Last minute plans for a week in Sydney in July 2012
Jul 3rd, 2012, 02:00 AM
#41
Original Poster
Join Date: Oct 2008
Posts: 5,142
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I will wear my red velvet scarf tomorrow if we don't connect before then. I won't last until 9pm though as I've been awake before 5am every day so far... Jet lag!
Tomorrow will probably be my last fine day in Sydney as showers are forecast for Thursday and Friday so I want to spend the morning on the beach
Tomorrow will probably be my last fine day in Sydney as showers are forecast for Thursday and Friday so I want to spend the morning on the beach
Jul 3rd, 2012, 02:36 AM
#42
Great sassy_cat, let's meet at the Art Bar @ the Art Gallery
Straight ahead as you enter the gallery, down the escalator.
Shall we say 5:15 - 5:30? We should be able to snare a table then.
Drop me a line & I'll give you my cell number in case we need to change plans
Bokhara 77 at hotmail dot com
Straight ahead as you enter the gallery, down the escalator.
Shall we say 5:15 - 5:30? We should be able to snare a table then.
Drop me a line & I'll give you my cell number in case we need to change plans
Bokhara 77 at hotmail dot com
Jul 3rd, 2012, 01:09 PM
#44
Join Date: Jul 2003
Posts: 11,334
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Your trip sounds great so far. Yes, the birds are a really lovely and unexpected treasure! They were my 'wake up' call every morning in Cairns on my initial OZ trip waaaay back in 1988! I did not have to set any alarm clocks (although they were VERY early risers)!! I was taking tours and had to be up early so it worked out great.
Love love love the ferry to Manly. That will be one of my first projects once I arrive on July 25, morning.
I'm glad the Marriott is nice. That'll be my home away from home for 3 nts, and then I'm off to who knows where, with my Aussie friends.
Do enjoy your visit. And I hope you and Bokhara get to meet up. That'd be great.
Carol
Love love love the ferry to Manly. That will be one of my first projects once I arrive on July 25, morning.
I'm glad the Marriott is nice. That'll be my home away from home for 3 nts, and then I'm off to who knows where, with my Aussie friends.
Do enjoy your visit. And I hope you and Bokhara get to meet up. That'd be great.
Carol
Jul 3rd, 2012, 03:31 PM
#45
Original Poster
Join Date: Oct 2008
Posts: 5,142
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Thanks Carol, the Marriott was really lovely. Im at the Westin now and it's just as nice but I preferred the Marriott's location and view!
I hope you get great weather at the end of July. I'm surprised how warm it is in Sydney in winter.
Heading out now to catch the ferry for another fine day!
I hope you get great weather at the end of July. I'm surprised how warm it is in Sydney in winter.
Heading out now to catch the ferry for another fine day!
Jul 3rd, 2012, 09:59 PM
#47
Original Poster
Join Date: Oct 2008
Posts: 5,142
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Just got back from a day out at Bondi. Decided at the last minute to take the bus to the beach and then walk along the coastal path. Great views but it was very very windy. The rainbow and the eye candy joggers made it bearable though!
Stopped for a well earned latte at Crabbe Hole by the Bondi Iceburgs pool on the return.
The sky darkened and there was a little light rain so I called it a day and caught the bus back.
Bokhara, I didn't get a text from you... Maybe my husband got the phone number incorrect. I have no idea what my number is but I will be at the Art Bar by 5.15pm.
Stopped for a well earned latte at Crabbe Hole by the Bondi Iceburgs pool on the return.
The sky darkened and there was a little light rain so I called it a day and caught the bus back.
Bokhara, I didn't get a text from you... Maybe my husband got the phone number incorrect. I have no idea what my number is but I will be at the Art Bar by 5.15pm.
Jul 4th, 2012, 06:45 AM
#48
Join Date: Jul 2003
Posts: 11,334
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Sydney weather in the winter is indeed very comfortable! Much much nicer than Illinois!!!!!
