Welcome to Sydney! This is an exquisite city which contradicts 'small is beautiful' its charm rests in is a marriage between flora, fauna and the fabrications of human-hand; the outcome a luring- soulful abundance. I stayed there for five weeks, in the Central Business District- CBD opposite Hyde Park, next to Museum Station; not only did my apartment overlook the beautiful park, the treasures of Sydney naming a few - Australian Museum, Barracks Museum, Maritime Museum, Darling Harbor and the list is so long that I might get lost in it and forget what I was saying; required a journey by foot.
Nature's bounteousness!
In order of my preference.......The best places to visit in Sydney
Royal Botanic Garden- Mrs Macquaries road, free entrance
A walk through the twin Hyde Parks and a bit more led to Royal Botanic Garden. It was indeed my favorite place in Sydney as I had never seen lush-green gardens, hypnotic blue sky and a picturesque view of the Sydney Bay with its two pearls the dashing bridge and the seductive Opera House. It also houses many rare plants that a very keen botany enthusiast takes you around to show in a free guided tour every day at 10.30 am and 1.00 pm. The garden is capacious and it is impossible to cover every corner of it in one visit unless you are superman; from which ever side you enter the park there is lot of interesting things to view until you reach the cove and hours will fly by as you lay down on the grass, under a tree, reading a book.
Government House
The Government House is located adjacent to the Royal Botanic Garden, one can roam in its manicured lawns and admire the Gothic revival style sandstone building but to enter it you have to take the 45 minutes guided tour that that leaves from the office of the house every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 10.30 am- 3.00 pm. Tickets without charge can be bought at the gatehouse near the entrance 30 minutes before the tour.
I highly recommend the tour as it gives a sneak- peak insight to the Royal British influence on Australia and its opulence which is evident from the interiors of the state rooms and the magnificent paintings adoring the walls. The tour guide is friendly and inter-active making the experience worthwhile.
I highly recommend the tour as it gives a sneak- peak insight to the Royal British influence on Australia and its opulence which is evident from the interiors of the state rooms and the magnificent paintings adoring the walls. The tour guide is friendly and inter-active making the experience worthwhile.
Bondi Beach and Bondi to Coogee cliff walk
Bondi Beach is a suburb of Sydney, A bus ride lasting about 45 minutes from Circular Quay, dropped me to the beach or you can take any bus to the Bondi junction from which there are buses every 10 minutes to the beach. It is approximately 1 km long beach, and though it was a sunny autumn day the water was cold; not acting as a spoil sport for the men in blue-black wet suits who stood at an angle on boards, legs apart to make an equilateral triangle. These sea-acrobats defied gravity and glided though the waves as though their feet have been super-glued to the surf board. Surf boards are no ordinary sports equipment to possess, unlike a ball which can be used as a pillow or a seat and needs no special place to rest; the boards are over smart can't be put to ordinary use, expensive and taller than the owner. My kids loved the water and tried some surfing too; needless to say that surf-boards are available on hire.
Bondi Beach Market is held every Sunday at the local Public School from 10am- 5 pm, there are nearly 100 stalls selling fashionable to traditional clothes, bags, accessories,shoes etc.
The Bondi to Coogee walk begins at South end of Bondi Beach near the Iceberg Club, there is a board walk along the cliff, ramblers rushing both ways and no sound from their feet is audible as the mighty ocean waves break into the rocks. As one walks on the elevated path, there are stunning views of the Bondi Beach, the sea and its swimmers. If I say in no time I reached Tamarama, I would be lying, after all its 1.2km away.
Tamarama to Bronte is a smaller walk ( 700 meters) One can take the steps to reach the Bronte Beach or can go down to Tamarama Beach and walk along it. There are fabulous views of the Pacific Ocean on the way and Bronte Beach is the climax. A beautiful sandy beach that looked glorious with the setting sun and its lush green gardens, welcoming you for a restful- indulgence.
The Bothra family had aimed for Bondi to Coogee but had to abandon the journey midway for a later day; and at a later day they did start the journey at Bronte for Coogee.
Bondi Beach Market is held every Sunday at the local Public School from 10am- 5 pm, there are nearly 100 stalls selling fashionable to traditional clothes, bags, accessories,shoes etc.
The Bondi to Coogee walk begins at South end of Bondi Beach near the Iceberg Club, there is a board walk along the cliff, ramblers rushing both ways and no sound from their feet is audible as the mighty ocean waves break into the rocks. As one walks on the elevated path, there are stunning views of the Bondi Beach, the sea and its swimmers. If I say in no time I reached Tamarama, I would be lying, after all its 1.2km away.
