I am making a flying visit to SYD in Sept - arr 530am ish on SQ 221 whale ;-) on Wed 3rd and dep 5pm ish on Fri 5th.
I want to see a bit of SYD and outside in the short time I have there, so thinking of somethiung like the following:-
Wed am - into Sydney - coffee (lots of it :-) ) & cooked breakfast early doors in some good location with a view. Some sightseeing during the morning ...
Wed lunchtime - to train station. Take the Indian Pacific to Adelaide. (I love trains, but am I mad to do this ???) Stopover enroute in Broken Hill etc. etc.
Would imagine that I can see quite a lot of Oz thru the windows of the train, and it'll be v. relaxing for me prior to my trip home on Fri ...
Thurs pm - Arrive Adelaide and transfer to ADL. Flight back to Sydney. Possible dinner with FTers? Overnight somewhere tbc ...
Fri am - Touristy things in Sydney. Possibly seaplane flight for lunch somewhere around the city. Mid-afternoon dep for SYD and Qantas flight home thru BKK ...
Your thoughts and comments are very welcome !! Am I mad to try to do the train thing in the middle of my trip? It may show me some other views on Oz though ...
Thanks,
John P
Mwenenzi
Apr 8, 08, 4:54 am
Wed lunchtime - to train station. Take the Indian Pacific to Adelaide. (I love trains, but am I mad to do this ???) Stopover enroute in Broken Hill etc. etc.
Would imagine that I can see quite a lot of Oz thru the windows of the train, and it'll be v. relaxing for me prior to my trip home on Fri ...Yes :D A lot of Oz you wil see but its all the same.. same...same...same. If you are keen on a trains try Syd-Mel or even Sydney Katoomba (http://www.cityrail.com.au/) in the Blue Mountains west of Sydney. Also http://www.railcorp.info/
A lot to see in Sydney in 2 days. Easy to spend half day on the ferries around the harbour.
From kaukau post (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showpost.php?p=9534683&postcount=2)
All Sydneysiders who have not yet been up to the 14th floor of the courts building for the cafe: RUN, do not walk! Great coffee, great food, great view, great prices, nice staff. The Eggs Benedict for breaky is among the best I have ever had.
Big mahalos to JohnSydney2000 for bringing me up there. I'm sure that few Sydneysiders, and even fewer tourists have had the distinct pleasure of dining there!
http://www.buenavistacafe.com.au/ 14th floor, Phillip St (Supreme Court). The place to go for morning coffee & breakfast. Opens 7:00 am
bensyd
Apr 8, 08, 7:06 am
Your thoughts and comments are very welcome !! Am I mad to try to do the train thing in the middle of my trip? It may show me some other views on Oz though ...
Thanks,
John P
Yes you are mad;)
the problem is that SYD is so far that you will be coming off a 24 hour flight (if your coming from Ireland) I couldn't think of anything worse than sitting on a train for another 24 hours then flying back to SYD to go home.
As Mwenenzi points out you will be seeing scenery that is all pretty much the same flat and barren. I'm not sure if it was my first trip to Oz Broken Hill would be high on my must see list, but I guess it has a bit of history to it BHP etc. Is it possible to change your flights ADL-SIN-Europe that way at least you will have more than a couple of hours in any one place.
It really does seem a pretty rushed intinery and not my idea of fun but YMMV, even try adding a buffer day either side.
JAP
Apr 8, 08, 12:11 pm
Thanks guys ...
I am actually coming from CMB on one of the great ;) fares in C from there to JFK ... I will have been in India / CMB for a few days to get over the jet lag, and will be taking CMB-SIN-SYD on EK & SQ, so hopefully get some sleep on those flights. (But not too much SIN-SYD, as I'm on the A380 !! :) )
I'm not one for doing too much sightseeing in the one place, but would like to do some of the touristy things in Sydney, and maybe take a seaplane etc. etc.
