CathyKramer

I am going on a tour of Australia and New Zealand for one month. I will be in Sydney for 3 nights and 2 days during the tour. We will have the city tour, a tour of the Opera House,Paddington, Koala Park and a dinner cruise in the Harbor. At the end of the tour, we fly from Aukland to Sydney, then to LA for flight home. I have decided to extend my stay in Sydney for 3 more days before flying home. I have been doing some reading and research on what I want to do on those days. I would like some advice and suggestions. I will be on the tour with a friend but on my own in Sydney. I have already booked hotel accommodations. The First day will be arrival and checking into the hotel. This will take up my morning but will have afternoon to begin exploring.So have 2 1/2 days to see the city and surroundings.

1). I plan on taking a trip to the Blue Mountains on the 2nd day. Can you recommend a good tour operator to take this trip with? I do not want to go on my own. Due to walking issues, I do want to hike unless its a short one of about one mile. I am more interested in seeing the mountains and area around it. I just want a day tour-no overnights.

2) I am thinking of going to the Sydney Zoo. Is this worth the time and expense? During my tour, there is an optional tour to the Sydney Aquarium that also includes dinner. I am not sure if I will do it with the tour or on my own. It is pricey. It may be cheaper to do on my own. If I do not do during my time in Sydney, I may do this on one of the half days that I have open.

3) Several people that have traveled to Sydney suggested taking the ferry to Manly for the day to tour, sightsee and shop. My reading have suggested there are also organized tours to Manly. Do you know of any good ones to look into?

4) What suggestions would you make for 2 days of sightseeing in Sydney to really get the flavor of the city. I am open-as enjoy learning the culture of a new city and country. I want to see as much of the city as I can-not sure I want to travel too much out of the city other than to the Blue Mountains.
Thank you,
Cathy

lavandula

Hi Cathy and welcome to Sydney! Taronga Zoo and a ferry ride over to it is a great day out - lots of photo opportunities of the city / harbour and a really good zoo. However, it is quite expensive IMO so be aware of that. The zoo is on a hill, and you have to get from the bottom (i.e. the ferry) to the top to get to the entrance. A good way to do that is to take the cable car from the ferry.

Manly is also a nice idea. There is a small oceanarium there (more manageable than Sydney Aquarium), and two beaches. They are linked by the Corso; one is a harbour beach and the other ocean. The Corso has lots of shops, many of which sell junk, but when you get near the ocean beach there are quite a few restaurants. You could potter about for a few hours there if the weather is nice.

If you are doing Paddington, you might like the 389 bus ride, which is a ride through suburban Paddington (get on in Park St). It's a very pretty ride, and you could get off in Bondi Junction, which is one of our suburban centres (the Westfield shopping centre there is quite large, otherwise nothing special), and catch the train back to the city.

I would also recommend a trip to Watson's Bay on the ferry. This is a former fishing village and the houses are all tightly packed in. Have fish and chips on the beach or at the pub, and see the Gap, which has spectacular views of the ocean and cliffs.

Another thing you might think of is to do the cliff walk between Bondi and Bronte. It's been some time since I've been there but you basically follow the path between the beaches.

You will probably also want to see the Rocks, which is where most tourists set foot. On Sundays there is a market which has for the most part good quality souvenirs. If you are looking for the cheaper end of the scale, Paddy's Markets (Haymarket) have the standard inexpensive trinkets.

Lavandula

lavandula

Forgot to point out - you can do Manly on your own. Ferries go from Circular Quay very frequently!

Lavandula

longhorn55

I think your plan to spend 2 days exploring Sydney and one day on a Blue Mountains day trip is excellent. I imagine the city tour you do will only give you a brief taste of what the city has to offer, so you could spend your 2 days exploring the sights in some depth. For instance, if you enjoy architecture and art, you could easily spend a couple of hours in the Queen Victoria Building(don't miss seeing the restrooms or the two clocks!) or do a Sydney Architecture Walk tour. If you enjoy horticulture, you'd enjoy a morning or afternoon in the Botanical Gardens. There are even free volunteer-led tours and Aboriginal tours of the Gardens. If you like history, you'll want to explore the Rocks and perhaps take one of The Rocks Walking Tours.

