INSIDER GUIDES
International Student Guide
Sydney
2014
International Student Guide Sydney 2014
Free!
Australia’s #1 international training provider! Want better career prospects? Established in 1891 and located across 6 vibrant, modern, university-style campuses located in the heart of Sydney and surrounding suburbs, Sydney TAFE is government owned and has a proud history of delivering quality, career-focussed education. Recently awarded 2012 International Training Provider of the Year, over 60,000 Australian and 2,500 international students enrol to study with us each year. English language courses Short courses (Barista training, Responsible Service of Alcohol) University pathways Vocational Certificates and Diplomas Specialised Bachelor degree programs
sydneytafe.edu.au/international
Speak to a qualified counsellor about your situation now. Phone (02) 9217 3797 or email your enquiry to si.internationalstudents@tafensw.edu.au CRICOS Provider No.00591E | CRICOS Provider Name: TAFE NSW – Technical and Further Education Commission
cool buildings. warm hospitality. Iglu Student Accommodation combines contemporary design with a fun, friendly place to live. So if you’re looking for fresh student accommodation in an ultra-convenient location, come stay at Iglu.
Iglu Central
Iglu Chatswood
Located in the vibrant Broadway district with UTS, Sydney Uni, Central Station, Chinatown and the CBD all within walking distance.
Located in bustling Chatswood on Sydney’s North Shore – only 11 mins by train to Macquarie Uni, 15 mins to North Sydney and 20 mins to the CBD.
iglu.com.au Call us on +61 2 8024 8600 to find out more
Did you know it’s the law to have a bell on your bike? Use it early, with a friendly ding to let others know you are approaching and add a smile, ‘‘hello’’ or wave.
sydneycycleways.net 4
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Lord Mayor’s Welcome On behalf of the people who live and work here, it is my pleasure to welcome you to Sydney - one of the most exciting and diverse cities in the world. With a lifestyle that is second-to-none, Sydney is Australia’s most exciting education destination. We have leading research facilities and teachers, providing overseas students with wonderful educational opportunities. Sydney offers great dining and shopping, as well as some of the best and most inspiring arts, culture and natural environments to be found anywhere in Australia. Sydney is a city that is alive with opportunity and possibility. While you study here, you will be able to enjoy sport and cultural events, including our spectacular New Year’s Eve celebrations and the biggest Chinese New Year celebrations held outside Asia. The annual Living in Harmony Festival in March celebrates Sydney’s vibrant cultures and the collaborative spirit of the more than 200 nationalities that reside in the City of Sydney. The festival showcases the richness of the cultures, histories, experiences and stories among our communities that make the city a great place to live, visit and study. In April, the City will host a number of signature events as part of National Youth Week celebrations. This dynamic, accessible and safe city is just waiting to be explored – and this guide will help you discover it. We have a dedicated program to improve Sydney. We’re on track to reduce our carbon pollution by 70% of 2006 levels by 2030. We have planted thousands of trees in our streets and parks to provide shade, habitat for animals and cool our city. We’ve set aside $220 million to turn George Street into a pedestrian and public transport boulevard, and our growing bike network has seen a 113% jump in the number of people riding bikes. I hope you take the opportunity to use our network of safe, separated cycleways across Sydney. Welcome to our great city. Lord Mayor of Sydney Clover Moore /CloverMoore
/cityofsydney
/cityofsydney
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TELL US WHAT YOU THINK! Let us know what you want to see in our guide books. Awesome prizes to be won. www.insiderguides.com.au/tell-us
Sydney
Welcome We are here to help We know moving to a new country to study is both exciting and frightening. We are here to help. Insider Guides - International Student Guide is designed to help new students discover what to love about Sydney. To do this, we recruited local students, interviewed past international students and researched the city. The aim of the guide is to provide international students with the tools to discover their new home from the inside out. Throughout the next 112 pages, you will discover how the locals already enjoy Sydney, now it’s your turn. The Insider Guides Team
A background on your new city, its history, culture and diversity. Get to know the basics about Sydney before you explore further.
Academic History Getting Around The Villages Staying Safe Bikes Aussie Cultural Diversity
11 12 14 16 18 20
Setting-up Get your Sydney life organised with all the information you need to get started. Our guide will help you get all the necessities out of the way so you can start having fun.
Introduction 22 Accommodation 24 Getting Connected 28 Finding a Job 32 Banking & Money 34 NSW Ombudsman 38 When Things Break
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Introduction Shop Spots Vintage & Markets Books, Music & Movies Clothes & Accessories
42 44 48 50 54
Introduction Aussie Cuisine Eat & Drink Spots Cafés & Breakfasts Budget Eats Casual Restaurants Student Hangouts Cocktail Bars Nightclubs Late Night Eats
58 62 64 68 69 70 71 72 73 75
Introduction Live Sports Live Music Online Entertainment Cinemas Theatre & Live Arts Galleries Events Calendar
78 80 82 84 86 89 90 92
Introduction Cheap & Free Activities Group Activities Local Sites Day Trips Weekend Trips Wildlife Beaches Experience Australia
96 98 100 102 105 106 107 109 112
Shopping Shop like the locals with all information on great shopping spots around Sydney. You will know where to get everything you need.
Eat + Drink A selection of our favourite eating and drinking venues around town. Grab some friends and check out great cafés, restaurants and bars.
Entertainment Always know the best place to go for a fun day or night out. Sport, music, cinema and a range of other topics are covered.
Exploring Get out of your house, explore your new city and experience something new. With a range of different ideas and activities you will never be bored again.
www.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au
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USEFUL CONTACTS When you’re setting yourself up and settling into a new country, there are bound to be a few questions you have. These are the sort of places you can go to get answers. There are also emergency numbers and services to call if you get in trouble.
City of Sydney Youth Services The City delivers six youth programs across the City of Sydney local government area which deliver recreational, education and vocational programs including activities such as drop-in cooking classes and oz-tag. /cityofsydneyyouth
City of Sydney Community Centres The City of Sydney provides a network of Recreation and Learning Centres, including Ultimo Community Centre, Redfern Community Centre, Pyrmont Community Centre, King George V Recreation Centre in The Rocks, Pine Street Creative Arts Centre in Chippendale and Juanita Nielsen Community Centre in Woolloomooloo. These centres host activities ranging from sports, fitness and martial arts through to adult education, art classes, sporting competitions, youth programs and children’s services.
IDP Sydney IDP provide expert counsellors to help you assess your study options. Contact them for advice on courses, application processing and student visa guidance. 8260 3300
www.australia.idp.com
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Police This is the non-urgent number for police assistance. Their website also has information on how to keep yourself safe. 13 14 44
www.police.nsw.gov.au www.facebook.com/nswinternationalstudents
Department of Immigration This is the department that handles visa enquiries and issues. www.immi.gov.au
Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) DFAT can help you find your country’s embassy within Australia. www.dfat.gov.au
Study in Australia Provides basic information about studying in Australia, including information about the universities and listings of useful contacts. www.studyinaustralia.gov.au
Fair Work Ombudsman If you are being discriminated against at work or you think that you are working in bad conditions, and if you can’t sort out the issue with your employer, you can contact the Fair Work Ombudsman for help.
Australian Human Rights Commission Discrimination against people because of their race, descent, colour or ethnic/national origin is against the law in Australia. If you feel you are being treated unfairly because of your race, you can make a complaint with the Australian Human Rights Commission. If you want to make a complaint, head to: humanrights.gov.au/racial_discrimination
Consumer and Business Services (and Tenancy Advice) This office has detailed information about what your obligations and entitlements are when buying products and services. It also has some useful info about what to do if you think you have been cheated out of your money. 13 32 20
www.fairtrading.nsw.gov.au
Australian Tax Office The Australian Tax Office is the place to contact about getting a Tax File Number and to find out more about payments made to you while you’re here. www.ato.gov.au
www.fairwork.gov.au
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Legal Aid
Shopfront
This free service provides assistance with legal rights issues. Either face to face or over the phone they ensure everyone has access to legal advice.
The Shopfront Youth Legal Centre is a free service for homeless and disadvantaged young people aged 25 years and under. The Shopfront is based in inner-city Sydney at 356 Victoria Street, Darlinghurst, however are able to assist people living outside this area.
1300 888 529
www.legalaid.nsw.gov.au
Australian Consumer Law Make sure you are getting a fair deal when shopping or purchasing services. Find out what your legal rights are. www.consumerlaw.gov.au
Migrant Resource Centre This centre has support services to help you sort out issues you may have while living here and can provide useful facilities and social support. 9663 3922
www.theshopfront.org
Transport InfoLine (Public Transport Services) Find out about trains, buses and trams, including ticketing information, timetables and more. 13 15 00
www.131500.com.au
Lifeline If you need someone to talk to about your mental health, this resource is a crisis support hotline. 13 11 14
private education and training in Australia. 1300 362 072
www.oso.gov.au
NSW Ombudsman If you are unhappy about the way you have been treated by NSW government agencies, community service providers or their employees, you can complain to us. 9286 1000
www.ombo.nsw.gov.au/whatwe-do/youth
Redfern Legal Centre Redfern Legal Centre (RLC) is an independent, non-profit community centre dedicated to promoting social justice and human rights. They offer free legal advice, referral and casework to international students anywhere in NSW 9698 7277
rlc.org.au/our-services/international-students
www.lifeline.org.au
Healthdirect Australia
Emergency: Call 000 Ambulance, Police, Fire If you are in danger and need help, ring this number to get the police, an ambulance or a fire truck to you urgently. Remember to state which service you need and tell them where you are. If you can, give the operator the street number and the name of the nearest intersection.
www.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au
A free helpline with trained staff who can help you to treat non-urgent illnesses when the doctor is not open. 1800 022 222
City of Sydney The City’s website has all the services, facilities and events happening in the City Centre and surrounding suburbs.
There is more to the student experience in Australia than just your books. StudentLife will give you the information you need to start exploring Australia and its unique culture. thestudentlife.com.au
www.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au
Overseas Student Ombudsman The Overseas Students Ombudsman investigates complaints about problems that overseas students have with
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YOUR NEW CITY
INTRODUCTION Sydney is Australia’s most famous city and it’s easy to see why! Set on the iconic Sydney Harbour and surrounded by some of the country’s best beaches, Sydney is a visual feast, teeming with activities, places to see and great food and drink. Sydney was the site of the first British colony in Australia. Sydney is the homeland to the Gadigal indigenous people, who are thought to have lived in the cove for at least 30,000 years prior to British settlement. Sydney is now home to 4.6 million people who live in the coastal basin that extends to the Blue Mountains in the west, the Hawkesbury River in the north and the Royal National Park to the south. With these beautiful natural surrounds, Sydney has an
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equally appealing cityscape, with some of the country’s most iconic buildings: the Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge.
As a true hub of the nation, Sydney is the city to visit if you want to experience everything that Australia is today.
With a pleasant climate, Sydney has a mild winter and warm summers. This has led to the development of an active beach culture, with the famous Bondi and Coogee beaches attracting a constant stream of visitors, swimmers and surfers all year round.
After the discovery by Captain James Cook, the city was settled in 1788 by Arthur Phillip as a convict settlement. Not long after, there was a catastrophic disease outbreak among the Gadigal people which, combined with other factors related to British colonisation, has left few of the city’s original people as residents. However, Sydney still has a strong indigenous community.
As the country’s most populous city, Sydney has a strong cultural life, with many bars and restaurants serving cuisines that reflect Sydney’s multicultural community. There are also many local theatres, cinemas and live music venues that attract both local and headline international acts.
Your New City
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ACADEMIC HISTORY Sydney’s first university, the University of Sydney was established in 1850 and remains the city’s largest uni. It was followed by the establishment of the University of Technology, Sydney, the University of New South Wales, Macquarie University, the University of Western Sydney and the Australian Catholic University. Sydney consistently ranks in the top 10 most liveable cities in the world, and receives
2.7 million international visitors a year. Sydney has been home to many internationally famous people, including Russell Crowe, Mel Gibson, Nicole Kidman, Cate Blanchett and Baz Lurhmann, many of whom studied at the wellrenowned National Institute of Dramatic Arts (NIDA). Sydney’s Conservatorium of Music has taught some of the country’s most prestigious classical musicians,
while bands such as The Whitlams and You Am I have created a world-famous ‘Sydney sound’ in popular music. The 19th century saw Sydney as a city grow significantly, as the edges of the city expanded further north, west and south. Currently, Sydney spans hundreds of kilometres and is inhabited by 4.6 million people.
FUN FACTS ABOUT SYDNEY When first European settlers arrived in Sydney, they drank more alcohol per head of population than any other people in the history of mankind.
Sydney’s famous Sydney Opera House is covered in 6,233 square metres of topaz-coloured glass, and a staggering 1,056,006 roof tiles, all made in Sweden.
Sydney Fish Markets rank second in the world for their variety of catches – and Insider Guides can assure you that some of them are pretty tasty!
Sydney wasn’t always called Sydney – in fact, it was called ‘New Albion’ when Arthur Phillip first discovered the area.
www.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au
Your New City
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GETTING AROUND Finding your way around Sydney and the outer suburbs isn’t as difficult as it might seem - Sydney has a great public transport system which heads out in every direction. Whether you live close to the city or your campus is out in the suburbs, you don’t have to worry too much about getting around. Be wary though - public transport isn’t always the most timely form of getting around. If you need to be somewhere, make sure you leave plenty of time.
Sydney Transport Sydney Transport manages public travel throughout the city, and encompasses the city’s ferry services, CityRail train lines and buses and light rail. You’ll find Sydney transport hubs at both Circular Quay and Central Station, with helpful staff who’ll point you in the right direction for tickets, timetables and which train to jump on. You can also call the transport infoline on 13 15 00 or head to www.131500.com.au
Village to Village The village to village shuttle buses run every Thursday and Friday (excluding public holidays) and are operated by South East Sydney Community Transport. This is a free service, open to everyone, on four routes (Redfern to Broadway; Woolloomooloo to Redfern; Broadway to Woolloomooloo via CBD; Redfern to Broadway via Alexandria). Check out the link below for more information: www.villagetovillage.com.au
Tickets In Sydney, you can pay for your transport by pre-paid ticketing or cash. Pre-paid ticketing is becoming the more popular option and is being phased in throughout the city. Through the International Student Travel Program you may be eligible for reduced priced tickets. www.131500.com.au/international-students
Pre-Paid Ticketing In most of the Sydney metro area, between 7am–7pm on weekdays you can only use a pre-paid transport ticket to jump on buses. At other times, you can still use your spare change to get on board.
MyMulti By purchasing a MyMulti ticket, you get unlimited travel for the selected travel zone on trains, buses, light-rail and government ferry services. You can buy weekly, monthly or yearly MyMulti tickets – they vary in price depending on how many ‘zones’ you need to travel in, getting more expensive the further your regular trips go. How does it work? On all forms of Sydney transport, you’ll need to validate your ticket by inserting it into either an entry gate or bus validator – normally a green box next to the driver. A MyMulti ticket will only be valid for the period or number of trips you have purchased it for. How much is a MyMulti? MyMultis vary in price depending on how long you purchase it for and how far you have to travel – starting at $21.50 for a concession weekly ticket for only one zone and heading right up to $2,000 for a yearly three-zone travel ticket. MyFerry, MyTrain and MyBus These are the traditional magnetic tickets used on buses, trains and trams, and are stamped when you use them. You can buy single-ride tickets or ten rides per card.
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Your New City
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Buses
Trains
The best way to get anywhere is by a bus. Buses service almost all parts of Sydney and its outer suburbs, so it’s pretty likely there’ll be a bus stop near you.
The train system is a good way of getting to the outer suburbs and around the CBD quickly. Check if there’s a train station near you.
How often do they come? Buses around Sydney vary in arrival times, usually averaging between 5-15 minutes at popular bus stops and ranging up to an hour in the outer suburbs. Buses also come less frequently late at night. You’ll need a timetable to figure these out. Posted at each bus stop you’ll see a listing explaining the route each bus number follows
Where will they take me? There are several train lines from the Sydney Central Railway Station that head east, north, west and south from the CBD. There are plenty of stations along each line, so check out the timetable to see if any are close to where you live. How often do they come? Trains run roughly every 5-60 minutes, and less often for more regional locations.
What does the number mean? Each bus has a number and goes a slightly different way to other buses. Most of the areas have a similar number that services the various routes e.g. the buses that travel throughout the Inner West district include the 422, the 423, and 428. If the bus you catch has an L or X somewhere in the number, be careful! Some of these buses are express buses, meaning they won’t stop at certain bus stops. Check with the driver if you’re unsure.
Ferries The Sydney Ferry system is one of the prettiest ways to get around the city, taking advantage of the city’s harbour port and river system. Tickets are a little more expensive but worth it for the scenery. Where will they take me? Ferries cover almost every suburb that’s fronted by Sydney Harbour, including Manly, Balmain, Circular Quay and even extend as far as Parramatta. How often do they come? Ferries tend to come every 10 to 20 minutes. Taking a ferry from Circular Quay to Manly is a must-do in Sydney, as you glide past the Harbour Bridge and Opera House.
Taxis Although they might be the way to travel in other countries, taxis are an expensive way of getting around in Sydney. Most people use them late at night when there aren’t many other transport options or if they have no other choice. There are a few taxi ranks located around the city - these are specific areas where you can line up and get a taxi, otherwise you can try hailing one from the side of the road. It’s also a good idea to be wary of how much your trip will cost.
Legion Cabs 13 14 51 Silver Service 13 31 00 Yellow Cabs 13 19 24
www.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au
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SYDNEY’S VILLAGES The City of Sydney’s villages are a degustation meal in themselves. You will find each has its own distinctive flavour and following.
Glebe and Newtown Students will love the cool bohemian vibe of Glebe whilst nearby Newtown you will get to experience a retro buzz that has a mass cult following seven days a week. Surry Hills Step off at Central Station and you immediately hit the thriving streets of Surry Hills where hip coffee lovers fill the cafés with tales from their design and creative studios. On the first Saturday of every month, the Surry Hills Market in Shannon Reserve on Crown Street offers vintage clothing and bric-a-brac and is a must-see for students. Darlinghurst, Kings Cross, Potts Point and Paddington Nearby Darlinghurst and Kings Cross offer an array of great night spots while Macleay Street in Potts Point is now home to a raft of trendy cafés and food stores. Oxford Street, famed for hosting the city’s annual Mardi Gras, offers a number of bustling shopping spots which include popular books stores and upmarket fashion boutiques dotted along the Paddington end.
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Redfern, Waterloo and Pyrmont Redfern and Waterloo, two areas attracting a resurgence of interest, offer new and retro furniture stores and factory outlets, and the nearby Everleigh Markets are an essential stop if you are into organic food, arts and crafts. Venture back through the Chippendale creative hub with its trendy cafés and cross Broadway to the Pyrmont Peninsula. Taste fresh seafood at the lively fish markets or breathe in the history of the area with its refurbished wharves and upmarket apartments built into sandstone cliffs. Walsh Bay and Millers Point Art students will want to explore Walsh Bay just around the corner from The Rocks. Walsh Bay has built a reputation as a major performing arts hub with theatres, dance studios and acting schools located on and within its historic wharves.
Haymarket and Ultimo Last but not least is Haymarket and Ultimo, located within Sydney’s main educational hub, and two areas most frequented by students. You will find great value cuisines along Broadway, and Chinatown with its abundance of eateries will have you lining up again and again. Don’t forget to fit in a trip to Paddy’s Markets as it is one Sydney’s most sought after attractions.
Whats on in Sydney? To ensure you get to experience all of what Sydney has to offer, sign up for the City of Sydney’s What’s On which will deliver details of the fantastic line-up of festivals in the city throughout the year to your inbox. whatson.cityofsydney. nsw.gov.au
Your New City
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Slices of Sydney is available at city kiosks, visitor information centres and selected businesses. For more information call (02) 9265 9333 or visit cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au
While in Sydney, pick up a copy of Slices of Sydney, a free booklet with an inspiring degustation of the distinct flavours of each of the ten Sydney villages featured. Then go exploring!
Get a taste of our Sydney Villages N
STAYING SAFE Study, work and play safely in Sydney. The police in Australia are friendly and helpful, have a duty to protect everyone and can always be approached. You are likely to meet your local police officers during your orientation period; they are there to help you! NSW Police and City of Sydney are committed to helping you to stay safe to ensure that you enjoy your stay and studies as much as possible. Here are a few practical things you can do help yourself stay safe.
Safety Tips •
Be alert, assertive and
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Walk with other people where possible
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Carry only the money you need for the day
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Keep your money and wallet in your front pocket and keep your bag in front of you
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Be aware of your surroundings. Avoid text messaging and long conversations on your mobile
confident
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At night stay in well lit areas, where there are lots of people
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Plan your trip by bus, train or ferry at www.131500. com.au or 13 15 00
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If you feel like you are being followed or threatened, cross the street, change direction, vary your pace and enter a shop or occupied house
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If you are robbed give them the item they ask for, and try to remember what they look like or are wearing
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Report all crimes to police (interpreter services are available, advise police which language you would like to speak and an interpreter will be provided).