Tamarama to Bronte is a smaller walk ( 700 meters) One can take the steps to reach the Bronte Beach or can go down to Tamarama Beach and walk along it. There are fabulous views of the Pacific Ocean on the way and Bronte Beach is the climax. A beautiful sandy beach that looked glorious with the setting sun and its lush green gardens, welcoming you for a restful- indulgence.
The Bothra family had aimed for Bondi to Coogee but had to abandon the journey midway for a later day; and at a later day they did start the journey at Bronte for Coogee.
Bronte to Coogee
Not allowing the Bronte beach and the park adjacent, be a distraction for us, we leaped towards mission Coogee, not a easy task because there are spectacular views and variety of landforms on the way that not stopping to absorb and snap would be like smelling a seven-course meal at a five star restaurant without putting a morsel in the mouth.
The Bronte to Coogee walk begins after turning left from Bronte Road Strip cafe, more than a few steps and an elevated walkway brings us to a rocky water front, the grassy land juts into the water and you crave to sit down and enjoy the privy blue expanse above and below, but you must go on! The next milestone Clovelly is 2.2km away, the ramp defining the boundaries of the ocean leads you to a wide road with symmetry on both sides , the historic Waverley Cemetery where the Victorian and Edwardian monuments compete with the ocean in a race to eternity; you will be simply amazed! The landscape changes into lofty recreational grounds but you don't want to stop, ignoring that bottom of yours which craves for rest. Then there is the Clovelly beach, a tranquil beach nestled between two rocky ridges.
Clovelly to Coogee walk - 1.8km
A walk around the beach brought us to the Bondi to Coogee trail, the cliff top walk leads you to the Gordon Bay, rich in flora and fauna makes it a favorite for snorkelers and divers. There are homes build on the rocky cliff around the bay and for a second, I imagine, what would it be to live in homes like that! You come out to the porch, your foot lands on a banana peel and you go rolling into the ocean. The Coogee beach is snuggled between two cliffs, small and cosy perfect for kids! If you have already guessed it, you are smart; yes there are large recreational grounds, clubs with outdoor pools and other sports at each beach from Bondi to Coogee.
The Bronte to Coogee walk begins after turning left from Bronte Road Strip cafe, more than a few steps and an elevated walkway brings us to a rocky water front, the grassy land juts into the water and you crave to sit down and enjoy the privy blue expanse above and below, but you must go on! The next milestone Clovelly is 2.2km away, the ramp defining the boundaries of the ocean leads you to a wide road with symmetry on both sides , the historic Waverley Cemetery where the Victorian and Edwardian monuments compete with the ocean in a race to eternity; you will be simply amazed! The landscape changes into lofty recreational grounds but you don't want to stop, ignoring that bottom of yours which craves for rest. Then there is the Clovelly beach, a tranquil beach nestled between two rocky ridges.
Clovelly to Coogee walk - 1.8km
A walk around the beach brought us to the Bondi to Coogee trail, the cliff top walk leads you to the Gordon Bay, rich in flora and fauna makes it a favorite for snorkelers and divers. There are homes build on the rocky cliff around the bay and for a second, I imagine, what would it be to live in homes like that! You come out to the porch, your foot lands on a banana peel and you go rolling into the ocean. The Coogee beach is snuggled between two cliffs, small and cosy perfect for kids! If you have already guessed it, you are smart; yes there are large recreational grounds, clubs with outdoor pools and other sports at each beach from Bondi to Coogee.
Mosman - Balmoral Beach
Mosman is to Sydney what Bandra is to Mumbai in their own capacities; expensive homes, shoppers paradise, specialty restaurants and exorbitant yachts. As a tourist it is worth spending a day as the place is packed with water activities like swimming snorkeling, kayaking, boardwalk, one can enjoy chips and fish at the cafe and watch the yachts at sunset. If that is not enough to entice you, there is board walks, fabulous views of Sydney harbor and amusements for kids all along the promenade.
Darling Harbor, Chinese Garden Of Friendship
Walking distance from CBD, Darling Harbor has both character and charisma; a paramount arm of Sydney Harbor, it has structures and edifices that makes you tip your hat for the men who have dared to dream it and the men of dare who have concreted it. This lively harbor side precinct is a Pandora's box of entertainment both outdoor and indoor. It houses hotels, restaurants, cafes, museums, wildlife parks, malls and recreational activities for kids. In the night, it is like a storm on an electronic sea.
