The crowds last weekend were crazy, so I went this evening instead.

Here are some photos I took of the Sculptures By The Sea 2009.

You can learn to surf literally across the road from your hostel. Or you could have a surf tour pick you up from your hostel and take you over sand dunes to an uncrowded beach just out of Sydney.

Finally, you can even take a 5 day tour from Sydney to Byron Bay that stops at many beaches along the way.

All schools cater for first time surfers and will provide you with surfboards and wetsuits.

Learn To Surf Near Your Hostel

If you want a couple of 2 hour lessons, there are plenty of surf schools near the main hostel areas:

Learn to surf in Sydney at Bondi Beach, Manly Beach, Maroubra Beach or other beaches.

• Bondi Beach: Let’s Go Surfing ($75 per two hour lesson; less with international concession card)
• Manly Beach: Manly Surf School ($50 per two hour lesson)
• Maroubra Beach: Sydney Safe Surf Schools ($55 per two hour lesson; less with international concession card)

Full Day “Learn To Surf” Tours

You can take a full day out of your vacation to learn to surf at uncrowded beaches just outside of Sydney.

There are a number of companies that organise day trips, such as SydneySurf and Waves Surf School. Here’s how they work. Waves Surf School, for example, will pick you up in a 4WD from one of three backpacker / hostel precincts: Coogee (8:30 am), Bondi (8:45 am) and Central Station in the city (9 am).

Waves staff will drive you for 45 minutes out of the city. The last part of the drive will be over sand dunes, hence the need for a 4WD (although surfers do have an image to keep up with)! The fact that you are driving to beaches which are only accessible by 4WD pretty much guarantees you will be surfing at uncrowded beaches.

On a Waves surf tour, you are guaranteed over four and a half hours of surfing time. This will give you the chance to consolidate new skills, as well as have a great time and meet other travellers.

The cost of a Waves one day tour (including lessons, transfers, surfboard, wetsuit and lunch) is $69 AUD, which is not a bad deal.

5 Day “Sydney To Byron Bay” “Learn To Surf” Tours

If you’re looking for an extended surfing holiday in Australia, you can also join learn-to-surf tours that will take you from Sydney up to Byron Bay (about 800 km or 500 miles to the north). These tours stop at a number of beaches along the way as they wind their way up the coast.

For example, Surfaris Remote Coastal Adventures run a five-day learn-to-surf tour from Sydney to Byron Bay. The thing I like about Surfari’s is that the tour operators will stop the bus wherever they see good waves, rather than at predetermined locations.

All surf schools will generally provide you with a surfboard, a rash vest and a wetsuit. You’ll need to bring a swimming costume (to wear under the wetsuit) a towel and sunscreen.

Jet boating on Sydney Harbour is an adrenalin rush in a picture postcard setting.

There’s nothing like doing a 360 degree spin in a boat right in front of the Sydney Opera House.

360s, Powerslides & Wake Jumping

Lucky we were given long raincoats to wear. Our driver put our boat through 360 degree turns, long powerslides and a lot of wake jumping. To his credit, our driver gave us a hand signal each time he was about to pull a move!

Jet Boating on Sydney Harbour. Photo: Curtis Foreman.

Sydney Harbour Bridge, Opera House and more

Our driver threw our boat around Sydney Harbour for 30 minutes (75 minute tours are also available), taking us near the Sydney Harbour Bridge and past the Sydney Opera House.

We also saw the navy base at Garden Island and some of Sydney’s more exclusive harbourside suburbs. Every time you stopped to admire the view, you would be drenched with water from one of our driver’s latest tricks.

Great Sound System

I also enjoyed the fact that the boat was fully kitted out with an expensive-looking sound system that pumped out the radio at full blast.

All Ages

There were people of all ages on our boat, ranging from those in their twenties to those in their fifties and sixties. Our boat did tend to predominantly feature those in their twenties though.

Next Steps

3 companies offer jet boating on Sydney Harbour:

• Harbour Jet at Darling Harbour (downtown west)
• Sydney Jet at Cockle Bay (opposite Darling Harbour)
• Oz Jet Boating at Circular Quay (downtown north)

All 3 companies charge a similar amount: $50 AUD for a 30 minute ride and around $100 AUD for a 75 minute ride.

