Sydney holiday ?

[GrahamL]

Well I've never been except for getting dumped on the tarmac once in a flight transfer @42 c.


Whats to see aside the opera house and bridge ? will likely not be driving while in town 2 days .


I'd like to go to the blue mountains for a few days , will probably hire a car while there again whats a must see/ do out there .


any advice most welcome .
graham

[gary]

Hi Graham,

For an $18 round trip, a ride on the Manly Ferry from Circular Quay
to Manly and back would have to be one of the world's most scenic
and best value-for-money boat rides.

Walk from the ferry terminal across to Manly Beach and then walk along
the scenic Marine Parade pathway to the idyllic Shelly Beach/Cabbage Tree Bay
picnic area.

A few hundred meters more takes you up to the Shelly Beach Walking track,
a quick circuit of which provides spectacular views from the cliff of the ocean.

Lunch at The Boathouse at Shelly Beach or in Manly or at Manly Wharf before
making the return trip.

[xelasnave]

Perhaps the museum near Hyde Park...it is a worthwhile investement of ones time.

Otherwise I go with the ferry trip approach.

Go to the display of all stuff Marine at Birkenhead Point...go to Circular Quay and hop on a Ferry.


Again a ferry trip that is rather pleasant.

In fact a day or two on the Ferries is rewarding.

A drive around the Ryde area will surprise you given the growth in population and new construction.

A trip to Eastwood will save a trip to Hong Kong and show you that they are rather nice folk.

Maybe a bus trip to Palm Beach ...also a nice adventure.

Alex

[gary]

Whilst it is busier than ever in recent years from the large volumes of
tourists flying into Sydney and newly arrived immigrants exploring the
region for the first time, the view of the Jamison Valley and the
Three Sisters from Echo Point at Katoomba is still jaw dropping.

Less crowded but nevertheless just as spectacular, is the view from
Govetts Leap Lookout near Blackheath of the waterfall and
across the Grose Valley.

A longer trip will take you out to Jenolan Caves which retains a charm
from some bygone age but the cave systems are still impressive.
Be careful with the drive to and from Jenolan. The road is sealed but
windy.

[lazjen]

It's been many years since I've been to Sydney to do the tourist stuff. I remember going to the Powerhouse Museum and finding that pretty good - not sure what it's like now.

[GrahamL]

Thanks ,I'd completely forgotten about the ferries.

[Derek Klepp]

Graham the Maritime Mueseum has the World Wildlife photographer of the year and James Cameron’s into the deep exhibitions running concurrently at the moment well worth a look.

[xelasnave]

Have a look at the James Craig that is something in fact the whole Martime Museum is pretty cool and its a ferry ride from the Quay.
You can get a ferry that goes a long way up the Parramatta River which is great sight seeing.
The Power House Museum I did not like.
I used to go to it most Saturday afternoons when I was 13 thru to 15 on a Saturday as I had a casual job nearby and went most linch times...but the stuff in it these days I do not like and I winder where all the stuff I remember has gone?
Art Museum maybe so you can say you have been there.
Walk the length of George Street and Pitt Street and walk Martin Place and look at the Park behind the Old Mint Building.
You can see all that if you get out at Museum Station.
Alex

[Allan_L]

Catch the 389 Bus from Circular Quay to North Bondi.
Travels through Paddington Woollahra etc. Nice cheap trip through the Eastern Suburbs, And best of all, Bondi Beach (maybe not so much in winter but always a treat) IMHO

[pluto]

Just a note that the 389 only goes to Bondi Junction now then you'll have to change to the 379 for the rest of the trip to North Bondi, also it doesn't start at the Quay anymore, it starts at Pyrmont and goes through the city and on to Bondi Junction.

Personally I would recommend jumping on a ferry from Circular Quay and heading up to Watsons Bay (then grab some fish and chips from the pub :D). This gives you a great ride through the harbour and Watsons Bay is a nice place. Then it's a very short walk to The Gap if you want to check that out, then you can jump on the 380 which will take you to Bondi Junction via Bondi Beach.

I also love the ferry ride from the Quay to Cockatoo Island which is a great place to visit with heaps of history.

If you're into museums then the Australian Museum is great, the Powerhouse is good, the National Maritime Museum is very cool, as is the Naval Museum on Garden Island.

And if you end up down near Circular Quay and you have some time then walk up to the Observatory, it's a nice old complex (though not sure if you'll be able to go in) and the view of the Bridge and the harbour is great from up there :)

[JA]

I'm not a NS Welshman; however, I do remember enjoying visiting The Rocks, a historical precinct in Sydney. Also The Strand Arcade and Sydney Tower Observation deck in the CBD.

Best
JA

[skysurfer]

The boat ride is really excellent, but the Manly itself is just a very expensive touristy beach like every other on the world.

