Sydney

[tulipkiss]

Here's the revised 8d8n itinerary below for a family of 5 pax (2 parents and 3 adults with interests in general sight-seeing and stuff). Have some questions still for some of the days. Would appreciate any help!

Day 2: Is traffic smooth at 730am from airport to the city? Intend to take the 730am shuttle bus and hopefully reach rental office in about 30mins?

Day 4: Any dinner places or rest stops between Hunter Valley and Sydney City?

Day 6: Sunset is estimated at 17:25 - should I take the 17:05 or 17:25 ferry from Manly to Circular Quay?

Day 8: I have nothing planned for the afternoon except returning the car to Bayswater (rental for 3 days is the same as rental for 7 days, so we’ll just keep the car first at the Airbnb if we don't need it in the city. Bayswater is closed on Day 9, so we have to return it by Day 8).

Should we visit Taronga Zoo?

Day 9: Similar to Day 2, should I uber at 7:30am to avoid peak hour traffic?

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Day 1 (Tuesday)

- Touch down 8pm

- Dinner at airport (international terminal)

- Uber to accom (UberXL fare estimate is $16-21)

Accom: Ibis budget Sydney Airport



Day 2 (Wednesday)

- Catch bayswater from domestic airport shuttle to the city car rental office $5 per pax

- Blackheath ‘Grand Canyon’ hike

- Anvil Rock Lookout

- Echo Point

Accom: Cottage at katoomba area



Day 3 (Thursday)

- Scenic World

- Katoomba falls

- Featherdale Wildlife Park

- (Jenolan caves if time allows)

Accom: Cottage at Cessnock



Day 4 (Friday)

- Hunter Valley

- Starline Alpaca farm

Accom: Back to Airbnb at Sydney city



Day 5 (Saturday)

- Sydney Fish Market

- Uni of Sydney

- Glebe market

- Paddington Market

- Paddy’s Market (if time allows)

- Darling Harbour

Accom: Airbnb at Sydney city



Day 6 (Sunday)

- ANZAC memorial / Hyde Park

- St Mary's Cathedral

- Pitt Street Mall / Market Street / QVB / Townhall

- Manly beach

- Sunset ferry

Accom: Airbnb at Sydney city



Day 7 (Monday)

- Grounds of Alexandria

- Mrs Macquarie Chair

- Royal Botanic Garden

- Opera house

- Circular Quay

- The Rocks

- Pylon Lookout

- Walk through the Harbour Bridge

- Walk to Luna's Park (Just a short visit since we’re on the other side of the bridge)

Accom: Airbnb at Sydney city



Day 8 (Tuesday)

- Bondi to Bronte Coastal Walk

- Bronte coastal walk to Coogee Beach

- Return to Bondi

- El Topo Mexican / Eastgate Shopping Center

Accom: Airbnb at Sydney city



Day 9 (Wednesday)

- Uber to airport

- Flight at 1230pm

 

[Awesom Andy]

Day 2: Is traffic smooth at 730am from airport to the city? Intend to take the 730am shuttle bus and hopefully reach rental office in about 30mins?

Most definitely not. It's peak hour traffic, there's no way you can reach in 30 mins.

Day 4: Any dinner places or rest stops between Hunter Valley and Sydney City?

Nothing apart from fast food on the highway. The highway ends in the northern suburbs though, and there are plenty of suburbs and restaurants around.

Day 6: Sunset is estimated at 17:25 - should I take the 17:05 or 17:25 ferry from Manly to Circular Quay?

The ferry takes approx 30mins, so if you want to watch the sun go down, the 17:05 ferry would suits best. The most interesting sights would be near Circular Quay, where you can see the harbour bridge and opera house.

Day 8: I have nothing planned for the afternoon except returning the car to Bayswater (rental for 3 days is the same as rental for 7 days, so we’ll just keep the car first at the Airbnb if we don't need it in the city. Bayswater is closed on Day 9, so we have to return it by Day 8).

Should we visit Taronga Zoo?

I would normally say it's worth a visit, although when I took my wife there, she was very disappointed and would much rather go to Singapore zoo.

Day 9: Similar to Day 2, should I uber at 7:30am to avoid peak hour traffic?

