Sydney

I have already been to Australia several times, but I couldn’t get to Sydney. And it happened! The city met me with a hurricane that lasted 5 days, I broke an umbrella and broke my SLR camera. But, having first climbed Harbor Bridge, I forgave Sydney all the hardships. It’s impossible not to fall in love with such a place.

Australia's largest and oldest city is located on the shores of the winding Port Jackson Bay.

The main sleeve of the bay, Sydney Bay, gives the city its unique beauty. No wonder Sydney is called The Harbor City.

This place can not be imagined without the ocean and a long series of diverse beaches, where you can both fight the waves and glide along the azure surface.

The urban development is eclectic: skyscrapers, colonial architecture, neo-Gothic churches, private houses of all colors and sizes.

This motley hash, combined with an expressive natural relief and vibrant Australian colors gives Sydney a unique charm.

This is a noisy, creative, crowded and multinational metropolis, the inhabitants of which by some miracle manage to maintain a special Australian relaxation and ease. The bustle of a big city is easy to forget, being in one of the many parks with untouched nature, colorful parrots, kookaburra, posum and flying foxes.

How to get there

The main way to get to Sydney from Russia is by air. From neighboring cities in Australia, there are other options:

• a train,
• bus,
• car.

By plane

Unfortunately, there are no direct flights from Russia to Sydney. With one change from Moscow, you can fly with the flights of the following airlines:

• Emirates (the same flight can be purchased from Qantas), via Dubai;
• Singapore Airlines, via Singapore;
• Qatar Airlines, via Doha;
• Etihad Airways (available from S7 Airlines) through Abu Dhabi;
• Air China, via Beijing;
• China Eastern Airlines, via Shanghai;
• China Southern Airline, via Guangzhou;
• Thai Airlines, via Bangkok;
• Japan Airlines, via Tokyo;
• Aeroflot with Cathay Pacific or Asiana Airline, via Hong Kong or Seoul.

Traveling on average takes 20-30 hours. Prices range from 700 to 1400 EUR. Emirates flies from St. Petersburg with 1 stop in Sydney, but more often it is cheaper to get through Moscow.

It is also possible to combine airlines. Many discounters fly to Sydney from Asia (Air Asia, Jetstar, Tiger Airways, Cebu Pacific, Virgin Australia). In any case, buying 2 separate tickets, you need to lay enough time for a transfer or make a stop. If the first flight is late, you run the risk of missing the second, and boarding the next is not guaranteed to you.

How to get from the airport

Sydney Kingsford Smith International Airport consists of 3 terminals:

• T1 - international,
• T2 and T3 - for extension lines.

To travel to the city by public transport at the airport you can buy a rechargeable card. Opal card, which I’ll discuss in more detail in the section "How to get around the city."

Travel options to the city:

1. Quick and convenient access to the center by train. He will take you to Central Station in a record thirteen minutes. The fare, depending on the time of day, will be 12.36 - 13.14 USD (16.16 -17.18 AUD) for an adult, 10.39 - 10.78 USD (13.58 - 14.09 AUD) for a child.
2. Cheaper but Longer to Drive by bus. Route 400 connecting Bondi Junction and Burwood stops at the exit of T1 and T3. The ticket price to the end station is USD 3.44 (AUD 4.5), a child ticket costs USD 1.72 (AUD 2.25). The bus does not go to the very center, so you have to change trains. Central station can be reached for 2.68 USD (3.5 AUD), a child ticket will cost 1.34 USD (1.75 AUD). It takes about an hour. Docking options can be viewed on this site.
3. Taxi the center will cost an average of 30.6 - 46 USD (40-60 AUD). It can be caught in designated areas.
4. Many hotels offer service shuttle buses. The shuttle can also be booked in advance on the website or at the information desk upon arrival.

Opportunity to save

The price of a train ticket from Sydney Airport to the center consists of the usual fare for the city and the airport surcharge (AUD 13.80 for adults, AUD 12.40 for children). For example, the cost of a train ticket from the next Mascot station to the Central Station will be only 1.8 - 2.6 USD (2.36 - 3.38 AUD). From the extension terminal, you can walk to Mascot Station in about 20 minutes. From the international terminal it’s far to go, but there is an option to take bus number 400.

By train

As you know, it is impossible to get to Sydney by train from Russia. This type of transport is only useful to you domestically. The railway system connects Sydney with the cities of New South Wales, Victoria and Queensland, including Melbourne (11 hours), Canberra (4 hours 20 minutes), Brisbane (14 hours 15 minutes). Schedules and prices can be found on the NSW Trainlink Regional official website.

Luxurious train The Indian Pacific will deliver from Sydney to Adelaide and Perth. Tickets can be booked on the Great Southern Rail website. All trains arrive at Sydney Central Station, from where you can easily get to anywhere in the city.

By the way: the cost of tickets for long-distance trains is often higher than the cost of air travel.

By bus

A bus can be a cheaper alternative to a train. Sydney Central Bus Station is next to Central Station. Popular bus companies (Greyhound and Murrays) will deliver to Sydney from Canberra (3.5 hours), Melbourne (12-13 hours) and Brisbane (18 hours).

By car

Sydney is connected to neighboring cities by convenient and modern roads. If you are traveling from Canberra, you can get to Sydney in 3.5 hours on average, it will take from 9 to 11 hours to get from Melbourne, and about 11 hours from Brisbane. There will be toll roads along the way, most of which cannot be paid in cash.

Usually, a special device for contactless fare payment (transponder) is installed on the machine, connected to a credit card account. I will tell you more about it in the corresponding section. Gasoline costs on average 0.95 USD (1.24 AUD).

By ferry

The sea route from Russia to Sydney (for example, from Vladivostok) is theoretically possible, but it is unlikely to interest an ordinary tourist. It will turn out to be long, tiring, it will require a lot of changes and in general will be difficult in terms of organization. But you can go on a cruise to Sydney on a comfortable liner from the UK, USA, Japan, Singapore, Argentina, Chile and New Zealand.

Large ships arrive at the international passenger terminal at Circular Quay.

If the ship is compact in size and can pass under the Harbor Bridge, it is based in the new White Bay Cruise Terminal east of the city center.

hint: Sydney - time is now 00: 04 October October time difference: Moscow - 8 Kazan - 8 Samara - 7 Yekaterinburg - 6 Novosibirsk - 4 Vladivostok - 1

When is the season. When is the best time to go?

Sydney is good at any time of the year. The Australian summer provides an opportunity to enjoy swimming in the ocean, while in the cooler months, a comfortable temperature is kept for walking and sightseeing. Do not forget that Australia is in the southern hemisphere and the seasons here are the opposite of ours. When winter is in Russia, summer is in full swing in Australia.

