The inner harbour of Sydney is linked with walking paths allowing a great outdoor exercise route as well as a path to view Sydney harbour at its best.

There are two well-known tracks that will take your breath away while you stroll along some of Sydney best secluded areas and harbour locations.

Walk #1: Spit to Manly Scenic Walkway
This is the most popular walk along the shores in Sydney, and is arguably the most stunning in scenery and heritage sites.

Take a bus to Spit bridge and the path starts at the northern end of the bridge heading east to Fisher Bay. Follow the path and it’ll take you along through Clontarf beach, Castle Rock, Grotto Point Lighthouse where a small slab of Aboriginal site where rock paintings can still be seen. The next stretch of the path goes through a bush area and eventually heading into Dobroyd point where Manly will come into sight, where you’ll eventually end up.

The entire walk will take 3.5 hours to complete. For the time conscious, many people start from Manly and walk back through Fairlight beach towards Dobroyd point, where they’ll take a rest before turning around back to Manly. Either way, it is a pleasant and beautiful walk.

Walk #2: Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk
The second most popular walk and is the site of the annual Sculpture By The Sea exhibition. Easy cliff tops walk starting from the southern end of Bondi beach along through the Bondi Baths & Icebergs Club onto Mackenzies Point.

You can stop briefly for a coffee or a swim at the small and cosy Tamarama beach, before continuing onto Bronte Beach. From here, it is a quick stroll through the historical Waverley Cemetery, before stepping down to the family friendly Clovelly beach as well as snorkelling and scuba diving heaven of Gordons Bay. Not far to go from here and Coogee will come into sight.

This walk takes approximately 2.5 hours to complete. Remember to rub on some sun screen and put on a cap as there is little shade along the cliff tops.

For more walking options refer to Sydney’s Best Harbour & Coastal Walks by the Sydney Morning Herald, available at all major book stores.

If you only have one day to spend in Sydney, this is a suggestion allowing you to see an overview of the city before you must depart.

Start at The Rocks for a morning breakfast and enjoy the morning sun sparkling off the waters surrounding the harbour bridge and the opera house. Stroll back to Circular Quay mid-morning to catch a ferry across to Manly. This is a cheap way to see the harbour without having to pay for a cruise. You’ll pass both the harbour bridge and the Opera House, some of the most sought after waterfront housing along the way and Taronga Zoo. The trip will take you half an hour so you can relax and take in the scenery.

Arriving at Manly Wharf, make your way across The Corso to the main beach. Grab some fish and chips for lunch on the way and spend sometime at the beach.

Shortly after lunch, get your return ferry back to Circular Quay. Walk to the opera house to admire the magnificent architecture on your way into the Botanic Gardens. The gardens have a path which will lead you onto Elizabeth St near the Conservatorium. Follow Elizabeth St westwards (away from the harbour) where you will pass the State Library, Sydney hospital, The Domain and St Mary’s Cathedral. Turn right and cross Hyde Park and head towards Sydney Tower.

At the Sydney Tower, buy a ticket for the observation desk and lift yourself up to the best view in Sydney.

After your tour of the tower, get back onto Market St and walk towards George St (away from Hyde Park). You’ll pass the Queen Victoria Building where you can stop to window shop a little, or continue to Darling Harbour. Here you can choose to pay a visit to the aquarium or simply stroll around the Harbour westwards. Following the footpath beyond IMAX theatre will take you to the bustling Chinatown where you can grab some cheap eats for dinner.

CBD
The Sydney city is also called the Central Business District (CBD). You will hear this term often and it refers to the areas surrounding Wynyard, Town Hall, and Central.

The CBD is where all the money is earned and spent, and where all the sophisticated socialites dine and drink. By day, streets full of Armani suits and Gucci sunglasses stroll importantly attending to their daily businesses while by night, the CBD lights up with well-dressed party goers and the loud music coming somewhere from the basement.

Inner West
Just on the fringe of the city outskirts is an area commonly known for its alternative lifestyle and social life. The Inner West is funky and full of quirk compared to the slick and upmarket city centre and its residents are proud of it. Less so polished yet more cultural, this is where students, artists, writers, poets and individualists hang out.

The inner west consist more commonly of suburbs such as Glebe, Camperdown, Newtown, Enmore, Annandale, Leichhardt, Rozelle and Balmain.

Eastern Suburbs
Fashionable but not mainstream; individual but not quirky. The Eastern Suburbs consist of the former red-light district of Kings Cross all the way to Watsons Bay, and is full of beautiful restored mansions, rows and rows of expensive cars and street after street of expensive boutique shops.

