Australia, New Zealand & the South Pacific - We are staying in Sydney for week - what should we do?

Later in June, we will go to Australia for 2 weeks; we will stay one week at a timeshare in Sydney. We will likely rent a car.

The question is what should we see in Sydney. What are the nearby (outside of Sydney) attractions to see?

Can one take a day trip (by car) from Sydney to Canberra, and back?

Can one take a day trip (by car) from Sydney to Canberra, and back?

If you want a long day, yes. It takes about 3 hours to drive there. If you do not have accommodation arranged for one of the weeks (you mentioned staying in a time share for one week), then I would suggest you stay overnight (the only two half-decent hotels that I found are Hyatt and Crowne Plaza).

- Bridge walk up on the top structure of the Harbour Bridge
- ferry to Bondi Beach
- Sydney Zoo (koalas and roos - also nice location)
- Sydney Opera House (try to attend something in the evening)
- Walking around Circular Quay (where the ferries are) - also some good outdoor restaurants on the pier (next to the Park Hyatt)
- I think there is a bar at the top of the InterCon (would have great harbour views); Shangri-la may have something rooftop too - not sure
- If my memory serves me, a very good acquarium
- I believe there are some wineries within a day trip - need to check with an expert
- Afternoon tea at The Observatory, Orient Express Hotel - very refined
- All night, late night, Greenwich Village meets the old Times Square - try Kings Cross

im sure others have many more suggestions

- ferry to Bondi Beach


The OP maybe waiting a while for that ferry to arrive;)

I think you mean the ferry to Manly. :)

The best advice we got was to save our money and take the public ferry to Manly Beach and then on the way back you get the spectacular view of the harbor from the ferry and view of the Opera House.

Darling Harbor is a pleasant afternoon stroll. You can take their monorail too. I loved Sydney. Have fun.

The OP maybe waiting a while for that ferry to arrive;)

I think you mean the ferry to Manly. :)

Thanks! Been a couple years :D

This is where I will stay:

Grand Mercure Apartments Pinnacle Apts.
104 Pyrmont Street
Darling Harbour
Sydney,
AUSTRALIA


The questions are whether I need to rent a car, or not - if travelling within Sydney. Is there a metro/subway/underground? Is there a tourist hop on/hop-off bus? Is there a tourist day or week pass on all public transit, for Sydney.

What are the things to see that require a day trip from Sydney? Should I book through a tour operator (do you recommend any?), or should we go there why rental car (there will be 5 of us - 3 adults and 2 teenage children).

I have decided to go to Canberra by a one-day bus tour from Sydney.

This is where I will stay:

Grand Mercure Apartments Pinnacle Apts.
104 Pyrmont Street
Darling Harbour
Sydney,
AUSTRALIA


The questions are whether I need to rent a car, or not - if travelling within Sydney. Is there a metro/subway/underground? Is there a tourist hop on/hop-off bus? Is there a tourist day or week pass on all public transit, for Sydney.

What are the things to see that require a day trip from Sydney? Should I book through a tour operator (do you recommend any?), or should we go there why rental car (there will be 5 of us - 3 adults and 2 teenage children).

I have decided to go to Canberra by a one-day bus tour from Sydney. Some really REALLY basic searching on Google will reveal all that you need to know (seriously, it really is NOT that hard to find the answers to your questions by doing really basic web searches - at least TRY and help yourself out here, rather than being spoon-fed).

We can help you out with the stuff that is hard to find though.

Dave

Is there a tourist day or week pass on all public transit, for Sydney.

You can buy a 7 day pass at the airport station, or in the city, when you arrive, covering bus/rail/ferry. I always get the yellow pass ($A50) which allows ferry up to Parramatta and rail back from there, but there are lesser priced passes if you're not going that far, or come back from Parramatta by ferry instead of rail. A single day pass is $A17, so those weekly passes pay for themselves after 3-4 days.
http://www.cityrail.info/fares/TravelPass.pdf

Those weekly passes do not cover the airport line, though, so you'd need to sort out whether it's cost effective, with a party of 5, to use a cab when leaving the airport (I have no idea on cab fares, or how available a cab for 5 would be), or to get a gate pass add-on for the airport (extra cost) for your rail pass.