It's travelling in the opposite direction of traffic, so you won't have any issues - until you get to the airport. It's hard to say what it's going to be like, although Wednesday generally isn't a busy day for flying. Although for a 12:30pm flight, I wouldn't bother leaving the CBD until at least 9am.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Day 1 (Tuesday)

- Touch down 8pm

- Dinner at airport (international terminal)

- Uber to accom (UberXL fare estimate is $16-21)

Accom: Ibis budget Sydney Airport

Sydney airport is nothing like Singapore. Not sure what's open at this time, but even if places are open, well, put it this way, nobody would choose to stay at this airport any longer than than what is absolutely necessary. Having said that I'm not sure what other options there are for dinner in the area.

Day 2 (Wednesday)

- Catch bayswater from domestic airport shuttle to the city car rental office $5 per pax

- Blackheath ‘Grand Canyon’ hike

- Anvil Rock Lookout

- Echo Point

Accom: Cottage at katoomba area

Not sure how you come across Anvil Rock. I rarely mention it, although it is IMO one of the best lookouts in the Blue Mountains.

Day 3 (Thursday)

- Scenic World

- Katoomba falls

- Featherdale Wildlife Park

- (Jenolan caves if time allows)

Accom: Cottage at Cessnock

If you accommodation is in Cessnock, time certainly won't permit you to visit Jenolan Caves.

Day 4 (Friday)

- Hunter Valley

- Starline Alpaca farm

Accom: Back to Airbnb at Sydney city

Looks fine to me.

Day 5 (Saturday)

- Sydney Fish Market

- Uni of Sydney

- Glebe market

- Paddington Market

- Paddy’s Market (if time allows)

- Darling Harbour

Accom: Airbnb at Sydney city



Day 6 (Sunday)

- ANZAC memorial / Hyde Park

- St Mary's Cathedral

- Pitt Street Mall / Market Street / QVB / Townhall

- Manly beach

- Sunset ferry

Accom: Airbnb at Sydney city



Day 7 (Monday)

- Grounds of Alexandria

- Mrs Macquarie Chair

- Royal Botanic Garden

- Opera house

- Circular Quay

- The Rocks

- Pylon Lookout

- Walk through the Harbour Bridge

- Walk to Luna's Park (Just a short visit since we’re on the other side of the bridge)

Accom: Airbnb at Sydney city



Day 8 (Tuesday)

- Bondi to Bronte Coastal Walk

- Bronte coastal walk to Coogee Beach

- Return to Bondi

- El Topo Mexican / Eastgate Shopping Center

Accom: Airbnb at Sydney city

All fine here, with the exception of Eastgate Shopping Centre. Even I don't go there myself when I used to live in Sydney. Also, you can catch a bus out from Coogee back to the city, so you don't actually need to walk back to Bondi (unless you want to, of course).

Day 9 (Wednesday)

- Uber to airport

- Flight at 1230pm

Probably don't need to leave until 9am. Most airlines open their counters 3 hours before flight departure. Note that if you want to claim back GST, there can be a long queue so as soon as you have checked in, go through immigration and look for the TRS signs.

 

[tulipkiss]

Thanks Andy, you're really awesome per your nick

Day 6: Sunset is estimated at 17:25 - should I take the 17:05 or 17:25 ferry from Manly to Circular Quay?

The ferry takes approx 30mins, so if you want to watch the sun go down, the 17:05 ferry would suits best. The most interesting sights would be near Circular Quay, where you can see the harbour bridge and opera house.

Ah, that's a good point - to be nearer to Circular Quay at sunset.
Using the sunset timing in Singapore as a gauge, when the sunset estimated timing is 19:20, it's still bright at 19:20..until around 20:00. Meaning the sun is only beginning to set at 19:20.. I use this site: https://www.timeanddate.com/sun/australia/sydney
Perhaps I should observe the day before when I'm in the city? If the estimated timing is when the sun is starting to set, then probably we should take the 17:25?

Day 1 (Tuesday)
- Touch down 8pm
- Dinner at airport (international terminal)
- Uber to accom (UberXL fare estimate is $16-21)
Accom: Ibis budget Sydney Airport

Sydney airport is nothing like Singapore. Not sure what's open at this time, but even if places are open, well, put it this way, nobody would choose to stay at this airport any longer than than what is absolutely necessary. Having said that I'm not sure what other options there are for dinner in the area.

