Educational and Recreational Interests for Tourists In Sydney

The Sydney city is not only the financial but the corporate capital of Australia.  The city has a cosmopolitan mix of people, English being the language spoken.  Other ethnic groups which you would find here are Chinese and the Greeks, not to forget the Aborigines who are native Australians.  In the city of Sydney, you would find the Aborigines residing in one part, the Indian community in one pat, the Chinese in our part etc.

It goes without saying that Sydney is place of education and there are many popular educational institutions here.  Many of the natives here are engaged in skilled jobs and they have been educated well.  This also helps in the economic growth and development of the city.  The residents here own their own homes and it has been established that Sydney ranks the highest as regards real estate prices.  Also the city is expensive, but people who come here for either settling down or for work can rest assured that they can survive.

Sydney is a popular tourist attraction and there are millions of tourists visiting this wonderful city.  The tourism industry of Sydney is also being developed so that there is foreign exchange coming into this country.  Tourism infrastructure has been strengthened by using aggressive marketing strategies. The climate of Sydney is moderate which means it is neither too cold in winters not too hot in summers.  This is another reason for its popularity as a tourist destination.
There are many students who come into Sydney from all over globe, thanks to the exclusive educational system.The infrastructure of the universities and educational institutions is simply superb which means there are well equipped research centres, colleges and universities.The education imparted at these institutions helps in the overall and holistic development of an individual and the individual’s overall personality is developed.

Foreign students who come here for further studies can be broadly classified into two categories – the ones whose family immigrates to Australia and they have to look for admissions in universities and colleges.   Many of the citizens of the country are immigrants as Australia welcomes immigrants to their country.  The other group is that of International students who specifically come here for pursuing their education.  They are known as international students.  The students falling in this category are of diverse ages.

Students come here for pursuing education at the college or university level as the Australian educational system is broad based and unique.  Generally, they go in for a foundation program to get integrated into this form of education.  They have the choice of going in for an arts based program and can pursue careers in either business or law.  Students who want to pursue science may want to go in for careers either in engineering or medicine.
English is the instruction medium adopted in Australian educational institutions and individuals from non English speaking nations will have to pass a proficiency test.
Some international students may be extended financial aid, however international students need to ensure that there is enough funding available which one of the visa criterion is.

Breathtaking Islands Of Sydney – A Visitor’s Delight

Tourists visiting Sydney will be completely enthralled by the mesmerising and breathtaking Sydney Harbor which meets the Parramatta River and is referred to as Pot Jackson.  There are small beautiful islands like Rodd Island, Clark Island and Goat island  which lend beauty to the surroundings.  These islands form a part of Sydney Harbor National Park.

The Port Jackson was previously home to the water police of Sydney who kept a watch on smugglers and escaped convicts coming in the city from the sea route.  This rocky island boasts of being a storehouse of explosives, boatyard, convict stockade and a quarry.  Tourists will love the special tours and can explore the island.  Some of the relics which are housed here are the stone chair and the Queen’s gunpowder magazine.  Other places worth visiting are the Harbor Masters Lawn, North East Wharf and Water Rats Roof.

Sydney has hosted rock concerts and is also known for its cultural and traditional richness and heritage. Tourists will have an unforgettable experience roaming this island which has a rich traditional original and maritime history. Another beautiful island worth visiting is the Clark island which is another picnic paradise.  The area has excellent picnic tables and drinking water facilities.  The breathtaking harbour views are a delight to the eyes.

Tourists who come in groups may have to do prior bookings as there is entry only for thirty people each group. At any time, not more than one hundred and fifty people are permitted entry on this island.  There are many groups who love to have their private party at this island.  The bush island is the central part of the island. Other activities which tourists can take up are swimming, snorkelling etc.  The enchanting views of the island can be accessible by NPWS ferry service and water taxies.