Will def head to BuenaVista Cafe on my arrival for a gallon of coffee and a nice fry-up .... :p
Would like to think that the overnight train to Adelaide might let me see something different besides Sydney, and some of the countryside (even if it is all much the same Mwenenzi ;). And I quite fancy a side trip to Broken Hill for the history and something a bit different ..
I am still quite unsure about the train bit of the trip, but have heard so much about the new trains in Oz, and particularly the "Gold" service, that I might just do it ...
But definitely up for whatever in Sydney, and maybe even a FT DO on the Thurs night ... @:-)
TIA for any more comments and advice ...
thadocta
Apr 8, 08, 1:12 pm
I think you are mad to even consider doing the I-P on such a short trip (and I have done this trip many times).
My recommendations? Stay in Sydney, do the Sydney Explorer bus, and do some train trips.
Head up to the Blue Mountains (where I am, in Katoomba), you could easily spend an entire day here without getting bored.
Otherwise, a train trip down the south coast to Kiama will show you spectacular scenery, particularly around the Stanwell Park area (the train goes along the side of a mountain, with the ocean on the other side), through some coal washeries (at Coal Cliff), through some industrial areas (just near Wollongong), and along the beach (at Bombo, just north of Kiama). The Kiama blowhole is quite spectacular as well.
If you decide to head north, the train will cross the Hawkesbury River at Brooklyn, and will then go along the banks of the river for about 3km - again, some quite stunning scenery there.
As you said, you only have two days, and two days could be spent in Sydney without leaving the CBD and you still won't see everything. I think you are trying to cram too much into such a short visit.
Dave
JAP
Apr 8, 08, 5:22 pm
Good points, well made Dave.
On reflection, I may have been a little ambitious to do the I-P on this trip....
However, I don't intend to stay much around the CBD, and will likely take some of your recommendations on the trains ... ^
Further comments and ideas welcome!
Thanks to all ....
BiziBB
Apr 8, 08, 7:30 pm
John, let us know your interests beside riding in a train and you will get a lot of suggestions.
Mrs BB is also from Ireland.
One of her favourite things when first here was a train trip to Gosford and to stay at Avoca Beach.
You will be in a pretty location, out of Sydney, taking a scenic (for the most part) train trip.
I can almost guarantee you will see some interesting characters on the train trip, too. :D
The Central Coast is a mixture of spots with wealthy Sydney people (for the weekend), retirees and what our PM calls 'working families' and also a lot of unemployed people.
It's good to know where to go. ;)
Enjoy your excellent CMB fare and please post a Trip Report in that forum.
I guarantee you will find a lot more of interest in or near Sydney than on a train to ADL!
You could always get a couple of cheap QF<->ADL flights if you need to go there.
Good luck with the planning for your trip.
Make sure you get into Colombo for some excellent shopping and to the beachside restaurant shack at Mt Lavinia for a delicious seafood lunch!
There are a few of us in Sydney who have done the trip and who could possibly do a CMB-SYD do. :D
dstan
Apr 9, 08, 2:43 am
Top of the 'touristy' list (read: what we did during our 3-day stay last Aug), and easily enough to occupy a very full day or more:
• Sydney Harbour BridgeClimb (http://www.bridgeclimb.com/) (3.5 hrs, fantastic views, really interesting history of bridge and city from your guide while climbing)
• Sydney Opera House (http://www.sydneyoperahouse.com/) (1 hr tour, interesting architecture)
• Royal Botanical Gardens (http://www.sydney.com.au/rbg.htm) (30 min - 2 hrs, free and quite nice)
There are some great little cafés hidden in the Nurse's Walk, too!
JAP
Apr 9, 08, 3:22 am
Thanks again for all the suggestions so far !^^
I like nice food - I would like to have my lunches on Wed / Thu / Fri in some nice, possibly open-air cafes. Seafood is top of my list, and as I mentioned before, I may take a seaplane ride to a beach-side restaurant for one of these days - your comments and suggestions?
