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Tag: Sydney travel

  • Sydney’s Best Walking Trails

    When most of us think of Sydney, we think of soaking up the sun or enjoying the surf on the beaches by day and hitting the clubs by night. But this Australian city doesn’t just cater for beach bunnies and party animals. We suggest exploring all this city has to offer on one of its many walking tracks.

    The Riverside Walk in Lane Cove National Park takes around three hours, but it’s far from gruelling. The terrain from the Max Allen Drive Bridge to Riverside Drive is very easy to navigate; it’s more like a leisurely stroll than a hike. If your fitness levels are low, or you simply want to take in your bushland surrounds, make sure you take advantage of the many picnic areas you’ll pass.

    Governor Phillip Walk is another lengthy path, talking some three hours and 45 minutes to explore. But the track from Ferguson Street in Forestville to Middle Harbour Creek is one worth discovering. Named for Sydney’s founder, this trail will take you out of the suburbs and into the bush of Garigal National Park. The rugged scrublands contrast with some of the best water views you’ll find.

    For a real challenge, head to the beachside suburb of Narrabeen and tackle the Narrabeen Lakes to Manly Lagoon bushwalk. It’s not a particularly treacherous path, but at five and a half hours it’s not a walk for the faint-hearted. The vistas will reward your efforts though. When you’re admiring the stretches of sand dunes and tranquil lagoons, it’s easy to forget how far you’ve traveled. A swim at Manly Beach, your final destination, is the perfect way to cool down after your hike.

    With 17 different tracks to choose from, you’re spoiled for choice at Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park. If you’ve only got the time to take one though, we suggest tackling either the Willunga Trig track or the Elvina Bay Aboriginal Engraving Walk. It will take a leisurely 45 minutes to walk the Willunga Trig track, which begins and ends on West Head Road. The sloping trail will test your legs, but you’ll be rewarded with a stunning view across Pittwater once you reach the apex. The Elvina Bay Aboriginal Engraving Walk is a 15-minute feast of indigenous culture. The striking rock engravings you’ll see on the path and the short circuit make it an ideal hike for the kids.

    If you’re looking for a hike to suit man and man’s best friend, you’ll find it at Lake Parramatta. Dogs are welcome on its Banksia Trail, a leafy path which will take you on an hour long walk by the water’s edge. The trail is well signposted so you can learn lots about the unique Australian fauna around you. The walk starts at the main parking lot, which is luxuriously appointed with toilet facilities, Aussie barbecues, and picnic tables.

    Feet at Royal National Park
    Hit the trails at Sydney’s Royal National Park

    If the other trails intimidate you, head to Royal National Park near the beachside suburb of Cronulla. The Nasho as the locals call it was established way back in 1879. That makes it one of the oldest national parks in the world. You can admire the ancient trees, the Hacking River, and the striking rock formations as you walk along Bungoona Path. The path was designed to be accessible by wheelchairs, so it’s very easy to take the 20-minute return journey.

    So make sure you find room for your hiking boots amongst your swimming costumes and cocktail dresses when you’re packing for your Australian getaway. Spending some time hitting the trails is a great way to discover Sydney’s natural beauty without spending a cent.

    [Image Source: Vinni/Flickr]

  • Party for Less in Sydney – Australian City’s Best Free Nightspots

    We all know that Australians love to party, but enjoying an evening out in Sydney can often cost you much more than your cocktails. Hefty cover charges are instituted at many of the top nightspots, and they can put a serious dent in your vacation budget. However, with a bit of know-how you can avoid those sneaky fees and save some cash for an extra drink or two! In this article we round up some of the city’s best free club nights for partygoers of all tastes.

    They start the party early in Sydney with AND waiving the cover charge on Wednesday nights. The crowd is very young, which can get tiring if you’re a bit long in the tooth. But that junior clientele keeps the drink prices down. Hit the dance floor or lose your inhibitions in one of the karaoke booths!

    Why pay $25 to party at ARQ on the weekend, when you can do it for nothing on Thursday nights? It’s Mardi Gras all year round here with some of the best drag talent the city has to offer. Arrive early to see the amateurs strut their stuff before the main show, You Are Soul, an extravaganza of glitter and glamour!

    If you prefer something a bit more traditional you’ll find it the Lansdowne Hotel. This pub is opposite Sydney Uni, so it’s used to catering for folks living on a shoestring. It’s also the venue of choice for some of Australia’s best independent musicians. It might just become your local while you’re in town, as there’s free live music every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday night.