Reporting Crimes to Police It is important to report all crimes to police. In emergency situations contact Triple Zero (000) for police, fire or ambulance. For non emergencies, you can contact the Police Assistance Line on 13 14 44 or go to your nearest police station. You can find your nearest police station here: www.police.nsw.gov.au NSW Police are on Facebook! /nswinternationalstudents
Legal Aid Australian laws give you rights and protect you. These laws apply to everyone in Australia even if you are not a permanent resident or Australian citizen. If you have a legal problem you may need to speak to a lawyer. Legal Aid NSW lawyers can give you legal advice that is free, confidential and protects your privacy. Legal problems can be about the place you are renting, someone discriminating against you, a problem with something you bought or a service you paid for, or an employment problem. We can also help with other more serious situations if you are going to court, are being harmed by a partner, or have relationship problems and need to know your rights under Australian law. Call LawAccess NSW on 1300 888 529 to find out if LawAccess NSW can help you over the phone. If you still need to see a lawyer face-to-face, they can tell you where to find your closest office. www.legalaid.nsw.gov.au
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Study at a global university ranked among the world’s best. Curtin University is the largest and most multicultural university in Western Australia. Rated among the world’s top 300 universities, Curtin is also one of the top 50 universities under 50 years old and number one in the state1. Over 50,000 students from more than 125 countries choose to study at Curtin’s campuses in Perth, Sydney, Singapore and Sarawak, including nearly 16,000 international students. Curtin University Sydney offers industry-linked courses in commerce, accounting, international business and project management so you graduate career-ready. You’ll benefit from the Curtin Career Advantage program giving you an opportunity to expand your skills, undertake internships and access career coaching services. With a vision to be an international leader in research and education, Curtin’s researchers are making the world a better place. Visit sydney.curtin.edu.au Change something today and make tomorrow better.
1 2012/2013 QS World University Rankings. Curtin University Sydney is a trademark of Curtin University of Technology. CRICOS Provider Code 00301J (WA), 02637B (NSW).
BIKES Keen to save money on bus fares while getting fit? Buy a bike, and ride everyday! For information on cycling around Sydney see the website sydneycycleways.net. There you will find everything you need to know about cycling routes, ridng etiquette, free cycling courses and much more.
What type of bike do I need? Mountain
Hybrid
These bikes are more heavy duty and designed for a variety of terrains. They are more comfortable than road bikes but don’t go as fast. If you plan to go off-road at any point then a mountain bike might be required.
These bikes are the middle ground between the other two; more durable than a road bike but lighter than a mountain bike. They make a great choice for city riding but aren’t capable for most off-road stuff.
Road As the name suggests, this type of bike is designed for riding on roads. They are lightweight, have skinny tyres and are designed for speed. If you will only ever ride on road then these bikes are for you.
Where do I buy a bike from? Chappelli Cycles 5 Clevedon Street, Botany These guys build their own range of bikes right here in Sydney and distribute them globally. You benefit because you can go directly to the manufacturer and get a great deal. They make great bikes at great prices so they are well worth checking out. 0415 388 100
www.chappelli.com.au
Tokyo Bike Originally these bikes were designed to cruise the streets of Tokyo and they perfectly suit the streets of Sydney. They have a newly expanded base in Surry Hills and are
equipped for new bike sale and servicing. They only make four models but they are well made and extremely stylish. www.tokyobike.com.au
Second-hand Gumtree.com.au A fantastic website for all your second-hand needs. Gumtree lists a variety of products and services people are trying to sell. Search for bikes in your location to try and find a bargain! Garage sales When people want to clear a lot of their household goods they will host a garage sale. These events are at their
houses (generally in the front yard) and you can barter with them for their unwanted goods. Garage sales are often listed in local newspapers. Bikeexchange.com.au The website Bikeexchange is a great resource for buying new and used bikes and accessories. Select your desired bike type, size, price range and location, and a list of available options will appear.
Rental In some cities you may not even have to buy a bike. Check out your local city council’s website to see if you can hire a bike; sometimes they are even free!
Bicycle laws in Australia You will need to buy a helmet; they must be worn while riding a bike in Australia. Normal road rules apply to cyclists and where possible try to stick to the bike lanes available.
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Your New City
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STAYING HEALTHY Your health can seem unimportant when you’re studying, but it needs to be a priority. Our Editor talked to Dr. Maggie Phillips about some important issues for international students.
Sexual Health Diet Students are more at risk of stomach upsets because of the high-party, high-stress lifestyle. Eating fast food can seem easy, but cooking meals that are low in fat and high in fibre is the best option. The better you eat, the better your body can use the energy for study. Don’t rely on high-caffeine ‘energy’ drinks. Have three solid meals a day and you will have plenty of energy. Take the time to prepare healthy meals at home.
Climate Australia is a dry country so you may need to adjust if you’re used to humidity. Showering too often will wash away the oils your skin needs for dry conditions. If you’re getting itchy, switch to moisturising soaps or use Sorbolene (moisturiser).
Sunlight Vitamin D deficiency is common and you may easily end up deficient if you are not spending much time in the sun. The easiest way to combat this is to spend more time in the sun - only 15 minutes a day is needed, so take your books and sit outside while you study. Otherwise, you may need vitamin supplements.
You can get contraceptive medications and devices very easily and cheaply in Australia. Condoms are available from supermarkets and pharmacies. Emergency contraceptives are available from pharmacies if you need them. Take them within 24 hours for the most effective result. Pregnancy terminations are not easy to get in Australia. It can take weeks to organise, and late terminations can be difficult to arrange and expensive.
Mental Health Remember to take time out for yourself. If things seem too hard, talk to friends and family. Universities and colleges often have counselling services or you can use free services Beyond Blue and Lifeline. Make sure you talk to someone as soon as you feel like things are getting too hard to handle.
Ambulance Cover
Some OSHC policies have gaps or limitations in ambulance cover. This means you may not be covered if you require an ambulance but you may not need to go to hospital. These bills can be hundreds of dollars, so be sure to check these ‘non-emergency’ situations with your provider!
Hospitals
If you need to go to a public hospital in a non-emergency situation or for an elective procedure, then call your OSHC provider and check that you will be covered. Remember to ask your OSHC provider where their nearest agreement hospital is. You should then give that hospital a call to confirm that you will be accepted as a patient with OSHC. There is nothing worse than getting some nasty administrative surprises when all you want is medical treatment! Remember, your OSHC may not cover you for private hospitals.
www.dhi.health.nsw.gov.au/ Transcultural-Mental-HealthCentre
Clinic Hours Very few medical clinics are open seven days or have 24-hour services (and those that do can be expensive). If you need a medical certificate or you have a minor illness like a cold, wait until the doctor’s offices are open. You can also ring Healthdirect Australia to get advice on treating non-lifethreatening illnesses:
Multicultural Problem Gambling Service www.dhi.health.nsw. gov.au/mpgs
1800 022 222
www.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au
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AUSSIE CULTURAL DIVERSITY It’s no secret that Australia is one of the most multicultural countries in the world: people from all over the world have migrated here, vibrantly shaping the Australia that we experience today.
Asian
British
Indian
Australia has a large Asian population, which started growing back in the 1850s with the Australian Gold Rush. In 1861, just after the height of the gold rush, Chinese immigrants made up 3.3% of the population. Since then, the number has continued to rise, with Australia now home to well over 200,000 Chinese residents. The second most commonly spoken language at home in Australia is Mandarin. Other Asian countries have also made a significant impact on the Australian lifestyle, with an increasing number of residents from Vietnam, Philippines, Malaysia and Hong Kong.
Australia was settled by the British, so our association with Great Britain goes back a long way. Captain Cook shored the country back in 1788 and a variety of English, Irish, Welsh and Scottish migrants began to make their way to Australia. Over 1 million residents currently living in Australia were born in the United Kingdom. British culture can be seen everywhere in Australia - our fondness for cricket, our flag, our language and our love for a thirst-quenching ale.
Indian migration to Australia is one of the more recent patterns of immigration. Over 153,000 Australian residents were born in India according to the most recent Census. However, it’s said some of the first settlers were Indian convicts transported by the British Colonial Government in India back in 1788! A large portion of Indian migrants also arrived in Australia during the Gold Rush. Since then, the Indian culture has been bolstered by a strong student intake each year.
Your New City
www.insiderguides.com.au
European The Dutchman, Willem Janszoon was the first European to discover Australia in 1606, Even before Captain Cook. While there were some European cultures that made their way to Australia in its early years, it wasn’t until after World War II that Europe started changing the face of Australia. With so many displaced people after the War, ethnicities from all over Europe made their way to the country. The influences of Italian and Greek cultures can be found almost everywhere, as well as German, Polish and Eastern European nationalities, and nowhere is this more obvious than in Australian cuisine.
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www.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au
Your New City
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SETTING-UP + FIRST STEPS INTRODUCTION Before you can start exploring and enjoying everything this place has to offer, there are a few necessary things to sort out. These are basic things, like where you’re going to live. Will you be living in private accommodation, or perhaps with an Australian family? Once you have sorted out your living situation, there’s the all-important furnishing of your home. Where can you find cheap furniture? What sort of things should you be buying anyway? We’ve got all those questions answered too.
Next on the list is getting connected. It’s pretty hard to study and keep in touch with your family back home if you don’t have any Internet access or phone contact. There are plenty of options when it comes to getting connected, so you shouldn’t have too much trouble setting yourself up. Of course, if you’re going to be living in Australia for a while, you’re going to need a source of income - and nobody likes relying on Mum and Dad forever. Finding a job is a great way to experience more of the Australian culture and meet more of
the locals, not to mention improve your English and gain some quality experience. If you have never applied for a job before, look no further than here for all the tips and tricks you’ll need to secure that part time position. Money is also a crucial part of living in Australia. Luckily there are plenty of different options for storing and accessing your money - you won’t need to keep your cash stashed under your mattress.
Getting Social Your accommodation may be full of students also looking to make new friends. The shared spaces of your building are a great place to meet new people. Use this guide to find cool places to go hang out and get to know them better.
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www.insiderguides.com.au
NEED TO KNOWS Second-hand One of the best tips for any new student is to try and live cheaply. You want to have enough money to spend exploring your new city, so if you can find bargains on the essentials, you’ll be off to a good start. A lot of second-hand shops are run by charities like the Red Cross or the Salvation Army. There is sure to be some low priced pre-loved furniture you can give a new home to. Otherwise keep an eye on your university pin boards - other international students usually try to sell their bigger items before they head back home.
Garage Sales Hosted out the front of residential homes, garage sales are a great opportunity to pick up a bargain. Just because someone else is selling something doesn’t mean it won’t be ideal for you. Garage sales are a great place to pick up household items like couches, bed frames (not mattresses!), crockery and small items for around your home.
Go Online
These are great websites where people can sell just about anything - old furniture, tickets to concerts, even pets. The good thing about these websites is that you almost always need to meet the person selling you the goods – meaning you can check it out before you buy it and you don’t have to pay for delivery! It’s always a good idea to take a friend with you when you’re checking out your desired item, just to be safe. www.gumtree.com.au www.tradingpost.com.au
Storage If you come to Australia and find you have a lot more stuff than you can store, you might need to look into storing it. There are plenty of places around that will store your stuff in a small garage for a period of time. It can get pretty pricey though, so make sure you do your research. Your institution will be able to help you here. www.ustoreit.com.au
Social Networks On the Garage Sales Facebook page, use the event tab to keep track of where you can pick up a bargain! www.facebook.com/ggesale
www.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au
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THE RIGHT ACCOMMODATION One of the first things you’ll need to think about after you have decided what you’re going to be studying in Australia is where you’ll live. There are a few options that you can choose from but make sure you do your research - check with your institution about their recommended accommodation, and take into account your needs and budget before you lock anything in.
Student Apartments
Homestay
Most universities offer student apartments where you might share with a few other students or have your own room. What will I get? You’ll get fully furnished rooms, which can range from 1 to 5 bedrooms, a shared kitchen and bathroom. How much will it cost? It depends on the apartment, but you’ll be paying between $200 and $500 a week. What are some of the advantages? here’s a real emphasis on community T some house over 400 students! Plus you don’t have to worry about furnishing your place. What are some of the disadvantages? It can be quite expensive and you may have to pay for your Internet use separately. Who should I talk to? www.urbanest.com.au
A homestay is where you live with an Australian family in their home for the duration of your study. You may live with a family, a couple or another person. What will I get? Depending on the family you stay with, you may get different facilities, but you’ll certainly get your own furnished bedroom. How much will it cost? Living with a family will probably cost you between $250 and $300 a week. What are some of the advantages? You’ll get most of your meals provided, as well as Internet and you won’t have to worry about setting up utilities or phone lines. What are some of the disadvantages? Sharing with a family might be frustrating, you may live quite far from your institution and you won’t get a sense of living independently. Who should I talk to?
www.iglu.com.au
Check out the Australian Homestay Network. They can help you link up with a family, as well as answer important questions. www.homestaynetwork.org
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www.insiderguides.com.au
Residential Colleges Colleges are a great accommodation option for international students as a lot of the basics are taken care of, and most colleges are only a short distance from the big universities. What will I get? At a residential college you’ll receive all your meals, as well as a weekly room clean. You’ll get yourself a fully furnished bedroom, plus access to Wi-Fi, library facilities and tutors. How much will it cost? It depends on the college you choose, but most colleges cost between $285 and $410 a week. What are some of the advantages? It’s a great way to meet lots of different people while utilities and Internet are often included in the price.
Renting & Share Houses This is true independent living - renting an apartment or a house either alone or with housemates. What will I get? Renting a place means you call the shots. You have to pay for everything though, including furniture, food, utilities as well as rent. How much will it cost? $100 - $400 a week - depending on how many you share with and where you live. That usually doesn’t include bills, and it definitely doesn’t cover any food costs. What are some of the advantages? Independent living is great and you can meet a whole bunch of new people, plus you have a lot more control over your living arrangements.
What are some of the disadvantages?
What are some of the disadvantages?
Sharing bathrooms can be frustrating, you’re often locked into a yearly contract and there’s such a strong social aspect you might find it hard to concentrate.
Paying for everything, including furniture and all utilities can be tough and it can get lonely if you’re living by yourself.
Who should I talk to?
Who should I talk to? Since renting is a private matter, your institution won’t have much to do with this. There is plenty of information available on real estate and sharehouse websites.
Check your institution’s website first they’ll point you in the direction of the right colleges. You can then check out their websites and find out all the important information.
www.sharehousing.org www.realestate.com.au www.flatmates.com.au
www.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au
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THE RULES OF RENTING Finding a place to live can be a scary process. Most problems arise between international students and their landlords because the students have not paid enough attention to the contract they have entered into. Some landlords will try to take advantage of you! Know what your rights are.
Here are a few tips that will help you stay out of trouble:
Read The Fine Print Check if you have entered under a fixed-term or a periodic tenancy. If you sign an agreement, you should receive a copy straight away. Keep this in a safe place so you can refer to it if a problem arises, along with a copy of all other documentation including receipts for all payments. Every part of your agreement should be in writing. A verbal agreement is not good enough proof of your tenancy terms.
Bond, House Bond In NSW, the landlord cannot charge you more than four weeks’ rent in advance. Be aware, there are a range of other issues you need to be aware of in regards to bond payments. Check out: www.tenants.org.au
Do Your Own Inspections
Utilities
There are three inspections you need to take seriously:
Make sure you agree with your landlord about your electricity, gas, internet, water usage, etc. Agree on exactly how much you are responsible for and any usage limits in writing before you begin renting. You cannot be charged for water sewerage charges, only water usage and the water supply charge.
Before you agree to rent, inspect the place. Do not agree to pay money to someone for a house you haven’t seen. You can tell a rental scam if you are not allowed to inspect a property, the documentation looks wrong, or they want you to send money overseas or to a PO Box. Before you move in, do a very careful inspection to check the condition of the house. Note as much as you can on any existing problems when you first receive your inspection sheet. It’s best to take dated photos of any damages. Keep a copy of all this documentation for yourself. This will help if you have to dispute any repairs with the landlord at the end of your stay.
A landlord can ask for two weeks’ rent in advance at the start of your tenancy, but no more.
When you move out, make notes on the inspection sheet and take dated photos of everything again. It’s a good idea to have witnesses to all these inspections, so grab a trusted friend to help you.
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Setting-up
Rent in Advance
End of Days Pay attention to the details regarding the ending of your tenancy agreement. If you leave without giving notice, you could be responsible for paying rent beyond the date you leave and have other issues! For more information or if you run into trouble with your landlord you can call.. NSW Fair Trading. 13 32 20
Redfern Legal Service 9698 7277
Legal Aid 1300 888 529
www.insiderguides.com.au
Your legal rights in Australia Do you have a legal problem? Get free legal advice from our lawyers. Our advice is free, confidential and protects your privacy.
For help over the phone
1300 888 529
LawAccess NSW
www.legalaid.nsw.gov.au
GETTING CONNECTED So you have just landed in Australia and you’re probably looking to get on the Internet, contact your new friends and make some long distance calls back home. Getting connected is pretty easy in Australia if you know what to do.
Wi-Fi In Australia, there are plenty of places that offer free wireless. You can often find WiFi hotspots in some airports, cafés, public libraries, McDonalds and your campus (although you may have to sign up to use these – check with your institution first). If you’re struggling to find a connection anywhere, there are a few Wi-Fi-Finder apps on smartphones too. Just head over to one of these spots, pull up a chair and connect to the web – too easy!
Mobile Broadband and 3G There will be times when free wireless will not be available and you need an alternative. Wireless dongles are ideal for this situation. They plug into your computer through your USB port and are available from phone companies like Telstra. They are available in range of options depending on your monthly data usage. Another option is using the data (3g or 4g) connection on your phone through your laptop. Don’t do this too often though as most phone plans have fairly low data allowance.
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Setting-up
Home Internet If you’re living in a house a more cost effective solution may be entering a contract. There are a whole range of different plans and contracts out there, so make sure you do your research and choose the right one for you. Try to find one that includes a wireless modem or router, otherwise you’ll have to buy one separately. Plans usually include a download limit, and the higher the cost per month, the more downloads you receive. You can often sign up for a year or more and the longer you sign up for, the cheaper it gets. We recommend getting Naked ADSL (uses your land line) as, let’s be honest, who uses land line phones these days anyway? Internet Providers: Telstra: www.telstra.com.au
www.insiderguides.com.au
Skype If you prefer to see as well as hear your loved ones back home, Skype is certainly your best option. Combining video and sound, it’s basically a video call and, best of all it’s free if the person you’re calling has Skype too. So make sure your family signs up back home to keep things cheap. Just visit the Skype website, download the software and you’re done! Another voice-based option is Skype credit which also allows you to call foreign mobiles at great rates. www.skype.com
Mobile Phones Living in Australia, almost everyone has a mobile phone and chances are you had one back home too. Unfortunately, that one might not work here, as it may be locked to your provider back home. There are ways around this, but most short-term travellers will often purchase a cheap mobile phone on a pre-paid deal, meaning you pay for what you use and aren’t locked into any sort of monthly contract. You can buy these pre-paid SIM cards (and rechargeable credit) from almost anywhere – supermarkets, service stations and mobile phone outlets. Alternatively, if you’re here for a while, you can sign up to a plan, which can often provide greater value (and better phones), but comes with a fixed-term contract (usually 24 months).
Viber & Whats App
Phone Cards If your parents aren’t very computer savvy, perhaps a phone call might be easier. To keep your costs down, make sure you buy a phone card – it’s about 80% cheaper than calls from a home phone. www.aussiephonecards.com.au
www.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au
If you have got a smartphone, there are a few apps out there that can help you save your dollars while still communicating with the people you want. Viber is a great app which uses all your existing contacts. It lets you make calls and send messages - all for free. It uses your 3G connection to connect with other Viber users, so it’s a great alternative to other methods. Best of all, it works with any network and any operating system (Android, Windows and iOS).
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ExplorE AustrAliA with thE nEtwork thAt givEs you morE wElcomE to wondErful sydnEy When you’re an international student starting a new adventure in a big country, you need a network you can rely on to stay on top of your studies, help you explore the local sights and keep in touch with new friends. Here’s how we can help you settle in to one of the most exciting cities in the world:
A nEtwork without EquAl
tElstrA thAnks®
tElstrA prE-pAid offErs
wE’rE locAl
As Australia’s largest and most reliable mobile network with more 4G coverage than other networks, you’ll be able to enjoy faster speeds in more places.
Choose from a range of great Pre-Paid offers, like Telstra Pre-Paid Cap Encore, which gives you free talk and text to standard Australian numbers every night. You can even use your cap credit to call standard international numbers, making it easy to stay in touch with family back home.