Chinese Garden of Friendship
The energies all around is very high and if there exists a heaven it could probably look like this. It is not very big so all one needs is an hour to spare so do visit it.
The energies all around is very high and if there exists a heaven it could probably look like this. It is not very big so all one needs is an hour to spare so do visit it.
Sydney Harbor- Sydney Opera House Tour- Vivid Sydney
One would say that Sydney Harbor was presented to the world in the most glamorous way in the movie, Finding Nemo! I am afraid not as the harbor in real is infinite times more picturesque. Be it any time of the day there is some exquisiteness attached to the way it appears; even the aliens from outer space must be admiring it. Yes indeed! during the day see the crowds of white yachts and bare masts undulating beneath a sky in which clouds and gulls dance in perfect harmony. At night, walk or dine as a galaxy of stars awaits you all around.
Sydney Opera House Tour
A last minute entry to our itinerary but worthy of a higher place was the Opera House Tour. Definitely, it is the best way to experience the history behind the mystifying structure. The fact is that it looks as good inside as it does from outside and the outside also looks better from inside; The tour is the only way you can visit each of the five auditoriums and if luck is at your side you may see a famous symphony practicing too. Tours are at hourly basis starting at 9 am and the last one is at 5 pm. An adult ticket costs 37$, child 20$.
A last minute entry to our itinerary but worthy of a higher place was the Opera House Tour. Definitely, it is the best way to experience the history behind the mystifying structure. The fact is that it looks as good inside as it does from outside and the outside also looks better from inside; The tour is the only way you can visit each of the five auditoriums and if luck is at your side you may see a famous symphony practicing too. Tours are at hourly basis starting at 9 am and the last one is at 5 pm. An adult ticket costs 37$, child 20$.
Vivid Sydney
The Festival of Light, Music and Ideas. What do you understand from it other than my fascination for capital letters. Its an annual event and I was lucky to witness it in my mere 5 week stay (shift in perspective) and it was indeed rewarding! Refer to the pictures.
The Festival of Light, Music and Ideas. What do you understand from it other than my fascination for capital letters. Its an annual event and I was lucky to witness it in my mere 5 week stay (shift in perspective) and it was indeed rewarding! Refer to the pictures.
Manly Beach- Manly Sea Life Santuary
The ferry trip to the Manly Wharf was as exciting as the beach. The Circular Quay Wharf on a Saturday, is bustling with activities ranging from Aboriginals (natives) playing the wind instrument didgeridoo, dare-devils performing at the street theater which is quite common in Sydney. Call it quirkiness but it is mostly tourists who get attracted towards these events and thanks to these distractions the itinerary suffers. The Manly Beach was scattered by people to the extent that you did not have to jump over the lying down people to walk after all temperatures were falling and winter season was setting in. I enjoyed the regular stuff at the beach food, surfing, swimming and watching the ocean slap the shore!
Manly Sea- Life Sanctuary
There are only two reasons to go there. First- if you want to see penguins from close (If Philip Island is missing from your Australian Itinerary) and secondly if you want to dive to be with sharks. If the second reason tempts you, then being in close proximity should be least of your worry as the ice cold water, heavy oxygen cylinders on your back and the hefty price tag will make your hair stand giving competition to a porcupine. Sydney Sea Life Aquarium has more sea life on display but Manly has Penguins and Xtreme shark Dive!
There are only two reasons to go there. First- if you want to see penguins from close (If Philip Island is missing from your Australian Itinerary) and secondly if you want to dive to be with sharks. If the second reason tempts you, then being in close proximity should be least of your worry as the ice cold water, heavy oxygen cylinders on your back and the hefty price tag will make your hair stand giving competition to a porcupine. Sydney Sea Life Aquarium has more sea life on display but Manly has Penguins and Xtreme shark Dive!
And man's pride.....
National Maritime Museum- Darling Harbor
Sydney is a city of museums; I am too tempted to put it in a number but I fear inaccuracy. We visited more than half a dozen and I confess that is an average performance.
Australian National Maritime Museum situated at Darling Harbor makes the summit of Mountain- Museum in Sydney. The museum's main building has visiting exhibitions, a large kids section where the kids go on a rescue mission flying helicopters and acting like fire men. There is a fabulous shop and cafe also housed in the main building. One can buy a ticket for visiting the main building as well as a combined ticket that allows you entry to three vessels. Please opt for the combined ticket as the vessels are jaw-dropping experiences.