What are the temps right now, sassy_cat? I assume it is in the low 60s during the daytime? I've usually travelled to OZ during the US summer months and often found 60s with showers.
Bokhara I may try the Watson's Bay ferry. What will I find there? Is it anything like Manly?
Hope your GTG goes off without a hitch! It is always so nice to connect names and faces from fodors.
Carol
What are the temps right now, sassy_cat? I assume it is in the low 60s during the daytime? I've usually travelled to OZ during the US summer months and often found 60s with showers.
Bokhara I may try the Watson's Bay ferry. What will I find there? Is it anything like Manly?
Hope your GTG goes off without a hitch! It is always so nice to connect names and faces from fodors.
Carol
Jul 4th, 2012, 02:39 PM
#49
Hi Carol
It's 8c now (7:52) & showering. Has been fine & sunny last week temps generally around 16-19 during the day & 8-10 late night, early mornings. It was 12c at 22:30 last night.
Watsons Bay is nothing like Manly. It's a small residential suburb on South Head. Started life as a fishing village and some of those little heritage cottages still exist. Wonderful views, walks through Sydney Harbour National Park. I'd give you the links but posting from my iPhone & don't know how to link.
Gun-barrel views up the harbour to the Bridge from the beach.
Eats-with-views: Watsons Bay hotel, casual, good value.
Doyles take-away on the wharf ... Eat in the licensed area behind and next to the wharf.
Unless you are happy to pay for the view, tablecloths & possibly a table just off the sand, avoid Doyle's on the Beach. Tourist tucker - prices exceed quality. Same or better quality, fewer menu choices, at 1/3 price at the take-away. Caveat: I last ate at Doyles 2 years ago with an American travel agent and they may have lifted their game since then.
A loop I like: bus to Bronte, walk along the cliffs to Bondi (especially during Sculpture by the Sea).
Coffee/ drink/ lunch at Icebergs Club ( next to Icebergs Bar & Dining) - same views, casual food, v. Reasonable costs. Visitors very welcome - just take some ID.
From there, bus to Watsons Bay & walk around beaches, park and end with the ferry back to the city. Fantastic views with the iconic Bridge & Opera House, Botanic Gardens, Kirribilli House (Prime Minister's Sydney residence). If you time it right, you might add a sunset to the postcard!
Have you been to Manly? If not, I'd recommend
you do both if you have the time. I prefer Manly beach to Bondi.
Some spectacular walks of all lengths around here, too.
Easy, pretty one is south (to the right from the ocean ) towards Shelly Beach.
North Head and surrounds - or take a couple of hours & do the Spit to Manly (or reverse) walk. Some lovely restaurants at The Spit. You would like Ormeggio, I think.
10 minute cab from Manly, Pilu at Freshwater is one of my favourite Italians. Mid week lunch specials of 3 courses for $49 make it irresistible
Aaahhh do many great places - so little time!
Lovely to meet Sassy_cat yesterday. She's making the best of her week and has embraced lots of different things in the time she has. Even survived dinner in the "infamous" Kings Cross! And we walked along the streets at 10:30pm without being mugged or murdered. Imagine that!
It's 8c now (7:52) & showering. Has been fine & sunny last week temps generally around 16-19 during the day & 8-10 late night, early mornings. It was 12c at 22:30 last night.
Watsons Bay is nothing like Manly. It's a small residential suburb on South Head. Started life as a fishing village and some of those little heritage cottages still exist. Wonderful views, walks through Sydney Harbour National Park. I'd give you the links but posting from my iPhone & don't know how to link.
Gun-barrel views up the harbour to the Bridge from the beach.
Eats-with-views: Watsons Bay hotel, casual, good value.
Doyles take-away on the wharf ... Eat in the licensed area behind and next to the wharf.
Unless you are happy to pay for the view, tablecloths & possibly a table just off the sand, avoid Doyle's on the Beach. Tourist tucker - prices exceed quality. Same or better quality, fewer menu choices, at 1/3 price at the take-away. Caveat: I last ate at Doyles 2 years ago with an American travel agent and they may have lifted their game since then.