Telstra Thanks can give you access to lots of great things to do in your free time, with pre-sale music tickets, money can’t buy sports experiences and discounted $10 movie tickets. With over 50 stores in Sydney, no matter where you are, there’s a Telstra store nearby where our friendly staff are ready to get you connected. So pop in and see us today.
thE tElstrA moBilE nEtwork offErs 4g in All cApitAl cBds And AssociAtEd Airports, mAny surrounding suBurBAn ArEAs And in ovEr 100 rEgionAl ArEAs. you’ll AutomAticAlly switch to our fAstEst AvAilABlE 3g in othEr covErAgE ArEAs Around AustrAliA. chEck covErAgE At telstra.com/coverage THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW: Telstra 4G: Typical download speeds of between 2Mbps and 50Mbps are available to 4G devices in 4G areas. Outside 4G areas, you will switch to our fastest available 3G speeds. Speeds vary for reasons like location, distance from base stations, terrain, user numbers, hardware/software configuration, download source and upload destination. Telstra Pre-Paid Cap Encore: Cap Credit, Free Talk & Text and Data exclude some use such as: talk/text
tElstrA prE-pAid cAp EncorE®
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$
rEchArgE/crEdit top up
250 400
mB
$
($30 rEchArgE crEdit & $220 cAp crEdit) for tAlk & tExt to stAndArd AustrAliAn & intErnAtionAl numBErs
dAtA
frEE tAlk & tExt 6pm to 6Am EvEry night to stAndArd AustrAliAn numBErs
All for usE in AustrAliA within 30 dAys informAtion currEnt until 18 fEBruAry 2014
for morE informAtion, visit your locAl tElstrA storE or go to telstra.com/studyinaustralia to satellite numbers and premium numbers, operator assisted calls, content charges, MessageBank® retrieval and all use overseas. So you can enjoy the full benefits of the Telstra Mobile Network, be sure to check that your device supports 3G-850MHz. Telstra Thanks: $10 Movie Tickets: Only available online for Event Cinemas, Greater Union, Birch Carroll & Coyle, Village branded cinemas and Moonlight Cinemas in Australia. Ticket price includes booking fee and GST. Surcharge applies for VMAX and 3D. Not valid for Gold Class, movie marathons, special events and alternate content. Not valid in conjunction with any other promotion or discount. Purchase is strictly upon availability and a maximum of 10 tickets available per transaction. Tickets cannot be exchanged or refunded. Visit telstra.com/movies for full details. The spectrum device and ™ are trade marks and ® are registered trade marks of Telstra Corporation Limited ABN 33 051 775 556.
FINDING A JOB While you’re staying in Australia, chances are you’re going to need to support yourself financially. One of the ways you’ll be able to do that is by getting a job. We’ve highlighted some of the important steps involved.
Decide Why should I get a job? Working has a number of benefits apart from just money. Getting a job in Australia means you’ll get to meet new people, as well as improve your English. You’ll also gain valuable experience. How much can I work? International students studying full time in Australia for more than 3 months automatically receive a work visa when you apply for your Australian student visa. This means you can work for up to 40 hours a fortnight during the semester and an unlimited amount during term breaks. What sort of job should I get? Most students find work in retail or hospitality industries because of the flexible hours they offer. This includes working at a supermarket or waiting tables at a local restaurant. The good thing is that a lot of these jobs don’t require much experience before you start.
Hunt How do I find a job? First things first, get your résumé polished and start door knocking on businesses you want to work at. Expect to get rejected by 90% of them, but this is a great way to get your name in front of the managers and staff as it shows that you’re keen. Where can I go to find work? If you don’t have any luck in person, try these websites. www.seek.com.au www.careerone.com.au www.oneshift.com.au
Where else can I go to find work? If you can’t find anything online, you could always try looking at your institution. Many universities and colleges also have online job boards that are worth taking a look at.
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Prepare Do I need a Tax File Number? Yes, you do. A Tax File Number means you won’t get taxed at a higher rate. You just have to fill out a form online and have your passport handy. Visit www.ato.gov.au to apply for one. What else should I know? Many Australians are very approachable people, so don’t be too nervous about asking lots of questions. Most will be happy to help you out. Just remember to be polite, punctual and willing to learn. What happens if I get in trouble? While most businesses in Australia try to keep their employees happy, some might try to underpay or overwork you. If you think something’s not right, you can always call the Fair Work Ombudsman on 13 13 94 or visit the website at www.fairwork.gov.au. They can advise you on what to do next.
Apply How do I apply for a job? If you have found the job on the Internet, chances are you’ll be able to apply directly through the website. Do I need to include a résumé? If you have found a job in person, most places will ask you to send them a résumé. A résumé is basically a record of your previous work experience. Keep your résumé short and include a reference - a previous employer or someone who has seen you work or study. Try asking a friendly tutor. I’ve been offered an interview, now what? Congratulations! If you have managed to get an interview, you’re almost there. It’s always a good idea to prepare for an interview - get a friend to ask you some questions about your skills and your experience, and practice answering them.
Being Social Not only are jobs great for making money and improving your English, they are also a fantastic way of meeting new people.
www.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au
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BANKING & MONEY If you’re going to be living in Australia for a period of time, you’re going to need to have somewhere to safely keep your money. This is where having an Australian bank account is a good idea.
New Accounts
Setting Up a Bank Account There are plenty of different banks available in Australia and there’s sure to be one that suits your needs. What should I bring? Head into the bank and explain that you’d like to open an account. Make sure you bring enough ID with you. Most banks will need to see your passport, visa, or driver’s license (if you have one) as well as proof of address - you can bring a household bill. What do I get? You’ll get a bankcard - this is what you’ll use when you want to pay for something by EFTPOS or withdraw money from your account.
ATMs What are they? Automatic Teller Machines are a fast, easy and convenient way to withdraw money from your bank account. ATMs generally offer different language features, so you can choose your native language to help you out. ATMs are found at most local shopping centres, many convenience stores and even a number of bars and clubs. What are the fees? Most banks won’t charge you for using their ATM but if you use another bank’s ATM, you will be charged $2. They call this a ‘disloyalty fee’. It’s also a good idea to avoid the smaller machines found in pubs, clubs and service stations - these will also charge you a fee.
Online banking All of the major Australian banks allow you to transfer funds, pay bills and manage your accounts online. Be sure to ask for your internet banking options at your local branch.
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Money Transfer What do I need to do to receive money from overseas?
What do I need to do to send money overseas?
It’s your birthday and your parents want to send some cash to you in Australia as a gift from back home. You’re going to need to let them know a few things first.
You want to send a bit of money to your parents back home. There are a few things you’ll need from them before you can do an international money transfer.
Make sure you let them know your:
Make sure you know their:
Australian bank account name
Bank account name and account number
Australian bank account number and BSB
The overseas bank ‘sort’ code
Address of the bank your account is with Australian bank SWIFT Code
International Bank Account Number (IBAN) (Europe only) SWIFT code of the overseas bank
PayWave & PayPass
Modern credit and debit cards now come equipped with either PayWave (Visa cards) or PayPass (Mastercard cards). These cards allow contact-less transfer of funds for transactions below $100. All you have to do is tap your card against the sensor and the payment will go through. For payments over $100 you will still need to either insert your PIN or sign.
Notes & Coins
Travellers Cheques
It’s always a good idea to have some cash on you when travelling and a good way to do that is by converting your home currency into Australian Dollars (AUD). If you have some currency from back home and want to change it, head into your local post office. They’ll exchange it based on
If you have brought some with you they can be easily exchanged for cash at your bank, or through Amex and Thomas Cook. Just make sure you bring your passport when you want to cash them in.
Looking to plan your student budget? Head to the ANZ Cost of Living tool to assess how much you spend. www.movingtoaustralia.anz.com
www.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au
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Welcome and best of luck this semester from your ANZ Personal Bankers. Whether you call Australia home, or you’ve come here to study, ask us how you could make the most of your money with ANZ Student Advantage.
While you’re studying, we understand you want to make every dollar count. That’s why we’ve designed ANZ Student Advantage – banking tailored to the unique needs of students. • Monthly account fees waived while you study1 • ANZ Access Visa Debit Card for shopping online and overseas2 • Flexible online savings account with 24/7 access • Award winning mobile banking app3 • Optional credit card or fee-free overdraft4 If you require assistance in a language other than English, we also have multilingual staff conveniently located at the following city branches. Come in and say hello.
Bridge St Pitt St George St
Clarence St
Castlereagh St
York St
King St
Market St
Park St Bathurst St
George
Elizabeth St Castlereagh St
St
Sussex St
Harbour
Goulb
• The Broadway Shopping Centre • 665-669 George Street • Corner York & Market Streets • 37 Pitt St
Campb
Hay St
ell St
Bay St
St ttle Wa
t is S
Dve
Harr
ing
Darl
St
urn St
• 205 Castlereagh Street
tt Pi
St
Ed d
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Broadway St
Other convenient locations with multilingual staff include: • Level 4, Macquarie Shopping Centre, Herring Road, North Ryde • Kingsford, 337 Anzac Parade and on campus at UNSW For more information phone 13 13 14.
The monthly account service fee waiver is available for full time students only and will be waived on one nominated ANZ Access Advantage account. Proof of enrolment with an Australian Educational Institution at any ANZ Branch is required. 2 Eligibility criteria applies to issue of an ANZ Access Visa Debit card. Please contact us for further information. 3 ANZ goMoney was awarded the 2011 IDC Financial Insights Innovation Award. 4 Applicants must be over 18 years old to apply for an ANZ credit facility or credit card. Approval is subject to ANZ’s credit assessment criteria. Terms and Conditions, Fees and Charges apply. Eligibility criteria applies. Any information provided does not take into account your personal needs and financial circumstances and you should consider whether it is appropriate for you. ANZ recommends you read the relevant Terms and Conditions or Product Disclosure Statement and the Financial Services Guide, which are available at anz.com or by calling 13 13 14, before deciding whether to acquire, or continue to hold, any product.All applications for credit are subject to ANZ’s credit assessment criteria. Australian Credit Licence Number 234527. ANZ’s colour blue is a trade mark of ANZ. Item No. 86001S 02.2013 W330419 1
NSW OMBUDSMAN Got a complaint? Contact the NSW Ombudsman If you think you have been unfairly treated by a NSW government agency or by certain non-government service providers you can contact the NSW Ombudsman. We deal with complaints about a wide range of organisations including public universities, schools, community services, local councils and police. Our services are free, independent and impartial. The Ombudsman does not take sides.
This includes: - trial shifts or probation (there’s no such thing as an unpaid trial) - meetings - training - opening and closing the business.
Your employer should pay you at least the minimum rate in your award or agreement. They can pay you more than the minimum, but not less.
What about complaints about universities or TAFE? If you have been excluded from a public university or TAFE, students have a right to an internal and external review of a decision to exclude them. If you think the decision is unfair or unreasonable you can lodge an appeal with your university or TAFE. They will have a policy on how appeals are carried out.
Problems with private education and training?
The role of the Ombudsman is different to an internal appeal. We do not make a decision in place of the university but will look at issues like delays, problems with procedures or improper behaviour of staff. If you are unhappy with the outcome of an internal review, you should lodge your complaint with the NSW Ombudsman as soon as possible.
The Overseas Students Ombudsman does not take complaints about public universities.
Contact the Overseas Students Ombudsman. The Overseas Students Ombudsman investigates complaints about problems that overseas students have with private education and training in Australia.
The Overseas Students Ombudsman 1300 363 072,
9am - 5pm on weekdays.
In most jobs you will be paid junior rates until you turn 21. You should be paid at least once a month and get a pay slip within 1 working day of being paid. Your employers can’t take money out of your pay if customers leave without paying, the cash registers are short, or if you accidentally break something. Your employer can’t give you goods or services (including food) instead of pay. You can usually be paid in cash (unless your award or agreement says something else) - but your employer has to take out tax and give you a pay slip. If you have a work related issue then contact the Fair Work Ombudsman:
The NSW Ombudsman
www.fairwork.gov.au
9286 1000
Facebook.com/fairwork.gov.au
1800 451 524 (Toll Free)
Twitter.com/fairwork_gov_au
9am – 4pm on weekdays.
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You should be paid for all hours you work.
Youtube.com/FairWorkG
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Contact the NSW Ombudsman for advice If you are unhappy about the way you have been treated by NSW goverment agencies, community service providers or their employees, you can complain to us. We deal with complaints about a wide range of organisations including public universities, schools, community services, local councils and police. Our services are free. If you are an international student and have been excluded from a public university or TAFE, you can ask your education provider for a review of the decision. If you are unhappy with the outcome of the review, you can make a complaint to us. We do not make a decision in place of your provider, but will look at issues like delays, problems with procedures or improper behaviour of staff.
Contacting NSW Ombudsman Level 24, 580 George Street, Sydney NSW 2000 Our business hours are Monday to Friday 9am-5pm, (Inquiries closes at 4pm) Phone 02 9286 1000 | Fax 02 9283 2911 nswombo@ombo.nsw.gov.au | www.ombo.nsw.gov.au/what-we-do/youth Telephone Interpreter Service (TIS): 131 450 (we can arrange an interpreter, or you can contact TIS yourself before speaking to us)
WHEN THINGS BREAK Living away from home can be a lot of fun, but what happens when something goes wrong?
The Taps are Leaking If your taps are leaking, you can try tightening or replacing the seal or washer. The team at the hardware store can give you some good advice. If it’s more serious, your agent or landlord needs to know first as they should be paying for this. They will either organise a plumber to come over, or they may tell you to organise a plumber and they will pay you back. We recommend Jim’s Plumbing www.jimsplumbing.net.au
Your TV Stopped Working Assuming you bought the TV new and it’s under warranty, you’ll need to call the manufacturers or take it back to the store where you bought it. They might send out a technician. If it’s not under warranty, you can either pay a repair man to fix it (which can cost a lot), or throw it out. If you want to throw it out, don’t dump it on the street! Call your council and ask where you can dispose of it.
You Have Spilled Some Red Wine… 1. Pour salt/Bi-Carb Soda on it, wait until the powder turns red then remove it. Repeat until it stops going red. 2. Grab some paper towel and pat it around the edges to stop it spreading. Don’t rub or wipe. 3. Call a professional carpet cleaner if you need to (about $80).
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Oven’s Not Working 1. Check the gas supply. If you have gas bottles, are they empty? 2. Call your agent or landlord and ask for a repairman to check it out.
Broken Windows If you have accidentally broken a window, you need to get it fixed as soon as possible. Your landlord won’t pay for this, as it was your fault. Have a look online for a glazier - these guys can replace windows quickly and easily. Be ready to spend a bit of money though, they’re not cheap. Make sure you let your landlord know as well - they might be able to organise it with you.
Your Furniture has Become Unusable Your couch may have been comfortable once upon a time, but now it’s horrible to sit on, and some of the springs are poking through. Getting rid of a couch can be as easy as making a phone call.
Broken Fridge
Check your local council’s website for their policy on ‘hard rubbish’ - most will be more than happy to come and collect your old couch for a small fee or for free (some councils do this free once or twice a year). Again, don’t just leave it out on the footpath.
1. Remove all of the perishables and put them into an Esky or an ice filled sink / tub. 2. Check the power point and electrical box to ensure it’s getting power. Make sure the doors are shutting properly and that the motor is running; if not, it is best to call a professional. 3. If it’s not worth fixing it, call your council to determine the best option to dispose of it. Don’t put it on the street or you’ll get a fine!
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SHOP
INTRODUCTION Whether you want to pick up souvenirs to send back home, furnish a new home or just buy some lunch, Sydney is the city to find whatever you need – and have fun while doing so! The city’s biggest ‘strip’ for shopping can be found at Pitt Street Mall, right in the centre of the CBD. Pitt Street Mall is lined with everything you might want – department stores, speciality clothing and gifts, snacks and more. While you wander along, you’re likely
to spot buskers attracting large crowds. Those with more upmarket tastes can find the highest fashions and designer labels on Oxford Street in Paddington, Double Bay and Rozelle. There are many tempting boutiques to be found. If alternative culture is your thing, head to King Street in Newtown, where you’ll find everything punk, rock and vintage – this is a fun way to find something a little more out there.
With its great weather, Sydney also boasts an impressive market culture, with weekly craft, fashion and food markets. Glebe’s Saturday markets are the place to head if you’d like to stock up on cheap vintage clothing or handmade household goods, while Sundays are perfect for Rozelle Markets antique treasures. For those feeling a little more peckish, Farmers Markets at both Bondi Beach and Eveleigh are sure to fill your belly.
MX Magazine MX is Sydney’s free commuter newspaper. Be sure to look out for people handing them out near train stations and busy street corners in the afternoons.
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Shopping
www.insiderguides.com.au
NEED TO KNOWS Opening Hours In Australia, most stores open by 9am and close by 5pm. Major supermarkets are usually open until 9pm during the week. On Sundays, most shops will open later at 11am. Usually Thursdays or Fridays will see longer trading hours, known as ‘late night shopping’ and most shops have extended hours around Christmas.
Sales Everybody loves to pick up a bargain and Australia has two big sales throughout the year – the end of financial year (July 1) and Boxing Day, after Christmas (December 26). Most shops will also have sales racks or ‘bargain bins’ year-round, where you can pick up a cheap deal.
EFTPOS Electronic Funds Transfer Point of Sale (EFTPOS) is where you can use your bankcard to pay for your purchase. You’ll need to swipe or insert your card and enter your PIN. Some places have a $10 minimum purchase amount and some will also offer ‘cash out’ – an easy way to withdraw money from your bank account whilst shopping.
Go Online Sometimes after a long search, you can’t find what you want in a store, or you’re simply looking for a cheaper option. Why not try shopping online? As long as you have a debit or credit card, you can purchase anything and everything, and it can be a way to get a great bargain. Just be careful of shipping and postage – it can be very expensive.
Did you Know? The site used for Sydney’s famous Opera House used to be a tram depot!
www.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au
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SHOP SPOTS Sydney has everything for an enthusiastic shopper – cheap bargains for those looking to save their cash or high priced boutiques for those with money to burn. Best of all, since Sydney is so small you can find almost everything in the city centre, or close to it.
Pitt Street Mall
Bondi Junction
Cabramatta
If you want a one-stop shopping destination in Sydney, Pitt Street Mall has to be it. With a pedestrian-only walking area, a gigantic Westfield shopping mall on one side stocking everything from designer brands to pie stores, a Myer department store and a selection of speciality shops lining the other side of the street, beware – a visit to Pitt Street Mall is likely to be the end of your savings. You can find almost anything you may need here, whether it is a designer dress, a new television or simply some lunch.
If outdoor shopping isn’t for you, then Bondi Junction might be of interest. One of the easiest shopping districts to visit by public transport in Sydney any train going to Bondi Junction will drop you directly at the shopping centre, and there are a bunch of buses - Bondi Junction, like Pitt Street Mall, houses nearly every kind of shop you could need. A huge indoor shopping mall, Bondi Junction (or ‘the Junction’ as locals call it) has bargain stores and supermarkets on its lower levels, and high-end designer fashion retail on the top levels. With a train station in the building, it’s easy to get all of your purchases home after a long day shopping.
Known as Sydney’s Little Saigon, Cabramatta’s shopping district is only 45 minutes from Sydney’s CBD via train. The highlights here are food and fabrics. First, stem your hunger with a visit to one of Cabramatta’s many Vietnamese street food and pho outlets. They are cheap, delicious and fast snacks. If you aren’t feeling like Vietnamese, hit up Cabramatta Deli, an incredible specialist Russian deli (199 Railway Parade, Cabramatta). Once you’ve been fed, it’s time to shop! Cabramatta is known throughout the city for its huge range of inexpensive fabric stores that have a wide range of stock. The hub for fabric is John Street, where you M with U expert S I storeC can chat owners about your bargain purchases. If you’re not much of a seamstress, explore the kitchen-ware stores that are also dotted along John Street to outfit your kitchen for less than the L Ecost S of S aO meal! N S
Speaking of lunch, one of the highlights of the newly built Westfield complex at Pitt St Mall is a food hall with a difference. Offering fine-dining restaurants, and an outlet for some of the world’s best dumplings from Din Tai Fung, this is a much fancier food court than you might expect. In the centre of the mall you’ll often find huge crowds of people watching buskers – who entertain the crowds with everything from breakdancing to full band performances. Opening hours vary, but most stores close around 6pm except on Thursdays for late night shopping, when you can expect them to stay open until at least 9pm.
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VINYL • CDs • DVDS • MO
Oxford Street Paddington If boutique stores and sunny streets are your thing, make a day of wandering up Oxford Street. A long strip lined with designer stores, quirky gift shops and delicious cafés, it’s easy to spend many hours browsing. Bargains can be found amongst the expensive items if you take the time to check out some of the charity stores like Vinnies dotted along Oxford St – their racks are often filled with recently purchased designer goods that are no longer wanted by their stylish owners.
Shopping
www.insiderguides.com.au
OVIES
Western Sydney Parramatta is the place to shop if you are in Western Sydney. For convenient everyday shopping with plenty of parking spaces, check out Westfield Parramatta shopping centre. Here you will find all of Australia’s largest retail chains nested among designer and budget boutiques and shops. For those who prefer an outdoor experience, discover the hidden gems on Church OPEN Street, Phillip Street, Eat Street or Harris Park.
Clothing • Accessories
16B
For added excitement, wait until Thursday or Saturday and swing past the Farmers Market PUSH just outside the Town Hall. In there you will find beautiful, fresh produce and flowers.
S A L E
Other Spots Other Sydney shopping highlights include the majestic vintage of the Queen Victoria Building, a heritage shopping centre for designer goods, King Street in Newtown for alternative clothing, tattoo stores and record shops, and Glebe Point Road in Glebe for bookstores and vintage clothing galore. Keep your eyes open - often the best shops will appear when you least expect it!
www.insiderguides.com.au
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GOOD STUDENT / BAD STUDENT With increasing ease of access to the Internet there are a range of new aides to help you with your study. However, the range of distractions has also increased along with it. Websites, software and mobile apps have changed the way people operate and added plenty of new productive and unproductive tools.
