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.

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.

Spit Bridge To Manly Walk

If you feel like moving around to the scenic outdoors or head for some sports and recreation area, then you could literally do with some cross-over. And we do mean literally crossing a bridge. The Spit Bridge (don’t ask how it got the name) is a continuous stretch of the Spit Road and spans the Middle Harbour to connect the North Shore of Sydney with the even further based Manly Walk (don’t ask about the history of this naming either).

The original Spit Bridge was constructed way back in 1924, and was as per the requirement in that era, mostly of heavy wood. But as the city and its traffic grew, the old bridge had to give way to a new version that could carry the ever-increasing traffic load of the city and its suburbs. The current Spit Bridge is a totally concrete and steel construction completed in 1958, with a two-lane track on either side and even has the facility to literally split down the middle and lift open. The split feature is essentially to facilitate the passage for the inland water boat traffic that is constantly plying from one harbour to harbour.

This said and done, it is imperative we inform you that the Spit Bridge and the Spit Road are one of the heavy-traffic stretches and during peak hours, or when the bridge is lifted, the going can sometimes get pretty slow. The plus feature, however, is that the drive does take one through some very lovely and affluent neighbourhoods that are interspersed with absolutely amazing scenic sights.

The fastest way to get to Manly Walk across the Spit Bridge is definitely a car. No hassles for parking as there is provision of ample space. Alternately one can take a bus from the Sydney CBD. And if you have the time as well as the inclination, we would recommend a one way manly walk preferably while headed towards Manly Walk. It may be noted that the northern suburbs and the beaches there are mostly outdoor locales with practically little or no covering. Therefore it is essential to be comfortably attired depending on the time and the season of the visit. Needless to say, cap and shades, and especially a camera, are a must in the attire on any excursion in and around Sydney.

The Manly Walk is open 24 hours on all days of the week, and a half-day (4 hrs) visit is the ideal recommended time. This could include the commute time by conveyance on four wheels or on two legs. There is absolutely no fee levied for usage of either the Spit Bridge or the facilities at Manly Walk. Since the trip is as an outdoor excursion, it would be ideally suitable for the entire family, right from infants to senior citizens. The trip can be equally amazing for a group of friends, and even couples or solo travelers.

For further details or information, one can contact

Manly Visitors Information Bureau – +61 2 9977 1088

Milson’s Point & McMahon Point

The entire stretch of north Sydney has some of most spectacular sights and is dotted with beautiful and quaint suburbs like the Kiribilli, the Milson’s Point and the McMahon’s Point. Each of these sites is famous for their very unique village-type atmosphere and all provide a beautiful panoramic view across the harbour to Sydney city. Milson’s Point is a fantastic vantage point that overlooks the Harbour Bridge, and is named after an early Sydney settler named James Milson who was gifted the barren land for development, and who later returned most of it to the government for maintaining it as a denoted reserve. Today, Milson’s Point can boast of a Railway Station, besides the smattering of residential and commercial areas. If time permits, do browse though the quaint commercial area complete with numerous shops and restaurants. And do remember that the actual vantage points are devoid of any construction, commercial or residential. This also means that there is hardly any covered area.

Many tourists, with paucity of time and the urge to see it all in one go, do make a trip to the Darling Street Wharf at Balmain East with a quick stop-over at the Milson’s Point and then down to the McMahon’s Point. That is to cover three stops at one go. We would recommend that to really absorb the country-side and soak in the scenic views in your eyes and in the camera, do just two points at a time. From a plan perspective, some take a ferry ride to the McMahon’s Point Ferry Wharf; explore the lovely McMahons Point as well as the quaint little suburb whose commercial center is dotted with boutiques and cafes, and then move on to the Milson’s Point. Some even start their excursion with a train ride to Milson’s Point. Our point in mentioning these options is that if one does plan to cover the two points on a day, which is very much possible, it is recommended to make the trip one way by train and return by ferry, or vice-versa as per the tour agenda.

If one plans to drive down, the road is wonderful and lined with scenic beauty throughout the trip. Parking is not a problem in either place as there is ample parking space. It is recommended that one take the road called Olympic Drive straight to Milson’s Point and on return stop at McMahon’s Point. Both Milson’s Point and McMahon’s Point are open 24 hours and on all days, and the ideal time spend is about an hour or two at each point. There are no fees levied at either point for any of the available facilities. The excursion is ideal for all age groups in a family or group outing, as well as for couples and even solo travelers. As always, we are duty bound to remind you to be attired in comfortable clothes depending on the time of day and the season. The entire trip is in an open area that offers negligible cover, so a cap and shades would be handy. Most important, you certainly should not be moving to these breathtaking scenic sites without a camera.

