Sydney Things to Do Tips by xuessium

The AMP Sydney Tower: See Sydney from above! AMP Centre Point Tower Review

Look down at the city from the highest point above the city for a breathtaking 360-degree panorama. On a good day, the view is well worth the visit up.

The tacky part of the visit is that the price of the ticket also includes "OzTrek", supposedly the largest simulated ride in the southern hemisphere, for a so-claimed thrilling virtual adventure across Australia. I think the kids may find this entertaining.

As from what I seen on the website, coming July 2005, there will also be a "skywalk" ala the one already offered by Macau Tower whereby guests can get all strap up and embark on an outdoor walk at 268 metres above Sydney.

GETTING THERE
Walking: Within the city, corner of Pitt & Market Street.
Bus: Sydney Explorer Bus Stop 14
Ferry: Ferries from Circular Quay
Monorail: City Centre Station
Train: Town Hall Station

OPENING HOURS
Sunday to Friday: 9:00am to 10:30pm
Saturday: 9:00am to 11:30pm

PRICING
Tickets include a visit to the Observation Deck at Sydney Tower and admission to OzTrek.

Adults $22.00*
Child (4-15 years) $13.20*
Under 4 years FREE
Seniors $15.00*
Concession $16.50*

Family Tickets Available
Family Ticket A 1 adult & 2 children $39.00*
Family Ticket B 2 adults & 1 child $45.90*
Family Ticket C 2 adults & 2 children $57.00*
Family Ticket D 2 adults & 3 children $67.00*

Address: Centrepoint Podium Level, 100 Market Street

Phone: 61-292231341

Port Stephens: Go searching for black dolphins! Hunter Valley and Newcastle Area Review

Port Stephens is 220 kilometres from Sydney, essentially a 2.5 hours drive north from Sydney via the F3 Freeway.

I came here via day tour, which is always on any day tour itinerary brochure in Sydney. It's a little pricey at almost A$150 per pax (including Hunter Valley).

The blue waters of Port Stephen boast black dolphins (and humpback whales during the winter months) and you are usually rewarded with exciting sights of these playful black dolphins. They are not tamed, but their curiosity brings them close to the barges and boats and in turn, bring you and me, the over curious humans, pretty pumped up at their presence. Watch them play hide-&-seek with you as they duck swiftly back into the waves just when you think you have sighted one and watch them dance around your boat/barge.

Nothing beats seeing nature right in front of your very eyes.

Port Stephens: Sand Dunes Hunter Valley and Newcastle Area Review

Port Stephens is 220 kilometres from Sydney, essentially a 2.5 hours drive north from Sydney via the F3 Freeway.

I came here via day tour, which is always on any day tour itinerary brochure in Sydney. It's a little pricey at almost A$150 per pax (including Hunter Valley).

The wind-blown sand dunes of Stockton Beach comprise the largest continuous mobile sand mass in New South Wales. The yellow grains have been washed in from the sea and blown ashore to form dunes up to thirty metres high. Most of the sand was deposited about six thousand years ago.

As the sand moves about, it exposes sections of barbed-wire entanglements left over from World War II. The wire had been hung from several rows of star pickets along the length of the beach. Running across the beach into the farmland for several kilometres was a line of heavy concrete pyramids designed to slow down tank movements. Many of these tank traps are still where they were placed all those years ago. Some of the blocks have been moved to line the beach car park at Birubi Point.

A day or annual permit allows four-wheel-drive vehicles on to the beach for most of its length to enjoy the wonders of this inspiring sandy landscape.

Hunter Valley: Wine Country Hunter Valley and Newcastle Area Review

Like the Barossa Valley off Adelaide, if you are a wine lover, you should not miss Hunter Valley off Sydney.

It is two hours north of Sydney and is home to the oldest vineyard in Australia and renowned for its Semillion and Chardonnay grape varieties.

Come here and relax in country splendour. The view is fantastic even if you are not a wine drinker. There are plenty of classy resorts and restaurants and I believed that there is also a sunrise balloon ride for those wanting champagne for breakfast.

Directions: Hunter Valley

Blue Mountains: Scenic Railway Blue Mountains Review

You can't be missing Scenic World when you are in the Blue Mountains. Things have changed so much in between my visits in 1999 and 2004. For one thing, the facade of the place is modernising with time for a more modern "theme-park" look. Another, the old rickety Scenic Skyway was replaced with a newer looking thingagimic. (I was glad I was able to catch a ride on the old dame for a last time)

Take a ride down the steepest incline Railway in the world down into a lush and hidden valley. The 415m descent will lead you through a cliff side tunnel into ancient rainforest. At one point, the gradient is 48 degrees and you will find yourself virtually standing up while you are busy plunging down into the valley.

Once down in the valley, you could choose to do the walks or take the new Scenic Flyway back up. The walks down in the valley are great and cooling. Have a look at the peat rich dark soil and smell the eucalyptus rich air. This is as good as you can get for an initiation to the Blue Mountains.

Admission prices for Scenic Railway:
Adult: A$8 one way; A$16 return
Child: A$4 one way; A$8 return
Family Pass: A$40

Directions: Scenic World Blue Mountains
Corner of Violet Street & Cliff Drive
Katoomba NSW 2780 Australia

Other Contact: email: info@scenicworld.com.au

Phone: 61-2-47822699

Parks of Sydney

As with most large Australian cities, Sydney is home to a number of lovely parks and green spaces.

