Hello A netters,

I will be visiting Australia (BNE, OOL & SYD) in April and have a few questions.

What are your favorite must sees in each city?

What are the best areas to stay?

I will need to get from Brisbane to Gold Coast, what is the best/most convenient way to do this? I see it is only an hour drive. Is renting a car the best option? If I do this, should I keep it during my stay at Gold Coast or should I just return it and rely on public transportation to move around Gold Coast?

What about Sydney's public transport? Is it reliable? Easy to use? Need a car?

Thanks in advance!

G'day mate!

Quoting AA757MIA (Thread starter): What are your favorite must sees in each city?

For SYD I would suggest:

Catch the Manly Ferry from Circular Quay to Manly and check out Manly Beach - the view from the ferry during the 30min trip through Sydney Harbour is awesome! If you get on the ferry early try to get an outside seat on the front or rear balcony.

Visit Bondi Beach, or, for that matter, rent a car for a few days and drive pass all of Sydney's beaches. Sydney's Northern beaches from Manly to Palm Beach are awesome and the Beaches in the Eastern Suburbs are quite nice to look at too.

Climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge and check out other famous landmarks - like the Opera House:

There are so many things to do in Sydney but if I only had one day I'd at least do a trip on the Manly Ferry.

  

http://www.bridgeclimb.com/

Many people also love Taronga Zoo, but if you want to get closer to animals and get to pat Kangaorrs then this place is better despite being a long way out of the way (I went there yesterday in fact):

http://www.featherdale.com.au/

Quoting AA757MIA (Thread starter): What are the best areas to stay?

In OOL I'd stay at Surfers Paradise #1 or in Broadbeach #2.

In SYD I'd stay somewhere in the city, I'd pick the Circular Quay area if I had a choice followed by somewhere central like the Town Hall area.

Quoting AA757MIA (Thread starter): I will need to get from Brisbane to Gold Coast, what is the best/most convenient way to do this? I see it is only an hour drive. Is renting a car the best option? If I do this, should I keep it during my stay at Gold Coast or should I just return it and rely on public transportation to move around Gold Coast?

You could catch the Airtrain from Brisbane to the Gold Coast, but if you include taxi fares to and from your hotels, I'd just rent a car and keep it for a few days longer to get around the Gold Coast.

http://www.airtrain.com.au/

There is decent public transport by bus on the Gold Coast along the beach areas and there is a new tram covering the main area between the Pacific Fair Shopping Centre / Casino and Southport area:

http://www.surfside.com.au/

http://translink.com.au/travel-infor...work-information/gold-coast-g-link

Quoting AA757MIA (Thread starter): What about Sydney's public transport? Is it reliable? Easy to use? Need a car?

Sydney's public transport is excellent, and pretty reliable - unless there is an accident and then the buses get delayed. Sometimes the trains get delayed too but you can pretty much get from anywhere to anywhere on Sydney's public transport - I love it.

http://www.transportnsw.info/

Get an Opal card to use on public transport in Sydney and you will save a little bit of $$$ - and on Sunday's you get unlimited transport for just $2.50 if you use an Opal card - a one way bus fare alone can cost up to $4.80...

https://www.opal.com.au/

Let me know if you have any more Q's and we welcome you to the land down under, mate!

I really had to laugh out loud at the comment that Sydney's public transport is excellent   

Just use UberX to get around. It's affordsble, better than taxis, and you'll get around much more efficiently than on the terribly slow local public transport. I'd do the same for Brisvegas (Note: the acronym is very ironic.

As mentioned above, I'd recommend Manly and the zoo. Perhaps also the Bondi to Bronte walk. For restaurants and cafes Surry Hills is very nice.

If you are alone I also recommend taking the train from the airport to the city (for any city really). But if it's two of you or more, just cab it or get an UberX. Much better value for money.

Rgds
Coal

Quoting AA757MIA (Thread starter):

BTW how many days will you be in each city?