Good Student Evernote
Dropbox
Istudiez
Flashcards
A favourite in the Insider office, this is a great app to help with productivity. Make to-do lists, write notes, save photos and text from inside browser windows, and sync it all across your devices. Winner of countless awards, this really is a ‘must-have’ tool.
The best software for storing and sharing files. Always have access to your files from any location or source, excellent for working on the go. Group assignments are a breeze as well with all group members easily able to share and collaborate.
Available in both a Pro or Lite version, this app will revolutionise your study life. Manage your study schedule, class timetables and assignment due dates. Use iStudiez to take control of your study routine.
Do you make flashcards to help you study? This app, developed at Harvard University, removes the need to make physical flashcards. Create your own or use one of the tens of millions of pre-made decks to assist your memory.
Candy Crush
Snapchat
CollegeHumor
YouTube
This addictive game is the ultimate time-waster! Hours can be lost trying to complete levels. Do not download this if you want a successful semester. If you are already hooked then rehab may be required!
A fun way to interact with your friends. Take a photo, send it to a friend and they only have a few seconds to look at it before it disappears forever. Not a great way to talk to your grandma back home but a novel way to mess around with your friends! In small doses this is harmless fun but do not overdo it.
Full of daily videos, pictures and articles, this is specifically designed to waste the time of university/college students. Their production team sits in their New York office writing content for you to find more hilarious and entertaining than your textbooks.
Another great resource that can waste hours of students’ time. Don’t pretend you will just watch one video as you know that you will keep going. With a seemingly infinite supply of videos you can be lost in hours of related videos. The cat videos can wait until the uni holidays!
Bad Student
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Shopping
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Preparing for University Success Taylors College Sydney At Taylors College, our unique learning environment allows you to fulfil your ambitions and to enjoy life at university and beyond. • High School Program – Years 10, 11 and 12 • Taylors English Language Preparation (TELP) • University of Sydney Foundation Program (USFP)
High School Program Studying High School at Taylors provides the senior secondary school education you need to successfully enter university. With an internationally recognised High School qualification from Taylors College in Sydney, you will be able to apply to the university of your choice in Australia and around the world. From here, you can go on to enjoy the career of your dreams. Our aim is simple – to enable you to enter the degree of your choice, at the university you want to attend, so you can have the career you’ve always desired. By studying High School in Sydney with Taylors College, you can do just that.
taylorscollege.edu.au
Taylors English Language Preparation (TELP) If you need to improve your level of English Language Skills in order to study an academic course, Taylors English Language Preparation (TELP) is the perfect solution. Delivered in 12 week terms, TELP will focus on maximising your progress in each of the four English skills: speaking, writing, listening and reading. Upon completion of TELP, you do not need to take an IELTS test before you begin the High School or Foundation programs.
University of Sydney Foundation Program (USFP) The University of Sydney Foundation Program (USFP) offers you a comprehensive range of key benefits which ensure you achieve the strong academic foundation you need to successfully progress into the University of Sydney. As a USFP student, you are guaranteed a place in the undergraduate course of your choice at the University of Sydney. Nearly 100% of USFP students go on to study at a tertiary institution upon graduation.
facebook.com/taylorscollege
Provider: Study Group Australia Pty Limited trading as Taylors College. CRICOS Provider Code: 01682E (NSW) Provider: The University of Sydney. Provider Code: 00026A
taylorscollege.edu.au/usfp
17170A.11.13
VINTAGE & MARKETS Vintage stores are a fantastic way to find that unique item to finish your look and usually on the cheap. Markets are also a great way to find the freshest produce at the best prices, and everyone knows it’s important to eat those fruit and veg.
The African Village Market 222 Church St, Parramatta Add a bit of spice to your wardrobe with the exquisite collections of clothing, bags and shoes at the African Village Market. The friendly staff can also teach you how to braid your hair, knit and weave while sampling traditional African snacks. 0402 316 586
/AfricanVillageMarketSydney
Paddington Markets 395 Oxford St, Paddington Paddington Markets (or ‘the paddo markets’) are the perfect place to pick up local, quality handmade goods that you won’t find in the shopping centres. There are over 200 stalls every Saturday, regardless of the weather, selling everything from jewellery and illustrations to handbags, ceramics and condiments. paddingtonmarkets.com.au
Kings Cross Organic Markets Fitzroy St & Macleay St, Kings Cross The Kings Cross Organic Markets are a delight for all foodies, not just those conscious of whether their food has been farmed in an environmentally friendly way. All the homemade and freshly cooked goodies will have you wandering around,
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having a bite to eat at loads of stalls and sampling the local produce. Keep your eyes out for delicious fresh veggies, breads, oils and homemade jams. organicfoodmarkets.com.au
Glebe Markets Glebe Public School, 9-25 Derwent St, Glebe The perfect way to while away a sunny Saturday is at the Glebe Markets. It’s a wonderful way to shop, with stalls selling everything from handmade lanterns to impressive vintage wardrobes. Most prices are set so don’t expect any haggling, but keep an eye out for $1 and $2 boxes of books. Be sure to pick up a cup of the homemade lemonade and chai while you wander around. When your feet need a bit of a rest there’s even live music and grass for a quick sit down. www.glebemarkets.com.au
Eveleigh Farmers’ Market 243 Wilson St, Darlington This award winning farmers’ market is the ideal place to pick up fresh, local produce. Every Saturday morning farmers from around the state converge to sell directly to Sydney’s food lovers. Get in early and get your pick of the best goods on offer.
Retro-a-go-go 123 Enmore Rd, Enmore This is another store that seems to be stuck in another century. With a whole range of vintage clothing for guys and girls, it’s almost like wandering through time as you browse the various racks. Specialising in outfits from the 1960s, 1970s and 1980s, you’re almost sure to find something a little quirky to add to your wardrobe. Expect to see a lot of old memorabilia and strange knickknacks too. www.retroagogo.com.au
Coco Repose Sydney Antiques Centre, 531 South Dowling St, Surry Hills Who doesn’t love dressing up in fabulous old-style dresses? If you’ve a soft spot for vintage clothing with a feminine twist, Coco Repose is for you. A lot of the time, the price tags for their unique items are pretty pricey, but you never know! The guys might want to stay clear of this one. /cocorespose
www.eveleighmarket.com.au
Shopping
www.insiderguides.com.au
www.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au
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BOOKS, MUSIC & MOVIES So you’re in a new country and there’s bound to be a range of different books, films and song titles coming up in conversation you’ve never heard of. We encourage you to peruse the shelves of some of these outfits to get a taste for what’s trending in Aussie pop culture.
Repressed Records
Kinokuniya
Red Eye Records
413 King Street, Newtown This store is all about independent music, if you are trying to track down something slightly alternative then make this your destination. They stock a large range of vinyl, both new and secondhand, from around the world. Prices are kept low as well so you can always pick up a bargain in this really cool store.
Level 2, The Galleries (TGV), 500 George St, Sydney This global brand has a store in the heart of Sydney with over 300,000 titles on the shelves. There’s an amazing range of fiction, non-fiction, comics and almost everything else. Best of all, it’s not just English books that they have here, but Chinese, French, German, Japanese and more.
143 York St, Sydney The prices of new albums are fantastic and their sale items (often on new releases too) are a steal. Expect to find a huge range here including vinyl and CDs. A massive selection is available and these guys are passionate about music, so they’ll happily point you in the right direction for almost every taste in music.
9557 6237
9262 7996
9267 7440
www.repressedrecords.com
www.kinokuniya.com/au
www.redeye.com.au
Berkelouw
The Record Store
Various locations, Sydney There are several Berkelouw store around Sydney, some are really good while others are amazing. They sell a huge range of second-hand and rare books, in addition to all the latest in literature. If you have a passion for books then Berkelouw is a must visit while in Sydney. Many of them have wine bars/cafés so you can make an outing of it.
255b Crown St, Darlinghurst The Record Store is all about vinyl and the good old-fashioned experience of searching unsorted records for that one you always wanted. They mostly stock dance, funk and soul, but they’ve some pop, rock and alternative. You can expect to spend a few good hours here, check through the various boxes until you stumble on something great.
Gertrude and Alice Café Bookstore
1800 046 240
www.berkelouw.com.au
9380 8223
www.recordstore.com.au
46 Hall St, Bondi Beach Although you might not expect to find a cosy nook filled with novels and coffee at one of the world’s most famous beaches, Gertrude and Alice Café Bookstore is a Bondi institution. Inspired by the culture and literature of Paris, owner Jane Turner set about building a library of second-hand books a decade ago, and created a hangout for beachside locals, booklovers and coffee devotees alike. 9130 5155
www.gertrudeandalice.com.au
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Career focused, academic excellence CSU Study Centres Melbourne & Sydney, Australia CSU Study Centres offer you the choice to complete a Charles Sturt University (CSU) qualification in the heart of the city. Our high quality courses are delivered with a significant component of work integrated learning, ensuring graduates are skilled to meet industry needs, and have the opportunity to develop strong relationships with industry professionals from the start of study.
Why study at a CSU Study Centre? • Industry-relevant qualifications • Career readiness • Strong academic support program • Central location in Melbourne and Sydney facebook.com/CSUSydney facebook.com/CSUMelbourne
For more information visit
www.csustudycentres.edu.au The Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS). Provider Number for Charles Sturt University is 00005F (NSW), 01947G (VIC), and 02960B (ACT). 17168A.11.13
TITLE
Gould’s Book Arcade
499-501, Crown St, Surrey Hills TITLE seeks to represent all those who get forgotten by the other stores. They sell music, books and DVDs from genres that are difficult to get or just have a small following such as classical and classic, foreign, forgotten and postmodern. Their books are often non-fiction. They also sell new-release vinyl at reasonable prices.
32 King St, Newtown Visiting Gould’s is a bit like hunting for gold. Stacked from floor to ceiling are thousands of pre-loved books, and although it might take you half a day of sifting you’re bound to come across a one-in-a-million out-of-print title that you can’t find anywhere else.
9699 5222
www.titlespace.com
Abbey’s Bookshop 131 York St, Sydney Abbey’s Bookshop, is one of Sydney’s iconic independent booksellers, who has weathered every kind of claim that the book industry is dying. They do it by stocking a huge range of fiction and non-fiction, plus having helpful service. Be sure to head upstairs to the Language Centre for all your foreign language and ESL needs and while you’re up there, visit their sister shop Galaxy, which specialises in sci-fi. 9264 3111
www.abbeys.com.au
Gleebooks 49 Glebe Point Rd, Glebe This cute little shop houses an award-winning selection of Australian and International titles, as well as DVDs, cards and magazines. It’s always important to support your local bookshop, so make sure you pay these guys a visit. 9660 2333
9519 8947
www.gouldsbooks.com
JB Hi Fi 412-414 Pitt Street Mall, Sydney This is your one-stop shop if you need anything music, movie or game related. New release albums are priced reasonably here and you can find some rare CDs for under $30. The best part though is they’ve great sale items which change frequently – it’s pretty easy to get a good album for $10 or less. Also check out their huge range of games and DVDs for some awesome prices. 9222 9877
www.jbhifi.com.au
Kings Comics 310 Pitt Street Mall, Sydney Kings Comics is one of the oldest comic stores in Australia, so they definitely know their way around a good comic book. They stock a huge range of traditional comic books, anime and graphic novels as well as clothing, toys and other collectibles. This is easily your first stop if you’re looking for a bit of pop culture. www.kingscomics.com.au
Use Your Rights – Repair, Replace, Refund Under Australia’s consumer laws, if you buy a product and it is faulty you have the right to take it back to where you bought it and ask the business to fix the problem. The same applies if you engage a service and it is not provided to an appropriate standard. These rights are called consumer guarantees and they apply to all goods and services bought or leased new, secondhand, in stores and online. In broad terms, consumer guarantees require that all goods sold in Australia must be of acceptable quality, be fit for any purpose that you made known and match the description given. Services must be delivered with due care and skill, and completed within a reasonable time if no set timeframe is agreed. If the goods or services don’t meet the consumer guarantees, you have a legal right to a remedy. This may involve a repair, replacement or a refund. If you have a problem with a product or service you should first contact the business you bought it from. If they refuse to help, contact your local consumer protection agency or the ACCC. For further information visit: australia.gov.au/consumerrights
www.gleebooks.com.au
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CLOTHES, SHOES & ACCESSORIES You’re certainly going to need some new threads during your stay in Sydney, and there are whole ranges of different fashion avenues, suiting every budget and most of them can be found within the city walls, but be sure to head out to some of the surrounding suburbs as they also have a lot to offer the avid shopper.
General Pants Co.
Shoes 2000
Maple Store
Mid City Shopping Centre, Pitt Street Mall, Sydney Boasting some of the best Aussie brands, including Sass & Bide and One Teaspoon, students can also find a range of premier international brands. Their website also hosts an online gallery, The Bubble, which all aspiring artists in any field can join. General Pants Co. also often stock music festival tickets.
135-139 McEvoy St, Alexandria Cross your fingers that they have your size because they’ll undoubtedly have the style of shoe that you’re looking for. You’ll find everything from stilettos to safety work boots, school shoes to slippers. It’s worth the trip because you can pick up current season men’s and women’s footwear at a great price.
244 King St, Newtown It’s well dressed yet casual for this store’s theme. Maple Store has the top labels for women, especially when it comes to denim jeans. There’s also a range of tops, dresses, shorts and shoes for completing your look. They’re big music fans, so you may find yourself some music memorabilia or hear some funky tunes in the store, particularly around summer.
8275 5155
www.generalpants.com.au
Culture Kings 420 George St, Sydney This is the absolute mecca for streetwear in Sydney, maybe even the whole country. Their wall of shoes is immense, as is the calibre of DJ’s they regularly have play. For all of the latest caps, sneakers and apparel you have to check out Culture Kings. They even have a barber shop so you can get your hair fixed up while you’re there. 9232 0473
www.culturekings.com.au
9698 5955
Sportsgirl Lower Ground Floor, QVB, 455 George St, Sydney Sportsgirl has been one of Australia’s biggest players in the fashion industry since the 1960s. With items straight off the catwalk, girls who shop at Sportsgirl are not afraid to stand out from the crowd. Showcasing the hottest and funkiest clothes from their constantly changing stock in conjunction with pumping new tunes, this is one for the girls who are ready to make a bold addition to their wardrobe. 9264 1269
www.sportsgirl.com.au
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9517 1633
www.maplestore.com.au
ZARA Level 2, 188 Pitt St, Sydney This brand is loved the world over and now it’s in Australia. Zara has fashions that’ll make guys and girls look like they’ve walked straight off the pages of a magazine into their daily lives. The latest looks are relatively affordable. There’s so much choice, you might want to let someone know where you’re going and get them to send a search party in after you. 9216 7000
www.zara.com
www.insiderguides.com.au
www.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au
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Cream on King
Cotton On
Topshop
317 King St, Newtown At Cream on King you’ll find modified and original, vintage and re-made wares for both the ladies and gents. They have a massive range of re-made shirts in paisley, denim and check, hundreds of one-off dresses, boots and a wide collection of accessories.
Shop 188 Pitt Street Mall, Sydney Cotton On has cheap but fashionable clothing with a focus on cotton. This means T-shirts and tops are the main stock, but there are also accessories and pants. You’ll easily be able to pick up an entire outfit (guys or girls) for under $50.
Gowings Building, 45 Market Street, Sydney Everyone’s favourite English brand has made its way to Australian shores and this was their first Australian store. These guys are well known for stocking a whole range of unique items with a vintage flair, and most Aussies have been trying to source their range online for years.
9565 2955
www.creamonline.com.au
T-Bar 372 Oxford St, Paddington It’s T-shirts, T-shirts and more T-shirts here so you can find that perfect casual top that makes a statement. T-Bar has local and international artists designing the coolest Ts that’ll have you browsing through and stuck for choice. But fear not. The more you buy, the more you save. You can get up to three Ts for $99 - bargain! 8356 9342
www.t-bar.com.au
Rebel Sport Level 2, Mid City Shopping Centre, Pitt Street Mall If you can kick it, throw it, swing it or punch it you can probably find it here. Sport is a great way to meet new people and stay in shape. So if you’re missing the sports you used to play at home, Rebel Sport can probably help you out. They also stock a large range of popular sports clothing and shoes. Popular brands include Adidas, Nike, Lonsdale, Asics, Puma and Everlast. Not all of the fashion is sports-related either. Some of the stocked apparel is in modern street and urban styles.
www.cottonon.com.au
Industrie Clothing Mid City Shopping Centre, Pitt Street Mall If you like urban streetwear, Industrie will be the right place for you. There’s a huge range of T-shirts, polo shirts, shorts, belts and everything for guys and girls. The prices are fairly reasonable as well, so you don’t need to be incredibly cashed up to be able to afford their clothes. 9233 2375
www.industrie.com.au
www.topshop.com
Glue Store Level 2, Harbourside Shopping Centre, Sydney Retailers of urban street wear fashion, Glue Store is unique with products ranging from the sneakers on your feet, to the sunglasses on your face and just about everything in between, all under one giant roof. 9281 2049
www.gluestore.com.au
Surf Dive & Ski Frat House Shop 14, Town Hall Square, Sydney Looking for a new outfit that is both casual and classy? Frat House is your best bet. Stocking clothes for guys and girls, you can expect a wide range of American-style outfits with a bit of an Aussie twist. Find everything from cheeky T-shirts to comfy cardigans, jeans to dresses. The price tag isn’t too bad either, so you can stock up. 9267 7838
Level 1, Harbourside Shopping Centre, Sydney If you’re going to be living in Australia, it’s pretty crucial you get yourself some outfits for the beach. Luckily, Surf Dive & Ski stocks the leading brands for surf and skate as well. Expect to see well-known Aussie brands like Quicksilver, Roxy and Billabong, along with the most extensive thong (Havaianas) collection in the Southern Hemisphere. 9458 4987
www.sds.com.au
/frathouseaustralia
8079 9000
www.rebelsport.com.au
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Australia’s most comprehensive university language centre UNSW Institute of Languages
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EAT + DRINK INTRODUCTION Australia is a multicultural nation, and nowhere is this more obvious than in our food culture. Sydney is home to a great many nationalities, which, luckily for us, show off their national talents through the delicious form of food. Deciding where to eat out in Sydney can be tough, with almost every international taste catered for. You should have no trouble finding a travel favourite or food from back home. The city tends to have different cuisines cluster together in areas. As a brief outline, Haymarket is the city’s Chinatown, while the nearby Liverpool St in
the CBD houses the Spanish Quarter. A little further out of the city, the suburb of Leichhardt will provide an array of Italian restaurants, while Lakemba serves up the best Lebanese.
For those wanting to party, there are plenty of popular nightclubs, bars and dancing spots to be found in the nightlife districts of Oxford St in Darlinghurst and Kings Cross.
There are also plenty of great options to suit the student budget. Chinatown and local pubs are often a good bet, offering cheap lunch deals and dinner specials. Serving both food and alcohol, pubs are the great location to bridge the gap between eating out and staying out, and Sydney is known for its huge amount of pubs – there are quite literally over 10 to each suburb!
But nightlife in Sydney is not just about drinking, contrary to what some local students might say. The increase in late night eateries and dessert bars around Sydney and the outer suburbs means you can now head out after 10pm and find a quiet place to unwind.
Top Five - Best Local Beers 1) James Squire Golden Ale 2) Lord Nelson Three Sheets 3) 4 Pines Kolsch 4) Balmain Pilsner 5) Surry Hills Pilsener
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NEED TO KNOWS Cover Charge Most clubs will charge you a fee to get in after 10pm – expect to pay anywhere between $5 and $20, depending on where you go. If you contact a bar via Facebook you can often get on the door list allowing for an express entry and avoiding the fee.
Dress Code When going out in Australia, there are a few rules guys in particular should pay attention to. Make sure you wear neat casual clothing – clubs won’t let you in with thongs, singlets or ripped jeans. Some clubs also have a policy about tattoos, so you may need to cover them. Ladies are often treated a bit more leniently, but try and look classy if you know this could be a problem.
Happy Hours One thing Australian clubs do well is happy hours, ladies nights and drink specials. Happy hours are usually a couple of hours early in the evening where drinks are cheaper (think two for one vodkas). Ladies nights refer to girls getting discounted drinks.
Specials Everyone likes a cheap meal, and most restaurants and cafés have a specials board where they can show off their bargains of the day. These dishes will usually be one-offs, and won’t appear on the menu. It’s a good idea to check these, as you might find your new favourite. If you have any questions simply ask the staff.
Over-18 In Australia, the legal age for drinking and going out is 18. That means you’ll be asked for ID whenever you buy alcohol or go to a venue that serves alcohol. Even if you’re not planning on drinking, you’ll still need to take your Proof of Age card, passport or drivers licence to a club. Sometimes foreign ID isn’t accepted so be safe and bring your passport (a photocopy won’t cut it).
