Manly

Manly is one of Australia's most popular tourist destinations. Considered the gateway to Sydney's beautiful Northern Beaches, it offers a wide variety of unique attractions and activities for people of all ages. This is perfect place to plan a day-out. 

The beautiful Manly

A little history about manly: The beach was named by Capt. Arthur Phillip for the indigenous people living there. One of the first seaside resorts to allow daylight swimming and surfing back in 1903, Manly offers the unique combination of wide ocean beaches on one side and serene sandy harbour coves and inlets on the other.

Site Map: 





7 things to do: 1. The scenic views of Manly. No one should miss it. There are a few option but one is better then the other. Plan your walk to see all the nature of manly. from top of the mountain to the beach side, you will fall in love with everything you see.  Planning your route:

   2. Manly Ocean world: You can visit a vast array of intriguing sea creatures at Oceanworld. This activity is good for children. However if you're a bit of an adrenalin junkie, and want to get up close and personal with the ocean's bad boys, you can even do an Extreme Shark Dive.

Fish fish all around

Amazing Ocean World

Open from 10am - 5.30pm every day except Christmas Day. Last admission is at 4:45pm. Allow 1-2 hours.

3. Manly Kayak Center: There's no better way to explore the famous Sydney waterways than by paddling a kayak. Anyone can do it, and it's safe, fun and relatively inexpensive - and 'provides benefit to body, mind and soul'. What more could you want? Don't forget to bring a change of clothes, just in case. It may take 1-2 hour.

kayaking is fun

You can find the kayaks over here:

4. Manly Bike Tour: If you have a morbid fear of being capsized by ferry backwash, and would rather see Manly from a different perspective you can hire a bike and discover secluded coves, deserted beaches and breathtaking coastal views. There are over 20kms of dedicated bike paths and off road trails, and bikes to suit everyone - even tandem 2-3 seaters. If you're not feeling that energetic, shotgun the back seat and let someone else do the work.

For intermediate bikers there are mountain tours and if you come with the family just cruise the seaside. Here is the tour guide for you:

  

5. A walk up the CORSO:

  

Manly Corso is a lovely pedestrian-only thoroughfare that leads to Manly Beach. You can do a spot of shopping, stroll along the beach promenade north to Queenscliff, or South to Shelley Beach. Along the path way you can find pubs and restaurant if you feel hungry or need a drink. if you want to chill there is a good place called "Wharf Bar" amazing view with boats and ferries leaving and coming. enjoy the breeze and chill with your friends and family. 

6. Surfing: If you are a surfer then you came to the right place. The waves will amaze you, big waves to die for. If you  are not a good safer no problem there are plenty of school to teach you. 4 hour surfing lesson available morning and evening. All the gears are provided by them if you forget yours.

Surfing schools and gears:

7. Sunset and sunrise: If you are a morning person you should visit manly for the sunrise. This is the perfect place to enjoy the natures rising. Fresh air, open sky, clear shinning water, white sand will make your heart beat faster. Check the sunrise time before going to make sure you don't waste your energy. 

love the sun as it rises

  

Sunset is also mesmerising, if you are not a morning person this is what you should do. chilling on the beach with you friends and family and seeing the sun go down. This is priceless. 

All together Manly would be be a perfect day long plan with full of activities and site seeing. Make sure give a visit to this part of Sydney.

--Nowroz 

Bondi Beach

Bondi Beach is the most famous beach in australia and it is also the closest to center of the city just 8 kms away. Bondi is famous for is crystal clear water, white sand and reliable surf. This is why it is one of the most popular places for tourists to visit.

Quick Info
Cost: free
What to do: Surf, swim, walk, shop and eat
Time: All day

Getting there
Now don't confuse Bondi Beach and bondi junction. Bondi Junction may be the closest rail station but is still 3 km from the beach.

There are direct buses from the city centre to the beach, however you will save about 30 minutes by taking the train and then bus as opposed to just the bus. The cheapest way to do this is to buy a MyMulti pass.

Things to do there

There are many things to do at Bondi Beach apart from swimming and surfing.

Scuba Dive at North Bondi. Meet the protected Blue Groper and visit the Cathedral Cave. Rent scuba gear from Dive Bondi at 198 Bondi Rd. Open Water is $425, Advanced Open Water is $375.

Visit one of the many beachfront restaurants.

Check out the many events that happen at Bondi each year including Sculpture by the Sea, an annual outdoor display of sculpture distributed along the Bondi to the Tamarama coastal walk.

Or head over to the Bondi Beach Markets held every Sunday from 9AM to 3PM at Bondi Beach Public School.

So theses are my tips and Tricks to have the best time at Bondi Beach. I hope you have a great time.

- Alex

Jewel in the Crown: Queen Victoria Building

From: http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:(1)_Queen_Victoria_Building_4.JPG

Stewie here

On a rainy day like this, you're gonna want to head indoors. What better place to do it than the CBD's most exclusive shopping destination, the Queen Victoria Building - or, the QVB as locals call it!

Quick Info

Victoria herself, out front

Cost: free entry, spend as much as you like!
How: enter at street level from any direction, or enter underground from Town Hall train station/Pitt Street mall. Bus stops line the building.
What to do: Architecture, shopping, cafes, walking
Time: pass through in 10 mins or allow at least 30 mins to explore the many adorned levels and enter the occasional shop

Location

All roads lead to the QVB! It fills a city block, surrounded by George, Market, York and Druitt streets. It is a commuter hub especially in peak hour, people rushing to buses and Town Hall station.

