Sydney activities
Posted 01/04/2009 – 5:11 pm in: Backpackers, Backpackers SydneyWhite water Rafting Sydney and NSW
Coffs Harbour, Coffs / Mid North, New South Wales
The Nymboida River is one of the classic rivers of the world, it’s dramatic granite gorges and rainforest-lined banks produce rapids renowned among whitewater enthusiasts. Rafting is undoubtedly the best way to fully appreciate the river’s stunning beauty.
Sydney Golf
You can play golf in most cities but in Sydney you will find some of the best golf courses. Unlike in other cities, where you often have to compete with other players for space, here in Sydney you can enjoy a quiet game while admiring the spectacular scenery that is all around you. If you are lucky you might even get to see a marsupial bouncing about on the golf course.
Take a ride on the Manly ferry from Circular Quay, Sydney Harbour to Manly.
From the ferry you will have an excellent view of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Sydney Opera House, an opportunity for you to take some great pictures to show your friends and folks back home. Arrive a little early to ensure a good position in the queue. Aim for either the front or the back of the Manly Ferry for the best view.
Your journey will last approximately half an hour allowing you time to enjoy some of the best scenery Sydney Harbour has to offer. It can get a little choppy as you approach Sydney Heads so be prepared to retreat inside.
Half-Day Sail on Sydney Harbour
The half day sail aboard the luxury yacht “Katrina”, will give you some very special photo opportunities and many delightful memories of Sydney Harbour. As you sail up Sydney Harbour, you will find many of Sydney’s hidden secluded bays and small beaches. Kick your shoes off, feel the power of the wind as you sail along silently
Ride the Sydney Ferry from Circular Quay, Sydney Harbour to Darling Harbour and back
The trip to Darling Harbour from Circular Quay lasts just about ten minutes taking you under the Sydney Harbour Bridge as you head out of Sydney Cove. The short trip will give you more photo opportunities of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and of the Sydney Opera House.
You’ll most likely stop at Balmain along the way. Darling Harbour is full of attractions including the Imax Theatre, Sydney Aquarium, Monorail and the Powerhouse Museum plus many Harbourside shops, cafes, pubs and restaurants.
Walk from Manly Ferry Terminal (Manly Wharf) to Shelly Beach
While in Manly you will feel it is more like a seaside town rather than being a part of the largest city in Australia. The ocean side is east of Manly ferry terminal (Manly Wharf). Just cross the road and walk the length of Manly Corso.
Stop and marvel at just what Manly Council was thinking off when they commissioned the steaming pile of sculpture just outside the ferry terminal.
An abundance of pubs, cafes and shops will yearn for your patron along the way. Manly boasts a million places to eat so you won’t starve.
As you come within reach of Shelly Beach look out for the rock art to your right (Shelly Beach is an excellent spot of diving) Once you’ve reached Shelly Beach you can walk up to and across the car park for cliff top views out to sea.
Sydney Sights & Attractions
Posted 25/03/2009 – 5:10 pm in: Backpackers Hostels in SydneyWhy most backpackers would want to visit Sydney is to see the city’s world famous attractions.
Logically, Sydney divides in to several regions, all areas are a must see for them tourists who are looking to getting a full view of the city and her history. Each area has unique local attractions along with plenty of things to keep the visitors continuously entertained.
The Airport
Sydney airport also known as the Kingsford Smith International Airport is the busiest airport in the country. Short stay visitors staying at an airport hotel can enjoy the nearby beach. The main road, General Holmes Drive passes under the runway, runs parallel to the beach past Brighton-Le-Sands and Monterey to Dolls Point. Sydney CBD is just 15 minutes away from the airport by train.
The City
In the city is where you will find The Rocks, Chinatown, the Town Hall and world famous attractions Darling Harbour, Sydney Opera House, Sydney Harbour Bridge, Hyde Park and the Australian Museum. You can also visit Macquarie Street and Queens Square, take a walk through The Domain and visit the Art Gallery of New South Wales, Mrs Macquarie’s Point and the Royal Botanical Gardens. Go shopping at major department stores and fashion boutiques in the centre of town, and get an eagle’s eye view from the AMP Tower.
The Rocks
This is where you will find more of historical buildings than anywhere else in Sydney as well as shopping, cafes, restaurants, pubs and entertainment. Towering above all this is the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Observatory Hill. If your budget permits, The Rocks has a huge range of five star hotels on the waters edge.
Darling Harbour
If you want to see popular Sydney attractions such as Australian National Maritime Museum, Sydney Aquarium, the Chinese Garden and Imax Theatre, then this is the place you need to be. Here you will find a wide choice of restaurants and cafes and the China town, this place is packed with restaurants and shops selling Chinese goods from embroidery to jade carvings. The Chinatown is situated right next to the Sydney Entertainment Centre and close to Darling Harbour.
