Sydney Slickness
By Joanne Lane Everyone in Sydney has somewhere to go but me and the bums. It`s a city full of people walking, sitting, eating, sleeping, having lunch or coffee, holding hands, catching buses, going to work and other places. I wander around with my mouth open eyeing everything and everyone, muttering "how can I be lost again" as I pull out a map, gaze blankly down the street, rearrange my backpack and head off again. No one else walks through Sydney like that except the homeless. It`s the one thing I hate about being a tourist in a big city. But the great thing about Sydney is that it is so diversified, a melting pot of everything and everyone, ideas, fashion, life and people. So you are soon included as one of its normalities or eccentricities and life continues. To say Sydney is not Australia is like saying New York is not America or London is not England. And yet some might also say its big city feel, high paced life and high minded fashion is hardly representative of other places on the continent where slow drawls, stubbies (shorts) and leisurely BBQs are more a feature. However it`s also pretty much the Australian capital in all but name, but I won`t say that too loudly less the rest of the nation hears! Sydney has long been regarded as one of the worlds great cities, but the 2000 Olympic games cemented it`s role on the world stage. The Olympic games were probably the most recent high point in the cities history but really just a small sideline in the cities life which has a life to match any of the worlds other big cities. Annual events like the Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras in March keep it on traveller`s lists but there are also fantastic neighbourhoods like Kingscross and Newtown and not to mention the world famous Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge. On sunny days the harbour area is almost story book like with its world famous icons and beautiful blue waters. It`s easy to understand why Captain James Cook, who landed here in 1788 thought it was the world`s best natural harbour. While we`re on the subject of history it should be mentioned that Sydney is Australia`s oldest city and is where the white settlers first landed on arrival in Australia. It`s since come a long way from it`s rough convict beginnings but really they`ve just given it a colourful past. There`s plenty to do in this energetic city so let`s get going with a tour of the main sights. We`ve already mentioned the harbour sights but did you know you can climb the bridge? Join Bridge Climb (www.bridgeclimb.com) to climb the world`s largest steel arch bridge standing 134km above the harbour. The bridge first opened in 1932 to link the northern and southern shores of the harbour. The climb gives you the most incredible views of the harbour on a 3.5 hour route. Near the bridge is an old Aboriginal settlement now called The Rocks. It was once home to the Cadigal people who lived on the sandstone ledge where the First Fleet came ashore. Today it is Sydney`s historical old town quarter. The charming cobblestone lane ways and historic buildings are lined with galleries, museums, little shops, food and great shopping. The Powerhouse Museum is also located in Darling Harbour and of course as with most of Sydney`s sights is a first. This time it`s recognised for being Australia`s largest and most popular museum. There are 385,000 objects covering subjects like history, science, technology, design, industry, music, and transport and space exploration. There are also some changing exhibitions. Luna Park is another of Sydney`s landmarks. This old fashioned amusement park opened in 1935 and it`s entrance with a huge smiling face is recognised immediately by most visitors. Entry to the park is free although you pay for any rides and foods you partake of. Bondi Beach is another of Sydney`s attractions you`ll have heard about long before arriving. It has a great sandy beach and is well used by surfers. You can also stroll the promenades by the beach and around the headlands, enjoy the restaurants and cafes or even stay in guesthouses nearby. To get to Bondi from the city take buses 380, 382 or 389 (you must change buses at Bondi Junction). If it`s shopping that interests you head to the Haymarket, Paddy`s market or in the streets around the Rock`s. If you fancy a bit of chess join the crowds in Hyde Park for the outdoor giant version - sometimes to vocal audiences. And when it`s time to eat you can`t miss Newtown`s King Street or "Eat Street" as it is also known. Walk down the street and find Turkish pizza, Italian pasta, and Greek food... it`s like switching countries every 10 metres. Prices are also very affordable. To get here take buses 422, 423, 426 and 428. Chinatown, Oxford Street and Kingscross also offer affordable options. Whatever it is you`re after Sydney surely has it. WHEN TO GO
Sydney has a comfortable climate, it`s never too humid in summer and not too cold in winter. Autumn is a great time in March and April and so is Spring in September to November. Average temperatures are around 25 degrees in summer. The city enjoys over 300 sunny days a year. BOOK HERE |