    Music lovers will also appreciate the Excelsior Hotel in the trendy inner-city suburb of Glebe. The place is a local institution famous for nurturing Sydney’s talented singer-songwriters. There are free live bands from resident musicians and acoustic artists every Thursday and Friday night.

    As locals and tourists prepare to usher in the weekend, you’re spoiled for choice on Friday nights. The folks at edgy underground promotions company Niche Productions are behind Movement, Friday night’s entertainment at Bondi’s Beach Road Hotel. A revolving door of DJs pumps dubstep, future beat, and leftfield house music until the early hours.

    If you prefer something a bit more retro, step into Yo Grito! Every Friday night Sydney’s GoodGod Small Club converts its front bar into an authentic rock’n’roll mess hall. Expect an eclectic mix of guitar-driven surf music, punk, garage rock, and soul.

    If you enjoy your beats thumping, Strange Fruit at Ultimo’s Abercrombie Hotel is the place for you on Saturdays. The sound system is far from perfect, but the techno tunes sound better after a few of the bar’s reasonably priced drinks.

    Don’t confuse the Abercrombie’s Strange Fruit for the goings on at Freda’s in Chippendale. This restaurant and bar caters for a totally different crowd with its own Strange Fruit night every Sunday. It’s a much mellower affair, with calypso, jazz, reggae, soul, and other cruisy choices to help you wind down after a boozy weekend.

    Fireworks over the Sydney Opera House (Australia)
    And no matter what day of the week it is, you can enjoy free live music at the Opera Bar near the iconic Sydney Opera House. Don’t let the name fool you; the cool jazz, funk, and soul sounds ensure this place is far from stuffy. The drinks are pricy, but it’s worth paying a premium for those enviable harbor views.

  • Sydney’s Best Picnic Spots – Dine in Australia’s Parks & Beaches

    Sydney is home to many of the world’s best restaurants overseen by leading chefs like Tetsuya Wakuda, Peter Gilmore, and Neil Perry. However dining at their establishments can quickly empty your wallet. But frugal travelers need not miss out on great food and water views while visiting the harbor city. Just bring your own and enjoy some of Sydney’s best picnic spots!

    Soak up Sydney’s sun, surf, and sand with a picnic by the beach. The city has several great coastal parks that are perfect for families. Balmoral Beach in Mosman may be one of Sydney’s most famous, but it’s a reputation that’s well deserved. The Norfolk Island pine trees provide plenty of shade, and there’s a playground to keep the kids entertained. You can bring your own grub or grab some cheap fish and chips from one of the nearby takeaway stores.

    If you enjoy peace and quiet you may prefer a less popular Australian beach like Chinaman’s Beach on nearby McLean Crescent. This coastal spot is a bit of a local secret, but the residents won’t mind you claiming a piece of parkland. There’s plenty of space for enjoying a game of frisbee or Aussie cricket. And of course the water’s not too far away either. The well-protected beach has small and gentle waves just perfect for tiny tots.

    For a different kind of water view choose a spot near Sydney’s famous harbor. The Royal Botanic Gardens is a popular picnic spot for tourists and locals alike. The outlook is incredible, and the shady lawns, rose gardens, and fountains create an incomparable atmosphere. Admission to the gardens is free, and exploring them is a great way to work off your lunch.

    The Royal Botanic Gardens can get crowded when the weather is fine though. If you’d prefer to stray from the tourist path, take a trip to Wendy’s Secret Garden in Lavender Bay. The whimsically named spot was created by Wendy Whiteley in memory of her husband, the late Sydney based artist Brett Whiteley. The large fig trees offer plenty of shade and a home for the resident parrots, kookaburras, and other birdlife.

    Sydney is built around its waterways, but some of the city’s best picnic spots aren’t by the water at all. Centennial Park acts as an oasis in Sydney’s bustling inner east. With 189 hectares of space there’s plenty of room to spread out near the duck ponds and flower beds.

    Picnic in Sydney's Royal Botanic Gardens
    Picnic in Sydney's Royal Botanic Gardens

    Things are a bit quieter at Lake Parramatta Reserve in North Parramatta. It’s a shade smaller at 73 hectares, but there’s still plenty of space for a family picnic. There are native birds and wildflowers for nature lovers, and rock shelters decorated with the hand-stencils of Sydney’s first indigenous inhabitants.

    So who wants to sit inside a stuffy restaurant? A picnic in a park by the beach or the harbour is a much better way to soak up Sydney and save money!

