Location Transport

Going to Sydney, Australia for a holiday, any ideas?

Me and my boyfriend are going to Sydney for a few days in the second week of February. We'll be staying in a hotel in the CBD, just wondering if anyone knew of anything interesting to do while we're there? We'd like to try and stay in/near the CBD as we won't have a car but will be relying on public transport. Anything from activities, good places to dine, or even a nice hotel if you know of one. And PLESE dont suggest the harbor bridge, give me some credit and assume that i'd already thought of that one :P Oh and also the gay and lesbian mardi gras is then as well, we'd like to steer clear of that :)

Public Comments

1. Hi, Um when we were there we accidentally stayed in Kings Cross...which we found out later wasn't the best place to stay...so make sure and don't go there. But we stayed for a week in a lighthouse on Kangaroo Island...Make sure you try to go there. You have to take a 30 minute trip by boat from Adelaide, but not many tourists go there, and its a great 'real Aussie experience'. Hope this helps!
2. Take the ferry to Manly from Circular Quay, that way you see the beauty of the harbour without paying for an expensive cruise. You can have lunch over there and get another ferry back. Dont know how much but not very expensive.
3. You should be able to get an all day runabout ticket that you can use on the Public Buses trains and ferries. I once stayed at Broadmeadows and the ferry trip was fabulous. If you go to Manley take a bus trip to Palm Beach this is a super beach over a short winding hill with beaches on one side. and coves on the other Palm beach is where many a famous person lives or has stayed. Then of Course there is Bondi Beach which you would do on a different day ,as in a different direction. You want to stay away from the Mardi Gras. I have never been but seen it on TV. It's a real laugh and very jolly. Thousands flock to Sydney for that so accomadation may be priced up. take a look at wotif .com . The public transport is very good if you find the CBD prices ridiculous.
4. Take a look at Whats on in Sydney at http://www.whatsoninsydney.com.au for ideas of all sorts of things to do. While the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras festival is on for the month of February, the parade is not until Saturday 1 March so you'll miss it. It's the 30th anniversary parade so it will be a biggie.
5. if you dont already have your hotel booked you may find your out of luck for the CBD, when the mardi gras on usually you have to book months in advance to get a room
6. Go to the beautiful beaches in sydney like bondi or manly especially in february the weather is usually very warm. The mardi gras is held in the city so you can't stay clear of that.
7. I spent 8 days in Sydney in 2006 and stayed at the Intercontinental which is about 1/4 mile from the Opera House/Harbor Bridge. It is a nice hotel but pricey. The Shangri-La is also great, but pricey. If you stay at the Intercontinental, there is an office park right across the street and has GREAT food at a low price. Stay away from King's Cross as it isn't the best place to visit even if you are a native. If you want to enjoy the night life, try The Establishment. It is in downtown Sydney and the locals enjoy it as well as visitors. It is an upscale watering hole so casual dress is recommended. If you want to enjoy seafood try Jordan's in Darling Harbor. It is awesome! Also, Darling Harbor has casinos, clubs, etc. and about 15 mins from downtown Sydney and a cheap taxi ride too. Australian wine is some of the world's best so indulge whilst there. Try visiting The Rocks which is right below the Harbor Bridge and is the oldest part of Sydney. The Sydney Zoo is also a good place to visit and is cheap too. The Opera House is a great visit especially if there a concert playing. Try to find a GOOD boomerang and a Rugby Ball from down under. The good ones aren't cheap but shop around for the best deals.
8. Take a tour of the Sydney Opera House Go to Taronga Zoo Take a ferry trip around Circular Quay (Key) Go to Darling Harbour Go to The Sydney Aquarium Go to the Sydney Tower Go to Bondi Beach Visit the Powerhouse Museum I live in Australia & have done all these things & highly recommend you do them. If you do decide to go shopping, go the Australian Designers Stores as you won't be able to find most of their pieces where ever you live.
9. there is plenty of things to do...u have got bondi beach manly beach,taronga zoo feed the sharks at darling harbour,snorkling tours,plenty of pubs and clubs,imax it's about 9 times bigger than the normal movie screen,markets and u have go luna park under the bridge ask for the park with the big smile :)