Sydney 2013 FREE
DISCOVER SYDNEY VISITOR GUIDE & WEBSITE
THE ONLY OFFICIAL GUIDE FOR VISITORS TO GREATER SYDNEY 16th Edition - Published by Connex West since 1994
> Explore and tour all of Greater Sydney > How to use Sydney’s toll roads > Large new maps of all of Sydney and CBD > Local guides, local information and weblinks
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Welcome to Sydney
We all love Sydney’s international landmarks its world-famous Harbour, its Bridge and the Sydney Opera House. But there is much more to discover in Sydney from Manly and the Eastern Beaches to Penrith, the Hawkesbury River and the Blue Mountains. And from the Macarthur region and Sutherland to Pittwater. Let us show you and your family why we, who live here, love Sydney so much. Sydneysiders love to ‘holiday at home’. So come with us, use our local knowledge and share with us the Sydney we like to save for ourselves. We hope you enjoy your stay.
Paul Page, Chairman GREATER SYDNEY TOURISM INC. (PO Box 199 KINGSWOOD NSW 2747)
www.greatersydney.org.au
How to use this Guide The regions featured in this Guide have details of things to see and do and suggestions for a great day out or a great week’s holiday in Sydney. Each featured region has a locality map showing its relationship to Sydney and a contact point for further information. For more information we encourage and recommend that you visit or contact one of the Visitor Information Centres listed on page 45. Their weblinks are at www.sydneyvisitorguide.com.au Getting around any large international city can be difficult and Sydney is no exception. To help, you will find maps and detailed information at the back of the guide. Enjoy your stay in Greater Sydney.
Graeme & Vivian Dubé, Proprietors CONNEX WEST Marketing and Publishing Publishers of “Discover Sydney Visitor Guide” eMail sydney@connexwest.com.au FOLLOW US www.sydneyvisitorguide.com.au ON FACEBOOK
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sydneyvisitorguide.com.au
What’s inside Welcome to Sydney by Premier O’Farrell ................. 2 Welcome by Chairman of Greater Sydney Tourism .. 2
Cover Photos: > Sydney Harbour from Lavender Bay
(Photo; RegionalShowcase.com.au) > The Rock Lookout, Penrith (Photo; Penrith City Council) This page: > Sydney Harbour & Shark Island)
(Photo; Ethan Rohloff; Destination NSW)
FEATURED DESTINATIONS Blacktown ................................................................. 39 Cabramatta & Fairfield .............................................. 22 Circular Quay & The Rocks ....................................... 4 - 5 Darling Harbour & CBD ............................................ 6 -7 Hawkesbury City & River ..................................... 12 -13 Hills, Hawkesbury & Riverlands ................................. 11 Hurstville ................................................................... 15 Liverpool ................................................................... 23 Macarthur (Camden & Campbelltown) ............... 24 - 27 Penrith ............................................................... 40 - 43 Ryde ................................................................... 30 - 31 Sutherland Shire ................................................ 16 - 19 Sydney Olympic Park .......................................... 32 - 33 Wollondilly ................................................................ 28
OTHER FEATURES Eastern Bays & Beaches ............................................. 10 Inner Sydney ............................................................. 21 Northern Beaches ........................................................ 8 Parramatta & Lane Cove Rivers ........................... 34 - 35 Pittwater & Broken Bay ............................................... 9 Southern Bays & Beaches .......................................... 14 South-West Sydney ................................................... 29 Sydney for families ............................................. 37 - 37 Sydney Harbour ...................................................... 6 - 7 Sydney surrounds ...................................................... 38 Walks & Cycleways .................................................... 20 TRANSPORT AND VISITOR INFORMATION Driving into & around Sydney .................................... 47 Helpful Information ................................................... 44 How to advertise ....................................................... 44 How to use this guide................................................... 3 Ordering bulk guides ................................................. 45 Public Transport ......................................................... 46 Visitor Information Centres ........................................ 45
Sydney Region Map ... 48-49 MAPS Greater Sydney CBD Map ..........................50
Sydney Toll Roads Map .................51 Driving into Sydney Map ..............52
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Circular Quay & The Rocks
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Where Sydney began
START YOUR VISIT in the area where Captain Arthur Phillip, commanding the First Fleet, landed in 1788 and established the first European colony on the Australian continent. THE ROCKS is Sydney’s historic centre with shopping, dining, traditional pubs, galleries, entertainment and history to explore. Explore The Rocks Markets on weekends and visit Museum of Contemporary Art, Susannah Place, Westpac Museum and the Rocks Discovery Museum. The Sydney Visitor Centre at The Rocks has information about the whole of Sydney as well as The Rocks. Call in for bookings for accommodation, tours and attractions and free information about what’s on as well as maps and visitor guides. SYDNEY HARBOUR BRIDGE Walk under, over or across this world famous symbol of Sydney. Picnic at Dawes Point Park under the Southern Pylon and see the Harbour at its busiest. Climb the Southern Pylon from 5 Cumberland Street for a display of the Bridge’s beginnings, history and construction as well as some simply breathtaking views. www.pylonlookout.com.au There is a good history of the Harbour Bridge at www.sydneyharbourbridge.info Walk across the Bridge on the pedestrian walkway and catch a train or ferry back from Milsons Point on the North side of the harbour to Circular Quay. CIRCULAR QUAY Walk around Circular Quay from The Rocks. Call in to Cadman’s Cottage
Historic Site, built in 1816 and now the Sydney Harbour National Parks Office. 110 George St The Rocks. Tel: 1300 361 967 www.nswnationalparks.com.au There is a great model of the Sydney CBD under a glass floor in the foyer of Customs House in Alfred Street. Tel: (02) 9242 8551 www.sydneycustomshouse.com.au Circular Quay is the hub of Sydney’s transport system and from here you can take a train, bus or ferry to anywhere in Greater Sydney. Tel: 131500 www.131500.com.au The Overseas Passenger Terminal is where some of the world’s luxury cruise liners berth during their stay in Sydney. SYDNEY OPERA HOUSE Outside it’s spectacular. Inside it’s fascinating. Guided Tours Office Tel: (02) 9250 7250. Or just walk around the whole precinct. www.sydneyoperahouse.com History of the Opera House is at theoperahouseproject.com From the Opera House wander around the foreshore of Farm Cove to Sydney’s famous Royal Botanic Gardens a place of great natural beauty. Tel: (02) 9231 8111 www.rbgsyd.nsw.gov.au Some of Sydney’s most spectacular views of the Harbour, Bridge and Opera House are from Mrs Macquarie’s Point in the Gardens. Walk up Art Gallery Road to the Art Gallery of NSW. One of Australia’s finest collections. What’s On Line: (02) 9225 1790 Freecall within Australia 1800 679 278 www.artgallery.nsw.gov.au
www.therocks.com.au > Dawes Point, The Rocks (Photo Hamilton Lund; Destination NSW)
> Circular Quay (Photo Hamilton Lund; Destination NSW) > Circular Quay (Photo Hamilton Lund; Destination NSW) > Bridge Southern Pylon - Pylon Lookout > Royal Botanic Gardens (Photo Mark Sherborne; Destination NSW) > Art Gallery of NSW (Photo RegionalShowcase.com.au)
Sydney Visitor Centre The Rocks Corner of Argyle & Playfair Sts. Open daily: 9.30am – 5.30pm (Except Good Friday & Christmas Day. Opening hours may vary on some public holidays)
Tel: (02) 8273 0000
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SEE FULL MAP ON PAGE 50 >
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Darling Harbour & CBD The heart of the city
www.darlingharbour.com Sydney Visitor Centre Darling Harbour Palm Grove, between Cockle Bay Wharf and Harbourside.
Open daily: 9.30am – 5.30pm (Except Good Friday & Christmas Day. Opening hours may vary on some public holidays)
Tel: (02) 9240 8788
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SEE FULL MAP ON PAGE 50 >
Continuing on from the Art Gallery of NSW, walk across the Domain to Macquarie Street Many churches in Sydney’s CBD date from the and on to Hyde Park. 19th Century and most have outstanding MACQUARIE STREET The Mint, Government architectural features. These are well worth House, Hyde Park Barracks, Museum of Sydney seeing and hold regular worship services. and Police & Justice Museum in Phillip Street ST MARY’S CATHEDRAL c.1865. Opposite are all managed by the Historic Houses Trust. Hyde Park. Tel: (02) 9220 0400 Tel: (02) 8239 2442 www.hht.net.au www.stmaryscathedral.org.au Historic ST JAMES CHURCH c.1819 Queen’s Also in Macquarie Street are the Conservatorium of Music, Sydney Hospital, Square. Designed by convict architect Francis the Registry of Births, Deaths & Marriages. Greenway. Sydney City’s oldest church. Tel: (02)8227 1300 www.sjks.org.au The STATE LIBRARY OF NSW Historic ST STEPHEN’S UNITING CHURCH opposite exhibitions and collections. The Mitchell Parliament House. Tel. (02) 9221 1688 \ Library holds a world-renowned collection of www.ssms.org.au books on Australia & NSW. ST ANDREW’S CATHEDRAL c.1868 Cnr Tel (02) 9273 1414 www.sl.nsw.gov.au George & Bathurst Sts. Tel (02) 9265 1661 The PARLIAMENT OF NEW SOUTH WALES is www.sydneycathedral.com Australia’s first and oldest Parliament and THE GREAT SYNAGOGUE c.1878 Elizabeth St has met in this building since 1829. opposite Hyde Park. Tel: (02) 9267 2477 Free public tours Tel. (02) 9230 2111 www.greatsynagogue.org.au www.parliament.nsw.gov.au Take the Light Rail (Tram) from Central Railway The Queen Victoria Building (QVB) c.1898. On or walk down Park Street from Town Hall George Street between Druitt & Market Railway Station to DARLING HARBOUR where Streets. Great shopping and dining. Guided you will find some of Australia’s key tourist Tours of this magnificent beautiful restoration. attractions including Australian National Tel: (02) 9264 9209 www.qvb.com.au Maritime Museum, Powerhouse Museum, HYDE PARK The ‘lungs of Sydney’. A particularly good spot for lunchtime picnic Chinese Garden of Friendship, Aquarium, Wildlife World, Waxworks, Sydney Convention or just relax under a shady tree. Features, Archibald Fountain, statue of Captain Cook, and Exhibition Centre, as well as cafés, pubs, nightspots, restaurants and shopping. Nearby ANZAC War Memorial and Pool of are Sydney’s Chinatown, Market City, Paddy’s Remembrance. Tel (02) 9267 7668 www.anzacmemorial.nsw.gov.au Markets, Fish Markets and Star Casino. Explore collections, exhibitions, natural science www.darlingharbour.com and indigenous cultures at the AUSTRALIAN MUSEUM in nearby College St. > Powerhouse Museum (Photo James Horan; Destination NSW) > Archibald Fountain (Photo; Destination NSW) Tel: (02) 9320 6000 > Queen Victoria Building (Photo; Destination NSW) www.australianmuseum.net.au > State Library of NSW (Photo Robert Wallace; Destination NSW)
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Sydney Harbour One of the finest in the world
> Sydney Harbour (Photo Hamilton Lund; Destination NSW) > Sailing on the Harbour (Photo Pierre Toussaint; Destination NSW) > Manly Wharf (Photo Hamilton Lund; Destination NSW)
DESCRIBED IN 1788 by Captain Arthur Phillip as “one of the finest harbours in the world”, Sydney Harbour is still regarded as one of the world’s most beautiful harbours. And it’s easy to see why! With its natural beauty and stunning panoramas, Sydney Harbour has so much to discover and enjoy SYDNEY’S FAMOUS FERRIES The most affordable way to explore Sydney Harbour is on one of Sydney’s famous ferries which all leave from Circular Quay. Some favourite HARBOUR TRIPS include: > MANLY FERRY Half-hour trip passes many of Sydney’s famous harbour landmarks and crosses Sydney Heads. > WATSONS BAY via Darling Point, Double Bay and Rose Bay. Stay for fish and chips and a stroll around South Head. > Special all-inclusive passes to TARONGA ZOO and other attractions. > RIVERCAT to Parramata along the scenic to Parramatta River. Plan your day out on Sydney Harbour. For ferry timetables and fare information Tel:131500 www.131500.com.au Brochures and timetables at Circular Quay or Manly and other ferry wharves. HARBOUR CRUISES Day, night, lunch and dinner cruises leave from Circular Quay and Darling Harbour. There are also a number of jet boat and other cruises and rides with various levels of excitement, including tall ships. Just look around at the signs to see what is offered.
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MARITIME MUSEUMS For a permanent exhibition of the maritime history of Australia, including a replica of Captain Cook’s ‘Endeavour’, we recommend a visit to the The Australian National Maritime Museum at Darling Harbour. Tel: (02) 9298 3777 www.anmm.gov.au HISTORIC SHIPS Take a square-rig sailing adventure out to sea on a 138 year old tall ship, discover the history secrets of Sydney Harbour on a coal-fired steam tug, or a take a cruise on a ‘gentleman’s schooner’. The Sydney Heritage Fleet is the ‘Museum that goes to sea’. Tel: 02 9298 3888 www.shf.org.au SAILING Experienced sailors will often find a boat looking for crew at sailing clubs around the Harbour and Parramatta River. Just call in and have a look at the notice board. Many have waterfront restaurants. For information about the sport of sailing go to www.nsw.yachting.org.au ROWING You will often see rowing crews training on Parramatta River. Many are associated with school or university clubs, but some are licensed with bistros and bars. The WHALE WATCHING season is from May to December. Cruises leave from Circular Quay or you can try elevated vantage points such as North and South Heads.
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Sydney Harbour Islands, bridges & walks
SYDNEY HARBOUR NATIONAL PARK Accessible by boat or ferry or you can drive, walk or cycle to foreshore locations. Take a bushwalk, visit a fort, have a picnic, stop for a coffee or a meal, experience Aboriginal Culture, take a Discovery walk or tour. Some places you should not miss include North Head, South Head (incl ‘The Gap’) and Nielsen Park harbour side beach.