The Taronga Zoo is a big expense, but it is a wonderful zoo with a good variety of native animals and amazing views of the city and Sydney Harbour. Some things to consider before deciding whether it's an expense you want to incur are: 1) Do you enjoy zoos? 2) Are you going to see native animals elsewhere during your tour of Australia? 3) Will your tour to the Blue Mountains include a stop at Featherdale Wildlife Park? (Many Blue Mountain tours stop here on the way, so this could negate the need to go to Taronga.)

You may want to check the reviews of Blue Diamond Tours and Blue Mountain Tours on Trip Advisor to see if either would be a good match for you. I can't make a recommendation as both of my trips to the Blue Mountains have been done on my own (once on the train and once in my own car.)

CathyKramer

Thank you for all of the great suggestions. I do plan to see the Botanical Gardens. I hope to do this when I am first in Sydney. It is part of the City tour but do not know how much time they will give us or if we are just driving through. I was thinking of spending some of our free time to explore it. If not, will do on extension.
The tours to the Blue Mountains does include a visit to Featherdale Wildlife Park. In fact, the tour leaves early so that it is the first stop. We get there before it opens to the public for a tour without the crowds. We will be visiting other areas in Australia that we will see the native animals-such as in Darwin and Melbourne (going to Phillips Island to see the Penguins). This is why I was asking about the Zoo.

I am not a big beach person but do like walking on the beach. I do have some walking issues-this is why I do not want to hike in the Blue Mountains.

Your comments and suggestions have confirmed that I am on the right track for some of the things I would like to do.

One more question: Are there any museums that are worth seeing? There are so many in Sydney that would want to pick one that is worthy of my time. If it is a really good museum, the expense is not a problem.
I will be in Aust/NZ in Sept. My extension will be from Sept. 30-Oct.2nd. I leave on the 3rd.

CathyKramer

I have another question: I have the opportunity to go to Macquarie University for a half day visit to Cochlear headquarters. I understand its a half hour taxi ride. I am afraid this could be expensive round trip. I understand you can also take the train or bus there. The train station is a 17 minute walk to the Universtiy. I think the bus stop is closer. My hotel is in Darling harbor. I think there are bus and train stations near my hotel. Which one is better to take? I would like to get to as close to the University with minimal amount of walking. I can handle 15-20 minutes if they have good sidewalks (smooth payment, no cracks or holes,etc). I can probably find out from the hotel the best way to go but would welcome suggestions or advice. I do not think the Muliti pass would be good for me to use as do not anticipate taking public transportation except to the University-unless it can also be used on the ferries. I am going to consider going to Manly and Watson Bay. I think I would only have time for one.
Cathy

Susan7

For art museums, the Art Gallery of NSW would probably be my pick of all of them. You could see it when you are visiting the Botanical Gardens, it's situated in the Domain adjacent to the gardens. It has a very good collection of Aboriginal art on the lower floor. Entry level has Australian art. There's a fabulous view of the harbour from the restaurant (also on entry level). Entry is free.

Bokhara2

Hi Cathy,
There are no roads through the Botanic Gardens, so the tour won't be driving through. However, there is a little trolley train that might be useful for you if walking isn't your thing.

The tour bus will probably go along Macquarie street, with the Gardens on the eastern side, around past the Art Gallery of NSW ( well worth a look & is open on Wednesday evenings until 9) and down to Mrs Macquarie's point. You will be able to see the gardens to the west (left side of the bus). Very popular spot for photos at the bottom of the road - Harbour, opera house & bridge.

You asked about Museums. We have several, of particular interest to visitors are the Hyde Park Barracks (top of Macquarie street, between The Mint (also worth a look & has a good restaurant ) and St Mary's Cathedral.
The other one the Museum of Sydney, in Bridge Street. Oh yes, and the Justice & Police Museum, Philip & Albert Sts ( just down from the Museum of Sydney).

The Maritime Museum in Darling Harbour, Powerhouse just behind it in Ultimo are also interesting.

Have a look at www.sydneylivingmuseums.com.au
They often have interesting events in heritage properties, museums etc. a week or so ago, I went to a brilliant clarinet recital by Paul Meyer & the Omega group at Government House, as part of their programme .

Other places that might interest you are Cockatoo Island, and Fort Dennison, two of our Harbour islands. I think someone mentioned the Quarantine Station, which you can reach by ferry to Manly & a bus up to North Head - or direct by EcoHopper catamaran.