Sydney Harbour explorer cruises generally have six stops: Taronga Zoo, Shark Island, Watson’s Bay, Luna Park, Darling Harbour and Circular Quay. There are great things to do at each stop.

Taronga Zoo

Taronga Zoo has the best views in the world. It’s also an excellent zoo in its own right. Taronga Zoo is pretty high up, so you can see a lot of Sydney Harbour. You can also see a wide range of Australian and other animals in semi-natural enclosures. Look out for Taronga’s newest addition – a baby gorilla. Tickets are an extra $16 AUD on top of your Sydney Harbour explorer cruise ticket ($29 AUD).

Giraffe at Sydney's Taronga Zoo. Photo: Shayan.

Shark Island

It’s not very well known on the tourist trail, but Shark Island will certainly be a highlight of your Sydney visit.

It’s smack bang in the middle of Sydney Harbour and you can have a picnic (BYO food and drink), a swim and have a wonderful few hours. There is a national park entrance fee for Shark Island, but it’s only $6 AUD when purchased with your cruise ticket. Well worth it.

If you’d prefer to see just Shark Island, you can ditch the harbour explorer cruise and buy a Circular Quay – Shark Island – Circular Quay ticket ($16 AUD which includes the $6 AUD national park entrance fee).

Watson’s Bay

Watson’s Bay is another great place to get off the cruise. You can drink a beer and scoff fish and chips in the sunshine at the world famous Doyle’s Seafood Restaurant. If you feel like a swim then Camp Cove (a harbour beach with no waves) is just around the corner. There are also beautiful harbourside walks that start at Watson’s Bay.

Luna Park

I don’t recommend getting off the cruise at Luna Park because the other attractions are so much better. Luna Park is an historic (in the Australian scheme of things) amusement park with sublime harbour views. Entrance is free – you pay per ride. The rides are nothing to write home about.

Sydney Wildlife World / Darling Harbour

A good place to get off the cruise is Sydney Wildlife World at Darling Harbour. Here you can see real koalas, wallabies (similar to kangaroos) and hundreds of other Australian animals.

The entrance fee to Sydney Wildlife World is $14 AUD on top of your cruise ticket. If you got your fix of animals at Taronga Zoo, you can head across to Sydney Tower (formerly Centrepoint Tower). Here you can see 360 degree views of Sydney from 260 m (850 ft) up. The entrance fee to Sydney Tower is $24 AUD.

Circular Quay

Finally, you can get off at Circular Quay for the short walk across to the gorgeous outdoor Opera Bar. You can also stroll to the Botanical Gardens (a great spot for a picnic) or climb the south pylon of the Sydney Harbour Bridge for less than ten bucks.

Next Steps

There are two major companies who offer Sydney harbour explorer cruises: Captain Cook Cruises and Matilda. Tickets for either are $29 AUD. The two companies operate to the same timetable, so whichever one you choose will be fine.

This article will cover the following points:

• Is climbing the Sydney Harbour Bridge worth the asking price of around $200 AUD?
• What are the alternatives if you’re on a budget?

This article will also explore the option of “skywalking” at the top of Sydney Tower.

Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb at sunset. Photo: Niels.

Is Climbing The Sydney Harbour Bridge Worth $200 AUD?

Let’s look at all the facts.

Climbing the Sydney Harbour Bridge is done with a company called BridgeClimb. A three and a half hour climb will cost you between $160-$250 AUD (the higher prices apply on weekends and at twilight).

You will get to climb to the very top of the Sydney Harbour Bridge (134 m / 439 ft), and see 360 degree views of Sydney Harbour (including the Sydney Opera House). It is a stunning experience that you will treasure for a lifetime.

A caveat: You are not allowed to take your camera with you on BridgeClimb. Repeat: you are not allowed to take your camera on BridgeClimb. This is because any unsecured objects may fall onto the passing cars and trains below. However, the guides will take photos for you and you will have the ability to purchase these photos at the end of the climb. You will be given one group photo of your climb for free.

Let’s explore some alternative options before we decide if climbing the Sydney Harbour Bridge with BridgeClimb is worth it.