The Rodd island is a lesser known harbour island and is named in fond memory of Brent Samuel Rodds.  This island is centrally located at the centre of Iron Cove off Birkenhead point.  The island houses summer cottages and there are exquisite colonial style halls where picnics can be held.  About hundred people can be accommodated on this island.  It is an ideal location for picnics, family functions and day outings.  The island is dotted with grassy carpets and palm trees.

Tourists may also want to visit the Cockatoo island which is rich in history and entertainment and has pleasant surprises for visitors.  This island is located at the Lane Cover and Parramatta rivers towards Western Australia’s coast.  There is a reformatory, imperial prison etc.  This sandstone island is spread over sixteen hectares.  The place has a rich historical background and has housed big shipyards.

Tourists can also view the old arts and artefacts of the island and can feel the lives lead by the convicts and the life of the aborigines.

Wollongong

Picturesque and nestled between the mountains and the sea, the serene and beautiful city of Wollongong lies just about 51miles south of Sydney. It was originally an aborigine settlement. A multi-culture heaven for the tourists this place is just an hour away from Sydney by car/bus and 11/2 hours by train.

The city of Wollongong has a delightful and vibrant raw energy. One can experience a multi cuisine bonanza here that surpasses any other Australian city. The place has eateries, arcades, malls and galleries to delight the visitors. Wollongong is considered as the gateway to the Illawarra coast known for its wonderful resorts and sparkling white beaches. Stanwell Park, Sandon Point and Coledale beaches nearby are easily accessible from here.

Wollongong is known for its steel industry which lures various immigrant cultures to the city, largest Buddhist temple of Southern Hemisphere, and art gallery with aborigine art forms from across the nation and the Illawarra Museum, which tells the history of the region, and the Illawarra Motoring Museum.

The fish market here offers a huge range of sea food and the must have for the first time visitor is fish n chips. The main street called Crown Street has plenty of shops.

Symbio Koala Gardens has around 120 species of animals like emus, dingo, deer, ostrich, Tasmanian devils, kangaroos, koalas, and peacocks. Some of the finest and mesmerizing lagoons and beeches are in this sea side city and are patrolled by the efficient life guards. Some of the beaches are protected and calm while others offer surfing options and ultimate family fun. Lake Illawara boasts of many Lake Illawara offers many water sports, wind surfing, fishing and prawning, sailing, hang gliding and parasailing apart from other diverse activities.

For those who are looking for tranquility and peace this city offers beautiful landscapes and serene environment. There are various look out points and walking trails around this place. Mt Kembla, Mt Keira and the Bulli Scenic Lookout give a bird’s eye view of the city and surrounding places. To the south lies the enchanting Morton National Park which is defiantly worth a visit. There are also some nice bike paths one can take to explore the area.

North Beach and South Wollongong City Beach are the two beached on the sides of the harbor. The north beach offers surfing facilities. The harbor is the center of Wollongong.

The University of Wollongang contributes to the major student population that we see there. There are regular buses to take you around the city and to nearby places. The main bus station is situated at the corner Keira and Campbell Streets.

Wollongong is close to the Blue Mountains and Jarvis Bay and offers easy access to big cities like Canberra, Sydney, and Melbourne.

One can stay in caravans, beach units, guest houses, hotels and hostels which offer stunning views and are easy on everyone’s pocket.

Visit the third largest city in Australia whenever you plan a vacation and experience the pristine beauty of Wollongong.

Westfield Shopping Malls, Centrepoint

Centrepoint has a special place in the city of Sydney, being the first of its kind in the town. Situated right in the middle of Sydney’s central business district, it began as a medium sized building in 1972 housing about 52 shops, most of which are still in business. Westfield a large chain of shopping malls took over Centrepoint in December 2001. The Westfield Group is the world’s largest international retail property group which has its presence in New Zealand, U.K., America apart from Australia.

Westfield Centrepoint has the advantage of being located well, its proximity to the Centrepoint Tower, a well known landmark and tourist attraction. The stores there are mostly upper end and designer stores. Westfield Centrepoint has gone through many renovations in 1984, then 1996 and also in 2000.