A loop I like: bus to Bronte, walk along the cliffs to Bondi (especially during Sculpture by the Sea).
Coffee/ drink/ lunch at Icebergs Club ( next to Icebergs Bar & Dining) - same views, casual food, v. Reasonable costs. Visitors very welcome - just take some ID.
From there, bus to Watsons Bay & walk around beaches, park and end with the ferry back to the city. Fantastic views with the iconic Bridge & Opera House, Botanic Gardens, Kirribilli House (Prime Minister's Sydney residence). If you time it right, you might add a sunset to the postcard!
Have you been to Manly? If not, I'd recommend
you do both if you have the time. I prefer Manly beach to Bondi.
Some spectacular walks of all lengths around here, too.
Easy, pretty one is south (to the right from the ocean ) towards Shelly Beach.
North Head and surrounds - or take a couple of hours & do the Spit to Manly (or reverse) walk. Some lovely restaurants at The Spit. You would like Ormeggio, I think.
10 minute cab from Manly, Pilu at Freshwater is one of my favourite Italians. Mid week lunch specials of 3 courses for $49 make it irresistible
Aaahhh do many great places - so little time!
Lovely to meet Sassy_cat yesterday. She's making the best of her week and has embraced lots of different things in the time she has. Even survived dinner in the "infamous" Kings Cross! And we walked along the streets at 10:30pm without being mugged or murdered. Imagine that!
Jul 4th, 2012, 02:40 PM
#50
Original Poster
Join Date: Oct 2008
Posts: 5,142
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Carol, great weather so far, 60s warm and sunny and rain for the first time last night. Its a little grey and damp today so maybe I'll go to a museum or two but if it brightens up a little ill go to Watsons Bay or Cockatoo Island on the ferry.
I very much enjoyed my evening out with Bokhara at the NSW Art Gallery followed by dinner at a lovely local restaurant called Macleay St Bistro.
Bokhara, it was really lovely to meet you and it was very gracious of you to drop me back at my hotel after a great night out in Sydney.
I felt honoured to see Sydney through the eyes of a local and I'd love to be able to reciprocate by showing you around Boston my "home" town.
OOps I-pad disappeared my post so this brief second attempt will have to suffice!
I very much enjoyed my evening out with Bokhara at the NSW Art Gallery followed by dinner at a lovely local restaurant called Macleay St Bistro.
Bokhara, it was really lovely to meet you and it was very gracious of you to drop me back at my hotel after a great night out in Sydney.
I felt honoured to see Sydney through the eyes of a local and I'd love to be able to reciprocate by showing you around Boston my "home" town.
OOps I-pad disappeared my post so this brief second attempt will have to suffice!
Jul 4th, 2012, 04:05 PM
#52
Join Date: Oct 2009
Posts: 438
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Hey sassy-cat and bokhara2 - one advantage of change in plans - I can get even more suggestions of what to do in October now! Really enjoying your conversational entries, so easy and interesting to read. Is the NSW Art Gallery the gallery in Springfield Street in Kings Cross? No, I think that was the Indigenous Gallery. Stayed on several occasions in the Springfield Lodge in the late 80s - very basic but clean, very cheap, very handy to everything. Never did get to the Gallery that was along the road, and didn't notice it when I strolled around there in October.
Carol, the trip to Watson's Bsy is worth taking. My sis, her partner and I caught the ferry from Circular Quay which calls in at all the little bays on the way. I found that interesting as you could look at some of the beautiful old homes from the sea, which were probably not so visible from land. Going past Fort Dennison, under the Harbour Bridge, mixing with lots of other craft of all genre, and then having lunch at the hotel. We had great views up there and the barramundi was divine. (Sorry, I'm drooling now) After lunch we went for a walk up to the Gap, had a stroll around, then caught the bus back into town.