HMB Endeavour a true replica of the ship that James Cook sailed in 1770 to arrive here. Life at sea, voyages and discoveries have always been romanticized and is a subject of great enigma; roll your sleeves and come aboard in your most comfortable attire, James Cook and the rest of the crew has just stepped ashore to meet the Aborignals, the table is set, clothes are hanging and the cat is slumbering at this gigantic ship.
HMS Onslow a magnificent fighter submarine vessel at display is in perfect working condition so be aware of those torpedoes.
HMAS Vampire is the country's last big gun ship. It had been deployed in Vietnam and now is a part of this museum.
You should first visit the vessels outside and then enter the main building, for a reason like heavy rainfall they may suspend entry to the vessels. The combined ticket for an adult is 27$, child-16$.
Australian National Maritime Museum situated at Darling Harbor makes the summit of Mountain- Museum in Sydney. The museum's main building has visiting exhibitions, a large kids section where the kids go on a rescue mission flying helicopters and acting like fire men. There is a fabulous shop and cafe also housed in the main building. One can buy a ticket for visiting the main building as well as a combined ticket that allows you entry to three vessels. Please opt for the combined ticket as the vessels are jaw-dropping experiences.
HMB Endeavour a true replica of the ship that James Cook sailed in 1770 to arrive here. Life at sea, voyages and discoveries have always been romanticized and is a subject of great enigma; roll your sleeves and come aboard in your most comfortable attire, James Cook and the rest of the crew has just stepped ashore to meet the Aborignals, the table is set, clothes are hanging and the cat is slumbering at this gigantic ship.
HMS Onslow a magnificent fighter submarine vessel at display is in perfect working condition so be aware of those torpedoes.
HMAS Vampire is the country's last big gun ship. It had been deployed in Vietnam and now is a part of this museum.
You should first visit the vessels outside and then enter the main building, for a reason like heavy rainfall they may suspend entry to the vessels. The combined ticket for an adult is 27$, child-16$.
AUSTRALIAN MUSEUM- 6, College Street - 9.30am- 5.30pm
Nature, Culture, Discover- This is how the museum defines itself. A fabulous museum for the kids but not just 'for the kids'. One section of the museum is devoted to the natives of Australia called Aborignals- great opportunity to see their influence on Australia's culture. The second section is for nature a vivid display of many marsupial animals that Aussi treasures, a section for dinosaurs, precious metals and more. The museum's highlight is a large activity room for kids which stocks material for role-play, and gives them a first hand experience in being an anthropologist. They also conduct special activities for kids. Do check their schedule before going, ticket adult- 15$, child -8$.
The Rocks
The Rocks to Sydney is like a coral reef to the ocean, its got everything that a tourist would want; shops, restaurants, pubs, exhibitions, historic sites, museums, street market on Saturdays and Sundays and what gives it an extra edge is its location. Placed at the southern end of the harbor one can see fabulous views of the harbor bridge; one can walk from Circular Quay Wharf and also from one end of Royal Botanic Garden.
Some unique experiences we had here were, candy -making and buying some fresh produce, eating one of the juiciest and sweetest corn cob on the street, buying gifts to take back home, fabulous meal at a cafe and participating in a treasure hunt( permanent activity) at the Rocks Discovery Museum.
Some unique experiences we had here were, candy -making and buying some fresh produce, eating one of the juiciest and sweetest corn cob on the street, buying gifts to take back home, fabulous meal at a cafe and participating in a treasure hunt( permanent activity) at the Rocks Discovery Museum.