Some really REALLY basic searching on Google will reveal all that you need to know (seriously, it really is NOT that hard to find the answers to your questions by doing really basic web searches - at least TRY and help yourself out here, rather than being spoon-fed).

We can help you out with the stuff that is hard to find though.

Dave

I agree. I think the OP could probably find the answers to most of the questions he has asked with Google. I think it's better if he maybe makes an intinery and then we can provide some pointers on it, rather than planning his entire holiday.

You can buy a 7 day pass at the airport station, or in the city, when you arrive, covering bus/rail/ferry. I always get the yellow pass ($A50) which allows ferry up to Parramatta and rail back from there, but there are lesser priced passes if you're not going that far, or come back from Parramatta by ferry instead of rail. A single day pass is $A17, so those weekly passes pay for themselves after 3-4 days.
http://www.cityrail.info/fares/TravelPass.pdf

Those weekly passes do not cover the airport line, though, so you'd need to sort out whether it's cost effective, with a party of 5, to use a cab when leaving the airport (I have no idea on cab fares, or how available a cab for 5 would be), or to get a gate pass add-on for the airport (extra cost) for your rail pass.

Thank you, for the information.

Is there any rail stop, bus stop, or ferry stop, near our hotel?

Can one walk from our hotel to downtown (central business district) - including Circular Quay, or Opera House? What is the distance, and walking time, between our hotel and downtown?

Thank you, for the information.

Is there any rail stop, bus stop, or ferry stop, near our hotel?

Can one walk from our hotel to downtown (central business district) - including Circular Quay, or Opera House? What is the distance, and walking time, between our hotel and downtown?http://maps.google.com.au

You can buy a 7 day pass at the airport station, or in the city, when you arrive, covering bus/rail/ferry. I always get the yellow pass ($A50) which allows ferry up to Parramatta and rail back from there, but there are lesser priced passes if you're not going that far, or come back from Parramatta by ferry instead of rail. A single day pass is $A17, so those weekly passes pay for themselves after 3-4 days.
http://www.cityrail.info/fares/TravelPass.pdf

Those weekly passes do not cover the airport line, though, so you'd need to sort out whether it's cost effective, with a party of 5, to use a cab when leaving the airport (I have no idea on cab fares, or how available a cab for 5 would be), or to get a gate pass add-on for the airport (extra cost) for your rail pass.

Am headed for Acer Arena-Sydney Olympic Park to see Simon & Garfunkel in a couple weeks. Since I had the Green TravelPass (Purchased separate ticket to/from airport) on my last visit and it worked, that is my plan of attack to get around. In terms of logistics and ease of getting to and from with the crowds, I am thinking of taking the Rivercat to Sydney Olympic Park, and coming back via the Olympic Park Railway Station. Would it perhaps be better to skip the Rivercat due to number of people going to one location? Took the Rivercat last time, as part of a tour, when darkness had fallen and it was rather cool and windy. Any suggestions/comments are appreciated. Thanks in advance.

Reminds me that upon arrival previously, when walking to the rail station at the airport, we stopped at vendor selling miscellaneous items including train tickets. The gal tried very hard to convince me to buy train tickets through her, which I did not need. Fortunately, I opted to keep walking and buy the correct tickets from the official railway people further down.

The best advice we got was to save our money and take the public ferry to Manly Beach and then on the way back you get the spectacular view of the harbor from the ferry and view of the Opera House.

Darling Harbor is a pleasant afternoon stroll. You can take their monorail too. I loved Sydney. Have fun.

The public ferry ride to Manly beach and back around the harbor sounds fantastic.

We are staying at the Sheraton on the Park. Can anyone help me with directions on how/where to catch this ferry to Manly beach from the SOTP. How long is the r/t ferry ride?

