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.

CIRCULAR QUAY

Situated at the Sydney Cove, Circular Quay is a major hub and ferry terminus of the city harbor. Vibrant and bustling with activity this place is the stepping-off point for many tourist attractions of Sydney. Located at the end of the CBD, this place is always dotted with, ferries, sail boats and cruises. It is a convenient starting point. One can reach any part of Sydney by catching a bus, train or taking a ferry from Circular Quay. Water taxis are also available from west Circular quay area.

The quay is actually semi-circular and got its name from the cove’s old crescent-shaped, convict-built sea wall. This is also the birth place of Sydney city.

There are walk ways, restaurants, parks, pedestrian malls and many ferry and train stations here. The icon of Sydney the Opera House is part of this beautiful area along with art galleries and The Museum of Contemporary Art. The grand custom house is also a major attraction. On the eastern side are food courts, large Dendy’s Opera Quays Cinema, cafes, bars all the way to the Opera house and on the western side are nice looking restaurants and famous Rocks area with serene and quite shopping arcades. One more major attraction here is the quaint Royal Botanical Gardens.

Many people love the winter walkways which start from the Overseas Passenger Terminal connect the terminal to the jetties and then again up to the fore court of the Sydney Opera House. One can find around 50 bronze plaques of writers like Joseph Conrad, D H Lawrence, Kipling and Mark Twain with passages from their works. One can take guided tours; book a seat for music shows, live theater, ballet or opera in any of the theaters and enjoy a great evening. On weekends street performers enthrall the visitors.

The quay is a hit with locals who love its quite serene surroundings and comfortable open spaces as well as with commuters who travel each day from Sydney Bay and other places. Many people gather to watch the magic of the mist rising out of blue waters and the sun appear in the early mornings. The nights at the quay are festive and full of life with lights from the Opera and other buildings reflecting playfully in the waters. Two major shopping areas are just a few minutes from the quay.

It gives great view of the city protected and sheltered from strong winds by ridges. The Sydney Harbor Bridge and the Opera House frame the quay, giving it a unique view.

The place is a focal point for community celebrations and is worth a visit during New Year Eve and Australia Day firework celebration. One gets some of the most enchanting views of the Harbor and the city from here. It is a true picture postcard real life place.

Circular Quay is always well lit and patrolled.

It is a pleasant combination of leisure, transportations and tourism and one of the iconic places of Sydney. So don’t forget to be here.

The Three Sisters

The Blue Mountains are the favorite destination for Sydneysiders who want a respite from the sweltering heat of the plains. The Blue Mountains are a world heritage site just one and a half hours drive away from Sydney. Katoomba is a busy tourist town located in the Blue Mountains and is famous for the Three Sisters, a rock formation that is situated at Echo Point. They are the focal point of all the guided tours to the Blue Mountains and are subject of many amateur and professional photographs. This is unsurprising since from spring time, i.e. September onwards, Katoomba and the Blue Mountains are spectacular as flowers bloom and the hills acquire lush green foliage.

The Three Sisters, named Meehni, Wimlah and Gunnedoo are actually three pillar formations created through erosion. As per Australian archeologists, the sandstone rocks date from the Triassic age and wind and rains eroded it till it formed into the three pillars that one can see now. Of course the aborigines have a more romantic explanation. As per the aborigine legend three beautiful sisters named Meehni, Wimlah and Gunnedoo of the Katoomba tribe fell in love with three young men of the Nepean tribe, but could not wed them due to some tribal law. A war ensued, and the lives of the sisters were under threat. A Katoomba witchdoctor turned them into sandstone pillars, but died before he could undo his spell and make them human. Whatever the explanation may be, The Three Sisters standing at 922, 918 & 906 metres tall, respectively are impressive and a great draw for visitors from all over the world.

Katoomba is a popular area for bushwalks, and adventure tours and bushwalks are organized for the supremely fit visitors. The rainforests, the scenic panorama, the waterfalls, the flora and fauna make for unsurpassed beauty. What is unique to this area is the blue mist which is formed by droplets of oil exuded by the Eucalyptus trees that gives the mountains their name, The less agile can opt for adventure tours and bus tours for the faint hearted. One can even find accommodation at Echo Point and stay for a few days to take in the scenic splendour and the spectacular view of the Three Sisters, at any time of the day or night. The Three Sisters are floodlit till 10:30 p.m. every night. The view of the Three Sisters in the morning is very scenic; they almost look as though they are emerging out of the clouds.

The Three Sisters are well connected with Sydney. They are 1 ½ drive along the Great Western Highway from Sydney. Trains run from Sydney’s Central Station to Katoomba. Many tour operators offer all day tours from Sydney to Katoomba daily. All the bushwalks, hikes and busses to Three Sisters start from Echo Point which is the central place in Katoomba.