In Sydney, if you are short on time, you could do something like the following in one day:

Go to Circular Quay and by a Taronga 'Zoo Pass' for about $55 which includes zoo entry and public transport. Then catch the Taronga Zoo Wharf ferry across the harbour to Taronga Zoo. Enter the Zoo using the Cable Car / Sky Safari (you need to have a zoo ticket already to use this - if you get off the ferry without a zoo ticket you will need to catch a bus up the hill to the main enterance). Check out the zoo. Then, catch the 247 bus from the zoo to Spit Junction, Mosman (10 mins). Walk across the road and catch the 143 / 144 bus to Manly (25 mins). That is a nice trip and you will pass the beautiful area called 'The Spit'. Walk around Manly and check out Manly Beach. Then, catch the Manly Ferry back into Circular Quay. That would be a nice day IMHO.

  

Quoting AA757MIA (Thread starter): I will need to get from Brisbane to Gold Coast, what is the best/most convenient way to do this?

I just had a crazy a.nutter type idea which I did before (only because I had time to spare that day and really wanted to fly).

You could fly BNE-SYD-OOL  

FWIW I have to get from SYD to OOL later this year and I plan to fly SYD-SIN-OOL to try the new Scoot 787-9  

Otherwise, just do the car rental thing.

Quoting Coal (Reply 2): I really had to laugh out loud at the comment that Sydney's public transport is excellent

I admit that I used the wrong word hahaha... But it is excellent compared to that of some cities as well as being worse than that of some cities  

But at the end of the day you can pretty much get from anywhere to anywhere on Sydney's public transport.

All the area's that tourists would be interested in are pretty well covered by public transport and it's capped at $15 a day if you use an Opal card (and just $2.50 on Sunday).

BTW many bus routes and all buses in the city are 'prepaid only' M-F 7am-7pm and the red Metro Buses are prepaid only always so you will need to be aware of this. Nonehteless, the system is very easy to use and if you need to buy prepaid tickets or an Opal card you can easily buy one at a convenience store before you need to travel.

[Edited 2015-03-01 14:44:39]

Quoting 777Jet (Reply 3): BTW how many days will you be in each city?

Thanks for the suggestions so far.

I will be arriving in BNE on a Wednesday at noon and leaving to Sydney the next Sunday at noon. So that's basically 4 complete days between BNE and OOL, I'm still wondering if I should spend more time in BNE than OOL, or vice versa, what do you think?

In Sydney, I will be from Sunday afternoon to the next Thursday so that's also almost four days down there as well.

Quoting AA757MIA (Reply 4): Quoting 777Jet (Reply 3): BTW how many days will you be in each city? Thanks for the suggestions so far. I will be arriving in BNE on a Wednesday at noon and leaving to Sydney the next Sunday at noon. So that's basically 4 complete days between BNE and OOL, I'm still wondering if I should spend more time in BNE than OOL, or vice versa, what do you think? In Sydney, I will be from Sunday afternoon to the next Thursday so that's also almost four days down there as well.

I've only been to BNE for one night, and the opinion I formed was ghost town. And it was a Saturday night. admittedly this is a very limited experience of the city.

The Gold Coast is a party town, you will always be able to find something to do.

Quoting AA757MIA (Reply 4): that's basically 4 complete days between BNE and OOL, I'm still wondering if I should spend more time in BNE than OOL, or vice versa, what do you think?

I have not spent a lot of time in Brisbane, but I lived on the Gold Coast for a while. From what I gather, tourists will most likely enjoy the Gold Coast more than Brisabne. I'm not sure what there is to do in Brisbane. But, the Gold Coast has a party atmosphere like a320fan mentioned as well as a lot of nice surf beaches. There are also 4 major theme parks: Dream World, Movie World, Wet N Wild and SeaWorld. Dream World and Sea World are the best two if you like theme parks. Dream World is at least a 30min drive from Surfers Paradise but SeaWorld is just a 5-10 min drive. I personally would spend more time on the Gold Coast.