I like the sound of the walks bokhara2 mentioned. I will copy and paste into my Sydney file for October. My other sis and BIL have done several of the walks around the harbour and said the views are fantastic.
Haven't been to Manly for over 20 years but we certainly enjoyed strolling along the 'promenade', followed by a pleasant meal outside a little pub that was at the end of a little walkway but overlooked the sea but I can't remember where it was. Oops, embarrassing. We will be returning to spend a day at Manly in October when we come over.
Hope you have a great time when you get there.
Carol, the trip to Watson's Bsy is worth taking. My sis, her partner and I caught the ferry from Circular Quay which calls in at all the little bays on the way. I found that interesting as you could look at some of the beautiful old homes from the sea, which were probably not so visible from land. Going past Fort Dennison, under the Harbour Bridge, mixing with lots of other craft of all genre, and then having lunch at the hotel. We had great views up there and the barramundi was divine. (Sorry, I'm drooling now) After lunch we went for a walk up to the Gap, had a stroll around, then caught the bus back into town.
I like the sound of the walks bokhara2 mentioned. I will copy and paste into my Sydney file for October. My other sis and BIL have done several of the walks around the harbour and said the views are fantastic.
Haven't been to Manly for over 20 years but we certainly enjoyed strolling along the 'promenade', followed by a pleasant meal outside a little pub that was at the end of a little walkway but overlooked the sea but I can't remember where it was. Oops, embarrassing. We will be returning to spend a day at Manly in October when we come over.
Hope you have a great time when you get there.
Jul 4th, 2012, 04:07 PM
#53
Yes! And down that empty street on a dark & rainy night, too!
Sorry about the weather today - think it's a museum & gallery day. Museum of Modern Art is worth a look. So is the Museum of Sydney in Bridge Street.
If you haven't been to the new Westfield in Pitt street Mall, their food court is a cut above the average. Very good fish bar - Pitt street (far end) side - sit at the bar & you can brave a glass if wine.
Also good is the David Jones (DJs )food hall ( lower level men's store cnr Market & Castlereafh street). Oyster & other specialty bars good for solo dining. Great cheese & charcuterie counters too!
Wine Odyssey in the Rocks was the place we discussed. Can't do the link, on the run & posting on my iPhone.
Sorry about the weather today - think it's a museum & gallery day. Museum of Modern Art is worth a look. So is the Museum of Sydney in Bridge Street.
If you haven't been to the new Westfield in Pitt street Mall, their food court is a cut above the average. Very good fish bar - Pitt street (far end) side - sit at the bar & you can brave a glass if wine.
Also good is the David Jones (DJs )food hall ( lower level men's store cnr Market & Castlereafh street). Oyster & other specialty bars good for solo dining. Great cheese & charcuterie counters too!
Wine Odyssey in the Rocks was the place we discussed. Can't do the link, on the run & posting on my iPhone.
Jul 4th, 2012, 05:25 PM
#54
Join Date: Jul 2003
Posts: 11,334
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I have been to David Jones. Great place! And yes, Manly ferry is on the schedule every trip to SYD (this will be #8 if I'm counting correctly). Sounds like Watsons Bay would be another nice trip, if weather cooperates. If it is rainy and chilly, then the boat trips might have to wait until 'next time' I come to SYD.
I've done the bridge climb. Do they still offer that? It was stupendous!!!!!
I also like the Sydney Explorer hop on/hop off bus. Is that still running? I think I have plenty to do before catching up with my Aussie friends and then heading out of the city with them. I think Hunter Valley may be in the plans.....!
I've done the bridge climb. Do they still offer that? It was stupendous!!!!!
I also like the Sydney Explorer hop on/hop off bus. Is that still running? I think I have plenty to do before catching up with my Aussie friends and then heading out of the city with them. I think Hunter Valley may be in the plans.....!
Jul 4th, 2012, 06:41 PM
#55
Yes, Bridge Climb is still on. Something else you might like:
Take the train (or ferry) to Milsons Point and walk back across the Bridge. You walk on the Eastern (Opera House) side, same spectacular views (albeit slightly interrupted by the security fencing, but still very visible) - takes about 15 minutes.