Once Centrepoint was taken over by Westfield, it has been subject to many changes. Recently very far reaching and ambitious plans have been made for Centrepoint which have finally, after many years of sustained efforts, Westfield has finally won the approval of the authorities of Sydney City and also of the neighborhood malls to carry out extensive renovation of the Centrepoint.

The plan is very ambitious. Three main shopping centers, Centrepoint, Skygarden and The Imperial Arcade will be joined together to create a shopping and office complex of international stature. This is going to be a one-of-a-kind building. The work is going to be carefully done over a period of three years to integrate all three.

It is a fairly ambitious plan, but in the end the centre will add to the beauty of Sydney City. There will be just another 50 showrooms added, and there will be 123 more car parks, which will be a boon to this parking lot starved city. The plan is to beautify the city and not to add more shops.

At present Centrepoint has shops over five levels, selling everything from fresh food to designer ware. All the major retailers like K-Mart, Levis, Gucci and others have their presence here. There are computer stores, pharmacies, shoe shops, beauty salons and fast food outlets.

In case you are in Sydney and have not done your shopping yet, to pick up a souvenir you must visit Centrepoint. Of course you can also spend the whole day window shopping and wandering through the five levels of the mall and then when tired you can sit at a coffee shop and rest over a refreshing cup of coffee or pick up a bite at the many fast food outlets.

WARRINGAH MALL

Warringah mall is Sydney’s largest open air resort style shopping center and offers exciting shopping experience to all. It first opened in1963 and had just 53 stores. The mall, which is located 15km from Sydney CBD, reflects the lifestyle of people living in the northern beaches of the city. A 40min drive from Wynyard, it is located in the center of Sydney.

Warringah mall went through a million dollar transformation and has Myer store along with many other spatiality stores like Target. The complex has around 300 such stores and the Hoyts Twin Cinema Complex. There are food courts, extra cinemas and leading names like Woolworths David Jones, Big W, JB HiFi, Dick Smith Powerhouse, and Rebel Sport, Franklins, Big Fresh, Grace Bros along with other facilities.

One can enjoy its leafy courtyards, covered walkways along with shopping for fashion garments, home accessories, food and much more on all the three levels of the enclosed mall. It has a 125,000 square meters of let able space. The restaurant and the cafes offer a very typical atmosphere of Sydney’s Northern beaches. The mall has a distinct aura about it unlike many others. It is the third largest shopping center according to floor space in NSW.

There are banks, auto services, beauty and fashion areas, cafes and restaurants, department stores, electronic shops, hardware, toys and games and home appliances stores along with jewelry, watches, mobile phones sections etc. There is a pharmacy, a supermarket and space for sports and leisure.

The main entry to the mall is from the multi deck car park and there are level entries from there too. All floors have good walking space and are joined by lifts. There is an assistance from where one can borrow, power scooters, prams and wheelchairs for free.

There is also a courtesy car service to carry shoppers from one area to another. Baby care rooms and accessible toilets are on ground floor and first floor. They have a bus bay on the ground floor and the wheelchair accessible buses are also available.

There is a private coach line and state transit buses which can take you to the mall. The mall has state of the art car park of its own apart from regular parking places near by.

There is also a customer care service which is operational all seven days during normal trading hours. Parent room facilities, kiddy cabs and shop mobility are some other significant features.

A unique feature is mall walking which takes place in a group of 50 people every Tuesday and Thursday. They also have free yoga and meditation classes. There is also a fully licensed bar and café which is available for functions and parties.

The Hoyt Cinema complex in the mall is one amazing movie experience. It is the largest multiplex cinema screen adventure. You can watch some latest flicks here.

Shopping at Warringah Mall is a completely out of the world experience, so while in Sydney do visit this amazing world of Warringah’s.

The Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race

The Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race also known as The Blue Water Classic is a thrilling event hosted by the Cruising Yacht club of Australia. It starts in Sydney on Boxing Day and finishes in Hobart, Tasmania. It’s a tradition that the crew of the yachts celebrates the New Year at the Hobart Dock.