> Shark Island
(Photo Ethan Rohloff ; Destination NSW)
> Bronte Beach
(Photo James Horan; Destination NSW)
> Reef Beach
(Photo Hamilton Lund; Destination NSW)
> Blackwattle Bay Park (Photo James Horan; Destination NSW)
> Chowder Bay
(Photo james Pipino; Destination NSW)
> Kayaking on the Harbour (Photo Hamilton Lund; Destination NSW)
ISLANDS IN SYDNEY HARBOUR Six of Sydney Harbour’s accessible islands are in the Sydney Harbour National Park. You can take a guided Discovery tour to Goat Island or Fort Denison. The others islands are Shark, Spectacle, Clark and Rodd. For brochures, information and bookings Sydney Harbour National Park Information Centre, Cadman’s Cottage 110 George St The Rocks. Tel: 1300 361 967 www.nswnationalparks.com.au To tour the convict heritage of Goat Island at www.uniquesydneycruises.com.au For guided walking tours through Sydney Harbour www.sydneycoastalwalks.com.au SYDNEY HARBOUR’S OTHER ISLANDS Cockatoo Island is Sydney Harbour’s largest island and is heritage-listed. Take a ferry and explore the island for the day or stay overnight in the campground or holiday houses. Guided tours take place every Sunday. Tel: (02) 8969 2100. For camping and accommodation Tel: (02) 8898 9774 or www.cockatooisland.gov.au
Garden Island was joined to the mainland at Potts Point during WW2 and is now a Naval Base. For guided tours of the Island’s heritage. Tel: (02) 9359 2372 www.navyhistory.org.au Sydney Harbour Federation Trust manages an important collection of harbour places around Sydney Harbour. North Head Sanctuary Manly. Superb city views. Headland Park, Mosman. At Middle Head remnants of military fortifications and panoramic Harbour views from Georges Head lookout. Chowder Bay at the Harbour’s edge where you can watch the passing parade of Harbour life. Woolwich Dock and Parklands is an historic dry dock carved out of sandstone and now a working boatyard. Macquarie Light station, Vaucluse is a guiding light for ships. For more information and tour bookings SYDNEY HARBOUR FEDERATION TRUST Tel: (02) 8969 2100 www.harbourtrust.gov.au SYDNEY’S 7 BRIDGES Seven bridges cross Sydney Harbour and the Lane Cove and Parramatta Rivers - Sydney Harbour Bridge, Figtree, Tarban Creek and Gladesville Bridges, Iron Cove, Anzac Bridge and Pyrmont Bridges. Join the annual ‘7 Bridge Walk’ event walk, or you can cycle or drive it any time. www.7bridgeswalk.com.au Other bridges cross waterways on the Parramatta and Lane Cove Rivers and Middle Harbour. Most have accessible parks and picnic spots under the approaches and walkways which provide spectacular views.
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Explore & Tour
Northern Beaches
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A wonderful half-hour ferry ride across the harbour from Circular Quay will take you to Manly. MANLY is on a peninsula bounded by the Pacific Ocean and Sydney Harbour and from there it is an hour by bus past Sydney’s Northern Beaches to Palm Beach. Or drive via the Harbour Bridge and the A8. There are marinas, parks and cafés just before the Spit Bridge which crosses Middle Harbour. Walk the 10km Manly Scenic Walkway along the harbour foreshores from Manly to the Spit Bridge for stunning harbour views. North Head has some of the most panoramic views of Sydney Harbour and Sydney Heads. Stroll along Manly’s harbour foreshore or walk through The Corso shopping precinct to surf at Manly’s famous beaches at North and South Steyne and Queenscliff. Relax with a coffee at Shelley Beach, walking past Fairy Bower and the rock pool. Swim or picnic at Manly reservoir. Take a ‘Ghost Tour’ of what was, for 150 years, an Immigrant Quarantine Station. FROM MANLY, travel by bus or take Pittwater Road (A8) and then Barrenjoey Road past Sydney’s picturesque Northern Beaches to PALM BEACH and Barrenjoey Head. Along the way, COLLAROY BEACH and NEWPORT have ‘surf-side’ shopping, cafés, take-away, playgrounds and picnic areas. AVALON BEACH is a favourite for surf board riding and the nearby shopping centre is ideal for a coffee stop. Outdoor ocean pools along the northern beaches are at Collaroy, Dee Why, North Narrabeen, Newport and Palm Beach. Exploring beaches off the main road such as Queensciff, North Curl Curl, Dee Why, Bilgola and Whale Beach can be very rewarding experiences. NARRABEEN LAKES is ideal for dinghy and catamaran sailing and the nearby North Narrabeen Holiday Park is a beach side caravan and camping area. PALM BEACH is a traditional resort of the ‘rich and famous’ and is where much of the filming of the long running TV ‘soapie’‘Home and Away’ takes place. There are restaurants, cafés and specialty shops or just stroll along the beach. Walk the 1 km bush track to Barrenjoey Lighthouse on Broken Bay’s eastern headland and take in panoramic views up and down the coastline, over Broken Bay and PITTWATER. MANLY VISITOR INFORMATION CENTRE Manly Wharf, Tel: (02) 9976 1430 www.manly.nsw.gov.au For ferry and bus timetable information call 131 500 LOCAL INFORMATION Sydney Lakeside Holiday Park, 38 Lake Park Rd, (Off Pittwater Road) North Narrabeen
> Manly (Photo Hamilton Lund; Destination NSW) > Cabbage Tree Bay (Photo © Manly Council) > Manly Pavilion Dining Room (Photo Andrew Gregory; Destination NSW) > Q Station (Photo Hamilton Lund; Destination NSW) > Queenscliff Beach (Photo Andrew Gregory; Destination NSW) > North Head (Photo Hamilton Lund; Destination NSW)
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Explore & Tour
Pittwater & Broken Bay
PITTWATER is a beautiful open waterway which flows north from a number of small creeks and estuaries to meet the mouth of the Hawkesbury River at Broken Bay. It was first surveyed by crew from HMS Sirius in 1788 and named after William Pitt the Younger, then Prime Minister of England. Today, Pittwater is popular for many forms of water recreation including, sailing, fishing, kayaking and powerboating. Explore the pubs, boating clubs, marinas, sheltered beaches and picnic areas around Palm Beach, Avalon, Newport and Church Point. PITTWATER FERRY CRUISES run daily from Palm Beach Wharf to the Hawkesbury River, Pittwater and Brisbane Waters. Catch the Church Point Ferry and see the beautiful Scotland Island and magnificent Western Foreshore. The ferries depart from Church Point hourly on the half hour. Take the Church Point ferry which departs hourly to Pittwater’s SCOTLAND ISLAND and the Western Foreshore. If you are on a boat explore around West Head into the amazingly beautiful bays of Cowan Waters. Call into Royal Motor or Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Clubs at NEWPORT. From Mona Vale follow Pittwater’s foreshore through Bayview and Church Point to McCarr’s Creek Road. Don’t miss the great children’s
playground at Winji Jimmi Reserve at Bayview. There are spectacular views from WEST HEAD LOOKOUT in KU-RING-GAI CHASE NATIONAL PARK. The wheelchair-accessible Discovery trail at the Kalkari Discovery Centre offers stunning views and the chance to see native wildlife. The park’s scenic beauty is combined with a rich Aboriginal heritage and a strong sense of history. Enjoy walks, swimming, boating and picnics. The WILDFLOWER GARDEN on Mona Vale Road St Ives is a family friendly urban bushland area with picnic areas. Tel (02) 9424 0351 www.kmc.nsw.gov.au/wildflowergarden LOCAL INFORMATION Ku-ring-gai Council www.kmc.nsw.gov.au Pittwater Council Mona Vale Library 1 Park Street, Mona Vale www.pittwater.nsw.gov.au Warringah Council www.warringah.nsw.gov.au DAVIDSON PARK under Roseville Bridge is a great place to picnic, canoe or launch a boat. It is part of Garigal National Park in the valley of Middle Harbour which includes the secluded boating haven of Bantry Bay. For information about Ku-ring-gai Chase and Garigal National Parks Tel: 1300 361 967 www.nswnationalparks.com.au
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> Pittwater (Photo RegionalShowcase.com.au) > Pittwater (Photo Hamilton Lund; Destination NSW) > Turimetta Beach (Photo Steve Dubé) > Barrenjoey Headland (Photo Hamilton Lund; Destination NSW)
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Explore & Tour
Eastern Bays & Beaches
EVERYONE LOVES THIS SCENIC DRIVE It’s one of the most popular and scenic drives in Sydney, with magnificent views along the way. We recommend that you go during the week or take public transport on weekends. New South Head Road takes you all the way from Rushcutters Bay to Watsons Bay, through Double Bay and Rose Bay shopping villages. The annual City to Surf Fun Run to Bondi Beach follows this route. It is popular for walkers and joggers all year. ROSE BAY, the largest bay in Sydney Harbour. Walk around the harbour foreshore, enjoy a meal at a café or club, hire a kayak or catamaran, fly over Sydney by seaplane or take the 1.4km Hermitage Foreshore Scenic Walk from Bay Hill Road. WATSONS BAY World famous seafood restaurants, take away fish and chips in the park and a great waterfront pub. Walk through Robertson Park to THE GAP and witness the power and ferocity of the sea. Here, just one person survived the tragic wrecking of the migrant ship ‘Dunbar’ in 1857. ‘The ‘Dunbar’ anchor memorialises the event. Walk further along the cliff tops to MACQUARIE LIGHTHOUSE. Completed in 1883, replacing the original structure, it is the longest serving lighthouse in Australia. Sydney Harbour Federation Trust conducts tours. Tel: (02) 8969 2100 www.harbourtrust.gov.au > Camp Cove (Photo Andrew Gregory; Destination NSW) > Bondi Beach (Photo Mikala Wilbow; Let’s Go Surfing) > Nielsen Park (Photo Ian Lever; Destination NSW) > Macquarie Lightstation > Stylish Shopping (Photo Gerry Colley; Destination NSW)
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Following the wreck of the ‘Dunbar’ the Hornby Lighthouse was completed in 1858 at the tip of SOUTH HEAD to warn of the navigational hazards entering Sydney Harbour. Today this is a great spot to view the whole of Sydney Harbour, particularly on Boxing Day at the start of the annual Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race. For information: www.woollahra.nsw.gov.au www.rolexsydneyhobart.com Travel by bus or ferry from Circular Quay Tel: 131500 or www.131500.com.au To visit Australia’s most famous beach at BONDI we recommend you purchase a Bondi Beach Link Ticket which combines train and bus travel to Bondi Beach. • Bondi to Bronte Clifftop Coastal Walk • Learn to surf with a beach-side surf school • Picnic or BBQ at beach-side parks. • Enjoy cafés, restaurants and hotels • Have an ‘underwater’ experience at the Marine Discovery Centre. • Annual Festival of the Winds and Sculpture by the Sea • Theatre, music and art at the Bondi Pavilion Information Centres at Bondi Pavilion Bondi Beach and Waverley Library Denison Street, Bondi Junction.www.waverley.nsw.gov.au SWIMMING Enjoy harbour swimming and picnicking at Redleaf Pool, Watsons Bay, Camp Cove, Parsley Bay and Nielsen Park. Bondi and Bronte are excellent ocean swimming beaches. Always remember to obey the lifeguards and swim only between the yellow and red flags.
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Hills, Hawkesbury & Riverlands Closer than you think!
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Photo: James Pipino; Destination NSW
THE HILLS, HAWKESBURY & RIVERLANDS area is a unique and contrasting region featuring National Parks, farmland, rivers, mountains, valleys, rural and cosmopolitan centres as well as Aboriginal and Australian heritage. Entry to the area is less than a forty-minute drive from the Sydney Central Business District. One of its biggest draw cards is the majestic Hawkesbury River which winds its way through the region out to sea, just north of Palm Beach. Extending from Mount Tomah in the west to St Albans and Brooklyn in the north to western Sydney in the south the region is great for a short break or family getaway. Explore the five different sub-regions and discover what wonderful experiences await you! The Hills Contains bustling cosmopolitan centres including Castle Hill, Rouse Hill and Hornsby as well as charming country like towns such as Galston and Glenorie. Becoming an event mecca, venues like Castle Hill Showground, Bella Vista Farm and Fagan Park in Galston showcase amazing events for everyone. Lower Hawkesbury Here you will find the end of the Hawkesbury River before it joins the sea.
There are quaint waterside towns like Berowra Waters and Brooklyn. With plenty of places to go kayaking, fishing, bushwalking or have a secluded getaway that can only be accessed via water. Hawkesbury Heartland Towns such as St Albans and Wisemans Ferry, the perfect place to go water skiing, camping or caravanning along the Hawkesbury River. You’ll find spectacular native bushland as well as a portion of The Great North Road, the longest convict built road still in existence in Australia today. Upper Hawkesbury Made up of some of the earliest settlements in Australia’s history including townships such as Windsor and Richmond. There are historical buildings, art galleries, specialty stores and cafés. You’ll also find Cattai and Scheyville National Parks, with Cattai available for camping and hiking. Hawkesbury Highlands Here is some of the most beautiful mountainous vistas you will ever see. Containing Kurrajong Village with its fabulous cafés and quaint shopping precinct; the spectacular Blue Mountains Botanic Garden, Mount Tomah and Bilpin, famous for its apple orchards and homely B&Bs.
