Sujith Kumar S/o PrankumarWith Chinese New Year around the corner, you’re staring at a 4-day holiday that you can easily stretch a little further. If you’re keen to avoid visiting the relatives or the emptier than usual streets and closed stores, The UrbanWire suggests a vacation where the currency is now a lot more in our favour and where Chinese New Year songs are not likely to blare from speakers everywhere.
Better yet – it’s not too far away from home.
The Opera House. The Harbour Bridge. The innumerable cafes, pristine beaches, sandstone buildings and numerous one-way streets. Welcome to Sydney – The Harbour City, where there’s always something for everyone, whatever the season.
Orientation
Sydney is Australia’s most densely populated city, with a population of 4.3 million, fairly close to Singapore’s, only its land size is just under 18 times bigger. So don’t expect the kind of crowding we have here. Something that will make us feel at home is that it’s also the country’s most international city. In the early 20th century, the city competed with Melbourne for status as the country’s capital, but Canberra – a city midway between them – was chosen as a compromise. Weather-wise, the city experiences a temperate climate with mild winters from June to August, and warm summers from December to February. (back to top)
Getting there and around
Getting there is easy. Would-be tourists can apply for a visa online for a nominal fee. And with many direct flights plying the Singapore-Sydney route, it’s more a matter of ‘when’ than ‘how’ to get there. An economy-class ticket to Sydney inclusive of fees and taxes costs slightly above $1,000, and it takes 8 hours to get there.
The modern and efficient state-run public transportation service (above – Museum Station) effectively connects the suburbs to the city centre, making it very easy to get around. Connections to other states are easy to access from Central Station, or via Sydney Airport which is conveniently located just minutes from the city centre. Because it is near New Zealand and the Pacific Islands, there are frequent, affordable flights available to any traveller wishing to explore the region. (back to top)
Food and shopping
The city is ranked the 15th most expensive city in the world, according to the latest Mercer Cost of Living survey. This means you can expect to pay more for food and shopping.
Sydney is a sanctuary for authentic international cuisine. A must-try is the famous and historic Harry’s Cafe De Wheels (above) which has been around since 1945. Celebrities such as the late jazz vocalist Frank Sinatra, KFC founder Colonel Sanders and busty actress Pamela Anderson have gushed about its pies.
The UrbanWire highly recommends Korean restaurant Seoul-Ria (above) for its delicious, affordable fusion fare and efficient service, and the award-winning Sumac Restaurant & Bar is a dream experience with its unique Moroccan food at a waterfront location by Darling Harbour.
Food is not the only area travellers find themselves spoilt for choice. Sydney is known to be a shopping haven, where hotly desired designer racks stand alongside popular rags and hand-me-down shops. The Strand Arcade and the Queen Victoria Building are 2 heritage buildings – tourist attractions in their own right – that now house high-end shops. Paddy’s Market in Chinatown is a must-visit for its great bargains and huge range of items. Just check if they’re open during the Chinese New Year…
The city is also well loved for its unique weekend markets and charming bookstores. Visitors shouldn’t leave without buying something from one of the city’s many characteristic specialist bookshops – in particular, the Bookshop Darlinghurst (above), which is world-renowned for its delectable selection of books on sexuality issues. (back to top)
Sydney is one of the world’s most cosmopolitan cities. Its residents actively commit to a ‘green culture’ (above) in hopes of reducing the impact on climate change. There is also a strong student culture due to the large, diverse student body studying in some of the world’s best schools, such as the University of New South Wales and the University of Sydney.
The city is also known for its cafe culture, as well as for its sports-mad citizens, who go weak in the knees for rugby and “Aussie Rules” – a no-holds-barred, rough-and-tough football game.
Activities and sights
Sydney is a city full of things to experience. Visitors can choose from a jaw-dropping amount of activities to suit every taste. Take a nationally accredited day-course in barista skills, perfect your floristry skills, or hit the waves in style by engaging in the iconic Aussie beach hobby – surfing!
One thing that’s on every tourist’s agenda is the Opera House (above), so synonymous with the city. To best enjoy the experience, get off Milsons Point station, climb up the stairs next to the station gates and walk across the iconic Harbour Bridge to where Circular Quay, The Rocks, the Opera House and the Royal Botanic Gardens are located.
Another must-see is the Blue Mountains (above), an area containing over a million hectares of eucalyptus forest, canyons, quaint towns and unique land formations, located some 60km away from the city centre.
Of course, no trip to Sydney is complete without visiting its many stunning beaches and doing the world-famous Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk (above). (back to top)
TIPS
*Homesickness can ruin a great vacation. Combating it should be a priority, especially if you’re in the country for the long term. Upon landing, begin to network with people from home. A good place to start is the Overseas Singaporean portal. Additionally, student societies (such as the Singapore Student Society) in universities are great places to find fellow countrymen.
*The Big Issue is a magazine that “(helps) homeless people help themselves”. Hawked by homeless people on the street who are only too happy to talk to you about their day or yours, the biweekly magazine contains excellent current affairs and general interest features. Do something good and learn something along the way by purchasing this AU$5 (S$5) magazine.
*Australia is the world’s driest continent, and water is scarce. Even if you’re not paying the bills, be responsible. Take short showers, and, in winter, recycle the water used in hot water bottles.
*Save money by purchasing a travel pass that allows unlimited rides on public transport across a stated period. To plan your journey, visit the NSW Government Transport Infoline website.
*Buy local, made-in-Australia goods as opposed to made-in-China products. The aim is to support local businesses.
*Bring a sweater – it can get cold during the night. In winter, buy a hot water bottle, warm clothes, moisturiser, lip balm, and a portable heater if necessary. They don’t cost much, and will save you from a lot of pain.
*Do not walk out too late alone. The streets of Sydney can be very dark and dodgy during nighttime.
*Always have a map with you. The streets of Sydney can be confusing and you could find yourself going around in circles. Don’t be shy to ask for help from the locals when you get lost – they’re usually very happy to help.
ADDRESSES
(1) Harry’s Cafe De Wheels – Corner Cowper Wharf Roadway & Brougham Road, Woolloomooloo,
(2) Seoul-Ria – Level 2, 605-609 George Street
(3) Sumac Restaurant & Bar – Shop 284, The Promenade, Harbourside Shopping Centre, Darling Harbour
(4) Paddy’s Market – Cnr Thomas & Hay Streets, Haymarket
(5) Bookshop Darlinghurst – 207 Oxford Street, Darlinghurst