The heart of Australia is Sydney (Sydney (Australia))

Member Name: sstephenson

Product:	Sydney (Australia)
Date:	04/01/09 (33 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: activities, transport, location

Disadvantages: none

You've been on the plane for close to 30 hours, you're exhausted and can't wait to be out of the confines of the aeroplane. It's only when you look outside the window you realise that you've landed on the other side of the world.

Sydney is the capital of New South Wales, it lies close to the water and has a population of approximately 4million people.

It's a havana for backpackers and tourists but manages to maintain normality for the residents who call it home.

-----Transport-----
From the airport you can either catch the train or a taxi to the centre of town.
Once in the city the train system connects you to pretty much anywhere you want to go. There's numerous stops in the CBD to make getting around easier and if you want to head up to the Northern Beaches there's the 120 Bus that stops outside McDonald's on Pitt Street.
If you want to go to Manly there's a regular ferry service that only costs $10 or so.

-----Hotels/Hostels-----
The best hostel in Sydney by far is Wake Up. I stayed here for four nights when I first arrived. The staff are friendly and the atmosphere is excellent! It's more like a hotel than a hostel!
There's also a Hilton and numerous other places that any good travel agent can suggest.

-----Activities-----
Where to start? There's so much to do you'll be spoilt for choice.

Sydney Opera House:
The heart of Sydney and Australia! The Opera House is located in the chic area of Circular Quay, there's everything from street performers to fancy bars. You can sit at a cafe opposite the harbour and enjoy the night time atmosphere.
During the day you can see performances from aborigines and the occasional circus act! Best way to get here is getting off at Circular Quay station where you can get a train from Central.

Aquarium:
The aquarium hosts some maginificent creatures and host great exhibitions, definately something for both adults and kids to enjoy.

Manly:
Manly is a cute little town popular with the young and old, it has a range of shops on the high street and areas are cornered off on the ocean for a good swim.

Nothern Beaches:
If you fancy a full day out and don't mind travel then the Northern Beaches is the place to go, it's about an hour from the city and has some amazing beaches. There's also Palm Beach where they film Home and Away.

----Shopping and Eating----
There's plenty of shopping to do in Sydney, there's Pitt Street Mall or the thrift shops on George Street. There's the Chinatown markets where you can find great bargins and there's loads of cafe's to stop and have a bite to eat.


Sydney is a fantastic city and if you stay long enough you'll definately fall n love with the heart of Australia

Summary: Best city down-under