australia is known as the driest continent on earth, rain will not become an issue. As for fall, it offers tranquility along with an average temperature of 19 °C (66°F). The coolest days are found in June, when winter sets in with an average temperature of 12°C (54°F).
The currency used in Australia is the Australian Dollar. Notes include A$5, A$10, A$20, A$50, A$100 and so on. On the other hand, coins include: 5 cents, 10 cents, 20 cents, 50 cents, and A$1, and A$2. Foreign currency can be changed at the airport, banks, and Bureau de Change venues.
There are three types of tourist visas offered by the Australian government.
Since then, Sydney has grown to become Australia's largest city with a population of just over two million people. Sydney also has the seventh largest foreign-born population in the world (ahead of London and Paris). These foreign-born residents come mainly from the United Kingdom, China, and New Zealand. Moreover, the immigrant population in Sydney is at about 32 per cent of the whole. Shocking, however, is the low percentage of Aborigines, Australia's indigenous people, who make-up only one percent. Sydney is said to have the largest concentration of Aborigines in Australia, yet they are not found wandering about often and are implicitly discriminated against.
January 1- New Year’s Day January 26- Australia Day March 21 - Good Friday March 22 - Easter Saturday March 24 - Easter Monday April 25- Anzac Day June 11- Queen’s Birthday October 1- Labor Day December 25- Christmas December 26- Boxing Day
Location: New South Wales, Australia.; · Dialing code: 61; Emergency Numbers:
Make sure you have a valid passport before traveling anywhere. Also, be sure to check the visa requirements if there are any.
Yet, such culture and magnificence was not always accredited to Sydney, for it once was a destination for convicted criminals. For instance, interest spurred in Australia after the British explorer James Cook landed in New South Wales in 1770. Soon after, on January 26, 1788, Captain Arthur Phillips founded Sydney Cove in Port Jackson and established a penal colony (a place where convicted criminals are detained). January 26 is now known as Australia Day, which is Australia's national holiday.
Perhaps it is Sydney's allure that makes most people confuse it for the capital of Australia. For those misinformed, take heed that Canberra is the capital city of Australia and Sydney is the capital of New South Wales (one of six Australian States). Yet, do not blush if you were ignorant of this fact, for it can be very easy to be unaware of such tidbits especially when Sydney attracts so much attention for being Australia's cultural and business hub. For instance, Sydney is home to the Australian Stock Exchange and is considered the economic capital of the nation. It also offers chic shopping, top-notch restaurants, and a booming nightlife. A main destination for such activities is Darling Harbor.
Shop C22A, Sydney AMP Tower
The MLC center is the place to grab the latest fashion items and to cruise around for upcoming trends.
Come to this opulent plaza if you want to experience some luxury shopping. Top designers and fashionistas stake claim to this locale, and for good reason. Some of its famous international and Aussie designers include Herringbone, Leona Edmiston, Marina Rinaldi, Max. &Co, R.M. Wiliams Fragile, Perucci, and MaxMara.
Known as one of the world's oldest department stores, this shopping venue offers brand name items and some fresh produce and gourmet foods. You can also grab a seat at one of the eateries if you get hungry after shopping.
As one of Australia's premier department stores, you are sure to find everything you need in just this one place. Myer (My Store) caters to all tastes and economic levels that you are sure to find something for everyone and everyone is sure to find something.
For the bargain shopper, this three level shopping center holds an affordable and unique blend of items. For instance, tea connoisseurs will enjoy the Glasshouse's comprehensive tea offerings located at the Tea Center. This shopping center also sells some inexpensive brands as well as other items at discounted prices.
The stores and shops that form the Imperial Arcade are all geared at the bargain shopper. However, the difference between the Imperial and the Glasshouse is that the Imperial has more of your everyday offerings. For instance, beauty shops and supply stores give you all your beauty items for discounted prices.
This historic building located in the city center has a wealth of souvenirs for the eager tourist. Also, due to the building's history, walking tours describing its history can be arranged. In brief, the Queen Victoria Building (often called QVB) has been opened since 1898, when it was originally a concert hall. Moreover, the QVB was built for the purpose of giving work to unemployed craftsmen. Therefore, its rich artesian heritage is not only rooted in its walls, but also found in QVB shops.
This beach-themed store makes the beach-bum fashionable. However, though you will find the latest trends in beachwear, do not confuse this store for all fashion and no utility. In Surfection you will have all your beach needs met.
This unique fish market is the yummiest place in Sydney to get seafood. Known as the largest of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere, this fish market has a fishing port, fresh food retail market, seafood cooking school, wholesale fish market, and food and beverage shops.?
