Sydney

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Flying Down Sydney Way

A March 2006 trip to Sydney by Parisbeba

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I loved Sydney and felt right at home. The greatest things about this city are its people, the weather and its beautiful sites.

  • 17 reviews
  • 17 photos

Sydney Harbour Marriott Hotel at Circular QuayBest of IgoUgo

Hotel | "Marriott Sydney Harbour"

Hotel Bedroom
While checking in to this wonderful hotel the front desk upgraded us to an Executive Level Suite. The suite was wonderful with a great living area with sweeping views of the Harbour Bridge, half bathroom, writing desk and ample living space. The bedroom also had beautiful views of the Harbour Bridge, Circular Quay/The Rocks. The master bathroom had a standing shower, double sinks, separate toilet and the Jacuzzi!
  • Member Rating 5 out of 5 by Parisbeba on January 9, 2007

Sydney Harbour Marriott Hotel at Circular Quay
30 Pitt Street Sydney 2000
+61 (2) 9259-7000

Summit RestaurantBest of IgoUgo

Restaurant | "Summit Restaurant & Orbit Lounge"

On our last afternoon in Sydney we decided to splurge a bit and go for an exceptional lunch. We wanted something a bit upscale since we had eaten most of our meals in the hotel. We asked the concierge about a local restaurant with views and he recommended this place.

The restaurant is beautiful, located in a high rise business building. We were treated with 360 views of the city of Sydney not to mention some really great food. The restaurant is on a circular platform that rotates around the building giving you a different view as it takes about an hour to fully rotate.

My friend Doug was picking us up and taking us to the airport, so we invited him to enjoy lunch with us. I can't remember what I had, some sort of fish I believe, but I do remember the appetizer with an assortment of hummus and different sauces to dip their fantastic bread.

I enjoyed a Mojito which was quite nice.
  • Member Rating 5 out of 5 by Parisbeba on January 9, 2007

Summit Restaurant
264 George Street Sydney, Australia 2000
+61 (0)2 9247 9777

Taronga ZooBest of IgoUgo

Attraction

Taronga Zoo
The zoo is one of the major tourist attractions in Sydney. The best way to get there is by ferry from Circular Quay. Once you arrive at the ferry landing on Mosma, take the tram up to the zoo. You get a bird's eye view of the park and of Sydney Harbor.

I must say I was a bit disappointed with the zoo. It is undergoing a major restoration/construction and many of the exhibits and animals were not available for viewing. We were lucky enough to meet a travel writer who was staying at our hotel and she gave us free passes to visit the zoo. The free passes made up for any disappointment as the entrance to the zoo is a bit on the pricey side.

We did enjoy what little animals there were to see. One of the reasons why I wanted to visit the zoo was to see the koalas and kangaroos. You are allowed to be photographed with the koalas but you are not allowed to touch them.

This particular Koala had a Joey in her pouch. The koala area is located upon entering the park.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by Parisbeba on January 9, 2007

Taronga Zoo
Bradley's Head Road Sydney, Australia 2088
+61 (2) 9969 2777

Royal Botanic GardensBest of IgoUgo

Attraction

Strolling through the park
Located behind the Opera house the Botanic Gardens & Domain was a fantastic treat! With great views of the Opera House and a jogging path this park is a wonderful location to just explore and get lost in.

The gardens are jammed packed with rare and exotic plants and flowers. Some of the more rarer plants can be found behind metal fences to keep individuals from stealing them. The "Wollemi Pine" is one of the most protected and endangered of the trees found here in the garden. In 1994 one Wollemi Pine was discovered in the Blue Mountain range after being thought extinct. You can find a few of the Wollemi Pines planted in the garden. The first tree was grown from a seedling.

One of the highlights to the garden for me were the "flying foxes". Flying foxes are fruit bats and there were hundreds of them flying in the garden during daylight time making these horrible screaking sounds. The park ranger informed us that our visit coincided with their mating season. (More info on my Botanic Gardens travelogue.) We also encountered many indigenous birds just going about their business.

There is so much to see and do in the Gardens. You can have a picnic on one of the many lawns. Throughout the gardens you will find signs encouraging you "touch trees and step on the grass".
  • Member Rating 5 out of 5 by Parisbeba on January 9, 2007

Royal Botanic Gardens
Mrs Macquarie's Road Sydney, Australia 2000
+61 (0)2 9231 8111

AMP Tower (Centrepoint)Best of IgoUgo

Attraction

AMP Tower

Take a ride to the top of Sydney Tower and photograph the many panoramic views from up here. On a clear day you can see as far as Botany Bay to the North Shore and the Blue Mountains. With revolving restaurants and a coffee shop you are sure to get some fantastic views of the City of Sydney.