Yeah I gathered that from TA too.
Had considered staying at the city instead - but accom in the city is almost double the price and afraid my parents may be too hungry by the time we get to the city (probably 9pm+?)
I googled for F&B in the airport and came across some (2 or 3?) restaurants that opens till 9pm / 10pm..

Day 8 (Tuesday)
- Bondi to Bronte Coastal Walk
- Bronte coastal walk to Coogee Beach
- Return to Bondi
- El Topo Mexican / Eastgate Shopping Center
Accom: Airbnb at Sydney city

All fine here, with the exception of Eastgate Shopping Centre. Even I don't go there myself when I used to live in Sydney. Also, you can catch a bus out from Coogee back to the city, so you don't actually need to walk back to Bondi (unless you want to, of course).

I actually thought of driving to Bondi for sunrise haha. (found some reasonably-price parking location when I googled..) So, will walk back to Bondi to retrieve the car. Parking at eastgate or waverly street near El Topo seems quite reasonable also.
But of cos, plans may change la.. Depending whether we feel like waking up early anot especially.. if not going for sunrise, will just take the public transport.
And, noted on Eastgate! Will probably take a look at Kmart (I enjoyed looking at home wares at Kmart Melbourne previously, haha) and that's about it..


We'll be staying at airbnb located either at george street (5-min walk to central station) or paddington area (7-min walk to king cross station). Both cost about the same with free parking within premises.. But I think George street apartment is more convenient for us to walk to most of the attractions. You have any opinions?

Now I need to get to the Opal cards.. I guess we'll only need the Opal card on Day 6 Sunday (Manly beach), and Day 8 (Tues) Bondi?
Is a $10 top-up per card enough?

 

[Awesom Andy]

Ah, that's a good point - to be nearer to Circular Quay at sunset.
Using the sunset timing in Singapore as a gauge, when the sunset estimated timing is 19:20, it's still bright at 19:20..until around 20:00. Meaning the sun is only beginning to set at 19:20.. I use this site: https://www.timeanddate.com/sun/australia/sydney
Perhaps I should observe the day before when I'm in the city? If the estimated timing is when the sun is starting to set, then probably we should take the 17:25?

It depends on what type of light you like. Have to keep in mind that the ferry will be heading west in that last stretch, so you'll be looking into the sun.

Yeah I gathered that from TA too.
Had considered staying at the city instead - but accom in the city is almost double the price and afraid my parents may be too hungry by the time we get to the city (probably 9pm+?)
I googled for F&B in the airport and came across some (2 or 3?) restaurants that opens till 9pm / 10pm..

Make sure the restaurants are land-side, as you won't be able to access air-side facilities.

I actually thought of driving to Bondi for sunrise haha. (found some reasonably-price parking location when I googled..) So, will walk back to Bondi to retrieve the car. Parking at eastgate or waverly street near El Topo seems quite reasonable also.
But of cos, plans may change la.. Depending whether we feel like waking up early anot especially.. if not going for sunrise, will just take the public transport.
And, noted on Eastgate! Will probably take a look at Kmart (I enjoyed looking at home wares at Kmart Melbourne previously, haha) and that's about it..

Ah, of course, the Kmart.

We'll be staying at airbnb located either at george street (5-min walk to central station) or paddington area (7-min walk to king cross station). Both cost about the same with free parking within premises.. But I think George street apartment is more convenient for us to walk to most of the attractions. You have any opinions?

Now I need to get to the Opal cards.. I guess we'll only need the Opal card on Day 6 Sunday (Manly beach), and Day 8 (Tues) Bondi?
Is a $10 top-up per card enough?

George Street is definitely more convenient. It should be quite close to Chinatown and Paddy's.

Sunday is always a good day to use public transport, as there is a $2.60 cap so you can ride on most trains/buses/ferries for the low price. You can use https://transportnsw.info/#/ to work out how much each fare will be, although $10 sounds just about right. Keep in mind that you only need to have the minimum amount for the mode of transport to tap on - and the card can go into negative when you tap off.

 

[tlimyl]

Blue Mountains tour lobang

Hi tulipkiss!

