Sydney Harbour offers much more than Circular Quay and the Bridge. Venture out a little further and you’ll find plenty of beautiful islands just made for exploring. While the mainland has been developed into an urban jungle, these islands are home to native flora and fauna. These natural features sit beside historic buildings and Aboriginal sites which reveal much about Australia’s cultural heritage.

One of these natural havens is Shark Island. But don’t let the name scare you off. The island was given this cute moniker because it looks like a shark, not because it’s home to some white pointers!

Shark Island is located a kilometre away from Rose Bay. It offers beautiful views of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera House, making it a favourite choice for local picnickers.

Between 1880 and 1975, the island was used as an animal quarantine station and a naval storage depot. Now though it’s dotted with picnic tables surrounded by shade trees. Wander around and explore the rocky foreshore and sandy beaches. I promise you won’t have an encounter with Jaws!

If you want to visit Shark Island, call (02) 9247 5033 to make a booking.

Trading hours: 9 am to 5 pm daily, and 8 am to 8 pm during daylight savings
Location: Shark Island
Public transport: A ferry service from Circular Quay operated on Saturday and Sunday. It costs $16 for adults, $13.50 for children (5-15 years), $14.50 for concessions, and $53 for families. This price includes the National Parks and Wildlife Service landing fee
Website: http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/NationalParks/parkHome.aspx?id=N0039

Image source: Julius @ Flickr

Post from: The Sydney Traveler

It’s been a long wait, but Sydney’s only Korean Bathhouse is back in business. Now knows as Body Inc Bathhouse and Spa, this inner-city sanctuary is the perfect place for a chill-out session.

Your first stop is the Zen Room, a lounge area designed to get you in the mood. Once you’re suitably relaxed you’ll head off to the men’s or women’s changerooms for your Korean Bathhouse experience, or visit one of the salon rooms for your massage, beauty, or hair treatment.

Nudity is mandatory, but there’s no opposite sex mingling in the baths so there’s no need to be shy. More conservative types may balk at the prospect of getting your gear off in front of strangers, but don’t worry. The hot and cold ginseng baths are designed to soak away those nerves. Steam and sauna rooms and the traditional deep skin scrub complete this indulgent experience.

Couples in the mood for a little pampering for two can take advantage of one of the two deluxe private rooms, couple therapy rooms, or the ultra luxurious Suite 101. It’s fully equipped with a discreet entrance, monsoon shower, and Shiatsu massage bed!

The Body Inc Bathhouse and Spa definitely brings new meaning to the phrase spoiled for choice! Beauty and massage treatments are available now, while the bathhouse will be available in late December

Location: Chifley Hotel
Address: Level 1, 224 Victoria Street, Potts Point
Public transport: Catch a train to King’s Cross station. The bathhouse is just 20 metres away
Parking: On site parking is available for $25 per 24-hour period
Cost: Treatments from $35
Website: http://www.bodyinc.com.au/

Image source: Svilen Mushkatov @ Stock.xchng

Post from: The Sydney Traveler

The harsh Australian climate means Australian men punish their skins more than their counterparts around the world. Yet too many still aren’t getting the message that good skincare is the secret to maintaining youthful good looks. And it feels fantastic! Mankind takes away the embarrassment by specialising in treatments for men. Your mates never have to know, although you might want to bring them along!

Mankind perform facials, pedicures, manicures, and a range of cleansing body treatments. Cap off your session with a massage. With a choice of sports, remedial, and relaxing massages, there’s something to suit all tastes and bodies. And yes lads, they do waxing. If you’re feeling brave front up for this hair removal treatment and just wait for the ladies to notice!
Mankind has also just added a range of female services so the woman in your life can be pampered while you’re getting the royal treatment.

Mankind offers a fantastic loyalty program which should have you returning time and time again.