There is a 162,000-litre tank above the observation deck which acts as a stabilizer on windy days. There is a "skywalk" which is a guided tour around the roof for those that are brave enough.

  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by Parisbeba on January 9, 2007

AMP Tower (Centrepoint)
100 Market St Sydney, Australia 2000
+61 (0)2 9231 1000

RocksBest of IgoUgo

Attraction | "The Rocks "

Strolling along the Rocks
The Rocks is one of the most-visited parts of Sydney. Nestled at the foot of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and on the western shores of Sydney Cove, The Rocks is the foundation place of Sydney and Australia, and of enormous historical significance. It is often described as "Sydney's outdoors museum". The Rocks is the oldest area of Sydney and has recently undergone some amazing changes. The old district has been transformed into an area of vibrant cafes and restaurants along with interesting tourist shops and stalls.

The Rocks is Sydney's oldest preserved colonial district and through the transformation has brought about an interesting fusion of modern amenities in an old and valued setting. Most activities centre around walking, looking, and eating.

  • Member Rating 5 out of 5 by Parisbeba on January 9, 2007

Rocks
George Street Sydney, Australia 2000
+61 (0)2 9240 8500

St Mary's CathedralBest of IgoUgo

Attraction | "St. Mary's Cathedral"

Located across from Hyde Park St. Mary's Cathedral is quite an imposing Gothic structure! With beautiful red brick stones and two spires which dominate the skyline as you approach the Cathedral.
  • Member Rating 3 out of 5 by Parisbeba on January 9, 2007

St Mary's Cathedral
Corner of College and Cathedral Streets Sydney, Australia 2000
+61 (0)2 9220 0400

Sydney Harbour BridgeBest of IgoUgo

Attraction

Sydney Harbour Bridge
One of the most recognizable sites in Sydney, nothing can actually prepare you for the size and beauty of the bridge. There are pedestrian and cycle paths and for those on the adventurous side, take a shot at the Bridge Climb.
  • Member Rating 5 out of 5 by Parisbeba on January 9, 2007

Sydney Harbour Bridge
5 Cumberland Street Sydney, Australia 2000
+61 (2) 8274 7777

Sydney Opera HouseBest of IgoUgo

Attraction | "Sydney Opera House Guided Tours"

Sydney Opera House
What can I say about Sydney Opera House that has not yet been said? Not much. This beautiful white structure will just blow your mind away.

The roof is comprised of 10 sails. The Opera House is home to the Sydney Symphony and tours can be taken of the interior. We decided to explore the exterior of the Opera House and pass up on the interior visit.
  • Member Rating 5 out of 5 by Parisbeba on January 9, 2007

Sydney Opera House
Bennelong Point Sydney, Australia 2000
+61 (2) 9250 7111

Anzac War MemorialBest of IgoUgo

Attraction

Anzac War Memorial
As we were walking along Hyde Park we came upon this impressive structure. The Anzac Memorial built to commemorate Australia's WWII dead.

There is a beautiful reflection pool. The Hall of Memory is located on the upper level and small museum is on the ground level.
  • Member Rating 3 out of 5 by Parisbeba on January 9, 2007

Anzac War Memorial
Hyde Park Sydney, Australia 2000
+61 (0)2 9267 7668

Darling HarbourBest of IgoUgo

Attraction

Outback Performance
We had just finished exploring China Town and decided to just walk as I enjoy doing in any city. Located in Darling Harbour was this Outback Center promoting Outback Australia and Aboriginal Culture. The center has a wide range of outback and aboriginal art for sale. The part I enjoyed most was their "Sounds of the Outback".

The story takes place in the outback and is told by a young man and his son who perform the various stories with a wide range of "didgeridoos". The performance is breathtaking with a projector on the background projecting all the beautiful views of the outback.

I can not recall the young man's name, but his story was quite compelling. Living in Sydney alone with his mother, after his father abandoned them, he got into a lot of trouble and his mother shipped him to his grandparent's home who lived in the outback. He learned about his culture and how to tell stories with his didgeridoo. After many years of studying the didgeridoo and how to tell these stories, he realized how important his culture and heritage were for him and how he wanted to conserve it for his children. As part of his conservation, he is now part of the "Sounds of the Outback". His performances are free and he doesn't receive any payment from the Outback Center, so he does ask for a small donation to support himself and his family.