The race was first organized in1945 and gradually became more and more competitive and commercialized. It is one of the pre-eminent top three offshore yacht races in the world and attracts maxi-yachts from North America and Europe. It covers the distance of about 630 miles. The race attracts both the club sailors as well as renowned sailors who have participated in other famous races.

It was conceived by Peter Luke who formed a club for those who enjoyed cruising rather than racing; however visiting British Royal Navy Officer, Captain John Illingworth, suggested that it be turned into a race, and so this thrilling event was born.

The race is one of the most grueling and awe-inspiring event in the middle of the winter and is sponsored by Rolex. There is a spectacular start from the magnificent Sydney Harbor, and the yacht sail into the beautiful Tasman Sea, travelling through many places the yacht reach the Tasman Island where they cross Storm Bay for the beautiful Derwent River to Hobart. All over the sea front people gather to watch the race and cheer the yacht on.

All those who love the sporting event swear by the exciting beginning of the race and the finale. Half a million spectators gather on the shores to cheer the fleets and one can watch the spectator crafts along with the fleet. Helicopters hover over the blue waters filming the event for world-wide viewing.

The race covers some of the most alluring seascapes and landscapes in the world. The NSW coastline with its white and clean beaches, townships around the coast and the fishing hamlets are fall in the route of the race and one can view the yachts sailing anywhere between the coastline and 40 miles offshore.

The winning yacht is received by an escort official, spectators and the press boats as it approaches the finishing line, amidst applause even if it is at an unearthly hour like 2 am or some such time. There are thousands of people who gather around Sullivan’s Cove to applaud and welcome the yachts and the crew is met by members of Finishing Club and the Royal Yacht Club of Tasmania, to help them dock at the Kings Pier marina. Of course the winners and their fans celebrate the race and the win at the many pubs and bars at the dock. The event holds a prime position in the Hobart’s Taste of Tasmania Festival.

People eagerly wait for the entire year, many practice the whole year through and train for the race. This magnificent and greatly anticipated event is a must to watch for all those visiting Sydney in winter. So plan your trip to Watch ‘The Blue Water Classic’.

SYDNEY METRO AND MONORAIL

Sydney monorail and metro light rail are the two modern and sleek transportation systems owned by an Australian company. They make it easier for the commuters to travel through the most populated sections of Sydney. Both the systems are environment friendly and do not add to air pollution. Each one is known for a comfortable and quite ride and is ideal for locals as well as visitors.

Baby stroller, wheelchairs, prams can easily access the rails and its doors are wide enough for carrying the daily shopping loads.

One of the most popular modes of transport the monorail is a Bicentennial gift to Sydney which started operating in1988 and was earlier known as Darling Harbor Monorail. It carries approximately 4 million or more passengers per year. Hundreds of commuters from Pyrmont and Ultimo travel each day to the city center in this excellent transport system.

Sydney Monorail is a wonderful experience for all tourists as it offers a magnificent bird’s eye view of one of the world’s most breathtaking cities. Chinatown, Darling Harbor, business districts, the Spanish Quarter the central shopping centers, and Sydney’s main streets, all can be seen while taking a ride in the monorail. It also gives the passengers a great view of the historical Queen Victoria Building.

The monorail is unique inasmuch as it is a transport system that is elevated and operates from the centre of the city. On its 3.6km track it covers eight stations and all four trains operate simultaneously. The monorail stops for 40sec at each stop.

It stops at all of Sydney’s best tourist attraction places, and is considered as a perfect combo of quick transport and an important Sydney experience.

Metro Light Rail has recently started operating in Sydney. It is a comfortable, clean and fast way to travel from the city to Sydney’s suburbs. The light rail started operating in August 1997 and later got extended in August 2000. Clean, Green, convenient, and quiet Metro Light Rail is environmentally sound and the finest future transport system to look for.