    [Image Source: Freddy Rhoads/Flickr]

  • Walk from Bondi to Bronte – Beautiful Beach Trail in Sydney, Australia

    As the weather cools, and the ocean too, tourists are beginning to steer clear of Sydney’s beautiful beaches. However, you don’t have to take a dip or catch a few waves to appreciate this natural resource. The coastal walk from Bondi to Bronte is a frugal way to spend time in Sydney, and one of the best jogging trails in Australia.

    A walkway takes you four kilometers from Ben Buckler Point to Waverly Cemetery. If that distance sounds daunting you can walk the two and a half kays in the middle between iconic Bondi Beach and the lesser known breaks at Bronte. Either way it’s not a particularly challenging walk, with paved paths guiding your journey. You should allow an hour for the shorter walk, and twice the time if you’re taking the extended journey.

    No matter what the season, the ocean views are picture perfect. Along the way you’ll see rock structures and cliffs shaped by the waters and winds over thousands of years, and the famous Bondi Icebergs ocean pool. You can drop in to the Bondi Icebergs club for a schooner of cleansing ale, or take a dip if the cold water doesn’t faze you.

    Girl jogging near Bondi Beach
    Girl jogging near Bondi Beach

    Sydney’s temperature rarely drops to the point of unpleasant, so while the sea breeze can be brisk you shouldn’t be uncomfortable on the walk. However, don’t let the chilly weather make you complacent. Australia’s UV rays are more powerful than you may think, so you should wear sunscreen and a hat on your walk. Comfortable walking shoes are also a must. While the paved path makes it an easy journey, it’ll seem like a much longer adventure if you’re wearing heels. And finally, don’t forget to pack your camera. No doubt you’ll want to snap a few shots of the Sydney landscape to show your friends back home!

    [Image Source: Ernst Moeksis/Flickr]

  • See Historic Ships for Free at Australian National Maritime Museum

    Australia’s historic ships and naval heritage are celebrated at the Australian National Maritime Museum.

    The museum’s galleries feature important documents and other relics from Australia’s maritime history. You can explore these displays at your own pace or join a free guided tour. The interactive touch screens in the museum’s foyer give times and information about this service along with other museum events and activities.

    But for most visitors, the most exciting parts of the museum are outside its halls. Several ships are docked in the harbor just outside, including the navy destroyer HMAS Vampire, the 1847 tall ship James Craig, the Blackmores First Lady sailed around the world by Australian solo voyager Kay Cottee, and a replica of the Endeavour, the ship that Captain James Cook traveled to Australia in.

    All those boats and talk of history can be a bit dry for the kids, so if you’re taking the family visit on Sundays or during school holiday periods. Extra activities including craft projects, story time, and games should keep children aged between five and 12 entertained. These sessions do attract an extra fee of $7 though, so they can get pricey if you have a large brood.

    The Australian National Maritime Museum's replica of the Endeavour
    The Australian National Maritime Museum's replica of the Endeavour

    The Australian National Maritime Museum is conveniently located on the western side of the bubbling Darling Harbour precinct. This tourist hub is easily accessible by Sydney’s bus, light rail, and monorail networks.

    The Australian National Maritime Museum is one of Sydney’s free museums, although special exhibitions and activities may attract a small fee. It’s open every day except Christmas from 9:30 am in the morning. The museum closes at 5 pm, except in January when it closes at 6 pm.

    [Image Source: Andy Mitchell/Flickr]

  • Free Art Galleries in Sydney, New South Wales

    It doesn’t cost a lot to get cultured in Sydney. Entry to most art galleries in the Australian tourist center is free!

    Some of Australia’s most famous artworks are housed in the Art Gallery of New South Wales, including pieces from 19th and 20th century masters Grace Cossington Smith, Sidney Nolan, and Russell Drysdale.

    The gallery is also home to the Yiribana Gallery, which celebrates Australian indigenous art. If you prefer something more modern, visit The Rocks' Museum of Contemporary Art. It's the only museum of its kind in Oz, so it's worth visiting if your tastes are cutting edge. While it's not as spacious as the big galleries, the Blender Gallery in Paddington is also worth a look; this space provides a temporary home for traveling rock-focused photography exhibitions. The Locksmith Project Space in Alexandria is another exciting small free gallery, which showcases experimental pieces including films and music. The life and work of one of Sydney's most talented artists, Brett Whitley, is showcased at his Surry Hills studio. His work, including many unfinished pieces, is displayed here in the building which served as his home and exhibition space. The Norman Lindsay Gallery and Museum in Faulconbridge is another site focusing on one of Sydney's favorite sons. Norman Lindsay shot to fame as the author and illustrator of the beloved Australian children's book The Magic Pudding. The gallery features works from this classic story, along with Lindsay's other key pieces. The Australian Galleries have so many local artworks that they needed six campuses to house them all: four in Victoria and two in the Sydney suburb of Paddington. The buildings on Glenmore Road and Roylston Street honor modern Aussie artists under the gaze of Stuart Purves, the son of the original curators.paintbrushes The Blacktown Arts Centre, Campbelltown Arts Centre, and Hawkesbury Regional Gallery are also great gallery options outside the city center. Some traveling exhibitions may incur additional costs, but it's possible to soak up plenty of Australian and international art for free in Sydney.