Based on the Sydney rail/ferry map (http://www.railpage.org.au/railmaps/sydney.htm), it appears that we take the Green Airport/East Hills line one stop to the Circular Quay stop?

Thanks,

Onedog

Is there any rail stop, bus stop, or ferry stop, near our hotel?

There is a ferry dock in Darling Harbour. I've seen buses parked in front of the Star City casino nearby so there's certainly bus service, but no idea where those buses go.
http://www.sydneyferries.info/

Can one walk from our hotel to downtown (central business district) - including Circular Quay, or Opera House?

Yes, you can, but it's not a 5-10 minute walk if that's what you're planning on. More likely 20-30 minutes. You could easily get a bus along George Street and get right down there. Hopefully you've looked at a city map by now and have a better idea where you're staying in relation to where you want to go.

How long is the r/t ferry ride?

Schedule is HERE. (http://www.sydneyferries.info/timetables/manly-ferry.htm)

Schedule is HERE. (http://www.sydneyferries.info/timetables/manly-ferry.htm)

Thanks for the link. I was just about to start searching for ferry information.

Onedog

The public ferry ride to Manly beach and back around the harbor sounds fantastic.

We are staying at the Sheraton on the Park. Can anyone help me with directions on how/where to catch this ferry to Manly beach from the SOTP. How long is the r/t ferry ride?

Based on the Sydney rail/ferry map (http://www.railpage.org.au/railmaps/sydney.htm), it appears that we take the Green Airport/East Hills line one stop to the Circular Quay stop?

Thanks,

Onedog

If its a nice day Id walk it, Id say 15-20 mins max. It took me 30 mins from The 4 Points to The Hyatt which is under the Bridge and a few mins longer once I got to CQ

the week we were in SYD we took transport only to/from the Airport and once a 1 way to Bondi Junction (Beach) got a lift back into town.

We never had a problem even walking down the same street numerous times. As we always found a new place just to jump into to check out.

Later in June, we will go to Australia for 2 weeks; we will stay one week at a timeshare in Sydney. We will likely rent a car.

The question is what should we see in Sydney. What are the nearby (outside of Sydney) attractions to see?

Can one take a day trip (by car) from Sydney to Canberra, and back?

Is it really a timeshare or just a serviced apartment? I thought5 the only timeshare was in Manly.

Based on the Sydney rail/ferry map (http://www.railpage.org.au/railmaps/sydney.htm), it appears that we take the Green Airport/East Hills line one stop to the Circular Quay stop?

Thanks,

Onedog

Yes that's right but really your better off walking it. 15-20 minutes would be a pretty leisurely stroll. The CBD of Sydney is quite small and easily walkable.

I am traveling with the family and we are staying at the Sheraton on the Park. Does anyone know if there is a supermarket/grocery store nearby? I need to make sure we have snacks and picnic lunch food for the youngin's. Basically, they are always hungry and we have found that it is more convenient (and much cheaper!) to have food in our room and in our backpacks while touring around.

Thanks,

Onedog

I am traveling with the family and we are staying at the Sheraton on the Park. Does anyone know if there is a supermarket/grocery store nearby? We don't have such things in Australia, you have to go and hunt your own food.

Seriously though, there is a Woolworths supermarket just around the corner on the corner or Park and George Sts.

Dave

Has anyone taken one of the tours of the Sydney Opera House (http://www.sydneyoperahouse.com/visit/tours.aspx)?

The Backstage Tour (http://www.sydneyoperahouse.com/whatson/backstagetour09.aspx) looks fantastic, but at AU$150, the price is pretty steep. We like doing these type of "behind the scenes" tours, but I don't think we are going to be able to stomach the price. :eek:

The more agreeably priced (Online Earlybird*: $24.50), The Essential Tour (http://www.sydneyoperahouse.com/whatson/theessentialtour09.aspx[/url) seems to be the tour that we will be taking.

Thanks,

Onedog.

Seriously though, there is a Woolworths supermarket just around the corner on the corner or Park and George Sts.