Madonna’s Bra

Sydney is a booming city, and the 1932 built Harbour Bridge certainly needed company to cater to the expanding suburbs as well as the traffic congestion. Steadily, the Sydney skyline added Gladesville, Pyrmont, Spit, and Anzac bridges. Our focus here is on the ANZAC Bridge. The reason for writing in capitals is so that we understand that the name is actually an acronym for ‘Australian & New Zealand Army Corps’ that fought as one army during WW-I.

Much earlier, the Anzac Bridge was known as the Glebe Island Bridge. The Australians are known for their whacky sense of humour, so when Madonna strutted on stage with those famous conical covers, the locals were quick to refer Anzac Bridge as ‘Madonna’s Bra’, and for two very pointed reasons. Though in mirth and in true local spirit we shall here make reference to Madonna’s Bra, it should be known that on records the official name is very much Anzac Bridge, as it serves as a memorial.

Some vital statistics about Madonna, sorry, about Anzac Bridge will help in understanding the importance of this key link between the Sydney city and it’s western suburbs. The reinforced and new Anzac Bridge was constructed at a whopping cost of As $ 170 million, and it not just the longest cable-held bridge in Australia, but amongst the longest in the entire world. This almost 106 ft wide colossal has a span of nearly 1132 ft long with reinforced concrete pylons almost 394 ft high. The entire deck is supported by two planes of steel-ribboned cables which literally stand out in the sky-line, and therefore the seductive by-the-way christening to ‘Madonna’s Bra’.

The Anzac Bridge, or if you prefer Madonna’s Bra, in fact merits a closer look from the eyes of a tourist. The current name was officially given on Remembrance Day in 1988 to honour the memory of all soldiers who served and laid down their lives during WW-I. To further elaborate on the ANZAC as an acronym, check out the top of the eastern pylon and you cannot miss the fluttering Australian flag. On the western end of the bridge is a bronze statue of an Australian ANZAC soldier, fondly nicknamed the ‘digger’, holding a reversed rifle. Later in 2008, a bronze statue of a New Zealand ANZAC soldier was also added right across the plinth and opposite to the Australian soldier. Perched high on top of the western pylon flutters the flag of New Zealand.

So now we have the vital statistics of the Anzac Bridge which won’t exactly compare or compete with the vital statistics of Madonna’s pylons, and we know the history and significance of the term ANZAC, and also why that binds Australia and New Zealand even today. So while driving across or stopping over to check the memorial, do think of it as the Anzac Bridge. But from a distance when you gaze at the Sydney skyline and the various bridges all lit up, the Sydney Harbour Bridge will remind you of a coat hanger, whereas the Anzac Bridge will make you smile with the pet-name, ‘Madonna’s Bra’.

La Perouse

La Perouse sounds very French but please don’t get misled by the name. We are not in the outskirts of Paris, but very much within the suburb limits of south-eastern Sydney. But let us not forget that the early white settlers to the continent country came from various nations. La Perouse is in fact in the state of New South Wales, which is approximately fourteen kilometers from the Sydney CBD (central business district.). This is one place, in the city of Randwick, teeming with visit sites that provide a real peek into the history, the botany and the geography of the area.

La Perouse was actually the French naval officer and explorer Jean Francois de Galaup, comte de La Perouse (1741-88), who landed in Australia in 1788. It is in his memory that this place has been named.

There are numerous attractions here that can keep a visitor occupied the whole day. Some notable land-marks are the Bare Island that served as a military post long ago, the Frenchmans Bay that provided a safe and secluded swimming area for the troops, and the Congwong Beach. However, the dominant attractions for tourists are the La Perouse History Museum and the Bare Island Fort, linked to the mainland by a foot-bridge.

The La Perouse Museum is a treasure trove of the early French explorer’s history, and if you thought Captain Cook was a fictional figure, then you need to think again. A short walk from the museum towards the Endeavour Lighthouse offers a fantastic view of the bay across where the famous pirate made his base. Interestingly, the La Perouse Museum was originally a home for orphaned children and run by the Salvation Army. The museum has on display a trove of maps, ship relics, instruments that were used by the French explorers, including an obelisk close by that suffices as the La Perouse Monument.

Today, La Perouse is also about the Aboriginal people who originally resided in that area. During the week, visitors can do an aboriginal guided round of the Yarra Bay House, or even purchase their artefacts as souvenirs. On weekends one can witness live the demonstrative skill of the aboriginal in the usage of the boomerang. On Sunday afternoons, people from Sydney city head down to ‘The Loop’ at La Perouse to watch the exclusive live reptile show. And they showcase many impressive reptiles. Yes the crocodile show is a big attraction with the tourists and the children.

In all, La Perouse has plenty to offer in terms of local history and original culture. There are very interesting guided tours and skill demonstrations that keep the interest in culture alive. If all that wandering around made you feel hungry, you could just head down towards the Frenchmans Bay and check the menu’s of the cafes and small restaurants. They are well reputed and serve excellent snacks.