Quoting AA757MIA (Reply 4): In Sydney, I will be from Sunday afternoon to the next Thursday so that's also almost four days down there as well.

That should be enough time to check out most of the things that you will want to see in Sydney.

Quoting a320fan (Reply 5): I've only been to BNE for one night, and the opinion I formed was ghost town. And it was a Saturday night. admittedly this is a very limited experience of the city. The Gold Coast is a party town, you will always be able to find something to do.

Agreed.

I prefer the Gold Coast to Brisbane and I think most tourists would too.

In May I'm travelling LHR-SYD-CNS-BNE-MEL-LST-MEL-SYD-LHR for 2 weeks and can't wait. If you're into a bit of aviation history, and have a while in BNE, then perhaps fly up to Longreach and have a look around the Qantas Founders Museum with their 707/747 etc, there's a motel across the road from the airport, it does require an overnight as there's (or at least was) only 1 flight to/from BNE a day, but well worth the effort and quite a long flight in a Q400. Also at BNE airport across the road from the Intl terminal is the "Southern Cross", something I didn't get time to see last time, so hope to pop along to have a look this time.

Quoting 777Jet (Reply 6): I have not spent a lot of time in Brisbane, but I lived on the Gold Coast for a while.

So do you think I will need a car to move around OOL, or is OK to expect to be able to walk around/use public transport?

Quoting AA757MIA (Reply 8): Quoting 777Jet (Reply 6): I have not spent a lot of time in Brisbane, but I lived on the Gold Coast for a while. So do you think I will need a car to move around OOL, or is OK to expect to be able to walk around/use public transport?

I would always want a car in OOL, but that's just me. If you just want to stay around the main Surfers Paradise / Main Beach / Broad Beach area you could get by just walking or using buses and the tram. But, unlike in SYD, it is not to difficult to find parking on the Gold Coast so driving is not that much of a headache there - and saves time. The problem with renting a car in SYD is finding parking and paying a lot to park. I would rely on public transport in SYD but rent a car in OOL - especially if you want to check out all of the nice beaches there   

Coolangatta (right next to OOL airport) and Burleigh have some nice beaches. Currumbin Alley is a must see if you are into surfing.

Quoting AA757MIA (Reply 4): In Sydney, I will be from Sunday afternoon to the next Thursday so that's also almost four days down there as well.

I took the train from SYD to the CBD. Really easy, helpful, friendly staff at the airport. I got off at Woolworth, which for an American, is a blast from the past!.

Enjoy and safe travels!

Cheers,
KirkSeattle

Quoting KirkSeattle (Reply 10): I took the train from SYD to the CBD. Really easy, helpful, friendly staff at the airport. I got off at Woolworth, which for an American, is a blast from the past!.

Sounds like you mean Town Hall station. There is a big Woolworths supermarket on the corner of the main CBD intersection just above Town Hall station. I agree that catching the train from SYD to the CBD is very easy. However, it costs about $18 one way p.p. nowadays so I would catch a cab for sure with three people or more - sometimes maybe with only two people depending on the time.

[Edited 2015-03-05 15:56:10]

Quoting 777Jet (Reply 11): However, it costs about $18 one way p.p. nowadays so I would catch a cab for sure with three people or more

Thanks for the heads up, that will probably be the case as we will be carrying bags and stuff.

Mate, you are in for a great time in Sydney. I'm biased but I it's my favourite city in the world.
Brisbane is fine but I have not spent much time there in the past few years.
The Gold Coast really is only great for people into beaches and sun, with a side serve of rainforest in the hinterland, shopping at Pacific Fair, gambling at Jupiters Casino...
Make sure when you are in Sydney that you try to get to the Blue Mountains. An organised day trip would be my suggestion.
And I echo what 777jet said, PM either of us for more info or assistance! Us Aussies love to help visitors to the 'Lucky Country'.
And oh, beware what Coal recommends... UberX does not have a great reputation amongst us Sydneysiders and is still relatively unknown to the general population. Public transport is Sydney may not be the best, but it is improving and is a lot better than many other overseas cities I have visited.
Cheers,
Bunumuring.