Sydney in the summer

The period from December to February is a good time for a beach holiday. Air temperature can jump from +25 to + 40 ° С, and humidity can rise up to 70%. Many tourists are attracted by the opportunity to celebrate New Year in Sydney. Harbor of light parade - one of the most famous fireworks show in the world.

Every year in January in Sydney is also held a fascinating Sydney festivalincluding a variety of cultural events.

Sydney in the fall

The beginning of autumn is like summer. You can still swim, but the air temperature gradually decreases, and nights become cooler.

On average, you can expect comfortable + 17 - 23 ° С. In late autumn, in the evening and at night, the temperature can drop to + 10 ° С. It rains frequently. In late May - early June, the famous festival of light Vivid sydneytransforming the city into a platform for impressive lighting installations.

Sydney in the spring

Spring is a pleasant time for exploring the city: there is sunny weather, the air warms up to + 20-24 ° С on average. True, sharp jumps in temperature periodically occur in the range from +17 to +35 ° C. One must be prepared for everything: to take on a trip both T-shirts and light jackets.

In late spring, the beaches of the city adorn Sculpture by the Sea Sculpture Festival and colorful festival of kites Festival of the Winds.

Sydney in winter

Winter (June to August) is mild, air temperature during the day reaches an average of + 15-17 ° C, in the evening and at night it drops to + 8-10 ° C. June is usually the rainiest month, and July is the coldest.

July and August are sunny months. And although the water is cold for swimming, walking along the beach is still nice.

Sydney - monthly weather

tip: Sydney - weather for the months of January January ± 21.8 February ± 21.8 March ± 20.5 April ± 17.6 May ± 14.3 June ± 11.7 July ± 10.7 August ± 12.0 September ± 14.3 October ± 17.0 November ± plus 18.9 December & plus; 21.0

Areas. Where is better to live

The largest number of hotels is concentrated in the center of Sydney, which can be divided into the following areas:

• The rocks - The historical quarter that stores the colonial past of the city. There are few hotels and prices are high: 230 - 345 USD (300 - 450 AUD) for a double room with all amenities. There are a couple of inexpensive hotels, but there the bathroom will have to be shared with other guests.
• Central business district or CBD - the center of urban life. There are many shops, cafes, attractions. The choice of hotels is much larger. A room with all amenities costs 155 - 230 USD (200-300 AUD).
• Darling Harbor and Pyrmont - Pleasant areas around Darling Harbor. Skyscrapers, harbor, fish market, museums, aquarium, casino, many restaurants. Prices are not much different from CBD.
• Haymarket - The area of ​​the central station, market and Chinatown. Attractive place for a tourist. A lot of inexpensive cafes. Convenient transportation hub at your side. Prices are slightly lower than in neighboring areas: 110 - 145 USD (140 - 190 AUD).

  

A little further from the center are:

• Kings cross - The entertainment district of Sydney. The reputation of the most vicious place in the city. There are many inexpensive hostels where you can get a bed for 20 - 30 USD (25 - 40 AUD), and a double room will cost 75 - 115 USD (100 - 150 AUD). But the area is still specific, not everyone will like it.
• Darlinghurst - The area famous for its nightlife, cafes, fashion boutiques, is popular with the local LGBT community. The cost of hotel accommodation: 115 - 190 USD (150 - 250 AUD).

For beach lovers, the following areas will be interesting:

• Eastern suburbs. The most attractive locations for the beaches of Bondi Beach and Coogee beach. This is a paradise for surfers, backpackers and just lovers of beach bliss. There are both cheap hostels and expensive hotels, as well as cafes, bars, shops, and everything you need for a comfortable stay. By bus from the center can be reached in half an hour. Double room costs 100 - 190 USD (130 - 250 AUD).
• Manly. This area is not very suitable for an active excursion program, but still far away. But if a quiet resort atmosphere, proximity to the beach is important for you, and you are not embarrassed by the half-hour ferry ride, this place is perfect. The cost of hotel accommodation: 90 - 190 USD (120 - 250 AUD).

  

Whatever area you choose, I advise you to book accommodation as early as possible. Sydney is a popular destination and good options sort out quickly. Compare hotel prices, for example, here. And making a reservation is more convenient at Bucking.

What are the prices for vacation

Accommodation

Sydney, as befits the country's most famous city, is a rather expensive place. Hotel prices bite, and sometimes you still have to pay extra for using the Internet. It is difficult to find a room in the center with all amenities cheaper than 90-100 USD per night.

Food

The lunch menu in the Asian restaurant will be around 9-12 USD (12-15 AUD). At an inexpensive pub you can dine for 15 USD (20 AUD).

Dinner for two in a mid-range restaurant will cost 68-90 USD (90-120 AUD).

How to save

Of course, there is always an opportunity to save. The city has many hostels and cheap cafes. City transport offers a discount system. So, having an Opal card, it is worth planning all long transport trips, if possible, on Sunday. Then the maximum daily payment will be only 1.9 USD (2.5 AUD).

Takeaway food is very popular. You can pick up goodies and have a picnic in some beautiful place: for example, under a tree in a park on the hill of Observatory Hill overlooking the harbor or on any free bench in the many green areas of the city.

Free and main attractions: panoramic views, beaches, a botanical garden. No money is needed to walk along the scenic trails along the ocean. Some art galleries and museums, which I will discuss later, also do not charge entrance fees.

hint: Cost of food, accommodation, transport and other currency: Euro, € US dollar, $ Russian ruble, rub Australian dollar, $ Prices in restaurants and cafes

Eating (lunch / dinner) in a reasonably priced restaurant	669 rub
Lunch / dinner for two, 3 course, middle class restaurant	3511 rub
McMill at McDonald's or similar combo lunch	461 rub

More details

The main attractions. What to watch

Sydney is a large and diverse city. You are waiting for natural and man-made sights, the cycle of cultural life. Here you can always find something interesting: all kinds of festivals, exhibitions and parades will not let you get bored. And for nature lovers, Sydney offers many walking routes that provide an opportunity to get to know the flora and fauna of the continent.

To save money, pay attention to tourist flyers - there are discount coupons. Many attractions offer comprehensive tickets, including visits to several objects at once.