HILLS, HAWKESBURY & RIVERLANDS SCAN TO DOWNLOAD OUR IPHONE APPS Accredited Visitor Information Centres
For a copy of our Destination Guide
www.hhart.com.au E: info@hhart.com.au
ROUSE HILL 16 Bellcast Rd, Tel: (02) 8814 6909 DURAL 656a Old Northern Rd. Tel: (02) 9651 4411 HAWKESBURY Hawkesbury Valley Way, Clarendon Tel: (02) 4578 0233
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Hawkesbury River Sydney’s river of life
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© Spatial Images Photography
Windsor, Richmond and the Upper Hawkesbury River The Hawkesbury River, and its tributaries, encircles Greater Sydney on the north side. It skirts Sydney from the foothills of the Blue Mountains (near Penrith) in Sydney’s west all the way round to Broken Bay, near Pittwater in Sydney’s north. > Windsor Township This magnificently scenic and beautiful river > Canoe Classic starts where the Grose and Nepean Rivers join at > Blues Fest Windsor Yarramundi near Agnes Banks and flows 145 km > Wisemans Ferry through the many towns and villages along the > Towards Pitt Town valley until flowing into the Pacific Ocean at Broken > A lazy Sunday in Windsor > Remembering Governor Macquarie Bay. Yarramundi Reserve (78 ha) with its natural setting is popular for outdoor activities including picnics and family gatherings. Drifting on inflatable rafts on the Grose River past Yarramundi towards the Hawkesbury River is an enjoyable experience. With the Blue Mountains, a rolling landscape, and river geographical features as its backdrop, the Hawkesbury Region is a picturesque area of rural and residential lands. Soon after being settled by Europeans, it became an important farming area and was the ‘food basket’ for the first settlement at Sydney Cove. In these colonial days, the Hawkesbury River was the transport route for produce being delivered to Sydney Town and vice versa. The Aboriginal peoples of the area have always valued the river, and what we call Windsor today was an important meeting point. Food production is still an important feature of the Hawkesbury River catchment and includes family run farms. Bilpin is Sydney’s apple and stone fruit capital and Windsor is Australia’s mushroom production capital. Hawkesbury Harvest Farm Gate
Trail will help you to discover local producers who offer farm gate sales of properly ripened produce. Combine this with The Artists Trail to follow in the steps of the Masters who painted the Hawkesbury River area. The popular Hawkesbury Agricultural Show, first held in 1845, is held annually in the autumn at the showground at Clarendon, between Windsor and Richmond. Contact the Visitor Information Centre for details on how to organise your Hawkesbury Harvest and Hawkesbury Show adventures or go to: www.hawkesburyharvest.com.au www.hawkesburyshow.com.au The towns of Windsor, Richmond, Pitt Town, Ebenezer and Wisemans Ferry are located on the middle and upper reaches of the river and have many fine examples of buildings the early days of European settlement and they retain their sense place in their landscapes too. Many of these buildings are in use today as private residences and for business activities. History buffs should also explore church graveyards, as they are great places for insight into the region’s history. Richmond Park has a fine 19th century restored sports oval, where many a cricket match has been played. It’s in the centre of town and is a heritage item. The historic towns of Windsor and Richmond have antique and craft shops, galleries and shops, restaurants, clubs and pubs to visit. The award-winning Hawkesbury Regional Museum and Hawkesbury Regional Gallery in Windsor have permanent and changing exhibitions. www.hawkesbury.nsw.gov.au
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The Hawkesbury - your five star destination • Historic & Richmond Drives in Windsor the Hawkesbury
Pick• Yarramundi up the ‘DrivesReserve in the Hawkesbury’ brochure at the Visitor • Farm Gate TrailIt will help you to explore riverside drives and Information Centre. places around Upper and Lower Portland; Pitt Town and Cattai, • Hawkesbury Regional Museum on route to Wisemans Ferry and then St Albans, (across Wisemans Ferry or Webbs Creek ferry). Don’t forget to visit St Albans’ historic Settlers Arms Inn. From Windsor, you can take the Hawkesbury’s Blue Mountains drive along the picturesque Bells Line of Road through Kurmond, Kurrajong Heights and Bilpin to the ‘cool climate’ garden of The Blue Mountains Botanic Garden at Mt Tomah. www.mounttomahbotanicgarden.com.au Along the way, call into roadside shops and stalls for local seasonal fruit, refreshments and other products. Include the Kurrajong Radio Museum in your journey, it tells stories on the history of radios in Australia and has been on the ABC TV Collectors show. www.vk2vorg/museum. Listen for bellbirds around Bellbird Hill and stop to hear them at the Bellbird Lookout. At the lookout, also see how the Hawkesbury region is a large part of the Greater Blue Mountains Drive (see sign). Bellbird Hill Lookout, Hawkesbury Heights Lookout and Streeton’s Lookout provide excellent views of Greater Sydney across the Hawkesbury River and its floodplain to Sydney CBD on the horizon. The new viewing platform for Windsor section of Hawkesbury River (Windsor townships side of river) is another way to appreciate the role of the river in the Hawkesbury way of life, being so close to the town. The River is the focus for water activities and sports, with annual “Bridge-to-Bridge” events (waterskiing, powerboats, kayaking). www.waterskinsw.com.au The Hawkesbury Region is home to most of Greater Sydney’s national parks and nature reserves including Blue Mountains, Wollemi, Yengo, Cattai, Scheyville, Parr, Dharug and Windsor Downs. The almost untouched Upper Colo wilderness area is world famous for its rugged beauty. www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au The Convict Trail, part of the Great North Road, is a great walking and history experience near Wisemans Ferry on the way to St Albans and is part of the Convict World Heritage listing. The Great River Walk is being developed to provide locals, visitors and tourists with walking and cycling experiences along the extent of the Nepean and Hawkesbury rivers. The upper parts of Hawkesbury River is about 1 hour’s travel from Sydney (to Windsor, similar to Penrith) and a little more for villages along the river, depending on where you are heading. Windsor and Richmond are interchange points for travel between Sydney and the Blue Mountains, Central West and Hunter regions too. The Hawkesbury region is a great day out and overnight destination, so plan ahead and stay a while exploring the river, towns and villages. History Snap Shot: The bicentenary of Governor Lachlan Macquarie was marked in 2010. He was the fifth Governor of the Colony of NSW from 1810 to 1821 and named five towns in the Hawkesbury River region - Windsor, Richmond, Pitt Town and Wilberforce, and nearby Castlereagh (near Penrith Lakes). Explore these historic towns and villages as part of a trip to the Hawkesbury region - Sydney’s River of Life. Get the Macquarie Trail brochure from the Visitor Information Centre.
Open 7 days for visiting the Hawkesbury Region – Sydney’s River of Life. For things to do, places to see, maps, souvenirs and bookings (accommodation, tours, events). See Australian Air Force planes take off and land at the nearby airfield. Hawkesbury Visitor Information Centre Opposite Richmond RAAF Base, Hawkesbury Valley Way, Clarendon. Phone: 61-2-4578-0233; 1300 362-874. Email: hawkesburytourism@pacific.net.au www.hawkesburytourism.com.au
Hawkesbury Regional Museum 8 Baker Street Windsor Phone: 02 4560 4655 Open 10am-4pm Wednesday to Monday. Closed Tuesday. Open 10am-4pm public holidays. Closed Christmas Day, Boxing Day and Good Friday.
SCAN TO GO TO THE HAWKESBURY WEBSITE SEE FULL MAP ON PAGE 48 >
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The Hawkesbury - your five star destination • Historic & Richmond Drives in Windsor the Hawkesbury
Pick• Yarramundi up the ‘DrivesReserve in the Hawkesbury’ brochure at the Visitor • Farm Gate TrailIt will help you to explore riverside drives and Information Centre. places around Upper and Lower Portland; Pitt Town and Cattai, • Hawkesbury Regional Museum on route to Wisemans Ferry and then St Albans, (across Wisemans Ferry or Webbs Creek ferry). Don’t forget to visit St Albans’ historic Settlers Arms Inn. From Windsor, you can take the Hawkesbury’s Blue Mountains drive along the picturesque Bells Line of Road through Kurmond, Kurrajong Heights and Bilpin to the ‘cool climate’ garden of The Blue Mountains Botanic Garden at Mt Tomah. www.mounttomahbotanicgarden.com.au Along the way, call into roadside shops and stalls for local seasonal fruit, refreshments and other products. Include the Kurrajong Radio Museum in your journey, it tells stories on the history of radios in Australia and has been on the ABC TV Collectors show. www.vk2vorg/museum. Listen for bellbirds around Bellbird Hill and stop to hear them at the Bellbird Lookout. At the lookout, also see how the Hawkesbury region is a large part of the Greater Blue Mountains Drive (see sign). Bellbird Hill Lookout, Hawkesbury Heights Lookout and Streeton’s Lookout provide excellent views of Greater Sydney across the Hawkesbury River and its floodplain to Sydney CBD on the horizon. The new viewing platform for Windsor section of Hawkesbury River (Windsor townships side of river) is another way to appreciate the role of the river in the Hawkesbury way of life, being so close to the town. The River is the focus for water activities and sports, with annual “Bridge-to-Bridge” events (waterskiing, powerboats, kayaking). www.waterskinsw.com.au The Hawkesbury Region is home to most of Greater Sydney’s national parks and nature reserves including Blue Mountains, Wollemi, Yengo, Cattai, Scheyville, Parr, Dharug and Windsor Downs. The almost untouched Upper Colo wilderness area is world famous for its rugged beauty. www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au The Convict Trail, part of the Great North Road, is a great walking and history experience near Wisemans Ferry on the way to St Albans and is part of the Convict World Heritage listing. The Great River Walk is being developed to provide locals, visitors and tourists with walking and cycling experiences along the extent of the Nepean and Hawkesbury rivers. The upper parts of Hawkesbury River is about 1 hour’s travel from Sydney (to Windsor, similar to Penrith) and a little more for villages along the river, depending on where you are heading. Windsor and Richmond are interchange points for travel between Sydney and the Blue Mountains, Central West and Hunter regions too. The Hawkesbury region is a great day out and overnight destination, so plan ahead and stay a while exploring the river, towns and villages. History Snap Shot: The bicentenary of Governor Lachlan Macquarie was marked in 2010. He was the fifth Governor of the Colony of NSW from 1810 to 1821 and named five towns in the Hawkesbury River region - Windsor, Richmond, Pitt Town and Wilberforce, and nearby Castlereagh (near Penrith Lakes). Explore these historic towns and villages as part of a trip to the Hawkesbury region - Sydney’s River of Life. Get the Macquarie Trail brochure from the Visitor Information Centre.
Open 7 days for visiting the Hawkesbury Region – Sydney’s River of Life. For things to do, places to see, maps, souvenirs and bookings (accommodation, tours, events). See Australian Air Force planes take off and land at the nearby airfield. Hawkesbury Visitor Information Centre Opposite Richmond RAAF Base, Hawkesbury Valley Way, Clarendon. Phone: 61-2-4578-0233; 1300 362-874. Email: hawkesburytourism@pacific.net.au www.hawkesburytourism.com.au
Hawkesbury Regional Museum 8 Baker Street Windsor Phone: 02 4560 4655 Open 10am-4pm Wednesday to Monday. Closed Tuesday. Open 10am-4pm public holidays. Closed Christmas Day, Boxing Day and Good Friday.
SCAN TO GO TO THE HAWKESBURY WEBSITE SEE FULL MAP ON PAGE 48 >
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Hurstville Hurstville - the heart of St George SCAN TO GO TO SYDNEY VISITOR GUIDE WEBSITE
> Georges River, Lugarno >Club Central > Westfield Hurstville > Lunar New Year > Como Bridge from Oatley Park HURSTVILLE is just 15 kilometres to the south of the CBD and is close to Sydney Airport, Sydney Olympic Park, Cronulla, the Royal National Park and the M5 and M4 motorways. Hurstville is the commercial capital of St George - a region that has a population of more than 220,000 people. Bounded in the south by the Georges River with historic Botany Bay to the east, Hurstville is a community of diverse cultures offering a wide range of cultural, dining, shopping and sporting experiences. Forest Road, Hurstville is one of Sydney’s major destinations for Asian cuisine and is now the focus of the largest Lunar New Year celebrations outside of the Sydney CBD.
an outstanding exhibition program along with workshops, talks, tours and special events. Oatley Park is one of Sydney’s finest bushland parks and features 45 hectares of pristine bushland, walking trails and picnic areas on the picturesque Georges River. The Oatley Park Castle, built from local sandstone during the Great Depression, is a popular landmark for weddings and special events and the park also has a safe swimming beach.
Other nearby centres such as Oatley West, Mortdale, Lugarno and Beverly Hills also offer unique dining and shopping experiences with a friendly village atmosphere.
Hurstville has long had a proud sporting tradition. Over the years the area has produced many champion cyclists, cricketers, footballers, golfers and tennis players and now boasts excellent sporting facilities such as the Aquatic Leisure and Indoor Sports Centre, Hurstville Oval and Hurstville Golf Course that are providing opportunities for a whole new generation of outstanding sporting talent.
The Hurstville City Museum & Gallery charts the story of how the area has changed from the days of the original inhabitants known as the Biddegal people, to the first land grants in the early 19th century that transformed the dense forests of turpentine, ironbark, bloodwood and redgum. This valuable timber was used in the construction of buildings, bridges and wharves throughout Sydney. With permanent exhibitions about the everyday lives of local residents over the last 200 years, the museum also offers
Hurstville City Council cnr MacMahon and Dora Street Ph (02) 9330 6222 www.hurstville.nsw.gov.au Hurstville City Library cnr Queens Road & Dora Street Tel: (02) 9330 6111 Hurstville City Museum & Gallery 14 MacMahon St, Tel: (02) 9330 6444
Hurstville Aquatic Leisure Centre Cnr Forest Rd & King Georges Rd Tel: (02) 9585 9600 www.hurstvilleaquatic.com.au Hurstville Golf Course Lorraine St Peakhurst SCAN TO GO TO THE Tel: (02) 9534 5024 HURSTVILLE WEBSITE www.hurstvillegolf.com.au SEE FULL MAP ON PAGE 49 >
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Sutherland Shire Visit the Shire and see this coastal beauty for yourself...
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> Beautiful Cronulla Beach
Just 25km south of Sydney CBD and only 20 minutes from Sydney Airport, “The Shire” as the area is affectionately known boasts golden sandy beaches, sparkling blue waterways and friendly, relaxed locals.
> The Curranulla is now the oldest commuter ferry in Australia working to a regular timetable.