Some of Sydney’s most expensive real estate reside along the inner harbour shores of the eastern suburbs.

North Shore
Sydneysiders call anything beyond north of the Harbour Bridge ‘North Shore’. Commonly associated with suburban residences and beaches, it also has some of Sydney bigger shopping malls if shopping is what you seek. The lower north shore consist of suburbs from North Sydney to Chatswood, and then along the beaches from Manly to Palm Beach are upper north shore.

The Beaches
Sydney is renowned for its beautiful beaches in and out of the harbour. Most famous are Bondi, Manly and Coogee having the largest backpacker community in the region. However smaller and lesser known beaches are just as beautiful and places like Tamarama, Bronte, Clovelly, Dee Why and Palm Beach are just as beautiful as their more famous neighbours.

Caution:
When planning a day at the beach, it is important to put on some 30+ sun screen to fend off the harsh Australian sun. Also remember to swim between the red and yellow life saver flags and to observe any rules that may apply to that particular beach, especially the restriction on alcohol consumption and glass bottle on the beaches.

Greater Sydney
Beyond the 10km radius from the centre of Sydney are regions classified as greater Sydney. Due to the location the greater Sydney areas are not as widely visited by overseas travellers as the city centre and the beaches however, for those with special interest in museums, theatres and a more historical and natural experience of Sydney, the greater Sydney regions has choices from the historical town of Windsor to visiting the cuddly koalas in Koala Park to amuse the visitors.

To/From Airport
Train
Both the international and domestic airport is serviced by City Rail with a train link into the city. Once way ticket to Central Station is AUD$11.80, and takes around 10-15 minutes. From Central Station you can transfer to other train lines and bus services.

Bus / Shuttles
Unfortunately there is no bus service available to and from the airport. Some hotels offer shuttle services to their customers. Enquire about the service when booking your room.

Taxi
A trip from the airport to the city central will cost around AUD$30 one way. This is only worth the cost if travelling with a friend or two. Taxis can be hailed at the designated Taxi stands just outside the arrival hall.

Getting around in Sydney
Sydney’s public transport system includes the trains, buses and ferries across the inner harbour.

Trains
Trains are a great way to travel when visiting attractions and locations outside the city. Tickets can be bought from the automatic ticket machines or at the ticket booths at the train stations. A return ticket gives you until 4am the next day for your return journey.

Buses
Sydney Buses run regular services in and out of the city, as well as to most of the beach locations. However due to frequently congested traffic conditions a trip may take longer than you planned. A bus network info desk is located at Central Square (major bus hub outside Central Station) if you are unsure of the services you should be using.

Ferries
Ferry services from Circular Quay will take you across to inner and outer harbour locations without having to travel the long way round across the waters with a bus. Getting the ferry is also a great way to enjoy Sydney’s harbour views and check out some of the prestigious real estates within the inner harbour.

For good value all day transport requirements, purchase a Day Tripper ticket (AUD$16) available from train stations or onboard buses (excluding ‘Prepay Only’ buses). This pass allows unlimited travels on the trains, buses and ferry network within the suburban areas.

Other leisure and tourist passes are available to suit multi-day/multi-destination requirements. Visit the Transport Infoline on www.131500.info for details.

Monorail and Light Rail
The Monorail is a loop train that circles some of Sydney’s major attractions. Not really great as a public transport however a great way to sightsee without having to walk.

The Light Rail is a newer addition to Sydney’s transport pub but only for certain places. Its construction is considered to be a waste of time by the locals, but its direct service to Star City and the Fish Market has had some value to visitors.

Taxis
Sydney’s taxis are metered but expensive. As a passenger, you have the right to direct the driver how to get to your destination. Although most taxi drivers are honest, there will be a few that will take advantage of visitors who do not know their way.

Driving
Driving in Sydney is a nightmare, even for the locals. Unless you plan to visit areas outside Sydney that is inaccessible by other forms of transport, driving is not recommended.

Parking around Sydney is expensive and hard to find, however most hotels and some budget accommodation do provide parking for their guests.

Car hires can be picked up from the airport as well as various locations around Sydney.

Bikes
Bike hires are available from retailers for more adventurous travellers. Riders are required to wear a helmet and it would be wise to have a reflective tag on the bike or your clothes to help you with night time riding. The traffic in Sydney is unfortunately not very friendly to bike riders and care should be taken when riding on major roads.