Top 5

• Sydney Bay (Sydney Harbor) and the famous Harbor Bridge. Harbor Bridge is one of the largest arched bridges in the world. A walk along it is mandatory, the views of the city are fascinating. Naturally, walking on the bridge is completely free. For 12 USD (15 AUD) you will get the opportunity to climb to the Pylon Lookout observation deck, located in the southeast pylon of the bridge at an altitude of 87 meters above sea level. It is open every day from 10:00 to 17:00. There is also a small exhibition dedicated to the construction of this miracle of engineering. As part of the tour, it is possible to rise higher, to the arches of the bridge themselves.
• Sydney Opera House (Sydney Opera House) - the most famous building of the city (and, perhaps, the entire continent), which is in every textbook of architecture. This bold project was completed relatively recently, in 1973, but it is simply impossible to imagine Sydney without it. Architecture lovers can take a tour of the building. Although I would advise you to check the opera in action and go to one of the many musical productions. There are several concert venues in the opera house, and if you follow the poster, you can easily find the event at an affordable price.
• CBD and the Rocks. This is the heart of Sydney. Here is the business district of the city, as well as most historical monuments.
• Royal Botanic Gardens - A huge park with lush vegetation on the shores of Farmer's Bay. Here you can enjoy walks, birdsong, vibrant colors and views of the bay.
• Sydney beaches - one of the main treasures of the city. The ocean largely determines the lifestyle and character of the place. Without visiting the coast, you can not get to know Sydney for real.

Beaches. Which are better

The people of Sydney are very lucky: they have more than 100 beaches at their disposal. If you like the waves, head out to the ocean. A calmer bathing will offer the beaches of the bay. The choice is huge.

Below I will talk about several popular places:

• Bondi beach. Bondai (this is how his name is pronounced, and by no means Bondi) is Australia's most famous beach, a cult place. This is not just a beach - it is a lifestyle. Around are trendy cafes, restaurants, bars, shops. Locals call this area Bondi Bubble. This is really a special world that you can plunge into, forgetting about the problems of a big city. In honor of the waters of the beach, the green-blue color Bondi blue, which Apple gave the iMac G3 case, is named. The length of Bondi Beach is about a kilometer, it is a wonderful place for surfers and fans to jump in the waves. Safe swimming areas are flagged. Important: do not ignore safety rules. On the beaches there are dangerous currents that can carry deep into the ocean! If you are afraid of the waves, you can swim in the outdoor saltwater pool, which belongs to the Bondi Icebergs Club. Entrance fee is 5 USD (6.50 AUD) for an adult and 3.5 USD (4.50 AUD) for a child. It takes about half an hour to get from the center by bus. You can also take the train to Bondi Junction, and there take a bus or taxi.
• Bronte beach smaller and more comfortable. Here is a picturesque stone pool (by the way, completely free). You can get here from Bondi Beach along a beautiful trail that runs along the coast. You can also get on the bus.
• Clovely beach - you cannot call a beautiful beach, it is too urbanistic, but perfect if you want to swim in calm water without waves.
• Coogee beach resembles Bondai, but slightly inferior in size. Around the beach, excellent infrastructure, many cafes and shops. An interesting tradition: on ANZAC Day, the local surf community, having grabbed drinks, swims on the boards to the small island Wedding Cake Island opposite the beach in order to commemorate the participants in military conflicts.
• Manly Beach. If you want to take a break from the bustle of the city, a ferry from Circular Quay will take you to the cozy suburb of Manly in about half an hour. The beach here is superb, with a gentle sunset and clear water. Nearby there is also a smaller and more sheltered from the waves Shelly Beach. Manly attracts with its relaxed spa atmosphere, numerous cafes and restaurants. In addition, a trip here by ferry is already a pleasure in itself.
• Balmoral beach Located in the bay, its calm waters are good for families.
• Palm beach - The northernmost beach of the city and one of the largest in Sydney. It is famous for the clean sand and crystal waters of the ocean. In addition to swimming and sunbathing, you can enjoy a walk to the Barrenjoey Lighthouse lighthouse. But the beach is far away. It takes about an hour to get from the center by car.

Churches and temples. Which are worth a visit

There are many churches in Sydney. The following temples located in the city center are of interest to the tourist:

• St mary's cathedral. Sydney Catholic Cathedral, built in the neo-Gothic style. The first temple, laid on this site, perished in the fire. The current cathedral was built for a long time and was fully completed only in 2000. It turned out beautifully both outside and inside.
• St Andrew's Cathedral. Sydney's Anglican Church Cathedral is also built in neo-Gothic style. This is one of the oldest cathedrals in the country.
• Holy trinity church. This is Australia's first military temple, frequented by soldiers from the nearby Dawes Point Battery garrison. In their honor, the church is also called The Garrison Church (Garrison).
• St philip's church. Along with St Andrew's Cathedral, this church is the city's oldest Anglican temple.
• Great synagogue. Australia's most beautiful synagogue can be seen in downtown Sydney on Elizabeth Street.

Museums Which are worth a visit

Inquisitive tourists have a place to turn around: the city has art, historical, natural science museums, as well as many galleries. My favorite places:

• Australian museum - Australia's oldest museum. Perhaps this is the best museum in the city with an amazing collection of zoological, paleontological and anthropological exhibits. The exposition is very colorful, it will be interesting for both adults and children. The museum is open every day from 9:30 to 17:00. A ticket costs 11.5 USD (15 AUD), children under 16 years can go for free.
• Art Gallery of New South Wales. It features classic Western art, Australian art, including the work of the indigenous people of the continent, Oriental art and contemporary art. The gallery is open every day from 10:00 to 17:00, and on Wednesdays until 22:00. The entrance is free.
• Powerhouse museum - Museum of science and applied art. The museum’s collection covers a wide variety of aspects of life: from water treatment to cinema. Here you can see the first Australian steam locomotive, a model of the astronomical clock of Strasbourg Cathedral and much more. There are interactive exhibits that will be especially interesting for children. The museum is open from 10:00 to 17:00. Tickets cost 11.5 USD (15 AUD), children 16 years and younger - for free.
• Australian National Maritime Museum Introduces you to the history of navigation. The highlight of the museum is the opportunity to visit a real submarine and ships moored in Darling Harbor. A gallery with a permanent exhibition can be viewed for free, but you will have to pay for access to ships and some other exhibitions. Ticket price for adults is 23 USD (30 AUD), for children from 4 to 15 years old - 14 USD (18 AUD), under 4 years old - free of charge. The museum is open every day from 9:00 to 17:00, in January to 18:00.
• Museum of Contemporary Art Australia - Modern Art Museum. The entrance is free. Even if you are far from this genre, you will like the museum cafe located on the terrace with a beautiful view of the Opera House.