The Average Australian 3 out of 5 Australians live in a state capital city, with over 1/3 living in either Melbourne or Sydney.
www.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au
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BYO While most restaurants serve a selection of wines and alcoholic beverages, you may like to bring your own (BYO). Expect to pay a small fee for this, known as ‘corkage’, which will vary depending on where you go. Do not attempt to do this with beer or hard liquor, stick to wine.
Reservations On weekends and particularly in popular restaurants, it’s always a good idea to make a reservation. Call the restaurant the day before, let them know how many people will be eating on your table and what time you’d like to arrive. That way, you’ll know there’s a table waiting for you when you get there.
Themed Nights Some Australian clubs hold themed nights, where dressing up is encouraged. Popular themes include school uniform nights, retro nights and heroes and villains. The best way to keep up with these nights is to ‘like’ the venue on Facebook.
Tipping Tipping isn’t automatically expected in any Australian stores or restaurants. Some places will have ‘tip jars’ on the counter where you can give a few dollars if you experience particularly helpful service.
Pub Crawls
A university experience isn’t complete without a pubcrawl. Each faculty will have at least one during the year, so keep your eyes out for posters. Buy a t-shirt from your uni (it acts as your ticket) and follow your peers to five different pubs and clubs. The t-shirt will usually get you a cheap drink deal at the venues. It’s a great way to get to know the people in your course too.
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StudentLife is designed to help you stretch your student budget further, with helpful information on special offers, free events and cost effective ways to explore your new city. thestudentlife.com.au
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AUSSIE CUISINE
Aussie BBQ
The Bakery
Everybody knows Aussies love cooking outdoors – that’s because it’s easy, social and the best tasting. What will I eat? • Sausages (also known as ‘snags’) • Burgers (‘patties’)
What will I eat? Typical bakeries will serve a few basics and vary the ingredients: • Pastie – vegetable and meat filled pastry.
• Chops • Steaks You can also find salads, bread and plenty of tomato sauce (ketchup). How much will it cost? Head to your local shops and pick up everything you need for under $20. • Pack of 8 beef sausages $5.00 • Loaf of bread $2.50 • Bottle of tomato sauce $3.00 • 250g coleslaw $4.50 Where can I go? You’ll be able to find a hot plate at most parks and popular beaches – and some people will have a barbecue at home. When would I eat this? You can fry some bacon and eggs for breakfast, throw a few sausages on for lunch, or put together a gourmet dinner of barbecued vegetables and marinated steaks.
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Australians love a good lunchtime pastry, especially after a long road trip. The best can be found at bakeries outside the city.
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• Pie – usually filled with Chicken or Beef with sauces and spices. • Sausage roll – long meat filled pastry. Great with tomato sauce! Bakeries also sell cold drinks, sandwiches, rolls and cakes. How much will it cost? Bakeries are a relatively cheap way to eat, with most pastries costing anywhere between $3 and $5. Where can I go? There are a few commercial chains of bakeries, but for the best quality we recommend you look for your local independent bakery. If you head out of town on a road trip, keep your eyes out for a country bakery. When would I eat this? Bakeries make for the perfect quick lunch. You can buy a tasty savoury snack, a sweet cake for afterwards and a drink. Most bakeries will close by about 4pm, so make sure you get in early.
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Pub Food A pub is like a casual restaurant and a bar combined – it’s a place to eat and drink. Often the servings are generous and the types of meals are similar from pub to pub. What will I eat? • Chicken & beef schnitzels • Fish and chips • Burgers • Roast dinners • Steaks At some pubs there’ll also be a salad bar where you can serve yourself various salads and vegetables. How much will it cost? Prices will vary at each pub, but you should be able to get a decent meal for around $15-$20. Where can I go? There will be one very close to you. The best thing about pubs is that there are so many scattered around the country. In almost every outback town there’s a pub (even if the population barely reaches a hundred). When would I eat this? Pubs are excellent for a casual lunch (with many having cheaper lunch specials) or a nice dinner. A lot of the pubs in Australia now have modern outdoor eating areas known as ‘beer gardens’.
www.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au
Take-out Like the rest of the world, Australia has its fair share of commercial take away outlets. But there are plenty of other ‘fast food’ alternatives you should try. What will I eat? • Fish and chips • Yiros (Kebab) & Burgers • Curries • Pasta How much will it cost? Depending on what you choose, the price will vary. But for the most part you should be able to get something pretty substantial for under $15. Where can I go? Take away joints are located everywhere. The best place to have some traditional fish and chips is down by the beach. Grab some (it’ll be wrapped up in paper to keep the heat in), find a nice spot on the beach and enjoy the view. When would I eat this? Take away makes for a great cheap, quick dinner – plus it means you don’t have to make it yourself.
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EAT & DRINK SPOTS Sydney has an impressive variety of restaurants, cafés and late night eateries to fill your rumbling stomach. Most of the best areas for eating are also pretty close to the best clubs, pubs and karaoke bars. So you can head out for a tasty meal then party til the early hours without having to travel too far.
East Sydney
Sydney City
North Sydney
Food
Food
Food
Not only does Sydney’s east offer an array of enticing food options, these are some of the loveliest beachside spots to dine at. Bondi is your best bet for a wide variety of choices - if you’re after a fancy night out (with amazing views) check out Bondi Italian or Bondi Icebergs. For something a little easier on the hip pocket, head to Bondi Beach Burrito Company, or the always good Hurricanes Grill. Closer to the city, Darlinghurst is a good place to for cool bars and nightclubs – check out the little bars on Stanley St then head up to Oxford St for a night of dancing.
Avoid the constant temptation of fast food in the CBD by heading to Chinatown for some of the best food that this city has to offer! Don’t expect just Chinese cuisine either, this is the area for Malaysian, Japanese, Taiwanese and more. The best dumpling houses can be found tucked away in arcades. Chinese Noodle Restaurant on Quay St is a particular highlight.
The north of Sydney is lucky enough to have a food option that stays open 24 hours and has good food! Maisy’s Café on Military Road in Neutral Bay is the perfect option for late-night dining. If you’re keeping more regular hours, check out the North Sydney Hotel for some of the best pub food that side of the bridge.
Nightlife After eating delicious food and gazing out to sea, a drink is in order. Again, Bondi Icebergs is a good choice for a classy cocktail and B-grade celebrity spotting. For a more unusual tipple, check out Rum Diaries (which is just as it sounds, a rum bar) or for live music, make a visit to Bondi’s Beach Road Hotel, which features great beers on tap and a gig or DJ every night!
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Nightlife Don’t be put off by the bars lining George St. Instead, check out the alleyways, back doors and hidden entries of the CBD. Thanks to a small bar revival, with a little investigation you can find amazing bars tucked away in the CBD. Highlights include Grandma’s Bar, a replica of your grandmother’s lounge room tucked under a guitar store that serves cocktails in cute teacups, the Baxter Inn and GoodGod Small Club, a ‘danceteria’, with DJs every night of the week and cocktails named after Chevy Chase!
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Nightlife North Sydney’s nightlife, long ago a bit of a dead zone, has recently taken off with venues like Hugo’s Manly, Newport Arms Hotel and the Rag and Famish stepping up their game to offer bars and nightspots to rival Sydney’s inner city.
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$7.99
Inner West Sydney Food If you’re in the mood for Thai, Newtown’s King St will answer your prayers. Almost every second store is home to a Thai restaurant. The tricky part is finding your favourite - Insider Guides recommends Newtown Thai II and Thai La Ong. If Thai won’t hit the spot check out the more unusual cuisines on offer – Na Zdrowie on Glebe Point Road offers amazing Polish food (and a vodka list longer than any you’ll ever have seen!) Nightlife The inner west’s nightlife is dominated by pubs. Newtown’s Courthouse, Enmore’s Sly Fox and Glebe’s AB Hotel are consistently popular and serve good cold beer for reasonable prices. If you’re after something a bit fancier, check out one of the many new small bars - from Corridor in Newtown, to Enmore’s Midnight Special and Glebe’s The Little Guy.
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Western Sydney Food Parramatta is home to an exciting mix of cuisines, boasting over 180 restaurants cafés and bars. Go to Church St for modern outdoor dining, George St for beer gardens and cool cafés and Harris Park for some of the best Indian restaurants in Australia.
Café • Piz
COFFEE! $2.99
Nightlife There are plenty of great pubs in the area such as the Albion Hotel and the Roxy Hotel. The latter was developed into a huge entertainment complex and it receives world class acts on a regular basis. The Parramatta Leagues Club is also an interesting place to check out. It houses various restaurants and bars as well as the Parramatta Eels NRL (Rugby League) club.
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PUSH
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COFFEE CULTURE Thanks to European immigration after World War II, Australians now have a taste for coffee. It’s almost a necessity for existence here and the café culture reflects this well. Almost every restaurant, petrol station, pub and lunch bar will serve coffee. Little cafés with outdoor seating are found everywhere in the city centre and wherever there are shops or lots of people to be found, there’ll be a café hidden somewhere. Coffee is taken seriously here and no visit to the city is complete without tasting some of the finest brews. How much will it cost? Depending on where you go, you should be able to find a decent coffee for around $3-$4. Most cafés also sell some sort of cake, pastry or savoury snack which can cost anywhere from $3 to $10. When would I drink this? Coffee in Australia is recommended to be drunk any time! Start with a quick one for breakfast, meet a friend in the afternoon for an iced coffee, then have a hot chocolate after a long day studying.
Cafe Latte
Flat White
Cappuccino
Coffee Shot Milk Foam Steamed Milk
Espresso
Macchiato
Long Black
Chocolate Syrup or Powder Hot Water
Hot Chocolate
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Black Tea
White Tea (cold milk)
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www.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au
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CAFÉS & BREAKFASTS Waking up early and heading out to meet your friends for breakfast is the perfect way to start your weekend. Luckily, there are plenty of cafés and coffee spots that serve up some delicious early morning dishes. Typically, breakfast is served until 11am, but some places around Sydney serve ‘all day’ breakfasts. This works well for those who like to sleep in.
Bourke Street Bakery
Me & Art
Single Origin Roasters
633 Bourke St, Surry Hills Who can go past great baked goods? Some of the best in Sydney can be found at Bourke Street Bakery in Surry Hills. Each day, Bourke Street makes a delicious selection of fresh breads, pastries and pies. Most are priced below $5 and the coffee is also fantastic. A word of warning though – be prepared to wait in line some days as this is one of the most popular bakery cafés in Sydney!
62 Mary St, Sydney Half art gallery/ half café, this tiny place is something a bit different. The art is Japanese Contemporary and is always changing. The whole place is considered a live art installation where even your coffee is part of the art.
60-64 Reservoir St, Surry Hills The coffee is sourced, roasted and brewed for you by the talented team in their café. The breakfast and lunch menus as well as the blend change from week to week, so you’ll need an adventurous spirit, but it’s all delicious so you won’t be risking your palate too far. Pop next door to their Sideshow where you can sample multiple coffees.
9699 1011
www.bourkestreetbakery.com.au
Clipper Café 16 Glebe Point Rd, Glebe Did you skip breakfast before uni? Never fear – in Glebe, the best little café is waiting for you. It’ll get delicious food onto your plate, a paper in your hand and coffee pumping through your veins – all before you have to be at your lecture! There’s a menu full of breakfast favourites and some surprises – such as French toast with bacon and maple syrup. Coffee is consistently well made. Meals are under $15 with most under $10, and coffee is a very reasonable $3. 0411 800 063
0409 069 430
www.meandart.com.au
Brickfields 206 Cleveland St, Chippendale This bakery café is a great place to head for breakfast. The beef brisket is definitely the best choice here, it will melt in your mouth! Although, if you feel like a vegetarian option then the fried eggplant is certainly worth a try. 9698 7880
Suzie Q Coffee & Records 1/18 Hutchinson Street, Surry Hills Go for the coffee, leave with a record. All the meals are named after famous songs and there are cool plants spread around. The place is owned by a DJ so you know the music will always be great. The food’s not bad either! 9332 2739
www.suzieqcoffee.com.au
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9211 0665
www.singleorigin.com.au
How would you like your eggs? There are several ways to have your eggs served. If you have a preference be sure to let the waiter know.
Fried Pan fried, often with oil.
Poached Boiled in water, with no oil or salt.
Scrambled Beaten and cooked in a pan, usually mixed with some herbs and cheese.
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BUDGET EATS Looking for a cheap place to eat? These are the sorts of places you should check out. Most of the meals are under $10 and all are close to the city universities - perfect for a mid-study break!
Din Tai Fung
Cho Dumpling King
World Square Shopping Centre, 644 George St, Sydney Din Tai Fung is visible from a distance - due to the constant queue of hungry dumpling fans who wait outside to enjoy some of the best Sydney has to offer. Although Din Tai Fung is part of an international chain, with restaurants everywhere from Malaysia to the United States, this is true quality. The staff apply such precision to the art of dumpling creation that any bun without the required number of folds is discarded. You can peep at the dumpling artist through the glass windows as, wearing super-hygenic white suits and hats, they make dumplings with robotic precision. The results? Delicious.
8 Quay St, Haymarket This place is always busy but it is definitely worth waiting for. You get a set plate with a variety of options for $9, can make it large for $10 and throw in a drink for $11. That is amazing value and explains why people are always cramming into this tiny café. Don’t head here for a romantic dinner but it can’t be beaten for a good value meal.
9264 6010
www.dintaifung.com.au
Golden Fang 8/10A City Rd, Chippendale For cheap, fast Chinese you really can’t go past Golden Fang. If you have around $10 in your wallet then head along and feast on Chinese goodness. If you are on a strict budget then the dumplings are amazing for the price. Whatever you choose, there are around 250 options, you will get great value for money here.
9281 2760
The Pie Tin 1A Brown St, Newtown Pie is the ultimate comfort food, so head here for a freshly baked slice if you’re feeling homesick. The artisan bakery is in a light-filled corner shop just off King St. Try the 1-pie and 2-sides $10 lunch special (mushy peas are a must) and take a seat at the big communal table. You won’t be able to resist taking a sweet slice home for dessert. 9519 7880
www.thepietin.com.au
145 Ramsay Rd, Haberfield There is rarely a moment when you don’t have to join a queue at Papa’s, but it’s worth the wait once you bite into one of their sweet Italian pastries. Grab some extra ricotta cannoli to take away if you want to get on someone’s good side they’re what dreams are made of. 9799 9531
www.pasticceriapapa.com.au
Ho’s Dim Sim Kitchen 429 Pitt St, Haymarket A well-kept secret, Ho’s is tucked away on Pitt St, offering the BEST dumplings in the inner city. Not only can you get steaming hot fresh pockets of goodness to eat on your lunch hour, there’s also a selection of take-home packs to curb even the strongest dumpling craving. It’s all super cheap, starting at 50c and heading up to $20 for kilos of take-home dumplings. 9281 2725
9280 1231
www.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au
Pasticceria Papa
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CASUAL RESTAURANTS Sometimes you might feel like a more restaurant-style experience, but you don’t want to part with your precious cash. There are heaps of cheap restaurants around Sydney that serve quality food and have a good atmosphere - not to mention a diverse range of cuisine to choose from.
Mamak
Sultan’s Table
15 Goulburn St, Haymarket An authentic Malaysian restaurant with prices that won’t break the budget. Their roti is sensational and well worth lining up for. This place is eternally busy but once you have eaten here you will know why. There are plenty of great options in Chinatown but if you are keen on Malaysian then Mamak should be your destination.
179 Enmore Rd, Enmore Turkish cuisine is brilliant for sharing so grab some friends and head to Sultan’s Table. Their dip platters make for a really social meal and good value meal. If you prefer to eat your own then the kebabs are extremely filling. You certainly will never leave Sultan’s Table hungry!
9211 1668
www.mamak.com.au
An 27 Greenfield Pde, Bankstown In Western Sydney, you’ll be spoiled for choice with delicious cheap dining options, but one of the best has to be An. Specialising in simple but mouth-wateringly tasty pho (hearty beef soup with noodles, beansprouts, lemon and chilli), this Vietnamese favourite comes in massive bowls of goodness for a very reasonable price! It’s a canteen-like restaurant, so it might not be the place to take a date but it’s certainly a yummy and easy meal that will keep you coming back for more.
9557 0229
www.thesultanstable.com.au
Ms G’s 155 Victoria Rd, Darlinghurst In a city full of fantastic Asian restaurateurs, it can be tricky to find something totally new. While some of the menu might come as no surprise, with dishes such as banh mi rolls and prawn toast, others are more unusual, like the ‘Stoner’s Delight’ dessert, that features every junk food you could imagine. Ms G’s has a strict ‘No Reservations’ policy, so get there early or be prepared to sit on one of the cute crates of beer that double as bar seating. 9240 3000
merivale.com.au/msgs
9796 7826
Bootleg Bar and Italian Food 175 Victoria St, Potts Point In the heart of Kings Cross, you can find some high quality little places! Bootleg Bar and Italian Food, while still being able to fulfil your chocolate-cocktail cravings, also serve a mean espresso and have some to-die-for late night cake treats. With friendly staff and a cosy interior, this is the right place to escape the King’s Cross crazy (even if just for a little while). 9361 3884 www.bootlegbar.com.au
Al Aseel 4/173 Waterloo Rd, Bankstown Food that’s made for sharing is what you’ll find at Al Aseel and it won’t put much of a dent in your pocket! With gigantic share plate mains mostly under $15, bring a crowd to tuck in to fattoush salad, lemon and garlic chicken and incredible lamb skewers. With some of the cheapest and most authentic Lebanese food in Sydney and a delicious atmosphere, Al Aseel is well worth the trip to Bankstown. 9758 6744
www.alaseel.com.au
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PUBS & STUDENT HANGOUTS Pubs are a central part of Australian culture and they used to be known as ‘public houses’. In Sydney, you’ll find a pub on most streets in the CBD. In recent years, most of the pubs around Sydney have upgraded their looks and their kitchens, now serving some fantastic food as well as offering a wider range of beverages. Pubs aren’t just a place to have a drink and a feed either. Many pubs can also serve as a live music venue and even host trivia nights.
Bar Broadway
The Porterhouse
Cnr of Regent Street and Broadway, Sydney Perfectly positioned across the road from the University of Technology Sydney, Bar Broadway is a well-worn student haunt. Offering cheap games of pool, happy hour drink specials and, since the recent addition of Mama Wong’s Garden Restaurant, cheap food, this is the perfect post-class hangout. If the weather is nice (and you don’t mind being exposed to Sydney’s peak-hour traffic), grab one of the outdoor tables, which are constantly full to the brim with regulars and locals.
233 Riley St, Surry Hills With a name like The Porterhouse, you’d be forgiven for coming to this pub expecting one thing – and you won’t be disappointed! This is the place to get your fill of juicy steaks, especially each Thursday night, as the Porterhouse dishes steaks from midday to 9pm that’ll only cost you $10!
9211 2321
www.barbroadway.com.au
Grandma’s Bar Basement Level, 275 Clarence St, Sydney Grandma’s Bar is everything you’d hope for in an underground nanna retreat; rocking chairs, knitting needles and mismatched memorabilia, but with a cocktail list that’ll knock your crocheted socks off. The crowd is a mixture of arty types and after-workers, drinking and chatting wherever they can find some space. The only food is jaffles (toasted sandwiches) as well-made drinks are the main attraction. 9264 3004
grandmasbarsydney.com.au
www.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au
9211 4454
www.porterhouse.com.au
The Mean Fiddler Corner of Commercial Rd & Windsor Rd, Parramatta Oh the luck of the Irish! The Mean Fiddler’s huge courtyard is one of the best spots to enjoy a few cold pints in Western Sydney. From humble starts back in 1826, the Mean Fiddler is now an amazing entertainment hub, boasting five bars and plenty of live music. 9629 4811
www.meanfiddler.com.au
Grasshopper 1 Temperance Lane, Sydney After missing the ‘right’ alley a couple of times, you’ll be in need of a drink when you finally stumble into the Grasshopper. Spirits served in jam jars, bottled beers and numbered cocktails are the order of the
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day, and there are quality bar snacks on the chalkboard to go with them. The dim lighting and obscure location make you feel like you’re in on a secret. 9947 9025
www.thegrasshopper.com.au
Soda Factory 16 Wentworth Ave, Surry Hills Head in through a hot dog shop (it’s not real but you can get awesome hot dogs inside!) and continue through the 50s style soft drink machine. There is always something to enjoy at the Soda Factory. Most nights feature live music but Monday nights are more laid back with a free movie, free popcorn and cheap food and drinks. 8096 9120
www.sodafactory.com.au
Black Penny 648 Bourke St, Redfern This place is all about local; local beer, local produce and local music. So if you are looking for a way to experience the local way of doing things then Black Penny is a great place to start. There are plenty of specials throughout the week, including a weekday happy hour with drinks and bar snacks for only $5. 9319 5061
www.blackpenny.com.au
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COCKTAIL BARS If you feel like getting a little dressed up and acting sophisticated for a night, heading out to one of Sydney’s cocktail bars is the way to go. Be prepared to spend some cash - most cocktails cost around $14-$19, so keep your eyes out for happy hours or specials. Buying shared drinks such as Sangria or ordering a bottle of wine can be an effective way of cutting costs.