Quoting AA757MIA (Reply 12): Quoting 777Jet (Reply 11): However, it costs about $18 one way p.p. nowadays so I would catch a cab for sure with three people or more Thanks for the heads up, that will probably be the case as we will be carrying bags and stuff.

Now that you have said "we will be carrying bags and stuff" I would just catch a cab for sure - especially on a first trip to SYD  

BTW - when does your flight from OOL arrive in SYD?

If you haven't booked it yet try to avoid arriving in SYD during the morning or evening peak hour rush for obvious reasons - especially avoid arriving during the morning peak if you can because going into town from the airport could take a while  

Quoting bunumuring (Reply 13): UberX does not have a great reputation amongst us Sydneysiders and is still relatively unknown to the general population.

I agree.

I just looked at a quote from the airport to the city and it was more than the usual taxi fare LOL.

Quoting 777Jet (Reply 14): BTW - when does your flight from OOL arrive in SYD?

Around 11 am, is traffic that bad on Sundays?

Quoting bunumuring (Reply 13): And I echo what 777jet said, PM either of us for more info or assistance! Us Aussies love to help visitors to the 'Lucky Country'.

Thank you!

Quoting AA757MIA (Reply 15): Around 11 am, is traffic that bad on Sundays?

Oops! My bad!

I forgot that you were arriving in SYD on a Sunday.

Traffic should be good at that time so I'd catch a cab for sure as train frequencies are usually less on weekends anyway.

A cab at that time for 2+ people is a no-brainer IMHO  

Let us know if you have any more questions?

Quoting 777Jet (Reply 11): I agree that catching the train from SYD to the CBD is very easy. However, it costs about $18 one way p.p. nowadays so I would catch a cab for sure with three people or more - sometimes maybe with only two people depending on the time.

[quote=bunumuring,reply=13]

I used to travel to BNE and MEL often for an old job, and taking the train all the way to the airport each time would have worked out to be very expensive. I started taking the train to Mascot and walking the rest of the way. It takes about 20 minutes and by doing this you only pay a standard fare to Mascot and avoid the extra airport train charge. It is also a very pleasant walk (walking near an airport always is   ) There is also a bus service from Mascot station that takes you all the way to the terminal if you would prefer, a lot of the airport staff use this method. Thought I would just offer this heads up to you guys  

Quoting AIRWALK (Reply 17):

   You can do the same at the International terminal by getting off at Wolli Creek and walking the rest. Have done that a couple of times when just travelling with carry on

As the first response stated, Taronga Zoo is overrated. The Featherdale Wildlife Park is amazing. Its only AUD$20 and all of the wallabies and most other animals are all free ranged. You can interact with them, pet them, feed them, etc... And the staff is really friendly and knowledgeable. The only thing is its a 40 minute train ride to Black town from Victoria Station in the CBD and about a mile walk from the Blacktiwn train station to the park, its a nice walk if you don't mind it.

And if you're looking for some souvenirs, the Paddy Market in the Market City mall has really cfeap vendors and prices are negotiable. The souvenir shops at the Opera House are actually reasonably priced for being in the middle of a world famous tourist spot.

And make sure to walk across the Barbour Bridge at night. You get an unparalleled view of the city. It is simply amazing.

And if you're a beer guy, Red Back and Been Neez are really great, at least to this American! 

Sydney is amazing and I would go back in a heart beat when I have the chance. It makes me want to experience the rest of Australia.

