Sydney

[drsubaru]

Dear Awesome Andy, Beano and Whirling_dervish and all,


Going to be traveling end Nov, with family. Sorry for the lor li lor sor, these time less questioned compared with my Melbourne 2016 post


I have finalized my itinerary, would you kindly help me to take a look and give me some pointers?


Thank you!


Day 1 TOUCH DOWN

AM
Touch down 0740

Get Prepaid SIM Card from OPTUS

https://get.uber.com/go/RipperRides

Use promo code RipperRides.
Australia only. Valid on first ride up to $22 AUD. Expires 2/1/20.

At the international terminal, meet your uberX driver at the express pickup zone. (Follow the yellow signs from Car Park 7 to the Express pickup area.)

PM

Powerhouse Museum, 10 am to 5 pm

Night

Plan A - Paddy's Haymarket, Chinatown, Hyde Park, QVB, St. Mary's Cathedral OR

Plan B - Darling harbour, Sydney harbour bridge, Pylon lookout, Mrs Macquarie's chair, Sydney Opera House, Royal Botanic garden

Accommodation - Sheraton on the Park

Food - Chat Thai, download their App-$10 off for $30 spent, Sydney Fish Market, closes at 4.30pm

Day 2 TO BLUE MOUNTAIN

AM
Pick up car at Bayswater car rental 180 William Street, Kings Cross NSW at 9 am

PM
Richmond (load up water, snacks etc) --> Bilpin --> Bell's Line of Road --> Mount Tomah --> Blue mountain botanic garden --> Blackheath --> Hydromajestic --> Katoomba --> Scenic World

Night - Chill

Accommodation - The Carrington Hotel

Food - Yellow Deli 4.5, Sanwiye Korean 4.4(11am-9.30pm), Hominy Bakery 4.3, Basil Nut Cafe 3.1 and Restaurant, Bamboo Box (10am-4pm)

Day 3 To JENOLEAN

AM

Jenolean Cave -- 15 degree Celsius, must get a JACKET

http://www.jenolancaves.org.au/the-caves/buy-tickets/

Choose Lucas cave , best to PRE BOOK

The road is closed from 11:45 to 1:15 for exiting.

Every day, from 11.45am to 1.15pm, we close the road to traffic leaving Jenolan in the direction of Katoomba. For 90 minutes, the road becomes 'one way', to allow large coaches to enter Jenolan safely. However, if you would like to leave Jenolan during this time, you can travel via Oberon (Edith Road).

The self-guided tour of the Devil’s Coach House Cave and Nettle Cave is complementary when you purchase your guided show cave tour. It is a ‘twilight cave’ environment, and does not explore the dark caves that you visit on your guided tours. If you purchase any full price show cave tour ticket, you will receive a 'Jenolan Pass', with a 'bar code' that lets you into the self-guided tour. Before you do the self-guided tour, return to the Ticket Office and pick up an ‘Acoustiguide’ multi lingual audio device, so that you can really enjoy this tour.

PM as above

Night - Chill

Accommodation - Fairmont resort Blue Mountain

Food - Yellow Deli 4.5, Sanwiye Korean 4.4(11am-9.30pm), Hominy Bakery 4.3, Basil Nut Cafe 3.1 and Restaurant, Bamboo Box (10am-4pm)

Day 4 To WOLLONGGONG

AM

Drive towards Bald Hill --> Seacliff --> Kiama Blowhole High tide at NOON thereabout

PM

Illawarra Tree top walk, booking online is cheaper, KIV for Zipline!

Night - Chill

Accommodation - Quality Suites Pioneer Sands

Food - Ziggy's House of Nomms

Day 5 BACK TO SYDNEY

AM

Historical Aircraft Restoration Society

PM

Plan A - Paddy's Haymarket, Chinatown, Hyde Park, QVB, St. Mary's Cathedral OR

Plan B - Darling harbour, Sydney harbour bridge, Pylon lookout, Mrs Macquarie's chair, Sydney Opera House, Royal Botanic garden OR

Plan C - Birkenhead Point shopping, Parking free for first 3 hours

Night - Chill

Accommodation - Hyde Park Inn

Food
Bourke Street Bakery
Hurricane Grill

Day 6 FLY OFF

AM

Return car to Bayswater and take their shuttle to Airport

 

[beano]

It seems you're all set,can't see much wrong.

