An August 2005 trip to Sydney by dolphoto
Quote: Sydney was the first stop of my dream trip to Australia and provided a great introduction to the country. A cosmopolitan city with much to offer, Sydney offers a wide range of experiences such as harbor cruises, the best aquarium I've ever visited, a fantastic zoo, and wonderful shopping.
Overview
Hotel | "Sydney Harbour Marriott"
Member Rating 3 out of 5 on September 11, 2005
Sydney Harbour Marriott Hotel at Circular Quay 30 Pitt Street Sydney 2000 +61 (2) 9259-7000
Restaurant
Member Rating 4 out of 5 on September 11, 2005
Doyle's Seafood Restaurant Harbour Bridge End-Int'l Shipping Terminal Sydney, Australia (02) 9252-3400
The view from the rotating restaurant is the star. Giving 360-degree views of the city, it's a great way to get a sense of what is where. One of the highlights for me was the terrific view of the Olympic stadium.
Entrance to the restaurant is through a shopping mall. Signs to it aren't terribly helpful, guiding you to the podium level without explaining where that is. Ask in one of the stores (some of which are very nice).
Sydney AMP Tower Revolving Restaurant 100 Market St Sydney, Australia (02) 9231-1000
Attraction | "Taronga Zoo"
The VIP Gold Tour is well worth the extra cost. Requiring advanced reservations, a small group (max. 6) is guided through up-close and personal encounters with a good variety of Australian wildlife. Other visitors were jealous to watch me and a family of four petting echidnas and getting our pictures taken right next to the koalas. The two guides were highly knowledgeable and very friendly.
Taronga is rightly known as "the zoo with a view." Some of the best views I had of Sydney were from there. The Sky Safari cable car to and from the ferry landing gives some you won't get any other way.
The zoo is rather hilly and can be quite tiring to walk around. Give yourself plenty of time to explore. Those with mobility difficulties might want to consider a wheelchair.
Entrance to the Taronga Zoo is included in the Smart Visit card.
Member Rating 5 out of 5 on September 11, 2005
Taronga Zoo Bradley's Head Road Sydney, Australia 2088 +61 (2) 9969 2777
Attraction
For me, the highlight was the platypus exhibit. One of my must-dos for the trip was seeing a platypus, and I got to do this right inside the entrance to the aquarium. The exhibit was roomy and allowed these unique creatures to show their natural behaviors. In these ways and in visibility, it was superior to the small tank at Taronga Zoo.
Nemo has been a boon to the aquarium and is highly celebrated. Kids really enjoyed the anemone fish exhibit, and the gift shop carried tons of Nemo-inspired items.
Sydney Aquarium Aquarium Pier, Darling Harbour Sydney, Australia 2000 +61 (2) 8251-7800
dolphoto San Jose, California