If you're going to be in Sydney for two days or more you might want to consider the "Sydney Pass". A bit pricy at $100 AU for 3 days, but it gives unlimited use of city bus, rail, ferry, and some other routes. One can easily spend a day or more just seeing the harbor by ferry. The pass now includes the Airport Express which I think was extra when I purchased it about two years ago. When I was there the price varied by the zones you wanted to purchase. The basic pass covered everything we needed though.

Quoting copter808 (Reply 20): If you're going to be in Sydney for two days or more you might want to consider the "Sydney Pass". A bit pricy at $100 AU for 3 days, but it gives unlimited use of city bus, rail, ferry, and some other routes. One can easily spend a day or more just seeing the harbor by ferry. The pass now includes the Airport Express which I think was extra when I purchased it about two years ago. When I was there the price varied by the zones you wanted to purchase. The basic pass covered everything we needed though.

Sounds like something I would like to get, any ideas where to get it? Airport? Train station?

Anyone else thinks it is worth it?

Thanks!

Quoting AA757MIA (Reply 21): Sounds like something I would like to get, any ideas where to get it? Airport? Train station? Anyone else thinks it is worth it? Thanks!

I'm not sure what he is referring to, but you can get a weekly pass that allows unlimited travel on all bus, train and ferry routes (except for private ferry services) for $65. This might be a good option for you except it doesn't include access to the airport station, but the difference would probably cover the cab fare. It's quite a good option because you can take a day trip up to places like Newcastle or Wollongong, both are included within the cards limitations.

Here is the link that provides the info:

http://www.transportnsw.info/en/tick...ket-types/multi-travel/index.page?

There is also a network map on that link under the prices and a section that explains where you can buy the tickets.

Quoting byronicle6 (Reply 18): You can do the same at the International terminal by getting off at Wolli Creek and walking the rest. Have done that a couple of times when just travelling with carry on

Thanks for that tip! I have never tried this option.

Quoting AA757MIA (Reply 21): Quoting copter808 (Reply 20): If you're going to be in Sydney for two days or more you might want to consider the "Sydney Pass". A bit pricy at $100 AU for 3 days, but it gives unlimited use of city bus, rail, ferry, and some other routes. One can easily spend a day or more just seeing the harbor by ferry. The pass now includes the Airport Express which I think was extra when I purchased it about two years ago. When I was there the price varied by the zones you wanted to purchase. The basic pass covered everything we needed though. Sounds like something I would like to get, any ideas where to get it? Airport? Train station? Anyone else thinks it is worth it?

I'll respond below.

Quoting AIRWALK (Reply 22): I'm not sure what he is referring to, but you can get a weekly pass that allows unlimited travel on all bus, train and ferry routes (except for private ferry services) for $65. This might be a good option for you except it doesn't include access to the airport station, but the difference would probably cover the cab fare. It's quite a good option because you can take a day trip up to places like Newcastle or Wollongong, both are included within the cards limitations.

Remember you have the option of just getting an OPAL card from most ticket shops and convenience stores like 7-Eleven. Travel is capped at $15 a day, so depending on how many days you intend to use public transport the OPAL card might work out cheapest. On the Sunday travel is capped at $2.50. But, like AIRWALK said, like the weekly pass, travel on private ferry services and access to the airport stations are not included in travel caps - well - you just pay extra. But... Since you will be catching a cab to / from the airport you don't need to access the airport stations by train anyway, correct?

So, with an OPAL card,

Sunday: taxi from airport anyway but if you use public transport around the city later in the day $2.50 capped.
Monday: $15 capped.
Tuesday: $15 capped.
Wednesday: $15 capped.
Thursdays: taxi back to airport but if you catch a train you will have to pay extra either with weekly pass or OPAL.

So, that $47.50 total with an opal card versus $65 with a weekly pass.

You can also register your OPAL card online and if you lose it you will get refunded your balance and be able to transfer your balance to another new card if you like, but, if you lose you weekly paper ticket then you are out of luck. Also, you paper ticket can get jammed in the green ticket machines on buses or possibly get stuck in a ticket validating machine - that can't happen with an OPAL card as you just tap it onto the card reader  

I'd go with the OPAL card.