Parks

Sydney is a very green city. There are many parks, and each of them is good in its own way. I will list only some popular places:

• Royal Botanic Gardens and Domain. The Royal Botanic Gardens and the adjacent Domain Park are a huge oasis in the city center. The Botanical Garden has an amazing collection of local and imported plants. There is also an interesting historical component: the first farm on the continent was founded on this site in 1788. Also here is the Government House, the former residence of the Governor of New South Wales, and now the museum. I especially enjoy walking along Farmer Cove, Farmer’s Bay, which seems to be embraced by the Botanical Garden. This boardwalk is popular with tourists, photographers, and jogging locals. Gorgeous views from the observation deck of Mrs Macquaries Point - a popular place for picnics and watching the sunsets. Here is the Mrs Masquarie's Chair - a bench hollowed out in the rock, on which the wife of the governor of New South Wales loved to relax. The Botanical Gardens open at 7:00 and work until 19:30 in October, until 20:00 from November to February, until 18:30 in March, until 18:00 in April and September, until 17:30 in May and August, until 17:00 in June and July. Domain is open 24 hours a day every day, except for dates when special events are held.
• Hyde park named after his London brother. In addition to the shady alleys, the impressive ANZAC Memorial is of interest - a memorial erected in memory of the losses of the Australian and New Zealand army corps in the First World War. In the center of the park is a pretty Archibald Fountain. In the evenings, you can meet sums in Hyde Park.
• Chinese garden of friendship. Friendship Garden of China is a small piece of paradise near Darling Harbor and Sydney Chinatown. The traditional garden, stylized as the gardens of the Ming Dynasty, was created by landscape architects from Guangzhou in compliance with all the canons of Chinese park art. There are waterfalls, small lakes with carps, elegant pavilions and cozy paths. The garden is open from 9:30 to 17:00 from April to September, in other months from 9:30 to 17:30. Entrance costs USD 4.5 (6 AUD) for an adult and USD 2.3 (3 AUD) for a child.
• Centennial park. When you look at the map of Sydney, you can not miss the giant Centennial Park, broken in 1888 in honor of the centennial of European settlements on the continent. It was here that on January 1, 1901, a ceremony was held to unite the six former British colonies into the Australian Union. The park has many birds (parrots, ducks, swans) and a colony of flying foxes. In addition to observing animals, you can enjoy cycling and horse riding here.
• Cremorne reserve - A small park, remarkable for its beautiful views of the city. As a rule, there are few people here. It is very easy to get here by ferry from Circular Quay. The park can be visited while walking in the northern suburbs.
• Sydney harbor national park - This is a large national park, which includes individual sections of untouched nature along Sydney Bay. Main Attractions: Rocky Peninsula Bradleys Head; North, South and Middle Heads; old quarantine station, Macquarie Lighthouse and Hornby Lighthouse lighthouses. Detailed information about the park can be obtained on the official website.

Tourist streets

I advise you to take a walk along the following streets of Sydney:

• George streetCBD's main street stretches from Harbor Bridge and the Rocks historic quarter to Central Station. Elegant buildings of the 19th century coexist here with modern skyscrapers. Main Attractions: Sydney's oldest home, Cadman's Cottage; Australian Museum of Modern Art; 19th century luxury shopping gallery Queen Victoria Building; Sydney Town Hall - Victorian City Hall, St Andrew's Cathedral.
• Pitt street - Another important street of the business center. Especially popular is its section between Market Street and King Street. It is called Pitt Street Mall, a large number of shops are concentrated at 200 meters, including another beautiful nineteenth-century shopping gallery - The Strand Arcade.
• Martin place - The heart of the business center, an area surrounded by skyscrapers of major corporations. During lunch, hundreds of office workers fill it.
• Macquarie street - A street with a high concentration of historical monuments: the Hyde Park Barracks Museum, the former The Mint Mint, St. James Church, Sydney Hospital, Parliament and the New South Wales State Library.
• Oxford street. Along with the historic buildings of Victoria Barracks and Paddington Town Hall, there are many designer boutiques, bohemian bars and nightclubs. This street is very popular with the Sydney LGBT community. Also every Saturday, the famous Paddington Markets Market opens here.
• King Street, Newtown - Another popular Sydney street in the suburbs of Newtown. Fashionable and lively, it is full of interesting shops, original cafes and music bars.

What to see in 1 day

Honestly, one day in Sydney is disastrously small. But if for some supernatural reasons, you can spend the largest city in Australia just a day, I can offer the following route.

• 8:00. Let's start the day from the ocean. Early in the morning we are on the famous beach Bondai. After enjoying the view, we set off along a picturesque path along the coast towards the beach Bronte.

• 9:30. After a leisurely walk, we get to Bronte Beach. If the weather permits, you can refresh yourself in the free pool with sea water or plunge into the ocean. Next, take a bus or taxi and go to the center.
• 11:00. If you, as an economical person, prefer a bus, go near Hyde Park. We go towards the Botanical Gardens, admiring the enormous neo-Gothic along the way St mary's cathedral. It’s nice to grab a lunch box at a store or bakery. By the way, nearby there is a good bakery Flour and Stone. Our path runs along a historic street Macquarie street with all its monuments. Pay attention to the boar statue near Sydney Hospital. If you have been to Florence, you will immediately recognize Porcellino, this is his Australian twin brother. It’s worth stopping by for a minute and in New South Wales State Libraryto admire the huge map in the impressive lobby of the main entrance.

• 11:30. We go in botanical gardens, we pass through them and get to Farm Cove Bay and the boardwalk. We find a pleasant place for a picnic, relax and eat while enjoying views of the bay and the opera house.
• 13:00. Time to move on. We go to the opera house, go around it, bypass the pier Circular quayand here we are in the old quarter The rocks. We pay tribute to his colonial past by visiting one of the local historical pubs.
• 14:30. Refueling for further walking, we climb to Harbor bridge. You can just walk for free on the bridge or spend money on visiting the observation deck to take beautiful photos without interference.

• 15:30. We get down from the bridge and exit to the main street of the center - George street. We go along it towards the central station to appreciate the beauty City Hall, St Andrew's Cathedral and the main shopping gallery of the city - Queen Victoria Building. Even if you are not interested in shopping, I highly recommend looking inside the gallery: the interiors are exceptionally good (the gallery is open from 9:00 to 18:00 on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday; from 9:00 to 21:00 on Thursday; from 11:00 to 16:00 on weekends).

• 18:00. Turn to the side Darling harbor and walk along the harbor, surrounded by skyscrapers.

• 19:00. You can spend the evening in one of its many restaurants or head to Chinatownlocated nearby. And if you have the strength, you can continue the evening in one of the bars of the block. Kings cross.

What to see in the surroundings

There are many interesting places around Sydney, which you can visit both by rented car and by public transport.

Blue mountains

The Blue Mountains are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The mountains owe their name to the bluish haze enveloping them - the result of the evaporation of countless eucalyptus trees. The eponymous national park occupies a vast territory. Of course, one day is not enough to see its main attractions. Here you can wander through eucalyptus forests, climb rocks, descend into caves, admire waterfalls, ride cable cars and funiculars. If you have a limited time, you will have to make a difficult choice.