I'll let sydneysiders give their comments

 

[drsubaru]

It seems you're all set,can't see much wrong.

I'll let sydneysiders give their comments

Thank you.

Did you guys go for the Singapore day?
So many PAP Ministers!

 

[Awesom Andy]

Thank you.

Did you guys go for the Singapore day?
So many PAP Ministers!

It's certainly rare to see so many ministers at the one spot outside of an election year. But then, sg tax payers are subsidizing their Aussie holidays.

For your plan, I'm not sure if the night plan would work on day 1, as most places would be closed.

On day 2, try to start as early as possible. It's going to be a pretty long day. Also, to stock up, I would find a location where there is an Aldi, plus either Coles or Woolworths. If you have time, go to Coles/Woolworths first, pick up the things you want that have the half price promotion, then go to Aldi and get everything else you need. Aldi doesn't have everything, so go back to Coles/Woolworths to get the rest. Well, you might not have that much time.

Day 3 is fine, but allow a lot of time to drive into Jenolan Caves. The road is extremely winding and narrow. Parts of which don't even fit 2 cars side by side. On bad days, it can take substantially longer than what google maps thinks is possible.

Day 4, the Kiama blowhole really depends on the wind and swell, more than the tide. Most visitors don't see anything there, in fact. Also try the little blowhole about 5 mins drive away, it faces a slightly different direction.

Day 5, forget about Birkenhead Point. Not really worth the effort going there. There is, however, a DFO in Homebush, if you must do some outlet shopping. I've never been able to find any bargains there myself though.

You have a really tightly packed trip, I think. You really only have 5 full days, and if I was in that situation, I would probably spend half of it in the Sydney area, and the other half outside of Sydney (e.g. Blue Mountains) and not try to go to another area.

 

[drsubaru]

On day 2, try to start as early as possible. It's going to be a pretty long day. Also, to stock up, I would find a location where there is an Aldi, plus either Coles or Woolworths. If you have time, go to Coles/Woolworths first, pick up the things you want that have the half price promotion, then go to Aldi and get everything else you need. Aldi doesn't have everything, so go back to Coles/Woolworths to get the rest. Well, you might not have that much time.

I intend to stock up at Richmond
First time I came across Aldi. Is Coles/Woolworths the NTUC/Giant equivalent and Aldi the more atas Jason's/Cold storage/Market place equivalent like Singapore.

Day 3 is fine, but allow a lot of time to drive into Jenolan Caves. The road is extremely winding and narrow. Parts of which don't even fit 2 cars side by side. On bad days, it can take substantially longer than what google maps thinks is possible.

My reading suggest that the time when the close the road (1145 to 1315)and make it one way, for the coaches to travel is peak...Thinking whether I should go earlier or much later to avoid the crowd

Day 4, the Kiama blowhole really depends on the wind and swell, more than the tide. Most visitors don't see anything there, in fact. Also try the little blowhole about 5 mins drive away, it faces a slightly different direction.

Ok noted, not sure if really worth the trouble to see a geographical marvel? More for the kids really.

You have a really tightly packed trip, I think. You really only have 5 full days, and if I was in that situation, I would probably spend half of it in the Sydney area, and the other half outside of Sydney (e.g. Blue Mountains) and not try to go to another area.

Thanks for suggestions, this trip is indeed quite touch and go quite like my Melbourne 2016, but like all plans, will adapt.

I might cut out driving up to Bald hill and starting from there, forego the Scenic Cliff. Just drive straight to Wollonggong area/Illawarra

A few learning points from last trip is not much time to enjoy a meal at a restaurant, a lot of buying and eating on the run, quite a waste...

Many thanks!, Cannot wait to go!!
Will be posting post trip review and pics

 

[kevin301]

I have finalized my itinerary, would you kindly help me to take a look and give me some pointers?........

Your itinerary looks pretty interesting!
It does seem very packed.
Hope you feel energetic enough to pull through!
My suggestion is to at least consider altering the plan should you feel fatigued etc.

Blue Mtns to Wollonggong isn't a super-long drive, but it's probably longer than what most Singaporean drivers are used to.

 

[Awesom Andy]

Aldi is the discount supermarket. Most everyday items are cheaper, especially when items at other supermarkets are not discounted. Note that they don't even provide plastic bags (you can purchase some). Coles/Woolworths are very similar, probably somewhere in between a NTUC and Cold Storage. You might also come across some IGAs, they are usually quite expensive.

