I hope you all are having a great time in Sydney so far! I studied abroad in Australia exactly 3 years ago now and here are some of my suggestions...
I found a Sydney visitors guidebook (free) at a stand in front of Town Hall and it had some great coupons in it. One was for the Aquarium (buy one get one free) which was ok, but I wouldn't go in paying full price $27.00 (if you buy it online it will cost $24.30, http://www.sydneyaquarium.com.au) and another was for the Sky Tower, which is awesome. Great views of the city, though it is $23.50 (not sure what the coupon price was). At this website you can buy multi attraction tickets that will save you money, http://www.sydneyskytour.com.au/multi_tick.html.
Like others have said, don't miss the Taronga Zoo. It's fun to see all the animals- don't miss the platypus! There is this one spot (I think where the bird show takes place) that you can get a great photo of the sydney skyline too.
Don't miss out on the ANZAC bridge. So many people talk about the harbour bridge as being amazing, but I think the ANZAC bridge is even cooler looking. If you can take a bus over the bridge, be sure to stop in Hunter's Hill (about 6 kilometres from the centre of the city) to check out St. Joeseph's College (a secondary boarding school for boys). Known as Joey's, it has a beautiful campus and will show you a little bit about the Australian schooling culture. If you can, go inside the church, it's absolutely gorgeous, and this is all FREE!(aside from the bus ticket) Also, near the college is a great wine store. If you are looking for some good Australian wine, you should be able to find a nice, cheap bottle that you can all share if you'd like to.
When you are at Cirular Quay, be sure to get some gelato from the Gelatissimo stand. Best gelato I have ever had! Still can't find anything that compares, even if it is a little pricey.
FREE~ Go into the Royal Botanic Gardens right before sunset(enter near the opera house). Take a walk around the outer path that follows the harbour and sit yourself on the hill facing the opera house. From there you will get amazing photos of the sun setting behind the Opera house and harbour bridge.
Another FREE thing that you can do is take a stroll through Hyde park to see landmarks including Archibald Fountain, statue of Captain Cook, Busby’s Bore, the Emden Gun and an ANZAC War Memorial. Right next to the park is St. Mary's Cathedral, take a look inside.
Never miss out on a chance to go to Paddy's markets. It's a great place to pick up cheap souveniers or anything else you could possibly want. It's in Haymarket, right near Chinatown (don't miss that either!), open thurs-sun, 9am-5pm. http://www.paddysmarkets.com.au/ According to that website there is a Greek festival in Darling Harbour on Sunday March 26th, you may want to check it out.
Another thing that you should do is head over to Sydney's Olympic park. Something neat that goes on there is the Sydney Royal Easter show, though I don't think you'll still be in Sydney when it's going on this year (April 7-20). It's still worth checking out cause there is always something going on, and especially because you can see where the Olympic flame was, that is now a fountain. http://www.sydneyolympicpark.com.au/
And last but not least.. if you want to get out of Sydney for a day or two here is my suggestion. Take the train down to Kiama to see the "blowhole", a rock formation that waves crash into and the water shoots up through it. It is about a 3 hour train ride, but worth it. On your way back up to Sydney, stop in Wollongong/North Wollongong to check out the University of Wollongong's campus, and join the local uni students on a night out(always wednesday) at Glass House bar/club. That's always a great time! If you have free time after visting Kiama and before going out that night, hit up the beach in Wollongong or Fairy Meadow, not impressive, but very nice and peaceful. http://www.cityrail.info/timetable/ttable.jsp?line=sc&day=wd&dir=dn&page=03
And I absolutely agree that you have to try all the Tim Tam flavors you can (they are delicious cookies) but i have to add trying some of the Cadbury chocolate bars, such as Dairy Milk. The ingredients are different than the Cadbury chocolate in America and that makes the chocolate 10 times better! It's my favorite chocolate by far.

I've never been to Sydney (unfortunately), but I think it would be great to check out the Baha'i House of Worship... not for the religion, but for the culture and history of it. I think you guys would really enjoy it. It's also fee

http://www.bahai.org.au/scripts/WebObjects.exe/BNO.woa/wo/10.0.5.2.2.1

umm, yeah... that was supposed to say "free" up there, oops

[QUOTE]Originally posted by strawberygirl:
and another was for the Sky Tower, which is awesome. Great views of the city, though it is $23.50 (not sure what the coupon price was). At this website you can buy multi attraction tickets that will save you money, http://www.sydneyskytour.com.au/multi_tick.html.
</quote>

Definatly check out the Sky Tower. The elevator goes up so fast your ears pop. I went at night, and it was so great seeing the lights of Auckland spread out at your feet. Here is my site with a picture I took at the bottom of the tower:
http://www.personal.psu.edu/users/s/l/sls472/nz.html

Alright Guys...

Now that you are in Sydney, I'm sure you're having a blast. Take it carful in Kings Cross, not the nicest part of town. The Strawberry Hill Hotel isn't too far from the Railway Station YHA, which isn'y far from the harbor.