Address: 110 George Street Tel: (02) 9247 5033/8861. Website: www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au Opening hours: Mon-Fri 0930-1630; Sat and Sun 1000-1630. Admission: Free
Watson Road, Observatory Hill Tel: (02) 9217 0485. Fax: (02) 9217 0489. E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.sydneyobservatory.com.au Opening hours: Daily 1000-1700. Admission: Free; A$6 (day tour); A$15 (night tour); concessions available.
58-64 Gloucester Street Tel: (02) 9241 1893. Opening hours: Sat and Sun 1000-1700. Admission: A$7; concessions available.
Sydney is considered home to the world’s most exciting zoos. Taronga Zoo is a major attraction for all visitors because of its varied animals spanning many species. It has more than three hundred and fifty different species and two thousand six hundred animals. People also visit this attraction for its beautiful location on hilly ground. Bradleys Head Road (main entrance) Telephone: 0299692777 Fax: 0299697515 Transport: ferry from Circular Quay, bus 247. Opening hours: daily 0900-1700 Admission: AUD $27, concessions available
This is the first Australian art museum to hold the largest collection of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art. It also presents an impressive display of Australian artworks from the early colonial period to the middle of the twentieth century. Australia has won the prestigious Archibald art prize displayed at this gallery.
For garden lovers, the Royal Botanic Gardens are the ideal way to spend a quiet afternoon. A short distance from the Opera House, these enchanting grounds invite you to stroll and see the rose garden. It is a place devoted to relaxation and discovering one of Sydney’s largest botanic gardens. Macquarie Street (main entrance) Telephone: 0292318111 Fax: 0292514403 Email: [email protected] Website: www.rbgsyd.gov.au Transport: St James CityRail station, Martin Place or Circular Quay Opening hours: daily from 7.00 am until sunset Admission: free
Australia's most populated arts festival draws in a crowd of about a million people and hosts over 500 Australian and international artists who present about 80 events in a three week period. The celebration occurs in different art mediums such as music, dance, theater, visual arts, cinema, forums, and large scale outdoor events. The level of art ranges from high to low art.
A three month long music festival occurring on weekend nights from January until March.
A three-week long event celebrating traditional Chinese culture that occurs sometime between January and February. The festival offers traditional entertainment in the form of dragon and lion dances, exhibitions, and historical tours. Authentic Chinese cuisine is also offered along with the Chinese New Year Imperial Banquet, an annual dining experience that includes traditional Chinese entertainment and Chinese cuisine.
Heavy weights of the Aussie country music scene will gather the last week of January in 2008 at Tamworth (just outside of Sydney) and perform some kickin' country music.
All month long Greek culture will be celebrated through events that emphasize Greek cuisine and art. The festival is sponsored by the Greek Orthodox Community of New South Wales.
The Sydney Opera House holds tours every half hour that explain the history and performance events occurring throughout the year. This walking tour involves up to300 steps. Duration: 1 hour Hours of Operation: Daily, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Cost: Online (Adults): $23, Early Bird $16 (only for English tours that begin at 9:00 a.m., 9:30 a.m., and 10:00 a.m.) Online (Seniors, students, and children 16 and under)- $16; Early Bird $ 11 (only for English tours that begin at 9:00 a.m., 9:30 a.m., and 10:00 a.m.) Concession: Adults- $26 Seniors, students, and children 16 and under- $18 To book a tour online, go to www.sydneyoperahouse.com/boxoffice To book a tour by phone, call (02) 9250 7777
The Sydney Skywalk Tour takes place at the Sydney Tower and puts your fear of heights to the test by raising you 260 meters above the sidewalk. You will be harnessed to safety rails as you walk on glass-floor moving platforms and enjoy breathtaking views of Sydney landmarks. There three different categories of tours that you can sign-up for: Day Tour, Dusk Tour, Night Tour.
This discount card will allow you to access over 40 attractions (including the Blue Mountains) for free with a reduced one-time payment. You can choose a two, three, or seven day adult or child Smartvisit Card.
Explore Sydney and Bondi with this 24-hour ticket aboard an open-top double-decker bus. See all the main sights as you hop on and hop off 30 conveniently located stops around the city. Listen to the multilingual commentary and learn interesting facts. Pick-up begins at Star City Casino in Pirrama and arrives at the designated stops every 15-30 minutes.
Enjoy a sumptuous 2.5 hour dinner cruise on Sydney Harbour thanks to the newly refurbished Sydney Showboat. Diners will experience the finest in food, atmosphere, views and entertainment from around the world, with a first class international show. So forget about your average dinner in four walls and cruise the world on board the Sydney Showboat, any night of the week.
