thesydneytraveler.com

July 3rd, 2008

Sydney’s Top 10 Freebies

There is a perception that you need to spend money to enjoy a day in Sydney. The reality is that it’s simply not true. If you know where you go, you can have a fun day out in the harbour city, and it won’t cost you a cent. With school holidays just around the corner, you’ll want to remember these ideas!

• Walk across the Harbour Bridge. Soak up the glorious views and sunshine with a leisurely walk across Sydney’s iconic bridge. If you’re feeling extra energetic you can enjoy a stroll around Lavender Bay and through Luna Park.
• Explore the Royal Botanic Gardens. More walking, with 30 hectares of tropical plants, green lawns, and wildlife to enjoy. Enjoy a picnic or lose yourself in a great book in the shade of one of the old trees. Make sure you take in the city views from Mrs Macquarie’s Chair, and take a guided tour of Government House.
• Discover Darling Harbour. There’s plenty of free stuff here, so forget the Harbourside shops have get out amongst it. Kids will love the colorful playground and the street performers. And don’t forget the National Maritime Museum!
• Museums and more museums! The National Maritime Museum isn’t the only one offering free admission. Learn about the planets, environment, and dinosaurs at the Australian Museum, see great paintings and sculptures at the Art Gallery of NSW, and learn more about Sydney’s history at The Rocks Discovery Museum.
• Go shopping. Admittedly, if you want to buy anything, you’ll have to spend a bit of cash. But Broadway shopping centre makes it a little easier to swallow with three hours free parking. Who said there was no free parking in the city? If you plan to see a movie at Hoyts, you’ll get an extra hour’s parking for nix.
• Get busy at Sydney Olympic Park. There’s always plenty of free stuff to enjoy here, so make sure you get out there to experience it. Walk through the wetlands, take a bike ride around the cycle track, or relax with a picnic in the parklands.
• See the Sydney model at Customs House. You’ll feel like Godzilla as you walk through the ground floor of Customs House. A 1:5000 scale model of the Sydney central business district is nestled underneath the glass floor.
• Sun, surf, and sand. It’s a little cold to take a dip right now, but Sydney’s beaches are fantastic fun places to spend a day out.
• Soak up Sydney’s sounds. Pubs all around the city offer free music most nights. Some bars charge a small fee to see the bands, but if you look hard enough you’re bound to catch a free show. Of course, you will need to buy your own drinks!
• See St Mary’s Cathedral. Admire this architectural wonder for free. You can pop in for a visit or to pray any day, but if you want to learn more make sure you visit on a Sunday. The cathedral offers free tours every Sunday at noon.

Image source: Lynne Lancaster @ Stock.xchng

Share This

By Lauren -- 0 comments

July 2nd, 2008

Indigenous Celebrations for NAIDOC Week

It’s almost time for NAIDOC Week, a celebration of the history, culture, and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians.

Why NAIDOC? The acronym originally stood for National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee, a group who originally organized activities during the week. Now NAIDOC has become the name of the week itself.

The week, which this year runs from July 6 to 13, is a chance for all Australians to come together and celebrate indigenous culture. There’s plenty to do around Sydney including the following activities!

NAIDOC Launch
What: Outdoor barbeque, indigenous short film screenings, basketball games, kids activities, aboriginal performers and live entertainment
When: 6 July at 2 pm to 6 pm
Where: Peter Forsythe Auditorium, Corner of Franklin, Glebe Point Road, and Grose Streets, Glebe

March and Flag Raising Ceremony
What: March, flag raising ceremony, and barbeque
When: 7 July from 10 am
Where: March from Redfern Park to Pemulway Park, barbeque at Redfern Community Centre, 29 Hugo Street, Redfern

Storytime with Adam Hill
What: Storytime and craft for primary school children
When: 8 July at 10 am to 11 am
Where: Waterloo Library, 770 Elizabeth Street, Waterloo
Bookings: (02) 9288 5688

