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| Sydney | ||
| State | New South Wales | |
|---|---|---|
| Residents | 4.840.600 (2014) | |
| height | 6 m | |
| Tourist info web | http://de.sydney.com/ | |
no tourist info on Wikidata:  | ||
| location | ||
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Sydney is the capital of Australian State New South Wales and also the largest city in Australia. It is the industrial, commercial and financial center of Australia and an important tourist center. With the Port Jackson Sydney has the largest natural harbor in the world.
Districts
The metropolitan area Sydney comprises 38 local administrative units on an area of 12,000 km². Around 4.4 million people live in this area. One of these administrative units is Sydney City, it has an area of around 27 km² and around 165,000 inhabitants. These City of Sydney consists of 48 districts, some of which are of little touristic importance. The main parts of the city are:
- CBD, the Central Business District between the Circular Quay and the main train station. Lively and lively during the day, with the exception of in the evening China Town almost extinct.
- The Rocks, the district with the oldest buildings in the city.
- Darling Harbor. A formerly run-down harbor district has become a quarter that is popular with locals and tourists alike.
- Balmain: adjoins it to the west, the former working-class district is becoming increasingly attractive.
- Kings Cross: Located to the east of the CBD makes a calm and dignified impression during the day, in the evening the district shows a livelier side with its nightlife.
- Bondi: The reputation of the beach is legendary.
- Manly: has two beaches on the north side, a quiet one on the harbor side and a livelier one on the Pacific coast.
background
Already about 40,000 years ago the present city area was settled by Australia's indigenous people, the Aborigines. On his voyages of exploration, Captain James Cook discovered Botany Bay south of today's city center as early as 1770 and also noted the entrance to what is now Port Jackson on his maps. Eight years later, Captain Arthur Phillip reached Botany Bay with the First Fleet, which was intended as a site for a penal colony. During his multi-day exploration trips through Port Jackson, after Manly Cove, he later discovered another bay on the other side of the natural harbor, which he named Sydney Cove after the British Interior Minister at the time, Thomas Townshend Sydney. The establishment of a penal colony with 800 convicts was the hour of birth of Sydney, and with the introduction of several infectious diseases, the downfall of the local natives.
Today Sydney is the industrial, commercial and financial center of Australia, albeit the political capital of the country Canberra is. As a cosmopolitan and tolerant city, it hosted the Summer Olympics in 2000 and the Catholic World Youth Day in 2008, which further strengthened its international reputation. A third of the population were born outside of Australia, which should be an explanation for the great openness. The attractiveness and prosperity of Sydney is attracting more and more people, including from Australia itself, today the population of the metropolitan region is estimated at 4.4 million people and serious estimates expect up to 6 million in the coming decade, with a significant increase in the elderly , the resulting infrastructural problems have not yet been resolved.
getting there
By plane
Most tourists come by plane via the Sydney Airport in the country. The airport is the home base of the Australian airline Qantas, which covers the entire Australian route network from there, but Sydney is also served by all major international airlines directly or through partners. The airport is divided into two completely separate terminals (International and Domestic). Switching between the terminals is very time-consuming and you should plan enough time as there is only one shuttle bus or the Airport Link. If you want to go from the airport to the city, you have two options:
1. One takes the Airport Link for 16.20 AUD (as of 07/2012) to the Central Station (travel time approx. 15 min.). From there it is only 100 m to the YHAs. The train is very reliable and, especially at rush hour, much faster than any bus or taxi. The train usually runs from the Central Station on platform 22/23 to the airport. Attention: Since the stations in the airport are operated privately, most day or week tickets for local transport in Sydney are not valid here (or only for a surcharge).
2. You use the door-to-door shuttle bus. These minibuses take you to the door of your accommodation. This is particularly useful if you don't know the way on the first day or if you have booked accommodation a little further away (Bondi, Manly, Glebe, etc.). If necessary, the shuttle bus can also help you find a hostel for the first night. For 12 AUD this service is a cheap option after the long flight. The same shuttles will bring you back to the airport on your way home. They leave at regular intervals from all of the city's hotels and hostels. You should inquire about the exact departure time at reception.
Another little tip for people who are always afraid of being late. Never appear at the airport more than two hours before departure, as it is hardly possible to check in beforehand - for international flights, however, it is now common to check in three hours before departure. Since you can only store your luggage very expensively, if at all, you will otherwise have to wait next to the luggage trolley. Sydney is Australia's largest airport, but the national terminal is very manageable and flying in Australia is like taking a train here.