Get out to Bondi and go into the Bondi Beach YHA (its up the hill from the beach) and tell Sam, Clay said she would show off her orange vest.

Can't wait for the show to start so we can really share your trip with you.

Hey everyone. Renee Here. Thanks so much for contributing to this forum.

We're in Sydney now and I'm taking note of the advise. Strawberrygirl, first off, I like the name. Strawberries are awesome. I'll try to go see the Anzac Bridge. The Sydney Harbour Bridge plays a big part in the beauty of the scenic views from the Harbour. I like bridges in general, so I'll try to check it out.

That's funny you mentioned the Gelatissmo in Circular Quay. I passed it today and was going to get some, but it was a little pricey. Now, after your words of praise, I'm going to treat myself to some gelato. It's totally worth it to splurge now and then. Tiramisu is my favorite flavor, besides strawberry of course.

The Greek Festival sounds lovely. I think we're leaving Saturday, however. Tomorrow, I'm going to get to Paddy's Market. It's been mentioned a few times on the message boards and I've been curious to see what it's about. I also want to check out Chinatown and it's right there.

The Blowhole sounds like it is worth seeing too. So much to see! I will suggest it to the group. I'm meeting up with them in a little bit. On the way, I think I'll pick up a CAdbury Chocolate Bar, haha. Now, I'm thinking about it. I think it's different from the States because it's made with milk, not water.

And, Kiwibutterfly, the Sky Tower does sound nice. I'm a sucker for a good view. I don't think I'll spend $23.50 on it though. Thanks for the pictures!

Flyinmonkie, Strawberry Hill Hotel has been mentioned a few times on this message board. It's about time I see what it's about. We went to Bondi Beach a couple of days ago. I want to go back! I didn't see anyone named Sam. But, Clay that's cool you're sporting that fabulous orange vest of yours.


I'll let you guys know how it goes when I these suggestions become a reality!
Thanks again for the tips and info. It is so helpful!

In a while, Renee

Renee,
When I read your bio and saw that you were obsessed with strawberries I was like "Finally! Someone besides me!" ha ha. I actually just got a small strawberry tattoo on my hip Out of all the 5 takes TJ's when I read your bio I was like, she and I would get along so well! There were so many interests you wrote about that I am similarly interested in. And you live in Brooklyn, I live in Jersey. When you get back, if you ever want to chat with someone about the trip, let me know cause I love to talk about travel! (I'll give ya my email.) It's always fun to make new friends Hope you are all enjoying your time in Sydney as much as I have!
Ginni
PS~ I just re-read my post and wanted to say don't freak out, I'm not gonna stalk ya! I'm just a 23 year old gal who wanted to be on 5Takes but couldn't when I realized it started while I'd be finishing up grad school. And I miss being in Australia, hence the reasons I'm going to be addicted to this show!

Hey Ginni!
Yes. I am indeed a fellow strawberry girl. I'm a strawberry necklace around my neck right now in fact. A tattoo huh? that's awesome! Jersey is my neighbor! I dig the movie Garden State and I've hung out at Maxwells in Hoboken quite a few times because my friend's band plays there a lot.
I actually just joined my space...it's a new era! I can't get a picture up yet...I'm trying! But, if you're a myspacer, be my friend yo!
I think you can search me by NewYorkRenee.

Good luck with Grad School! Go girl, that's so awesome!
A fellow strawberry/east coast vixen, Renee

quote:

Originally posted by strawberygirl:
Renee,
When I read your bio and saw that you were obsessed with strawberries I was like "Finally! Someone besides me!" ha ha. I actually just got a small strawberry tattoo on my hip Out of all the 5 takes TJ's when I read your bio I was like, she and I would get along so well! There were so many interests you wrote about that I am similarly interested in. And you live in Brooklyn, I live in Jersey. When you get back, if you ever want to chat with someone about the trip, let me know cause I love to talk about travel! (I'll give ya my email.) It's always fun to make new friends Hope you are all enjoying your time in Sydney as much as I have!
Ginni
PS~ I just re-read my post and wanted to say don't freak out, I'm not gonna stalk ya! I'm just a 23 year old gal who wanted to be on 5Takes but couldn't when I realized it started while I'd be finishing up grad school. And I miss being in Australia, hence the reasons I'm going to be addicted to this show!

I've never been to Australia so I don't know. They should do absolutely everything possible. To me, this would involve (not in any particular order) kangaroos, koala bears, dunkaroos, Ned Kelly, shrimp on barbies and Father Christmas. I don't know if there is any one place that they can see all of that stuff, but I think it would be a good idea. Also, if there is anything else funny I can say to promote myself and not exactly contribute to the message board, they should do that too and I should type that.

Oh, just so my message doesn't get deleted though, they should check out that really cool bridge. I don't know what it's called because I went to Arizona State.

I'm anxious to watch, Australia is going to be a good first stop! (my lawyer made me put that line in)

-Brian Laesch

Head into Kings Cross one evening and do a little people watching....it runs the spectrum - glam people in line at glam clubs, great resturants, and of course the other end.....check it out for yourself.