For example, for the first time I decided to go to the city of Katoomba. Getting there is very easy: a train from Central station will take you to Katoomba in 2 hours without any changes. By the way, I remind you, if you plan a trip on Sunday, then spend only 1.9 USD (2.5 AUD) on the road! From Katoomba Train Station, you can walk or take the bus to the Echo Point observation deck, which offers classic views of the legendary Three Sisters cliffs and endless eucalyptus forests.

There are many hiking trails in the vicinity. For example, you can follow the Prince Henry Cliff Walk to Katoomba Falls. In Catumba, there is also the Scenic World complex with two cable cars and a funicular. A ticket that includes use of the entire Scenic World infrastructure costs 30 USD (39 AUD) for adults, 16 USD (21 AUD) for children from 4 to 13 years old. A family ticket (2 adults + up to 5 children) will cost you 76 USD (99 AUD). There is an easy walking trail from the nearby Leura settlement to the Gordon Falls Lookout Lookout, from where you can admire the beautiful waterfall. Another famous waterfall, Wentworth Falls, can be reached in two hours along the Charles Darwin trail from the eponymous town of Wentworth Falls. If you don’t have a car to move around the area and see more in a short time, I recommend using the local bus companies Blue Mountains Explorer Bus or Blue Mountains Trolley Tours. Do not forget about warm clothes: the weather here is usually much colder than in Sydney.

Hunter valley

If you have a car, you can go to the wine region in the vicinity of Sydney - Hunter Valley. Hundreds of restaurants, wineries and breweries are at your service. It produces the legendary semillon white wine. Chardonnay, shiraz and merlot are also good. Local households are famous for their cheeses and olive oil. A popular but expensive pastime is ballooning over the valley. It can be booked at many companies, including Balloon Aloft, Cloud9 and Balloon safaris.

Featherdale wildlife park

If you do not want long trips and the wildlife of Australia is interesting, I advise you to go to Featherdale Wildlife Park. Unlike the usual zoo in this wildlife park, you can get closer to the animals and even touch some of the amazing inhabitants of the continent. Who does not dream to stroke a koala? Getting there by public transport is not difficult. You need to take a train to the Blacktown station, and then change to bus number 729, which stops near bus stand E at the station exit. The park is open from 9:00 to 17:00. An adult ticket costs 24 USD (31 AUD), a child (from 3 to 15 years) - 13 USD (17 AUD).

Royal national park

This is a huge national park that can offer many activities: from hiking and cycling to exploring Aboriginal culture. The main attractions: the snow-white cliff of Wedding Cake Rock, the view from Garie North Head, Garie Beach, Lady Carrington Drive bike track and much more. More information about the routes in the park can be found on this site.

Hint: Routes to neighboring cities Sydney - Pots Point 1 km Sydney - Darlinghurst 1 km Sydney - Chippendale 1 km Sydney - Redfern 2 km Sydney - Darling Point 2 km

Nearby islands

As you can see on the map below, the choice of islands here is quite large.

I will tell you more about each of them:

• The largest island of Sydney Bay Cockatoo island UNESCO listed. In the past, there was a prison on the island, then a women's school, and then Australia's largest shipyard. It is easy to get here by ferry with Circular Quay. This is the only island where you can stay overnight in an apartment or campsite with stunning views of the bay.
• Goat island - A smaller island with a rich history. There was a powder warehouse, a quarry, the headquarters of the water police. Nowadays, the island often becomes the venue for all kinds of concerts. Capitan Cook Cruises regularly organizes cruises here.
• Shark island - named so because of its shape resembling a shark. This small island is a great place for relaxation and picnics. The island has toilets, a descent to the water, tables and gazebos, drinking water, but no shops (you need to bring all the food with you). By the way, here, as in most national parks, smoking is prohibited! You can get to the island by ferries of the aforementioned company Capitan Cook Cruises.
• Fort denison - a tiny island with a historic fort, which is clearly visible from the observation deck of Mrs Macquaries Point. You can get, again, with the help of Capitan Cook Cruises.
• Garden island - here is the base of the Australian Navy. This place was an island in the past, in the middle of the 20th century, in the process of arranging the territory, the island was transformed into a peninsula. The public has its northern tip where you can walk around the park and visit the free Sydney Naval History Museum. You can get there by ferry with Circular Quay.

There are other small islands in the bay, where locals like to organize banquets, weddings and picnics, but access to them is possible only on private ships.

Food. What to try

Sydney is a multinational city, here it is easy to find almost any cuisine in the world. Catering places quite a lot. Competition forces owners of cafes and restaurants to take care of quality, so the level of establishments is quite high. You can go to authentic Korean, Chinese, Lebanese and even Nepalese restaurants or enjoy the fusion cuisine of Australian chefs. Mixes are quite funny: where, if not in Australia, you can taste, for example, pizza with kangaroo fillets.

Be sure to visit one of the many steakhouses to try the famous beef angus (Angus beef). Good food is also served in pubs, there are often special offers (when ordering a drink, you can take a hot dish at a good price).

Takeaway is also very popular, as there are many places in Sydney where you can have a picnic with a wonderful view. Worth a try meat pie (meat pie), sausage roll (minced meat sausages in the dough) and fish and chips with fresh local fish.

Self catering

There are many markets in Sydney. For fish and seafood, head to the Sydney Fish Markets in the Pyrmont area (open every day from 7:00 to 16:00). Fresh fruits and vegetables can be found at nearby Paddy's Markets (from Wednesday to Sunday, from 10:00 to 18:00). If you find yourself in the surroundings of Bondai Beach on Saturday, visit the Bondi Farmers Markets (Saturday, from 9:00 to 13:00). Good and the market in Newtown - Newtown Community Market (Saturday from 10.00 to 16.00).

Recommended Places

A significant portion of the restaurants are located along the Darling Harbor Boardwalk. Naturally, there are many of them in the city center, in the Rocks quarter and near Circular Quay. Another area where you can eat “with a view” is Woolloomooloo Wharf.

A budget alternative is in the Newtown area. Its main street, King Street, is popular with young people and is famous for its inexpensive restaurants serving national cuisine (I especially like Thai here), as well as trendy Australian cafes. There are many interesting restaurants in the Chippendale area.

For affordable Asian cuisine, you need to go to Chinatown on Dixon Street and neighboring streets.

By the way, in Sydney, food festivals are often held in different places of the city. These are great events giving you the opportunity to try local delicacies at an affordable price.

Budgetary

• Mamak, 15 Goulburn Street;
• Friggitoria, 6/12 Bayswater Rd, Kings Cross;
• Spice Alley, 38 Kensington St, Chippendale;
• Wok on Inn Street Noodle Bar, 42/26 Playfair St, The Rocks;
• Yok Yor Thai Food Factory, G06 / 323 Castlereagh St, Haymarket;
• Malay Chinese, 1 / 50-58 Hunter Street.

