The best surfing beaches are up on the North Shore however, the city’s south and east have plenty of choices as well.  Surfing being an extremely popular activity in this city, you’ll find the waves at the better breaks packed on a good day, and there are a few beaches were you should be wary of the locals and their particularly violent rep.

Here are some delightful locations, where you can practice your passion anytime you feel like it.

Maroubra Beach

Maroubra Beach is the place where you will find aggressive, territorial locals most. Be warned, they’re not the friendliest bunch of people you’d like to meet even not so often, an encounter will make you realise, no wonder why they are popularly know as dickheads. However, If you do manage to get yourself a place at the Maroubra Beach, you will find some great long waves; it’s generally an easy paddle out, so make use of the rip near the rocks for an express trip back out. Usually the place gets pretty crowded, especially if there’s good surf — but that’s mainly because it’s by far the best surf beach in the eastern suburbs.

Tamarama Beach

Tamarama Beach in the eastern suburbs of Sydney is located 7 kilometres east of the Sydney central business district, in the local government area of Waverley Council. This beach is popularly known amongst the locals also by its nickname ‘Glamarama’, because this is the beach where them who are seriously beautiful or trend setters come to sunbathe and swim or simply try to be seen.

Situated about 1 kilometer south of the world famous Bondi Beach and a couple of hundred metres north of Bronte Beach Tamarama has a small but perfectly formed ocean beach. The best of what Tamara has on offer to those who come to this area are are its pretty landscapes, gully, parks, beach, ocean, quiet surrounds and convenient location nestled between Bondi and Bronte beaches.

Bondi Beach

This Sydney’s iconic beach suburb is not a good destination for them diehard surfers, but then, there is something to be said to your folks when you return home, that you went surfing at the world famous Bodi Beach while in Sydney, I guess.

Since the surf at Bondi Beach is not at all challenging like in other locations, there is a surfing school here for them absolute beginners. Similarly to Manly Beach, Bondi Beach too has a very international crowed and tends to be very laid back.    

Cronulla Beach

Cronulla Beach is situated on the southern outskirts of Sydney. This area also known as “gods country” became famous recently because of racial riots, so, be warned if you have dark skin, may be you might draw some flack from the more cerebral amongst the locals. The beach point is good but it is the nearby shark island you wouldn’t want to miss. Awesome on a normal day, when there is a swell you will get the ride of your life, the place gets seriously over crowded however. 

Manley Beach

Manley Beach though looks as if one long beach is actually three beaches that run together. The area, compared to other northern beaches, is easily accessible even if you don’t have a car. You can do surfing here but like the Cronulla Beach this too gets seriousl crowded but mostly with foreigners. There are some surfing schools that are offering lessons for beginners.     

Queenscliff

Queenscliff is basically the north end of Manley; the place is easy to get in to and is great to have a nice and easy beach break. If you are a decent rider then you might want to head out to the Queenscliff Bombora. Though it is a bit of a puddle to get there, actually much further than it looks, over here you will find the waves massive and powerful, the spot is definitely only for them experts. 

North Avalon

If you are interested in seeing some young crazy ass surfers in action, then this is the best place to spot them. The High School across the road even offers surfing as a subject so you certainly will run in to some pretty tidy surfers here. The place is quite a distance from the city, so if you choose to travel this far up north, you should be ready to allocate an entire day for your visit.

North Narrabeen

In an area where there are plenty of great beaches, North Narrabeen is famous as one of the best places to surf. Depending on which ways the swells go, this area offers some very different options for them surfers, but then it’s all a quality ride. Being a very crowded beach, North Narrabeen seems to be infested with locals who are always itching for a fight, so if you want to practice some peaceful surfing you can head up to North Point, they tend not to venture up there.

Newport Beach

In Newport you have two options, the northern end is a beach break with nice long waves. However, this place too gets crowded with locals. At the south end there is a reef break with great barrels, but be ready to do some a hard paddling to get there. After you are finished with surfing, pay a visit to the huge beer garden at the Newport Arms hotel      

Loads of condoms have been distributed for free as a response to the increasing numbers of Sydney backpackers seeking diagnosis and treatment for new infections, especially Chlamydia.

