Sydney Tourist Traps

I really feel this is all a tourist trap. They have restaurants that suffice but are nothing great.

If you're coming here at least make it worth it and have seen a Swans match as well.


	AMP Tower / Centerpoint.: AMP Tower	Tip Rating:

Updated By cjg1

on October 22, 2007

by cjg1
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June 2004

This is something I didnt think I would do. But somehow they have it remarkably balanced so there isnt much motion.

And its worth the views although I feel it is a bit too expensive.

If you can, go to Summit instead.


	Transport: Water Taxis	Tip Rating:

Updated By pugwashman

on November 7, 2004

by pugwashman
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Water Taxi

These Taxis look kinda cool, coz they resemble a mix between water versions of New York taxi cabs and giant Jet Skis, but don't bother. They are much more expensive than the proper Ferries, and the one we took couldn't even stop at Lunar Park coz it was too choppy. We ended up going over to the Opera house instead but it was hardly what we'd expected.

Use the normal Sydney ferries. They are chearer, more relaxed, and less bouncy.


	Darling Harbour: Money Exchange - beware of high commission fees	Tip Rating:

By JovanB

on August 10, 2005

by JovanB
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Money Exchange at Darling
Harbour

Beware of the money exchange both located at monorail station at Darling Harbor as the commission fees are outrageous. They tried to charge us around 10% commission fee (for changing 100 USD) which, of course, we didn’t wanted to accept. After arguing with the clerk (with her asking questions like “well, how much would you pay”) we settled few percents down, but still much more than the usual fee.

Stay away from all money exchange services that don’t clearly show what commission fees are. Do your math, most of exchange services at airports will charge something like 7% so better exchange some money in advance.


	Souvenirs / Shopping: Shop around before commiting!!	Tip Rating:

By arv1

on July 1, 2005

I LOVED the souvenirs in Sydney!! I thought they were absolutely great and i bought a lot of things, ranging from stuffed teddy kangeroo bears to Australia jewellery.

The souvenirs are so great that shop keepers can risk charging whatever price they want, as most people won't shop around. I saw the same souvenir in all the shops I went in and the price range for it was unbelievable!! This is particularly true of boomerangs!

The best way to avoid this is to price compare as soon as you land!! I landed thinking I only wanted a keyring, but seeing all the great stuff they had to offer, I knew I had to economise, so I compared prices, and I'm happy I did!

If you do pay too much, move on!! Its ok to make mistakes...just pretend your good is of better quality!


	Opera House: Opera House - "We're there! We're in Australia!"	Tip Rating:

By Jerelis

on February 8, 2004

by Jerelis
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The Opera House and the Sydney
skyline.

Right at the spot where there used to be a ruinous tram station rose the Sydney Opera House in 1973. It took them 16 years to built it! It's a very spectacular building designed by Jorn Utzon and the style is Expressionist Modern. The buildings organic shape and lack of decoration have made it both timeless and ageless.

When we sailed for the first time from the harbour of the suburb of Manly to Circular Quay, we passed the Sydney Opera House. It made us realize "We're there! We're in Australia! We're in Sydney!"

Address:
Bennelong Point, Sydney 2000 New South Wales

Directions:
A bit north of the centre of the city, at the bay.

Daily Tours:
8.30am - 5.00pm Daily.
Closed Christmas Day & Good Friday

Phone:
+61 2 9250 7111

Website:
www.sydneyoperahouse.com

Other Contact:
Email: infodesk@sydneyoperahouse.com


	Opera House: Opera House - Complex curved shapes.	Tip Rating:

By Jerelis

on February 8, 2004

by Jerelis
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The Opera House seen from the
mainland.

The complex curved shapes are very spectacular and are the symbol of Sydney and Australia. The shape is compared many times with bulged sailes and are covered with millions of Swedish tiles. It demonstrates how buildings can add to environmental experience rather than detract from it.

Despite so much richness, the building has had virtually no influence on the shape and form of Australian buildings which followed. It remains something of an enigma which crowns the silent collapse of Western Classical architecture from being the one language for great public buildings.

Address:
Bennelong Point, Sydney 2000 New South Wales

Directions:
A bit north of the centre of the city, at the bay.

Daily Tours:
8.30am - 5.00pm Daily.
Closed Christmas Day & Good Friday

Phone:
+61 2 9250 7111

Website:
www.sydneyoperahouse.com

Other Contact:
Email: infodesk@sydneyoperahouse.com


	Sydney Harbour Bridge is the...	Tip Rating:

Updated By rozehill

on March 5, 2003

by rozehill
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Magnificent sight

Sydney Harbour Bridge is the world's largest (but not longest) steel arch bridge, and, in its beautiful harbour location, has become a renowned international symbol of Australia.
It's total length including approach spans is 1149 metres and it's arch span is 503 metres. The top of the arch is 134 metres above sea level and the clearance for shipping under the deck is a spacious 49 metres. The total steelwork weighs 52,800 tonnes, including 39,000 tonnes in the arch. The 49 metre wide deck makes Sydney Harbour Bridge the widest Longspan Bridge in the world. Just massive.


	Bridge Climb: Sydney Harbour Bridge climb	Tip Rating:

on March 18, 2004

The bridge climb is very overrated. The thing that really got me were all the pictures that are taken during the climb and then try to get you to buy afterwards. The view is great but not worth the price of the climb, and for those hoping that it is a bit of a thrill...it's really not.


	Tours: its a good tourist trap !	Tip Rating:

By wonderif

on January 26, 2004

by wonderif
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its called oz jet cruise or something rather and costs an arm and a leg (AU$35) for 1/2 hour but I enjoyed this fast speeding jet with a cute face ride very much last summer. It's not as thrilling as they make it appear to be but seeing the harbour from this angle makes you realise how truly spectacular it is.

go to where it docks (after the ferry terminals, just at the beginning of the walk towards the opera house) and book it an hour in advance while you stroll along the harbour and soak up the sunshine and atmposhere

errr does JET sound scary to you? its not!!!

well then take the regular public ferries to wherever you like and the habour will still be spectacular.