See how central it is:

History

http://www.powerhousemuseum.com/imageservices/2010/09/george-street-markets-sydney-nsw-no-2/

Built between 1893-1898 on the site of a former marketplace, the continued that function but later   fell into disrepair. Thankfully, it has been restored to its former glory and is a trendy hangout for anyone wanting some retail therapy.

Upstairs, downstairs

The QVB is an amazing multi-storey building, with many functions and opportunities side by side.

Commuting

The bottom level of QVB (well, besides Victoria's Basement, a department store) is where you'll see busy commuters, food and convenience stores. Make sure to pay attention to the tiling, it's very intricate and is one of the highlights of the building's restoration.

Boutique shopping 

Notice the carpet? Yes, we're getting a little more pricey the further up we go, it appears. Art, antiques, jewellery, fashion and fineries abound. Prepare for some serious envy.

To the sky

The spectacular dome and many stained glass windows are a feat of architecture. Bring your camera and come during the day to observe the lighting and colour.


What is that?

Be sure to keep an eye out for the two giant hanging mechanical clocks, the Royal Clock and the Great Australian Clock. They are intricately designed and are tributes to our history.

If you happen to be here in 2085, you will witness the reading aloud of a sealed letter from Queen Elizabeth II, penned in 1986!

The Final Word

There's no excuse not to visit the Queen Victoria Building while in Sydney!
Oh, and one more thing...

High tea at The Tea Room - need I say more?


Laters,

- Stewie

**

Want to learn more?

• Wikipedia - QVB
• QVB Official

The Sydney Opera House

The Wonderful Sydney Opera House

Let me start by saying; The Opera house is one of Australia’s most famous sites, a must for all to see! This amazing building was designed by a Danish architect, Jorn Utzon. It was officially opened by the queen in 1973.  

Photo from the ferry!

Whats on Offer?

Guided Tours of the facilities

Performing Arts and Shows

Restaurants- Opera Bar

Or simply the scenic pleasure!

Wonderful photography opportunities.

Vivid Sydney

If you’re around in July, Sydney’s vivid light show is something you must see.

The Opera House is lit up for all to capture.

Great for people testing out their new camera!

The Opera House lit up!

Location

The Sydney Opera house is located adjacent to Circular Quay in Bennelong point.

Just a 10 minute walk from Sydney’s CBD.

Easily accessible by ferry or bus direct to Circular Quay

Alternatively, jump off the train at Wynyard station and walk down to the water (1km away)

Right next to the harbour Bridge on Nowrozs' map! come and see both for free!

Get There!

The shows are a hit, and positioned perfectly on Sydney’s famous waters.

I cannot stress enough, this is one of the best landmarks worldwide!

What are you waiting for? Come on down!

Luna Park Sydney

Sydney is known for its many breathtaking tourist attractions, but many can often seem boring if you’re travelling with children. So why not take a trop to Sydney’s Luna Park, an amusement parked located on the northern shore of Sydney Harbor.  I’ve visited Luna Park numerous times, so I thought to throw a few tips if you’re thinking to take a trip to Sydney’s harbour.

Click here to for Luna Park's Prices 

You must need a mattress as a pillow!

Luna Park's opening hours varies from day to day. To check if its open click the link below!

Opening Hours

Transportation Methods

Luna Park is located in the heart of Milsons Point, meaning its very easily accessible by car, ferry, or train. However, in my experiences, the use of public transport is a much better option as it's quicker and less difficult

Carlos' Tips: If you choose to travel by car and there is no other option, be prepared for the rates which apply! They are a little high!  The following rates apply:

• 0-1 hour  $7  
• 1-2 hours  $14  
• 2-3 hours  $20  
• 3-4 hours  $26  
• 4 hours +  $32  

Here are some of the available transportation routes to get to Luna Park!

Whats On at Luna Park?

There are soooo many activities and enjoyable things to do at Sydney's Luna Park. Here a some of my recommendations for both adults and children from my visit!

Rides and Attractions

Luna Park offers a range of amazing and unique rides and attractions the whole family can enjoy! With FREE ENTRY who can say they didn't enjoy themselves! Some of the most enjoyable rides at Luna Park include:

A Map of Luna Park's rides!

• The Moon Ranger 
• The Spider
• Wild Mouse
• The Ferris Wheel 
• Dodgem City
• The Rotor
• AND SO MANY MORE!

If you want to check out the rest of the amazing rides and attractions click here

Unfortunately there is a downside to Luna Park :( For safety issues, height restrictions apply and vary for each ride. However, if you can't get on some (or any) of the rides, there is always the sideshow games!

Sideshow Games

If you're wanting a break from the rides, Luna Park offers a range of sideshow activities and games which are fun for all members of the family! 

For More Information Click Below

Sideshow Games at Luna Park

Basketball

Buster Ballons

Laughing Clowns

Knockems

An assortment of shooting games

Hi Striker

Crazy Crooners

Food

Luna Park offeres a range of various snacks, beverages and small restaurants! However, it is extremely expensive! If you're paying for rides, sideshow games and more, your budget will slowly depreciate! I recommend having a lunch break and going out for lunch in Milsons Point, where they offer a wide range of cuisine's and restaurants.

Restaurants near Luna Park

However, if you do decide to eat in Luna Park, you can enjoy quick and easy food from the Lighthouse Cafe, Coney Island Cafe, The Deck or Fish 'n' Sips!
The site below guides you to where the various food outlets can be found!
Luna Park Food

- Carlos