Aboriginal Art Lecture with Adam Hill
What: Local artist and storyteller Adam Hill explores the meaning and symbolism of Aboriginal art
When: 10 July at 6:30 pm
Where: Glebe Library, 186 Glebe Point Road, Glebe
Bookings: (02) 9298 3060

Family, Sports, and Market Day
What: Festival showcasing Aboriginal performers, artists, barbeque, sporting personality, and markets
When: 11 July at 10 am to 4 pm
Where: Alexandria Park, Buckland Street, Alexandria

Woolloomooloo Family Day
What: Entertainment and activities including boomerang painting, a didgeridoo and artefacts workshop, live music, kids’ activities, barbeque, and more
When: 12 July at 10 am to 3 pm
Where: Forbes Street Reserve, between Nicholson and Best Streets

Image source: Vapours @ Flickr

Share This

By Lauren -- 0 comments

July 1st, 2008

World Class Art at Gallery of New South Wales

The Art Gallery of New South Wales is one of Australia’s finest art museums, making it a must see for any traveller.

The museum features five levels packed to the rafters with Australian and Aboriginal art, and world class collections of European, Asian, and contemporary works. The museum attracts some exciting travelling exhibitions, so there’s always something new to see.

Explore the museum at your own pace, or join one of the free guided tours. Tours run in English, Japanese, Mandarin, Cantonese, and Vietnamese to suit most Sydney visitors.

If you’re hungry, why not stop off for a quick bite or a gourmet meal at the award-winning restaurant and gallery café?

The Art Gallery is conveniently located near Sydney’s central business district, next to the Royal Botanic Gardens.

Trading hours: 10 am to 5 pm daily. Late opening on Wednesdays until 9 pm
Location: Art Gallery of New South Wales
Address: Art Gallery Road, The Domain
Public transport: Get off the Sydney Explorer bus at stop 6
Parking: There is limited meter parking on Art Gallery Road and Mrs Macquarie’s Road. Parking also available in the Domain Car Park
Cost: Entry is free, although some travelling exhibitions may attract a small fee
Website: http://www.artgallery.nsw.gov.au

Image source: Edwin.11 @ Flickr

Share This

By Lauren -- 0 comments

June 30th, 2008

Kids Dig at The Rocks

Kids can play archaeologist at The Rocks these school holidays. Now that’s got to be better than digging up your back yard!

The Kids Dig Program is a one-hour hands-on session which will see budding archaeologists discovering genuine artefacts at one of Sydney’s oldest historical sites. They could find bones, pottery, and other exciting treasures!

Sydney Learning Adventure guides are on hand to ensure all little ones have a fun, and educational, experience.

It all takes place in The Rocks Discovery Museum, a building which has so many other things to explore. Interactive exhibitions will help kids and grown-ups learn all about Sydney’s fascinating history.

Dates: From 7 to 11 July
Times: Dig sessions at 10:30 am, 12:15 pm, and 2:15 pm
Location: The Rocks Discovery Museum
Address: Kendall Lane, The Rocks
Public transport: The museum is a shot walk from Wynyard and Circular Quay train stations
Parking: Secure parking is available at 121 Harrington Street, 155 George Street, and at the Clock Tower Square
Cost: $11 per child for one-hour session. Museum entry is free
Website: http://www.rocksdiscoverymuseum.com/

Image source: Joe Zlomek @ Stock.xchng 

Share This

By Lauren -- 0 comments

June 29th, 2008

Guzman Y Gomez Dishes Out Genuine Mexican

Think Mexican food is all about greasy, messy food guaranteed to add inches to your waistline? Think again. Australians have been misled about Mexican food, but Guzman Y Gomez looks to set to record straight. If you’re looking for sour cream and hard taco shells, you might want to try your local takeaway joint. But if you want to experience authentic Mexican food, this is the place to do it.