Ok I don't want to come across as a salesperson or something, but I'm genuinely trying to sell these tickets as a fellow traveller. My family and I went to Sydney last year December, and we got our full-day Blue Mountains tour timing wrong, so we completely missed it ): They are allowing us to change the date, but we don't think we'll be able to go back to Sydney anytime soon. The tickets expire at the end of the year.

I hope you have not booked your Blue Mountains tour tickets yet! Because I am selling away mine for cheaper. I can email the Gray Line Sydney office to change to any date, and they are willing to split my 4 tickets into any configuration, meaning you can buy 1, 2, 3 or 4 tickets according to your needs. I can forward you emails from the Sydney office showing their agreement to change the dates etc.!

It consists of:
- Blue Mountains
- Reserved Dining area at Scenic World
- Featherdale Wildlife Park
- River Cruise & Complimentary Beverage
- Scenic World Unlimited Rides (this was an add on we got)

Originally $200/ea, I'm willing to let go at $160/ea!

I'm not looking to earn at all - I just want to cut my losses and allow someone else to enjoy this great tour instead of letting it and the money go to waste! The price is negotiable! Do let me know ok

 

[xorionn]

any promos for sq, qantas or emirates?

 

[La vie n’est pas juste]

hi awesome andy. i am looking to go sydney in april and intend to visit blue mountain for a day trip solo. probably wanna catch the sunset there at anvil rock lookout as mentioned by others.. is it possible?

 

[tulipkiss]

any promos for sq, qantas or emirates?

SQ has promo $618 for april using DBS card.

Hi tulipkiss!

Ok I don't want to come across as a salesperson or something, but I'm genuinely trying to sell these tickets as a fellow traveller. My family and I went to Sydney last year December, and we got our full-day Blue Mountains tour timing wrong, so we completely missed it ): They are allowing us to change the date, but we don't think we'll be able to go back to Sydney anytime soon. The tickets expire at the end of the year.

I hope you have not booked your Blue Mountains tour tickets yet! Because I am selling away mine for cheaper. I can email the Gray Line Sydney office to change to any date, and they are willing to split my 4 tickets into any configuration, meaning you can buy 1, 2, 3 or 4 tickets according to your needs. I can forward you emails from the Sydney office showing their agreement to change the dates etc.!

Thanks, but we're self driving!

 

[Awesom Andy]

hi awesome andy. i am looking to go sydney in april and intend to visit blue mountain for a day trip solo. probably wanna catch the sunset there at anvil rock lookout as mentioned by others.. is it possible?

The lookout provides excellent views towards the north and east directions, so you won't be able to watch the sun goes down from there.

 

[seianko]

tulipkiss

there is NOTHING AT ALL at kingsford AIRPORT
u better off taking train str8 into city find accomodation near chinatown or in chinatown. quest @chinatown also ok, walking distance to food that closed at 11pm that being said i am not sure about them opening on mon/tues night. if u worry, u can DL chinese food app > HarkHark to order. u can state time and choose COD. That said i am not 100% sure if harkhark operates in syd anymore. if u r truly interested in this option, i can dig the right app for u. other things i cannot say...but tabao food i ish #1

just stay for 1 night and u can move to stay in suburbs. quest@chinatown is quite affordable. if u dun mind walking, it is a good 20 minutes walk from that accomodation to fish market. and fish market open at 7am

 

[La vie n’est pas juste]

The lookout provides excellent views towards the north and east directions, so you won't be able to watch the sun goes down from there.

oh! may i ask where should I go if I wanna catch the sunset?

 

[tulipkiss]

tulipkiss

there is NOTHING AT ALL at kingsford AIRPORT
u better off taking train str8 into city find accomodation near chinatown or in chinatown. quest @chinatown also ok, walking distance to food that closed at 11pm that being said i am not sure about them opening on mon/tues night. if u worry, u can DL chinese food app > HarkHark to order. u can state time and choose COD. That said i am not 100% sure if harkhark operates in syd anymore. if u r truly interested in this option, i can dig the right app for u. other things i cannot say...but tabao food i ish #1

just stay for 1 night and u can move to stay in suburbs. quest@chinatown is quite affordable. if u dun mind walking, it is a good 20 minutes walk from that accomodation to fish market. and fish market open at 7am

I've changed plans to stay at meriton suites mascot instead for the first night since there was a promo (aud200/night for the 2bdr).

however, i supposed we'll be hungry and grab dinner at the airport upon touching down. there'll be food at least at the international terminal? :X We're fine even if it's mcd.

ps: Quest looks good, will keep in mind for future trips

 

[Bluepenblackpen]

bookmark for future reference.