If you’re an adventure seeker you won’t be left twiddling your thumbs; hike the coast track, visit secluded beaches, discover ancient rock art sites, explore the Hacking on a river cruise, join a kayak tour, or learn to surf. For those who just want to relax, take your pick of restaurants and cafés oozing style and charm, catch the historic ferry from Cronulla to Bundeena, or escape with memories of a bygone era in a rowboat at historic Audley in the Royal National Park. There’s a range of events on across the Shire throughout the year. Summer - celebrate Australia Day with free entertainment at Cronulla and Menai. Autumn - Cronulla comes alive with the Easter Show, complete with entertainment, rides and market stalls. Winter - no time to stay inside! Sutherland to Surf fun run, a coffee festival and a weekend of art and high tea in the Royal National Park. Spring - Cronulla Spring Festival, Fiesta @ the Beach, and the International Grand Prix Cycling. Check out visittheshire.com.au for details.
> Take a and se
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Discover the Shire Audley Audley is the gateway to the Royal National Park and the first destination on the Grand Pacific Drive touring route from Sydney to the South Coast. The Royal National Park is the first in Australia and has now been placed on the National Heritage List. It covers 16,000 hectares of spectacular scenery with over 150 kilometres of walking tracks for a range of abilities. Bundeena Nestled in the Royal National Park, the villages of Bundeena and Maianbar offer a slice of paradise where a slower pace of life reigns. A few days here will rejuvenate the soul and there are a range of accommodation options including Brightside Bundeena and Beachhaven. There is an hourly ferry service between Cronulla and Bundeena.
e and e, kayak or aqua bik dley. > Hire a boat, cano Au of ds un rro su g kin enjoy the breathta
> Catch a wave in Cronulla.
Engadine With its many parks and gardens, and being so close to the Royal National Park, Engadine is a great stop-off when visiting the Sutherland Shire. It is a village steeped in history, largely settled during the post World War 1 boom. Gymea Enjoy the charm of Gymea, a village in the heart of the Sutherland Shire where you will always find that old-fashioned friendly service with a smile. The Shire is not just an outdoor wonderland, what’s inside can be just as invigorating. Hazelhurst Regional Gallery & Arts Centre is a modern gallery space displaying some of Australia’s finest collections of art. Set amid tranquil landscaped gardens, it’s the perfect setting to enjoy lunch or afternoon tea after a tour of the gallery.
> Rejuvenate the soul in Bundeena. Cronulla Cronulla is blessed with Sydney’s longest stretch of sand and is the only beach in Sydney accessible by train. Since it was settled, Cronulla has been a focal point for people to indulge in beach life and water-based activities. It is soaked in surf culture and is a great place to catch a wave, take a swim in the crystal waters or just relax at the beach. Kurnell The Kurnell Peninsula has much to offer visitors, in such a small area, from white sandy aquamarine beaches, to bushland, cliffs and a rocky coastline and attractive parklands. Kurnell is the place where Lieutenant James Cook (later Captain) first set foot on Australia soil in 1770. Today the spot is marked with a monument and it is located in an attractive grassy parkland where visitors can spend time enjoying a picnic or barbecue. There is also a nearby visitors centre which recounts the area’s rich history.
Como Experience the beauty and tranquillity of this secluded gem nestled on the edge of the Georges River. It was named in 1888 by a local, James Murphy, because the scenery reminded him of Lake Como in Italy. Woronora Set on the banks of the Woronora River in a deep, peaceful river valley, this picturesque and largely undiscovered part of the Sutherland Shire is a sanctuary for fishing and paddling. There are a number of locations in Woronora where visitors can enjoy a picnic or barbecue on the banks of what is one of Sydney’s most pristine waterways.
> Paddle the Georges River, from Woronora to Como.
walk through the Royal Nation al Park ee the majestic sandstone cliff s.
> Something for everyone at Gymea Village Fair, the last Sunday in October each year.
Stay active on holidays While you are in the Sutherland Shire, there’s plenty for you to stay active. We have three leisure centres featuring the latest cardio equipment, fitness programs and year round heated pools. There are also three 18-hole golf courses and a 52 bay golf driving range as well as eleven public tennis courts.
For information on where to stay, things to do, places to eat and upcoming facebook.com/visittheshire events go to visittheshire.com.au Contact Shire Tourism E: tourism@ssc.nsw.gov.au youtube.com/visittheshire T: (02) 9710 0888
SCAN TO GO TO THE SUTHERLAND SHIRE WEBSITE SEE FULL MAP ON PAGE 49 >
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Sutherland Shire
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Sutherland Shire
Ride a Bondi Tram! Recreating a past era of city and suburban passenger transport, this hands-on experience provides enjoyment for young and old. Inspect a variety of trams and catch a tram to The Royal National Park and to Sutherland’s outskirts. Day ticket (unlimited tram-rides) $18 Adult, $12 Concession, $10 School Children (under 5 yrs free). Picnic/BBQ facilities, souvenir shop, kiosk.
Open Wednesdays, Sundays, most Public Holidays and most school holiday weekdays. Corner Pitt St and Princes Highway, Loftus (Adjacent to Loftus Railway Station) Tel: (02) 9542 3646 www.sydneytramwaymuseum.com.au
Oyster Bay B&B “A little bit of the country in the south of Sydney” Relax in a tranquil waterfront setting with the use of a pool, canoe, runabout and BBQ. Delicious hot breakfasts. Ensuite bedrooms . King suite with spa bath. Close to city, airport, beaches, restaurants and national parks.
Bookings: (02) 9528 8017 www.sydneybedandbreakfast.com.au
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Explore & Tour
Walks, Cycleways, Parks & Gardens
Sydney can be a challenging place to walk and cycle, or push a wheelchair or stroller. Call in to any one of the VISITOR INFORMATION CENTRES listed on Page 45 for information about local walks and cycling. Please check safety and local REGULATIONS relating to cycling and activities in public parks. CYCLING. For maps and information about cycleways throughout Greater Sydney. www.bicycleinfo.nsw.gov.au NATIONAL PARKS. Walking tours, cycling and walks in most National Parks. Some are wheelchair accessible. www.nationalparks.com.au BOTANIC GARDENS. The Royal Sydney, Australian at Mt Annan and Blue Mountains at Mt Tomah. www. rbgsyd.nsw.gov.au Walks around SYDNEY HARBOUR’S islands, bays and headlands on Sydney Harbour. www.harbourtrust.gov. au Walks around THE ROCKS, CIRCULAR QUAY, SYDNEY OPERA HOUSE FORECOURT AND DARLING HARBOUR. www.shfa.nsw.gov.au SYDNEY FERRIES. For ferry accessible maps locations on Sydney Harbour, Parramatta & Lane Cover rivers. www.sydneyferries.info CITY OF SYDNEY. Themed self-guided walking tours around Sydney CBD, Hyde Park and Inner Sydney precincts. www.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au Inner Sydney’s network of cycleways. www.sydneycycleways.net CENTENNIAL PARK. Walks and cycling. www.centennialparklands.com.au SYDNEY OLYMPIC PARK. (Pages 32-33) 2000 Sydney Olympic Games site and Bicentennial Park. www.sydneyolympicpark.com.au MANLY. (Page 8) The Spit to Manly harbour side walk. www.manly.nsw.gov.au PENRITH Sydney International Regatta Centre and
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The Great (Nepean) River Walks are accessible, cycle and family friendly. www.penrithishere.com.au RYDE (Pages 30-31) Accessible and family friendly walks along Parramatta River. Lane Cove National Park. www.ryde.nsw.gov.au PARRAMATTA (Page 35) Parramatta Park and Lake Parramatta. www.parramatta.nsw.gov.au BLACKTOWN (Page 39) Western Sydney Parklands. Nurragingy Reserve and Prospect Reservoir. www.blacktown.nsw.gov.au MACARTHUR (Page 24-27) Camden Heritage. Australian Botanic Gardens. www.macarthur.com.au LIVERPOOL. (Page 23) Georges River and Lake Chipping Norton. www.liverpool.nsw.gov.au HAWKESBURY RIVER (Pages 11-13) Barrenjoey and West Head. Historic Windsor and Richmond town walks. www.hawkesburytourism.com.au and www.hhart.com.au ST GEORGE & SUTHERLAND (Pages 15 -19) Botany Bay and The Royal National Parks, Sans Souci, Oatley Park. www.visittheshire.com.au and www.hurstville.nsw.govau FEELING ADVENTUROUS? For SYDNEY COASTAL WALKS from Palm Beach to Cronulla and the 26 km 2 day SYDNEY HARBOUR CIRCLE WALK www.walkingcoastalsydney.com.au The 250 km GREAT NORTH WALK from Sydney to Newcastle. www thegreatnorthwalk.com PUBLIC TOILETS. Locations, opening hours and availability of wheelchair access www.toiletmap.gov.au
> North Head (Photo Destination NSW) > Cape Solander, Botany Bay > Macarthur Walks
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Explore & Tour Inner Sydney
The Sydney CBD is surrounded by lively precincts where you can explore fashionable boutiques, bookshops, cafes, bars, restaurants and entertainment attractions. To the east there is Paddington, Surry Hills and Darlinghurst. Each has their own style and personality. Paddington is sophisticated and stylish, Surry Hills, is more fun, laid back and Darlinghurst has the night life and bars. Glebe, Newtown, Balmain and Leichhardt comprise the inner west with many second-hand shops, restaurants, bars, cafes, bookshops and design shops. Check out Glebe Point Road, King Street Newtown and Darling Street Balmain. And Norton Street Leichhardt has a wonderful collection of Italian restaurants and providores. Markets appear in all areas especially on weekends, and provide an eclectic collection of goods, artisan products and produce along side vintage clothing and artworks.
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> The Vangard Restaurant, Newtown (Photo James Horan; Destination NSW)
> Balmain Markets (Photo 3 Stroke Photography; Destination NSW) > Yoshi Jones Store, Newtown (Photo James Horan; Destination NSW)
> Salonbim Cafe, Petersham (Photo Emma Scott; Destination NSW) > Balmain Dining (Photo 3 Stroke Photography; Destination NSW)
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Cabramatta & Fairfi eld A taste of Asia
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Cabramatta is less than an hour from Sydney In Fairfield, explore For information about Cabramatta CABRAMATTA - A TASTE OF ASIA. Tel: (02) 9724 7811 With a tempting array of restaurants, food stalls, supermarkets and specialty stores, Other things to do around Fairfield include Cabramatta is a bustling marketplace a visit to the Minh Kuang Monastery capturing the vitality and diversity of South- and Meditation Centre, the Harry Seidler East Asia. designed Whitlam Library, Fairfield City Museum and Gallery, Fairfield Markets and Choose from a wide range of Asian foods, Cycleways. herbs and spices, fresh seafood, meat and vegetables, quality fabrics, clothing, Experience the best of rural Australia in jewellery, electrical goods, herbal medicine Sydney’s backyard at CALMSLEY HILL CITY and food specialities. You will always find FARM. Native and farm yard animals, picnic someone eager to explain how to use Asian areas with BBQ’s and daily shows and tractor produce in your cooking, or sew beautiful rides. 31 Darling St Abbotsbury Tel: (02) fabrics into fabulous fashion. 9823 3222 www.calmsleyhill.com.au Here, among more than 60 eateries, are the Take your horse to SYDNEY INTERNATIONAL authentic cuisines of Vietnam, Thailand, EQUESTRIAN CENTRE and ride on an Laos and Cambodia, plus several Chinese Olympic standard arena or take a leisurely styles and an excellent choice of vegetarian trail ride. Saxony Road Horsley Park eateries influenced by the Buddhist Tel: (02) 9620 2698 communities in the area. www.equestriancentre.nsw.gov.au Don’t miss Sydney’s largest Asian festival, WESTERN SYDNEY PARKLANDS (5,500 The Cabramatta Moon Festival on Sunday hectares) Picnic and BBQ facilities, walking 15 September 2013 and the Lunar New Year trails, bushland and district views. celebrations. www.westernsydneyparklands.com.au Visit the colourful Pailau Gate Transport InfoLine Tel: 131 500 and colourful fabric shops. www.131500.com.au Watch herbalists preparing their potions and see durian and pennywort drinks, For information go to rambujtan and jackfruit, www.fairfieldcity.nsw.gov.au chicken beaks and feet and ducks roasting in shop windows.
Fairfield City
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Macarthur For the adventure of a lifetime
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The Macarthur Region, comprising the townships of Camden and Campbelltown, is a treasure trove of experiences including adventurous endeavours, heritage attractions, entertainment activities and award winning dining, as well as providing an abundance of opportunities to get up close with nature.
> Hot air ballooning > Historic Glenalvon Stables > Bushwalking, Georges River > Macarthur dairy country
Macarthur is a great place to escape to and is within easy driving distance of Sydney, situated an hour southwest of the CBD and airport. Full of unexpected surprises, the region is surrounded by spectacular scenic hills, nature reserves and the Georges and Nepean Rivers. It is a vibrant, bustling area that still retains a country feel. The combination of relaxing lifestyle, diverse blend of culture and unique attractions is why more and more people are discovering the Macarthur region and placing it at the top of their ‘must visit’ list.
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Macarthur - for the adventure of a lifetime
Adventure of a Lifetime In Macarthur you are sure to find an outdoor experience to match your sense of adventure and excitement. Fly high above the valley in a vintage tiger moth flight or float on cloud nine in a hot air balloon. If you dare, try the thrill of tandem skydiving - no experience necessary, just bring along your fearlessness and adrenalin. If you prefer to stay grounded then why not take to the hills on a leisurely cross-country horse ride, or test your skill levels on the Macarthur region’s first designated mountain biking endurance trail! Living History Rich in history and character, Macarthur was the birthplace of Australia’s wool, wine and wheat industries. Today, these links with the history of colonial settlement are reflected in the large number of heritage listed buildings that are still scattered throughout region. A relaxing walk down the town’s main streets will reveal just some of the region’s rich array of colonial architecture. Self-guided heritage tours help to bring this history to life. Tour brochures are available from the Visitor Information Centres. Explore the Outdoors Macarthur is bordered by scenic hills, nature reserves and the Georges and Nepean Rivers, so if you enjoy a bushwalk or a relaxing picnic - there are plenty of places to escape to. The region also boasts a range of beautiful public gardens including Koshigaya Park, Macarthur Park and the Japanese Gardens, as well as a number of scenic cycle tracks. A must see attraction is The Australian Botanic Garden, Mount Annan. Set on more than 400 hectares of parkland, the Garden features BBQ and picnic facilities, themed gardens, a restaurant, a plant nursery, gift shop, walking tracks, interactive sculptures, mountain biking trail and guided tours. So much variety all in one place!