Also into cool bars and clubs (although the time difference might rule out the clubs :D)
I also like sport & concerts (rock music etc.) so might see if I can attend a concert / Aussie Rules / soccer match depending on whats on ....
Anyone interested in a Syd-DO? I may post on the Community forum to gauge interest ...
Thanks dstan and BiziBB - will look into your suggestions.
BiziBB
Apr 9, 08, 4:49 am
JAP, take a seaplane from the eastern suburbs to either Church Point or Berowra Waters.
Berowra Waters Inn was once Sydney's most acclaimed restaurant and can be described as the nursery for many of Australia's (okay maybe Sydney's ;)) best chefs and restauranteurs.
This place recently reopened, with an acclaimed Chef as owner.
It is possible to get there by seaplane (12 minutes) and I recommend you look into it.
I will find a couple of reviews for you, but if you prefer, just google Berowra Waters Inn Review to find a few.
I'd like to catch up with a few FTers in Sept (but may be OS, let's see) and would try to find a place in a great position, with excellent food and something special for FTers. tinkybelle, kaukau, yours truly and our partners had a great time doing this last year. :)
I like nice food - I would like to have my lunches on Wed / Thu / Fri in some nice, possibly open-air cafes. Seafood is top of my list, and as I mentioned before, I may take a seaplane ride to a beach-side restaurant for one of these days - your comments and suggestions?
Also into cool bars and clubs (although the time difference might rule out the clubs :D)
I also like sport & concerts (rock music etc.) so might see if I can attend a concert / Aussie Rules / soccer match depending on whats on ....
Anyone interested in a Syd-DO? I may post on the Community forum to gauge interest ...
Thanks dstan and BiziBB - will look into your suggestions.
How old are you might help with suggestions on where to go at night;)
JAP
Apr 9, 08, 6:42 am
Heading for the big 4-0 rapidly at the moment ;) ... That's what the trip is for - my present to myself ...
wallaby
Apr 9, 08, 7:25 am
Hi Jap,
I love trains also, but I think you're nuts unless you are doing it just so you can say you did.
There is so much to do in and near Sydney as others have already pointed out. Some additional suggestions:
- ferry from Circular Quay to Manly and return (viewing the Harbour and the fine surf beaches at Manly)
- ferry from Circular Quay to Watsons Bay. Have lunch at one of the establishments on the beach with a view back up the Harbour, then walk up to the Gap for a view of the ocean, and take a bus back to the city.
- a wine tasting tour of the Hunter Valley with lunch at one of the many fine restaurants available.
- take a train west from Sydney and get off at the ZigZag railway and take a ride on the tourist train on the historic zig-zag tracks (www.zigzagrailway.com.au)
hth.
thadocta
Apr 9, 08, 9:19 am
- ferry from Circular Quay to Manly and return (viewing the Harbour and the fine surf beaches at Manly)
- ferry from Circular Quay to Watsons Bay. Have lunch at one of the establishments on the beach with a view back up the Harbour, then walk up to the Gap for a view of the ocean, and take a bus back to the city. Do both at once - Sydney has water taxis, so how about ferry to Watsons Bay, do the Watsons Bay stuff (including Lady Jane Beach (http://worldbeachlist.com/World/Australia/New-South-Wales/Lady-Jane-Beach.html) if you are into that sort of thing. :o ), then a Water Taxi (http://www.h2owatertaxis.com.au/) across to Manly, do the Manly stuff, and then head back to Circular Quay on a ferry.
Just a thought.....
Dave
BiziBB
Apr 9, 08, 6:17 pm
JAP, I don't want to stereotype (but...) the Hunter Valley tasting tour is a great idea and this time of year should be excellent.
Do a little online research to find a tour that suits you.