 

[seianko]

u better hope for fast food. . . the asian food in airport PLEASE aviod like plague

 

[tulipkiss]

u better hope for fast food. . . the asian food in airport PLEASE aviod like plague

i've checked the zomato app - there're a few fast food places opened till 10pm and some restaurants (thai and mexican iirc) too.
but of cos, if you're located at sydney, your advice should be more accurate.. any recommendations for what we should have our dinner instead?

 

[seianko]

i am not located at syd. just that i travel there for work several times. and always stayed at holiday inn at chinatown or thereabouts at darlington harbour. Like I mention mon/tues may be closed for many stores. look at ubereats as well. i will have a look at chinese app this weekend for u. if u r in time for dinner next day, make a reservation at chatthai, food is good and u can feed 4 people around 70$ menu is on9

clean toilets is not everywhere, since u r bringing ur parents, that is somthing to be aware of. so when u are in a nice complex, look for toilets first. for females it is always a different story from males...if u r driving, just buy a box 2-3Lt of casketed water. cheaper and convenient. u can buy tat either at BWS or supermaket @coles woolworths IGA

 

[tulipkiss]

i am not located at syd. just that i travel there for work several times. and always stayed at holiday inn at chinatown or thereabouts at darlington harbour. Like I mention mon/tues may be closed for many stores. look at ubereats as well. i will have a look at chinese app this weekend for u. if u r in time for dinner next day, make a reservation at chatthai, food is good and u can feed 4 people around 70$ menu is on9

clean toilets is not everywhere, since u r bringing ur parents, that is somthing to be aware of. so when u are in a nice complex, look for toilets first. for females it is always a different story from males...if u r driving, just buy a box 2-3Lt of casketed water. cheaper and convenient. u can buy tat either at BWS or supermaket @coles woolworths IGA

Ohh icic thanks! Sure, have seen quite a number of recommendation on Chat Thai I'm only concerned about the meal upon touch-down since it's relatively late. Will keep in mind ubereats if there're really no choices at the airport. Another alternative is the woolworths beside meriton suites mascot.

I'm surprised about your comments on the public toilets though - dont remember such an issue on my previous trips to Perth and Melbourne, and I thought Sydney would be the same or if not, better

 

[seianko]

dunno abt perth as i was only there FiFO for work never stay over night.
melb toilets is easy find. if u are on the streets of syd not really. unless u r in or beside shopping complex yes it is clean. I am just saying if bladder is an issue, this shud be your first lookout

if u r so concern w food, brg shin cup noodle....thats what i do usually hotel can boil hot water what

 

[beano]

Tons of asian food in syd, thai food was really authentic.

 

[Awesom Andy]

just stay for 1 night and u can move to stay in suburbs. quest@chinatown is quite affordable. if u dun mind walking, it is a good 20 minutes walk from that accomodation to fish market. and fish market open at 7am

They built the light rail so you don't have to do the walk.

oh! may i ask where should I go if I wanna catch the sunset?

That's a difficult one, as virtually all of the more interesting places don't face west. There's a place called Sunset Rock near Mount Victoria but I have never been. In any case, you'll find that most places where you can see sunsets would be full of mountains/ranges/cliffs so it may not be worth the effort.

i've checked the zomato app - there're a few fast food places opened till 10pm and some restaurants (thai and mexican iirc) too.
but of cos, if you're located at sydney, your advice should be more accurate.. any recommendations for what we should have our dinner instead?

Just make sure the place is land side, as you won't be able to access anything air side. If you're desperate, McDonald's in the arrivals area closes at 10pm.

I'm surprised about your comments on the public toilets though - dont remember such an issue on my previous trips to Perth and Melbourne, and I thought Sydney would be the same or if not, better

It's not as bad as it sounds. Most places are fine.