Darlinghurst
This place is famous for having many restaurants that serve mouth-watering cuisines. Many feature delicious Italian and Mediterranean cuisine. The area around Taylor Square has many bars, discos, restaurants, cafes, and boutiques along with plenty of other different forms of entertainment that are geared especially to keep the Gay and Lesbian tourists entertained.
Kings Cross
Probably the next most popular tourist attraction after the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Opera House, Kings Cross is the place for them backpackers seeking sexual pleasures. The popular nightspot is a ten minutes drive from the inner city when there is less traffic on the roads.
The Eastern Suburbs
The Eastern Suburbs stretch from the city along the southern foreshore of Sydney Harbour to Watsons Bay near the headland guarding the southern entrance to the harbour, South Head. In this area you will find attractions such as Kings Cross, Darlinghurst and Paddington. You can visit trendy Double Bay and enjoy the views of Sydney Harbour on the way to Watson Bay. The well-known Bondi Beach is where the Eastern Suburbs meet the Southern Beaches
The Southern Beaches
The Southern Beaches stretches from Bondi to Cronulla on the Kurnell Peninsula. At the Botany Bay on the same shoreline is where Lieutenant James Cook claimed the east coast of Australia for England.
The Inner West
Here there are an abundance of restaurants, cafes, and pubs. A short ferry ride from here will bring you to the historic Balmain, or you can catch the bus or a taxi to Glebe and Newtown.
Parramatta/Outer West
Parramatta, established just after Sydney was founded in 1788, was the food bowl of the then fledgling colony. Here is where they grazed their cattle and grew their food. Today, Parramatta is the business centre of the Outer Western Suburbs, and has a smattering of historically very important buildings.
North Sydney
This is where you will find the Taronga Park Zoo and its many exotic animals. Satellite commercial centre just across the Harbour Bridge is the gateway to the Lower North Shore. Enjoy great views of the city and try the cafes, pubs and clubs at Kirribilli, Milsons Point and McMahons Point. You can also drop into Balmoral for a swim and try the clubs and restaurants at The Spit and watch the yachts go by.
Manly
For all of you, who love water sports, manly is the place where you can have some serious fun! Manly probably has the finest stretch of golden sand, surfing beach in the world for swimmers board riders and wind surfers. You will find plenty of places serving great food and where you can enjoy a drink. If you want, you can even take a short drive to Palm Beach and enjoy superb ocean views as well!
The Northern Beaches
All you yachting and boating fanatics, you can have a superb time at Newport and Church Point on Pittwater, come and see for your selves! While you are there, dive in to Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park and smell the gum trees, which are the hallmark of the Australian bush.
Regions just outside of Sydney
The Hunter Valley
Want to see Australia’s oldest and one of its greatest wine areas? Then come to Hunter Valley. This place may not be the biggest wine producing region in Australia, but it sure has a long history behind it!
Initially established 150 year ago, Hunter Valley is home to some 80 wineries ranging from famous labels to very small ’boutique’ winemakers. The region is famous for its full-bodied white wines, ‘medium weight reds’ and some excellent ports.
Hunter Valley is a mere 1 ½ - 2 ½ hours drive from Sydney with a population of 3 million people. Hunter Valley is an extremely popular getaway for Sydneysiders, offering a quiet taste of the country with intimate guesthouses and cosy inns; many of these are converted from old mansions and cottages
The Blue Mountains
The Blue Mountains form part of the Great Dividing Range that stretches from Gippsland region of Victoria in the south to the tropical rainforests of north Queensland. The foot hills are just a 60 km away from the Sydney CBD.
On this mountain is a huge eucalypts forest. Under the hot sun, these trees discharge a fine mist of eucalyptus oil from the leaves. This mist reflects light, which causes the blue haze you see when looking from distance, hence the name ‘Blue Mountain’
Stunning scenery and the rugged terrain attracts an abundance of tourists to this region. The area is dotted with waterfalls, and there is great variety in the vegetation as you descend into the valleys. Mountain biking (cycling) has become very popular; abseiling and canoeing with expert guides are also big attractions.
There are a plenty of things happening in the Blue Mountains even during the winter. With a light to medium snowfall Sydneysiders relish the opportunity to enjoy roaring log fires, eggnog, good food and wine, and outside winter walks and activities
Sydney Wind surfing
Posted 24/03/2009 – 5:43 am in: Backpackers, Backpackers Services, Backpackers SydneyProbably the best place for flat-water windsurfing in Sydney is the Botany Bay. If the wind is blowing then it will definitely be blowing in Botany Bay. My personal choice is the area between the airport and Brighton Le Sands. And yeah, believe me when I say it can be pretty exciting going out near the runway and hearing the Jumbos take off. One serious annoyance in Botany Bay is the Jelly Fish, which have swarmed this area of the sea in their huge numbers. There are thousands per square cubic meter of water. They are big but they don’t seem to sting.