Guzman Y Gomez’s chefs take their job seriously. They create use genuine Mexican spices, rubs, and marinades to create burritos, tacos, and quesadillas. The meats and vegetables are chargrilled and slow roasted to make them so tender and tasty. And they’re actually good for you!

If you like your Mexican hot, don’t hesitate to ask. The friendly staff are only too happy to turn up the heat! In fact, Guzman Y Gomez are only too happy to tailor their menu to suit any tastes, which is great if you need something gluten free, vegetarian, or a celiac diet.

The meals are so affordable, and the BYO policy helps to keep the price down. The stores have fun and funky vibes, making them the perfect spot for a casual night out with friends or family.

Location: Kings Cross
Address: Corner of Bayswater Road and Pennys Lane
Trading hours: 11:30 am to 10 pm on Sundays to Thursdays, 11:30 am to 11 pm on Fridays and Saturdays

Location: Bondi Junction
Address: 1A Bronte Road
Trading hours: 11:30 am to 9 pm Mondays to Sundays

Location: Newtown
Address: 175 King Street
Trading hours: 11:30 am to 10 pm Mondays to Sundays

Location: Australia Square
Address: 264 George Street
Trading hours: 11 am to 3 pm Mondays to Fridays

Cost: Mains $9-$10, Desserts $2.80, Sides $2-$6
Website: http://www.guzmanygomez.com

Image used with permission from Guzman Y Gomez

Share This

By Lauren -- 0 comments

June 28th, 2008

Walk Bondi to Bronte

It may be too cold to hit the waves right now, but you can enjoy the beautiful beach views of Bondi and Bronte all year round. Just take this easy seaside stroll to appreciate all the ocean has to offer.

The walk begins at the southern end of Bondi Beach, near the Bondi Icebergs swimming pool Follow the path for 2.5 kays to Bronte Beach, a popular family spot with its shady lawns and easy waves.

You don’t have to be a fitness freak to enjoy this walk. Take it at a leisurely pace and you’ll be done in an hour. Honestly, you won’t want to go much faster or you’ll miss the stunning views of the sandstone headlands , crashing waves, and sparkling white sands.

While you probably won’t work up an appetite, a pit stop at the cafes on Bronte Road is a great reward for completing the walk. Or if you’re still feeling energetic and are willing to brave the cold why not take a dip in the Bronte Baths?

Public transport: Catch the number #380, #382, #389 or Waverly Council Beach Runner bus, or a train to Bondi Junction station
Parking: Parking is available at the Queen Elizabeth Drive carpark and Bondi Junction
Cost: Free

Image source: Christopher Chan @ Flickr

Share This

By Lauren -- 0 comments

June 27th, 2008

Sydney Photo Friday: St. Andrew’s Cathedral

Churches don’t come much more spectacular that St. Andrews Cathedral. This Anglican church, located in the heart of Sydney, is a superb example of Gothic architecture. I’m not religious at all, but I like to believe that if God does exist he’d like to hang out in a place like this.

Image source: Christopher Chan @ Flickr

Share This

By Lauren -- 0 comments

June 26th, 2008

Get on Board Greenpeace Ship

Greenpeace’s largest and fastest ship, the Esperanza, will be docking in Sydney this weekend, and you can get on board!

The stopover is part of a 2, 300 km tour along Australia’s east coast, which looks to raise awareness and renewable energy and energy efficiency. The Greenpeace Energy [R]evolution Ship Tour will highlight the need for action on climate change in a number of locations, including Newcastle, Brisbane, Mackay, Townsville, and Cairns.

The Esperanza is famous for its expeditions to the Southern Ocean to fight Japanese whaling fleets.

Free tours of the Esperanza will be available both days. To reserve your place on a tour, book online or call 1800 815 151.