Metro Light Rail carries more than 3.5 million commuters each year to major destinations around Sydney. It is an absolute pleasure to travel in this wonderful transport system. It covers more area than the old monorail and is a favorite with locals.

It links Darling Harbor and Chinatown to the Sydney Fish Markets, Star City Casino, and Wentworth Park 24/7. The light rail runs at 10-15 minute intervals and operates daily. It runs from Central Railway Station and terminates at Lilyfield traveling 7.2km and stopping at 14stops. It also runs from The Central to Star City. The green network is the most convenient way to travel across the city.

For those who want to ride on and off all day, Day tickets are the best options. But, one can also buy single fare tickets on-board the light rail beginning from $3.20 per person.

Experience Sydney like never before, go get a ticket for either of these unique rail rides and enjoy.

The Sydney Airport

The Sydney Airport also known as the Kingsford Smith International Airport is located in Sydney’s Mascot suburb and is the main airport. One of the oldest commercial airports in the world, it is also the busiest in Australia and 33rd busiest airport in the world. It was earlier known as Aerodrome but got renamed later to honor a pioneering Australian aviator, Charles Kingsford Smith.

It is a complete No-Smoking zone and is equipped with all modern facilities and features essential for an international airport. They include chemist shops, ATM counters, children’s play area, separate smoking zone and internet facilities. There are clean showers, lounges, prayer rooms, pay phones, food outlets and restaurants and also a tourist information desk.

The airport has multi level car parking & facility for the disabled. The international airport has duty free shops and the security is top most with the entire area fitted with surveillance cameras.

Offices of all major airlines are located here so that travelers can obtain any information even buy flight tickets. The staff is friendly and helpful and provides all the assistance about anything related to the airport services and flights to the passengers.

The Sydney Airport has three terminals, the Qantas Terminal, the Ansett Domestic Terminal and the International Terminal. It is called the mini hub of Australia’s national airlines, and receives all the domestic flights of Quantas. All the flights from the major cities of Australia land here. The domestic terminal also serves local airlines. This helps prevent delays and helps move traffic smoothly.

Almost all the major airlines of the world like Air New Zealand Air Canada, and British Airways, Singapore Airlines, Cathay pacific, Virgin Atlantic, Japan Airlines land at the international terminal. The terminal has jet bridges in 28 of its 34gates. The international terminal (T1) is separated from the other terminals by a runway.

Known as the most modern airports in the world The Kingsford Smith International Airport handles approximately 30million commuters everyday.

There are business class hotel near by for the business travelers as well as the tourists.

There is a splendid mix of restaurants, stores, and amenities and a serene layout that makes the airport easy to navigate.

There is a warehouse in the geophysical centre of this airport and a high rise office building along with other facilities.

Getting to Kingsford Smith International Airport in Sydney is simple. Take the Airport link underground City Rail or taxi and come directly to the domestic or the international terminal at the airport. Car rental is available from the desks at the arrivals areas of all the terminals.

There are covered taxi ranks located in front of each terminal and rail stations at both the Domestic and International terminals. There are Trains to Sydney from the airport every 10 minutes which usually take13 minutes of travel time.

Kingsford Smith International Airport is among the top ten best airports in the world and with more multi million dollar upgrades by 2010 it sure will top the list.

Macquarie Ice Rink

Address: Cnr Waterloo & Herring Rds, North Ryde, NSW, 2113
Phone Number: (02) 98881100

There are so many reasons why people take up ice skating. There are numerous varieties of this sport, as well as categories. The most popular types of Ice skating are offered at Macquarie Ice Rink.

For a day full of fun filled activity, the best thing is to don some warm clothing and head off to Macquarie Ice Rink with your children. It is very popular with the young ones!

Macquarie Ice Rink has a Kiddies Klub. This is run along with the coffee club three days a week in the morning. Here the children are first fitted with comfortable boots of their size. Some children actually come togged out in very fancy sequined outfits adding to the carnival kind of atmosphere at the club.

as there are many different varieties of skating. The list is pretty much endless of every category there is so it is nearly impossible to cover all of them at once. However, certain types are more popular and more well known than others.

