The whole of Australia is amazing. I lived in Sydney, so I have more suggestions for it than anywhere. Get out to Glebe. They have the greatest market there on Saturdays. It's full of local artisans and it's just great people watching. All the characters live in Glebe. Also, hit the Nag's Head pub in Glebe. Friday nights are the best with live music and all the local nuts, but it's always pretty lively in there.

I love the observatory. I think it's about $15 to go at night and you get to see constellations we can't in the northern hemisphere. It's something unusual to do, but it's awesome. Plus, there are great views from up on Observatory Hill.

Skip the zoo.

Do go out to Manly. You'll have to take the ferry, but it's a cheap way to take a boat ride on the harbour. Or just take the ferry from Darling Harbor to Circular Quay...way cheap and you get to ride on a boat in Sydney Harbour and go under the bridge.

Be sure to try a bottle of Tulloch Verdelho. It was our favourite wine while we were there. Excellent.

I was in Australia last November/December and spent a few days in Sydney. I didn't climb the bridge as it was too expensive but you can still cross the bridge for FREE and still get a great view the harbor. Here is a view http://www.australia2005contiki.com/Australia_noflash/pages/IMG_6744.html

Oh and unless you spend money on expensive touristy things you can easily go on a $50 a day budget in Sydney and especially in Cairns.

Snorkeling at the Great Barrier Reef, while pricy, ($100+ due to the fact that you have to go way out into the ocean) was incredible and much better in Whitsundays then in Cairns.

my wife and I are so excited that 5 Takes is starting up again. and AUSTRALIA EVEN!!! We had JUST returned from 5 week in Europe the week before 5 Takes: Europe began and back in 2002 we went to Australia... how fun.

Many tourist things in Australia are expensive but the exchange rate should work in your favor as oppose to the Euro that 5 Takes: Europe had to deal with.

Be sure to go to "The Rocks"! its a very historical portion of the city under the Sydney bridge that was the center of the prison system when it began. many pubs, pizza places and very old buildings... good history, and affordable.

Although the bridge walk is AMAZING... not on $50 a day... it may however be worth your while to choose one of you as a representative to do the tour and get them to recount it to the rest...

From what I've seen... I would choose Renee.

I'm a BIT shocked at the apparent itinerary you have thru Australia... a LOT of miles to cover.

My wife and I keep a travel journal on our trip... watch day 4 and half way down there is a funny little video about "John: the guy who talks more then me!"

Enjoy your trip TJ's... and do us a favor and mention you saw OUR journal online... it would be a real kick for these two REAL FANS of the show.

Chris and Beth!

Hey there 5 Takes!

Here's some suggestions for Sydney:

Ferry over to Manly Beach + the northern beaches, Manly has a funky,retro nightlife. If you go in the day take a stroll around the coast to Shelly Beach, it's really nice over there. The Corso is also a nice stroll on the weekend.

Surf Life Saving is HUGE in Australia and if you get a chance to check out the Championships, DO IT. http://www.slsa.com.au/default.aspx?s=aussurflifesavingchamps

Check out the Sydney Aquarium at Darling Harbour, walk under sharks and massive stingrays and chill out while watching a live fish show to music, it's great! (you can also organise to go scuba diving in there!) I definitely recommend spending a bit of time there, it is fabulous! Then go and grab a bite at one of the restaurants that line the harbour. http://www.sydneyaquarium.com.au/

See if you can take a jet boat ride with Epic Surf Adventures - they take you around the harbour and out along the coast to the northern beaches, awesome fun, try and do it on a nice day with no swell (definitely don't do it with a hangover, the boat flys!)http://www.epicsurf.com.au/

An absolute must - Kings Cross & Oxford Street at night! You will see every type of crazy cat there, def some funky footage to find!