Milsons Point has Ripples (more casual sister restaurant of Aqua Dining) which is great for coffee/meal. BYO - so get a bottle from the BWS (Beer Wine & Spirits) through the underpass on Broughton Street Kirribilli. Lots of good little bistros along Broughton Street.
Kirribilli is charming ... and you might like to walk down to the Ensemble Theatre. Nice casual restaurant there too, and you walk past some lovely terrace houses. http://goo.gl/maps/82MP
The Flying Squadron is a good spot for lunch-with-views, too http://www.sydneyflyingsquadron.com.au/restaurant-bar/
As is the Kirribilli Club http://www.kirribilliclub.com.au/
Hunter Valley ... mmmm ... hot air ballooning is sensational up there!
Take the train (or ferry) to Milsons Point and walk back across the Bridge. You walk on the Eastern (Opera House) side, same spectacular views (albeit slightly interrupted by the security fencing, but still very visible) - takes about 15 minutes.
Milsons Point has Ripples (more casual sister restaurant of Aqua Dining) which is great for coffee/meal. BYO - so get a bottle from the BWS (Beer Wine & Spirits) through the underpass on Broughton Street Kirribilli. Lots of good little bistros along Broughton Street.
Kirribilli is charming ... and you might like to walk down to the Ensemble Theatre. Nice casual restaurant there too, and you walk past some lovely terrace houses. http://goo.gl/maps/82MP
The Flying Squadron is a good spot for lunch-with-views, too http://www.sydneyflyingsquadron.com.au/restaurant-bar/
As is the Kirribilli Club http://www.kirribilliclub.com.au/
Hunter Valley ... mmmm ... hot air ballooning is sensational up there!
Jul 5th, 2012, 12:24 AM
#57
Original Poster
Join Date: Oct 2008
Posts: 5,142
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Well the weather was not exactly perfect but a mix of light showery rain and sunny spells didn't deter me from taking the ferry to WAtson's Bay and it was definitely worth it. Stupendous city views in one direction and a wild ocean in the other from Gap BLuff.
Caught the ferry back to Circular Quay and got another ferry to Cockatoo Island for the Biennale. Latte and walnut chocolate brownie at the little cafe set up near the quay kept me going. Some weird and wonderful art set up around the island. My favourite was Maria Fernanda Cardoso's Museum of Copulatory Organs. yEs, really! Who knew snails has such pretty penises.
maybe museum day tomorrow... I did pop into the MCA today too but it was very crowded so decided to go back tonight as its open late.
My last full day tomorrow will be a busy one
Caught the ferry back to Circular Quay and got another ferry to Cockatoo Island for the Biennale. Latte and walnut chocolate brownie at the little cafe set up near the quay kept me going. Some weird and wonderful art set up around the island. My favourite was Maria Fernanda Cardoso's Museum of Copulatory Organs. yEs, really! Who knew snails has such pretty penises.
maybe museum day tomorrow... I did pop into the MCA today too but it was very crowded so decided to go back tonight as its open late.
My last full day tomorrow will be a busy one
Jul 5th, 2012, 02:02 PM
#59
Join Date: Oct 2009
Posts: 438
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Enjoy your last day, sassy_cat. You have certainly crammed a lot into your week. Thanks so much for starting this post for help with ideas, and then sharing your experiences with us. Safe travels home.
Jul 5th, 2012, 04:19 PM
#60
Original Poster
Join Date: Oct 2008
Posts: 5,142
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Thanks Carol and dottyp,
It's sunny right now so I'm having another great day! Went out early with my husband and it was showery but the good news was we saw a double rainbow and we walked around the Opera HOuse before he had to leave for the airport.
It's sunny right now so I'm having another great day! Went out early with my husband and it was showery but the good news was we saw a double rainbow and we walked around the Opera HOuse before he had to leave for the airport.