The drain at the Southern end of the golf coast at Palm Beach is a great place to do windsurfing, the water is pretty clean and it’s quite a good place to sail in a north easterly. However, since the hills around Pittwater are quite high wind consistency is pretty poor and it can get somewhat gusty at times.
Balmoral too is good for windsurfing, but it can be a real pain in the butt when trying to get out through the moored yachts. The only place I know where you can do that is from the southwestern end of the beach, here to you will have to spend half of your time going backwards and forwards between the island and all the boats. However, if you do manage to get out it’s probably not bad since there are often people out there. Anyways, the only times this place is of any good is in north easterlies, since it is fairly hilly around Balmoral. You need to also be aware that Middle Harbour becomes pretty polluted after heavy rains, the water becomes very thick brown from all the storm water drains and the overflow from the sewerage system.
Collary / Long Reef is another place where you can do your surfing is also a popular location with them ocean going sailors.
If you are a novice and is looking to learn windsurfing then Narrabeen lakes is where you can do that. It’s pretty much a closed area of water and one side of the lake is shallow enough to stand in for a long way out. However the problem here is that it can get seriously crowded at times and the lake itself is merely 200-300 metres across.
Another good place to go windsurfing is the Rose Bay. It’s ok, pretty good in northerlies, and north easterlies, but being in the main harbour it can be a bit dirty. Much of the bay is not at all deep you can stand quite a long way out.
You can also try out Mayall lakes, which is about three and a half hours drive up north from Sydney. This is also a pretty pleasant place to camp.
Smith Lake is in the same direction as Mayall Lakes but is further away and a much nice place to sail. The lake has a sandy bottom and you can stand in quite a number of places. Great place for smooth water sailing
Geroa is another place you can tryout as well, Geroa seems to get very good winds, usually five knots more than the surrounding places
Surfing Sydney
Posted 22/03/2009 – 11:43 pm in: Backpackers, Backpackers Sydney, Backpacking in SydneyThem Sydney backpackers who are passionate about surfing, there are plenty of popular surfing locations around Sydney where you can do just that. Actually, not many other metropolitan areas in the world can come even close to Sydney, in terms of the variety and quality of options available. Miles and miles of Pacific pounded beaches, stretching as far as your eyes can see are there for you to explore whilst your stay in Sydney.
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
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Sydney Biking | Hiking | Walking
Posted 20/03/2009 – 12:02 am in: Backpackers Hostels in SydneyWhile you are in Sydney, why spend your money unnecessarily on other much more expensive modes of transportation, when you can go wherever you want on a bicycle! Actually, cycling is a fantastic way to travel if you want to get to know the city and have some fun at the sometime.
In Sydney there is an abundance of dedicated bike paths that are free of traffic and pass through parks, along beaches and rivers, and via breathtaking lookouts. For those of you without your own set of wheels, you can hire a bike at the Sydney Olympic Park
All bike rides start at a convenient distance from train stations. You don’t have to pay extra when taking your bike on City Rail trains during off-peak times and on weekends. You can also take your bike for free at all times on the ferry and on wheelchair-accessible buses at the driver’s discretion.
You can easily identify bike routes since these are always marked with a signpost. However, if you are not yet sure, handy books such as Bike Rides around Sydney provide detailed directions and maps. Maps also are available online in the RTA website www.rta.nsw.gov.au . You can also find maps covering Newcastle, Wollongong and the Blue Mountains in the RTA website. Another excellent riders’ resource is www.bikely.com which is a searchable database of cycling routes.
Sydney Hiking/Walking
Hiking/Walking: Manly Scenic Walkway
This is a 10KM walkway where you can have different scenic views of the Sydney Harbour. The trail begins at Manly Wharf. You can get a detailed map of the walk from the tourist information centre.
On this trail you will be passing through native bush land and you can see Aboriginal engravings. You also will get to see an Echidna close to the end of the walkway at Spit Bridge. You will need walking shoes and remember to take some water and food with you.
Hiking/Walking: Between Bondi and Coogee
There is a nice paved walkway between Bondi and Coogee along the coastline. When on this trail you get to see spectacular ocean views. The walk originates at the South end of Bondi and takes you through the suburbs of Tamarama, Bronte and Clovelly Bay. It takes about 2, 5 hrs if you walk slowly. You will need walking shoes.