If you're interested, go check out botany bay - it's where Captain Cook originally landed in Australia way back in 1788 and announced the founding of the country. 'The Rock's' is the area where it all happened. Here's a link to a ghost tour of 'the rocks' sounds spooky but really good! http://www.ghosttours.com.au/

A few hours to Katoomba on the train will take you to the Blue Mountains (A MUST!) Check out the 3 sisters - this will give you a little taste of the Australian Landscape, breath taking scenery!! Def a good starting point for your journey and will give you a good comparison for when you reach places like Darwin. Put on your bush walking shoes for this! Plenty of restaurants to eat at afterwards. http://www.bluemountainsguides.com.au/

I've been told Taronga Park zoo has some fabulous views also, plus you rock up to it via ferry. http://www.zoo.nsw.gov.au/

Make sure when when you go to the supermarket you stock up on some Aussie Grub!
Vegemite on toast (spread it very thinly it's the Aussie cure for any hang over)
Kelloggs NutriGrain (it's Iron Man food)
Milo & Milk!
Cottees Cordial
Burger Rings
And most importantly, try every flavour of TIM TAMS available, they are YUM!

Have a bloody ball!!!

Oh, and make sure you all watch the movie 'THE CASTLE' before you go.

BEWDIFUL!

I was in Sydney a few years ago, and on a VERY tight budget. One of the best views for both the Opera house and the Bridge was at "the rocks". Also go down to Darling Harbor, lots of cool sight there as well. Just walking the city is the best viewing possible.

I'm not sure how close this is to Sydney, but you can't say you have been to Australia without going to the Tangalooma Dolphin Resort. You get to see dolphins up close, snorkel the Great Barrier Reef, and (probably the coolest) sand toboganning! The dunes are huge, and the fastest way down is to slide.

I just returned from Australia (stayed in Sydney for over a month). Go walk, be the "flaneur", just enjoy the city and be sure to go to Manly Beach, sip some wine from the Opera Bar under the Opera House and go dancing at Darling Harbour on the weekend (recommended: Cargo Bar and Lounge). Also explore the lesser traveled neighbourhoods such as Paddington, Newtown, Glebe and do check out North Sydney. Be sure to get a photo of the strange LUNA park in Sydney Harbour. Cheers! I want to go back...

Thanks everyone. I took your notes and put them in my "research folder" on my desktop. We will be walking quite a bit and taking in all the spectacular views that you speak of.
Dancing in Darling Harbour huh? that sounds...darling! I've looked into belly dancing in Sydney, apparently it's pretty big there. I'll remember Luna park because it's one of my favorite bands

Belindaakbramley, thanks for the list of things to do and eat. What is a burger ring, is that like beef jerkey? Tim Tams sounds fun, like the onamotapia of food!

Crazy cats are my kind of felines, we will be sure to check out Kings Cross and Oxford street at night. We have been investigating hostels around there.

Thanks again you guys!
Keep that feedback coming. We leave in two days. I can't believe it!

Hi guys,
I lived in Sydney for just about six months and had the time of my life. The most interesting thing to me about Sydney is how different each of the "suburbs" (different areas within the city- not really the same as an American suburb) are...each area has its own personality, energy and activities to offer. (Tony, in DC- would be comparable to differences between Adams Morgan, Federal Triangle, Dupont etc.) Some of my suggestions:

- Art Gallery of NSW, near the Domain in the Botanic Gardens (free)
- Take the public transport ferry to Manly Beach, you'll get an amazing view of the city and its beaches without having to pay for a pricy water cruise. Manly is a cute town with some great, and inexpensive restaurants (especially fish and chips)
- Head out to King Street, in the suburb of Newtown on the border of the University of Sydney- for some great cuisines from around the world: Thai, Italian, Greek and so on. Most restaurants have lunch specials I believe around AU$6.
- Also, right off of King Street is Campos: arguably Sydney's "best" coffee.
- For shopping: Oxford Street in Darlinghurst, the suburb of Paddington or Queen Victoria Building in the Central Business District.
- For going out, King's Cross is a fun area, especially on Friday and Saturday nights. Check out World Bar and Empire.
- The area we found with the most locals was Balmain, something like 21 bars in this small suburb and VERY casual, with friendly people.
- Live music: the Basement in Circular Quay for world/jazz, the Hoptoun Hotel in Surry Hills for rock and Cat & Fiddle in Balmain for folk.
- To echo some of the sentiments already posted, skip the Zoo and Aquarium, definitely take a walk around the Rocks and the Botanic Gardens and just have a great time!