At Jenolan Caves, generally speaking, the earlier the better. Having said that, it really depends on the timing of the tour you want to join. It's unlikely that you will get out before 1145 so you'll end up spending most of the day there. The alternative exit is via Oberon.

I never worked out when the Kiama blowhole would go into action, although it helps if there is an easterly breeze.

If you decide to skip Bald Hill on the way down, you can always drop by when you head back to Sydney.

 

[drsubaru]

At Jenolan Caves, generally speaking, the earlier the better. Having said that, it really depends on the timing of the tour you want to join. It's unlikely that you will get out before 1145 so you'll end up spending most of the day there. The alternative exit is via Oberon.

The maps seems to suggest that exiting Jenolean via Oberon back to Katoomba seems a further drive?

If you decide to skip Bald Hill on the way down, you can always drop by when you head back to Sydney.

Wondering if really worth the drive, this Grand Pacific>? Having done the GOR, not sure if anything can beat the scale of it?

I also read that the drive from South to North back towards Sydney is not as nice as the drive from North to South away from the city>?

Channel 8 just screened this on Tuesday!

https://www.facebook.com/pg/ChanBrothersTravelSG/photos/?tab=album&album_id=1588696771202590

You are right, they did not manage to catch the blow hole in action, this makes me wonder should I bother going there.

They did however manage to see the dolphins at Jervis Bay, which I thought was not that easy.

This restaurant that serves Burger at Kiama, called Hungry Monkey was mentioned. It seems their burgers are quite yummy especially the lamb meat one, no lamb smell, topped with caramelized onion, avocado and cream cheese!!

Black star Pastry with their famous water melon cake and pistachio cake was also featured! Not sure if it is over rated??

 

[beano]

Channel 8 just screened this on Tuesday!

https://www.facebook.com/pg/ChanBrothersTravelSG/photos/?tab=album&album_id=1588696771202590


Black star Pastry with their famous water melon cake and pistachio cake was also featured! Not sure if it is over rated??

Only slightly over rated, can try. But the whole of Newtown is quite hipster, worth going on a weekend..

 

[kaisin82]

to be honest, i find jenolan caves a waste of time and out of the way. I did a tour with my parents and feelt that the tour guide wasn't really interested in showing us around. It was pretty cool driving between the caves and wandering around but paying $30 for the guided tour wasn't really worth it, unless u are a rock person

 

[kaisin82]

has anyone been to the glowworm tunnel?

 

[Fros-Tee]

to be honest, i find jenolan caves a waste of time and out of the way. I did a tour with my parents and feelt that the tour guide wasn't really interested in showing us around. It was pretty cool driving between the caves and wandering around but paying $30 for the guided tour wasn't really worth it, unless u are a rock person

Must you use a guide to go in? Or can just recky yourself?

 

[dilphinus]

Black star Pastry with their famous water melon cake and pistachio cake was also featured! Not sure if it is over rated??

It's really good!

 

[dilphinus]

has anyone been to the glowworm tunnel?

I've been........ and?

 

[Awesom Andy]

Channel 8 just screened this on Tuesday!

https://www.facebook.com/pg/ChanBrothersTravelSG/photos/?tab=album&album_id=1588696771202590

You are right, they did not manage to catch the blow hole in action, this makes me wonder should I bother going there.

They did however manage to see the dolphins at Jervis Bay, which I thought was not that easy.

This restaurant that serves Burger at Kiama, called Hungry Monkey was mentioned. It seems their burgers are quite yummy especially the lamb meat one, no lamb smell, topped with caramelized onion, avocado and cream cheese!!

Black star Pastry with their famous water melon cake and pistachio cake was also featured! Not sure if it is over rated??

Most people don't see it in action, although I've also seen it shooting up 10m+, and gave the car a wash. If it gets rusty soon, I would know why.

Burgers have been the trend for a while in/around Sydney, so there are no shortage of burger joints.

I find the cakes at black star pastry to be inconsistent. It really depends on whether they can get good quality strawberries and watermelons (and they peak in different seasons). I had a really good batch before, but returned a few months later to a very mediocre batch.

Must you use a guide to go in? Or can just recky yourself?

Must have guide. Some people find the environment amazing, but others less so.

 

[hitoyou]

Dear all,

Heading to Sydney this coming October, and have drafted the below itinerary skeleton.

Would appreciate any advice on whether certain days might be too packed or the places of interest are out of the way from the rest?