Cruise Sydney Harbour in an hour and enjoy sights of famous Sydney Harbour icons such as the Opera House, Harbour Bridge and Fort Denison. Tickets can be purchased at the departure station located in Circular Quay Jetty 6)
All prayers, Khutbah in Turkish.
All prayers and Khutbah in Arabic, but occasionally in English.
Mosque in Ashfield.
Lessons for Children and Adults every night.
Mosque in Auburn.
All Prayers, Khutbah in English and Arabic.
Taking the bus is the slower method of transportation in comparison to the rail. However, buses in Sydney have a great hop-on, hop-off policy for those not sure of where to go or who simply want to tour the city at their own pace. Bus tickets can be purchased from the driver.
Ferry rides are a must, particularly around the Sydney Harbor Bridge. There are approximately 30 destinations in the ferry system on a daily basis. Tickets can be purchased on board or at ferry stops or machines.
This is the fastest method of transportation to get around Sydney. However, taking the train may not be the most scenic way to travel and nor is the train system without its lapses. For instance, taking the train is most useful when heading west, because of the area's well-developed transportation system. On the other hand, when traveling to the south shore, you may find some ill-developed routes. Also, though these trains are efficient, they are not very accommodating to tourists because they are meant for rapid transit between the city and the suburbs (most tourists just stay in the city centre).
The monorail is more accommodating to tourists because it allows for a pleasant view since it is an elevated shuttle train that travels between the city centre, Darling Harbor, and the Chinatown areas. Besides scenery, the monorail also offers efficiency since it arrives every three to five minutes.
Taxis can be the better alternative to renting a car in Sydney. The city center hosts so many drivers that finding a parking spot can become a journey in itself. Also, the street system can get a bit tricky and at times frustrating with its plenitude of one-way streets. On the other hand, taxis are very easy to spot in the city center and are found parked in most bus spots, hotels, and rail stations. However, it can get a bit pricey if you plan on catching cabs everywhere. For instance, cabs usually start off at A$2.65 and then increase about A$3 per mile. Taxi Operators: Taxis Combined Services
For the tourist not on a budget, limousine services are available with an added city commentary. Moreover, pick-ups from the airport are approximately A$60.
Taxis can be the better alternative to renting a car in Sydney. The city center hosts so many drivers that finding a parking spot can become a journey in itself. Also, the street system can get a bit tricky and at times frustrating with its plenitude of one-way streets. On the other hand, taxis are very easy to spot in the city center and are found parked in most bus spots, hotels, and rail stations. However, it can get a bit pricey if you plan on catching cabs everywhere. For instance, cabs usually start off at A$2.65 and then increase about A$3 per mile. Taxi Operators: Taxis Combined Services
Driving around Sydney is fairly easy. During off peak hours, driving takes as much time as any other means of transport. Keep an eye out for directions as roads are well sign-posted. Driving is on the left side of the road. Stay alert for speed limit changes, as roads usually drop speed through shopping centers and areas with pedestrian activity. Speed limits are posted in kilometers per hour. Although parking in the central business district of the city is possible, it is fairly expensive and even reduced early bird rates are very high.
Although Sydney is a very safe city, there are some areas where you may want to hold your purse or wallet a little bit tighter. For instance, stay on high alert on George Street near the Town Hall station since local gangs are known to roam the area. Also, be on guard around Central Station, pick-pocketing has tended to occur around there. Kings Cross and Redfern are Sydney’s least safe towns, so you should have your wits about you when walking about. In addition, if you are traveling at night by train, it may be best to grab a carriage next to the guard’s van, which is usually signaled by a blue light on the outside of its carriages.
Since Sydney's medical system is top-notch, you should have no worries that you will be well-taken care of if fallen ill. In case you get sick, here are some places to consider:
Shop 4, 27 Park Street (near Town Hall) Tel: 02 9264 4488 M-F, 8 a.m-6 p.m
Macquarie Street (located at the end of Martin Place)
Darlinghurst (Between Victoria and Burton streets)
Kings Cross
Travelers's Medical & Vaccination Center Level 7, 428 George Street (in the city center) Tel: 02 9221 7133
Emergency Prescription Service telephone: 02 9235 0333
Although Sydney is a very safe city, there are places where you should take particular care of your bag or wallet. For example, there is a high alert on George Street near Town Hall station since local gangs began roaming the area. There is also a guard around Central Station because theft is possible there. Sydney’s least safe areas are Kings Cross and Redfern, so be careful when walking in these areas. If travelling at night by train, it may be best to take a compartment beside the guards’ compartments, usually indicated by a blue light on the outside.