Thanks deecee243!
Art Gallery and Free? I'm there.
Tiffany will like Campos, she's a big coffee fan.
Best coffee huh?
Your suggestions are informative and I'm taking note. I can't wait till I'm experiencing these cool things that I'm reading about!
ciaoCIAO, Renee

Great, great info everybody. Things have been pretty nuts lately approaching go time and now that I catching up on the boards, I love what I see. You guys are really giving us some good stuff and I am sure we all appreciate it.

Bbarbee, that observatory sounds very cool. I have read this thread twice just now and I need to read it again. Thank you everyone for the advice and I am sure you will see us putting it to good use.

quote:

Originally posted by renee5takes:
Thanks deecee243!
Art Gallery and Free? I'm there.
Tiffany will like Campos, she's a big coffee fan.
Best coffee huh?
Your suggestions are informative and I'm taking note. I can't wait till I'm experiencing these cool things that I'm reading about!
ciaoCIAO, Renee

It won't be long

Bondi (20min from the city by car) the people watching alone is enough to entertain you for hours! Grab a surfing leason form the surf school next door to Speedos cafe at north Bondi. Go to the bondi icebergs for your early morning swim in the salt water pool right on the ocean, shop for cool clothes in gould street and in the afternoon go to another Aussie institution, the North Bondi RSL (services club)you have to live out of town to enter or be a memeber so youll be cool. Some of the cheapest and coldest beer in Sydney, get burger and watch the sunset.
Bondi to Bronte walk, head off at the south end of the beach along the path which will take you from bondi through Tamarama, gordons bay and Bronte. So beautiful.
Balmain markets, while the paddington markets have got a bit trashy you can find great stuff in Balmain. The area that fought to prevent starbucks opening in "their village". Great area for pubs, food and coffee .... the non starbucks variety!
First saturday of every month, Pyrmont growers market, brilliant Aussie produce. Go early and eat up. Take your knives and get them sharpened on site! near the casino.
Doyles, Watsons bay, some of the best views in sydney from a beer garden on the harbour. best fish and chips in the world!!! big statement but you have to do it!!watcht he world go by or the boats sail by ... whatever!
Surry Hills, the Gallic club has brilliant live music, great alternative shopping, good pubs 1 of which has a $5 steak night that Im sure you guys will neeed ... cant remember the name? Leave it with me!
On parramatta Road on the right hand side heading out of the city is a live music venue called the Annandale Hotel, some of the best Aussie bands play here!
Is this the kind of thing youre after. Ive got more.......

quote:

Originally posted by maxmunro:
Bondi (20min from the city by car) the people watching alone is enough to entertain you for hours! Grab a surfing leason form the surf school next door to Speedos cafe at north Bondi. Go to the bondi icebergs for your early morning swim in the salt water pool right on the ocean, shop for cool clothes in gould street and in the afternoon go to another Aussie institution, the North Bondi RSL (services club)you have to live out of town to enter or be a memeber so youll be cool. Some of the cheapest and coldest beer in Sydney, get burger and watch the sunset.
Bondi to Bronte walk, head off at the south end of the beach along the path which will take you from bondi through Tamarama, gordons bay and Bronte. So beautiful.
Balmain markets, while the paddington markets have got a bit trashy you can find great stuff in Balmain. The area that fought to prevent starbucks opening in "their village". Great area for pubs, food and coffee .... the non starbucks variety!
First saturday of every month, Pyrmont growers market, brilliant Aussie produce. Go early and eat up. Take your knives and get them sharpened on site! near the casino.
Doyles, Watsons bay, some of the best views in sydney from a beer garden on the harbour. best fish and chips in the world!!! big statement but you have to do it!!watcht he world go by or the boats sail by ... whatever!
Surry Hills, the Gallic club has brilliant live music, great alternative shopping, good pubs 1 of which has a $5 steak night that Im sure you guys will neeed ... cant remember the name? Leave it with me!
On parramatta Road on the right hand side heading out of the city is a live music venue called the Annandale Hotel, some of the best Aussie bands play here!
Is this the kind of thing youre after. Ive got more.......