For further information and clarification:

La Perouse Museum
Cable Station, Anzac Parade
La Perouse, Sydney
New South Wales 2036
Ph: (02) 9311 3379

The Sydney Tower

A visit to the Sydney tower gives you the opportunity to get to the highest point of Sydney – and so high is the place that in cloudy days the view from there gets obscured by the clouds, meaning that by climbing the Sydney tower, you get well into the clouds without having taken an airplane!

The height of the tower aside, though, fact is that it gives you a vantage point from where you can see much of Sydney and her surroundings. And it is also at the Sydney tower that you get the opportunity to do a skywalk- and perhaps get to fancy yourself as an astronaut out to fix some gadget on a shuttle somewhere in the outer space. In these respects, the Sydney tower space walk can be a truly exhilarating experience – and if you get to do it on your Sydney tour, it is an experience you will always live to remember.

Sydney tower has much more to offer besides sightseeing and sky-walking though.

The pass with which you gain entry to the Sydney tower is located also gives you access to the ‘Wildlife World’ – widely considered the Sydney’s newest attraction, for both residents and visitors to the city.

The wildlife world – to which you get automatic entry by paying for a visit to the Sydney tower is the place to watch the widest exhibit of Sydney’s unique and fascinating animals and plants. At the Wildlife world for instance, you will get to see a Koala – a very fascinating animal, uniquely associated with Australia. Here you also get to watch some of the unique reptiles for which Australia is famed for. Yet another unique species of animals to be found at the wildlife world is the yellow footed rock wallabies – and more.

And if you adventurous or daring enough – you can also throw yourself from the high wallaby cliffs – all in your visit to the wildlife world.

The beauty of the animals on display at the wildlife world is that the conditions in which the various animals are kept have been adjusted as much as possible to bring them as close as reasonably possible to the animal’s natural habitats.

And apart from giving you access to the highest point from which you can possibly view Sydney as well as entry into city’s newest attraction the wildlife world, the ticket with which you enter the Sydney tower also gives you access to what is referred to a virtual tour of Australia and through which you get the opportunity to catch up with the parts of Australia you might not have the opportunity to make it to on your tour. This virtual too is created to simulate a real tour as much as possible – complete with three dimensional displays and even real motion seating, which promises, at least the first time you experience it, to be like nothing you have ever experienced before.

With the experience that is a climb to the top of the Sydney tour – and the extras it comes with (including the entry to the wildlife world and the virtual tour of Australia), a visit to the Sydney tower is clearly an experience worth having and definitely offers you good value for your money.

The Powerhouse Museum at Sydney

If you are a lover of science and technology (especially the modern gadgetry) – or if you are touring Sydney with your young ones, be sure to give the powerhouse museum a visit.

It should not be hard for you to locate the Powerhouse museum, as it is a well known location in Sydney that almost every Sydney resident should surely know. In case you are at a location from where you can easily walk to the Powerhouse museum, the place to find it is in Ultimo at the edge of the Darling Harbor – and the road to take you there is ‘Harris Street’.

Once you are inside the Powerhouse museum, you will be in for a truly great treat – and you can sure that you will get to see at least one gadget or technology you have never seen. If you are visiting with your young one, be ready to answer the tons of question they are sure to bombard you regarding this or that thing they set their eyes on in the museum. The Powerhouse Museum is not just a place for kids only though – there is pretty much something for everyone.

Depending on the time of the year you happen to be visiting the Powerhouse Museum, you will be sure to find one or another exhibition – from the purely science oriented exhibitions to the technology themed exhibitions to the space exploration themed exhibitions. And for things that can’t be physically exhibited in the museum, there is always the opportunity to get to watch them on the museums three dimensional displays which simulate reality as much as realistically possible – and which make the scenes being depicted truly vivid.

Another good thing about Sydney’s Powerhouse Museum is that it created (both architecturally and on the programs run there) in a family friendly way – such that it makes a truly good place to go for a family Saturday or Sunday out.

People who get to visit the Powerhouse Museum describe their experience there as anything from truly educative to highly informative to great fun. And as it turns out, the exhibits at the Powerhouse Museum are truly educative in their nature and you are bound to learn something or two on your trip there. And the various exhibitions held at the Powerhouse museum can be truly informative – giving visitors real good insights into recent technologies and the direction in which technology is taking us.

If you happen to be visiting the Powerhouse Museum with your kids, and the visit happens to coincide with the school holidays, then you can be sure that your kids will get to benefit from the extra special programs that are developed specially for kids in the school holiday months.