Blue Mountains Visitor Information Centre Echo Point
Echo Point
KATOOMBA NSW 2780
Ph: 1300 653 408
Fax: 02 4780 5729

The Queen Victoria Building

The Queen Victoria building or the QVB as it is called by the Sydneysiders, is beautiful. It is a huge building that is spread over a whole city block. It was first constructed in 1898 to relocate the old Sydney markets into a centralized building. It has since accommodated a concert hall which later converted into a City Library. It has held municipal offices, and finally in 1984, the building was given a complete makeover and it has been converted int a mall and shopping centre. The restoration of the exterior was done by Ipoh Garden Berhad, a Malaysian company, and they did an excellent job.

The Queen Victoria building is easily recognizable by the huge central dome that comprises of an inner dome made of glass and green tinged copper exterior dome. There are awesome stained glass windows and wood panelling and architecture and grand staircases going through huge balconies which make this building look unique and ornate. There are elegant shops and lots of open spaces along with eateries. A visitor to Queen Victoria building can spend days browsing and not get tired. It has many unique features like a hanging clock that shows all the English Kings and Queens ending with the beheading of Charles 1. There are 32 clocks, 12 of which display times all over the world. Also displayed in the dome are 33 paintings, and over a hundred figurines that are hand.

Another clock tells the history of Australia from the perspective of both Aboriginal and European people. A symbolic Aboriginal elder is displayed in this clock as passing of time and as he passes by the various scenes they light up.

The time shows are very entertaining and are heralded by trumpets every hour. Permanent and temporary exhibitions are held at every level. Replicas of the Crown Jewels are also displayed here which attract a lot of impressed visitors.

QUEEN VICTORIA BUILDING is huge and perhaps the only mall that provides guided walking tours with IATG tourist guides who will provide you with all the historical data related to QUEEN VICTORIA BUILDING. The guided tours are held twice a day and you can check the time from the information desk. Information Desks are strategically located close to the central dome at all the levels to assist visitors.

There are restaurants in the basement and a railway station. It also has the city’s busiest pedestrian walkways. Though the shops are classy and price tags beyond the reach of most shoppers, the food court at QUEEN VICTORIA BUILDING is excellent and reasonable.

Tourists visit the mall more to see the ornate building, the stonework and enjoy the beautiful ambience than to shop at the 200 odd shops in the mall, as the cost of the goods is very pricey.

The QUEEN VICTORIA BUILDING is open: on all week days from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. On Thursday from 9am – 9pm;

On Sundays and Public Holidays Queen Victoria Building is open from I am – 5pm.

Some stores, cafes, & restaurants in Queen Victoria Building are open longer.

The Australian Maritime Museum

Address : 2 Murray Street, Darling Harbour

Phone : 612 9298 3777

Directions : The above address sounds specific but in truth, it is very easy to find. Just go to the end of the Darling Harbour Shoppe after the Pyrmont Bridge. You will see the Lighthouse, the Destroyer and the Submarine.

The History of The Australian Maritime Museum

The museum was found in 1965 by a group of public spirited citizens of Sydney in their efforts to preserve the Sydney 1902 VIP steam launch Lady Hopetoun. It has now evolved into a non-profit organization which is dedicated to the preservation of Austrailian and in particular, the Sydney maritime heritage. It is funded though donations, membership subscriptions vessel charges etc. The Museum has dedicated volunteer workers who restore, operate and maintain the Museum’s fleet of vintage vessels. The entry is free. Actually the only parts of the museum to have to pay to see are the exhibits that are not in the museum. i.e. the ships and submarines docked at the harbour.

Since Australia is surrounded by oceans on all sides, it naturally has a rich maritime history. This museum is located right at Darling Harbour to showcase exactly that. The museum comprises of two sections, the building and the outside exhibits. The outside exhibits are wonderful and unique. They are the numerous ships and other vessels docked right next to the museum. Visitors can see a recently retired attack submarine, a destroyer, a lightship and many other smaller vessels. One can actually enter the submarine and destroyer and tour them. The experience is wonderful and I would advise any visitor to take a tour. The submarine has narrow passages, and at times you need to crawl through tight spaces. It makes a visitor gain an insight into the lives of the seamen who actually live in them for months at a stretch. However, I would not recommend the submarine to a person who is claustrophobic. The destroyer is a much better option for them. There are guided tours, as well as volunteers who will answer your questions. You could also explore these vessels on your own.

The internal exhibits are also numerous and interesting. They traces back Australia’s maritime history from Aboriginal canoes to submarines and racing yachts. There is also a “welcome” wall, which is a monument to all the immigrants that came to Australia by sea. Inside the museum they have several exhibits devoted to colonial settlement, the fishing industry, ocean transport, migration and of course the navy. It also has a great display of scrimshaw work from the days before whaling was banned. There are many interactive displays, some of them designed specially for children who really enjoy them. Downstairs is the section devoted to WWII, and this is quite popular with people interested in history and the world wars.

There is a gift shop that keeps the same hours as the museum and café, and both are worth a visit.

Open daily 9:30am-5pm, except Christmas day and Good Friday.
The entry to the museum is free. You can pay a donation towards its upkeep. You have to purchase tickets to view the ships docked at the harbour.