The $10 AUD Alternative

Most visitors to Sydney don’t know that there is an alternative way to climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

You can climb the south pylon of the bridge for less than $10 AUD. This option involves climbing 200 stairs inside the south pylon (directions below) of the Sydney Harbour Bridge. You will arrive at a viewing platform 87 m (285 ft.) above the harbour.

You will get stunning views of Sydney Harbour, the Sydney Opera House and the bridge itself. You will get 360 degree views as you walk around to each side of the viewing platform, although you will only ever get slightly more than a 180 degree view at any one point in time. (The pylon itself blocks the view behind you).

Best of all, you will be able to use your own camera to take your own photos on top of the viewing platform.

There are also historical exhibits, displays and movies inside the pylon which show how the Sydney Harbour Bridge was constructed.

Let’s move on now to the third option, Skywalk at Sydney Tower.

Skywalk At Sydney Tower

Skywalk at Sydney Tower does not involve any actual climbing of steps. Rather, you ascend the famous Sydney Tower in an elevator. After a 50 minute briefing and suiting-up period, you then step outside onto a glass platform with amazing views of Sydney city and harbour. The glass platform is 260 m (850 ft) above the city, which means you are twice as high as you would be on BridgeClimb.

You are fully harnessed at all times, and like with BridgeClimb, you are not allowed to bring cameras or other unsecured objects on the actual climb.

As Sydney Tower is a revolving tower, the glass platform will slowly rotate through 360 degrees for the 40 minutes that you are outside. Whilst this is substantially shorter than the time you are on the Harbour Bridge with BridgeClimb, Skywalk’s prices are also substantially lower. A Skywalk is $109 AUD.

Let’s now discuss which of the three options is the best for your needs.

Which One Is Best?

If you want an unparalleled experience of Sydney and Sydney Harbour, I would recommend a dawn or sunset climb on the Harbour Bridge with BridgeClimb. Although this is the most expensive option, it will give you moments that will last a lifetime.

If you’re looking for a cheaper entry fee and want to see more of Sydney as a whole, I would recommend Skywalk as it is cheaper and you are higher up. Finally, if you want to take your own photos
or if you are on a budget, I would rnrecommend climbing the South Pylon as it is practically free and you can take your own photos to your heart’s content.

How To Book BridgeClimb:

Bookings can be made through BridgeClimb directly.

How To Book The South Pylon Staircase

No bookings necessary. To get there, head for the Rocks district in the city centre. Find Cumberland St and then the “Bridge Stairs”. Climb these stairs and walk along the pedestrian walkway until you see the Pylon Lookout.

Opening hours: 10 am to 5 pm, 7 days a week, 364 days a year (closed Christmas Day).

How To Book Sydney Skywalk:

Bookings can be made through Skywalk directly.

Things To Do In Manly

Once you are in Manly itself, there are plenty of things to do. You can stroll along the beach with its wonderful Norfolk Pine trees, or lay your towel down for a sunbake and a dip in the ocean.

Sydney's Manly Ferry arriving at Manly Beach. Photo: CogDogBlog.

Make sure you don’t spend too long in the sun between 10 am and 2 pm – you may get sunburnt!

You can also grab an icecream from Copenhagen or New Zealand Natural Icecream – it’s a bit of a tradition of mine whenever I go to Manly.

Shopping In Manly

You’ll find all the big surf brands (Mambo, RipCurl, Quiksilver and Billabong) in the Corso (Manly’s outdoor shopping mall) if you’re up for a spot of shopping or you need to get out of the sun for a bit.

Manly Food & Wine Festival – June

The Manly Food And Wine Festival is held in June each year. It’s a “good food” festival where you get to sample a large range of gourmet cheese, wine, dips and entire meals. There are foods and wines from Australia, France, India, New Zealand, Chile and a whole lot of other countries.

Manly International Jazz Festival – October

The second major festival in Manly is held in October of each year – the Manly International Jazz Festival. If you love jazz or even just music in general, think jazz with a backdrop of Pacific ocean waves, Norfolk pines and a big blue sky. The festival itself is free of charge and has some very famous Australian and international jazz artists.