Yes! Definitely the type of stuff we're after. Please, keep going and thank you.

everyone fantastic suggestions! My mouth is watering with all these places to eat for cheap! Maxmunro- great music suggestions! The Gallic Club sounds great! and a $5 steak holy cow! And the Annadale Hotel sounds fantastic!! thanks!

Gabe-

Besides the Quay, I am not to sure. I never really got a chance to go out in Syndney, but as some locals and I am sure they will invite you along. If you take the water taxi over to Manly, there are some great pubs that are sure to have music. It has been a few years since I have been there, but it was heaps of fun. If you do that you also get to see the harbour at night from the water.

Hi Everyone... It's Tiffany and i wanted to send a post from the airport before I took off. I'm at LAX... we don't actually depart for another 8 hours, but the only shuttle available dropped me off in just enough time to catch up on all the last minute details (calling cc companies & mobile phone companies to suspend services in just enough time).

I'm so excited...even more so after reading all of your suggestions. I've taken some serious notes and can't wait to make your suggestions part of my reality.

Thanks guys! I'll post again once we've arrived. You're all so wonderful for helping us out in such a personal way.

And we're off,

Tiff

Hey Tony,

My name is Arrnott and i live in Sydney.. Saw your profile and clip and like that you're a bit of a party animal...
If you're looking for somewhere to hang while in Sydney dude give me a buzz.. on 0415 755 169...
I'm a singer and know alot of cool places to check out in Sydney...
Hope to hear from you dude...

God Bless
Arrnott Olssen

Hey TJs!

So excited you guys are roaming through Auatralia!!!
I just came back from backpacking through Australia and New Zealand. It was AMAZING! Two very underrated things in Sydney are Bondi Beach and Taronga Zoo. Bondi is a fun beach, great place to learn to surf, and there's also a nice scenic walk along the water from Bondi to Coogee (another beach).
As for Taronga Zoo, you should definitely check it out. Its a short ferry ride from Circular Quay, and you'll get a GREAT view of Sydney. They're all about educating people about conservation and animal preservation. They've got some interesting animals, and there's also a sky safari cable car! Definitely worth checking out.

Hey Guys! I am so ecited about this seasons' 5 Takes! You'll be kicking off your trip in my favorite city: Sydney! I was there two years ago and I absolutely loved it!
I've got some tips on where to go:
- First of all I agree with Anna: you have go to Bondi beach. It is the most awesome, beautiful and cool beach there is.
- The taranga zoo is also a terrifc place to go to. There are two ways of getting there- one is by ferry. The other way to get there is by gondola, which is what I did. It offers a great view of the city.
- You guys should definately do the Sky Walk on the Sky Walk Tower if you get a chance. You get the most amazing view if you head up there around sunset!
- Gabe has definately got to try the chili salt calamari at Tropicana Cafe, it's in the heart of Coogee's cafe scene.
- You should all take a boat trip through Sydney Harbour. Maybe Josh should go on a kayak tour through middle harbour, which is a part of the greater Sydney Harbour. I wanted to do that when I was there last year, but I didn't get a chance.
- I also went on a Jenolan Caves and Blue Mountains tour which was really worthwhile. I never saw such stunning wildlife in my life before, but hey, I'm a city guy....

Anyway.. I wish you guys loads of luck. I hope these suggestions are helpful, and I can't wait to see the first episode!

Oh.. one more tip before I go: the water taxi to Doyles beer and seafood on watsons bay is great around sunset!!!

have a great time!
Alex