You can walk to the top of the Pylon of the bridge for $8 AUD and get a great view...don't spend the ridiculous money to climb the bridge. Maybe Rooney West will be there at the top playing the guitar and taking your money! He's an aspiring singer songwriter who is super friendly!

There is an area in the Botanical Gardens to walk to behind the Opera House where you can get an amazing sunset view of both the Opera House and the Bridge!

Hi guys,

I just got on and I'm hoping you're still in Sydney. My friend Laura and I lived there a few years ago - we had a flat in Bondi. I loved it so much I named my dog Bondi!

You must eat at Thai Terrific in Bondi @ 147 Curlewis. This was one of our favorite places. It will work well with your budget as the portions are pretty good sized. Get the super pad thai - soooo good. If you have any money leftover, go have a drink at the Bondi Icebergs and enjoy the view! Looking forward to watching the show and feeling "homesick". Feel free to send any questions our way. We lived in Sydney but also traveled around Oz a bunch.

Go by 142 Glenayr Ave and wave at the lovely brick building for us.

Ashley, Laura (& Bondi)

quote:

Originally posted by mod_ben:
Let us know where the TJs should go...

I was watching something on Austrailia a while back and from what I saw they have good sites. Here's what I want to see: The inside of an Austraillian Brewery. That's gottta be cool. Check on Fosters Beer and see what they have to offer tour wise!!! God what they are doin' now i would never be able to do. I'm afraid of heights!! John looks cute like that!!!! NICE GOIN' JOHN!!!KILL THOSE WAVES!!!!!!!!

Hey Guys,
First of all let me say how much I'm loving watching you guys around Sydney. I was there for about 4 months about 3 years ago, and wanted to tell you about some things (inexpensive things) that I loved while I was there.
*I love the beach! So although Bondi was great, i loved the cliff walk from Coogee beach to Bondi or vice versa. (Free) Great view! good time. It's a hike
*Went out to Newtown, to a Vietnamese food place and had some kangaroo and crocodile for dinner...interesting and def memorable.
*I like Koala Park Zoo more than Taronga....like a petting zoo, out in the burbs of australia.
*Went out to Leichart (i'm thinkin i spelled that wrong) but it's the Little Italy of Sydney. and it's kind of interesting to hear Italians with an Aussie accent.
*P.s. to the Food Guy...MANGOs are awesome there. Never had a mango that tasted the same...eat some, and learn how to eat one. Apparantly there's a special way to cut it and everything...maybe i was just living in a bubble until then..but yeah...all the fresh fruit was amazing!
*Saw the famous drag show at the place where Pricilla Queen of the Desert was filmed (i'm having a brain fart, and can't remember the name of the place).
*Botanical gardens
*Manly Beach
et c. etc.
hope it helps, it's been so long since i've been there, but hope you are all having a kick ass time!!

Hey guys, I traveled in Australia for 3 weeks last summer and had the most amazing time of my life! While on the Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb I was chatting with one of the guides and she mentioned that we should try cookies, or I should say "Biscuits" called Tim-Tams. They're awesome and come in a few different flavors such as caramel, and even chilli-pepper flavor. I suggest you guys find some of these even if your budget only is $50 a day!! Also, I know Tiffany and Renee got to see koala bears, but I went to a place called the billabong wildlife sanctuary and I was able to actually hold one, so thats something else to look into! Best of luck on your trip, and most of all NO WORRIES MATES!

Hey guys. I found a couple of places you can visit in Australia:

The Melbourne National Gallery
The Australian National Gallery

The second gallery show playce is in Canberra. I thought that Renee would like to see them. I also want to know if you guys got therer in time for the Adelaide Festival of Arts(another piece of history for Renee). Here's another place for you guys to visit: Wine Centre. Well let me know. Ty!

I hear there are a lot of naturalists in Australia. Maybe the group can visit a nude beach.

If you are looking to eat some real Aussie food, try Harry's Cafe de Wheels. Order a meat pie with mushy peas (sounds weird, but is really like mashed potatoes, but using peas instead of potatoes) and gravy. A meat pie is sort of like a beef pot pie. Yum! Also, if you are still in Australia or New Zealand on April 25, you should try to take in an ANZAC day commemoration. ANZAC (Australia New Zealand Armed Corp) Day is the day Aussie, Kiwis, Turkish people and British people remember the Battle at Tripoli. It's their evquivalent of Veterans Day. Here in the US, the ceremony is usually followed by a reception (read 'free food'). Just make sure you actually attend the ceremony first. It's bad form to just show up for the reception. I'm assuming it would be similar in Australia or New Zealand.

While in Australia, try to look up Alby Mangels. Truly a pioneer on the Travel Channel. He still should be having adventures somewhere nearby.

quote:

Originally posted by arrnott:
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

Thanks so much for the GREAT time Arnott!!! I had a blast at your place not to mention the food was AWESOME! (and free)

Thanks man, I appreciate it.