How To Buy Tickets For Sydney Ferries

Access to the ferry to Manly is from Circular Quay, at the northern edge of downtown Sydney. Tickets are available from ticket machines or from the ticket counters. The journey takes about 25 very enjoyable minutes each way.

1. Longrain (Thai)

The Thai food at Longrain is amazing. You can taste each flavour in your meal separately and the food is so fresh! Longrain don’t take bookings so it’s best to turn up well before the doors open for dinner at 6 pm. If you do have to wait, there is an attached bar where you can enjoy a few drinks before your meal. Address: 85 Commonwealth St Surry Hills

2. Billy Kwong’s (Chinese)

Billy Kwong’s is the best Chinese restaurant in Sydney. It is also one of the best restaurants in Sydney, period.

Billy Kwong’s signature dish is the duck, although the seafood and fried rice will also blow you away. Like Longrain (above), Billy Kwong’s don’t accept bookings. Simply turn up early (doors open around 6pm) and you’re all set for a night indulging your senses. Address: 3/355 Crown St Surry Hills.

3. Phamish (Vietnamese)

The salt-and-pepper squid at Phamish is the best I have ever tasted. The atmosphere is cozy yet upbeat.

With plenty of bars and ice cream places around the corner, you’re sure to have a most
pleasurable evening. Address: 354 Liverpool St Darlinghurst Sydney.

4. A Fish Called Paddo (Seafood)

I challenge anybody to find a better tasting seafood or fish dish in Sydney. The thing I love about A Fish Called Paddo is that even though the benches are so uncomfortable, I keep coming back for more. I’m there once a month at least!

After you eat, head across the road to the Royal Hotel for a drink. Address: 239 Glenmore Rd Paddington. (Head for the main roundabout in Five Ways Paddington. You can also visit their sister restaurant, A Fish Called Coogee – the food’s just as good – at 229 Coogee Bay Rd, Coogee Beach).

5. Bondi Social (Contemporary Australian)

The Bondi Social restaurant has one of the best views imaginable of Bondi Beach. This is because it’s one of the few restaurants not on street level, but rather, one storey up (above Gloria Jeans).

Along with the great view, the chef’s original recipes also have to be tasted to be believed. You’ll find plenty to choose from on the contemporary menu. Address: 38 Campbell Parade Bondi Beach (above Gloria Jeans).

6. Gelbison’s (Italian)

Gelbison’s Italian restaurant is packed even on a Monday night. That says more than I ever could about how good the food is here. Their standout dish is, for me, the eggplant pizza (Pizza Parmigiana). One Sydney band loved the pizza here so much they named themselves after the restaurant! Address: 10 Lamrock Street Bondi Beach.

7. Five Oh’s ($5 Steaks)

If you want a cheap meal, order a $5 steak at Five Oh’s. It doesn’t get much better than that. Do the owner a favour and drink here afterwards so he can make some profit. Address: Level 1/ 186 Arden St Coogee (Above McDonald’s. The entrance is around the corner on Alfreda St).

8. Mille Lira (Italian)

I love this Italian place because you can draw on the paper tablecloths. The friendly wait staff even provide crayons! The food is delicious to top it off. Try and get the outdoor window table upstairs. It’s people-watching city! Address: 252 Coogee Bay Road Coogee Beach.

BONUS: Zinzana’s (Middle Eastern)

Zinzana’s has the best falafels and schwarmas in Bondi. It’s a takeaway (food to go) place with a couple of chairs if you want to eat in. Grab the food and head for the beach. Address: 141 Glenayr St Bondi Beach.

Rated as one of the world’s most picturesque walks, the Bondi To Bronte Coastal Walk has many fans the world over. This article will cover the following points:

• Why I Love the Bondi to Bronte Coastal Walk
• How Long is the Walk?
• Where Do You Start The Walk?

Why I Love the Bondi to Bronte Coastal Walk

The first thing I love about the Bondi to Bronte Coastal Walk is how close it takes you to the ocean.

As you walk from Bronte to Bondi (or Bondi to Bronte), there are times you can almost touch the surface of the water with an outstretched hand. At other times, you are quite high above the waves and can watch the surfers from up high.