Vasco 421 Cleveland St, Surry Hills Do you love rock’n’roll? If so, you need to get to Vasco! The whole place has a rock’n’roll vibe and that makes it an amazing place to hang out. The menus are old record covers, the walls are covered in memorabilia and there is a range of amazing cocktails. Make sure you check out the hotdogs! 0406 775 436
www.vascobar.com
Baxter Inn 152-156 Clarence St, Sydney Don’t be put off by the stairs down to this basement bar, it’s definitely worth it! It doesn’t look like much from the outside but this is one of the best new bars in Sydney. Great fun and great drinks (including some great whiskies if that’s your thing) , this candlelit bar makes for a fun night out. www.thebaxterinn.com
Absinthe Salon
Island Bar
87 Albion St, Surry Hills Absinthe may be associated with green fairies and debauchery but you’ll find if you go to the Absinthe Salon that it makes for a relaxed and palatable night out. The owners are knowledgeable and happy to talk you through their vast range of absinthes, as well as how to use the scientific looking equipment needed to adjust the strength of your drink. Bookings are essential.
Cockatoo Island, Sydney The Island Bar is a dream weekend destination. Set on the shore of Cockatoo Island, this bar serves up tropicalinspired cocktails and sits you in deck chairs to drink. With views of Sydney’s iconic Harbour Bridge, a visit to Island Bar feels like a holiday, all for the price of a cocktail (they range from $9-$20) and ferry ticket.
9211 6632
www.absinthesalon.com.au
Eau De Vie 229 Darlinghurst Rd, Darlinghurst Hidden away in the back of the Kirketon Hotel, this spectacular little cocktail bar serves up some of the most deliciously innovative drinks in Sydney. The staff are some of the nation’s best bar staff, which adds another dimension to the classic vintage vibe that hits you as you walk in. With prices a bit out of the average student’s budget, it’s still worth experiencing Eau De Vie. 0422 263 226 eaudevie.com.au/sydney
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0420 220 885
www.theislandbar.com.au
Grandma’s Bar Basement Level, 275 Clarence St, Sydney Grandma’s Bar is everything you’d hope for in an underground nanna retreat; rocking chairs, knitting needles and mismatched memorabilia, but with a cocktail list that’ll knock your crocheted socks off. The crowd is a mixture of arty types and after-workers, drinking and chatting wherever they can find some space. The only food is jaffles (toasted sandwiches) as well-made drinks are the main attraction. 9264 3004
grandmasbarsydney.com.au
www.insiderguides.com.au
NIGHTCLUBS For those who love to party and dance the night away, the Sydney nightclub scene is definitely for you. With a range of different clubs, there’s sure to be at least one that tickles your fancy and keeps you out past your bedtime.
ARQ
Colombian
16 Flinders St, Darlinghurst A well-established gay venue, this big venue hosts staples like free Thursday night amateur drag (you’ll need a cocktail) and Saturday’s Dance Dance Dance. Get in before 11pm to save on the cover charge, or if you love it invest in a membership. If it’s good enough for Lady Gaga, it’s definitely good enough for you.
117-125 Oxford St, Darlinghurst It’s free, gay-friendly and they alway close very late, so this place is a lot of fun. There’s a relaxed atmosphere to the main bar located near the street entrance. Enjoy chilled drinks here or move onto the lounge where things really heat up. The red decor sets the perfect party mood and you can find an intimate spot to enjoy one of their amazing cocktails.
9380 8700
www.arqsydney.com.au
Home Bar Cockle Bay Wharf, 101 Wheat Rd, Darling Harbour This is another massive dance complex that makes for the perfect venue to party in all night. Be sure to take a look out the windows while you’re there and maybe sneak in a camera for those amazing views of the harbour. With seven different dance floors, this is a good place to go with a big group who have different tastes or with that friend who just can’t make up their mind! 9266 0600 www.homesydney.com
9360 2151
www.colombian.com.au
Soho 171 Victoria St, Potts Point This is an established clubbing spot in Sydney and your clubbing experience almost requires a visit here. Full of a young crowd of partiers and home to some of Sydney’s top DJs, you’ll have to get dancing to keep up. Come here on Fridays for $5 drinks all night and $10 cocktails at happy hour. 9358 6511
www.sohobar.com.au
Cover Charge / Entry Fee Most nightclubs will charge a cover, but often if you arrive before 9pm you will avoid having to pay it. Otherwise, messaging the venue on Facebook can sometimes get you on the door.
AND Level 4, 500 Oxford St, Bondi Junction Sydney’s clubs are starting to spread out of their usual spots - instead of parties just happening in huge, heaving dance floors on Oxford St and in Kings Cross, new, underground clubs are beginning to appear all over the city. The latest of these is called AND. Weirdly enough, it’s hidden in Westfield Shopping Centre in Bondi Junction. With impressive design and fun features like a large-scale jigsaw puzzle, karaoke booths, and even a room that looks like a submarine, this is the place to go if you want a crazy, out-of-the-ordinary night on the town.
The ivy 330 George St, Sydney The ivy is a popular club complex in the centre of Sydney. Even the celebs hang here so be sure to arrive early to avoid lines. It’s free on Fridays before 10pm. Many people go there for the stamp first and then go to Bar Century above Hungry Jack’s for cheap drinks. Definitely a good place to be in summer on Wednesdays if you can reach the pool on the roof! 9240 3000
www.merivale.com/ivy
www.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au
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Prime Minister’s Australian University Teacher of the Year – Professor James Arvanitakis 2012 (left) and Professor Roy Tasker 2011 (right)
UWS welcomes our international students. At the University of Western Sydney (UWS), our international students will learn from lecturers whose passion is teaching and learning excellence. Our dedicated teaching staff includes the winners of the prestigious Prime Minister’s Australian University Teacher of the Year* award. Professor Roy Tasker (2011) and Professor James Arvanitakis (2012) each received the award for their outstanding record of advancing student learning, education leadership and scholarly contribution to teaching and learning in Australia
Learn more about UWS www.uws.edu.au internationalstudy@uws.edu.au +61 2 9852 5499 CRICOS Provider Code 00917K *Awarded by the Australian Government Office of Learning and Teaching (OLT) for teachers who are renowned for excellence in their fields and who have made a broad and deep contribution to enhancing the quality of learning and teaching in higher education in Australia.
LATE NIGHT EATS Sometimes you just want to get a decent feed, but it’s after 10pm. Most places stop serving dinner at 9pm, and a lot of restaurants and cafés are shut. Luckily, there are still a few good places serving delicious food after most people have headed off to bed.
Maisy’s Café
Pancakes on the Rocks
Café Hernandez
Shop 1, 164 Military Rd, Neutral Bay One of Sydney’s few 24 hour cafés, Northern Sydney’s Maisy’s is constantly buzzing - whether it’s 7am or 11pm! Famous for good coffee, a contemporary menu, and ‘famous’ basket delivery (you’ll have to visit to find out exactly what that is), Maisy’s is perfect for a study-procrastination visit, late-night hunger attack, or just a comfortable afternoon coffee. Best of all, their full menu is available 24 hours.
4 Hickson Rd, The Rocks, Sydney Pancakes on the Rocks delivers American-style pancakes and delicate crepes in one of the oldest and most beautiful locations in Sydney. You can choose from savoury or sweet pancakes and even bring along that friend who doesn’t feel like pancakes so they can get a pizza, salad or steak.
60 Kings Cross Rd, Potts Point A couple of blocks from the flashing lights of Kings Cross, this local Spanish institution is oddly comforting with an eclectic mix of wall-to-wall art and patrons. Pop in for coffee and cake any time of the day or night and try a bon bon (espresso with sweet condensed milk) or a horchata if coffee isn’t your thing.
9908 4030 www.maisys24.com.au
Badde Manors 1/37 Glebe Point Rd, Glebe The cosy corner café Badde Manors is a Sydney institution. Established over 30 years ago, in the style of ‘50s and ‘60s bohemian coffee houses, Badde Manors attracts everyone from students to businessmen for its late-night hot chocolates, delicious desserts and wide range of vegetarian options. With eclectic vintage furniture and wide bay windows looking out onto the busy restaurant strip of Glebe Point Road, Badde Manors is set to become one of your local favourites. 9660 3797
www.baddemanorscafé.com
www.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au
9247 6371
9331 2343
www.pancakesontherocks. com.au
www.caféhernandez.com.au
Mary’s
Cinque
6 Mary St, Newtown Hip yet grungy, Mary’s is an awesome place to spend time. Most of that time should be used enjoying the amazing burgers and fried chicken! So if you are in the Newtown area prepare to lose a lot of hous here.
261 King St, Newtown King St is the hub of Sydney’s late night café scene and Cinque stays open later than most. If you’re up for an alcohol-free night try their Italian hot chocolate, so thick your spoon stands on end! The location is central, great for people watching and next door to an art-house cinema if you’re up for a film.
9550 4995
Santa Barbara 1 Bayswater Rd, Kings Cross If you do happen to find yourself anywhere near the giant Coke sign, then pop in to Santa Barbara. Located under the sign, this is the best late night venue anywhere in this area. Sunday nights in particular are great, with a range of drinks for $5!
9519 3077
9357 7882
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THE STUDENT KITCHEN (TIPS)
At Home
At The Store
Freezing bread
Buy Home/Store Brand
If you won’t use a whole loaf then freeze some. Your toaster has a defrost function so you can always grab some out for toast.
They are often made in the same places as the more expensive brands and represent a significant saving.
Buy frozen veggies Vegetables are essential for your diet but can lead to a lot of wastage. There is nothing wrong with having frozen vegetables and only using what you need. Freeze meat If you have a freezer then you can buy meat when it is on sale and bring it out when you need it. Leftovers Whether for the next day’s lunch or dinner, leftovers are a great way of stretching food further, reducing wastage and saving money.
Buy non-perishable items in bulk If you have the space then buying foods that won’t perish in bulk will save you money. End of day specials At the end of the day stores are looking to clear stock, so it is a great time to grab a bargain. Use coupons Several stores still distribute coupons; take them with you to save money off their products. Check the unit prices The product on sale, or even the biggest item, may not be the cheapest. Make sure you check the unit price for the best value.
The Staples Top Ten Foods That Should be in Every Student Kitchen These foods are cost effective, healthy and versatile. Brown Rice = $3.50/kg Tinned Tomatoes = 65c for 400g tin Canned Tuna = $2.50 for 400g can Pasta = 70c for 500g Potatoes = $3/kg Eggs = $4.50/dozen Beans = $1.50 for 400g Onions = $2/kg Oats = $1.50 for 700g bag Soup = $2 for 500g
Food Safety On food packaging you will often see the words ‘Use by’ and ‘Best Before’ – ‘Use by’ means exactly that; don’t use the product past that date. Once best before dates pass the product may not taste quite as good and is reaching the end of its shelf life. Leftovers – As mentioned, leftovers are a great way of saving money but make sure they have been refrigerated. Let them cool down but make sure you put them in the fridge within 2 hours after cooking.
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www.insiderguides.com.au
The Housemate’s Code
Recycling
Living with other people is often an essential way of living for university students. However, it can turn into a nightmare. Often that is due to a problematic housemate. So, follow our housemate etiquette guide to make sure that’s not you!
Personal Items Respect the personal items of your housemates. Don’t use their things without permission and don’t assume because you’ve used something once they will always be okay with you using it again.
Privacy Don’t enter your housemate’s personal space without permission, especially if they aren’t around. Even if you claim to be okay with people doing that to you, it does not mean they feel the same way.
Party vs Quiet Time Cans This includes aluminium and steel cans. Glass If you have an empty glass bottle, you can recycle it. Remember to take the tops off!
Discuss your commitments with your housemates to determine which times are quiet times. There is nothing wrong with partying as long as it suits all housemates.
Smoking Most rental properties in Australia are non-smoking indoors. If your housemates are uncomfortable with smoking then do not light up right next to them.
Paper & Card This includes newspapers, junk mail, milk cartons, printer paper etc. Remember to remove any plastic wrapping! Plastics This includes milk bottles, soft drink bottles, juice bottles etc. Remember to take the tops off!
www.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au
Money Make sure you pay your rent and bills on time and never rely on your housemates to cover your share. Also, don’t buy something and expect your housemates to chip in without discussing it with them first.
Cleaning The cleaning of communal spaces should be a shared job so make sure you do your part. This often works best if you work out a schedule of chores unless all housemates have tasks they prefer doing. Also even though your personal space is yours, it is still part of the overall space so try to keep it at least reasonably tidy.
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ENTERTAINMENT
INTRODUCTION It’s hard to avoid being entertained in Sydney. With a thriving live music and arts scene, and year-round festivals, there are constant, affordable, ways to avoid your assignments at hand.
more, it’s easy and fun to fill your time.
With the Sydney Festival over the summer (that attracts a wide variety of world-class music and performers), Sydney Film Festival, music festivals such as Big Day Out and
Outside the festival scene, it’s also easy to be entertained at one of Sydney’s many live performance venues. Check out the Annandale for rock, Oxford Art Factory for indie and
Sydney is also emerging as a world-class city for artistic expression, with a Biennale of Sydney, Sydney Fringe and Sydney Comedy Festival.
clubs like the Standard and the Abercrombie for dance parties. For an authentic Aussie entertainment experience, head to one of the many weekly sporting events. Over the summer, head to the Sydney Cricket Ground to take part in the fun of cricket in the sun, and in winter, check out the rugby league season in full swing at stadiums across Sydney.
Social Networks All the latest music, movies and events. www.facebook.com/sydneyunleashed
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NEED TO KNOWS Ticket Sales If you’re planning on going to a concert or sporting match while you’re in Australia, you’ll need to buy tickets. Most ticket buying takes place on the Internet through a couple of national websites. If you’re buying for a festival, those tickets are usually available through the festival’s website. www.ticketek.com.au www.ticketmaster.com.au www.moshtix.com.au
Student Discounts Being a student certainly has its advantages, especially where live entertainment is concerned. If you enjoy a bit of live theatre, but don’t like the price, you can easily get a discount if you’re under 30.
Orientation Week Also called ‘O-Week’, this introductory week to uni is time to get settled in while having some fun. University campuses become a hive of activity as clubs are showcased, tours are run and introductory lectures are given. Some universities also have concerts, dances, fairs, and more to help everyone meet in a relaxed environment. It’s highly recommended that you don’t forget the academic stuff because this is the best time to get a library tour. Some very important information is given out in these first lectures.
Cultural Events There are many celebrations from around the world that Aussies embrace with a passion and commit to making them a great day out. Sydney is a multicultural hub of excitement too! Many of the nationalities that make it a culture capital have their own events throughout the year.
Gay and Lesbian The gay and lesbian scene is large in Australia, and as such there are hundreds of events around the country that have developed a massive following. Whether it is at the hundreds of gay venues scattered around the country, or at big outdoor festivals and parades, there are many ways to engage with this community. Check out this website: www.samesame.com.au
www.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au
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LIVE SPORTS
Football
Rugby
What’s the name of the league?
What’s the name of the league?
Australian Football League (AFL).
National Rugby League (NRL).
Who are the teams?
Who are the teams?
Sydney has two teams playing in the national AFL comp - the Sydney Swans and Greater Western Sydney Giants.
The NRL has 16 teams, with ten clubs based in NSW. Teams based in Sydney include the Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks, Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles, Parramatta Eels, South Sydney Rabbitohs and the Sydney Roosters.
Where do they play? When playing in NSW, the Sydney Swans play their home games at the Sydney Cricket Ground in Moore Park, and the Giants play at Skoda Stadium, Olympic Park. The big games and derbies are normally played at the larger ANZ Stadium in Homebush. How much does it cost? Student tickets range from $16.50 $46.50. Who’s the captain of the team?
There are several grounds that host NRL games across the suburbs of Sydney. How much does it cost? General admission tickets for a footy match range from $12 - $42. Who are some star players?
The current Sydney Swans captain is Jarrad McVeigh. For the Giants it’s Phil Davis and Callan Ward.
Some star players include Greg Inglis (Rabbitohs), Paul Gallen (Sharks), Sonny Bill Williams (Roosters) and Benji Marshall (Tigers).
Who are some star players?
Interesting Facts
Sydney Swans’ star players include Adam Goodes and Lewis Jetta. For the Giants it’s Jeremy Cameron.
The South Sydney Rabbitohs were once co-owned by Hollywood superstar Russell Crowe.
Interesting Facts
There’s a traditional rivalry between the South Sydney Rabbitohs and the Sydney Roosters.
Since 1995, the Swans are the only team not to have missed the finals for consecutive seasons.
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Where do they play?
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Cricket
Soccer (Football)
What’s the name of the league?
What’s the name of the league?
There are a number of different cricket leagues in Australia, but each state has a team in the Sheffield Shield series.
The Hyundai A-League. Who are the teams? Sydney has two teams in the A-League, Sydney FC and Western Sydney Wanderers.
Who are the teams? NSW has a team called the Blues. Where do they play?
Where do they play?
Some Sheffield Shield cricket matches in Sydney take place at the Sydney Cricket Ground. Others are played at the Blacktown International Sportspark.
Games take place at the Allianz Stadium, in Moore Park (Sydney FC) and Parramatta Stadium (Wanderers). How much does it cost? Tickets are between $18 - $45 depending on where you want to sit.
How much does it cost? About $15 - $20.
Who’s the captain of the team?
Who’s the captain of the team?
The captain of Sydney FC is Alessandro Del Piero and for the Wanderers it’s Michael Beauchamp.
The captain of the Blues is Ben Rohrer. Who are some star players?
Who are some star players?
Some of the star players include David Warner, Mitchell Starc, Patrick Cummins and Michael Clarke.
Both sides have big name international marquee players, for Sydney it is the Italian legend Alessandro Del Piero and for WSW it is the Japanese Shinji Ono. Interesting facts Western Sydney finished top of the league in 2012/13, their first year in the competition!
Getting Social Joining a sports team at your university or a local club is a great way of making new friends. Not only are you staying fit, but you are also meeting people with at least one common interest!
www.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au
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LIVE MUSIC Punk & Metal If heavy guitar riffs are your thing then Sydney has got plenty to keep you entertained. Get out there and into the moshpit! Where? The Newtown Social Club, unsurprisingly in Newtown, hosts regular punk gigs. Every Thursday The Exchange Hotel hosts a punk night called Hot Damn! featuring punk bands, DJ’s and an indoor skate ramp.
Who? Sydney consistently spawns new punk and metal bands but some of the legends of the scene include Frenzal Rhomb and The Hard Ons. These bands are still playing, as are plenty of young, up and coming bands. How Much? You should be able to catch a lot of local acts for around $10. If a bigger band comes to town you may be looking at about $50.
Folk For a laid back musical experience head along to one of the various folk nights around town. Grab a beer and maybe even have a singalong.
Where? Most weeknights you will find some troubadour singing their heart out at The Hollywood Hotel. Wednesday night at The Oxford Art Factory is Folk Night while Café Lounge is also worth a visit for their variety of musicians.
Who? Angus Stone is a Sydney local and is often around, when he isn’t on a big jet plane! If you want to check out a less established act then The Poet and The Thief are worth a listen.
Pop Sydney is home to some extremely popular acts and also on the touring circuit of the world’s best acts. Where? The big internationals are likely to play at the Allphones Arena or Sydney Entertainment Centre. Local
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pop music acts will often play at The Enmore or Metro Theatre.
Springsteen and Rihanna.
Who?
Local acts may be under $50 but the touring acts are always really expensive. The cheapest tickets to these concerts will be $100 or more.
Most of the big global tours will include a Sydney date so you have the chance to see some of the world’s hottest acts. Recent examples have included Beyonce, Bruce
Entertainment
How Much?
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Hip Hop This is a genre that is constantly expanding and moving more into the mainstream. There are not really any hip hop specific clubs but many venues host occasional gigs. Who? The Sydney hip hop scene is growing stronger and stronger with new acts constantly appearing. Local acts making a big impact include
Urthboy, Horrorshow, Bliss n Eso, Spit Syndicate and Chance Waters. How Much? Many emerging acts play at clubs so you will have to pay their regular door fee of under $20. Touring or international groups may charge up to $50.
DJs Home to some of Australia’s most famous international dance acts, Sydney has a great DJ scene. Where? The best place to see Sydney dance legends in action is at one of the many nightclubs. For straight-up electro and dubstep, head to the home of Bang Gang
and Starf***ers DJs, King’s Cross’ Club 77. For a more alternative DJ experience, check out The Abercrombie Hotel on a Saturday night for Strange Fruits. Who? Keep your eye out at indie or punk gigs for emerging DJs playing between sets.
How much? Most of the time you’ll just need to pay the club entry fee to see your favourite DJ. But if you want to see a well-known international star, tickets can cost you a fair bit. It helps if you like the club on Facebook where you can sometimes get onto a VIP list.
Indie & Rock If you love a bit of guitar based music then Sydney has got you covered. All across Sydney you will catch great local and visiting bands playing. Where? Darlinghurst’s Oxford Art Factory is a venue geared towards indie music and hosts gigs most nights. Larger Australian and International acts may play at The Enmore or the Metro.
www.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au
Who? The Jezabels and Matt Corby are two recent success stories from the Sydney indie scene. Local up and coming acts worth checking out include Rosie Catalano and Missing Children. How Much? Shows at the Oxford Art Factory will be between $10 and $40 while shows larger acts may charge closer to $100.