Trading hours: Open daily (women can only make appointments Monday to Thursday). 9:30 am to 6:30 pm on Mondays to Wednesdays and Fridays, 9:30 am to 8 pm on Thursdays, 9 am to 5:30 pm on Saturdays, and 10:30 am to 5:30 pm on Sundays
Location: Mankind
Address: 425 Crown Street, Surry Hills
Public transport: Catch the #393 bus from Central Station, or the #301 or #303 from Circular Quay to Crown Street
Parking: Limited street parking available
Cost: Services from $15
Website: http://www.mankind.com.au/

Image source: Ronald Schuster@ Stock.xchng

Post from: The Sydney Traveler

When tourists visit Sydney, they head to Bondi. That suits the locals just fine, because they’re all relaxing at Manly Beach. Now the weather’s warming up, I figured I’d share why more Sydneysiders visit this coastal hotspot.

The vibe is a lot more relaxed than you’ll find in urban Bondi. Perhaps it’s because Manly is a little further from the CBD, but everyone here knows how to chill out. Surfers will appreciate the big waves, while family will enjoy paddling in the sheltered coves and inlets.

When the mercury soars, those UV rays can really bite. Thankfully though Manly has enough shade that you can easily find a space to hide away from the glare.

Once you’ve had your fill of surf and sand, head up to The Corso. There are plenty of shops and boutiques to browse, and eateries offering everything from a gourmet feast to a humble fish and chips.

Manly Beach is a 17 kay drive from Sydney’s Central Business District. But if I were you I’d ditch the traffic and hop on a ferry. The ride takes 30 minutes, which passes quickly when you’re taking in those gorgeous harbour views.

Location: Manly Beach
Address: North Steyne, Manly
Public transport: Catch the ferry from Circular Quay to Manly Ferry Wharf
Parking: Park at the nearby The Peninsula Car Park. The first two hours are free!
Cost: Free

Image source: Kagey_b @ Flickr

Post from: The Sydney Traveler

But you don’t have to be a star to enjoy her services, thanks to her new salon in the city.

“The whole idea was to have a hideaway for girls in the city who want every treatment possible but in the confines of an elegant, pampering environment,” she told The Sunday Telegraph.

Sign me up!

Women are used to being pampered by their stylists, but for far too long fashion-conscious men have been left out in the cold. Renya looks to change all that with her special barber area. Here men can have their hair styled, eyebrows tamed, head massaged, and even their ears cleaned!

“It’s a real point of difference and in tune with so many city, fashion-savvy men who are looking after their appearance more and more,” Renya said.

Renya Xydis’ new city salon is at 172 Castlereagh Street, Sydney. Call (02) 9264 8888 for bookings.

Image source: Jorge Vicente @ Stock.xchng

Post from: The Sydney Traveler

The bathhouse used to pride itself on its traditional Korean bathing experience. That meant modesty was out of the question.

Now known as the Body Inc Bathhouse, the revamped retreat will reopen its doors next month.

Director of spa Sharlene Votano told The Sydney Morning Herald the bathhouse will retain its authentically Asian feel.

“A lot of people loved that [nudity] about the bathhouse and a lot of people hated it,” she said.

“The bathhouse was around for 20 years. The response has been extraordinary, of people wanting to return and they’re concerned we would have lost it, that rustic, kind of authentic Korean feel. That’s something we’re maintaining.”

If you prefer the old-fashioned natural bathhouse experience, don’t despair. The place won’t cover up completely. Management is considering possible timeslots to accommodate the clothed and unclothed bathers, and single sex and unisex options.

Traditional techniques will also continue to be performed by the Korean and Thai staff. The décor will be entirely new, but it will also maintain an Asian feel inspired by the elements of water, fire and earth.

The Body Inc Bathhouse is located in the Chifley Potts Point Hotel, Level One, 111 Darlinghurst Road, Kings Cross.

Image source: G Baden @Stock.xchng

Post from: The Sydney Traveler

This 600-hectare haven is home to beautiful bush valleys and plenty of native wildlife. It’s a popular spot for local families to enjoy a picnic, game of cricket or football, or a boat ride.

The park has 35 picnic sites and boat hire available at the historic boatshed. And if you’d rather explore the area on foot, there are 40 km of bushland trails to trek.

If an afternoon in the park isn’t quite enough, accommodation is available. Lane Cove National Park has 28 self-contained cabins, as well as campervan, caravan, and camping sites.

The cabins have all the mod cons, with bathrooms and separate toilets, kitchens complete with microwaves, a lounge, television, and reverse cycle air-conditioning. Family and couple cabins are available.