  • The Rocks Self-Guided Walking Tour – Discover Sydney’s Historic Heart

    Sydney vacation companies offer plenty of tours designed to introduce you to New South Wales’ capital.

    While these excursions are informative and entertaining, they're also costly. So why not save your dollars in Sydney and enjoy a self-guided tour instead? One of the best places for exploring is The Rocks, a district regarded as the birthplace of modern Australia. Captain Arthur Phillip landed here in 1788, and it's been growing ever since. Happily though, the area celebrates its heritage with historic buildings which remember its past. Circular Quay is an easy place to start your journey. It has bus stops, a train station, and ferry wharf, so it's one of the most accessible places in Sydney. The iconic sights of the Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge let you know you're in the right spot. Travel north past the Museum of Contemporary Art to the first historic building on our tour, Cadman's Cottage. Cadman's Cottage is one of Australia's oldest surviving buildings. It was originally built in 1816 to house the state governor's coxswain and crew, but today is home to the National Parks and Wildlife Service Information Center. You can visit for free every day except Mondays, Christmas, and Good Friday. Across the road from the Overseas Passenger Terminal you'll see a row of warehouses. Today they're office spaces and restaurants, so it's amazing to think they too were built in colonial times. You'll see some steps which will take you to the main area of The Rocks. Head west on Argyle Street and you'll find The Rocks Center, a great source of information about The Rocks and the rest of Sydney. If you're not sure what to do while you're in the city, this is the place to come. If you continue along Argyle you’ll come to the Argyle Cut, a deep rock cutting through sandstone which offers access to Darling Harbour and Millers Point. It's amazing to think that convicts did the bulk of this work with only chisels and hammers in 1843. Explosives finished the job in 1867. At the turn of the 20th century it was a popular hangout for gangsters and lowlifes, but it’s happily been cleaned up since then! Continue on to The Garrison Church, located at the corner of Argyle Street and Lower Fort Road. It began its life in 1840 as a military church, and plaques hanging on the walls remind us of this history. [caption id="attachment_5280" align="alignright" width="150" caption="Argyle Cut at Night"]Argyle Cut at Night[/caption] After all that walking you're probably tired and a bit thirsty. So why not do as the locals do and enjoy a schooner of beer at the Hero of Waterloo Hotel. The convict-built Irish pub has been one of Sydney's most popular watering holes since 1843. Local drops including Tooheys New, Carlton Draught, and James Squire go down easy, so this hotel is a great place to end your Rocks walking tour!

    [Image Source: Angus Fraser/Flickr]

  • See Sydney on the Cheap – Budget Australia Travel Tips

    After watching Oprah Winfrey and her ultimate viewers climb the Harbour Bridge and take in the Botanic Gardens, travelers around the world are dying to do the same.

    But it's worth pausing before booking your flight to Sydney. Australia is a long way from anywhere, so getting there isn't cheap. The New South Wales capital is also one of the most expensive for tourists in the world. But don't let that deter you from your dream vacation Down Under. With a little insider knowledge, it's possible to have a great time without spending a small fortune. You can save a bit on those airfares and accommodation with some careful planning. While the idea of spending summer days on Bondi Beach sounds glamorous, many tourists don't realize how hot and humid the weather gets between November and February. These months are Sydney's peak travel season, so visit outside these times and you'll enjoy discounts and a more pleasant climate. Sydney caters for all kinds of travelers, with accommodation options from backpacker hostels to plush five-star hotels. The well-kept hostels are ideal for anyone satisfied with a clean place to sleep and little else. Serviced apartments with laundries and kitchens are also a great option for travelers looking to cut costs while enjoying a little more luxury. Sydney's restaurants are pricier than you’ll find in New South Wales' country towns, but they're more affordable than those in Paris or New York. Avoid the big restaurants on Sundays and public holidays, as they'll often tack on a 10% service charge. For cheap eats, enjoy Sydney's multicultural influences in Chinatown, Cabramatta, and Leichardt. The city's best seafood can be found at the Sydney Fish Market, where it's served up straight from the boat at a number of casual and affordable cafes. While hopping cabs can be pricy, Sydney's public transport system is cheap and easy to navigate. Multi-fare passes can be used on the city's trains, buses, and ferries to help you save. Australia piggy bankAnd if you're staying in the CBD, you can just hop on the free city shuttle! It's possible to see much of Sydney with the family without paying a cent. Most of the city's museums and national parks offer free entry, and there's usually a free festival celebrating something on weekends. While it's pricy to climb the Harbour Bridge as Oprah did, it's free to stroll the pedestrian walkway across it. The views aren't quite as spectacular, but your wallet will feel a lot fuller. Once the sun sets you can head to bars like The Sandringham, The Lansdowne, and The Beach Road to enjoy some free live music. Just be prepared to pay for the beers!