In keeping with recent research, backpackers were more likely to report drinking alcohol in excessive amounts and then not using condoms while having sex, thereby increasing the risk of them contracting an STI.

The rising number of heterosexual backpackers with new sexually transmitted infections has now become a major concern to them health officials in Sydney. According to them from amongst those who suffer from an STI some also have HIV infections that they have acquired in other countries on the way to Australia.

The basic safe sex messages sent by them has fallen on deaf ears, have caused some alarm with the authorities.

It is very important that backpackers should always carry condoms with them because research shows, countries that are popular with backpackers, have higher rates of HIV and STIs than Australia.

Sydney health authorities and councils have now teamed up with the NSW Backpackers Operators Association to promote better sexual health practices among young international travellers.

This is why, making an effort to stop STIs from spreading some more, them folks at the Sydney health authorities and councils have taken the necessary steps to distributing free condoms for backpackers, at places where backpackers are accommodated.

Through strategically placed advertisements in Sydney backpacker magazines, the authorities are looking to educate the young international travellers on the negative effects of getting contaminated with the incurable disease.     

Figures presented at the Australasian sexual health congress in September showed number of people who have contaminated chlamydia are rising rapidly in major cities, and that five per cent of people under 25 are now believed to have the disease.

Games:

The majority of Sydney residents seem to be fascinated with chess. This looks obvious because If you go for a stroll in downtown Sydney, especially around the Hyde Park area, you would see many people playing chess on normal size chess boards that are placed on park benches or on the ground, while some have chosen to play their game on the giant sized Chess board that is painted on concrete.

During lunchtime, there is a sudden population surge in this area because many folks gather here to play a game of chess with a colleague, while enjoying their lunch in one of the many trendy cafés that are located in the area. If you are lover of the game, then get your self to Hyde Park, may be you too can join in since it seems anyone can join in.

Drinks and Food

As a foreigner, when talking of Aussie cuisine, to me it seems Aussie pies are the best-known examples. These are hand-held savoury pastries that are being made using different types of meat, carrots, English peas, potatoes, and possibly other vegetables. Aussie pies are similar to American potpie but can be hand held. Mind the filling, as it could be hot

Dress

It seems many Australian men prefer wearing white shirts and black suites for work. It is somewhat true with women as well, but unlike men they often wear red shoes or pink ribbon with their black attire. However, you will also see plenty of them renegades that are dressed in what they think as comfortable casual cloths.

Tipping

Tipping is not practiced, very rarely if ever, would be much appreciated if you give a tip, but that will only make it look obvious that you are a visitor to the city. May be you can save the change to pay for the ever increasingly expensive hotels or to have another pint of beer.

History

Captain Cook discovered the Sydney area in 1788. He landed in Botany Bay at a spot called la perouse, and proclaimed Australia as a British colony. However, it was the Dutch who discovered the area 200 years before them Brits did, but they were too slow to stake their claim! There is a statue of Captain Cook in Hyde Park. You can visit Botany Bay if you want to see some early convict history.

The historical Fort Dennison (an island), where they jailed the convicts is now a restaurant. They kept them convicts here as prisoners because the shark infested waters around it made it impossible for them convicts to getaway by swimming ashore. 

Australia Day, Sydney

On the 26^th of January each year Australians celebrate Australia day. On this day in 1788, Captain Arthur Phillip became Governor of the Colony of New South Wales. A multitude of events are held all over Sydney on the 26 January, celebrating the anniversary of the beginning of British settlement. If you want to learn more about the Australia day visit the Australia day website at www.australiaday.gov.au

ANZAC Day

On ANZAC Day Australians commemorate all them brave Australian soldiers who fought for Australia in the two world wars, and those who are fighting to protect the nation even today. The beautiful monument built on their behalf is in Hyde Park, you can pay respect any time of the year, but it will be in April that the monument will see most of its offerings of remembrance.

This is a railway service operating from 5AM till midnight 7 days a week, links the domestic and international terminals to all city circle railway stations. For additional information you can call 02 8337 8412 or visit the website www.airportlink.com.au.