Children can take a few lessons, even build things out with the snow that has been shaved off the rink for them, and even sing songs along with the friendly instructor who gets them into the rhythm of skating along with the songs.

Macquarie Ice Rink also runs a Coffee Club too. This Club offers skating lessons which include some choreographed moves that look very graceful. The warm up session is for fifteen minutes which is then followed by a half hour group session and another half hour of free style dancing. This is really fun and even if you are not the athletic sort, and it is great exercise that leaves you feeling invigorated. You can even make friends with fellow students after the class when every one gets together for coffee and sandwiches.

Macquarie Ice Rink is the home of Mcquarie Ice Skating Club

This is a club that has more than 240 members, many of them from various countries in the world and most of them are serious ice skaters with high level of expertise.

The 2006 Olympian, Joanne Carter is a member of this club and so are several other international and Australian champions. Members of the club participate in many Figure Skating Championships too.

As Macquarie Ice Rink is the home rink of the Ice Skating Club, they hold competitions often and one gets to view a lot of experts who participate. The skill and expertise one gets to witness is dazzling.

In case you want to learn Ice Skating or even just watch others skate, you must visit the Macquarie Ice Rink. We are sure that you will have a pleasant time and may be even get enthused enough to take up this sport. It is open to skaters of all levels and they welcome spectators to all competitions. Macquarie Ice Rink even offers private lessons.

Goat Island, Clark Island And Rodd Island

The mesmerizing Sydney Harbor reaches 20km inland to meet the Parramatta River and is called Port Jackson. The place is dotted with small islands that include Clark Island Goat Island and Rodd Island. It is in the northwest of Sydney CBD. All these islands are part of Sydney Harbor National Park.

Goat Island

West to the famous Sydney Harbor Bridge and near the Sydney suburb of Balmain, this largest island of Port Jackson was once home to the Sydney water police who kept an eye on escaped convicts and smugglers. Some of the finest buildings of Sydney are made with the sandstone queried by the convicts from here.

This rocky island also has an illustrious history of being a store for explosives, convict stockade, a quarry, boatyard, and a film set. A number of tours are arranged for visitors who want to explore the island. Queen’s Gunpowder Magazine and a chair carved out of stone by Charles Anderson an 18 year convict, are among the relics from the days when it was inhabited by the convicts. One can see the scribbling on the walls of the guard rooms written by guards leading a secluded life away from home. North East Wharf, Harbor Masters Lawn, Water Rats Roof, and Queens Powder Magazine are some of the favorite sites here.

In recent times this place of Sydney’s natural and cultural heritage has been host to many rock concerts. It is an experience of a life time roaming this island full of convict and maritime history.

Clark Island

Named after a marine officer, Lieutenant Ralph Clark, this island is a picnic paradise. The area is complete with drinking water, picnic tables, and has toilet facilities too. The added bonanzas are the breathtaking harbor views.

It is essential to do the bookings as the picnic groups are restricted to only 30 people per group, and a maximum number of 150 people are allowed on the island at any one given time. One can also hire Clark Island for a private experience. The central section of the island is a bush land. There is also no electricity on the island

One can enjoy swimming, Snorkeling etc at Clark Island or simply admire the enchanting views. The place is accessible by water taxies or by NPWS ferry service.

Rodd Island

Rodd Island, the smallest and lesser known of all the harbor islands, is named after Brent Samuel Rodds who had a long association with the local area and the island. Located in the center of Iron Cove off Birkenhead Point near the Sydney suburb of Rozelle, Rodd is a very small island on Paramatta River. The place has summer houses and colonial style halls to hold picnics. The island capacity is 100 people and groups of 50 people are allowed.

It is a perfect half a hectare location for picnics, day outings and formal and family functions. The place is dotted with palm trees and grassy carpets.

Looking for a day adventure? Visit these magnificent islands.

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