Sydney Travel Forum

Hi! I'm going to Sydney with my friend in July for five weeks. Since it's quite a long period of time, could you please give me some tips of interesting places/activities in Sydney and environs (Sydney chiefly, we'll have a restricted access to the car)? Please bear in mind that it's winter and many activities are automatically excluded, so I'd like not to end up being bored to tears, not knowing what to do with something like eg. 2 weeks left :). Send both well-known and not really popular, but worthwhile alternatives - I'v been there twice already and would like to see something new (won't mind to see some old places, though - it's sooo beutiful there).
Thanks a lot, Peter

hmm - this is a challenge

maybe you could head to Wollongong on the train (about an hour away) and do a few of the things you can do there. Check out the blowhole in Kiama and have a fish lunch on their street of cafes with the lovely view (Kiama is one of the stations on the route) and then maybe check out the rain forest in Minnamurra.
It could be a bit brisk but rug up warm. There is a pretty view from the train window most of the way to the Gong.

And then you can say you have been to Wollongong.

Or catch the train to Goulburn (it is 4 hours train ride though) which is the oldest inland city in Australia and has some very interesting architecture and a regional art gallery and some fascinating old pubs.

It is a cold hole in winter though.

Or you could get off the train a bit earlier and see a bit of Bowral - the Don Bradman Musuem - have lunch at the kaffe Kulture behind the Empire Cinema -

oh dear if that is you in the passport pic you are quite young LOL

maybe i should suggest Luna Park.

born in 1993! you are young

sorry - i have been offering you fuddy duddy old things to do

i will have to think again

Peter- I suggest that you go north a bit. Airfares are very cheap- (Virgin in particular) catch a flight up to Port Douglas- and see the reef. Flight costs about R200.00 return.Weather is great there in July. We are visiting Port Douglas next week, as a matter of fact.
In central Sydney- I suggest that you try not to drive too much. The traffic is heavy, but out of town is ok.
The Blue Mountains are beautful- even the drive there is great- but it will be VERY cold. Just rug up well.
Use the ferries- the trip to Manly is enjoyable, and will give you a different perspective on Sydney Harbour. Manly is a fun place too.
Suburbs that are interesting to explore on foot are Glebe, Balmain , Paddington, Surry Hills. Lots of night-life and young people.Very quirky.
Enjoy your visit. You will not be bored.

With 5 weeks up your sleeve, you could also consider going down to Perisher Valley, or Thredbo for a skiing week or weekend.

Hi Craic, I know I'm young but guess that Luna Park's not the best option though. Thanks for the rest of your useful replies anyway, they're pretty interesting.

i expect what you are looking for is how to meet up with some young people - there are backpacker pubs where young travelers meet - like the Cricketers Arms in King Street Newtown

IF you are of a literary frame of mind many the book launches etc are held in Glebebooks in Glebe Point Road Glebe.

If you check them out they will have times and dates and you can turn up and mingle.

Sapphos books a bit further along the same road has a good cafe and a poetry reading once a month where the younger crowd get together.

My son (26) his favourite pub is The Clare near Central Station.

Okay you're too young for pubs so that rules a bit out.
In case you want to catch some bands while you're here, the Metro on George St (right across the road from the cinema's) is a deadset awesome venue, and has great bands there.
Pick up the drum media, a free mag for a list of what's playing.
There's also a few good music festivals on offer at the moment (I think).

Head to centennial park and grab a bike for a few laps.
The Coogee to Bondi walk is a great way to spend the day.

Other than that, there's weekend markets, or walking down King St newtown.

Cheers
Pete