Hiking / Walking: Harbour Bridge - Pylon Lookout
From the Pylon Lookout you can get a great view of Sydney’s world famous landmarks, the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Sydney Opera house. Also from up here you can have an amazing view of the Sydney Skyline. Besides getting to see great views of Sydney, inside the lookout there is a fascinating display of how this bridge was built. You can enter the Pylon from the pedestrian walkway from The Rocks.
Hiking / Walking: The Rocks
This is a delightful walkway where you will encounter a maze of narrow streets, laneways and interconnected sandstone cottages and terraces filled with shops, stalls, cafes and restaurants. The real thrill of it all is simply walking around the streets and soaking up the atmosphere. This path will take you pass Coroners Court, Mercantile Hotel, Oriental Hotel, Sailor’s home as well as so many other interesting places.
Hiking / Walking: Blue Mountains
There are some great walking trails around the Blue Mountains with different levels of difficulty. Walking down all of these is a seriously invigorating experience for those who dare to take the challenge. If you are one of them remember to wear a pair of comfortable walking shoes because at some sections it is no cakewalk.
Sydney Backpackers Having Risky Sex
Posted 18/03/2009 – 10:08 pm in: Backpackers, Backpackers ACT, Backpackers Australia Wide, Backpackers NSW, Backpackers QLD, Backpackers SA, Backpackers Sydney, Backpackers Tasmania, Backpackers VIC, Backpackers WA, Backpacking in SydneyHeavy binge consumption amongst many Sydney backpackers is driving up risky sex and rates of sexually transmitted infections in Sydney, specialists say.
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.
The Great Barrier Reef
Posted 17/03/2009 – 11:41 pm in: Backpackers, Backpackers Accommodation, Backpackers Australia WideThe Great Barrier Reef, lying off the coast of eastern Australia is the only living organic collective that is visible from Earth’s orbit. The world’s largest coral system is a natural wonder. The Great Barrier Reef was declared a world heritage site in 1981 and added to Australia’s national heritage list in 2007.
The gigantic reef covering an area larger than 300 000 square kilometres is scattered with beautiful islands and idyllic coral cays. The Great Barreir Reef system consists of more than 3000 reefs, some are as big as 10,000 hectares whilest there are also others that are as small as 1 hectare.
Numerious Human activites in the Reef areas has led to increased pollutants causing irrepable damage in some areas of this spectacular creation of nature. Protecting the Reef is the responsibility of the Marine Park Authority. In 2003, the previous Australian Government and Queensland Governments, in partnership with a wide range of industry and community groups, developed the Reef Water Quality Protection Reef Plan as a combined effort to protect the Reef.
The coral
Coral of diferent shapes and sizes make up the various reefs and cays; these form the basis for the great variety of sea and animal life in the Reef. Coral reefs are formed by individual coral polyps, these are tiny live creatures which join together to form colonies. Each polyp lives inside a shell of aragonite, a type of calcium carbonate which is the hard shell we recognise as coral. The polyps join together to create forests of coloured coral in interesting fan, antler, brain and plate shapes.
Ideal coral habitat is shallow warm water where there is a lot of water movement, plenty of light, where the water is salty and low in nutrients. Many different types of corals need different conditions to flourish, some grow extreamly slow taking hundreds of years whilest some grow much faster. The colours of coral are created by algae. Only live coral is coloured. Dead coral is white.
In the past and even in moredrn times, many ships were destroyed when they slammed on to these coral reefs. These include Captain James Cook’s ship Endeavour. One of the most famous wrecks is that of the HMS Pandora, which foundered in 1791. There are 30 shipwreck sites known in the marine park.
The habitat
The Great Barrier Reef area is blessed with an abundance of wildlife, including dugong and green turtles, varieties of dolphins and whales, more than 1500 species of fish, 4000 types of mollusc and more than 200 species of bird life.
Tourism
There are more than 2 million tourists visiting The Great Barrier Reef every year, they bring in excess of $AU2 billion in tourism dollars, making tourism a major earner for the north-eastern Australian economy. There are more than 500 commercial vessels taking tourists through nearly all the Park.
You can travel to The Great Barrier Reef from Sydney either by plane, train, bus or by renting a car.
Sydney Local Customs
Posted 17/03/2009 – 4:33 pm in: Backpackers, Backpackers Australia Wide, Backpackers NSW, Backpackers Services, Backpackers Sydney, Backpacking in Sydney, Flights to SydneyLocal customs in Sydney often are same as local customs in whole of Australia.
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 26th 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.
Sydney Public Transport - For Backpackers Info
Posted 15/03/2009 – 9:53 pm in: Backpackers, Backpackers Hostels Sydney, Backpackers Hostels in Sydney, Backpackers NSW, Backpackers Services, Backpackers Sydney, Backpacking in SydneyAirport Link
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.