Buses

Sydney Busses operates in the entire city. The main bus terminals are at Circular Quay, Wynyard, Town Hall and Central Station. You can find more information about Sydney Buses from:

• Bus kiosks located at Circular Quay, Wynyard Station and Queen Victoria Building (QVB) & Railway Square (Central Station).

• Calling 131 500 or www.131500.info

• www.sydneybuses.info

Trains

Metropolitan services

You can use the CityRail leisure and tourist tickets to get you where you want to go. For travelling around the city centre you can take the City Circle Line (Circular Quay, Wynyard, Town Hall, Central, Museum and St James Stations). There is a station also at Martin Place. Ticket vending machines are open 24 hours. Information about CityRail services is available from:

• Train kiosks at circular Quay and Central Stations

• Sydney Transport Infoline: www.131500.info Tel: 131 500    

• City Rail website: www.cityrail.info.

Interstate and Intrastate Services

The main junction for interstate and intrastate rail services is the Central Railway Station. You can find additional information about interstate and intrastate train services from:

• Train kiosks at Central Station

• Sydney Transport Infoline: www.131500.info Tel: 131 500

• Countrylink Infoline: www.countrylink.info Tel: 132 232.

Ferries

Taking a ferry to and from the city will give you a delightful experience. You can catch one at the Sydney Harbour. For further information you check call or visit:

• Ferry kiosks at Circular Quay and Manly

• Sydney Transport Infoline: www.131500.info Tel: 131 500

• Sydney Ferries website: www.sydneyferries.info.

Light Rail

Sydney’s latest transport system is the Monorail. You can ride the Monorail on any day or hour of the week.

You can even take a Tram ride from historic Central Station through vibrant Chinatown and Darling Harbour to the Star City Casino, the Sydney Fish Markets and Wentworth Park.

Call Metro Light Rail on 02 9285 5600 or visit www.metrolightrail.com.au if you need to know any more information.

Monorail

The monorail has a wonderful city loop with eight stops throughout the CBD. There is a monorail departing every 3-5 minutes and takes approximately 15 minutes to finish the circuit. Single trips or day passes can be bought at every station. Dial 02 8584 5288 or visit www.metromonorail.com.au for additional information.

Taxis

There is an abundance of taxis in Sydney, you can either hail one that is passing you by on the street or get one at ranks at Circular Quay, Wynyard Station, or at the Town Hall Station. You can ask your hotel concierge if you need a taxi to pick you at the hotel.

Sydney & Bondi Explorer (Tourist buses)

If you are looking to having most comprehensive hop-on hop-off sightseeing tours available, then you can check that out with the 27 stop ‘red’ Sydney Explorer and 19 stop ‘blue’ Bondi Explorer. They are the only timetabled services, which offer a minimum 20-minute service frequency and include travel on the regular Sydney Buses network (blue travel zone).

You can purchase one day or two day tickets from both Sydney and Bondi Explorer. You can even buy your ticket on board the bus.

For additional information dial 131 500 or visit www.sydneyexplorer.info

City Hopper (Train)

You can ride the City Hopper train and enjoy unlimited all day rail travel in the area bounded by Kings Cross, North Sydney and Redfern.

Visit www.cityrail.info for additional information.

SydneyPass (Tourist ticket)

The SydneyPass is available for 3, 5, and 7 days. With this you can enjoy unlimited travel on the Sydney and Bondi Explorer buses, all CityRail trains within a bounded area, all Sydney Buses and all Sydney Ferries, and return AirportLink train transfers. Your ‘SydneyPass’ tourist ticker also provides you with discounts into Sydney’s major attractions. You can purchase a SydneyPass ticket onboard the Explorer buses as well as from tourist outlets, travel agents and most CityRail Stations.

Visit www.sydneypass.info or phone 131 500 if you need any more information.

Day Tripper Ticket

If you are looking for ‘all in a day’ ticket then the Day Tripper ticket is for you. This ticket provides you with access to all three modes of Government transport in Sydney.  You can utilise your ticket to travel in all regular Sydney Buses, Sydney Ferries and CityRail Suburban Services within a bounded area.