By train
By bus
In the street
By boat
Sydney did with the Port Jackson probably one of the most beautiful natural harbors in the world. From 1 Hornby Lighthouse
, which stands at the entrance to the fjord to the cruise terminal, it takes a good half an hour in which most of the passengers are standing at the railing and the journey past the 2 Fort Denison, at the Sydney Opera House, enjoy at the naval port and other sights. Then it arises Harbor Bridge in the way. Larger cruise ships can only operate on 1 Circular Quay moor, your passengers will then be lucky enough to go ashore right next to this bridge in the absolute city center. Smaller cruise ships up to a height of 49 m can pass under the bridge and in the 2 White Bay invest. You can then take a taxi or a free shuttle to the city center.
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mobility
The relatively well-developed local transport system in Sydney consists of numerous sub-systems, which makes things a bit confusing. In addition, there is a completely unmanageable number of tariffs, special tariffs, multi-day tariffs and special tickets. Most travelers either take the day ticket MyMulti DayPass (22 AUD, as of 10/2013) or for stays of several days MyMulti3 Adult Weekly (7 days for 61 AUD, as of 10/2013) recommended, these apply to the state bus system, the public ferries (including Manly) and the rail system (see also below).
- Cityrail. The state rail system is the backbone of local transport in and around Sydney. The numerous lines go far into the surrounding area. Unfortunately, trains, stations and rails are not in the best condition, at many stations access is only possible via stairs. On the weekend in the evening, the train frequency is sometimes only half an hour, especially outside the city zone, so take a look at the timetable. Technically, you enter the stations like on the London Underground, in that you have to push your ticket through a barrier when entering and leaving the station. Improvements in local rail transport are urgently needed, but plans repeatedly fail due to political squabbles, so plans for a completely new metro system were scrapped again in 2010.
- Sydney Buses. The public bus system (white buses with blue stripes) is numbered and closely linked, as everywhere the bus sequence depends on whether you are in central areas or more in peripheral areas. At most stops there are timetables on which all buses stopping there are listed chronologically according to departure times, according to the time there is also the destination and line number. In contrast to most European local transport systems, there is no information about the route or transfer options at the destination. This is quite confusing, not only for tourists, also locals are often completely at a loss when they move outside their usual routes. There are stops with a self-explanatory sign that you have to signal to the bus driver if you want to get on, some stops are only for getting off. Usually you can pay the driver, in some buses the exact fare has to be kept ready. On lines (e.g. 333 to Bondi Beach) with the marking Prepaid, you have to get on with a ticket, possibly in shops in the area, sometimes also at machines. The easiest way, however, is with the day or multi-day passes mentioned above. These simply have to be inserted into the electronic validator when boarding. Then please queue at the right line, because many people want to pay the driver on the left.
- Sydney Ferries. Sydney has built an impressive ferry system with numerous lines that cross Port Jackson, all of which start at Cirqular Quay. With the exception of the connection to Manly, all connections relevant for tourists are in the 9 km inner city zone. With the above MyMulti3 Adult Weekly However, this connection can also be used, with the exception of the occasional (additional) high-speed ferries. Caution is advised at the weekend and in the evening, as individual stops are then no longer served regularly, or worse, no longer served at all.
- tram. There is also a tram in Sydney, although currently the system is Light rail is still limited to one line, reversed from that Central Railway Station above Darling Harbor, Star City, Fish Market and Lilyfield (Balmain) and until after Dulwich Hill. Another project is the CBD and South East Light Rail (CSELR) from Circular Quay via George Street to Central Station and on via Moore Park to the periphery to Kingsford and Randwick - planned completion 2019.
- BigBus (Hop-on Hop-off). Suitable for initial orientation in the city. Red line: Information point at Circular Quay, 23 stops. Blue line 13 stops.
Tourist Attractions
- 3 Chinese Garden of Friendship. The Chinese Garden of Friendship is a gift from Sydney's Chinese sister city, Guangzhou in China. The name is said to be an expression of the strong ties between Australia and China. Sydney's Chinese Garden is one of the few public Chinese gardens outside of China and offers a glimpse into Chinese culture. The Chinese garden offers an oasis of calm in the midst of the hustle and bustle of everyday life in the city. The park costs A $ 6 adult entry (reduced rate A $ 3) and is open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
- 1 Darling Harbor. The district Darling Harbor is the entertainment district by the water, with many bars and restaurants. The harborside shopping center also attracts with many souvenir and opal shops. The great Imax Cinema with three-dimensional films is also located at Darling Habour.
- 4 Harbor Bridge.