> The Australian Botanic Garden > Go Karting for fun and competition > Enduro Trails > Gledswood Homestead > Heritage attractions
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Macarthur - for the adventure of a lifetime
Farming Experiences Take a step back in time to experience the farming lifestyle of Australia’s early pioneers at Gledswood Homestead. Sit by the stockman’s campfire for billy tea and damper, followed by sheep shearing demonstrations and a working dog show. After this, learn how to throw a boomerang and even crack a whip! Kids will enjoy getting up close to the animals and feeding them! Indulge your Tastebuds If gourmet delights are your passion, then Macarthur, home to an array of flavours, will fulfil your dreams. Sample the variety of fresh, modern cuisine that promises to surprise and delight. With more than 100 cafés and restaurants, tempting opportunities to tantalise your tastebuds surround you.
Fancy a Tee? The Macarthur region’s first class golf courses and driving ranges are a big drawcard for golfers of all standards. Whether your handicap is in the single figures, or you are just a social player, there are many fantastic courses where you can enjoy a game, afterwards head up to the country club and enjoy a bite to eat and a drink. Stay for the Night or Two Macarthur has a growing variety of accommodation choices ranging from luxury hotels with their own restaurants, bars and conference facilities, through to serviced apartments, family motels, boutique B&Bs and caravan parks - there is something to suit all needs and budgets.
Art and Entertainment Campbelltown Arts Centre and The Cube - Campbelltown Entertainment and Exhibition Centre are the entertainment heart of Macarthur. Many exciting events, performances, concerts, workshops, exhibitions and expos are held at these venues throughout the year.
> Great times > Paintball with “friends” > Campbelltown Arts Centre > Mega Mini Golf Theme Park > Fancy a Tee?
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Macarthur - for the adventure of a lifetime
Must See Attractions
> Campbelltown Arts Centre house > Japanese Gardens and Tea ad este Hom ood dsw Gle > den, Mount Annan > The Australian Botanic Gar Trail > Mountain Biking – Enduro cafes and restaurants ny ma our at ing din e Fin > > Horse riding l > Laser Skirmish and paintbal ing and skydiving oon ball air hot hts, flig Joy > g, leisure, dining > Macarthur Square – shoppin and entertainment complex tique shopping and markets Bou >
Festivals and Events:
lk - March > Campbelltown Challenge Wa rch Ma l > Ingleburn Festiva e Festival - April > AnnanROMA Food and Win ber > Camden Festival - Septem Festivals - September > Taste - Food, Wine & Music Weekend – September > Camden Park House Open er’s Ghost - November > Campbelltown Festival of Fish e Race - December Bik in nta > JetBlack 24Hour Mou
> Wivenhoe Historic House > Horse Riding > Shopping > Tiger Moth Joy Flights
Macarthur Visitor Information Centres www.macarthur.com.au CAMPBELLTOWN Quondong Cottage, 15 Old Menangle Road, Campbelltown Ph: (02) 4645 4921, Toll Free: 1800 655 991 E: info@macarthur.com.au Open 7 days, M. to F. 8.30am - 4.30pm, Weekends 10.00am - 4.00pm
CAMDEN John Oxley Cottage, Camden Valley Way, Elderslie Ph: (02) 4658 1370 Toll Free: 1800 655 991 E: info@macarthur.com.au Open 7 days, 9.30am - 4.00pm
SCAN TO GO TO THE MACARTHUR WEBSITE SEE FULL MAP ON PAGE 49 >
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Wollondilly Adventure, heritage, nature
SCAN TO GO TO SYDNEY VISITOR GUIDE WEBSITE
Wollondilly only 80 minutes drive from Sydney is surrounded by spectacular natural beauty and rural areas. It features beautiful wilderness, heritage features, scenic lookouts and rural countryside. Recreational activities range from skydiving, go-karting, bushwalking and quiet solitude. Australia’s biggest and newest rail experience, Trainworks in Thirlmere, tells the story of New South Wales’ rail history. Kids of all ages love Trainworks – it’s a huge site with so many interesting things to explore and experience. HIGHLIGHTS • Country touring and holidays an hour from Sydney • Wollondilly Harvest Experience • Nature reserves & bushwalking • Australia’s biggest and newest rail experience • Creative Traders Markets • Sydney’s Adventure playground SEE FULL MAP ON PAGE 48 > • Boutique accommodation • World Heritage Listed Burragorang Valley • Rich in Aboriginal and European history Wollondilly Visitor Information Centre Cnr Argyle & Menangle Sts, Picton Tel: 02 4677 8313 E: tourism@wollondilly.nsw.gov.au www.visitwollondilly.com.au www.wollondillyharvestexperience.com.au
SCAN TO GO TO THE WOLLONDILLY WEBSITE
Wollondilly Visitor Information Centre Picton & Surrounds Nature, Heritage, Adventure Cnr Argyle & Menangle Sts, Picton Ph: (02) 46778313 Fax: (02)46773217 E: tourism@wollondilly.nsw.gov.au
www.visitwollondilly.com.au
Mowbray Park Farm 9km from Picton off the M5 • Farmstay weekends • Day visits • Horse & Pony rides • Birthday Parties • Bush dances, camp fires • School holiday camps
www.farmstayholidays.com.au 02 46809243
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Explore & Tour
South West Sydney
SCAN TO GO TO SYDNEY VISITOR GUIDE WEBSITE
SYDNEY’S SOUTH WEST The South-west corner of Greater Sydney is one of the fastest growing and culturally diverse regions in Australia and that is reflected in the culinary and ethnically based experiences you will find in the many suburbs which make up the region.. Beamish Street Campsie is the place to celebrate everything Korean. Campsie Food Festival is in June Tel: (02) 9789 9300. Cycle along Cooks River Cycleway or try Sydney’s only night thoroughbred racing venue at Canterbury Park Racecourse. Tel: 9930 4000 Bankstown’s attractions include the Dunc Gray Olympic Velodrome, the Australian Aviation Museum, Jet Fighter Tours from Bankstown Airport and Georges River National Park. Tel: (02) 9707 9228 In Liverpool visit the Casula Powerhouse Arts Centre and the Liverpool Regional Museum, the Collingwood Hotel, which dates from the early 1800s, Chipping Norton Lakes Regional Park and Bents Basin Recreation Reserve. Tel: 1300 362170
For a real ‘taste of Asia’ don’t miss Cabramatta’s ‘eat streets’ and Asian festivals. Fun for the whole family at Calmsley Hill City Farm and Western Sydney Parklands. Tel: (02) 9725 0222 The Macarthur region of Sydney’s SouthWest is where you will find bustling Campbelltown and historic Camden. Attractions include The Australian Botanic Garden, Gledswood Homestead and Winery, Struggletown Fine Arts Complex, Camden Park House, joy flights, hot air ballooning and skydiving. Tel: 1800 655 991. Spectacular natural beauty and rural pastures surround Wollondilly, on the southwestern outskirts of Greater Sydney. Horse and pony rides at Mowbray Park. And heaps of fun for the whole family at Thirlmere’s Trainworks. The history of the construction of Sydney’s major water supply dam is at Warragamba Dam. Tel: (02) 4677 3962
> Sundial Hill at the Australian Botanic Garden > Jewfish Point Reserve - Georges River > Great Train Hall, Trainworks Thirlmere
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Ryde All roads lead to Ryde
> Enjoy one of the many bushland or riverside parks.
oon ... cominginsg new excit ttraction sur f a
Ryde Aquatic Leisure Centre
Open 7 days a week from early morning to evening. 504 Victoria Road, Ryde (Enter via Karen Moras Drive) Ph: (02) 8878 5111 www.ryde.nsw.gov.au/ralc
SCAN TO GO TO SYDNEY VISITOR GUIDE WEBSITE
The City of Ryde, just 12 kilometres from the Sydney CBD, is connected by rail, bus, road and two RiverCat terminals to Sydney’s major attractions. Ryde offers easy access to Sydney Harbour, Sydney CBD, Darling Harbour, The Rocks, Parramatta and Sydney Olympic Park, home of the annual Sydney Easter Show. Stay in Ryde and take the time to visit the local attractions, including the many fine heritage buildings such as Wilandra and the beautifully restored colonial mansion, Brush Farm House, built in 1820 by famous Blue Mountains explorer Gregory Blaxland. Ryde has an abundance of beautiful parks, natural reserves and scenic waterways, offering a range of outdoor activities including bushwalking, cycling and water-sports. On weekends yachts, dinghies and fishing boats ply the Parramatta River while families enjoy the trails, parks and historical features that dot the foreshore along the Ryde Riverwalk. The “Putney Punt” across Parramatta River is the sole survivor of a by-gone transport era and should not be missed.
Lane Cove National Park, a 400ha park with a natural bushland and river setting, is one of Sydney’s favourite places for picnics, BBQs or bush walks. Hire a rowboat or canoe and meander through this picturesque river park. Tel: 9412 1811 www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au Home to the award-winning Ryde Aquatic Leisure Centre, Ryde caters for all sporting interests with some of the region’s finest golf courses, plus tennis, squash, tenpin bowling, walking, sailing and swimming. You will find a broad range of quality accommodation to choose from, including luxury 3 and 4 star hotels and the unique Lane Cove River Tourist Park set in a relaxing bushland setting. Eat your way around the world in restaurants serving a wide range of international cuisines, including Eastwood’s famous Asian restaurants. Shop to your heart’s content at the Top Ryde City, with its outdoor shopping and dining piazza and Macquarie Shopping Centre, North Ryde. Enjoy music in Eastwood Plaza, a bistro lunch in Gladesville or a relaxing dinner in a riverside, bushland or historic setting.
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Ryde Granny Smith Festival
Granny Smith Festival... fun, food, entertainment The Granny Smith Festival is the highlight of a busy year of community events that attracts tens of thousands of visitors. This famous festival held every year on the third Saturday in October, celebrates the life and legacy of a local - Maria Ann “Granny” Smith - who back in 1868, accidentally grew the first batch of tangy green apples that now bear her name. From sun-up to sundown, there’s fun for everyone: • Grand Street Parade 10.00am – 2,000 participants - marching bands, dancers, clowns, stilt walkers, floats, vintage cars
• Kids’ shows and carnival rides, jumping castles, face painting, show bags and baby animals • International food fair, plus home made apple pies • 280 street stalls – bargain hunters’ heaven • 60 acts on 6 stages • Singing Star and Sports Star contests • ‘The Core’ Youth Zone – chills from 1.00-5.00pm • Great Family Concert 6.45pm • Fireworks Spectacular 8.00pm In 2013, the Festival falls on Saturday 19 October and we look forward to seeing you there.
OTHER RYDE FESTIVALS January kicks off with the Australia Day Family Concert and Fireworks Spectacular at North Ryde Common, followed by Lunar New Year, the popular Cinema in the Park series and All the Colours of Ryde Festival. The Ryde Rivers Festival at Kissing Point Park in September features Dragon Boat racing and great family activities. The year rounds off with a Community Christmas Celebration in Ryde Park and Carols by Candlelight at various locations throughout the City.
> The City of Ryde hosts a variety of colourful community events
SEE FULL MAP ON PAGE 49 >
Contact us for local information and advice, to find out ‘What’s On’ or for a full list of places to go, things to see and do and where to stay, eat or be entertained. City of Ryde Tel: (02) 9952 8222 (Mon-Fri 8.30am- 4.45pm) or go to www.ryde.nsw.gov.au Transport Information and timetables Tel: 131 500 www.131500.com.au
SCAN TO GO TO THE RYDE WEBSITE
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Sydney Olympic Park SCAN TO GO TO SYDNEY VISITOR GUIDE WEBSITE
Summer all year round at Sydney Olympic Park Aquatic Centre Spend the day at Sydney Olympic Park Aquatic Centre water wonderland. Have fun exploring world-class facilities, Splashers Water Playground, plus: a leisure pool with spurting volcanoes, spray jets, rapid ride, waterslide, bubble beach, Olympic sized pools, a steam room, sauna and spas. Other features include a café and fitness club. Aquatic Centre patrons receive four hours free parking. Open: Mon - Fri 5am - 9pm and Sat/Sun/Public Holidays 6am - 7pm (till 8pm during summer) Olympic Boulevard, Sydney Olympic Park Tel: (02) 9752 3666
SYDNEY OLYMPIC PARK Start your experience at the Visitor Centre (located on the corner of Herb Elliott Ave and Showground Rd) where we bring to life this spectacular place, its history and its future. Our friendly staff are waiting to help you have a fun day at the Park. Open 9am-5pm 7 days (excl. Christmas Day). The Park has 640 hectares of man-made and natural attractions to provide you with an irresistible choice of tours, cultural, historical and nature-based activities. Sydney Olympic Park is only 14 kilometres from the City and Airport, and close to many shopping centres including Rhodes, Parramatta, Burwood, Top Ryde City and DFO (Direct Factory Outlet). ANZ Stadium ‘Explore’ Tour Go behind the scenes at the main venue of the Sydney Olympic Games and Rugby World Cup. Enjoy the sound and laser show as you enter the Stadium through the darkened athletes tunnel. The tour includes video presentations, a visit to the media centre, exclusive corporate suite and players changing rooms. You also get the chance to run through the players tunnel and stand on top of the actual Olympic medal dais. Tours run daily.