Quoting 777Jet (Reply 23): Remember you have the option of just getting an OPAL card from most ticket shops and convenience stores like 7-Eleven.

Just a follow up on above. Unfortunately there is no way to actually get the Opal Card at a convenience store or even a train station! Currently you must apply online on the website for the card and pack to be sent to you. You can only top up the Opal card at convenience stores and supermarkets currently (also cannot top up at stations either). Think the government wanted to roll out quickly and dismissed the fact that most other cities allows easy top ups at stations.

You can buy the weekly card from the station or machines at the stations. Just a heads up so you're prepared.

Enjoy your stay in Sydney. I highly recommend doing the twilight Bridge Climb for the Sydney Harbour Bridge. You get the best of both worlds as you get the sunset and the night lights.

I thought the pas I had was the "Sydney Pass" or something like that, but the "MyMulti" fare seems closer to what I paid. It was a few years ago so things may have changed since. I will have to do some research before I go back, but the MyMulti seems like it might be the way to go now.

Anyway, enjoy your trip and if there is any way to stay longer, consider it.

Quoting TravelR (Reply 24): Unfortunately there is no way to actually get the Opal Card at a convenience store or even a train station! Currently you must apply online on the website for the card and pack to be sent to you.

That is not correct.

There are over 1,300 retail shops that sell unregistered OPAL cards. You can then go online or call OPAL to register the card - but you don't have to register the card. You can just use the card unregistered. One of the benefits of registering the OPAL card is that if you lose it you get your balance refunded.

AA757MIA - it's very simple. You find one of these OPAL card retail shops, which might be the News Agent or 7-Eleven next to your hotel, buy an unregistered OPAL card, then you are good to go - 2 minute process. I'd probably buy one with $50 credit on it given the time you will be in SYD so you will have enough credit to cover your entire stay and won't need to top it up later.

https://www.opal.com.au/en/about-opal/how-do-i-get-an-opal-card/

Quoting TravelR (Reply 24): You can only top up the Opal card at convenience stores and supermarkets currently (also cannot top up at stations either).

You can also top up the OPAL card online.

I believe I've only seen it mentioned once so far, and I can't emphasize it enough but a day trip to the Blue Mountains would be extremely high on my list of things to do (along with the Manly Ferry trip). Getting to the Blue Mountains is really easy also. Google Three Sisters at Katoomba and you'll see why, it's nearly like seeing a mini Grand Canyon. The view is stunning, do the hike to the bottom and back up if you want a challenge and some bragging rights. Getting there is very easy also. From Central Train Station just get on a train to Katoomba. Once at Central look at the monitors and find the Blue Mountains Line, train which stop at Katoomba will be going to Lithgow or Mt. Victoria.... As an expat living down here (in the Blue Mountains) I can testify to its beauty.....

A ferry trip up the river to Parramatta is always enjoyable too. It's easy to spend a day or two just riding around the harbor.

I'm not sure I'd do a Blue Mountains day trip with only 3 full days in SYD, but it depends on what you like and want to see. If you are interested in nature and that kind of thing then I probably would, but if not then it is no big deal to skip the Blue Mountains because it would take the best part of a day (again, depending on what you do / how much time you spend there). Having said that, if you wanted to see the Blue Mountains and also do Featherdale Wildlife Park instead of Taronga Zoo, I would rent a car for the day and try to do both in one day. 2 hours would be enough time to spend at Featherdale and the last time I went to the Blue mountains I only spent about 4 hours there and I was able to walk down to the three sisters, cheack out the views from above, and also do the rail ride down into the valley and spend about an hour down there. Again, it just depends on what you like and what you want to do, but you could rent a car for the day and probably do the Blue Mountains and Featherdale on the same day.