The 495 meter long Harbor Bridge spans Sydney Harbor and was inaugurated on March 19, 1932. Previously, it was only possible to cross the port by ferry. 1400 workers built the bridge in eight years, which is still considered a masterpiece of engineering today. The arches span 503 meters and the steel cables extend up to 36 meters into the rock at the ends of the bridge. The bridge is used by 150,000 cars every day. In addition to the roadways, there are also rails and two footpaths on the bridge. On the pylon that is closest to the opera (south side) there is a viewing platform (Pylon lookout). In the pylon there is a museum that documents the construction of the bridge with many photos and texts. The platform offers an impressive view of the skyline and the opera. The museum and the observation deck are open all year except Christmas. Only the view from the arches of the bridge is more impressive: the company BridgeClimb offers guided and secured hikes above and below the bridge, during which the top of the arches is reached and one has a 360 degree view over the harbor. The tour lasts three and a half hours including introductory training and costs between A $ 160 and A $ 225 for adults (A $ 100 to $ 175 for children under 16) At the highest point, souvenir photos are taken that can be bought after the trip. It is not possible to bring your own camera with you. In the entrance area of BridgeClimb there is a gallery with pictures of various well-known visitors.
- 5 Royal Botanic Garden.The Botanical Garden is on Mrs Macquarie's Road and is easily accessible by public transport. It is open daily from 7:00 a.m. to sunset. Free guided tours take place every day at 10.30 a.m. There is also a self-guided audio tour. The botanical garden is beautiful and a green oasis in the middle of the city. Beware, if you are not careful, you can easily lose your bearings.
- 6 Sydney Opera House.
The architectural masterpiece of the Danish architect Jørn Utzon has become a symbol of Sydney. Construction began as early as 1957, but disagreements with the architect and structural difficulties meant that the opera could only be opened in 1973. The total work of art is a truly exhilarating example of modern architecture, which UNESCO found and put the complex on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2007. There are five theaters in the three buildings with the sail-shaped roof. Around 2,500 events per year offer a wide range of cultural activities: symphony orchestras, opera, jazz, ballet, musicals, theater, film and much more attract around two million visitors every year. If you don't have the time or leisure for one of the many events, you can also take part in a guided tour in front of and behind the scenes of the building. The opera is open all year round (not Christmas and Good Friday), the tours take place every 30 minutes and cost 40 AUD (as of 2019) per person, with a voucher What's on there is a 20% discount.
- 7 Sydney Tower.With a height of 309 m, the Sydney Tower is the second tallest free-standing building in the southern hemisphere. There is a public viewing platform at a height of 250 m. The Centerpoint shopping and business center extends at the foot of the tower. The Observation Deck is accessed from the 5th floor of the Westfield Shopping Center. The tower was opened in 1981 and is visited by 800,000 visitors every year. The view over the city and the surrounding area is fantastic, unfortunately the view of the opera and Habourbridge is not clear.Price: Entries adult 29 AUD.
- The Rocks. Sydney's oldest neighborhood. Today it is a very touristy area, but you can still see many Victorian buildings. The district invites you to take a short tour and there are many good restaurants (e.g. Sailor Thai) and bars.
- Cockatoo Island. The largest island in Sydney Harbor, it is located at the confluence of the Lane Cover River and des Parramatta River. The island has a checkered history that began with a convict colony and ended in 1992 with the closure of Australia's two largest shipyards. As a prime example of the development of Australia, it was registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2010. Today the island can be visited by ship (approx. 10 min. From Circular Quay with the Balmain / Woolwich Service or that Parramatta River Service), there is a 1.5 hour audio tour (5 AUD, as of 01/2013). There are also many events on the island, including camping and glamping.
- 8 Madame Tussauds Sydney
activities
- 1 Bondi Beach. Bondi Beach is the hippest beach in town! At the weekend everyone can be found there, tourists and locals alike. When the weather is very good, swimwear should be with you, and when the weather is windy, surfers can enjoy the water. During the week there are quiet moments, but due to the large crowd at the weekend, the infrastructure is good but very geared towards tourists and party-goers. There are lots of cool cafes and lounges and in the evenings it's almost always party time. If you want to be really cool (and are appropriately styled), go to Bondi Iceberg and let your gaze wander over the beach. Bus 333 goes to Bondi Beach from downtown or from Bondi Junction.
- Bondi Coastal Walk. Those who like to hike should definitely walk from Bondi to Coogee. The path is very beautiful and offers breathtaking views. With a little luck you can see dolphins. Make sure to apply thick sunscreen!
- 2 Manly Beach. Just taking the ferry from Circular Quay to Manly Beach is worth the trip to Manly. In 30 minutes by ferry you can reach Manly and a wonderful beach, which, along with Bondi, is one of the most beautiful and largest beaches in the Sydney area. The way from the ferry to the beach leads through a pedestrian zone completely besieged by tourists. On the beach promenade there are many quiet places and inviting cafes to linger. The ferry to Manly usually runs every 30 minutes, there is space for 1000 people on the ferry - and they are also counted, so be there in good time at the weekend in the season. The MyMulti2 weekly pass is not valid for this ferry connection!
- Chinatown. Chinatown is close to Central Station and strolling around the Chinese Mall is very interesting. There are many small restaurants and bars. Best to ask for restaurant tips in the hostel. You can stroll from Chinatown to Darling Harbor and do a very interesting pub crawling in one evening.