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ONLINE ENTERTAINMENT If you don’t care about owning the content and just want to access it, then the Internet provides a world of opportunities.
Streaming Music Spotify
Guvera
A huge database of music that is highly sociable. Often used for sharing music with friends and creating personalisedplaylists.
An Australian company that gives you free access if you interact with brands on their platform. Downloads are also available on this platform and they have a range of independent artists.
Pandora This is a useful way of discovering new music as it is more like internet radio. Playlists are created around a band or song you like to create a personalised radio station for you.
Rdio Follow the ‘tastemakers’ in different genres to discover the latest in new music. This platform is handy for discovering and reviewing music.
Streaming TV TV Stations
Apple TV
Australia’s TV Networks, Seven, Nine, Ten, ABC and SBS all have content available to stream on their websites. All the latest episodes are on there and they last at least until the next episode is aired.
Apple TV gives you the ability to watch series and movies you have downloaded from iTunes on your TV. Using your WiFi you can also stream content from your other Apple devices.
Foxtel Play Foxtel is Australia’s pay tv supplier and is now available on computers and games consoles. Their packages aren’t cheap but can be viewed on three devices so you can split the cost with friends/housemates.
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Telstra T-Box This digital set top box allows you to watch free-to-air TV channels, as well as internet channels, TV shows, BigPond Movies on demand and Foxtel on T-Box (if eligible) when you connect to Telstra broadband.
www.insiderguides.com.au
Free legal advice for International Students To make an appointment call Redfern Legal Centre on 02 9698 7645. You can get free, confidential and independent legal advice about: Your accommodation, your job, money issues, car accidents and fines Discrimination, domestic violence and family law Complaints about colleges or universities How these problems can affect student visas Appointments are in person or via webcam.
rlc.org.au
Redfern Legal Centre
CINEMAS Sydney has a number of cinemas to satisfy a range of tastes. There are also drive-in cinemas and moonlight cinemas, which are perfect on the warmer evenings.
Palace Verona Cinemas
Event Cinemas
17 Oxford St, Paddington Sydney’s foremost art-house cinema, the Palace Verona on Oxford St is one of the best places in the city to catch more unusual flicks. There’s a bar and coffee shop within the cinema too, for you to discuss (and often try to understand) the film after the screening. The average student ticket price is between $10.50 and $14.50 depending when you go.
505-525 George St, Sydney If you’re after a more traditional movie experience, head to the George St Event Cinemas in Sydney’s CBD. With more screens than anywhere else in the inner city, Event has a huge range of flicks to check out and student discounts available everyday. There’s also a Gold Class cinema, where, for a little more cash, you get a recliner chair fitted with a call button that’ll see staff fetch you snacks!
www.palacecinemas.com.au/ cinemas/verona/
Moonlight Cinema Belvedere Amphitheatre, Centennial Park (on the corner of Loch Ave & Broome Ave), Paddington During the warmer months, take advantage of the pleasant evening weather and head outdoors for the Moonlight Cinema experience. Bring along a picnic, group of friends and some pillows to get comfy. Gates open at 6.30pm and screenings start at sundown. If you really want to settle in, a limited number of bean beds are available. Tickets are also a reasonable $16. www.moonlight.com.au
www.eventcinemas.com.au
Govinda’s Cinema and Restaurant 112 Darlinghurst Rd, Darlinghurst A Sydney institution, Govinda’s combines two great activities - dinner and a movie - in one fun, affordable venue. With a vegetarian menu that has a focus on Indian cuisine, you’re encouraged to fill your plate while you catch one of the current-release films that screen. Once you’ve collected enough food to fill up, settle in to one of the cushioned recliner chairs - patrons often take off their shoes and cosy up.
Dendy Cinemas 261-263 King St, Newtown This one is a consistently high-quality cinema that host cool film festivals. Students can get $10 movie tickets by joining their club member program. Members also get discounts at a range of other places such as restaurants, theatres and shops. 9550 5699
www.dendy.com.au
Bondi Open-air Cinema Bondi Pavilion, 1 Queen Elizabeth Dr, Bondi Beach Bondi Open-air Cinema is another outdoor cinema program running in the summer. Local bands perform before the sun goes down and the screen lights up at around 8.15pm. Get there at 5.30pm though to secure your spot! Tickets are $13.90 for concessions. 1300 438 849
www.bondiopenair.com.au
www.govindas.com.au
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Overseas Student Health Cover
Download your free OSHC App
You can now easily manage your OSHC on your iPhone Whether you need to find a doctor, access the number for our OSHC Member Services team 24-hour Helpline or find out how to make a claim, you can do so through our new OSHC iPhone App—at any time of the day, no matter where you are.
What can you do on the app? • Find a doctor near you using your GPS • Order your membership card • Update your OSHC account details • Find all our contact details • Find out how to claim Download the free iPhone App
www.oshcallianzassistance.com.au/app
Allianz Global Assistance OSHC is managed by AGA Assistance Australia Pty Ltd ABN 52 097 227 177 and underwritten by Lysaght Peoplecare Limited ABN 95 087 648 753.
Get ahead in class Call 02 9518 7220 or visit itac.org.au 456 Harris Street, Ultimo
Students get full access to gym and pool at 35% off, only $32.20 per fortnight* *Conditions Apply
www.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au
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GALLERIES If you feel like stimulating your creative side and strolling the hallways of some galleries, there are plenty around Sydney to keep you busy.
Art Gallery of NSW
Museum of Contemporary Art
Art Gallery Rd, The Domain, Sydney The Art Gallery is home to an impressive array of works from Australian and international artists. The permanent collection includes galleries purely dedicated to Indigenous artists, colonial Australian works and of course the European masters of the great art movements. You can also see special exhibitions and temporary art exhibitions including the Archibald Prize entries, which is for portraiture. If all this analysis of art gets too much, there’s always the café to sit in.
140 George St, The Rocks As the name suggests, the Museum of Contemporary Art holds a huge range of modern and recent artworks from Australian and international artists. It first opened in 1991 and has one of the largest and most impressive collections in the country. There’s so much to see here, it’s almost impossible to cover it all in one day. Guided tours are also available and they’re free, making them a great way to see the entire gallery with someone who knows their stuff.
1800 679 278
www.artgallery.nsw.gov.au
Object: Australian Centre for Design 417 Bourke St, Surry Hills Object is one cool place. There’s really no other way to describe it. Nurturing Australia’s design culture, this gallery houses contemporary and modern design in almost every single medium imaginable. It’s free admission too, so it’s a great way to while away the hours. www.object.com.au
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www.mca.com.au
Sydney University Art Gallery Sydney University Although it’s housed at the Sydney University, the University Art Gallery doesn’t hold masterpieces by the budding student artists. Instead, it holds more than 2,600 artworks by Australian, Asian and European artists that have been given to the university or commissioned. Expect to see a whole range of paintings, prints, photography, sculpture and ceramics.
What’s On? The City of Sydney ‘What’s On’ Website provides information on events occurring within the City of Sydney area and includes a search option for free events or events occurring in your local area. The site includes categories such as exhibitions, markets, business events, seminars, food and drink and music. Searches can be completed by category or by the date of the event. Check out the ‘What’s On’ website at: www.whatson.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au
www.sydney.edu.au/museums
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EVENTS CALENDAR JAN
FEB
MAR
Sydney Festival
St Jerome’s Laneway Festival
Future Music Festival
9 - 26 Jan, various locations What better way to celebrate living in this gorgeous city than with a summer festival? Featuring everything and anything that entertains, expect to see music, dance, theatre and visual arts. www.sydneyfestival.org.au
Big Day Out 26 Jan, Sydney Showground Australia’s biggest touring music festival actually started in Sydney and is run by a Sydney company. Featuring a huge line-up of international acts as well as local favourites, the Big Day Out promises a whole day of awesome tunes - it’s an Australian summer tradition! www.bigdayout.com.au
Chinese New Year 24 Jan - 9 Feb, various locations Sydney has a large Asian population - as well as plenty of Aussies who are keen to get in on the action - so Chinese New Year is a big deal. Expect a whole range of celebrations, including markets, traditional dragon boat races and of course, fireworks.
2 Feb, Sydney College of the Arts If you prefer your music a little more underground, the St Jerome’s Laneway Festival will probably be for you. Featuring an eclectic selection of acts from around the world, as well as some of Australia’s best indie artists, it’s a unique festival experience - and one of the cheaper festivals touring the country. www.lanewayfestival.com.au
Mardi Gras 12 Feb - 4 Mar Mardi Gras is the biggest GLBTIQ celebration in the world. The main attraction is the parade, where many people dress up and floats are driven through Oxford Street and down Darlinghurst. Also check out the other events in the Mardi Gras, such as the Fair Day. www.mardigras.org.au
8 Mar, Flemington Racecourse The Future Music Festival always presents an impressive line-up of artists - with a healthy mixture of dance, DJs and live artists too. This year you can expect to see Macklemore and Ryan Lewis, and deadmau5 . www.futuremusicfestival.com.au
St Patrick’s Day 17 Mar, various locations Australia has a rich Irish heritage and Aussies love any excuse for a good party, so St Patrick’s Day becomes a pretty big deal. Most pubs around the city will be filled with all things green, as well as plenty of very thirsty folk.
Holi Mahotsav 21 - 23 Mar, Darling Habour Sydney’s biggest Indian Festival is the Holi Mahotsav. The festival features cultural workshops, meditation and yoga as well as dance and music. Don’t forget the delicious food and unique stalls! www.holimahotsav.com.au
www.sydneychinesenewyear. com.au
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APR
MAY
JUN
Living in Harmony Festival
Vivid Sydney
Sydney Film Festival
Mar - Apr, various locations The Living in Harmony Festival forms part of a national program, the Diversity and Social Cohesion Program; which aims to address issues of cultural, racial and religious intolerance by promoting respect, fairness, inclusion and a sense of belonging for everyone. In 2013 the City will organise the 11th annual Living in Harmony Festival, with opportunities for all to learn more about diverse cultures, people and cultural sites.
23 May - 9 Jun, various locations Another one of Sydney’s famous festivals, Vivid Festival is a music, arts and ideas celebration, with lights, lights, lights. Some of Sydney’s most iconic landmarks are lit up throughout the festival to create a gorgeous nightscape. It’s easily a must-see while you’re in Sydney.
4 - 15 Jun, various locations If you love going to the cinema, you’re going to love the Sydney Film Festival. Featuring the best films from Australia and around the world, the festival also sees filmmakers talk about their craft. Definitely a mustsee for those interested in film and making movie.
www.vividsydney.com.au
Supanova
livinginharmonyfestival.com
Bluesfest 17 - 21 Apr, Byron Bay Get your travelling boots on again and head out to Byron Bay for another stellar festival in this beachside town. It’s easily one of the biggest festivals in the country, featuring hundreds of well-known blues and roots artists. www.bluesfest.com.au
Sydney Writers’ Festival 19 - 25 May, various locations The Sydney Writers’ Festival is a pretty big deal amongst readers, writers and anyone interested in literature. There are hundreds of authors, both local and international, who come out and discuss their works as well as a whole range of different genres. With lectures on fiction, poetry and journalism, it’s definitely worth a look. www.swf.org.au
www.sff.com.au
13 - 15 Jun, Sydney Showground, Olympic Park Have your friends often referred to you as a ‘nerd’? If so, you might find yourself at home at Supanova. It’s essentially heaven for anyone interested in sci-fi and pop culture. You can expect to meet actors from your favourite tv shows and authors of your favourite books. www.supanova.com.au
Good Food & Wine Show 27 - 29 Jun, Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre If sampling a whole range of excellent food and wine from around the country sounds like your kind of thing, the Good Food and Wine Show is for you. There’s also a chance to see world-class chefs in action and sample the finest cuisine. www.goodfoodshow.com.au
www.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au
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JUL
AUG
SEP
State of Origin
SMASH!
Jun - Jul Aussies are sports mad. The State of Origin is the biggest sporting event in NSW as their rugby league team challenges the Queensland team over a 3-game series.
10 - 11 Aug, Sydney Convention Centre This convention is for those dedicated lovers of anime, manga, video games and all things Japanese. Dress up, enter the competitions and register to take part in game playing and other events.
Sydney Underground Film Festival
www.nrl.com
Sydney Whale Watching Mid Jul, various locations Never seen one of the ocean’s most majestic beasts before? This might be your best chance! See the city from the water’s edge before heading out the open ocean on boats, catching a glimpse of the first humpback whale migration of the season. www.sydneywhalewatching.com
Splendour in the Grass Late Jul, North Byron Parklands, Byron Bay Easily one of Australia’s biggest and most revered music festivals, Splendour in the Grass combines everything good - live music, friends and camping. Big names who have previously visited the festival include The Strokes, Jack White, Kanye West and Coldplay. It’s a bit of a drive, but it’s worth it!
Early Sep, various locations The most challenging works of filmmakers are chosen to be part of this film festival, which looks at experimental indie films. Multiple films shown every night of the festival with a feature on opening night.
www.smash.org.au
www.suff.com.au
The Sun-Herald City2Surf
Sydney Fringe
10 Aug, CBD Want to run or walk from the CBD to Bondi Beach with tens of thousands of people for charity? This is a huge event in Sydney, with over 80,000 contestants last year. Raise money for a bunch of charities and enjoy the 14km journey!
Late Sep, various locations Fringe festivals are supposed to bring a whole range of musical, theatrical and comical acts to the general public - and the Sydney Fringe outdoes itself every year. The best thing is that most of the tickets are pretty cheap, so you can see more than one thing!
www.city2surf.com.au
Bellingen Jazz Festival Late Aug, Bellingen Jazz lovers of all types can come to Bellingen to enjoy this long weekend of live music and dancing. The Jazz Festival features some of Australia’s key players in the jazz scene, as well as the up-and-coming talent. Plus, there’s swing dancing (with some lessons).
www.thesydneyfringe.com.au
Listen Out Late Sep, Centennial Park The arrival of Listen Out is the start of the summer festival season. With a mixture of dance, pop and some live acts, the best part about this festival is the venue - the park right in the middle of the city! It’s certainly a unique day out.
bellingenjazzfestival.com.au
www.listen-out.com.au
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www.splendourinthegrass.com
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OCT
NOV
DEC
Art & About
Hola! Mexican Film Festival
Christmas in Sydney
Late Sep – Mid Oct, various locations A free arts festival throughout the city, Art and About is over ten years old and a proven favourite among locals. The public areas of the city are transformed by installation art pieces and street art, giant photos, sculptures and more. Be transfixed, be thoughtful and be inspired as art takes over Sydney for the month. www.artandabout.com.au
Oktoberfest Whole month of Oct, various locations Just another way Australia celebrates it’s multicultural nature is with Oktoberfest - the German festival. It combines everything Aussies love - great food, loud music and good beer.
Neon Run Late Oct, Royal Botanic Gardens This unique event combines running, music and neon lights. Run though an amazing course while wearing neon gear. They will light up under the black lights and lasers used in the course. Each section has a different musical theme and make sure you stick around for the after party with local DJs. www.neonrun.com.au
www.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au
Late Nov - Early Dec, Chauvel Cinemas Mexican culture is just another of the many to have entwined itself in Australia’s cultural background - and it’s all the better for it! The Hola! Mexican Film Festival has a whole bunch of excellent films on offer and tickets are pretty reasonable too! www.holamexicoff.com
Stereosonic Late Nov, Sydney Olympic Park If you love your electronic dance music, you’ll want to be in attendance at Stereosonic. One of Australia’s biggest dance festivals, you can expect all the big names as well as local DJs. This is the real start of the festival season - and summer! www.stereosonic.com.au
Nov - Dec, various locations It’s time to put on your reindeer ears and Santa hats and come join the party, because Christmas 2014 is going to be Sydney’s most fun-filled festive season ever! The city will be sparkling with decorations and choirs will be singing in our streets. After dark things will become even more magical with Sydney Town Hall lit up nightly in an amazing display of festive images and our iconic Martin Place Christmas tree twinkling with thousands of fairy lights. www.sydneychristmas.com.au
New Year’s Eve 31 Dec, Sydney Harbour Bridge The Sydney New Year’s Eve program comprises a number of events leading up to the spectacular Midnight Fireworks. We’re talking about aerial acrobatics (small planes), Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Smoking Ceremonies and more. However, the real show is at midnight on the Harbour Bridge. We recommend checking out the website to find the best place to watch the show from the shore. This is truly spectacular and something you will remember forever. www.sydneynewyearseve.com
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ADVENTURE INTRODUCTION The CBD and surrounding suburbs are full of sights and smells for the curious student. From the beautiful Botanic Gardens to inner city theme parks to wildlife attractions, there’s an adventure to be had by all. With the city located on the Harbour and along the coastline, you’ll want to get out to experience the water sports, sightseeing ferries and the surf. There are also
the hidden delights of the city, which only the locals really know about. Just out of Sydney are some of Australia’s most stunning bushland and mountain ranges. In the north there’s the Hawkesbury River and further north the Nymboi-Binderay National Park where you can white-water raft or bushwalk. To the south there are both marine parks where you can scuba-dive and national parks where you
can experience stunning rainforest and classic Australian bush. To the west are the amazing Blue Mountains. There’s so much to see, we’ve just selected a few of our favourite spots to include in this section. Soon you’ll understand how Sydney locals take advantage of their beautiful city.
Top Five - Best viewpoints 1) Kirribilli Ave, Kirribilli 2) Observatory Hill, The Rocks 3) Sydney Harbour Bridge Pylon Lookout 4) Cremorne Wharf, Milson Road 5) Balmain Sailing Club, Balmain
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NEED TO KNOWS Airfares Travelling Australia by plane can be a pretty cheap way to get around - you just need to look for a bargain. Keep your eyes on the budget airlines Jetstar, Tiger and Virgin – you can often get deals for under $100 one way!
Air Bnb If you are looking for cheap accommodation then definitely check out AirBnB.com.au. This awesome service allows people to hire out their properties for short term stays. For less money than a hotel room you can stay in someone’s cool apartment while they don’t need it. www.airbnb.com.au
Cheap Accommodation Being a student means you probably don’t have a whole lot of money to spend on luxurious accommodation. Luckily Australia has plenty of cheap places to stay – keep your eyes out for hostels, backpackers or motels when you’re travelling. Check out websites like Lastminute and Wotif for regular specials. www.wotif.com www.yha.com.au www.lastminute.com.au
The Seasons The Seasons Australian seasons are the opposite of those in the Northern hemisphere. Australian summers start in December and end in March, and winters start in June through to August. Expect plenty of very hot, dry weather in summer and wet, windy days in winter.
Getting Social When attending Orientation week keep an eye out for all the clubs and associations that try to get you involved. Join groups you are passionate about and you will meet plenty of new people with a mutual interest.
www.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au
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CHEAP & FREE ACTIVITIES So you need to save your pennies? Don’t worry! There’s still plenty of stuff to do around Sydney that wont break your bank! Plus, the best thing is, most of these activities are outside so you can see more of the city.
Bridge Walk
Who do I go with? This is a great activity to do with one friend - you can chat as you walk over and enjoy it. Get a view of the city from one of its greatest landmarks - the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Walking over the bridge affords you a 360 degree vista of all Sydney’s beautiful harbour has to offer - and you’ll arrive in North Sydney at the historic Luna Park!
Where do I go? The Sydney Harbour Bridge links Circular Quay with Northern Sydney. Start out at the base of the bridge on the Quayside - you’ll find it at the western side of Sydney Harbour (it’s very hard to miss!).
When should I go? An early evening walk is the most impressive - as you get a 360-degree panorama of the Sydney sunset. How much will it cost? Walking the Sydney Harbour Bridge is free - but doing the organised bridge climb is an unforgettable experience.
Picnic
Also right near Circular Quay are Sydney’s spectacular Royal Botanic Garden. One of Sydney’s first public spaces, the gardens is a spot for serenity and nature right in
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the middle of the city. Find a picnic spot overlooking the water, check out an exhibition in the refurbished greenhouse, or get prickly at the succulent garden - all for free!
Who do I go with?
Where do I go?
The Botanic Garden is open from 10am – 5pm every day of the year.
The Botanic Garden are located at East Circular Quay, just around the corner from the Sydney Opera House.
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Bring a bunch of friends to picnic with, or take a special someone for a romantic garden wander. When should I go?
How much will it cost? Apart from the cost of your picnic, entry to the garden is free!
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GROUP ACTIVITIES These activities are best enjoyed with a group of friends, either on the weekend or during university breaks.
Ice Skating Where should I go? The Macquarie Ice Rink is the best in town and is at the Macquarie Shopping Centre on Waterloo Road in North Ryde. Who should I go with? It seems weird that you would be able to go ice-skating in Sydney, one of the world’s sunniest cities, but indeed you can - and it’s loads of fun.
Take a big group of friends and get ready to fall over, hold onto and trip up each other!
except Christmas Day and operate with day and night sessions. These sessions differ between school term and school holidays, so take care when checking session times on their website. How much will it cost?
They’re open every day
If you go with a group of mates, a skate session is a lot cheaper, with 10-20 friends each getting a go for $20 each, rather than the regular $35.
Google search will find you options.
sunscreen as the beach sun can be harsh.
Where should I go?
Who should I go with?