Mid level

• Fortune Village Chinese Restaurant, 209 Clarence Street;
• The Spice Room, 2 Phillip Street;
• Fish At The Rocks, 29 Kent Street;
• Graze MCA, 140 George Street;
• Farmhouse Kings Cross, 4/40 Bayswater Rd.

Expensive

• Quay Restaurant, Overseas Passenger Terminal, Hickson Rd, The Rocks;
• Aria Restaurant, 1 Macquarie Street;
• Tetsuya's, 529 Kent Street;
• Est., 252 George Street;
• Rockpool Bar & Grill, 66 Hunter Street.

Holidays

• New Year. Famous harbor fireworks attract thousands of tourists every year. The fireworks program traditionally includes a more modest "family show" at 21:00 and a magnificent parade of lights at midnight. You can watch this beauty from different points of the city, there are both paid and free sites. Get ready for huge crowds. Places on sites fill up very quickly. To take a winning position, many people come in advance, waiting for the fireworks can be quite tedious.
• Sydney festival - The annual January art festival. The city hosts many free concerts and exhibitions.
• Australia Day. Sydney celebrates on January 26 in a big way: in the harbor they organize a regatta of ships and other celebrations, music concerts and fireworks.
• Chinese New Year. Chinatown Celebration Center: colorful dancing dragons and lions, delicious food.
• Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras - A colorful parade of gay people takes place every year on the first Saturday of March.
• Royal easter show. The New South Wales main agricultural show takes place at Sydney Olympic Park on Easter days. Fairs, attractions, farmers' markets attract many visitors.
• Anzac day. On April 25, a parade takes place around the city in honor of the country's defenders, war veterans. Initially, it was the day of commemoration of those killed in the First World War, but now on this memorable date, the inhabitants of Sydney pay tribute to veterans of all military operations. At the conclusion of the parade at ANZAC War Memorial in Hyde Park, a memorial service is taking place.
• Vivid sydney. At the end of May, the streets of the city are being transformed thanks to colorful light installations. This is one of Sydney's most beautiful festivals.
• Boxing day Sydney is marked by an annual regatta, the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race, which attracts thousands of spectators from around the world. The regatta begins at Nielsen Park in Sydney Harbor and finishes in Hobart (New Zealand), covering 628 nautical miles.

Security. What to watch out for

In general, the city is quite safe. Of course, as in any tourist place, in Sydney it is necessary to exercise reasonable caution: keep an eye on personal belongings, not give in to persuasion, called upon Kings Cross to doubtful strip clubs, and not enter into disputes with drunk people in bars.

Care is needed on the roads, the traffic here is still left-handed.

Sydney's beaches are known for insidious rip currents, which can carry an unprepared swimmer into the ocean. You can safely swim in the areas between the yellow-red flags. Naturally, one should not forget about hats and protection from the active Australian sun.

Many beaches of the city are equipped with special nets from sharks, and are also patrolled from the air, so that the chance of attack near the surf zone is minimal. There are no deadly jellyfish in Sydney. But there are 2 types of very poisonous spiders: Redback spider (Redback) and Sydney funnel spider (Sydney funnel-web spider). True, the probability of encountering them is very small, and in case of a bite, doctors have an effective antidote.

Things to do

• Climb the arches of Harbor Bridge. As part of an organized tour, you will climb to the very top of the bridge, to a height of 134 meters above sea level. This does not require climbing skills, you just need to follow the guide and follow safety rules. The ticket price for an adult starts from 120 USD (158 AUD). You can book tickets on the BridgeClimb website.
• Take a ferry ride. Ferries are the most enjoyable and picturesque way to travel around the city. They are easily paid with an Opal card, which must be attached to the reader when boarding the ferry at the pier, and then at the exit upon arrival at the destination. For relatively little money you will get a lot of pleasure. Choose any route: you can go in the direction of Manly or in the opposite direction, in the direction of Parramatta.
• Listen to open air opera. If you are in the city from March to April, do not miss Handa Opera on Sydney Harbor. The opera unfolds against the backdrop of the picturesque scenery of Sydney Bay.
• Take a walk along the coastal hiking trails. I already mentioned the section of the trail from Bondi beach to Bronte beachbut the road goes further to the beach Coogee. The walk will take a little more than an hour, if you do not make long stops. But this is almost impossible, because, in addition to beautiful views, along the way you will meet wonderful beaches. Another scenic route Federation Cliff Walkalso starts from Bondai Beach but goes towards Watsons bay. Military Road will take you to the sanctuary Raaleigh reserve, along the paths along the cliffs you will come to a beautiful observation deck Gap. If you have enough strength, you can reach the lighthouse Hornby lighthouse. The walk is great to complete in one of the Watson Bay pubs.
• Shark Diving at Manly Sea Life Sanctuary. You will meet sharks from one to three meters long without any cages! Prices start at 195 USD (252 AUD), you can book a dive on the official website.
• Climb the Sydney Tower Observation Deck, Sydney's tallest building (309 m) and the second tallest tower in the Southern Hemisphere. The observation deck is closed. A ticket costs 20 USD (26.50 AUD) for adults, 13 USD (17 AUD) for children (from 4 to 15 years). If you buy it in advance and at a certain time, the price will be slightly cheaper. There is also an outdoor area, but you can get there only as part of an excursion with a Skywalk Tour guide. Prices start at 38 USD (50 AUD) for an adult and 25 USD (32.5 AUD) for a child. The price includes a visit to a closed observation deck.
• Watch whales. In the season (May to November), special pleasure boats depart from the moorings of Circular Quay, Darling Harbor and Manly, which will allow you to take a closer look at these magnificent creatures. If you're lucky, you can see whales for free. A good observation deck is equipped at Cape Solander Cape National Park Botany bay. Other popular observation points: observation deck North headlighthouse Palm beach lighthouse and the already mentioned trail from Bondi beach before Coogee.
• Visit the zoo. Taronga zoo famous for its rich collection (more than 4000 inhabitants). There is a cable car, various animal shows are regularly held. It is worth coming here because of the dizzying views of the bay and the city. By the way, the word "Taronga" is translated from the native language as "beautiful view". The beauty of the surrounding landscape has made the zoo a popular venue for wedding banquets. Easy to get to by ferry from Circular Quay. From the pier of the zoo to the main entrance will take a special bus. Opening hours: 9:30 - 16:30 (from May to August), 9:30 - 17:00 (from September to April), on New Year's Eve, the zoo is open until 16.00. Ticket price: adult - 35 USD (46 AUD), children 20 USD (26 AUD), family (2 adults, 2 children) - 99 USD (129.6 AUD). By booking tickets online you can save a little.

Shopping and shops

Shopping centers

For exclusive shopping, head to Queen Victoria Building. This is the most beautiful shopping center in the world, according to Pierre Cardin, and I will not argue with him.

