Sydney Off the Beaten Path Tips by Joseph69

I suggest a trip to the Blue Mountains if you have a spare day or two.

You can either go on an escorted tour arranged by your hotel/hostel, or alternatively, board a train. The journey takes around 2 hours by train from Central Railway Station to Katoomba.

The cost of a return train ticket is about AUD$23.00+, but if you go after 9am (off-peak), you will save about AUD$5.00+.

I strongly suggest to go by train as by bus, it may get caught in traffic and take even longer. Train is much mroe predictable and a lot more comfortable than by bus.

Trains in off-peak depart every hour and in peak hours, about every 30 minutes.

Most people go to the Blue Moutains to view the Three Sisters. The Three Sisters are also lit-up at night. There is some really nice bush walking (hiking) too.

I suggest an overnight stay as it's really peaceful and fresh, but if that is not possible, it's a journey easily possible within a day. There are all sorts of accomodation available, from cheap hotels to resort style hotels with all the fancy facilities.

My favourite location is Leura, which is next to Katoomba. Accomodation in Leura is slightly more expensive, but I feel it's nicer if you go as a couple.

Just note that in the winter months it can get quite cold so take some warm clothing. It does snow there sometimes (not often). Generally, Katoomba is about 7 to 10 degrees celcius cooler than Sydney. Maximum tempuratures in winter of around 8 to 10 degrees celcius is not uncommon.

The first train to Katoomba Railway Station from Central Railway Station is about 4am. Yes, that early! The last train to return from Katoomba is around 11:15pm.

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If you have a full day to spare, you will not regret a trip to Palm Beach. If you have time, a ferry trip to Gosford is also recommended.

Palm Beach
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It is located about 40kms north of the city centre of Sydney. It is the most northerly beach in the Sydney Metropolitan Area. One side is a surf beach and the other side a nice, calm beach. Take your pick or enjoy both!

Taking a taxi will be quite expensive. Either get a bus (the only public transport available) or hire a car for the day.

To drive, go north over the Harbour Bridge and follow the Frenchs Forest, then Mona Vale, then Palm Beach signs.

By bus, board the L90 (Limited Stops) bus at the Wynyard Station bus terminal.

The first bus is about 5:20am to Palm Beach (expect a 1 hour 45 minute journey) and the last direct bus route back is about 11:00pm (expect a 1 hour 25 minute journey). It departs about every 30 minutes.

The cost is about AUD$11.00 for a return journey by bus.

Palm Beach Ferry to Gosford (Ettalong)
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This is a beautiful trip. If you go to Palm Beach early, then you can enjoy both Palm Beach and the Gosford area all in a day... as well as seeing the beautiful Hawksberry River. I think the river is probably more beautiful than Sydney Harbour! It's very sparsely built-up.

The ferry leaves Palm Beach Wharf every 1.5 hours to 2 hours between 6:30am to 5pm. The return from Ettalong is from 6am to 5:30pm daily. There is an extra later service in the summer in both directions. The cost for an Adult fare is about AUD$17.00+ for a return trip.

You will not regret this. It is a truly beautiful trip.

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