I've heard about 2 different discount cards for Sydney....is 1 better than the other? Would you recommend buying either?
Thanks!
Monica

No, Mishoe, I don't think I would recommend either one... since they are aimed at the tourist, they are bound to be sold at a premium (even though I am saying that with absolutely no knowledge of either, so I will be happy to stand corrected if someone with experience follows up on this).

The pass that I often use, as a Sydneysider, is the one-day Daytripper pass, available from any railway station or from any government bus. It costs $15 and allows you unlimited travel on ALL trains, ALL ferries and ALL government buses (which is all you're going to see, as the private buses only take over in the outer suburban areas, where tourists don't normally go). You can go as far west as Emu Plains by Interurban train on this pass, and it is possible to do something like five or six ferry rides in a single day, so you can see that it is exceptional value, and not only for tourists. One nice idea is to go to Manly by bus and return by ferry.

By the way, these passes do NOT allow travel on those Sydney explorer get-off-and hop-back-on anytime buses. But that's about the only restriction I can think of.

Monica,

What you need to do is a bit of homework and find out exactly what features each card offers, and then see if that matches up to your tastes.

As Alan pointed out, it's quite easy to get around Sydney on your own (and more of an adventure instead of being on the Explorer Bus with other tourists). That said, if you're a first time traveller, with limited time in Sydney, you may WANT the comfort of the Red bus,so it's really a matter of your personal comfort level.

See what the rest of the attractions are they offer -- if it's "2 for 1" coupons at expensive restaurants that you wouldn't normally go to anyway, and tours of things that are of no interest, then it's no bargain for you.

Hope this helps!

Regards,

Melodie
Certified Aussie Specialist

Alan,
Where would we buy those Sydneysider passes?

A sydneysider is one who lives in sydney.

A "day tripper" is a $15 ticket one can buy at railway stations and on all government buses.Excellent value and includes discount on entry to a number of tourist attractions. If you go to one of the public transport information booths (there is one at the QVB)you can get route maps etc

the ferries have an info booth at circular quay...get the ferry walkabout brochure.

Also the offical sydney guide booklet you can pickup on your way in at the airport has a wad of discount vouchers in the back.