Also, any supermarket that is opened at night for night shopping in the CBD region?

Thanks!!

Day 1:
Reach Sydney in the morning and check-in hotel at 2pm in the CBD.
After check-in, head to Chinatown/Paddy's market.
Early night rest for first day.

Day 2:
Queen Victoria Building
Bondi Beach/Bondi to Bronte Coastal Walk

Day 3:
Blue Mountain Day Tour

Day 4:
Taronga Zoo
(Is there still any zoo out there that allows hugging/touching of Koalas? I think we can't do that in Taronga right?)

Day 5:
Sydney Fish Market for breakfast
After breakfast, walk the whole stretch from The Rocks -> Darling Harbour -> Sydney Harbour Bridge -> Opera House -> Circular Quay
(is the above order correct?)

Day 6:
Royal Botanic Gardens
Mrs Macquarie's chair
Hyde Park
St Mary's Cathedral
Finish our last night at Sydney Tower Eye

Thanks and regards.

 

[Entropy]

Day 5:
Sydney Fish Market for breakfast
After breakfast, walk the whole stretch from The Rocks -> Darling Harbour -> Sydney Harbour Bridge -> Opera House -> Circular Quay
(is the above order correct?)

Darling Harbour -> The Rocks -> Sydney Harbour Bridge -> Circular Quay -> Opera House

 

[Awesom Andy]

Dear all,

Heading to Sydney this coming October, and have drafted the below itinerary skeleton.

Would appreciate any advice on whether certain days might be too packed or the places of interest are out of the way from the rest?

Also, any supermarket that is opened at night for night shopping in the CBD region?

Thanks!!

Day 1:
Reach Sydney in the morning and check-in hotel at 2pm in the CBD.
After check-in, head to Chinatown/Paddy's market.
Early night rest for first day.

Day 2:
Queen Victoria Building
Bondi Beach/Bondi to Bronte Coastal Walk

Day 3:
Blue Mountain Day Tour

Day 4:
Taronga Zoo
(Is there still any zoo out there that allows hugging/touching of Koalas? I think we can't do that in Taronga right?)

Day 5:
Sydney Fish Market for breakfast
After breakfast, walk the whole stretch from The Rocks -> Darling Harbour -> Sydney Harbour Bridge -> Opera House -> Circular Quay
(is the above order correct?)

Day 6:
Royal Botanic Gardens
Mrs Macquarie's chair
Hyde Park
St Mary's Cathedral
Finish our last night at Sydney Tower Eye

Thanks and regards.

For supermarkets, google for Coles and Woolworths in the area you will be in. Trading hours are listed.

Day 1: Not sure which day you are arriving, but keep in mind that Paddy's does not open on Monday or Tuesday.

Day 2: Not sure of your intention of visiting QVB on this day - it can easily fit into day 5/6.

Day 4: It is illegal in most states to pat a koala, and Taronga Zoo certainly doesn't allow for this. If you must pat, the closest place available would be in Queensland. Be mindful that koalas are only cute in photos. They like to urinate on people, and their claws are made for climbing trees so if they decide to give you a stretch, you'll be going straight to hospital.

Day 5/6: Try to be flexible, and have the best weather for visit to the harbour bridge, opera house, and possible Mrs Macquarie Chair (to take photos of the bridge and opera house). You will also want to be at Mrs Macquarie Chair in the morning so the sun is coming from the east side.

Personally, for 2 days, to visit the mentioned places, I would cut it into north/south.

On 1 day, go to the fish market in the morning, then light rail (walking this leg takes about 25 mins) to Paddy's Market, walk to Darling Harbour, cut across at the Imax on Druitt Street, this will take you to Town Hall and QVB, the underground of which takes you to the Pitt Street mall area, and that's where Sydney Tower Eye is. Hyde Park is then a 2 mins walk away along Market Street, and St Mary's is also very close by.

On the other day, start at Mrs Macquarie's Chair, stroll through the botanic gardens to the opera house, and continue along to Circular Quay, The Rocks, and the harbour bridge.

 

[Dragon_spell]

Hello! I am going to sydney next week from 4oct - 14oct. Just intend to stay around sydney. But have not plan anything yet due to work, thought prehaps able to get some ideas from here. Just to check is there any way that i can go to lincoln rock without tour guide or travel by car?

Thank you!

 

[beano]

10 days in Syd is really long! Not sure what you've planned..