Sydney Harbour Bridge

The Sydney Harbour Bridge which is also called “the coat hangar” by Sydneysiders, is one of the most recognizable features of Sydney, Australia along with the Sydney Opera House. This bridge was a remarkable feat of engineering at the time it was constructed in 1932. The length of the bridge and its cost was simply awe-inspiring. No visit to Sydney is complete without a tour of the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

Any visitor to Sydney should visit the Pylon Lookout. The view of the Sydney skyline from the Lookout is simply amazing. Inside the Lookout is an interesting display of the building of the bridge.

To enter the Pylon, you have to take the pedestrian walkway. You arrive at the walkway via Cumberland Street by stairs, from The Rocks, and also from Milsons Point Station on the north side. The Pylon Lookout is open for visitors on all days except Christmas. The bridge plays an important role in the history and lives of the people of Sydney who call themselves Sydneysiders. On national holidays and celebrations like New Year’s Eve, the Sydneysiders gather on boats and on the beach and coves to watch the fireworks display.

A relatively less known fact is that beneath the Sydney Harbour Bridge i.e. when you make your way from the main city side under the southern approach of the bridge there is an archeological dig and remains of an old fort which was broken so that the bridge got constructed. This fort was one of Sydney’s primary defenses. Several of the cannons are still there along with the information of the fort and its history.

One of the wackiest things to do while in Sydney is The Bridge Climb. You put on an all gray jump suit, rope up and climb with a group of 20 people. You will be connected to all the others in your group and latched via wire and lock to the steel structure of the bridge and will not fall off. It is exciting and you need to be athletic as you go along catwalks, climb up ladders and work your way to the summit of the Sydney Harbour Bridge. It is a breathtaking 1500 m climb and gives you a dazzling view of the city. However, you are not supposed to consume alcohol before the climb. You could be tested before the climb. The climb takes about 3 1/2 hour and costs round A$160 – A$200 on weekdays. For bookings visit the office at 5 Cumberland St or you could book your climb by phone.

For a great photo opportunity, you could go to the northern side of the Harbour Bridge. You could take the ferry or if you are feeling energetic, you could walk on the Harbour Bridge. It just takes fifteen minutes to cross the Harbour on foot and arrive at Milsons Point. On the way you would pass the Olympic Swimming Pool and go towards Luna Park. The view of the Harbour from this side is very impressive and more over, it’s where you could take capture both the Bridge and the Opera House in one shot.

Sydney Fish Market

Sydney Fish Market, a privately owned company was established in 1945 by the NSW government. One can buy Sydney’s freshest seafood here and it is also the home to Sydney’s leading cooking school, Sydney Seafood School. The school offers courses in cooking different variety of seafood at home. Over 14, 000 people attend this school every year.

In terms of variety SFM is world’s second largest seafood market and the biggest in the southern hemisphere. Trading over 13,000 tones of seafood annually it sources products both nationally and internationally. Around 50 tones of seafood are auctioned daily through Dutch computerized auction systems.

SFM provides ultimate seafood experience along with amazing Sydney marketplace atmosphere and is a perfect place to be for seafood lovers. It has a working fishing port, fresh food retail market, wholesale fish market, and food and beverage outlets, it offers visitors with an authentic harbor side experience.

SFM has over 100 species of known and exotic varieties of seafood available daily to satisfy diverse tastes of Sydney residents and other visitors. One can also enjoy perfectly cooked fish and variety of other seafood on the wharf overlooking the ocean.

The Sydney Fish Market is a hot spot for observing the people, meeting family and friends, and a hub for tourists, educational tour groups and office workers, who all enjoy the watching the catch of the day auctioned straight from the fishing trawlers.

SFM offers a unique opportunity for everyone to experience the state of the art working seafood market with their Behind the scene tours every Monday and Thursday. This authentic seafood market is a premier place which attracts over 2 million visitors every year. The tours are conducted by experiences SFM guides. The tours cost $20 for adult and $10 for children under13. Children under the age of 6 are not allowed.

Visitors are required to wear enclosed non slippery shoes due to safety measures.

The Sydney Fish Market also has a sushi bar, delicatessen, cafes, bakery, bottle store, ice supplier, butcher, and gift shop, net and tackles shop, and fresh fruit and vegetable supplying shop.
SFM is located at Bank Street Pyrmont and except for Christmas day it remains open from 7am every day. Convenient quiet and clean, Metro Light Rail is the best way to travel to Sydney Fish Market. You can take the rail from Darling Harbor. One can also take a bus, mono rail or catch a boat to reach the fish market. The Darling Monorail station is just a 10min walk from SFM. There is a paid car parking for private vehicles.

SFM also organizes events to educate people about behind the scene lives at the fish market and to promote fishing.

SFM also has a range of fresh packed seafood meal options called ‘Market Pride’. The products are simple, delicious and easy to make even for those who do not know cooking seafood.
When in Sydney make sure to visit Sydney Fish Market for an out of the world experience.

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