Address: Lady Game Drive, Chatswood
Public transport: Catch a train to Chatswood, or the #292 or #545 buses
Parking: Parking in the park is available for $7 a day, although this fee is waived for guests staying overnight
Cost: One bedroom cabins start at $121 a night and campsites start at $30 a night. Four-person boat hire is $20 an hour or $30 a day. 

Post from: The Sydney Traveler

Today you don’t have to be a world-class athlete to enjoy what Sydney Olympic Park has to offer. Anyone can swim a few laps at the Aquatic Centre, play a game of tennis at the Tennis Centre.

The beautiful parklands are also a great place to take it easy. Lake Belverdere in Bicentennial Park is a popular spot for a lazy barbeque or picnic. And the park’s scenic pathways are perfect for a leisurely stroll.

But at 640 hectares, you’ll struggle to see everything on foot. It’s much easier to hire a bike at the park. Bike Hire @ Sydney Olympic Park hires bikes for one hour to a full day. They have a range of bikes, including mountain bikes and tandems!

If you’re interested in the park’s history, check out one of the many tour options. Guided walking tours will give you new insight into Sydney Olympic Park, Telstra Stadium, the Aquatic Centre, and the Sydney Games. Many of the park’s tours are available in Cantonese and Mandarin.

If you’d rather take in the park at your own pace, a self-guided tour may be more your speed. The “Listen Live” tour features tidbits about the Games’ venues, and the modern Olympic Games. The tour comes complete with an MP3 player and map. Why not combine this tour with the bike hire to save your legs? The Listen Live tour is available for $20 from the Sydney Olympic Park Visitor Centre.

It’s no longer under the world’s microscope, but there’s always something going on at Sydney Olympic Park. ACER Arena hosts some massive concerts in the coming months, like Justin Timberlake, Hilary Duff, Elton John, and Santana. On the fourth Sunday of every month, the Boulevarde becomes a family-friendly marketplace. And that’s just for starters.

Sydney Olympic Park is in Homebush. The easiest way to get there is to take the train from Sydney Central Station to Olympic Park.

Post from: The Sydney Traveler

The Royal Botanic Gardens are a little piece of paradise in the middle of the city. They’re located between the harbour and the central business district, and are a haven for people looking to escape the hustle and bustle.

The gardens span 30 hectares and are home to more than one million plants. These include some massive trees that were planted over a century ago. As you can imagine, they provide wonderful shade which is perfect for picnicking under. Other garden highlights include the fernery, the rose garden, herb garden, cactus garden, and oriental garden.

Keep your eyes peeled and you’re likely to see some of the creatures that call the gardens home. Look out for white ibises, grey-headed flying foxes, possums, and hundreds of other birds, reptiles, and insects.

Guided tours are available, or you can explore the gardens on your own. A walkway skirts around the lower part of the gardens to make walking around a little easier. Or if you’re feeling particularly lazy, you can catch the trackless train.

Entry to the Royal Botanic Gardens is free, although there is a small charge to enter the tropical centre. The gardens open daily (except Christmas and Good Friday) at 7 am and close at sunset.

Royal Botanic Gardens
Mrs Macquaries Road
Sydney

Post from: The Sydney Traveler

When you arrive you’ll receive a bag containing a wrap, shawl, and slipper. And then the pampering begins.

You’ll enjoy champagne and tasty treats as the crew work their magic. During the three-hour cruise, you’ll enjoy a full body massage or deluxe facial with a neck and shoulder massage while taking in the glorious view. If you’re still not completely stress-free, why not get a hand massage?

On-board tarot readers allow you to glimpse into the future, and you can even try the unique Zen Chi Machine. They say five minutes on this is equivalent to walking 3, 000 steps!

The cruise departs from Wharf 9 at King Street. It travels through Darling Harbour, under the Sydney Harbour Bridge, past the Opera House, then through Farm Cove, Double Bay, Rose Bay, and Hunters Hill.

Cruises run on Saturdays and Sundays, although alternative days may be negotiated with the company. Bookings are essential. It costs from $210 per person, including the cruise, massage, tarot reading, and catering.

This sounds like a great way to spend an afternoon out with your gal pals, or to simply treat yourself!

Post from: The Sydney Traveler