200 years old with a chequered history, the Hyde Park Barracks Museum stands today in broad daylight without a sigh or sign from its terrifying past. A place raised to house the convicts in 1819 was later used as an orphanage to shelter pain stricken women of the Irish famine. The museum pretty much retains the original setting from inside and displays gizmos used by its inhabitants, not failing to let you create vivid images of cruelty towards its ravenous dwellers. Conveniently located at Macquarie Street ( near Hyde Park), an adult ticket costs 10$ and child 5$
Combo- ticket for 4 attractions
Sea- Life Sydney Aquarium Located at Darling Harbor, you walk through endless glass tunnels, no respite even with walkalators as this could be your third or more attraction of the day and you would have already hiked a lot to reach it. Anyway, with kids it has become a yearly thing to walk through these aquariums and scream- there's Nemo! and try and remember the names of sharks you promised not to forget from the previous visit; if its not leopard sharks and hammer head sharks which are easy to spot call them Blacktip Sharks. Hold on to your money bag tightly as these places can rip you off by emotion-packed tempting offers like photographs, feeding sessions, glass bottom rides etc. No whale, dolphin shows in this aquarium but you can meet the rare dugong and watch it being fed( whatever time you arrive here you will be close to its feeding time as this large herbivore needs tons and tons of greens to survive) Madame Tussaud It is very boring to see the celebrity statues. It is only for first-timers so even though the entry is included in the combo- pass avoid it if you have been to one in lets say Hongkong or New York . | Wild Life Sydney Zoo It is rightfully placed here as it is close to the aquarium in Darling Harbor. The only reason you visit this not so significant zoo because it gets you close to the national animals - the kangaroo and koala bear; it would be too shameful to have not seen them or worse not taken a photograph of these in your visit to down under. The irony lies in the fact that whenever you are travelling in the country side, there are signs put on trees to watch out for kangaroos and koalas. Even if you wait under a tree for hours you will not be able to spot one- stop wondering if I really did that! Alas, you have to pay a price to see them in the zoo. There is a crocodile park and a bird show, the zoo-keepers do come with snakes around their neck and you are welcome to touch them . Sydney-Tower Eye At 309 meters, it is the tallest structure in Sydney thus providing fabulous views of the city from the observation deck. A separate ticket can be brought for skywalk too; there is yoga and breakfast happening at the deck on Wednesday mornings; it is a good idea to be there little before sunset and stay there to see the gorgeous sky and the ball of red going down. |
Last but not the least..
Congratulations! for reaching the end of Road-O- Blog Sydney. If you have read through all the above non- musings, I pat my back and without making a success speech give you a prize. Money-saving ideas that grants a couple of drinks extra each night in the same budget.
1)NSW transport runs a scheme for families travelling on Sundays called “Family Funday Sunday” under which for $2.50 per person (above 4 years), your family can enjoy a great value day out anywhere in Greater Sydney with unlimited travel on all trains, buses, ferries and light rail provided by all operators excepting a few event buses, charter services, private ferries and NSW regional train services. The travelling party should have at least one adult and one child upto the age of 15. Tickets can be purchased from all seven eleven stores and other ticketing outlets.
2) On other days families can purchase a family fare where they need to pay for all the adults and one child with all other children in the group free.
3) Free Shuttle Services:- Free shuttle bus services operate in Sydney CBD, Parramatta and Wollongong. They run in a loop to make it easy for you to get from one end of the CBD to the other, and to any stop in-between. These buses run frequently. You can board them at stops that display the green shuttle logo, and you do not need a ticket to board. The Sydney CBD shuttle services runs under Bus No 555 between 9 AM to 3:30 PM (Weekdays) 9:30 AM to 6 PM (Weekends) and 9 AM to 9 PM on Thursday when shops are open till later in the evening to allow for weekend shopping.
One can plan the entire trip within Sydney and its suburbs on the website http://www.transportnsw.info/ which provides very accurate information along with time taken across all travel options viz, Train, Bus, Ferry & Light Rail with options for fastest travel, fewest changes and least walking.
1)NSW transport runs a scheme for families travelling on Sundays called “Family Funday Sunday” under which for $2.50 per person (above 4 years), your family can enjoy a great value day out anywhere in Greater Sydney with unlimited travel on all trains, buses, ferries and light rail provided by all operators excepting a few event buses, charter services, private ferries and NSW regional train services. The travelling party should have at least one adult and one child upto the age of 15. Tickets can be purchased from all seven eleven stores and other ticketing outlets.
2) On other days families can purchase a family fare where they need to pay for all the adults and one child with all other children in the group free.
3) Free Shuttle Services:- Free shuttle bus services operate in Sydney CBD, Parramatta and Wollongong. They run in a loop to make it easy for you to get from one end of the CBD to the other, and to any stop in-between. These buses run frequently. You can board them at stops that display the green shuttle logo, and you do not need a ticket to board. The Sydney CBD shuttle services runs under Bus No 555 between 9 AM to 3:30 PM (Weekdays) 9:30 AM to 6 PM (Weekends) and 9 AM to 9 PM on Thursday when shops are open till later in the evening to allow for weekend shopping.
One can plan the entire trip within Sydney and its suburbs on the website http://www.transportnsw.info/ which provides very accurate information along with time taken across all travel options viz, Train, Bus, Ferry & Light Rail with options for fastest travel, fewest changes and least walking.