Research: What to do in Sydney

Over the upcoming months I plan to write a few posts that list a number of the things I wish to see whilst I am in Australia. Thanks to my Lonely Planet, East Coast Australia guide book I have managed to learn a lot about what there is to do in each place. Without ruining the spontaneity of the trip I do like to have a rough idea of what is on offer in the places I plan on visiting. That way I have options and depending on money, time and other people’s interests I am able to consult my research and head to parts that I know I will find interesting. To begin the research related posts I have started with Sydney… 

– Sydney Harbour Bridge – Sydneysiders possibly refer to it as their ‘giant coat hanger’ but it is obviously on my list of things to see. Funds may permit me to do the climb though. Prices range from $148-$368 dependent on time of day. http://www.bridgeclimb.com/climbs/

– Sydney Opera House – Designed by architect Jorn Utzon. World Heritage-listed building. I would love to see a show here but I doubt I will be able to on my budget. I would also love to go on the Backstage Tour allowing you to see everything that goes on behind the scenes of a big show. It costs $165 and includes breakfast in the green room. 

– Go for a picnic in The Royal Botanical Gardens. The gardens feature plant life from Australia and around the world. There are free 1 and a half hour tours that take place but annoyingly these are only available from March-November. I may be able to attend one when I return to Sydney after traveling the East Coast before my flight home. They also offer aboriginal themed tours which cost $38. 
– Glimpse beautiful views over the bay from Mrs Macquaries Point that adjoins the gardens. 
– Sydney Observatory. Offers night time views of stars and possibly the moon. Book in advance. Adult price $18. 
– Seaside stroll along the Bondi to Coogee Clifftop Walk. Little shade and may need to stop off at one of the beaches to have a dip in the sea to cool down. 
– Ancient Aboriginal rock painting or engravings can be seen on the Manly Scenic Walkway. 
– Could be a good idea to pay $9 for entry into four historic buildings: 
Museum of Sydney – ‘Explore the people, places and cultures that have made Sydney such a cosmopolitan city.’

Hyde Park Barracks – Would really like to go here. ‘Discover Sydney’s convict story at this World Heritage listed site.’

Justice and Police Museum – This looks quite interesting. ‘Explore the dark side at Sydney’s home of crime. See compelling exhibitions, chilling weapons and hundreds of forensic photos.’

Susannah Place Museum – Would quite like to go here as well. ‘Discover the stories of the hardworking families who lived in The Rocks with a visit to these four working-class terraces built in 1844.’

Each ticket costs $10 so best to buy the Sydney museums pass. 

http://sydneylivingmuseums.com.au/sydney-museums-pass 

– Cadman’s Cottage – one of the inner cities oldest houses. Situated 110 George Street, Circular Quay. It is closed but would be nice to see where it is and what it looks like so many years on. 
– Watsons Bay. Easily reached by ferry from Circular Quay. Was a small fishing village. It contains narrow streets lined with small, very expensive, cottages. You can enjoy the views of the surf at ‘The Gap’ – a huge cliff-top. Make sure to buy fish and chips from Doyle’s on the Wharf. Not sure I’ll head to Lady Bay because I don’t fancy giving my ‘tits a tan’ (popular with nudists) but I would like to take a few walks around the bay to see the lighthouses and magnificent views. Offers a great spot to see the sunset behind the harbour bridge as well. 
– To get around you can rent a bike from Bonza Bike Tours for $19 for half a day or $29 for all day. 
– Hyde Park. Nice to visit at night-time to see all the fairy lights lit up. 
– Chinatown. 
– Cronulla beach. A great place to watch the surfers ride the waves. 
– Surry Hills. We are staying in Surry Hills so I am looking forward to exploring the ‘hippies neighbourhood’. 
– Bondi Beach. Swim, sunbath, surf, or relax in the ocean pools at either end of the beach. 
– Walk past Luna Park for the obligatory snap of the deformed clown face entrance. 
– I am not a massive fan of visiting zoo’s. Not sure why but it may be because I visited the same zoo far too many times and got board. Taronga Zoo is supposed to be worth a visit though, even if it is just to see the views of the harbour that are behind the animals. 
– http://www.imfree.com.au offers free tours or tours for tips. 
– http://www.peektours.com also offer free tours. 

What I haven’t found out is where the best place to watch the Sydney New Years Eve fireworks is… Any Australians care to share their wisdom?