  • See Sydney’s Historic Buildings for Less with Travel Through Time Pass

    Sydney is one of Australia’s oldest cities, so it’s no surprise to learn it’s home to some of the country’s most historic buildings.

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    You can see these sites for less with the Historic Houses Trust Ticket Through Time.

    This discounted admission pass allows travelers to visit all 12 museums overseen by the trust. These include the Hyde Park Barracks, Governor’s House, and the Museum of Sydney. You won’t need to rush through them either, as the pass gives tourists three months to appreciate the ancient architecture, stroll about the meticulous gardens, and discover the stories of these prominent sites.

    The passes cost $30 for adults, $15 for children and concession card holders, and $60 for families visiting Sydney. With most buildings charging between $8 and $10 for individual adult admissions, those savings can add up quickly.

    Sydney's Government House
    Sydney's Government House

    But it’s worth visiting the Historic Houses Trust website and planning your visit first. The Mint and Government House are both free to visit, so if you don’t want to see much more than these you’ll come out ahead by buying individual passes.

    The package is a great idea for history buffs though, or anyone wanting to learn more about what makes Sydney the city it is today. Buy your Ticket Through Time from any Historic Houses Trust building except Government House.

    [Image Source: Neal Jennings/Flickr]

  • Sydney’s Cheapest Transport Options – Explore Australian City for Less

    The fast-paced energy of Sydney can daunt some tourists. But if you want to save cash in the New South Wales capital, resist the urge to simply jump in a taxi.

    The city has several affordable, and even free, transport options. When staying right in the heart of Sydney, the free CBD shuttle bus is your best option. Buses complete a loop every ten minutes, touching down at key points like Central Station, Circular Quay, the luxurious Queen Victoria Building mall, and the Sydney Museum. If you're venturing further afield, the Explorer buses are your best bet. The Sydney Explorer bus visits 27 of the city's most popular landmarks, including the Opera House, Darling Harbour, and Royal Botanic Gardens. There's also a Bondi Explorer for tourists wanting to hit the beach. You can simply hop off the Explorer buses when something looks interesting, knowing it'll be only 20 minutes before the next one comes along. You'll travel in air-conditioned comfort, and probably learn something along the way thanks to the onboard commentary. One-day passes cost $40 for adults, $20 for children, and $100 for families. Anyone taking an extended trip may save money by choosing a multi-day ticket. These three, five, and seven-day passes include travel on both Explorer buses and other public transport around the city.inexpensive Australia trip graphic The monorail doesn't stop at as many places as the buses, but this sky-high railway is a lot of fun to ride. Families may also find they unexpectedly save money by purchasing a day pass. Along with 24 hours of unlimited travel, the ticket includes $100 worth of coupons for Sydney's kid-friendly tourist attractions and restaurants. Many tourists spend money on expensive cruises and tours to see Sydney Harbour, but the locals know it's much more affordable, and just as impressive, from the ferry. Sydney Ferries travel from Circular Quay to Taronga Zoo, the beach suburb of Manly, North Sydney, and other destinations around the harbour. Round trips cost less than $10 a piece, but if you're planning several journeys you may benefit from a DayTripper pass. This offers 24-hours of unlimited travel on ferries, buses, and even some trains. While Sydney's public transport prices are always reasonable, it's cheapest to travel on Sundays. Dubbed Family Funday Sundays, travel anywhere on New South Wales' trains, buses, and ferries costs just $2.50 per person. With the networks taking in destinations like the Central Coast, Newcastle, and Southern Highlands, this deal allows families to see more of the state for less.