THE ROYAL BOTANICAL GARDENS & DOMAIN
I must confess that I did not explore the grounds fully and properly as I was on my way to the Art Gallery. But if the Royal Botanical Gardens in Melbourne is an indication, then I think its counterpart in Sydney surely wouldn't disappoint.

Looking up the Lonely Planet, the guidebook describes it as a great picnic spot, is one of the best places to catch views of Sydney Harbour and home to exhibits and glasshouses.

HYDE PARK
Hyde Park was named after the original Hyde Park in London and is located on the eastern side of the Sydney CBD. Around the rectangular park, you will locate plenty of important buildings.

The centrepiece of Hyde Park is the majestic Archibald Fountain. The fountain was designed by François Sicard and donated by J.F. Archibald in 1932 in honour of Australia's contribution to the Great War in France.

At the park's southern end is the ANZAC War Memorial behind the 'Lake of Reflections' or 'Pool of Remembrance'.

The western, or Elizabeth Street side, is home to the 125 foot Obelisk decorated with Egyptian features. It was erected in 1857 and unveiled by the then Mayor, George Thornton, but the monument is actually a sewer vent, and soon the joke around town was to call it 'Thornton's Scent Bottle'.

And for folks looking for the discoverer of Australia, don't leave the park till you have come across the statue of Captain James Cook.

Experience Australian Art Art Gallery of New South Wales Review

Claude Monet still inspires people. Enough for me to make the trip to the Art Gallery. It's not everyday I get to see Monet!

The grand brown-tinged building reminds me of the type of colonial buildings I see back home though in this case, instead of being governmental, it is being used as an Art Gallery.

There are several wings, displaying mainstream Australian art pieces with galleries set aside for special exhibits such as the Monet one I waited in line for. There are galleries dedicated to different styles such as the Classical, the omnipotent Landscape, Impressionism, Post-Impressionism, Surrealism and Abstractism. You could spend a few good hours here, for art lovers.

There is a cafe and but of course, gift shops.

Entry into the normal exhibits are free, though you have to pay to enter the special ones. For example, I paid A$18 for the special Monet collection exhibit.

Address: Art Gallery Road, The Domain, Sydney NSW

Directions: Just opposite The Domain and within walking distance to Hyde Park.

Website: http://www.artgallery.nsw.gov.au/

Darling Harbour-Cockle Bay-Chinatown Chinatown Review

Probably the place to go to catch some Chinese Dim Sums (or Dim Sims as they call it in Oz), slurp some Chinese Tea and then after, take a lovely stroll to Cockles Bay and Darling Harbour to wear off that extra weight around the waist.

Sydney's Chinatown encompasses several streets so if you are into all things dragons and red, this is the place to be. Pardon me from being less excited. It's not something I find unfamiliar!

Cockle Bay-Darling Harbour next door is home to snazzy and upmarket restaurants, cafes and eateries, as well as a host of tourist attractions such as the Maritime Museum and Sydney Wildlife World. You could spend a day here, and more is the sun comes out to play!

If you are sick of walking, simply hop on the Monorail for an aerial loop around the area. 1 trip is A$4.80 per pax (circa Jun 08)

Website: http://www.darlingharbour.com/

Climb Sydney Harbour Bridge! Harbour Bridge Review

One of the 3 landmarks of Sydney - the omnipotent presence of the bridge dominates the harbour skyline. You can choose to admire from afar, or do one step better and climb up to the bridge level to experience the strong winds and enjoy the magnificent views of the Sydney Opera House and the city. If you think this is still too sedate for your satisfaction - conquer the Bridge Climb and climb to the apex of the bridge!

You can now choose 2: The more sedate Bridge Climb and the slightly more adventurous Discovery Climb (which I did) for a more thorough inspection of the Bridge structure.

RATES:
Please check the website for the prices.

Catch a ferry, bus or train to Circular Quay. BridgeClimb is a short walk along George Street, then up Argyle Street (take the Argyle Stairs) to Cumberland Street. By car, park at Harrington Street, George Street and Argyle Street car parks.

* Climbers should plan to arrive 15 minutes prior to their scheduled Climb time to check-in, as Climbs cannot be held for late arrivals.

Directions: The booking office of the Bridge Climb is at:
5 Cumberland Street, The Rocks, Sydney.

Phone: 61-282747777 (Bridge Climb)

Website: http://www.bridgeclimb.com/

Marvel the architecture of Sydney's Town Hall Town Hall Review

Possibly most rewarding for architecture buffs though you will be hard-pressed to ignore Town Hall's presence. I made a stop here partly to meet up with a friend, and partly to take in the architectural details. (Plus, it was raining outside)

extracted from the website below:
..."For more than a century it has been the city’s major public and civic building, its clock a popular landmark and the marble steps leading up to the entrance one of Sydney’s favourite meeting places.

The Town Hall is the seat of the city's government and the venue for meetings of the City of Sydney Council.

Built in the grand Victorian manner from local sandstone, the building has been beautifully restored to its original form.

One of the finest examples of High Victorian architecture and decoration in Australia, it features a magnificent wood-lined concert hall, an 8000 pipe grand organ and exquisitely crafted stained glass windows.

The Sydney Town Hall is an impressive centre for civic and cultural events and its state of the art facilities make it one of Sydney’s most exciting venues"...

Address: 483 George Street, Sydney, NSW 2000

Directions: Nearest Cityrail station: Town Hall

Other Contact: council@cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au

Website: http://www.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/Business/VenuesForHire/SydneyTownHall/default.asp