Someone, I think it may be EcoHopper, also does hop-on-hop-off Harbour explorer trips. I haven't done it, but it might be a reasonable option. I don't know how the costs would compare with a multi trip Opal card ( or whatever ). I'm older than god & use my Seniors $2:50 all day, all modes travel tickets when I go exploring.

Art Galleries - generally we house art in galleries, artefacts in Museums here. The exception is the MCA (Museum of Cintemporary Art) at Circular Quay.

Their 4th floor roof terrace is a nice spot for a coffee/drink/ light brunch /lunch, if there isn't a cruise liner blocking the view of the Opera House.

I usually check the online "what's on in ..." when I travel - you might find a festival, play, market, music, special exhibition on during your visit.

lavandula

If you are thinking of going out to Cochlear, I would probably catch the train if Darling Harbour is where you're located. My reasoning is that it's easy to find where to catch the train, which in your case would either be Central or Town Hall. The station for the uni is on the Northern Line, which runs to Hornsby via Epping.

When you get to the station, there is a shuttle bus to campus:

http://www.mq.edu.au/on_campus/getti...e/shuttle_bus/

Bus route 2 passes by Cochlear, but you will see that it's fairly close to the west entrance to the station (see the route map of the buses on this page).

Don't catch a taxi. It is more than half an hour and would cost you a bomb.

Lavandula

CathyKramer

Lavandula-Thank you for all of your suggestions. They are really helpful to me.
The Shuttle from the Train Station to the Universtity shows that it runs from 4:00 PM to 12:30 AM when the Univ is in session. I will be there in the morning or early afternoon. It may be good for when I am returning to Sydney if I do an afternoon visit. Cochlear has suggested for me to do an morning visit but will accommodate me if I have to come in the afternoon.
I had to change my flight from Aukland to Sydney to accommodate the extra three days in Sydney. So I am arriving a little later than I expected to on the first day. I have requested early check in at the hotel but its not guarantee. I was hoping to go to Cochlear on the first day. If I do, then it will probably be in the afternoon to allow enough time to get there and see the place. Otherwise, I am thinking of doing it on my last day to do a morning visit. I would play the first day by ear-doing sightseeing in Sydney after I check in, get settled in my room,etc. Do the Blue Mountain Trip on 2nd day, do Cochlear on the 3rd day in the AM, do final sightseeing in the afternoon. Thus the afternoons may be a good time to take the ferry to Waston Bay or Manly to sight see,shop and have dinner before taking the ferry back to Sydney. Everyone's suggestions are giving me ideas of how I can spend my time and still be flexible to plan each day. I don't have to have everything set in stone except for the visit to Cochlear and the Blue Mountains. Since the Blue Mountains is a full day tour, would leave the last day to be at a more leisurely pace. I will be flying home where I will be traveling for 24 hours. And I don't sleep well on planes unless I have a window seat. So hoping to get one!!!
How long should it take to get to the Univ by train? I was told that it was an half hour outside of the city by taxi. I have read that the bus takes about 45 minutes to an hour depending on the traffic and time of day. The tour will take about 2&1/2 hours. So expect to be gone all morning and part of the afternoon with travel and tour. Or Vice Versa.

lavandula

Here is a link to the timetable for the Northern Line - you get on at Central / Town Hall and get off at Macquarie University. I think you have to change at Eastwood for trains to the uni. It takes about 3/4 of an hour:

http://www.sydneytrains.info/timetab...2#landingPoint

so if the bus takes the same it's much of a muchness.

Have a lovely visit, it sounds like you plans are coming together!

Lavandula

CathyKramer

Is anyone familiar with the Novotel Hotel Chain? We are staying at several throughout our tour. I haven't been able to find much information on them for some of the locations that we are staying at. I was able to find a few through Trip Advisor other people experiences. The reviews have been mixed.

sartoric

Novotel is a brand owned by Accor. I've stayed in several, they vary.

Which ones are you staying at ?

farrermog

To get to Macquarie University from the Novotel Darling Harbour, take the train from either Town Hall or Central Stations - the 'T1 North Shore and Northern Line' train in the above timetable link - which also happens to be the more scenic route, travelling over the Harbour Bridge - direct to Macquarie University Station (and not the 'T1 Northern Line' which requires a change of train at Epping). Walk to Town Hall Station (the closer and more straight forward option), or catch the light rail (adjacent to the hotel) or walk to Central.

