Gary Bembridge of Tips for Travellers shares observations, tips and advice for visitors to Sydney in Australia.Subscribe free to the show on iTunes, Stitcher Radio or TuneIn RadioThis show covers among other topics:

General Observations

• Harbour area around circular quay is magical and the iconic view of Australia and Sydney. Beyond the harbour bay is less compelling and different to any city. Architecture not that exciting.
• Not a big a city in world league just 4 million but is young ( ve age is 36)
• 19% Asian
• Casual outdoor lifestyle and informal
• Mix of colonial roots from UK and American feel
• Festivals important to the city to attract visitors and create excitement and energy - film / food/ mardi gras
• Expensive city - accom, food, coffees, going out etc

History

• Settlement was named after UK Home Secretary (Lord Sydney) when Penal colony was established.
• Year after most of indigenous population wiped out by lack of resistance to European diseases.
• Not the capital - Canberra is. Rivalry between Melbourne and Sydney meant it would be neither.

Getting there

• Lots of flying options.
• Cruise Ships now fast growing way to get there too.
• Need Visa, which can get online.
• Smart Gate Fast track entry for electronic passports including UK, NZ, Swiss, Singapore, US Global entry
• Customs very strict - border control tv show - disease obsessed

Best timeSouthern Hemisphere so Summer peak is Dec / Jan and coldest in July.Getting around

• Traffic quite congested - large use of public transport by locals
• Taxi - expensive , Train system - good, Bus system good and inexpensive - buy ticket or cards at newsagents / convenience stores

Where to stayHarbour areaTop things to doHarbour AreaDo harbour tour HOHO or tours from Circular Quay (explain options)The RocksMuseum of Contemporary Art - stunning building - renovated and expanded 2012Explore the iconsSydney Harbour Bridge - bridge walk - 4 hours long short 1,5 hourOpera House - behind scene tours and backstage tours -Visit the beachesBondi - use 333 bendy bus - train to Bondi a Junction then busManley - harbour trip there scenic - surfing - snorkel - penguinsDarling HarbourBuzzy and busy with many tourist attractions:Sealife AquariumAustralian National Maritime MuseumIMAXMadame tussardsPowerhouse MuseumSydney Tower and SkywalkShoppingWestfield SydneyQueen Victoria buildingPitt street - the 5th Ave of SydneyOxford street OtherOlympic Park TourGardens - Hyde park, Botanical gardens, Chinese gardensLuna Park