Bike Safaris are the perfect way to experience the Park. Hire a bike and discover over 35 km of cycle pathways across a choice of three diverse circuits. Monster Skatepark Visit Monster Skatepark and ride the 14 foot vert ramp and indoor street course. Join a Monster Academy Clinic and you’ll be dropping in like a pro in no time. Bookings required for clinics. Tel: (02) 9763 7359 There are many other exciting things to enjoy at Sydney Olympic Park including playgrounds, trapeze, archery, bird spotting, walking through over 430 hectares of parklands and family picnics. Not to be missed is the amazing Brickpit Ring Walk. The Ring Walk is elevated 18 metres above the century old Brickpit. Listen to remarkable stories about Sydney’s past and the endangered Green and Golden Bell Frog as you discover the unique landscape.
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Sydney Olympic Park
How to get to Sydney Olympic Park By Road Less than one minute from the M4 motorway, Sydney Olympic Park is clearly signposted from the nearest junctions. By Rail Services from Lidcombe station run every 10-20 minutes. Services to Lidcombe run frequently from the City and on the Western Lines. It is a 20-30 minute journey from Sydney Central station. By Ferry The most scenic way to travel is to take the River Cat from Circular Quay and a connecting bus service will take you to the Visitor Centre. DayTripper Tickets allow for unlimited travel on CityRail trains, Sydney Buses and Sydney Ferries. For more travel information call 131 500 or visit www.131500.com.au Where to eat at Sydney Olympic Park The Park offers a choice of cafes, bars and restaurants from a light snack to a la carte dining all within strolling distance of the venues and parklands. Staying at Sydney Olympic Park Quest Apartments, Novotel & Hotel Ibis, Pullman Hotel, Ibis Budget and Sydney Olympic Park Lodge offer a range of rooms to suit any traveller including Spa Suites, City Studio Rooms, Terrace Rooms and standard Guest Rooms. An array of food and beverage options will tempt guests with menus to suit a variety of tastes and budgets.
For more information and bookings call +61 2 9714 7888, email bookingsvc@sydneyolympicpark.com.au or visit www.sydneyolympicpark.com.au
SCAN TO GO TO THE SYDNEY OLYMPIC PARK WEBSITE SEE FULL MAP ON PAGE 48 >
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Explore & Tour
The rivers to Lane Cove & Parramatta
THE PARRAMATTA RIVER rises in the hills northwest of Parramatta and flows to Sydney Harbour. For over 200 years it has been Sydney’s central waterway. Long before European settlers it was well known to aboriginal people as a source of food and transport. Many of Sydney’s suburbs are nestled along its banks, its tributaries and bays. From the former working class, but now gentrified suburbs of Balmain, Birchgrove, Rozelle with their myriad of restaurants and on to SYDNEY OLYMPIC PARK, RYDE and PARRAMATTA. Canada Bay, on the foreshores of Parramatta River, is named after Canadian rebels, deported to Australia following the Canadian Revolution of 1837-8. The picturesque LANE COVE RIVER is a tributary of the Parramatta River, winding through a peaceful bushland valley. The river is the focus of most activities in Lane Cove National Park where you can stroll along the bank, hire a rowboat, picnic or stay overnight in the nearby Lane Cove River Tourist Park. Tel: (02) 9888 9133 RYDE (Pages 30-31) is the link between the Lane Cove and Parramatta Rivers. There are an amazing number of bays, picnic or fishing spots from Putney through to Henley on the Parramatta River, which serves as Ryde’s southern boundary.
SCAN TO GO TO SYDNEY VISITOR GUIDE WEBSITE
Wander through picturesque Hunters Hill peninsula and Woolwich. But don’t miss the Granny Smith festival held in Eastwood in October of each year. Cross Parramatta River on the Putney/ Mortlake Punt and on to Homebush Bay. Chosen as the site for the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games because of its centrality and easy access by road and public transport, Sydney Olympic Park (Pages 32-33) now provides visitors with a wide range of attractions and a choice of activities, including tours of venues that hosted the world’s athletes. Visit Paddy’s Markets at Flemington, Sydney’s “Biggest & Best” traditional markets are a great place to find a bargain. By far the best and most relaxing way to see Parramatta River is from the Parramatta RiverCat from Circular Quay. You will pass some magnificent waterfront homes, rowing and sailing clubs and historic buildings. Tel: 131500 www.131500.com.au For books and information about the Parramatta River call in to the Parramatta Visitor Centre. Tel: 1300 889 714 www.disoverparramata.com Ryde Library Tel: (02) 9952 8222 www.ryde.nsw.gov.au Sydney Olympic Park Tel: (02) 9714 7888 www.sydneyolympicpark.com.au
> Sydney CBD and Anzac Bridge (Photo Hamilton Lund; Destination NSW) > Balmain Wharf (Photo 3 Stroke Photography; Destination NSW) > Parramatta River (Photo Hamilton Lund; Destination NSW) > The Parramatta River looking from Ryde to the Sydney CBD
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SCAN TO GO TO SYDNEY VISITOR GUIDE WEBSITE
> Parramatta Park > Lennox Bridge. > Parramatta RiverCat > St John’s Cathedral > Hambledon Cottage > Old Government House The RiverCat from Circular Quay terminates at PARRAMATTA, one of Greater Sydney’s commercial and retail hubs. Parramatta is nationally significant as an early seat of government and commercial activity. Steeped in early European history, Parramatta is where you will find the World Heritage Listed Parramatta Park and Old Government House as well as historic houses, all of national significance. The first successful crop plantings in the early colony were in Parramatta and the Australian wool industry had its beginning here too. Today Parramatta is shaped by many cultures and this is reflected in the diverse range of restaurants, cafés and alfresco eateries to rival anything in Greater Sydney.
SOME OTHER PLACES TO SEE > Roxy Theatre entertainment venue. > Parramatta Riverside Theatres > Cumberland Oval and the Parramatta Leagues Club >Rosehill Gardens Racecourse > Shop ‘till you drop’ in Church Street > Westfield Shoppingtown, one of Australia’s largest shopping centres. > Parramatta Heritage Centre has a popular Family History Library. > Parramatta Park Themed Self Guided Tours help you explore Parramatta, its art, architecture and indigenous and colonial heritage. Parramatta Visitor Information Centre 346A Church St Parramatta T: 1300 889 714 www.discoverparramatta.com
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Sydney for families The local favourites
SCAN TO GO TO SYDNEY VISITOR GUIDE WEBSITE
atta Be part of Asian culture at Cabram
Meet the animals at Featherdale
ers” Surf with the “Nipp
Go fishing on th
e Hawkesbury
Climb the Southern Pylon
Take a ferry ride on the harbour
Have a day at th
e beach
Year at Hurstville Help celebrate Lunar New at Audley Hire an aqua bike
Go horse riding
Ride an old tram at Loftus
Go to a festival like “Gr anny Smith” at Ryde
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SCAN TO GO TO SYDNEY VISITOR GUIDE WEBSITE
Meet friends at Taronga Zoo
Get on a bike at Sydn ey Olympic Park
Ride the Mon er Skate Pa at Sydney Olyst mpic Park rk
Race Go-karts in Macarthur
rhouse Museum overy at the Powe sc di of y da a ve Ha ks See the old steam trains at Train Wor
Catch a wave in Blacktown
itewater Ride the rapids at Penrith Wh
Go water skiing at Cables Wake Park See sheep shearing at Gledswood Homestead
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Sydney surrounds
100km around Sydney
SCAN TO GO TO SYDNEY VISITOR GUIDE WEBSITE
While you are in Sydney take the opportunity to explore the surrounding attractions, all within a few hours of Sydney. CENTRAL COAST Traditional holiday playground for Sydney-siders. Safe beaches, swimming, kayaking, canoeing and aquatic activities. Mt Penang Australian native Gardens, Gosford Regional Gallery and Japanese Gardens. www.visitcentralcoast.com.au BLUE MOUNTAINS World Heritage listed National Park, breathtaking views, bushwalks, Three Sisters at Echo Point, Scenic World and Carrington Hotel at Katoomba. Boutique shopping, antique and craft shops, cafés and restaurants at villages such as Leura and Glenbrook. www.bluemountainscitytourism.com.au SOUTHERN HIGHLANDS Magnificent gardens, antiques, heritage, annual Tulip Festival in Bowral and the Brigadoon Highland Festival at Bundanoon. International Cricket Hall of Fame and Don Bradman Museum at Bowral. Don’t miss the rainforest experience at the Illawarra Fry Treetop Walk and family adventure at Jamberoo Action Park. www.southern-highlands.com.au SOUTH COAST AND ILLAWARRA Possibly some of Australia’s most spectacular scenic views. Take the Pacific Highway to Bulli Tops with unbelievable views of the South Coast, down the steep and exciting Bulli Pass to the beach at Thirroul and back via the scenic Grand Pacific Drive, across the spectacular cliff-hugging Sea Cliff Bridge to Stanwell Tops to see hang gliders circling from the cliff tops. www.grandpacificdrive.com.au
Blue Mountains Visitor Information Centres For all your accommodation, tours and attractions bookings, walking maps, souvenirs and site seeing activities within the Blue Mountains Region. GLENBROOK Visitor Information Centre, Great Western Highway, Glenbrook. Ph 1300 653 408 ECHO POINT Visitor information Centre, Three Sisters Lookout, Echo Point Rd, Katoomba. Ph 1300 653 408
www. www.bluemountainscitytourism.com.au
> The Three Sisters, Katoomba, Blue Mountains > Patisserie, Wentworth Falls, Blue Mountains (Photo James Horan; Destination NSW) > The Skillion, Terrigal on the Central Coast (Photo Wildlight Photography; Destination NSW) > Edogawa Japanese Gardens, Gosford (Photo Hamilton Lund; Destination NSW) > Corbett Gardens, Bowral (Photo Susan Wright; Destination NSW) > Milton Park, Bowral (Photo Anson Smart; Destination NSW) > Illawarra Fly (Photo Tourism Southern Highlands) > Sea Cliff Bridge (Photo Tourism Wollongong)
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Blacktown The Heart of Greater Sydney
SCAN TO GO TO SYDNEY VISITOR GUIDE WEBSITE
ort Park > Sydney Motorsp
Nurragingy Reserve > Chang Lai Yuan Chinese Garden at
UNIQUE EVENTS My Lords and Ladies Medieval Fayre 18 – 19 May 2013 at Nurragingy Reserve. Step back to the dark medieval times including live jousting displays. Family Fish In 2-3 & 9-10 August 2013 (bookings required) Trout fishing at Mount Druitt Swimming Pool. MAJOR EVENTS Free family friendly Australia Day Celebrations with live music, rides and fireworks at the Rooty Hill, Eastern Rd, Rooty Hill – 26 January Blacktown City Festival – 18-25 May Westlink M7 Marathon – 28 July Summer Grooves Jazz Concert at Nurragingy Reserve. October (check website). Event information www.visitblacktown.com
> My Lords and Ladies Medieval Fayre (above) 18-19 May 2013 at Nurragingy Reserve
re, Stan > Wave Pool at the Blacktown Leisure Cent
hope
GREAT ATTRACTIONS 1) Blacktown Drive-In, the only Drive-In in the Greater Sydney area. 2) Featherdale Wildlife Park. 3) Chinese Gardens and weekend Blacksmith demonstrations at Nurragingy Reserve. 4) Wave Pool at Blacktown Leisure Centre, Stanhope. 5) Eastern Creek Motorsport precinct including motor racing, drag cars and karts. 6) Blacktown Visitor Information & Heritage Centre (first school in Blacktown). 7) Blacktown International Sportspark, the heart of sport in western Sydney and home to Sydney Blue Sox (baseball) & Western Sydney Wanderers (football) 8) Ghost Tours at St Bartholomew’s Church and Cemetery. 9) Blacktown Arts Centre. 10) Historic Rouse Hill house and farm and Historical Bicentennial Museum in Riverstone. Coming next Summer WET n WILD, Prospect
Blacktown Visitor Information & Heritage Centre Flushcombe Rd, Blacktown Tel 1300 302 858 www.visitblacktown.com www.sydneyvisitorguide.com.au - page 39
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Penrith is here
> Museum of Fire has one of the world’s largest and most unique fire collections
Come and discover why Penrith is one of the most important lifestyle and business centres in Greater Sydney. A perfect balance of rural and urban, Penrith abounds with beauty. Our shining outdoors keeps us active so that we have many places and facilities to share when you visit. The renowned Nepean-Hawkesbury River, with the breathtaking Nepean Gorge, is Penrith’s outstanding natural feature complemented by the surrounding mountains and the vast expanse of Penrith Lakes stretching away to the north. Our people have driven the development of cultural institutions that complement the natural beauty of our area. Whitewater rafting at Penrith Whitewater Stadium is always a popular choice, but if you ask a local about their favourite spot, they might just mention “The Joan”, the Penrith Regional Gallery or the Museum of Fire.
> The Great River Walk – wit h almost eight kilometres of
walking track
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SCAN TO GO TO SYDNEY VISITOR GUIDE WEBSITE
k” Lookout, Nepean Gorge > Enjoying a picnic at “The Roc
Penrith has an amazing assortment of things to do. From picnics and river cruises on the Nepean River and the spectacular Nepean Gorge, to shopping at one of Australia’s leading Westfield centres or entertainment at Panthers, the largest licensed club in Australia. And of course those wonderful cultural institutions that we have built up for our community but would love to share with you. Uniquely positioned, there’s nowhere quite like our wonderful place. Diverse and inspiring, sociable and entrepreneurial, our people will make you feel really welcome.
> The Nepean Belle regularly cruises the
river
Penrith Visitor Information Centre www.penrithishere.com.au Panthers Car Park, Mulgoa Rd Penrith 2750 Tel: 1300 736 836 Fax: 4732 7690 Open 7 days 9 am to 4.30 pm. (Closed Good Friday and Christmas Day) Email pentour@penrithcity.nsw.gov.au
Penrith Visitor Guide Contact the Visitor Centre to get a free copy sent or find it online at PENRITHISHERE.COM.AU
SCAN TO GO TO THE PENRITH WEBSITE SEE FULL MAP ON PAGE 49 >
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Penrith’s great outdoors
> Rafting at Penrith Wh
SCAN TO GO TO SYDNEY VISITOR GUIDE WEBSITE
itewater Stadium
> “Flyi
untains backdrop > Penrith Lakes with Blue Mo
■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■
Canoe and bike hire Jetpack Adventures Stand Up Paddleboarding Tandem Skydiving Fishing BBQ and picnic facilities Walking and cycle paths Rowing, canoeing and swim training ■ School holiday programs ■ Corporate meetings and team building activities ■ Lakeside Restaurant ■ Weddings and functions ■ Concerts and festivals Visit www.regattacentre.nsw.gov.au for a full list of venue facilities, programs and events.
