One day in Sydney; also hotel location
Jul 17th, 2011, 06:22 AM
#1
One day in Sydney; also hotel location
I'm going to Australia on business and will have a weekend in Sydney. I have friends who plan to take me to the Blue Mountains on Sunday, so that leaves Saturday open for touring the city. If you had just a day, what are the must-sees? The friends mentioned The Rocks market as a first stop for some souvenir shopping. I know it will be somewhat cold (leaving Wednesday), but I prefer outdoor activities - would like to get a good overview of the city. I do enjoy museums, though, if there's one in particular that would be worth a short visit.
Also, I'm currently booked at the Marriott across from Hyde Park but am wondering if I should try switching to the in the Harbour area. Suggestions as to which is the better location for walking around?
Thanks,
Karen
Also, I'm currently booked at the Marriott across from Hyde Park but am wondering if I should try switching to the in the Harbour area. Suggestions as to which is the better location for walking around?
Thanks,
Karen
Jul 17th, 2011, 06:13 PM
#3
I'm tempted to say that, with your short timeframe and the predicted showers,you may be better at the Marriott Sydney Harbour in Pitt Street. It's just a few steps from Circular Quay, the Opera House and 5 mins to the Rocks Market. There are also weekend Markets near the Opera House.
However, the walk from the Marriott in College Street can be really nice; taking in the Art Gallery of NSW, Botanic Gardens and emerging at the Opera House. Or, through Hyde Park, down Macquarie Street, to Circular Quay.
From the Hyde Park Marriott, you have easy access to some good restaurants in Darlinghurst, Potts Point - and of course, from the Harbour Marriott, there's Circular Quay & The Rocks which, as you would expect, are more tourist oriented.
So, probably not much help at all, really.
However, the walk from the Marriott in College Street can be really nice; taking in the Art Gallery of NSW, Botanic Gardens and emerging at the Opera House. Or, through Hyde Park, down Macquarie Street, to Circular Quay.
From the Hyde Park Marriott, you have easy access to some good restaurants in Darlinghurst, Potts Point - and of course, from the Harbour Marriott, there's Circular Quay & The Rocks which, as you would expect, are more tourist oriented.
So, probably not much help at all, really.
Jul 18th, 2011, 01:51 PM
#4
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If it's rainy go on an Opera House tour, visit the Art Gallery of NSW, as Bokhara suggests. Also the Museum of Sydney is beautifully designed and has interesting shows. Currently Museum of Contemporary Art is at National Art School (Darlinghurst), which is an interesting colonial site in its own right. The Hyde Park barracks is worth a visit if you are interested in convict history.
If the weather is good, there's quite a lot of options. The Bondi to Bronte walk has spectacular views along the sea front. Another possibility is to take the ferry to Taronga Park Zoo (very popular with tourists). Or visit either Manly or Cockatoo Island. At Manly there's a nice walk along the sea front. At Cockatoo Island there's very interesting convict and naval history.
If the weather is good, there's quite a lot of options. The Bondi to Bronte walk has spectacular views along the sea front. Another possibility is to take the ferry to Taronga Park Zoo (very popular with tourists). Or visit either Manly or Cockatoo Island. At Manly there's a nice walk along the sea front. At Cockatoo Island there's very interesting convict and naval history.
Jul 19th, 2011, 06:21 PM
#5
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Unless its really easy to change your hotel I would not bother. My favourite walk I take visitors to Sydney on begins at Hyde Park where you can visit St Mary's Cathedral then walk through the Domain to the Art Gallery of NSW - my two favourite Aussie paintings here are Brett Whitely's Balcony and Olsens 5 Bells. Also don't miss the Aboriginal Gallery.
A coffee here on the balcony is nice and you usually get an up close encounter with the Rosella's trying to steal sugar
After this head down the road to Mrs Macquarie's Point for a postcard photo op and then through the Botanic Gardens. Follow this around to the Opera House - There is a free concert this weekend in the Concert Hall to raise money for Japan. Not sure if there are still tickets but worth a try) I would not do the Opera House tour today if the concert hall is not available (the concert starts at 1pm)
Then head over to The Rocks, visit the market, try to walk some of the backstreets, there are some great hidden pubs like the Lord Nelson, Glenmore, Australian and Hero of Waterloo. There is also a free museum in the rocks worth a look. If it is not raining you could head up the stairs of the Harbour Bridge and walk across to Milson's Point. From here you can catch a ferry to a train back.
You can read more about this walk and see some pics on a page I have made about walks in Sydney http://tiny.cc/usfhi
There are also free tours - I have not been on these so not sure what they are like but I have seen them about and the guides sounded pretty good.
http://sydneyexpert.com/2011/07/12/5...urs-in-sydney/
I work with international students and spend lots of time showing them around Sydney so let me know if you have any specific questions.
A coffee here on the balcony is nice and you usually get an up close encounter with the Rosella's trying to steal sugar
After this head down the road to Mrs Macquarie's Point for a postcard photo op and then through the Botanic Gardens. Follow this around to the Opera House - There is a free concert this weekend in the Concert Hall to raise money for Japan. Not sure if there are still tickets but worth a try) I would not do the Opera House tour today if the concert hall is not available (the concert starts at 1pm)
Then head over to The Rocks, visit the market, try to walk some of the backstreets, there are some great hidden pubs like the Lord Nelson, Glenmore, Australian and Hero of Waterloo. There is also a free museum in the rocks worth a look. If it is not raining you could head up the stairs of the Harbour Bridge and walk across to Milson's Point. From here you can catch a ferry to a train back.
You can read more about this walk and see some pics on a page I have made about walks in Sydney http://tiny.cc/usfhi
There are also free tours - I have not been on these so not sure what they are like but I have seen them about and the guides sounded pretty good.
http://sydneyexpert.com/2011/07/12/5...urs-in-sydney/
I work with international students and spend lots of time showing them around Sydney so let me know if you have any specific questions.
Jul 20th, 2011, 04:18 AM
#6
Thank you, thank you, thank you. This is terrific. I'm going to take this along and try this very walk if my friends are game. I'm keeping my fingers crossed for sunshine. Leaving later today, I can hardly wait! Lucky for me, I was able to upgrade to business w/ miles for the LA to Sydney leg. (I'm coming from the East coast US).
Jul 20th, 2011, 05:18 PM
#8
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Hey turns out the Japan Foundation Charity concert at the Opera House is next weekend... So tours could be OK for this Sat. Lucky you in Business Class! Have a great time in Sydney. Drink Campos Coffee if you see it... by far our best!
Aug 4th, 2011, 09:25 PM
#9
Emerald - i did almost the exact walk you recommended. It was just perfect. Unfortunately, it was cold and rainy so I missed coffee on the outdoor patio at the Gallery. Still, it was a great day. Also managed to squeeze in a 1-hour harbour tour, which gave really great views of the city. I had a final morning in Sydney and was able to repeat part of the walk in the glorious sunshine. All-in-all, a fantastic trip.