The easiest beaches to access are Bondi Beach and Coogee – they don’t have scary surf either so are a good starting point.
Take a friend along who is also keen - you’ll have someone to giggle with as you learn.
When should I go?
Bondi
If you’ve been to Bondi Beach already and admired the surfers (c’mon, who hasn’t?), it’s time to get out there and try this typically Aussie activity for yourself. There are many surf schools operating at each of Sydney’s beaches - a quick
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When should I go? Unless you like plunging into icy-cold water, organise your surf adventure for the summer months - but remember to wear and reapply
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How much will it cost? Surf lessons vary in cost but tend to be around $50-$100 a lesson in Sydney. Often, surf schools’ websites will offer special deals, so do your research.
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DAY TRIPS So you’ve settled into the everyday grind of studying and you’re looking to get away for a few hours and see the countryside. There are plenty of great places only an hour or two away from Sydney that are definitely worth seeing.
The Blue Mountains Distance from Sydney: 50km west of Sydney - around an hour and a half train ride from the CBD. The easiest and quickest way to visit the Blue Mountains for a day trip is to catch a CityRail train from the CBD - there are stations throughout the mountains district (we recommend you alight at Katoomba). The Blue Mountains are spectacular, with world-famous, breathtaking views. The main town to check out in the mountains region is Katoomba, home to the picturesque Hydro-Majestic Hotel that’s filled with 1920s charm. But be sure not to just stay in town - instead, get out and explore the beautiful bush with an easy bushwalk - just make sure to do a little research online before you head out – and remember to bring a map!
Wollombi Distance from Sydney: 182km south of Sydney, around two hour’s drive A two hour drive from Sydney, Wollombi (not to be confused with similar-sounding Wollongong) is a picturesque village that will give you a day trip that not only gets you out of the city, but also lets you step back in time. Historically a part of the trade route of
www.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au
Australia’s indigenous peoples, the village is steeped in history, with old buildings, churches and gardens for you to wander around. Get a sense of what social life would have been like in Australia’s early days with a visit to the town’s ‘Tavern’, and be sure to keep an eye out for the wooden sculptures dotted around the town that are the work of local artisans. The easiest way to get to Wollombi is by car.
Wisemans Ferry About 1 hour north of Sydney CBD On the massive Hawkesbury River is a little place to set up camp and do some fishing or water sports. This relaxed place was brought into the spotlight by author Kate Grenville, whose ancestor settled on the river. His house is now a popular and very pleasant accommodation spot that is apparently haunted by the ghost of his first wife. There is plenty of bushwalking in the area too, with National Parks surrounding this spot. hawkesburyaustralia.com.au
Sea Cliff Bridge About 1 hour south of Sydney CBD Opened December 11th 2005, the bridge was built after the old road on the cliffs was being eroded by weather and deemed too much at risk of falling rocks. The Bridge winds around away from the cliff and out over the ocean, providing stunning views. Much like some places in Europe, people have engraved their names on padlocks and locked them onto parts of the bridge. The bridge is located on Lawrence Hargrave Drive.
Jenolan Caves About 2.5 hours west of Sydney CBD The Jenolan Caves are a massive system of underground caves at the heart of the Blue Mountains. There are eleven caves that you can take a guided tour of or you can wander parts of the National Park for yourself. If you’re not feeling like your English is good enough yet, you can take a the self-guided tour which is available in multiple languages. On Saturdays they often hold concerts in the caves, which sound amazing. It costs $20 for a concession tour. 1300 763 311
www.jenolancaves.org.au
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LOCAL SITES One of the best things about arriving in a new city is exploring and discovering those new cultural places. Thankfully, Sydney has plenty of excellent museums and gardens to wander through.
Chinese Gardens of Friendship
Fastlane Karting
South End, Darling Harbour If you’ve never been to China, this little slice of Chinese horticulture will transport you there instantly. Initiated by the local Chinese community, the gardens were built to celebrate Australia’s 1988 bicentenary. The garden features all the traditional Chinese elements a waterfall, koi pond, pagoda and even a teahouse. This is a wonderful little place to wind down, as well as a prime spot for budding photographers. You can spend a few hours here and explore all the paved pathways, and then stop off at the teahouse for some tea and scones, or the more traditional dumplings. www.darlingharbour.com.au
20 Swettenham Rd, Minto Fancy yourself a good PlayStation racecar driver? Find out how you measure up against the legends of the Fastlane Karting’s Hall of Fame, as you race through the 500m outdoor bitumen tracks. Watch out for the tight corners! 9820 4422
www.fastlanekarting.com.au
Powerhouse Museum 500 Harris St, Ultimo The Powerhouse Museum is a museum like no other. Exhibitions include items from Europe, Asia and Australia’s modern history, as well as the latest items from around the world and thought projects exploring the future. You’ll find amazing examples of technology and design in many of the exhibitions they house here, as well as the arts, science and music. Be sure to get yourself along to some of their events as well- it’s not just talks but performances and workshops which can get you up close and involved.
Australian Museum 6 College St, Sydney The biggest and the best museum in the country can be found in Sydney. Expect to spend the best part of a day here, wandering through the many exhibitions on offer. There are often special exhibitions that pass through the museum but the regular installations are just as exciting as well. Make sure you visit the mummy exhibition, the dinosaur room and the skeleton display - but there are plenty of other awesome and quirky things here too. Best of all, it’ll only cost you $8 with your student card. If you want to visit the travelling exhibitions, you’ll need to pay a little extra. Visit the website to see what’s coming up soon. www.australianmuseum.net.au
www.powerhousemuseum.com
Top Five - Best street art spots 1) King St, Newtown 2) University of Sydney graffiti tunnel 3) Bondi Beach Esplanade 4) Foveaux Street, Surry Hills 5) Camperdown Memorial Rest Park, Newtown
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www.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au
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YOUTH HOSTELS I recently travelled along the east coast of Australia, and stayed in YHA hostels along the way. Below are some of the reasons I would recommend hostels over other accommodation options. By Aainaa Ab. Rahman.
Making Friends The hostels were all really social places and I found it easy to make new friends. With great lounge areas and group activities I always felt included. This made the whole experience more enjoyable and I have kept in contact with some of the people I met.
Saving Money Compared to other options, I found hostels a cheap way of travelling. This allowed me to travel for longer, enjoy nights out and go for day trips. Not only was the accommodation cheaper but I could cook food in the kitchens so I didn’t have to always eat out. Often these meals became social events, particularly the barbecues, making it even cheaper and way more fun!
Going on Tours It was great to be able to explore by myself but I also enjoyed going on organised tours. I got to try activities I’d never experienced before and really enjoyed them all. These tours were often in places I would have become completely lost trying to find by myself. The tour guides were always super friendly with great knowledge but rubbish jokes!
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Safe, Clean Accommodation I didn’t book expecting a 5 star hotel but I was really impressed how clean all the hostels were. Everything is set up so you don’t have to worry about anything, well apart from clean underwear! I always felt safe as well which allowed me to enjoy my travels even more. Everyone there is doing the same thing so there is a relaxed, comfortable atmosphere in the hostels.
Friendly Staff The staff at the hostels made the experience even better and were always willing to help out. They suggested a few activities to try and booked tours that I wanted to go on. One night a group of us wanted to have a night out so they told us all about the local bars and the different specials we could get.
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WEEKEND TRIPS If there’s a long weekend coming up, or maybe it’s the mid semester break, it’s always nice to get away for a few days and explore some of the outer parts of the state. There are plenty of great places to visit overnight or for a couple of days.
Wollongong
Newcastle
Berry
Distance from Sydney: 82 kilometres south of Sydney, around an hour’s drive
Distance from Sydney: 162km north of Sydney, about an hour and three-quarter’s drive or 2 hour train trip
Distance from Sydney: 145km south of Sydney, approximately 90 minutes drive.
Newcastle is great if you want to stay in a city - but see somewhere a bit different from Sydney. Just a couple of hours train or car ride from Sydney, Newcastle is a refreshing change, with lots to see and do if you schedule a weekend or week long visit. Originally a coal-mining town, Newcastle has grown to be the secondlargest city in NSW, with spectacular beaches and an emerging arts culture.
For a taste of the country life, while still not venturing too far from Sydney, head south to Berry, a town very suited to its cute name. The small country town, on the South Coast, is famous for its beautiful local surrounds, quaint country houses and hospitality. Berry was the first rural town to be established after British settlement south of Sydney, and you can check out some amazing historical buildings that are still being used in the town. If you can, time your visit to Berry for the first Sunday of the month to catch the famous local markets. In Berry, you’ll also find lots of great local cafés, antique stores and hobby crafts.
Escape from Sydney to the beach-side regional city of Wollongong - only an hour’s drive from Central Sydney! Home to incredible beaches and great cafés (check out Lee and Me), Sydney’s southern cousin is the perfect place for a weekend getaway. Accessible by train, bus and car, Wollongong is a natural beauty, with an almost uninterrupted stretch of gorgeous beaches, and rainforest above the nearby cliffs. If you feel like a break, though, there’s plenty to do in the ‘Gong’ (as locals call it), with department stores and speciality retail (such as Music Farmers, a special vinyl record store). If you feel like a drink, head to the heritage listed Headlands Hotel or the Grand Hotel for a historical Wollongong experience.
Take a stroll along Nobby’s and Mereweather beaches, have coffee in the student suburb of Hamilton, or take in a rock gig at the biggest venue in town, the Cambridge Hotel. Each year, in the last weekend of September, Newcastle plays host to the state’s biggest emerging arts festival, This Is Not Art, a weekend full of new music, art and writing. Accommodation in Newcastle can be tricky to arrange at the last minute, so be sure to book in advance.
Essential Camping Items. • Torch
• Matches
• Plenty of water
• Cooking utensils
• Fully charged phone
• Basic first aid kit
• Regional maps
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WILDLIFE Aside from its beautiful landscape, New South Wales plays host to a number of unique animals. Everyone knows the koala and kangaroo, but what about the wombat or the bilby? There are plenty of native animals housed in a number of wildlife parks in the city and a little further out of town.
Taronga Zoo
Sydney Aquarium
Bradleys Head Rd, Mosman Easily known as one of the best zoos in the country, Taronga Zoo is also one of the oldest in Australia. The zoo houses many native Australian animals, as well as plenty of foreign creatures, including some of the country’s only elephants. There are regular feeding displays and shows put on during the day so you can get closer to your favourite furry friends. Visiting the zoo also means a trip on the famous Sydney ferries and the view is pretty spectacular as well. Check the website for admission fees.
1-5 Wheat Rd, Sydney If you’re not really a fan of water, don’t despair. The Sydney Aquarium is easily the best place to come and learn more about the underwater sea life in Australia and around the world. Learn about the native dugongs, platypi as well as the huge range of fish. Head downstairs to immerse yourself in the huge shark tunnel. You’ll get a 360-degree view of the sharks, rays and fish as you walk next to, underneath and above them. You can also pick up some cute Aussie souvenirs in the gift shop once you’ve worked your way through the various tanks.
www.taronga.org.au
Australian Reptile Park Somersby, New South Wales A little further out of town is the Australian Reptile Park where you can get up close and very personal with plenty of native creepy crawlies. But don’t be put off if the idea of reptiles leaves you cold - there are all sorts of other Australian favourites housed at the park too including dingoes and koalas. There are all sorts of awesome shows during the day as well - don’t miss the Spider Talk to learn more about the deadly creatures that live in Australia. www.reptilepark.com.au
www.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au
www.sydneyaquarium.com
Wild Life Sydney Aquarium Wharf, Darling Harbour Once you’ve finished at the aquarium, why not walk next door and visit the Wild Life Sydney Zoo - the zoo found in the heart of the city. Wander through the various iconic Australian habitats and learn more about some of the native animals that call Australia home.
Learn about the nocturnal animals in the Nightfall habitat and meet the huge 5 metre crocodile. You can also visit a butterfly enclosure and see daily feeding sessions. Best of all, you don’t even have to leave the city to do it. Located right on Darling Harbour (and right next to the aquarium) you can get your fill of wildlife all in one day. www.wildlifesydney.com.au
Manly Sea Life Sanctuary West Esplanade, Manly If you feel like taking a bit of a day trip to the beachside suburb of Manly, make sure you visit the Manly Sea Life Sanctuary. You can experience a whole range of awesome sea life here, including Manly’s own penguins. If you’re particularly passionate about conservation, you can also learn about the sanctuary’s breeding, rescue and protection programs. But if you prefer to get a little more hands-on, you can visit the interactive rockpool and experience a shark egg or crab. manlysealifesanctuary.com.au
Did you Know The Box Jellyfish is responsible for more deaths annually in Australia than snakes, sharks and salt water crocodiles.
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Safety Tips Swim between the flags At most popular beaches you will see surf lifesavers who have worked out the safest part of the beach to swim. They communicate this by putting up big flags on the beach.
Don’t fight the rip or current Rips are narrow powerful currents running out into the ocean. If you get pulled out to sea by the rip, do not try and fight it. Let it pull you out, swim around it and swim back in.
Swim with friends Make sure you swim while your friends watch you. If you struggle, they can help you out or find someone nearby that can help you!
Don’t eat immediately before you swim Wait at least half an hour before you go for a swim if you have just had a meal. You could get cramps and this could make swimming very difficult.
Also, many popular beaches have surf life-saving offices present, with life-savers patrolling the beaches at busy times. If you want more information on beach safety, check out www.surflifesavingsydney.com.au
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BEACHES No trip to Australia would be complete without a dip in the ocean and feeling the sand between your toes. We have some of the best beaches in the world – long stretches of golden sand, blue water and plenty of perfect waves for surfing. Sydney has a range of quiet, gentle beaches for those who prefer sunbathing, but a little further up the coast there are beaches with some intense waves for those with a passion for surfing.
Coogee
Bondi
Bronte
Coogee Beach is one of the city’s most popular, with a huge stretch of sand, as well as a large park and paved area bordering the beach that’s perfect for picnics, bike rides and games. Take advantage of the close proximity of many good food outlets and indulge in some traditional fish and chips from the beachside kiosk or even a beer from one of the beachfront hotels. A wellknown ‘secret’ spot at Coogee is Gordons Bay, a calm and beautiful area around five minutes walk to the left of the main beach - it’s the perfect place to try out snorkelling.
As Sydney’s most famous beach, Bondi is accessible via bus and is a relatively easy walk from the Bondi Junction train station. With a large beach, nearby skate bowl and the famous Icebergs bar and restaurant sitting over the water, it’s easy to spend a whole day at Bondi. Beware of crowds in summer though - it can be advisable to head to the beach earlier in the morning to be sure that you get a spot to put your towel. Bondi is also home to a great selection of food and drink venues - check out the Bucket List to soak up the sea breeze, or venture to the Beach Road Hotel to catch some local bands after a day on the sand.
A little quieter than its blockbuster neighbours Bondi and Coogee, Bronte is the perfect beach for relaxing. With a family-friendly atmosphere including a fun miniature train - local surf shops and cafés, and beautiful scenery, any day out at Bronte is sure to be enjoyable. For less confident swimmers or wannabe surfers, Bronte is the perfect place to start as it has a wonderful ocean pool that’s protected from crashing beach waves. Bronte is a little less accessible than other beaches - you can only get there via bus - but well worth the effort.
Avalon If you’re keen for a bit of a trip away from Sydney, catch a bus or get a friend to drive you up to the Northern Beaches of Sydney to explore Avalon. Around an hour and a half from the Sydney CBD, Avalon is perfect for a beach escape. With deep yellow sands, and pristine beaches, this Avalon is a beach village that feels completely removed from the city of Sydney. While normally less crowded than the city beaches, Avalon does have a population of poisonous jellyfish that sometimes come ashore in summer - so keep an eye out!
www.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au
Cronulla The only beach in Sydney that’s directly accessible via train, Cronulla is located in Southern Sydney - or ‘The Shire’ as it’s known. With stunning cliffs and beaches, and only around an hour’s train ride from the CBD, Cronulla is a well-known surfing beach and also attracts a large number of snorkelers with some of its more secluded rockpools. Like it’s eastern cousins Bondi and Coogee, Cronulla can get very crowded over the summer holiday months so plan your visits for earlier in the day to get the best out of this pretty beach.
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Essential Beach Items • Bathers/boardies • A towel
• Sunscreen
• Bottle of water • Hat
• Sunglasses
• Umbrella or beach tent • Thongs
• Spare change
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BACKYARD CRICKET RULES Many Aussie kids grew up playing this style of the ‘gentleman’s game’ in their backyard. The rules are slightly different to accommodate the lack of players and addition of obstacles. Sometimes new rules are made up on the spot.
One Hand One Bounce if it bounces once and you catch it with one hand, the batter is out!
Here is a list of things you will need:
The Bat
The Ball
The Bin
Bowler
If you want to know all t he rules of cricket go to: w ww.cricketrules.com
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Bowl the ball down the pitch at the stumps and try and hit them. If you do, the batter is out. Every six balls you switch bowler. This is called an ‘over’. You also need to draw a line (a crease) to indicate where you need to bowl from. Try not to step over this line when bowling.
www.insiderguides.com.au
6 and out If you hit it over the fence, you have to get it and you’re out! But you get 6 runs, so not all bad.
Automatic Keeper If you don’t have enough players for a wicket keeper, then you can play with an “auto wicky”- Any ball that is hit directly behind the stumps in the air is out!
Tippy Go If you hit it, you have to run!!
Batsman Protect your stumps! Hit the ball and run back and forth between the opposite stump. Every time you make it to the opposite stump, you get one run! Make sure you’re near a stump when the ball is collected and thrown back or else you could be run out.
Fielder When the batsman hits the ball you can either attempt to catch it (if you do then the batter is out), or fetch it and throw it back at the stump the batsman is running towards. If you hit that stump and the batsman is out of the safe zone (crease), then they have been ‘run out’ and you are awesome.
www.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au
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Wicket Keeper Be ready to catch the balls behind the stumps. Sometimes the batsman will hit it and it will still come towards you. Catch it, and they’re out! If the batter hits the ball and a fielder collects it, make sure you are standing next to the stump ready to catch the ball. If the batter is out of his crease, you can hit the stumps with the ball and get them out! 111
EXPERIENCE AUSTRALIA While you’re over here, it would be a waste not to see what the rest of Australia has to offer. Remember to look out for editions of Insider Guides that exist in Sydney, Melbourne, Sydney, Perth and Brisbane. See our website for more details.
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www.insiderguides.com.au
Perth The most isolated city in the world, Perth is a busy metropolis with a strong sense of natural beauty. Located 20km inland from the Indian Ocean, Perth nightlife is bustling, its beaches are pristine and clean, shopping is relaxed but incredibly diverse and the ability to experience the real ‘great outdoors’ is made easy for locals and visitors.
Sydney Sydney has two of the icons that everyone associates with life ‘down under’: the Opera House and the Harbour Bridge. It’s jampacked full of everything to do in one city, with breathtaking harbours in the centre, the ability to buy almost anything you want, and some of the best beaches and scenery not far away.
Canberra
Adelaide Lonely Planet declared Adelaide was one of the top ten cities to visit in 2014. It’s a remarkable place, particularly in the summer months as all the best festivals in Australia (and the world) come here to give the whole place a party atmosphere. There are beautiful wine regions and some of the best restaurants in Australia waiting to be discovered.
Hobart Locals proudly proclaim that a traffic jam here would rarely last more than a couple of minutes. For fans of the wilderness, Hobart is just a few hours from some of the world’s most beautiful bush walks. There are plenty of waterfront cafés, bars and some stunning restaurants. With a population of around 200,000, this city is perfect for a leisurely getaway.
Brisbane The locals are friendly, the beaches are some of Australia’s best, and the weather is great all year round. Brisbane is one of the most relaxed places in Australia, with a real party culture. South of Brisbane is the Gold Coast, a great place to swim and surf. If you head north you’ll find stunning rainforest conditions and the Glasshouse Mountains.
Canberra is the capital of Australia. It is a cosy little city and hosts some of the sites that many tourists add to their list of ‘must sees’ when they visit. These include the world famous National Gallery of Australia and the Australian War Memorial. It is also where our Federal Parliament sits, and if you visit you can tour Parliament House and gain a deeper understanding of how our democracy works.
Melbourne Known for its restaurant and café culture, Melbourne is the centre of classy urban Australian life. The shopping is second to none and the streets are lined with artwork. You can’t go without exploring some of the hidden laneway bars and cafés that showcase the urban culture.
Darwin This is the real Aussie outback, well known for it’s wildlife and beautiful natural flora. There are a stack of national parks in the Northern Territory and the sights are incredible, including the famous rock Uluru, right in the middle of the territory. Darwin is a very modern looking city as it was rebuilt after being almost wiped out by Cyclone Tracy in 1974. Insider Guides recommends STA Travel for booking your trips around Australia, and YHA for booking hostels. www.statravel.com.au www.yha.com.au
www.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au
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Thank You Insider Publishing would like to thank our Editors, Marleena Forward, Ellie Williams and Bridie Moran for their efforts. They researched their cities from the inside out. They listened to current students, experienced what makes their city great and then luckily wrote it down for us at Insider Guides. A very special thank you to our Head Editor Craig Riddell
INSiDeR
FOunDRy
These guides are a product of Insider Foundry www.insiderfoundry.com
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