Stuff to do in Sydney

I created this page because I've been to Sydney 4 times now, and have done a reasonable number of the popular activities there. I've got some photos from my trip in a separate Australia page of the Trinceville Gallery.

Sega World

Cost: AU$30 (for an adult all day pass).
Has about 400 arcade machines I think, ranging from classics like Double Dragon to a snowboarding game or a dancing game (you know, like on that Everything but the Girl music video?). They are included in the entry cost. There's some cool interactive rides - "VR1" where you wear some virtual reality goggles (this was pretty cool, but the goggles didn't focus very well), "AS1" which takes the best out of the 8 people in the ride to do a special mission at the end. I found the Rail Chase and Ghost Hunter rides a bit dull, but then again, I am 24... definately worth a visit if you like arcade games.
Phone: (02) 9273 9111

Sydney Aquarium

Cost: About AU$20 for adults I think.
Has quite a horde of goldfish in separate tanks. The seals were pretty cute. There's also a long underwater glass tunnel with lots of sharks and massive rays and stuff. I'm not sure why half of them don't eat the other half. There's also a large tank with a glass floor, with fish swimming under your feet. Not too bad to kill a couple of hours. Check out the website to get a discount on your admission.
Phone: (61) (2) 9262 2300

Fox Studios Backlot

Cost: About AU$40 for an adult all day pass.
The Fox Studios "Backlot" has a whole bunch of actors who try to set the mood in each show - prepare yourself for some cheesy acting. The Titanic set was pretty cool. There's a "Hall of Cool Stuff" which is basically a prop museum. The Simpsons show was quite interesting with a life size Simpsons couch you can get photographed on, although their "custom made" episode was a bit of a let down. Make sure you get in before about 1pm otherwise you might miss some of the shows. Personally I found it a little pricy, especially since they try to make extra money out of you after half the shows finish too.

Sydney Harbour

Whether you're there with friends, or with a partner, I highly recommend doing a harbour cruise, especially a dinner cruise (which would probably cost about AU$100). It's a great way to relax, take in the fresh air and marvellous views, and get pampered and somewhat tiddly (if that takes your fancy). Captain Cook Cruises (Phone: (02) 9206 6666) has a website, although I went on a Matilda one.

Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb

Cost: About AU$130
I don't think there's anywhere else in the world you can do something like this. Everything has been thought of in preparing you for the climb, including a radio and headset each, a polar fleece, a guide, and a safety harness which stays latched on to a rail for the entire climb. This takes about 1 hour preparation and the climb itself lasts about 2 hours, including a commentary on all sorts of guff from the guide. The company organising these pays for the entire maintenance cost of the harbour bridge (about 6 million dollars/year), which is why they charge so much to go on the climb. If you can spare the dosh, it's worth a go.
Telephone: 61 2 8274 7777

The Powerhouse Museum

Cost: Free on the first Saturday of every month. Otherwise about AU$9
Has some pretty cool steam engines, including one which is about 2 stories high and must weigh a few tonnes. The hands-on technology exhibits are really targeted for children though. It was ok - get in free if you can...
Telephone: 61 2 9217 0111

Sydney Tower

Cost: Buffet dinner for about AU$46 pp.
Very romantic. An excellent buffet too - I had a whole salmon amongst other delights. Need I mention the view?
Phone: +61 (2) 8223-3800

Manly

Manly is worth visiting for a day. You can hire rollerblades along the waterfront on the surf side.


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Last updated: 15/7/2000