Dave

There's a Coles on the corner of King and George, both would be almost equidistant from SOTP. Or there's the DJ's food hall.;)

I'll be in Australia in October, and I've got perhaps 1.5 days with one overnight to go wine touring. I am trying to decide between doing this outside Sydney, in the lower Hunter Valley, or outside Melbourne in the Yarra Valley.

Anyone have any recommendation as to which of these areas, or some other one that is easily accessible from either Sydney or Melbourne would be more interesting for someone who is seriously into wines, especially reds, (Shiraz or other Rhone varietals are among my favorites, and a definite preference for small, artisinal wineries, rather than large, nearly industrial operations).

We don't have such things in Australia, you have to go and hunt your own food.


Yea make sure you pick up a boomerang on your way through duty free or you'll starve for the week.

Again in all seriousness Sheraton on the Park is smack bang in the middle of the city so you will have numerous options at your disposal.

Yea make sure you pick up a boomerang on your way through duty free or you'll starve for the week.

Again in all seriousness Sheraton on the Park is smack bang in the middle of the city so you will have numerous options at your disposal.

Where can I get lessons on throwing a boomerang? I'll be in the country for 2 weeks, and I fear that I'll starve if I can't master the boomerang in that timeframe. Is it possible to bag Kangaroos or Wallabys near the Marriott by Hyde Park, or will I need to go to some more rural area to do my hunting?:)

Oh, and if I catch a Kangaroo, how do you cook 'em?

I'll be in Australia in October, and I've got perhaps 1.5 days with one overnight to go wine touring. I am trying to decide between doing this outside Sydney, in the lower Hunter Valley, or outside Melbourne in the Yarra Valley.

Anyone have any recommendation as to which of these areas, or some other one that is easily accessible from either Sydney or Melbourne would be more interesting for someone who is seriously into wines, especially reds, (Shiraz or other Rhone varietals are among my favorites, and a definite preference for small, artisinal wineries, rather than large, nearly industrial operations).

I have been to both the Hunter Valley outside Sydney and the Yarra Valley outside Melbourne and enjoyed them both.

Yarra Valley is just an hour by car from Melbourne city where Hunter Valley is a bit over 2 hours drive from Sydney city so travel times may affect you seeing that you only have 1.5 days to spare.

The Hunter Valley is most famous for it's Semillon, Shiraz, Chardonnays and Verdelhos, with stacks of boutique style wineries (along with the other more famous brands).

I certainly enjoy my wine but am not as into them as you seem to be. Given your situation (time wise) I would probably choose the Yarra over the Hunter.

Where can I get lessons on throwing a boomerang? I'll be in the country for 2 weeks, and I fear that I'll starve if I can't master the boomerang in that timeframe. Is it possible to bag Kangaroos or Wallabys near the Marriott by Hyde Park, or will I need to go to some more rural area to do my hunting?:)

Oh, and if I catch a Kangaroo, how do you cook 'em?

Lemme know when you catch one and I'll give you the lowdown. Hot tip though - try and keep them alive right until you're ready to cook 'em. :p

Lemme know when you catch one and I'll give you the lowdown. Hot tip though - try and keep them alive right until you're ready to cook 'em. :p
This will be entirely dependent upon the Marriott's policies toward "pets" in the room.

There's a Coles on the corner of King and George, both would be almost equidistant from SOTP. Or there's the DJ's food hall.;)

Is DJ's a local shopping area? I tried to google DJ's Sydney and ended up with lots of listing for wedding music, but nothing to do with food. :eek:

Google "David Jones"

D1 - Adelaide would be better than either but I'd also say that the Yarra would be better than the hunter. Slightly left field suggestion would be Mudgee

I am traveling with the family and we are staying at the Sheraton on the Park. Does anyone know if there is a supermarket/grocery store nearby? I need to make sure we have snacks and picnic lunch food for the youngin's. Basically, they are always hungry and we have found that it is more convenient (and much cheaper!) to have food in our room and in our backpacks while touring around.