All in all, the Powerhouse Museum is Sydney is truly a powerhouse in scientific and technological exhibits. It is also makes a good place to take your kid, if your really want to motivate your kid towards a career in technology without having to lecture them about the benefits of science and technology – because with the stuff exhibited at the Powerhouse museum, a kid is likely to develop an interest on how to make such stuff – and thus ‘naturally’ develop an interest in a science or technology career.

The Australian Reptile Park at Sydney

If you are a reptile lover – or want to develop a love for this slimy and scaly group of animals, Australia which is world famous home to world’s most amazing animals is the place to see them – and the Australian Reptile Park at Sydney is the precise place to do that.

The Australian Reptile Park is located a considerable distance from the city center – precisely about a hour’s drive away – and this means a trip to the place will give you the opportunity to see most of Sydney. It is located near what used to be the old Sydney town theme park – an old time popular haunt for youngsters and parents visiting with Sydney with their youngsters.

The signpost which heralds your entry to the Australian Reptile Park at Sydney are signs you surely won’t miss. On the diversion which leads to the park from the freewheel for instance; there is a huge dinosaur-themed billboard sign, which announces that you are around the Australian Reptile Park at Sydney. And at the park’s exact entrance, there is a huge lizard sign – based on a lizard species called the Priscilla Queen of the Desert Lizard – and which besides announcing your entry to the Australian Reptile Park, is also quite a sight in itself.

The reptile park was made with the whole family in mind – and the whole tour to the Australian reptile park is clearly family themed.

And apart from the actual creatures on display here, there are even some reptile shows – with amusing (and possibly illuminating) tales about reptiles which your youngster (if you happen to be visiting with your young ones) will surely enjoy.

What almost everyone who gets to visit the Australian Reptile Park affirms is that the park has a remarkable collection of all reptiles one can ever imagine – from lizards to crocodiles – and including snakes, spiders and alligators.

Some of the rare reptiles on display at the Australian Reptile Park at Sydney include the Cassowary – which can prove to a scary sight for a sensitive youngster. As it turns out, Cassowaries are classified as an endangered species and are indeed very hard to find, which means that the Australian reptile park must have gone to very considerable pains to get its very own cassowary which is proudly on display here.

And to underline its family theme – the Australian reptile is also equipped with facilities specifically targeted at the child visitors to the park – and these include the children’s park, the picnic area (for whole family enjoyment) and an area with animals that would not be considered reptiles – Kangaroos and emus – but that nonetheless make enjoyable sights for the whole family.

The complaint that might be raised about the Australian reptile park is its lack of water tours- which most other parks of this nature offer, though again it could be that the park desists from offering these because of safety concerns.

All in all though, a tour to the Australian reptile park gives good value for money.

Taronga Zoo in Sydney

If you are an animal lover – or are visiting Sydney with your young ones, the Taronga zoo in Sydney is one spot you won’t want to give a miss in your tour.

The zoo is an extensive affair – with the main zoo, the kiddies’ zoo, a playground and an animal farm to name but of a few of features here. The zoo also has a good stock of animals – including a number of lions somewhere in the zoo.

Taronga zoo also makes a great place to have a moment of quiet and peace on your Sydney tour, as it a considerable distance away from the huge crowds that make up Sydney, and that can feel a bit choking for people who want their peace.

It is not just the animals that you get to enjoy at the Taronga zoo in Sydney. As turns out, this zoo is the ideal place to visit if you are keen to have some post-card standard photos of you taken – with all the background features – including the Sydney harbor bridge, the Sydney house and the wider Sydney skyline that will prove to the folks back home that you were indeed in Sydney.

Getting to the Taronga zoo in Sydney should not be hard – and so wide is the choice of transport means to get you to Taronga zoo (and this includes water means) that you will find yourself spoilt for choice as to how you actually get here. You can, for instance, choose to get to the Taronga zoo by the cable car or by the bus. If you choose to get to the Taronga zoo by water, the simplest thing for you to do will be to catch a ferry at the Circular Quay, and in a short period of time, you will find yourself canoodling with the animals at the zoo. You cannot, however, walk into the zoo – that is – unless you are totally out of your mind.

One thing you will have to put up with on your visit to Taronga zoo is the kids’ screaming. A funny thing with kids is that they love to be taken to the animals alright (they will even beg to be taken to the zoo) but once there, they tend to get a little bit too scared of the creatures – hence the occasional screaming to be heard in various corners of zoo, ironically even in the corners where the relatively harmless animals are kept.

And in between your visit to the Taronga zoo in Sydney, it is hoped that you will find the opportunity to give a visit to one of the Zoo’s fine restaurants – and see what they have to offer in terms of both exotic and traditional cuisine. These cafes can also come in handy if the lunch hour happens to catch up with you while you are visiting the Taronga zoo, or if you are visiting with your young ones and they get hungry while here.

All in all, a tour to Sydney’s Taronga zoo is likely to be a memorable event.

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