Sydney

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  The Sydney Opera House- the low down for Backpackers in Sydney by Jolly Swagman Backpackers Sydney Hostel
  in Backpackers Sydney Tourist Attractions, Photograpy and Sydney, Sydney Travel, Sydney, Sydney Things to do
  20 Jul 2009  | 1 Comment

  SYDNEY OPERA HOUSE

  By ‘Alberto'

  Most Backpackers in Sydney are keen to immediately start exploring Sydney's most famous places from the moment they arrive, and those staying at the Famous Jolly Swagman Backpackers Sydney Hostel are fortunate enough to be able to take advantage of its fantastic location being just minutes away from such places, one of the most popular being the Sydney Opera House.

  There are several great places from which to observe the Sydney Opera House. From the Jolly Swagman Sydney Hostel, head down the old steps at the end of Victoria St. Follow the path around Woolloomoolo Bay and head up towards the Domain. It is well worth continuing up to the ‘chair' at Mrs Macquarie's Point, from where the best post-cardly picturesque view of the Opera House with the Harbour Bridge can be observed. Continue therough the Botanic Gardens around Farm Cove and you will shortly arrive at Bennelong Point where the house itself is located.

  Visitors are allowed to go into the foyer of the Sydney Opera House and sometimes around the front. Tours of the Sydney Opera house are also available in a variety of languages.

  The Opera Bar (located under the concourse) is a great place for a drink in the evening as you watch the sunset over the Harbour bridge.

  Contining around Bennelong Point you will pass the ‘Toaster', a local name for the series of buildings put up on the east side of Cirqular Quay. Just after the Ferry terminal you will come the the Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA) and the overseas ferry passenger terminal; which also affords great views of the house.

  For the especially keen, or those too broke to do the Bridge Climb, a fun and inexpensive activity for adamant walkers is to take the footpath across the Sydney Harbour Bridge to Kirribilli, where you can get an often missed perspective of the Sydney skyline. Taking in the amazing view you will understand immediately why this area on New Year's Eve becomes more full than the Dublin Betty Ford Clinic! Trains run regularly back to the city from Milson's Point where you can change for King's Cross.

  All this being said, there is no other way to truly experience the Sydney Opera House other than to see a live performance. Every year the Sydney Opera House showcases a truly world class collection of seasons in theatre, opera, music, ballet as well as hundreds of specialty performances.

  The friendly staff at the famous Jolly Swagman Backpackers Sydney Hostel are always more than happy to recommend performances and check their times.

  
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  Backpackers in Sydney for Winter by Ciaran
  in Sydney Travel, Sydney, Sydney Events, Sydney Festivals, Sydney Things to do
  8 Jul 2009  | 1 Comment

  If you prefer the cold to heat, especially if seeking to escape the northern summer, the best time to visit Sydney could be in the Australian winter from 1 June to 31 August.
  As one of the world's great backpacker travel destinations, Sydney offers a myriad of winter escape options for backpacking and adventure travel.

  New South Wales' temperate winter climate (it really doesn't get that cold if you campare it to where i'm from) ensures the famous Sydney harbour, dynamic food scene and vibrant cityscape is perfect year round - and the ideal destination for a winter break.

  Sydney hosts many different festivals and some of Australia's largest social and cultural events over the winter months.

  Some of these include the Biennale of Sydney - the international festival of contemporary art held every two years since 1973, the Sydney Film Festival and many other smaller film festivals and Sydney's new winter festival - a magical winter wonderland of real snow from the Snowy Mountains recreating the splendour of alpine winter celebrations.

  In Sydney, Backpackers find that winter really isn't harsh and the weather's generally very pleasant. It's great for touring the city on foot and for bushwalking.

  Backpackers in Sydney (and Australia in general) find it VERY hard to believe that there are great SKI RESORTS IN AUSTRALIA!!  From Sydney, the ski resorts are really not that far away- see more about the snow below!!

  Holiday time

  It doesn't make a difference to backpackers in Sydney, as every day is a holiday, but during the winder Australian public holidays include the Queen's Birthday holiday weekend in June and the school holidays in July. Aside from within those periods, cheap accommodation in Sydney will be easy to find.

  Winter activities

  • The weather's fine for a  tour of Sydney. Visit The Rocks, Sydney Opera House, the Royal Botanic Gardens, Art Gallery of New South Wales, Australian Museum, Hyde Park, Chinatown or Darling Harbour.
  • Go on a Sydney Harbour Cruise. At the very least, take a Sydney ferry and cross the harbour to Manly.
  • Spot the whales as they travel north in the whale migration season. A great spot is from Watsons Bay and The Gap National Park, or come to reception to organise a whale watching trip on a boat.
  • Go bushwalking, at the Royal National Park, south of Sydney, just a train ride away from Jolly Swagman Backpackers Sydney Hostel
  • Sample Sydney cuisine.
  • Take a day trip to the Blue Mountains which is out in the west of Sydney and experience the beauty of these majestic mountains.
  • If you feel like skiing, drive - or take an organised bus tour - to the Snowy Mountains. Note that accommodation in the ski resorts can be expensive and difficult to find unless you've booked well in advance - just ask Jolly Swagman Backpackers Sydney Hostel staff to sort this for you.
  • Australia's mild winters mean that in most parts of Australia, regular outdoor sports can be played all year, and indeed more vigorous sports are more comfortably played in winter. Australian rules football and rugby league, the two most popular spectator sports in Australia, are played primarily in winter.

