The Sydney Traveler

Most Sydney tourists and locals will spend a little time at Sydney Airport. But have you ever wondered what really goes on there? The Airside Tarmac Tour takes you behind the scenes of this bustling travel hub.
You’ll visit places only the staff are allowed to be, including runways, massive hangars, and restricted sections in the domestic and international terminals during the 90-minute tour. Some of the highlights include getting up-close and personal with jets landing and taking off, and listening to pilots communicating with the tower. The go-go-go pace of the airport can seem confusing at first, but your expert …read more

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If you want to get out and see Sydney but don’t fancy joining a guided tour, there is a solution.
City Walks: Sydney is a clever guidebook which takes tourists on self-guided walking tours of the city and its suburbs. Locals will even find they can learn a few things too!
There’s nothing worse than a hefty book weighing you down on a walk, so the City Walks layout is a real relief. It’s made up of 50 cards with an easy-to-follow map on one side and destination details on the other. Cards include Bondi to Bronte, Balmain, Newtown, The Royal …read more

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Enjoy a tour with a difference and follow Oxford Street’s Rock’n’ Roll Walk of Fame and Shame!
The tour, which is part of the Art & About festival, brings to life the colourful music history of the Darlinghurst precinct. Forget crusty old tour guides. In true rock and roll style, all you need for this tour is the free podcast and your trusty MP3 player!
The podcast is narrated by the people who were there, including Martin Plaza from Mental as Anything, Rob Younger from Radio Bridman, Any Anderson from the Missing Links, and more. From their sometimes hazy recollections you’ll hear …read more

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Most people come to the Royal Botanic Gardens to admire the immaculately-kept blooms. Nowadays it’s hard to imagine the way things were when white settlers first arrived. But Cadi Jam Ora helps you do just that.
As it happens, this part of the Royal Botanic Gardens is where European settlers and the native Cadigal people had some of their earliest encounters. Today a dramatic 50-metre long “storyline” weaves its way through garden beds like an ancient serpent, reminding us of the early lives of the indigenous people who lived there.
Everyone can view this ancient site, but if you want to learn …read more

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Did you think city tours were boring outings for old folks? Think again. Chic in the City shopping tours offers the perfect girls’ day out.
Siobhan Young, the tour’s creator will take you to all the city’s best shopping strips. You’ll visit the boutiques of some of Australia’s top designers including Lisa Ho, Leona Edmiston, and Collette Dinnigan, as well as some of the hottest new names in the biz. You might not have heard of these designers yet, but Siobhan knows what will be big and you’ll thank her for it!
She’s also happy to offer her advice about colors and …read more

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It’s whale watching season, and you can spot these majestic creatures in style with Obsession Cruises.
And I mean style. How does this sound? A 50′ fully-airconditioned catamaran designed with comfort in mind. You can bring your own lunch, or let the ship’s award-winning chef cook it for you. Of course that’s a little pricier, but you were opting for luxury right?
The ship’s crew offers a detailed commentary so you can learn more about these amazing aquatic animals. From mid-May to August you’ll spot humpback whales making their journey to breeding grounds up north. From mid-August to November you’re likely to …read more

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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 …read more

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I’m not exactly the fittest girl in the world. I like to count a trip to the grocery store as exercise, and I tend to avoid breaking a sweat. Yet somehow I found myself sitting on a bicycle for the first time in at least a year on Saturday.
My husband Steve and I were signed up for a ride with Sydney Bike Tours, an exciting new local tour company which promises to show you the sights the green way. Forget piling into a cramped tour bus, or traipsing around until your feet hurt. This bicycle tour offers a whole new …read more

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Sydney is a real treat for art lovers. There are so many stunning galleries and beautiful architecture, but you might not realise that art is literally all around you. Take the Sydney Arts Discovery Trail to see some of the beautiful spots the tourists often miss.

Image source: Sachman75 @ Flickr
Naturally our walk starts at the Art Gallery of New South Wales. With five floors of Aussie, European, indigenous, and Asian art, not to mention nearly 40 travelling exhibitions every year, it’s a must for art lovers. You’ll find it on Art Gallery Road, The Domain, which is a short …read more

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Cockatoo Island may just be Sydney’s best kept secret. This heritage listed island is smack bang in the middle of stunning Sydney Harbour, and it’s just opened up for overnight camping.
This beautiful island used to be an imperial prison, industrial school, reformatory, and gaol. It was also the site of one of Australia’s biggest shipyards. Remnants of Cockatoo Island’s rich history remain today. Visitors can explore the historic sites at their own pace or join a guided tour.
History aside, Cockatoo Island offers one amazing view. It’s one of the best places in Sydney to appreciate the harbour, the city skyline, …read more

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