Another beautiful place with antique interiors is Straight arcade.

In general, the entire center is filled with shops. The highest concentration they reach on Pitt street. Giants crowded around Westfield, The galeries, World Square, Myer, David Jones.

Near Chinatown is an outlet Market city. Other discounted shopping options are located much further from the city center: Birkenhead Point Outlet Center, Drummoyne and DFO Homebush, Sydney Olympic Park.

Shops and Markets

For the original products of Australian designers must go to Paddington, many interesting boutiques on Oxford street. Local trendy shops are scattered around the Bondai Beach. Most stores are open from 9:00 to 17:30, some close earlier on Sundays. Large shopping centers work longer, but everyone has different schedules.

In Sydney, markets are very popular where you can buy many interesting things: clothes, jewelry, souvenirs, art, vintage and antiques. I like:

• Paddington markets on Oxford Street (Saturday, from 10:00 to 16:00);
• The Rocks Markets in the quarter of The Rocks, (on weekends, from 10:00 to 17:00);
• Paddy's market near Chinatown (Wednesday-Sunday, from 10:00 to 18:00);
• Bondi markets Near Bondi beach (Sunday, from 10:00 to 16:00);
• Glebe market (Saturday, from 10:00 to 16:00);
• Rozelle collectors markets near Rozelle Public School (on weekends, from 10:00 to 15:00).

Bars Where to go

You won’t be bored in Sydney. There are bars for every taste. And even recent troubles with new laws limiting the hours of drinking establishments could not kill the city’s nightlife. Although the locals complain that Sydney is not the same and actively advocate for the weakening of the law.

If you like the good old English pubs, head to the Rocks area. Sydney's oldest brewery, The Lord Nelson Brewery Hotel, serves freshly brewed local ale. Other bar veterans are the Fortune of War Pub and Hero of Waterloo.

If you are attracted by the views, it is difficult to compete with The Opera Bar, located near the Opera House. Marble bar will amaze with the refined interiors of the 19th century.

A whole string of music bars is on Bohemian King Street in fun Newtown. Oxford street is full of trendy alternative venues. There are cheap backpacker bars in the Bondai area. And, of course, the odious Kings Cross offers a good selection of drinking places for any wallet size.

Many bars are called hotels, for example, Kings Cross Hotel, but this does not mean that you can stay there overnight - in most places this is just a tribute to tradition. In the old days, pubs, as a rule, existed at hotels.

Under the new law, most establishments in the central areas (lockout zone) stop letting visitors in after 1:30, at 3:00 they stop serving alcohol to customers. In practice, many bars close earlier, around midnight, so I recommend checking the schedule before you go anywhere.

As for prices, a mug of local beer will cost you on average 5-6 USD (7-8 AUD). Some bars charge an additional entrance fee if playing live music.

Popular places:

• Kings Cross Hotel, 244-248 William St, Potts Point;
• Town Hall Hotel Newtown, 326 King St, Newtown;
• Fortune of War, 137 George St, The Rocks;
• Palmer & co, Abercrombie Lane;
• 3 Wise Monkeys, 555 George Street;
• Midnight Shift, 85-91 Oxford St, Darlinghurst;
• The Glenmore, 96 Cumberland St, The Rocks.

Clubs and nightlife

Clubs are in different areas of Sydney. But most tourists, talking about the nightlife of the city, imagine Kings Cross. The famous red light district, a nest of vice, noisy, funny, lecherous. Every traveler should stop by at least once at night to appreciate the local flavor.

Another popular nightlife destination is the Oxford street neighborhood. This traditionally gay friendly area is open to people of any orientation and attracts with its extravagant atmosphere.

Do not forget your ID, even if you are far in their twenties, otherwise they may refuse entry. In addition, face control is unlikely to allow frankly drunk people into the establishment. One drink in the club can cost around 14-15 USD (18-20 AUD). Entrance is also paid, depending on the event. The same restrictive measures are applied to clubs in the central zones of the city as to bars: at 1:30 they stop letting new visitors in, at 3:00 they stop serving alcohol.

Where to go:

• Home, 101 / 1-5 Wheat Rd, Darling Harbor;
• ARQ Sydney, 16 Flinders St, Darlinghurst;
• World Bar, 24 Bayswater Rd, Kings Cross;
• Chinese Laundry, 111 Sussex St, Sydney;
• Oxford Art Factory, 38-46 Oxford St, Darlinghurst;
• Marquee, Pirrama Rd, Pyrmont;
• Ivy, 330 George Street.

Extreme sports

• Surfing - The most important Australian sport. All the main beaches of the city have their own surfing schools, as well as salons where you can rent boards. Tuition prices range from 38 to 77 USD (50-100 AUD) per lesson.
• Diving and snorkeling. Nearby points of interest include Wedding Cake Island near Coogee Beach, Clovelly Beach and Gordon Bay, waters around Watson Bay, Manly, Bare Island. The cost of one dive, including equipment, is from 38 to 153 USD (50-200 AUD).
• Skydiving. Many companies organize transfers outside the city and jump in tandem. A popular landing site is the Wollongong beaches. Prices start at 185 USD (240 AUD).
• Parasailing. Another way to enjoy the flight. You can book a tour on Manly pier for 60-115 USD (80 - 150 AUD).
• Rafting. This extreme sport can be enjoyed at the Penrith Whitewater Stadium, the venue for kayaking and canoeing during the Sydney Olympic Games.
• Kayaking. You can rent a canoe / kayak in a variety of places: in the suburbs of Manly and Rose Bay, in the national parks Royal National Park and Lane Cove National Park. Kayak tours are arranged even in the heart of Sydney Bay.
• Skating. There are skate parks in many areas of the city, one of the most popular is located next to Bondi Beach.

Souvenirs. What to bring as a gift

Sydney is rich in a variety of souvenirs that are better to look for in local markets than in the same type of souvenir shops. The choice is huge. Some ideas:

• Famous will be a luxury gift australian opals.
• If you do not like ugg boots, you can buy another symbol of the country - the traditional hat acubra from the wool of an Australian rabbit.
• Exclusive souvenir - Australia Native Art. And if you can’t afford it, you can buy a decent quality copy.
• Naturally popular boomerangs all stripes and sizes.
• Women will like it australian cosmetics and emu oil.

How to get around the city

Sydney's public transportation is represented by city commuter trains (similar to the subway), buses, ferries, and light rail. All transport in Sydney and its suburbs is part of a single system.

For travel, you will need an Opal card or a one-time Opal ticket (the cost of the trip is more expensive than using the card).

Of course, an Opal card is preferable. She is free. You just put the right amount of money on the card (you can replenish the balance at transport cash desks, magazine kiosks, shops and special machines). At the beginning and at the end of the trip, you must attach the card to special readers (tape on and tape off).

