Planning some international travel to Sydney, Australia

[mikester]

I am considering going to Sydney (from Los Angeles) to something work related but not really 'working'. It's a training opportunity but I'll be on PTO so technically 'on vacation' but what I'm going for isn't 'site-seeing' (though I'll do that too).


I've never traveled that far at one time on a Plane so I'm interested in any insight that might be helpful.

Also, while I've gone from Los Angeles to Europe (east bound) I have not traveled west and across the international date line. So I'm not quite sure how that effects my travel plans.

Seems silly but not sure.

I also need to get my passport renewed and I only have about 4-5 weeks until I leave though I have not actually booked the trip yet. I think I can get the passport renewed that quickly but I'm not certain. I think this is the biggest deal as far as planning this is concerned.

I would be interested in anyone on the board who is local to Australia commenting with any advice they have. I'll be traveling to Sydney and I'll probably only be there for 3-5 days max.

Thanks!

[AUS911SC3]

OK, do the essential things with the limited time you have:

1) Harbor bridge climb
2) Opera House tour
3) Twilight dinner cruise on the harbour (spectacular)
4) Pub crawl at the "Rocks"
5) Whilst at the rocks visit the outdoor boutique markets
6) Visit Bondi Beach
7) Visit King Cross at night (seedy by interesting)
8) Take the Manly Ferry from Circular Quay to Tarronga Zoo (spectacular views)

That's day one ....

[kiwiokie]

Most flights heading southwest leave in the evening and arrive in the morning downunder so if you can get 5 or 6 hours sleep on the plane you will minimize the effect of jet lag. If you are in coach then invest in a travel pillow and some eye shades. They really help. Remove your shoes as your feet will swell. I usually keep my watch on departure time, stay up past my usual bed time then pop some Tylenol PM and wake up in time for breakfast and touch down. Not high quality sleep but enough to allow you to function the next day. Sydney is a great city. Enjoy.

[Bill Douglas]

Not an Aussie but have been to Sydney about 30 times.

A GREAT place. Sydney is a good fun town and taxis are cheap so get around. Don't waste space in your suitcase taking too much clothes. It's hot there. Dress code for daytime is boardshorts and tshirt plus flip flops.

The seafood is to die for. Do what Aus911 recommends, but if you can squeek it in, go to Watson's Bay and there is a seafood place there that sells maybe the best seafood you have ever eaten. And the beer is good too.

You will enjoy Bondi.

[Outback Porsche]

You'll need to book the bridge climb in advance (on line).

Add to that list a day in Darling Harbour, there's;

The Sydney Aquarium.
The Australian Maritime Museum.
Outdoor exhibitions.
Street theatre.
Chinese gardens.
Harbour yacht cruises.
Many beer gardens, bars and restaurants.
And the Powerhouse museum is within walking distance.

[BeyGon]

when we were there last year I think the bridge climb took about a half day and cost about $250 so we didn't do it.
We did like Lord Nelsons and a Chinese place just up stairs across the street.
We bought the mono rail pass and used that quite a bit.

[JavaBrewer]

Originally Posted by kiwiokie

Most flights heading southwest leave in the evening and arrive in the morning downunder so if you can get 5 or 6 hours sleep on the plane you will minimize the effect of jet lag. If you are in coach then invest in a travel pillow and some eye shades. They really help. Remove your shoes as your feet will swell. I usually keep my watch on departure time, stay up past my usual bed time then pop some Tylenol PM and wake up in time for breakfast and touch down. Not high quality sleep but enough to allow you to function the next day. Sydney is a great city. Enjoy.

Wow flights LAX-SYD are spendy. My peer recently flew business class and I think the price was $10K+ USD. I typically prefer foreign carriers over the domestics (United/AA) as they offer better seats, legroom, and on-board entertainment systems.

+^ on the sleep prior to landing. No sleep and jet lag will be way worse. Definitely a travel pillow and comfortable foot wear - some heavy socks. Drink lots of water, enough booze to fall asleep, and light meals. Try to get up and walk around every couple hours.

Passport, the last time I had mine renewed it was really last minute (work) and I used a 24hr service that added $150 to the normal passport fees. Worth it not having to stress. I'm sure there are cheaper options that guarantee delivery time - doubt I would use the post office at this close travel juncture though.

Try to stay at least 5 days. I did a 24 hr business trip to Tokyo a couple years back. Lets just say the return flight was a bummer.

[Bill Douglas]

When you go through customs and immigration and they ask you if you have any criminal convictions you say "I didn't know you still needed one." They like that joke.

[LakeCleElum]

Been 3 times....Some great tips here already. I'd skip the bridge climb myself. Not worth the time or money.

Besides a Harbor tour, take a ferry ride....Great little restaurant on the water under the north side of the Harbor Bridge next to the amusement park. Great view of the city lights at night. When finished, you can just walk 1/4 mile up the hill and take the train back to town.

Flights: On my trip last year, I took a flight with a stop in Fiji. It didn't cost anymore to get off and spend 4 days there....I'll go back for sure...

For one day: I'd rent a car, head south thru Royal National Park, stay on the coast to Kima, then to Berry, and up thru Kangaroo Valley. Gives you a good taste of getting out of the city and an easy day drive. I saw whales from the Lighthouse at Kima.

[mikester]

Sadly but not really because I really didn't want to have to go to Sydney for what I was going for - my trip is canceled.

Thank guys.

[Don Plumley]

Too bad - so go renew your passport now!

[mikester]

Yeah, seriously...

[BeyGon]

go later, Oz is a fun place, I have been a couple times and my best time weren't in Sydney, but I did like it. I like getting out of town, on my own, with my wife, take the train up the coast, way up