Local Services

Emergency
In the event of emergency, including fire, accidents and crime, dial the national emergency line 000.

Medical Services

Medical centres:

Medical centres are the best and fastest place for any everyday illness and medical conditions. Most do not require appointments however do call in advance to check their opening hours.

Sydney Medical Centre
Pavilion Plaza
Shop M1, Mezzanine Level
580 George St
Sydney NSW
(02) 9261 9200

George St Medical Centre
Level 1 / 308 George St
Sydney NSW
(02) 9231 3211

Broadway Healthcare
Broadway Shopping Centre
Level 1 / 1 Bay St
Broadway NSW
(02) 9281 5085
www.broadwayhealthcare.com.au

Travel doctors and clinics:

Travel Vaccines International Travel Vaccination Centre
Suite 1002, 37 Bligh St
Sydney NSW
1300 557 070

Travellers Medical and Vaccination Centre
Level 7, 428 George St
Sydney NSW
(02) 9221 7133

Travel Clinics Australia
Level 2 / 2 Martin Place
Sydney NSW
(02) 8222 5900

Hospitals:

Prince Alfred Hospital
Missenden Road
Camperdown NSW
(02)9515 6111
www.cs.nsw.gov.au/rpa

St Vincent Hospital
390 Victoria St
Darlinghurst NSW
(02) 8382 1111
wwwsvh.stvincents.com.au

Police

To find the closest police station to your location, visit the NSW Police website at www.police.nsw.gov.au.

However, for emergency accidents and crime reports, it is recommended to contact the local emergency number 000.

Tourism Information

The official Sydney Visitor Centres are located at:

Sydney International Airport(Arrivals)
Darling Harbour
33 Wheat Road
(behind Imax cinema)

The Rocks
Cnr Argyle and Playfair Sts

The visitor centre is online at www.sydneyvisitorcentre.com or call 1800 067 676.

You can find City Host Tourist Information booths at Circular Quay, Town Hall and Martin Place that will provide you with directions and suggestions for your stay.

Free Guide Book/Map

A free guide to Sydney is available at the arrivals hall of the international airport. Make sure to grab your copy on your way out for attraction guides, a complimentary map of Sydney as well as discount vouchers to use during your stay in Sydney.

Free tourist magazine This Week in Sydney is available from the City Host booths and contains practical information on the dining and entertainment options around Sydney, as well as a basic map for directions.

An online version of the magazine is available at: www.thisweekinsydney.com

Tourism NSW also provide a free guide to Sydney, available for download at www.visitnsw.com/sydney.aspx

Local information
Various free publications such as MX newspaper and DrumMedia, are available on the streets and at the doors of pubs and hostels with concert and gig listing around Sydney. These are excellent source of information on local entertainment.

Places of worship
Sydney’s multicultural lifestyle means there is a place of worship for most major world religions. Services are held regularly and many welcome visitors to attend.

St Mary’s Cathedral
(02) 9220 0400
www.stmaryscathedral.org.au

Hindu Council of Australia
(02) 8250 4007
www.hinducouncil.com.au

Telecommunications
Pay Phones
Telstra public pay phones are widely available and cost AUD50cents to initiate the call. Calls to local landlines are at 50cents flat rate while to mobile phones and interstate numbers are charged at 30 second intervals. Phone cards can be purchased from convenience stores to avoid the hassle of finding lose change.

Pre-Paid Mobile Phones
For travellers staying a little longer in Sydney or Australia in general, and have a personal mobile phone, pre-paid SIM cards can be purchased from convenience stores or telecommunication stores. Optus and Vodafone offer the most competitive rates while Telstra has better coverage outside city areas.

1800 Reverse
If you are staying with a friend of relative and have no change of coins or a mobile to call when you need to, the 1800 Reverse (1800 738 3773) service will connect you with their number and charge the call to them. It is an etiquette to limit the use of this service for emergency situations only.

Internet Access
Internet cafes are aplenty in the city and are generally available in hostels and hotels for a fee. Commercial internet cafes are often crowded with online gamers and charge between AUD$2 – AUD$5 an hour.

Recently the brand ‘Everywhere Internet’ has boomed across Sydney having internet kiosks located in major shopping malls. If there is one convenient to your location it may be worthwhile having a credit with them, as the credits can be used at any of their branches, including the one at the airport.

Central Internet Café
Shop 1 / 230 Elizabeth Street
Surry Hills NSW
(02) 9281 9988

Digi.Kaf
(02) 9660 3509
www.digikaf.com.au