  When it's summer in northern hemisphere countries, get away from the heat and come to the snow, for it'll be winter in Australia.

  In New South Wales, in just about half a day by road from Sydney, there's skiing and snowboarding up in the snow, and a roaring fire to come home to.

  Travel southwest to Cooma and climb up the Snowy Mountains.

  From The Jolly Swagman Backpacckers in Sydney, the closest places for skiing in New South Wales are Thredbo and the Perisher ski resorts - Thredbo being the more familiar and better known, yet Perisher is larger and offers more terrain. Depending on one's preferences, both are great destinations for skiing in New South Wales.   Many Europeans are surprised to find out that we have snow fields in Australia, and most report that they are pleasantly surprised by the quality of the snow and the terrain on offer.

  Half a day to the snow
  It takes half a day to get to the Snowy, depending on road conditions, and if you're driving and there's snow on the road, you may need to have snow chains fitted to your tyres. Or you can take a charter or tour bus.  The Jolly Hostel in Sydney can organise and recommend the best organised tours for you to take.

  You can stay at some lovely resorts ON snow, however if your budget doesn't quite stretch that far (they can be very pricey) you may want to stay at one of the "ski towns" close by, and transfer up and down the mountain each day. You also have the freedom of skiing at the different resorts when you stay at the nearby towns:

  COOMA

  Some may decide to drop by the Cooma Visitors Centre and find accommodation at Cooma and bus up and down the Snowy instead, leaving early in the morning and coming back at night.  APPROX 75 KMS to the snow fields.

  JINDABYNE

  The lakeside town of Jindabyne lies 465 kilometers southwest of Sydney just before the snowfields in the Kosciusko national park.APPROX 35 KMS from Snow Fields.

  There's a Snowy Region Visitor Centre on Kosciusko Rd in Jindabyne.
  If you haven't brought your skiing gear, and don't want to buy skis, boots and skiwear, etc, you can rent them here. They are also available at the ski resorts in Thredbo, Perisher but you'll find it a little more expensive up at the slopes!

  Accommodation is available in Jindabyne and one can take to the Perisher slopes through the Ski tube.
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  Jolly Swagman Backpackers Sydney Hostel PUB BLOG by Alberto
  in Sydney Party Pubs and Bars, Sydney, Sydney Things to do
  23 Jun 2009  | 2 Comments

  SYDNEY'S PARTY NEVER STOPS - Top Ten local watering holes for backpackers in Sydney to visit!

  All Jolly Swagman Backpackers Sydney Hostel guests and staff alike understand the importance of having a good time when backpacking around Australia; and here at the Jolly Swagman Backpacker's Sydney Hostel our team see it as their god-given duty to recommend attractions and venues slightly off the mainstream path so you get as much out of your Sydney visit as possible.

  Being located in the heart of Kings Cross, the Jolly Swagman Backpackers Sydney is just seconds away to some of Australia's most enticingly exciting nightlife.

  However, if you are sick of being denied entry into debauch ‘premises', obstreperous Irish pubs or the good old push-your-way-to-the-front-of-a-half-hour-que-to-get-a-single-bloody-drink bars because you have either (a) ‘had a few' and decided not to wear covered shoes; (b) left your passport securely locked away back at the hostel (where it belongs!); (c) don't understand or agree with the concept of a cover charge to get into a venue to buy drinks; or maybe just prefer great live music instead of thumping chart toppers, and cheap schooners as appose to just your girlfriend getting a free flute of bubbly on arrival; here are our top ten recommendations where you can get that authentic Sydney pub experience that the guide books always seem to miss:

  1.) Lansdowne Hotel, Chippendale
  This famous Sydney establishment has been providing Sydneysiders with some of the best free and slurrily unsophisticated live entertainment for over a century, a success platform for many new up-and-coming bands. A popular landmark establishment, this pub pulls crowds from all walks of life; from arty-farty students at the University of Sydney across the road to colourful (and sometimes a little insane) locals and artists from the inner city area. Whatever your taste, style or dress sense, trust us: no one will blink an eyelid!
  Cnr City Road and Broadway (opposite Broadway Shops, down from Central Station).

  2.) Cricketer's Arms, Surry Hills
  Often referred to as an ‘indie-fag' hangout by people who are simply jealous they aren't abstractly cool enough to blend with the crowd here, the Cricketer's Arms is undoubtedly one of Sydney's best kept secrets. Nestled away in secluded Fitzroy Street, this small pub is renowned for its authentic feel and classically rude staff. Great courtyard and upstairs lounge with Scrabble! Many a different beer is on offer with a huge tap and bottle selection. Come for the grunge, stay for the gourmet pub-grub (except the tapas). Don't forget your Skinny Jeans!
  Fitzroy St, Surry Hills (between Bourke & South Dowling Sts).