T (02) 4730 0000 F (02) 4730 6789 E regatta@communities.nsw.gov.au Old Castlereagh Road, Penrith NSW 2795 Australia www.regattacentre.nsw.gov.au www.facebook.com/SydneyInternationalRegattaCentre
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> Triathlons are po pular at Penrith La kes
, Panth s Wake Park ing” at Cable
ers.
We have water! Penrith has both the Nepean River and Penrith Lakes, providing more fresh water related activities than anywhere else in Greater Sydney. The Sydney International Regatta Centre at Penrith Lakes was the venue for the rowing and canoeing events in the 2000 Sydney Olympics. Now it’s Penrith’s leading venue for events and outdoor recreation. This year it will be hosting the highly prestigious Samsung World Rowing Cup, Australia’s first international rowing event since the Sydney Olympics. At the Regatta Centre you can enjoy a 5km cycling and walking track around the main lake, picnic grounds, sky diving, canoeing and bike hire. As well as rowing regattas, it hosts dragon boat races, triathlons and other sporting events. Tel: (02) 4730 0000 www.regattacentre.nsw.gov.au Penrith Whitewater Stadium is the place to go for the thrilling sport of whitewater rafting and kayaking. Most fit people can enjoy this activity. This was the venue for canoe slalom in the 2000 Sydney Olympics. Bookings essential. McCarthy’s Ln, Cranebrook. Tel: (02) 4730 4333 www.penrithwhitewater.com.au Muru Mittigar Aboriginal Cultural Centre is a unique attraction featuring local traditions and art of the original local inhabitants. Open seven days a week. Tel: (02) 4729 2377 www.murumittigar.com.au The Penrith Lakes Environmental Education Centre provides fieldwork and related programs for school students. Tel: (02) 4730 3630
Cables Wake Park is one of the world’s premier wakeboarding facilities. Kneeboard, ski or wakeboard. Anyone can do it - beginners and professionals alike. All basic equipment and tuition is included. Located at Panthers. Tel: (02) 4722 2537 www.cableswakepark.com.au The Great River Walk follows both sides of the Nepean between the M4 and the Great Western Highway bridges. The complete loop is almost 8km long and features resting points and lookouts, interpretative information and places where you can enjoy a coffee and a bite to eat. For more information go to: www.penrithcity.nsw.gov.au/index.asp?id=7910 Getting to Penrith From Sydney just follow the signs along the M4 Motorway from Strathfield. The M7 links the M5 from the South and the M2 and M7 from the North to the M4. From the West take the Great Western Highway or follow The Northern Road from Windsor and Richmond or Campbelltown and Camden. If you would prefer to leave the car at home, take the train - Penrith is regularly serviced by Cityrail’s Western and Blue Mountains Lines. For more information Penrith Visitor Information Centre Tel: 1300 736 836 www.penrithishere.com.au
FANTASTIC FAMILY FUN CAN DO E N O Y N A
IT
PARTY.
For everyone, beginner
to advanced. All equipment and coaching provided. Wakeboarding, water skiing, kneeboarding. Food, Drinks, BBQs, Cafe, Picnic Area, Pro Shop and great Accommodation too.
SHOP. STAY. COACHING. At Panthers Leagues Club, Mulgoa Rd Penrith Ph 02 4722 2537
www.cableswakepark.com.au
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Helpful Information NSW Annual Public Holidays Include New Years Day (1 January), Australia Day (26 January), Good Friday, Easter Monday, Anzac Day (25 April), Christmas Day and Boxing Day (25 and 26 December). Tel: 131 628 www.industrialrelations.nsw.gov.au/NSW_public_holidays
NSW Public School Vacations Tel (02) 9561 8000 Summer, Easter, Winter and Spring. www.schools.nsw.edu.au/calendar NSW Summer Daylight Saving “Spring forward – Fall (Autumn) back”. Forward 1 hour in October, back 1 hour at beginning of April. Tel: (02) 8688 7966 24 hours www.nsw.gov.au/daylight-saving
Public Toilets Information on location, opening hours and availability of wheelchair access for more than 14,000 public toilets. www.toiletmap.gov.au
Telephoning Sydney > From outside New South Wales add the prefix 02 > All numbers commencing 13 are charged as local calls and numbers commencing 18 are free calls from anywhere in Australia. > Numbers commencing 19 have a charge, which may vary. > From outside Australia add the prefix 61 2. Telstra National Directory Assistance Tel: 1223 Free from residential and pay phones. Mobiles charged. For local advice and maps call in to a Visitor Information Centre displaying this
sign.
Contact Us
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Discover SYDNEY VISITOR GUIDE published by CONNEX WEST Marketing and Publishing Pty Ltd ABN 86 003 869 127 6 Euroka Road Glenbrook NSW 2773 Graeme & Vivian Dubé Proprietors Tel: (02) 4739 6017 Email sydney@connexwest.com.au www.sydneyvisitorguide.com.au PRODUCTION TEAM: Design, finished art and pre-press: www.RegionalShowcase.com.au Printed by Offset Alpine. 42 Boorea Street Lidcombe 2141 www.offsetalpine.com.au We use and recommend Sydway Maps. Discover SYDNEY VISITOR GUIDE is published by CONNEX WEST Marketing & Publishing Pty Ltd for Greater Sydney Tourism Inc as its Official Guide and is the only Guide for visitors to the whole of the Greater Sydney. It is widely distributed throughout Australia. We are grateful to those who have supplied us with information and photographs, including Destination NSW, Historic Houses Trust, Sydney Harbour Foreshore Authority, Sydney Harbour Federation Trust, National Parks & Wildlife, Western Sydney Parklands, Local Councils, Stephen Dubé, RegionalShowcase.com.au and from our own resources. Publication of this guide is not directly funded or supported by any government organisation. We especially thank those Councils and organisations that have shown their desire to promote all of Sydney by contributing to this guide. Discover SYDNEY VISITOR GUIDE would not be possible without their support. TO ADVERTISE IN THIS GUIDE: email sydney@connexwest.com.au or go to our website. IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER The information contained in this Guide, while based on information believed reliable, is not guaranteed and is intended only to inform and illustrate. Whilst every effort has been made to ensure accuracy the publishers cannot be held responsible for any consequences resulting from any misdescription or inadvertent errors. We recommend that you check with appropriate Visitor Information Centres before travelling to any event or attraction. © COPYRIGHT 2013 www.sydneyvisitorguide.com.au and ‘Discover SYDNEY VISITOR GUIDE’ are copyright of CONNEX WEST Marketing & Publishing Pty Ltd. ABN 86 003 869 127 Reproduction, or use of the contents in any way, of any part of this Guide, including maps, is prohibited without permission.© Maps Sydway Maps, Regional Showcase & CONNEX WEST. Logos and images used in this Guide are the property of advertisers and are used with permission.
Wholly made in Australia and proud of it.
Get seen by visitors to all of Sydney 1 Advertorial Features 2 Display Ads 3 Website Display Ads
sydneyvisitorguide.com.au The official visitor guide of Greater Sydney Tourism. An independent guide and website focused on getting to visitors to all of Sydney. “A smart and cost eective way to reduce the cost of getting customers through the door” Go online and click on ADVERTISE or email sydney@connexwest.com.au
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Visitor Information SCAN TO GO TO SYDNEY VISITOR GUIDE WEBSITE
Visitor Centres Discover SYDNEY VISITOR GUIDE is available from all these Major Accredited Visitor Information Centres in Greater Sydney. Look for this sign. Accredited Visitor Information Centres are your guarantee of reliable service and visitor information. GREATER SYDNEY VISITOR CENTRES BLACKTOWN Flushcombe Rd Tel: 1300 302 858 www.visitblacktown.com BLUE MOUNTAINS Great Western Highway Glenbrook Tel: 1300 653 408 www.visitbluemountains.com.au CAMDEN John Oxley Cottage, Camden Valley Way Elderslie Tel: 1800 655 991 www.visitmacarthur.com.au CAMPBELLTOWN ‘Quondong’ 15 Old Menangle Road Tel: 1800 655 991 www.visitmacarthur.com.au CRONULLA Cronulla Central (off Cronulla Plaza) Tel: (02) 9527 2100 www.visittheshire.com.au DURAL The Pines 656a Old Northern Rd. Tel: (02) 9651 4411 www.hhart.com.au HAWKESBURY Hawkesbury Valley Way, Clarendon Tel: 1300 362 874 www.hawkesburytourism.com.au MANLY Manly Wharf Forecourt Tel: (02) 9976 1430 www.manly.nsw.gov.au PARRAMATTA 346A Church St. Tel: 1300 889 714 www.parramatta.nsw.gov.au PENRITH Panthers Car Park Mulgoa Road. Tel: 1300 736 836 www.penrithishere.com.au PICTON Cnr Argyle & Menangle Sts Tel: (02) 4677 8313 www.visitwollondilly.com.au ROUSE HILL Mungerie House 16 Bellcast Road Tel: (02) 8814 6909 www.hhart.com.au SYDNEY Tel: 1800 067 676 www.bestof.com.au/nsw The Rocks - cnr Playfair & Argyle Sts. Tel: (02) 8273 0000 www.therocks.com.au Darling Harbour - 33 Wheat Rd (behind IMAX) Tel: (02) 9211 4288 www.darlingharbour.com SYDNEY OLYMPIC PARK Cnr Showground Rd & Herb Elliott Ave. Tel: (02) 9714 7888 www.sydneyolympicpark.com.au Get local and some other information as well as copies of Discover SYDNEY VISITOR GUIDES from these other centres. Bankstown Civic Tower, 66 Rickard Rd Tel: (02) 9707 9228 www.bankstown.nsw.gov.au Bondi Beach Bondi Pavilion Queen Elizabeth Drive www.waverley.nsw.gov.au Bondi Junction Waverley Library Denison Street www.waverley.nsw.gov.au Botanic Gardens > Auburn Cnr Chisholm and Chiswick Roads Tel: (02) 9735 1222 > Sydney (Royal) The Gardens Shop Mrs Macquarie’s Rd Tel: (02) 9231 8125 > Mt Annan Australian. Mount Annan Drive Tel: (02) 4634 7935 > Mt Tomah Blue Mountains. Bells Line of Road via Bilpin Tel: (02) 4567 3000 Brooklyn (Hawkesbury River) 5 Bridge Street. Tel: (02) 9985 7064 www.hawkesburyriverrealestate.com.au Cabramatta Library Cnr. Railway Pde & McBurney Rd Tel: (02) 9724 7811 www.fairfieldcity.nsw.gov.au Central Railway Terminal Rail Heritage Office. Grand Concourse Central Railway Helensburgh Symbio Wildlife Park www.visittheshire.com.au 7 Lawrence Hargrave Drive Hurstville Library Cnr Queens Rd & Dora St Tel: (02) 9330 6111 www.hurstville.nsw.gov.au Ingleside Bahá’í Temple 173 Mona Vale Rd Ingleside Tel: (02) 9998 9221 Kings Cross www.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au Cnr Darlinghurst Rd & Springfield Ave Lane Cover River Tourist Park Plessey Road North Ryde (off Delhi Road) Liverpool Central Library Tel: 1300 361 270 www.liverpool.nsw.gov.au Narrabeen Sydney Lakeside Holiday Park 38 Lake Park Road Randwick Tel: (02) 9344 7006 www.randwickcitytourism.com.au Ryde Library 1 Devlin Street Tel: (02) 9952 8222 www.ryde.nsw.gov.au Sydney City Host Kiosks www.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au > Town Hall (George Street), > Circular Quay (corner of Pitt and Alfred Sts) > Haymarket (top end of Dixon Street near Goulburn Street) Windsor. Hawkesbury Regional Museum 8 Baker Street
GATEWAY INFORMATION CENTRES Visitor Information Centres at Sydney’s Gateways: FROM THE NORTH > via Pacific Motorway WYONG Oliver’s Real Food at Caltex southbound KARIONG 52 The Avenue, Mt Penang Parklands FROM THE SOUTH > via Princes Highway BULLI TOPS Southern Gateway Centre, Princes Hwy, Bulli FROM THE SOUTH > via Hume Motorway MITTAGONG 62-70 Main St Mittagong. FROM THE WEST > LITHGOW Great Western Highway GLENBROOK Great Western Highway NATIONAL PARKS National Parks in Greater Sydney Tel: 1300 361 967 www.nationalparks.com.au > Sydney CBD Level 14, 59-61 Goulburn Street > Sydney Harbour Cadman’s Cottage 110 George Street The Rocks Tel: (02) 9247 8861 Information for visitors is also available at the following National Parks: Ku-ring-gai Chase at Mt Colah; Blue Mountains at Blackheath; Botany Bay (Kamay) at Kurnell, Royal (Sutherland) at Audley Heights. Discover Sydney Visitor Guide is also available: > Worldwide online at www.sydneyvisitorguide.com.au > From all Accredited Visitor Information Centres in NSW > Major Interstate Accredited Visitor Information Centres on main routes into NSW A full list with links is available at www.sydneyvisitorguide.com.au ONLINE LINKS & INFORMATION www.sydneyvisitorguide.com.au > All Accredited Visitor Information Centres in NSW > How to advertise in this Guide
Bulk copies of Discover SYDNEY VISITOR GUIDE Bulk supplies of Discover Sydney Visitor Guide are delivered free of charge to Visitor Information Centres in Greater Sydney and NSW. Postage and/or handling may apply to deliveries made interstate or to conference and event organisers. For more information, terms and conditions or to place an order go to www.sydneyvisitorguide.com.au and click on ‘ORDER HERE’.