If you find yourself in Darling Harbour, make it a point to come by and see this fantastic performance.
  • Member Rating 5 out of 5 by Parisbeba on January 9, 2007

Darling Harbour
King Street Wharf Sydney, Australia 2000
+61 (2) 9240 8500

Hyde Park Barracks MuseumBest of IgoUgo

Attraction

The Barracks Museum
We didn't have time to explore the interior of the Barracks. Reading my guide book I have a better understanding of what this structure was used for and what is its main purpose now.

It was originally constructed to house convicts, later it was used as a hostel to house immigrant women and then used as a courthouse. Currently, this structure is a museum highlighting the building's history and Sydney's colonial life.

  • Member Rating 3 out of 5 by Parisbeba on January 9, 2007

Hyde Park Barracks Museum
Macquarie Street Sydney, Australia 2000
+61 (2) 9223 8922

Rocks MarketBest of IgoUgo

Attraction | "The Rocks Market "

Market at the Rocks
This market located at the Rocks is held every weekend (Sat-Sun), rain or shine. You will find all sorts of jewelery, arts and crafts, local pottery even doggie treats. I purchased my green necklace I have on during my visit to Watson's Bay, and of course some doggie treats as my little Cookie always benefits from any of my trips.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by Parisbeba on January 9, 2007

Rocks Market
L6, 66 Harrington Street Sydney, Australia 2000
+61 (2) 9240 8717

Paddy's MarketsBest of IgoUgo

Attraction

Paddy's Market
Paddy's Markets located in Haymarket near China Town is a fantastic place to shop. An indoor market with thousands of stalls selling everything you can imagine.

We purchased some socks, local crafts and of course the obligatory souvenirs. We picked up some key chains, stuffed koala bears, boomerangs, postcards, and a beautiful photo album.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by Parisbeba on January 9, 2007

Paddy's Markets
Corner Thomas and Hay Street Sydney, Australia 2000
+61 (0)2 9212 1388

Strand ArcadeBest of IgoUgo

Attraction

The Arcade
After spending some time walking around with my "heels", I decided I really needed a flat pair of shoes that I could explore Sydney with, since I enjoy all my exploring on foot.

We decided to walk into this arcade of shops and see what I could find. I was really looking for some sandals, nothing too flat, something comfortable and that I could wear with jeans.

We walked around, went into a few stores and couldn't find anything that I wanted. We continued to explore the arcade and I did find a store with some really nice tops. I can't recall the name of the store.

Since this is a shopping arcade, there are many stores to shop in. I found this really nice store that had some great jewelry and some really hip tops. You will also find a small food court in the arcade.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by Parisbeba on January 9, 2007

Strand Arcade
412-414 George Street Sydney, Australia 2000
+61 (0)2 9232 4199

EstablishmentBest of IgoUgo

Attraction

Bar at the Establishment
I absolutely loved this place. Upon entering the Establishment you are greeted with a huge open space and even larger marble bar. The bar is dimly lite with "side" bars (instead of tables) where you can enjoy your drink. They play nouveau tech music which isn't as loud as most places so you can sit back, sip your wine, and enjoy a good conversation with friends.

We ordered a few bottles of an Australian wine. Sorry, can't remember the name of the wine, but is was scrumptious!

I noticed that most of the crowd was an after work crowd, so basically well dressed, casual business, smart casual. I didn't notice anyone with sneakers or jeans. I am sure that stylish jeans with some great sandals or shoes would fit in.
  • Member Rating 5 out of 5 by Parisbeba on January 9, 2007

Establishment
252 George St Sydney, Australia

Marble BarBest of IgoUgo

Attraction

Marble Bar
The Marble Bar has a long history dating back from 1893. Decoration of the Marble bar, (a part of the Adams Hotel), was nothing short of breathtaking and was ornately decorated in the Italian Renaissance style. Corinthian columns with solid bronze capitals, 100 tonnes of the world's best quality marble from Belgian and African quarries, cedar joinery and stained pictorial glass frames are combined to create an opulent ambience unheard of in the colonies at that time.

After years of colourful history, in 1968 the Bar received an "A" rating from the National Trust of Australia, and the entire structure was carefully dismantled, refurbished and rebuilt inside the Hilton Sydney. The grand re-opening was in 1973. (Some of this information obtained from the official website.)

We stopped by after spending the whole afternoon shopping and walking around Sydney. I enjoyed my Appletini. A live band plays here but I am not sure what days.
  • Member Rating 5 out of 5 by Parisbeba on January 9, 2007

Marble Bar
Sydney Hilton Hotel Sydney, Australia 2000
+61 (0)2 9266 2000

About the Writer

Parisbeba
Parisbeba
New York , New York

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