The Sydney Traveler

Parramatta has a new free bus service! The Loop travels around the city at ten-minute intervals. It will travel along the main streets from the ferry wharf to the shopping centre and railway station. That sounds like a winner for tourists and locals alike!
“The Loop is the keystone of Parramatta City Council’s integrated transport plan,” said the suburb’s Lord Mayor Paul Barber.
“As the economic capital of Western Sydney, Parramatta is in need of a quick, reliable and low-pollution city transport system.”
How can the local council afford the free service? It’s all very clever really. Firstly they’re using the money from …read more

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There’s a new baby at Taronga Zoo! Mahale, a male Western Lowland gorilla, was born on August 18. The adorable little boy made his public debut this week. The proud parents are the zoo’s oldest female, Moila, and the tribe’s leader Kibabu.
“With gorillas under intense pressure from jungle clearance and the bush meat and pet trades, as well as diseases like Ebola, this is a great result from one of the world’s most respected breeding groups,” said the zoo’s director Guy Cooper.
“It is a tribute to our keepers’ great husbandry skills, and provides a level of insurance and understanding of …read more

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This beautiful photo of the Sydney skyline reminds me of a postcard. The way the colors of the sky subtly fade into one another, and the silhouetted buildings contrast with these lighter tones, is just amazing. Sydney is truly a beautiful city, isn’t it?
Image source: Trick Kid @ Flickr

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I must admit, before I discovered the Red Bull BC One competition was coming to town I had idea what b-boying was. Yet this exciting art has been around since the seventies!
So what is it? B-Boying is a unique performance art which combines gravity-defying freezes and intricate moves. The world’s top b-boyers bring skills in dancing, gymnastics, and martial arts to this amazing sport.
To spread the word about the Red Bull BC One competition, seven of the world’s top b-boyers are visiting Australia for an exhibition tour. They touch down in Sydney tonight for two very special shows. You’ve probably …read more

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Travellers looking for luxury are in for a real treat when Pullman at Sydney Olympic Park opens its doors next Monday. The beautiful hotel will be the park’s first new five-star accommodation venue since the 2000 Olympics. It sounds like it’s well overdue!The Pullman has a stunning interior designed by the acclaimed architect Joseph Pang, a chic wine bar and restaurant, a Club Lounge, fully-equipped gymnasium, and executive floors for the high rollers.
To promote the launch visitors can enjoy a special nightly rate of $235 per room including breakfast for two.
Isn’t it lucky that the Pullman’s opening up just in …read more

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We’ve all heard of the ARIAs and the AFIs, but what about the APPAs? APPA stands for Australian Professional Photography Awards. As you can imagine, the standard is first rate.
They don’t get the fanfare of the music or film awards, but you can see Australia’s best photographs at the annual APPAs Travelling Exhibition. There’s even a few New Zealanders thrown in for good measure. These amazing images show you just how skilled, imaginative, and innovative local photographers are.
Their works are diverse, with subjects including landscapes, portraits and weddings, press, advertising, and science, environment and nature.
Best of all, it’s entirely free. …read more

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Sydney’s always been gay-friendly, but now it’s soon to be official. Some of Sydney’s busiest suburbs are set to become homophobia-free zones. The policy is still being finalised, but at this point it looks like Oxford Street, parts of Darlinghurst, King Street in Newtown, and Erskineville Road in Erskineville will become gay and lesbian precincts.
“We have to create awareness that homophobia is not acceptable,” councilor Phillip Black told The Sunday Telegraph.
City of Sydney Oxford Street safety ambassador and proud drag queen Maxi Shield said the introduction of homophobia-free zones “can’t hurt,” but said more needs to be done.
“We need more …read more

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Redfern has been much maligned, but the community spirit of this working class suburb beats strong and proud. Come and celebrate the suburb’s recent facelift this Sunday with the pride of Redfern, the South Sydney Rabbitohs!
The mighty red and greens will show off the new Redfern Park and Oval, as well as new public art on the upgraded streetscape.
The Donovans, 4th Down, and plenty of other bands will keep the crowds entertained. Plenty of other fun activities make this a fantastic day out for the whole family.
Date: Sunday 31 August 2008
Time: 11 am to 2 pm
Location: Redfern Park
Address: 51 Redfern …read more

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For luxurious Sydney digs without the snooty attitude, then look no further than Blue. This beautiful boutique hotel was a Conde Nast Traveler “Hot List” award winner in 2001, and it’s only gotten better since then.
The rooms retain the authentic charm of the historic wharf building while providing all the mod cons. You’ll love the lush suedette furnishings and the stunning views. Rooms look out at the Woolloomooloo Bay Village and the Sydney Harbour foreshore.
Choose from one of the luxury, deluxe, or superior rooms, or for real decadence book a split-level loft.
The hotel’s friendly staff are available 24/7 to ensure …read more

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The Light Rail is one of the greenest and most convenient ways to get around Sydney and the inner west. The Light Rail, which opened in 1997, is also Sydney’s newest transport system which means you travel smoothly and in comfort.
Every year the Light Rail transport more than 3.5 million passengers to some of Sydney’s biggest attractions including Star City Casino, the Sydney Fish Markets, the Exhibition Centre, and Central train station.
But unlike its sister transport system, the Monorail, the Light Rail doesn’t restrict you to the city. These eco-friendly trams regularly travel to Glebe, Rozelle Bay, Jubilee Park, Lilyfield, …read more

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