Thanks,

Onedog

If your rate at the SOTP doesn't include breakfast, you might like to try the Take a Break cafe very close by. Exit the Sheraton on the back side which will bring you out to Castlereagh Street. Turn right and it's on your right before you reach the next intersection. Has a blue sign over the pavement. Have had brekky there many times and always enjoyed it.

Is it really a timeshare or just a serviced apartment? I thought5 the only timeshare was in Manly.

They advertise themselves as a vacation club. Beyond that, someone who knows about this establishment would have to answer your question.

Is DJ's a local shopping area? I tried to google DJ's Sydney and ended up with lots of listing for wedding music, but nothing to do with food. :eek:

Sorry it was a bit of a joke on my part. David Jones is an upmarket retailer (sort of like a Barneys) There flagship store is just around the corner from SOTP, and it has in it a pretty nice foodhall. But if you were looking for snacks for the kids I wouldn't head there it's fairly pricey.

There's a Coles on the corner of King and George, both would be almost equidistant from SOTP. Or there's the DJ's food hall.;)

theres also a Woolworth on the corner of George & Park. which might be 2 mins closer to The SOTP. Go out of the Hotel if teh Main entrance its Elizabeth St so make a Right go to the corner cross the street (Park) and walk 3 blocks. If you go out the back entrance onto to Castlereagh make a Left go to the corner (Park) cross over and go 2 blocks (if you go here keep in mind that theres an escalator to go up & down to the lower floor where the floor space is much larger. Also an exit to/from Town hall train station

Do they make folding or inflatable boomerangs for easy packing in luggage?? Are kangaroos allowed on the "Hop on/Hop off" shuttles?

Onedog- We bought tickets online for Sydney Opera House (the cheaper general tour). Note their concession ticket includes students; it is one of the only tours in Oz where my 16yo does not require a full price adult ticket.

...Onedog- We bought tickets online for Sydney Opera House (the cheaper general tour). Note their concession ticket includes students; it is one of the only tours in Oz where my 16yo does not require a full price adult ticket.

Yeah, I had seen that student tickets were significantly cheaper than full adult price at the Opera House. Students also save a bit of $$ on public transport.^

How did you like the tour. Was it worthwhile?

We are traveling with someone who is a university student back home in Germany, but she doesn't have her student ID with her. Did they actually check for student ID? I guess we can try and see if she can print out something verifying her registration from her university back in Germany.

Onedog

Onedog- We are leaving in a few days so I can't tell you about the tour itself. Give me 3 weeks....Sorry my post wasn't clear on that.

Students also save a bit of $$ on public transport.^


On this point...

Note: Students must be Australian citizens or permanent residents to be eligible for a transport concession, living in NSW and/or attending a registered NSW tertiary institution. International students are not eligible for a concession except those on approved Australian Government exchange or sponsorship programs.

http://www.transport.nsw.gov.au/concessions/tertiary.html

I have observed the Transport Police enforce this one on several occasions.

Might be worth a day/overnight trip to Katoomba mountains. Great views, friendly town, and good food in a hidden locale that is worth the treasure hunt.

Might be worth a day/overnight trip to Katoomba mountains. Great views, friendly town, and good food in a hidden locale that is worth the treasure hunt. ^ ^ ^

Need any tips on Katoomba, let me know.

Dave
(Katoomba local)

Sydney really is one of the most stunning cities in the world, and the best way to see it is on foot.

You simply must do the coastal walk from Bondi Beach to Bronte. About 30-45 minutes lesiurely stroll around the coast. If you are more of a walker, you can continue walking down to Coogee (1-1.5 hours total), and if you are really keen, all the way to Maroubra (2-3 hours total). The coastline the whole way is amazing.

http://www.waverley.nsw.gov.au/council/parks/parks/coastwalk.asp

And if you want to do another walk, you shoould try the Spit Bridge to manly walk. This is a longer (3-4 hour) walk but again the scenery is stunning and you generuinely feel like you are in the middle of nowhere, despite being in the middle of Sydney ...