- 3 Sydney Aquarium (Sea Life Sydney Aquarium) (eastern side of Darling Harbor just to the north of the Pyrmont Bridge walkover).
Visiting the Sydney Aquarium is like immersing yourself in another world. Here you can walk among the sharks on the ocean floor or watch the sea lions play underwater. Thanks to three basins with an acrylic glass tunnel at the bottom, this is a dry and very interesting experience. Even those who have never touched a starfish can do so here. The aquarium is equally interesting for young and old and definitely recommended.
- 9 Taronga Zoo.Taronga Zoo is on a hill across from Sydney's center and is easiest by taking the direct ferry from Circular Quay to reach out. A large number of animals are presented in a relatively small area; overall, the zoo cannot keep up with the standard of large European zoos. A visit is still worthwhile, as there are many Australian animals to be seen that are difficult to see in nature, e.g. nocturnal animals and the famous platypus. Entry 44 AUD (!) With What's on Voucher 15% discount (as of 11/2013).
Events and festivals
- Mardi Grass. Mardi Grass has been Sydney's street festival for gays, lesbians and friends for over 30 years. The event is one of the most important and largest celebrations in Sydney and culminates in the grand parade at the end of the festivities. The Mardi Grass always takes place in the second half of February to the beginning of March.
- Sculptures by the Sea. Since 1997 there has been a large sculpture exhibition in the open air and for free for three weeks a year. The over 100 works of art are displayed in a breathtaking landscape along the coastal walk from Bondi Beach to Tamarama. Most recently, the start of the exhibition was set for the week after the changeover to Day Saving Time in New South Wales. Warning, there is a high risk of sunburn on the way, lubricate well and cover your head is highly recommended. At the weekend the masses make a pilgrimage to the exhibition, during the week school classes do, but the excursion is still worth it.
shop
- Haborside shopping center
- Westfield
kitchen
Going out is wonderful in Sydney! Places like Newtown, which have numerous clubs, bars and restaurants (for example, the Kuletas, a fantastic cocktail bar!), Are ideal. But also has wonderful shopping opportunities during the day, especially for those in the scene. Many of the bars and restaurants on Darling Harbor are also very nice, e.g. in Kingstreet Wharf. Bars like the loft or the bungalow 8 below, but restaurants outside the center are not to be sniffed at either. For example the restaurant Eurobay in Brighton LeSands, which prepares one of the most delicious Caesar salads in the world.
accommodation
In Sydney you can find all possible types of accommodation, from luxury 5-star hotels to cheap hostels and caravan parks. Except for New Year's Eve, you always get cheap accommodation.
Cheap
The many backpacker hostels and youth hostels (YHA) are a cheap way to stay overnight. One that is very well located is that Wake up at the Central Station.
Campsites are outside and are therefore only suitable for people with a car.
Another good idea is to search the newspaper. Usually you can find a cheap offer for a week or two. Just call.
medium
Upscale
Learn
Work
security
Sydney is a city, so it is better to be a little cautious with open and unobserved backpacks or bags. But Sydney is also no more dangerous than Zurich. On the contrary, Australians are very nice and helpful. So don't be shy. An invitation to dinner or a sailing trip is not just a polite phrase, it is meant seriously. Australia has a relatively low crime rate.
health
The so-called Sydney Funnel Web Spiders live in and around Sydney. According to information from Australian residents, however, these only live in the undergrowth and are not dangerous. Nevertheless, their toxicity and the ability to enter houses should not be underestimated. In the unlikely event of a bite, a doctor should be consulted immediately. Since an antidote was found, there have been no known fatalities from a bite. However, few people have died as a result of the bite. Seeing a doctor is a top priority here.
Practical advice
- What's on - Small promotional brochure on many sights and attractions in Sydney. Actually dispensable if it weren't for the vouchers, which often give a discount of up to 20% on entry. Can be obtained from the city's tourist offices.
- Total Fire Ban - When it is very dry and the risk of fire increases immeasurably, this rule applies (usually on a daily basis). Open fire of any kind is strictly forbidden and is severely punished, even the popular BBQ can then only be made with the electric grill (under certain conditions also with gas), but under no circumstances with coal or wood.
trips
- Blue Mountains. The Blue Mountains are easy to get to from Sydney by rail Blue Mountains Line drives from the Central Station in about 2 hours after Katoomba, where the famous panoramic view over the rainforests and the Three sisters is located, as are the cable cars and the Scenic Skywalk, see also Information about the excursion destination Blue Mountain at sydney.com.
- To the Royal National Park, located approx. 30 km south.
- Ride on the Grand Pacific Drive
literature
Web links
- https://www.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/ - Sydney Official Website