Date: Saturday 28 and Sunday 29 June
Time: Tours available 10 am to 4 pm
Location: Wharf 3 White Bay
Address: Robert Street, Rozelle
Public transport: Catch the #422 bus to nearby Crescent Street, or the #501 bus to nearby Victoria Road
Parking: Metered street parking is available
Cost: Free
Website: http://www.greenpeace.org/australia/

Image source: Jovike @ Flickr 

Share This

By Lauren -- 0 comments

June 26th, 2008

Breakfast Blunder at Baia San Marco

The first day my husband and I spent at the Good Food and Wine show we fronted up without breakfast. If you’re going to go wine tasting, this isn’t a good idea.

So on the second day we decided to make sure our bellies were full. After the yummy dinner we had at Baia San Marco a few weeks before, we decided to give their breakfast a whirl.

While we were universally pleased the first time, this meal was a mixed affair.

My husband devoured his thick slices of French toast served with fresh strawberries, lashing of maple syrup, and double honey cream.

But the first bite of my bacon was cold. After confirming with my husband that I wasn’t whining over nothing I sent it back. The bacon returned hot, but my scrambled eggs were a disappointment. They were nice on top, but a soggy watery mess underneath. By that point we were running short on time so I decided to grin and bear it.

The restaurant wasn’t busy, so to screw up something as simple as bacon and eggs seems a bit unforgivable to me. I’d happily return for dinner, but I might give breakfast a miss next time.

Trading hours: 9 am to 10 pm on weekdays and 7:30 am to 10:30 on weekends
Location: Baia San Marco
Address: Shop 114, Cockle Bay Wharf, Darling Park
Public transport: Catch a ferry to Sydney Aquarium. Cockle Bay Wharf is a short walk away
Parking: Parking is available at several Wilson Car Parks in Sussex Street. It is then a short walk to Cockle Bay Wharf
Cost: Breakfast from $7.50
Website: http://www.sanmarco.com.au/

Image source: Victor Iglesias @ Stock.xchng

Share This

By Lauren -- 0 comments

June 25th, 2008

Rustic Charm of the Oaks Goldsborough Apartments

When spending two days at the Good Food and Wine Show, you don’t want to think about getting yourself home. It’s imperative that you find somewhere within shambling distance, so that when you’ve over-indulged in the wine tasting it doesn’t really matter. For us, that place was the Oaks Goldsborough Apartments, situated just behind the convention centre.

The location was ideal, although a little confusing until you get the hang of it. I knew we had to park in the Harbourside car park, but once we’d left our car we were a little lost. Consequently we walked around the block before we stumbled on our new digs. If only we’d known a convenient walkway connects the car park’s top level with the hotel, things would have been a lot easier.

They were in our good graces from the start as our room was ready early in the morning, allowing us to check in well before the 2 pm norm. The studio apartment we chose wasn’t luxurious, but it certainly had a rustic charm. I loved the wooden floorboards and the exposed beams above. It was also nice to spread out with the separate lounge, bathroom, and bedroom.

We were only staying for a night so we didn’t take advantage of the room’s facilities, but with a fully equipped laundry and kitchen this would be ideal for travelers having an extended stay in the city.

We did make use of the television, although it took us some time to work out how to operate the DVD player. Some instructions might have been nice! When did figure it out it was lovely to relax with a movie on the couch.

The bed wasn’t so relaxing. It was hard, and smaller than the king size which I’d booked. I could have quibbled, but once we were settled I didn’t really want to move. After a full day’s food and wine tasting I was exhausted and fell right asleep, but I was a little sore from the firm mattress in the morning.

I was a lot more impressed with the shower and its strong burst of water. There’s nothing I like better than a good shower to start by day, and it delivered.

It may not have been the most luxurious place to bunk down, but with a location and charm like this it didn’t really matter.

Location: Oaks Goldsborough Apartment
Address: 243 Pyrmont Street, Darling Harbour
Public transport: Take the monorail or light rail to Convention station
Parking: Parking is available at Harbourside Car Park at a discounted rate of $16 a day
Cost: Rooms from $123
Website: http://www.theoaksgroup.com.au/Property.aspx?sid=1

Image source: Oaks media library

Share This

By Lauren -- 0 comments