As you wnjoy train trips, you might find a tour that can combine with a country train trip that gets you to Newcastle (more likely a stop just north of the Central Coast, for a quick journey to the wineries ;)).
shillard is my FT Newcastle and wine guru and hopefully he will have something to say. ^
As for it being your 40th, I think you should enjoy some Sydney nightlife, while you are still in the mood.
^
JAP
Apr 9, 08, 6:46 pm
Do both at once - Sydney has water taxis, so how about ferry to Watsons Bay, do the Watsons Bay stuff (including Lady Jane Beach (http://worldbeachlist.com/World/Australia/New-South-Wales/Lady-Jane-Beach.html) if you are into that sort of thing. :o ), then a Water Taxi (http://www.h2owatertaxis.com.au/) across to Manly, do the Manly stuff, and then head back to Circular Quay on a ferry.
Just a thought.....
Dave
Like the sound of this (not necessarily Lady-Jane Beach tho :eek:) - might do lunch @ Watsons Bay - seems that Doyles might be a good place ?
And back to the city via Manly ... That's prob the best part of one day spoken for :D
JAP, I don't want to stereotype (but...) the Hunter Valley tasting tour is a great idea and this time of year should be excellent.
Do a little online research to find a tour that suits you.
As you wnjoy train trips, you might find a tour that can combine with a country train trip that gets you to Newcastle (more likely a stop just north of the Central Coast, for a quick journey to the wineries ;)).
shillard is my FT Newcastle and wine guru and hopefully he will have something to say. ^
As for it being your 40th, I think you should enjoy some Sydney nightlife, while you are still in the mood.
^
And the Wine Tour with train trip - yes ! Looks like a second day taken care of ! Will def research that one ...
Any advice welcome shillard !
Itinerary filling up very nicely. Will likely do the Blue Mountains on the other day and I'm fairly well sorted for things to do !
Re: night-time - yes, maybe I will suggest a DO for the Thurs night in "Community" and see who bites ....
BiziBB
Sep 1, 08, 11:12 pm
Bump to announce...
Berowra Waters Inn wins 'best new restaurant' award in the SMH Good Food Guide. It's a very good reason to take a seaplane flight from the east, to this spot north of Sydney, to an idyllic setting of a world class restaurant.
The only trouble now will be it will get extra busy. ;)
Customer reviews (http://www.eatability.com.au/au/sydney/berowra_waters_inn/) (8.9 rating overall from 68 comments; most reviewers are impressed).
Budget approx AUD$200 p/p. Use your Entertainment Card, people! :D
Berowra Waters is top nosh again (http://www.smh.com.au/news/good-living/sydney-restaurant-voted-australias-best--a-hrefhttpmediafairfaxcomaurid41229bvideoba/2008/09/01/1220121134268.html)Late last year Forty One owner-chef Dietmar Sawyere reopened the venue as a restaurant and last night it was named best new restaurant at The Sydney Morning Herald's 2009 Good Food Guide awards at the Ivy Room in the city.
"It's great to see the old girl back; it's the MCG of Australian dining," said Good Food Guide's co-author, Simon Thomsen.
Part of the charm is that you need to take a ferry to the restaurant (or a sea plane from Palm Beach or Rose Bay, if you have the cash).
"It's an adventure place," the guide's other co-author, Joanna Savill, said. "It always had a little specialness about it."
JAP, take a seaplane from the eastern suburbs to either Church Point or Berowra Waters.
Berowra Waters Inn was once Sydney's most acclaimed restaurant and can be described as the nursery for many of Australia's (okay maybe Sydney's ;)) best chefs and restauranteurs.
This place recently reopened, with an acclaimed Chef as owner.
It is possible to get there by seaplane (12 minutes) and I recommend you look into it.
I will find a couple of reviews for you, but if you prefer, just google Berowra Waters Inn Review to find a few.
I'd like to catch up with a few FTers in Sept (but may be OS, let's see) and would try to find a place in a great position, with excellent food and something special for FTers. tinkybelle, kaukau, yours truly and our partners had a great time doing this last year. :)