If you have a child from 4 to 15 years old, he needs a child Opal card (Child / Youth Opal card). Children under 4 years old travel for free.

Card benefits:

1. No matter how much you travel during the day, the maximum payment from the card will be 11.5 USD (15 AUD) for an adult and 5.7 USD (7.5 AUD) for a child (this does not include the cost of a train to the airport).
2. The maximum amount that you will be charged per week is 46 USD (60 AUD) for an adult and 23 USD (30 AUD) for a child (airport ticket also does not include).
3. On Sunday, for any number of trips you will pay only 1.9 USD (2.5 AUD). Again, with the exception of a trip to the airport.
4. If you paid 8 trips within one week (Monday to Sunday), then until the end of the week all other trips will be provided with a 50% discount (except for routes to the airport).
5. Off-peak train rides will be 30% cheaper. Rush hours in Sydney are 7:00 - 9:00, 16:00 - 18:30. Rush hours in the New South Wales region are 6:00 AM - 8:00 AM, 4:00 PM - 6:30 PM.
6. If you make several transfers using the same mode of transport, and if the transfer takes less than 60 minutes (the time has passed since the moment you touched the reader on the card when leaving the vehicle), this is considered one trip and is paid for at the rate of one trip .
7. When changing modes of transport within one trip (also within 60 minutes), you will receive a discount of 1.5 USD (2 AUD) for an adult and 0.77 USD (1 AUD) for a child on the tariff of the next vehicle.
8. If you went to the airport many times during the week, the airport fee will not exceed 20.6 USD (27 AUD) for an adult and 18.7 USD (24.50 AUD) for a child.

To clarify the routes of movement around the city, I recommend using this site. It is also convenient to install applications for planning a trip to the phone.

Taxi. What features exist

Taxis are a popular way of moving around the city. They can be caught on the street, but, as a rule, it is cheaper to order in advance.

Average prices: landing 2.7 USD (3.6 AUD), 1 km - 1.68 USD (2.19 AUD) in the afternoon and 2 USD (2.63 AUD) at night, the client also pays all toll roads along the way, there is waiting fee in traffic jam. Most taxis accept credit cards, but an extra percentage is taken.

Uber is also very popular, which is cheaper than a regular taxi.

Trams

There is only one light rail line connecting Dulwich Hill and Central. A tourist may be interested in a section of the route from Central to the fish market (Fish Market). Trams are beautiful and modern, on most of the route they go along a separate line, which eliminates interference from other vehicles.

Underground

The Sydney Trains system, a cross between the subway and city commuter trains, connects Sydney's city center and suburbs. Nearby cities are served by NSW TrainLink. The system is very convenient. For example, from the center of Sydney, you can easily and with a minimum of transfers to the Blue Mountains region.

Buses

The city has an excellent bus service covering all areas. I noticed that sometimes the Opal card does not work on buses (the reader is not active). It doesn’t matter - in this case you drive for free, which is not considered a violation.

Vehicle rental

If your goal is to explore the city and not the remote national parks, think twice if it is worth renting a car. Sydney has well-developed public transportation, and parking is very expensive.

The city has all the world leaders in car rental (Hertz, Europcar, Avis, Budget, Sixt, Thrifty, etc.), as well as local companies (Bayswater Car Rentals, Redspot, East Coast Car Rentals, etc.). It will take 19 - 42 USD (25-55 AUD) per day. For registration you will need an international driver’s license and a credit card. You can compare prices for offers from different companies and choose an option suitable for yourself, for example, here.

Tips for motorists

Remember left-hand traffic!

There are a lot of cars in Sydney, traffic jams happen, but the problem is not as acute as in major Russian cities.

Finding parking in the center is not easy. The cost depends on the place, day of the week and time of day. The spread is large: an average of 1.9 to 19 USD (2.5 - 25 AUD) per hour. Hotels in the central areas almost never provide guests with a free place for a car, so check this question in advance. Do not break the parking rules, the fines here are rather big!

Some roads, tunnels and bridges are subject to a charge. You cannot deposit it in cash. The machine must be equipped with an electronic transponder device (E-Tag) connected to your credit card. In this case, at the entrance to the toll road, the payment is automatic. Check availability of E-Tag when booking a car. Another payment option: register on the toll road website (for example, here), indicating the car number, travel dates and other necessary data (Visitor's e-PASS). This can be done both before the start of the trip, and within three days from the date of its end.

Be careful when traveling out of town. The wildlife of Australia does not always bring joy. A clash with a kangaroo threatens an extremely dangerous accident. From personal experience I will say that they jump out onto the roads often and always unpredictably.

When traveling to remote areas, check the condition of the machine and the amount of gasoline. Refueling can be at great distances from each other. It is also always necessary to have water with you.

Sydney - Holidays with children

Sydney is a suitable city for families with children. Many parks have playgrounds, in a number of museums there are colorful and informative expositions. Family fun is also possible in the following places:

• Luna park - A small amusement park at Milsons Point near the foot of the Harbor Bridge. The oldest amusement park of the city, delighting children and adults since 1935 (do not be afraid, the attractions here have been updated over time, you will not be bored). The ticket price depends on the growth: 85-105 cm - 17 USD (22 AUD), 106-129 - 32 USD (42 AUD), above 130 cm - 40 USD (52 AUD). To save money, you need to buy tickets in advance on the park's website.
• WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo - This is a small zoo with typical representatives of the animal kingdom of Australia in the very center of Sydney, in Darling Harbor. It is worth a visit if there is very little time in the city, but you want to see animals. An adult ticket costs 30 USD (40 AUD), a child ticket costs 21 USD (28 AUD). It will be cheaper to buy in advance through the zoo website.
• SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium - one of the best aquariums in the world, there are more than 700 species of marine inhabitants. Glass tunnels allow you to closely examine the amazing underwater world. The aquarium is also proud of the detailed exposure of the Great Barrier Reef. A ticket for an adult is 32 USD (42 AUD), for a child - 22.5 USD (29.5 AUD), when buying online, it will be slightly cheaper.
• Manly sea life sanctuary. Of course, the main highlight of this place is the opportunity to swim with sharks. But there are less extreme activities that are suitable for children. For example, you can watch giant stingrays, turtles and penguins. You can get here in 30 minutes by ferry from Circular Quay. Entrance: 19 USD (25 AUD) for adults and 13 USD (17 AUD) for children (from 4 to 15 years old inclusive). Booking tickets in advance via the Internet can save from 10 to 30%.

Ski vacation

Watch the video: 13 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE COMING TO SYDNEY AUSTRALIA. SYDNEY TRAVEL GUIDE 2019 (April 2024).