The second thing I love about this walk is the fact that sometimes dolphins and whales come to play in the waters off Bondi and Bronte. In late 2005, I saw a whole pod of dolphins (there must have been about 15 or 16 of them) catching waves off Bronte Beach, just like surfers. It was quite an amazing experience, and to think that people often pay big money to go on whale-watching tours – and here it was all on a platter for me while I was just walking around.

The third thing I love about this walk is the sheer number of beautiful people on the path with you. The path can become quite busy on weekends, but this is a good thing as there are many beautiful and fit people to check out (all while wearing sunnies of course).

How Long is the Walk?

The actual walk between Bondi Beach and Bronte Beach is is 3.5 kilometres long (2.2 miles).

However, if you were to start at Bondi Beach and walk to Bronte Beach, you could keep walking well past Bronte to Clovelly Beach, Gordon’s Bay, Coogee Beach, Lurline Bay and then finally Maroubra Beach.

You can do the walk in both directions, or if you’re feeling like 3.5 kilometres is enough, you can do the Bondi to Bronte coastal walk in one direction and then catch a bus back (changing buses at Bondi Junction).

There are great cafes at both Bronte and Bondi Beaches so you can treat yourself to a well-deserved drink.

Where Do You Start The Walk?

It’s quite easy to access the Bondi to Bronte coastal walk.

If you’re at Bondi Beach, walk past the Bondi Icebergs (on Notts Avenue, off Campbell Parade). Once you’re at the end of Notts Avenue you will see a staircase on your left. That is the beginning of the Bondi to Bronte Coastal Walk (if you don’t count the section spanning the beachfront at Bondi, which is part of the 3.5 kilometres / 2.2 miles).

If you’re in Bronte Beach, walk past the lifesaving club (which is incidentally the world’s oldest lifesaving club) and head up the staircase (the water should be on your right).

If you want to see what a winter wonderland looks like, have a look at the Minus Five Bar Sydney. Everything is made out of ice – the seats, shot glasses and the bar itself. This article will ask whether Minus Five Bar Sydney is worth the $30 AUD entry fee.

Is Minus Five Bar worth the $30 AUD entry fee?

Let’s first consider what you get for your $30.

As its name suggests, the Minus Five Bar is chilled to minus five degrees Celsius (five degrees below freezing). You are provided with a warm, Eskimo-style jacket (see picture) before entering the bar.

As you enter the bar, it is an astounding sight to see the walls, bar seating, and cocktail glasses made of ice. Everyone is dressed in a similar Eskimo jacket it’s fun to see your breath in the air in front of you (if you’re from a warm climate). It is truly like entering another world.

You are provided with a free drink upon entry, and it is indeed a novel experience to drink from a glass made of ice.

A word of warning: because it is so cold inside the Miinus Five Bar, you are only allowed to stay for half an hour. (Even the bar staff only work in rotating one-hour shifts). You would not go to Minus Five Bar for a night out. Instead, you should treat it like a ride on a roller-coaster – something that only lasts a short time but is very memorable.

So, to answer our original question – is it worth the $30 AUD entry fee?

I would suggest that if you have a lot of money to spend then the Minus Five Bar can be a fun experience. If you are on even the mildest of budgets I would suggest giving Minus Five Bar a miss. It is a touristy experience, albeit a fun one, which does not provide a glimpse of the real Sydney or the real Australia. If you want a real Sydney experience at a bar, there is always the beautiful Opera Bar which has stunning views of Sydney Harbour and no cover charge.

Further Details

Address: 2/Shop 18, Opera Quays, East Circular Quay.
Getting There: Minus Five Bar is easily accessible via bus, train or ferry. Using any of the three modes of transport, disembark at Circular Quay. Walk for two minutes towards the Sydney Opera House. You will see the Minus Five Bar Sydney on your right-hand side.

• Downtown elegance
• Glamourous Oxford St
• Factory Outlets
• Bondi Junction Bling
• Bohemian shopping in Newtown
• Back streets of Bondi Beach

Downtown Elegance – QVB

If you like to shop in elegant settings, visit the Queen Victoria Building (QVB) in the city centre. The QVB is one of Sydney’s most beautiful historic buildings and also one of its premier shopping destinations.