For getting to Blue Mountains / Katoomba you can get a train, enough trains run, at least every hour.
Trains are easy and cheap in Sydney (www.transportnsw.info) (unless you get on/off at the airport which costs you a surcharge of $14) you can buy an Opal card (www.opal.com.au) without any registration and it is able to be topped up online or in ticket machines at the stations.
Avoid driving into Sydney as traffic is a nightmare, like around the larger European cities.
We were there last February and had a rental car, but we parked it on a rail station of a suburb and continued by train when we wanted to see anything around the city itself..

[Allan_L]

Thanks Hugh.
Its been a few decades since I lived there.
Why do they change these things, it was such a good ride.

Anyway, I'd have to agree that my favourite touristy things are the trip to the Blue Mountains, and the Manly Ferry excursion.


But everyone should go to Bondi Beach at least once in their life. (preferably warmer months :) )

[glend]

Forget the Blue Mountains, too far, it would eat up the whole day. The Manly Ferry ride is worthwhile, provided it is not rough through the Heads area. You could go to Taronga Zoo and Balmoral Beach (inside the Heads), both nice places. You can get a ferry to Taronga Zoo from Circular Quay. The problems with the Circular Quay area is that it is in the CBD, avoid lunch time.

[GrahamL]

thanks ,, no intention to drive around sydney , We were planing to stay out the blue mountains somewhere for a couple of days and maybe hire a car out there .

[multiweb]

As Gary mentioned Katoomba/Jenolan are good value.
You can get a good B&B in Katoomba overlooking the three sisters. In Jenolan if you drive up hill 10km there are cabins for rent, all self contained with slow combustion fireplace, kitchen, etc.. as well.

Jenolan road going down is super dangerous. Make it a day trip if you don't know the area. The caves have extended a lot in the past 20 years. Heaps to visit.

[N1]

Re the bridge - Pylon lookout is probably still the best way to enjoy the views of it/from it, in terms of value-for-money. Only cost 5 bucks when I first went up there, now $13 but still money well spent.

[GrahamL]

Change of plans re blue mountains i think it seems a little far for a day

trip /train , we are arriving on a thurs evening leaving sunday lunch , i think theres enough to do round sydney for the few days .

[xelasnave]

Dont forget Bintel☺
Alex

[GrahamL]

I want to Alex :lol: and probably shouldn't go there:rofl:

[tlgerdes]

Ferries are some of the best ways to see Sydney.

Ferry to Watson Bay and have an early dinner at Doyles seafood restaurant and watch the sun set.

Ferry up the river to Parramatta

Wander around The Rocks an take a walk across the bridge, as someone said, the Pylon lookout is great.

Darling Harbour precinct is great for food.

Have a flutter the casino.

Ferry to Manly and walk to Shelley Beach.

Powerhouse Museum, Australian Museum, Art Gallery are all good.

Steer clear of the Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA) at the Rocks, they have really weird crap there (the only time I ive been, 20 years ago, they had on display a collection "used" feminine hygiene products and they called it art!) :question:

[GrahamL]

You should go to Mona when your in tassie Trev you'll love it

[GrahamL]

Enjoyed the weekend ,did the the museum ,art gallery , mca,rocks , observatory ,zoo,cronulla /penrith footy ,and couple more ferry rides needed more time .. but next time ,We went through the justice and police museum just before we left and found it a pretty amazing insight into sydneys crooked past ,, got to run in the marathon today too even if it was only across the blocked roadway to get to my bacon and eggs on the other side . :D

[netwolf]

I have had a line of visitors this year so been showing them around Sydney. Lined up with my sabbatical from work taking time with family, but after all the tour guide duties now I need a job fast.

Ferry is the best way to see Sydney. Also cheaper off peak I think, so avoid peak office start finish hours. Sunday there is some deal also I believe where you only spend few bucks and go anywhere.

Suggest start at Circular Quay hop on ferry to anywhere. Good and cheap way to see Sydney from the waters don’t waste money on cruises.
1. Luna park nice spot to see the bridge. Walk under the bridge to other side and good spot to take photos of the city landscape.
2. Watson’s bay go by ferry there too. You could get bus from here to Bondi beach there is a light house along the best route back.
3. Manly as already advised above. There might be bus up to North head with a bit of walk nice spot.
4. Bondi bus from city or train to Bondi Junction and bus.
5. Stanwell Tops not sure about public transport to this spot. Also head down to and you can walk along the new road that is Built on the ocean side.
6. Blue Mountains.
7. Mount Tomah botanical gardens bell lines Rd, if ur going to Katoomba you could drive back around if your start early.
8. La Parouse, Sundays 130pm there is snake show there.

[netwolf]

Oops sorry a bit late on the advise then doh!