Btw, for others here, Macquarie alumni receive a discount on consultations at the University's Speech and Hearing Clinic.

CathyKramer

I have a cochlear implant that was manufactured by Cochlear. This is why I want to visit the corporate office. They have celebrations every two years in the US. I had attended the last three. I have met the President at all three celebrations. It was through him that I was able to arrange the visit. Thank you for the information on how to take the train to the University.

Satoric: We will be staying at the following Novotel hotels:

1) Novotel Oasis in Cairns-read they have bats at night around the fruit trees, restaurant service is not that great,etc. Will be there for 3 nights.

2) Melbourne-2 nights-Novotel on Collins

3) Sydney for 3 nights_Novotel Rockford Darling Harbor, will also stay there additional 3 nights when I do my extension at end of tour.

4)Queenstown, 3 nights-Novotel Lakeside

4) Wellington-2 nights-Novotel Hotel

We will also be in:
Ayers Rock-one night at the Desert Gardens
Alice Springs-Hilton at Alice Springs
Kadadu-2 nights at Gagudju Crocodille
Hobart-2nights at Hadleys Hotel Harbor
Mt.Cook-one night at the Hermitage Hotel
Rotrura-one night-we are doing a home visit and one night at the Millennium Hotel
Aukland-one night at Rendezvous Grand Hotel

I have found that the Novotel has a 3 to 3.5 star rating but people comments have suggested otherwise-depending on the location. It's been a while since i have read them so can't remember all of them. Just know i was not impressed about the one in Cairns based on the reviews. I haven't looked into the other hotels yet but will soon. We will be in 13 hotels on this trip.

sartoric

CK

Out of your Novotels I've only stayed at the Darling Harbour one. Great location.

If the fruit bats in Cairns will bother you, perhaps ask for a quiet room, or take earplugs. They are noisy critters.

The Crocodile shaped hotel in Kakadu is interesting...be aware that the Northern Territory has weird laws around buying alcohol, which can change in each town. It might not be important to you, but if you like a "sundowner" be prepared.

You sure are covering some ground, should be a great trip !

CathyKramer

I am hearing impaired and do not wear my processor at night-so will not hear them but my roommate might. She wears earplugs at night but do not think they are very good because she still hears some sounds-such as when it rains at night. But that is not my problem because I have suggested that she get better earplugs. From what I understand, our room will not be near the bats. So we shall see.

I do not drink because I am diabetic. Not allowed with my medications. I do not miss it at all.
We are on a guided tour. We wanted to see as much as we could because do not think we will get back to Aust/NZ again. I would prefer to stay in Melbourne and Sydney longer to see more. This is why I am going to stay in Sydney another 3 days to get more in. I am turning 65 a few days before the trip begins. I want to travel more before my health gets worse. So doing the land tours before I have to resort to just cruises or river boat trips. They are nice but limited to how much you can see in each city or port.
This trip is my bucket list and birthday gift to myself.

Bokhara2

Good for you! That's a great birthday present to yourself.

Hopefully you'll be able to manage the diabetes & have many happy years of travelling in your future, Cathy.

Btw 65 is just a number. Being a Baby Boomer, you should know we never advance beyond "middle age"!

CathyKramer

Bokhara2: When I was turning 40, my mother told me that I could stay at 39. So I told her that all her children would never be older then 39 (I am the second oldest of 4). We are all in our 60's now. My mother is 92. My father died 3 years ago at 94. But you are right. They say that 50 is the new 40. My paternal grandmother lived to 90.
Cathy

Bokhara2

You've selected your parents carefully for a long & feisty life!

I had an Aunt, older than my mother, who stuck on 39 for so long that Mum told her she'd better get a move on or her daughter would make history as being older than her mother. True story!

They're both dead now & my cousin & I are older by decades now than they would have been then & we often have a laugh about it.

I met a man on the way to Namche Bazar last year who was having a "huff "puff" stop, as was I. He said he thought he was too old for trekking in Nepal. I asked him how old he was & when he said 59, I told him he was only a baby & my 59th was a distant memory. Put quite a spring in my
flat -country woman's step

The oldest person I met on that trek was a 78 year old from Denver, who was the oldest of their group of Colorado friends whose youngest was 72.