Shopping in the Queen Victoria Building (QVB), Sydney. Photo: Orac.

There are grand staircases, intricate mosaics and a fantastic cuckoo clock which chimes on the hour. If you subscribe to the idea of retail heaven, this is it. Almost all major brands have a presence in the QVB. You’ll find such icons as Gianni Versace, Polo Ralph Lauren and Camper shoes. If you don’t find the brands or stores you’re looking for in the QVB, head over to the Pitt St Mall one block away (there are underground passages if the weather turns for the worse). Address: George Street, Sydney (opposite Town Hall Station).

Glamourous Oxford Street Paddington

If you like shopping in glamourous destinations, Sydney’s Oxford St has it all. Home to the famous Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras, Oxford St has an atmosphere that is unique to Sydney. It’s large gay and lesbian community give this street an edge you won’t find in downtown Sydney.

As for its stores, check out Sass & Bide at #132 and Scanlan & Theodore (#122) for two unique offerings in women’s fashion. If you love arty bookstores, step into the delightful Ariel bookstore at #42 and Berkolouw bookstore across the road. Brand-name junkies will find plenty of shopping options here too. There are flagship stores by Puma at #2, Ben Sherman (#3/255c) and Australia’s own Country Road (#255c)

For a rest, or if you’ve got a sweet tooth, sit down at Max Brenner’s Chocolate Bar at #447. A Sydney local, Max Brenner has come up with a range of dessert bars with some truly amazing chocolate treats. Prepare for heaven, people! On Saturdays (10am – 4pm), you can find some hand-made treasures at the Paddington Markets, which are held at 395 Oxford Street.

Sydney’s Factory Outlets

Sydney’s factory outlet shopping is mostly found in Alexandria. Here you’ll find outlets by stores such as Reebok (19 Riordan St), general shoes wholesaler Shoes 2000 (135-139 MacEvoy St) and Puma (Shop 1, 290 Botany Road).

There is also a factory outlet shopping centre out in Homebush if you’re prepared for a bit of a drive (I wouldn’t really recommend this trip by public transport). The centre is called DFO and it is located at the corner of Homebush Bay Drive and Underwood Rd, Homebush.

Bohemian Shopping On King Street, Newtown

King Street Newtown is a wonderfully zany and creative place. If you like to shop for the bohemian and the eclectic, welcome to paradise. This is one of the few places in Sydney that people still walk around barefoot. Amidst the hippies, you’ll find Indian and Asian homewares stores, vintage clothing stores and used book and CD stores.

Stop off for a chai tea or a curry at one of the many excellent cafes and restaurants along the strip. If you’re still in Newtown at 6pm, why not head to Kuleto’s cocktail bar for happy hour (6pm until 7:30 pm). You’ll get two cocktails for about $11 AUD – you won’t beat that anywhere. On Thursdays, there is a second happy hour from 9:30pm until 10:30 pm.

The Most Glamourous Shopping Centre In Australia

Westfield Bondi Junction (up the road from Bondi Beach) is the most glamourous shopping centre in Australia (although the QVB or the Strand Arcade in the city are classier).

It’s filled with soccer mums pushing designer prams from the Versace store and the Armani Exchange. Even the food court has harbour views!

Westfield Bondi Junction also has department stores, a Borders book store and beach lifestyle stores (Quiksilver and Surfection). If you love electronics and music and want your money sucked out of you real fast, visit JB Hi Fi. They have the most amazing range of MP3 players, CDs, DVDs and digital cameras. They always have specials and I love going there. Address: 500 Oxford St, Bondi Junction (you will see it – it’s massive)!

Bondi Beach’s “Secret” Shopping Street: Gould Street

Gould Street is a bit of a “secret” in Bondi. Most tourists just head for Campbell Parade (the main drag). But if you want to see some one-of-a-kind stores with a bit of funk, head one street back from Campbell Parade to Gould Street. Here you’ll find some fashion stores you won’t find anywhere else in Sydney. It’s much more fun than shopping at a mall, and you’re ten times more likely to discover something unique.