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Getting around Sydney Public Transport
Flying into Sydney
We know that finding the best way around Sydney can be a daunting task. So we recommend, wherever possible, using Sydney’s excellent, convenient and economical public transport system to get around the whole of Greater Sydney. MYMULTI DAY PASS. One ticket covers all your travel needs. All MYMULTI tickets include unlimited travel on buses, government ferries and Metro Light Rail across the Greater Sydney network. Plus train travel in up to 3 zones. Does NOT include International Airport station access fees. There are also special discount offpeak and combined travel and attractions tickets. SENIORS. Unlimited All Day Travel for $2.50 (current at Jan 2013) is available for holders of NSW and Interstate Seniors Cards in Greater Sydney and outer metropolitan areas on train, bus, regular ferry services on Sydney Ferries and light rail. FAMILY FUNDAY SUNDAY. For $2.50 per person (current at Jan 2013), your family can enjoy unlimited travel all day Sunday in the Greater Sydney and outer metropolitan areas on train, bus, regular ferry services on Sydney Ferries and light rail. Great value. TRANSPORT INFO LINE Before making any travel decisions we recommend that you phone the 24 hour public transport info line Tel: 131 500 or go to www.131500.com.au for all bus, train and ferry information, timetables, tickets and fares, network maps, trip planning, AirportLink, Metro Light Rail (tram) disability access, service interruptions and travel to special events. There’s a handy Trip Planner, too. INFORMATION BOOTHS. For maps, timetables and brochures. CityRail www.cityrail.info Grand Concourse Central Railway Sydney Buses www.sydneybuses.info TransitShops at Circular Quay, Wynyard, Queen Victoria Building, Railway Square. CountryLink NSW and Interstate trains. www.countrylink.info Central Railway Tel: 132 232
All domestic and international flights into Sydney arrive at Sydney (Kingsford Smith) Airport at Mascot in Eastern Sydney. The fastest way to get to and from Sydney Airport and the Sydney CBD is by Airport Link train, and then connect by rail, bus or ferry to the whole of Sydney. www.airportlink.com.au Sydney Airport Flight Information and Parking Tel: (02) 9667 9111 www.sydneyairport.com.au
Taxi TAXIS NSW recommends you book a taxi through the accredited networks, so that if there is any difficulty or you leave property behind, it is much easier to trace your particular cab and driver. Or use a regular taxi rank which are clearly signposted in major centres. To hail a taxi, raise your arm to signal the driver. Online list of taxi networks www.nswtaxi.org.au/book-a-taxi.php WATER TAXIS. Most are based at Circular Quay.
Coach SYDNEY COACH TERMINAL. Bay 13, Eddy Ave Central Railway Tel (02) 9281 9366 www.sydneycoachterminal.com.au Bookings and tickets for intra and interstate coaches, Sydney & Bondi Explorer, baggage storage and passenger facilities incl. free internet. Ticket agents for Forster, Port Stephens, Premier, Firefly, Greyhound Coaches. Tickets also for Sydney Harbour Eco Hopper, Sydney Showboats and Magistic Cruises.
Car & Campervan Rental For a selection of car rental and campervan companies go to www.sydneyvisitorguide.com.au For local advice and maps call into a Visitor Information Centre displaying this sign. See listing on page 51.
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SCAN TO GO TO SYDNEY VISITOR GUIDE WEBSITE
Driving around Sydney
A new system of ALPHA-NUMERIC ROUTE NUMBERING is being rolled out in NSW during 2013, similar to that which Sydney is the Capital City of NSW and, as the home to nearly 5 applies interstate. Many are alternative non-toll routes to million people, it is the most populous in Australia. using the Motorways. Slower and more difficult to use, but No wonder that visitors driving into and around Sydney can be free. Just follow the Alpha-numerical signs corresponding to daunted by its size and, due to its topography and geography, your chosen route. Look out for these markers: very complex road network. So we’ll use our local knowledge M- Motorway to try and make it easier. A - Route of National significance B - Route of State significance SEE MAP SECTION PAGES 48 – 52 RECOMMENDATION: Before you visit Sydney, visit The changes are marked on our maps on Pages 48, 49, 51 www.sydneymotorways.com for a guide to using Sydney’s and 52. Orbital Network of motorways. Calculate the cost of your trip, SEE TOLL & MAIN ROAD MAP ON INSIDE BACK PAGE check traffic conditions via live web cam, view interchange maps and find out about electronic tags and passes. Roadside Assistance
Sydney’s Motorways The 110 km of motorways which make up the Sydney Orbital Network are all clearly shown on the maps on pages 48, 49, 51 and 52 in this guide. There is no toll presently on the M1 Pacific Motorway, M4 Western Motorway and parts of the M5. For all the rest AN ELECTRONIC TAG OR PASS IS NEEDED. OUR ADVICE. Wherever possible stay on the motorways and main arterial roads. Despite the tolls visitors will find that it is the quickest, easiest, safest and most efficient way of getting into, around or through Sydney. HOW TO PAY SYDNEY’S MOTORWAY TOLLS. If you use a toll road without a tag or pass DON’T PANIC! Just get an eMU PASS from a NSW Motor Registry, or from a participating petrol station or convenience stores. Or phone 13 18 65 or go to www.emupass.nsw.gov.au Fines apply for nonpayment of tolls. Interstate visitors can use Interstate e-tags on NSW toll roads. It’s a simple way to pay your tolls for up to 30 days without requiring a tag. Applies to RENTAL VEHICLES which are not already equipped for toll travel. An electronic tag or pass is required to travel Southbound on the SYDNEY HARBOUR BRIDGE AND TUNNEL. Both are cashless and the toll you pay depends on the time of day you cross. Toll is cheapest outside peak hours and on weekends.
EMERGENCY ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE NRMA 13 1111 www.mynrma.com.au You need to be a member, or join on the spot when you require roadside assistance. Or use your interstate membership of an affiliated association.. For local information and directions call into one of the VISITOR INFORMATION CENTRES listed on Page 45. PAGE SPONSOR This information is provided by Greater Sydney Tourism Inc to help make it easier for you to drive around Sydney. Enjoy your stay! DISCLAIMER: The maps in this Guide are indicative only. You should refer to an appropriate road map prior to committing to any travel arrangements. Every effort has been made to ensure that the details on maps were accurate at the time of going to press, however the publishers cannot accept any responsibility for any errors or omissions. We use and recommend Sydway Greater Sydney Street Directory.
> Centennial Park and CBD (Photo Hamilton Lund; Destination NSW) > Harbour Bridge (Photo RegionalShowcase.com.au)
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Sponsors & Supporters Discover SYDNEY VISITOR GUIDE is an independent publication and receives no direct State Government funding. Our objective, like our network of sponsors and supporters, is to promote all of Sydney for the enjoyment of tourists and visitors. Our popular and much sort after guide would not be possible without the support and sponsorship of these organisations so we ask that you support them and let them know you found them in Discover Sydney Visitor Guide. BLACKTOWN (Page 39) Map Page 48 F7 Blacktown Visitor Information Centre, Flushcombe Rd Tel: 1300 302 858 www.visitblacktown.com ■ Featherdale Wildlife Park (Page 39) BLUE MOUNTAINS (Page 38) Map Page 48 A7 Glenbrook Visitor Information Centre, Great Western Highway Glenbrook Tel: 1300 653 408 www.visitbluemountains.com.au FAIRFIELD & CABRAMATTA (Page 22) Map Page 48 G9 Cabramatta Library Cnr. Railway Pde & McBurney Rd Tel: (02) 9724 7811 www.fairfieldcity.nsw.gov.au ■ Greater Sydney Tourism Inc. www.greatersydney.org.au HAWKESBURY (Pages 12 -13) MAP Page48 D3 Hawkesbury Visitor Information Centre, Hawkesbury Valley Way, Clarendon Tel: 1300 362 874 www.hawkesburytourism.com.au HILLS HAWKESBURY AND RIVERLANDS (Page 11) Rouse Hill Mungerie House 16 Bellcast Road Tel: (02) 8814 6909 www.hhart.com.au MAP Page 48 G5 Dural The Pines 656a Old Northern Rd. Tel: (02) 9651 4411 www.hhart.com.au MAP Page 48 H4 HURSTVILLE (Page 15) Map Page 48 J10 Hurstville Library Cnr Queens Rd & Dora St Tel: (02) 9330 6111 www.hurstville.nsw.gov.au LIVERPOOL (Page 23) Map Page 48 G10 Liverpool Central Library Tel: 1300 361 270 www.liverpool.nsw.gov.au MACARTHUR (Pages 24 – 27 ) Camden Visitor Information Centre Map Page 49 C13 John Oxley Cottage, Camden Valley Way Elderslie Tel: 1800 655 991 www.visitmacarthur.com.au Campbelltown Visitor Information Centre MAP Page 49 E13 ‘Quondong’ 15 Old Menangle Road Tel: 1800 655 991 www.visitmacarthur.com.au PENRITH (Pages 40-43) Map Page 48 G7 Penrith Visitor Information Centre Panthers Car Park Mulgoa Road. Tel: 1300 736 836 www.penrithishere.com.au ■ Sydney International Regatta Centre (Page 42) ■ Penrith Whitewater Stadium (Page 42) ■ Cables Wake Park (Page 43) RYDE (Pages 30-31) Map Page 48 J7 Ryde Library 1 Devlin Street Tel: (02) 9952 8222 www.ryde.nsw.gov.au ■ Ryde Aquatic Centre (Page 30) ■ Granny Smith Festival (Page 31) SUTHERLAND SHIRE (Pages 15-19) Cronulla Visitor Information Centre Map Page 49 K12 Cronulla Central (off Cronulla Plaza) Tel: (02) 9527 2100 www.visittheshire.com.au ■ Cronulla and National Park Ferry Cruises (Page 18) ■ Hazelhust Regional Gallery and Arts Centre (Page 18) ■ Symbio Wildlife Park (Page 18) ■ Sydney Tramway Museum (Page 19) ■ Cronulla Beach Villa Holidays (Page 19) ■ Oyster Bay B&B (Page 19) ■ Cronulla Beach CBD (Page 19) SYDNEY OLYMPIC PARK (Pages 32-33) Map Page 48 I8 Sydney Olympic Park Visitor Information Centre Cnr Showground Rd and Herb Elliott Ave. Tel: (02) 9714 7888 www.sydneyolympicpark.com.au WOLLONDILLY COUNCIL (Page 28) Map Page 49 B15 Picton Visitor Information Centre Cnr Argyle and Menangle Sts Tel: (02) 4677 8313 www.visitwollondilly.com.au ■ Trainworks (Page 28) ■ Mowbray Park Farm (Page 28) SYDNEY Sydney Coach Terminal (Page 46) Map Page 50 Central Station, Eddy Ave Central Railway Tel (02) 9281 9366 www.sydneycoachterminal.com.au
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GO TO OUR WEBSITE Scan this code with your iPhone or smart phone, iPad or tablet or go to sydneyvisitorguide.com.au
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Sydney’s Toll Roads
Including new main road numbering
SCAN TO GO TO SYDNEY VISITOR GUIDE WEBSITE
MAP KEY
TOLL WAY FREE WAY ARTERIAL ROAD MAIN ROAD
MAP © CONNEX WEST & REGIONAL SHOWCASE 2010-12
This map of Sydney’s Toll Roads is sponsored by Greater Sydney Tourism Inc to help you find your way around all of Greater Sydney
IMPORTANT
Before you visit Sydney we strongly recommend you go to www.sydneymotorways.com the Roads and Maritime Service’s (www.rms.nsw.gov.au) official web site with a complete guide to using Sydney’s motorway network. Most Sydney’s motorways are cashless toll roads.
So you will need to have an electronic tag or pass. For electronic pass option, motorway, toll and transport information, please go to Page 47.
Every effort has been made to ensure that the details on maps were accurate at the time of going to press, however the publishers cannot accept any responsibility for any errors or omissions. DISCLAIMER: The maps in this Guide are indicative only. We use and recommend ‘SYDWAY GREATER SYDNEY You should refer to an appropriate road map prior to STREET DIRECTORY’, available at newsagencies committing to any travel arrangements. and Visitor Information Centres www.sydneyvisitorguide.com.au - page 51
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Driving into Sydney SCAN TO GO TO SYDNEY VISITOR GUIDE WEBSITE
LITHGOW TO SYDNEY VIA MT. TOMAH
NEWCASTLE TO SYDNEY
B59
Gosford Richmond n ow ckt Bla Rd
M7 North Hornsby M1 Wahroonga
M7 South
A1 A28
LITHGOW TO SYDNEY VIA KATOOMBA Penrith M4
M7 North
M4
M7 South Take Great Western Hwy (A32) to the M7 Light Horse Interchange. For travel to northern suburbs and Nescatle, lake left onto M7. Take the right exit for travel to the airport, and southern suburbs. Continue straight on M4 for Parramatta and City Centre.
Take Northern Rd (A9) for Western Sydney and Blue Mountains
IMPORTANT
WOLLONGONG TO SYDNEY
CANBERRA TO SYDNEY
Bankstown
M7 North
A6 Sutherland
MAP KEY
M5 East
TOLL WAY FREE WAY ARTERIAL ROAD MAIN ROAD
A1 Picton Rd to M31 and M7
MAP © CONNEX WEST & REGIONAL SHOWCASE 2010-12
M31
M1
From Goulburn Hume Hwy (M31) At Liverpool, take the left exit onto M7 for travel north. Take the right exit onto the M5 for travel to Airport and City Centre.
Before you visit Sydney we strongly recommend you go to www.sydneymotorways.com the Roads and Maritime Service’s (www.rms.nsw.gov.au) official web site with a complete guide to using Sydney’s motorway network. Most Sydney’s motorways are cashless toll roads. So you will need to have an electronic tag or pass to use them. For electronic pass option, motorway, toll and transport information, please go to Page 47. This map is indicative only, and you should follow and obey the signage provided. See disclainer on page 51.
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