  3.) Green Park Hotel, Darlinghurst
  A very cool place just minutes away from the Jolly Swagman, straight down Victoria St. Fantastic selection of local Australian ales and imported beers, great billiard room with retro video games. The outdoor area is a personal favourite of mine; the heaters and stylish fleur-de-lys wall panelling make it a very appealing place for drinks on a cold winter night; great place to mingle with its vibrant and eclectic clientele that reflect Sydney's cosmopolitan character.
  Cnr Victoria and Liverpool Sts, Darlinghurst (block before St Vincent's Hospital).

  4.) Royal Sovereign Hotel (Darlo Bar), Darlinghurst
  What is there not to love about Darlo-Bar? It's colourful, arty, funky and kitschy. Often referred to as "the community lounge room", its amazing selection of food (aorta-clogging burgers, awesome Thai) and drink. The variety of bars is like stepping into a picture book- upstairs the "Garden Wonderland" patio screens free cult classic movies every Tuesday at 8pm (free popcorn!); whilst the outside areas are sealed off with white picket fences so Kings Cross men can pretend just for a night to have two gorgeous blonde children, a Stepford lemonade making wife and a golden retriever. The real feature is the arty retro atmosphere in the main bar that boasts eccentric couches, games and furnishings from the psycadelic period.
  Cnr Liverpool St and Darlinghurst Rd, Darlinghurst.

  5.) Courthouse Hotel, Newtown
  No one quite knows how this once respectable house of justice became a pub; and no one really wants to find out for fear it would be re-instated! The Courthouse Hotel has been quenching the thirst of all Newtown residents for over 150 years; the young, the old, lefties, scruffies, footy-lovers, the spaced-out as well as families (well, at least before NSW harsh licencing laws were exectued!). Very popular for its large beer garden with frangiapanni trees, the colonial interior and genuine, warm ambiance makes this venue another Sydney classic. Hint: whilst it has a tendancy to close early; King St is packed with other pubs and bars such as Zanzibar, Marly Bar, the Towny and Kelly's so you can kick on till the wee hours.
  202 Australia St Newtown (turn off King St at the Newtown Town Hall)

  6.) Beresford Hotel, Darlinghurst
  Blink and you'll miss it: the Beresford used to be a seedy lurking hole for junkies and alcoholics masquerading as goon connoisseurs; whilst the exterior retains this modest air so it remains a thoroughly ‘in the know' venue, the inside has been gentrified like you've never seen before (wait till you see the bathrooms!).
  A Sydney favourite for the sexy, sophisticated without the superficially trashy pretence of other venues in its similar league (that's right, Ivy!), this is the perfect place for an evening aperitif (get here early to avoid cover charge and dress code) or Sunday morning Bloody Mary. Whilst it's not really the sort of venue where you'd order your wet pussies or jam donuts, the sublime courtyard is shaded with luscious trees and vines that serenade its guests chilling out on the trampoline-style seating. An amazing beer selection served on tap in real glasses (those big Bavarian styled ones) and quite reasonable priced. But whilst I am sure they are worth every cent, the same unfortunately can't be said for the food. Free cult classic movie screenings on Wednesday night.
  385 Bourke St, Darlinghurst (30 seconds down from Taylor Square).

  7.) Forrester's Hotel, Surry Hills
  The things this author would do for cheap beer and beef! Home to Sydney's signature dish, the "$5 steak" (it's now $7 due to inflation, and only available on Monday and Tuesday nights, but god its worth it!), Foresters is a tried and true local; recently gentrified on the inside, it is now a swanky establishment flaunting cool lounges and jazzy outdoor decks. Great live bands frequent this venue.
  Foveaux St, Surry Hills.

  8.) Unicorn Hotel (Fringe Bar), Paddington
  
  Monday night comedy, Tuesday night trivia, intimate drinking seven days a week. Eclectic chandeliers, framed mirrors, and photos of the great and greater provide a chilled yet very suave atmosphere in which to enjoy an extensive range of cocktails and beverages to satisfies all who enter this elite venue for a night out.
  Located in the heart of Paddington, one of Sydney's strongest culture tanks, we're sure you'll feel right at home at Fringe bar with its plush armchairs and retro-rocking ambiance.
  Oxford St, Paddington

  9.) The Light Brigade, Paddington
  
  Award winning bistro food (one ‘hat'in the latest Sydney Morning Herald Good Food Guide- probably the Aussie equivalent of the Michelin Star?) served in this kooky art-deco hotel is the drawcard that compels food nuts to wine and dine; its greater appeal however is its eclectic sense of fun provided in its sports bar, polo parties, award winning bistro as well as the usual. Great place for a couple of quiet (or noisy) ones on the way to Bondi, Centennial Park or the Paddington area.
  Oxford St, Paddington (opposite St Francis of Assisi Church).

  10.) Coogee Bay Hotel, Coogee
  Last, but by no means least, comes the beloved Coogee Bay Hotel; of whom it is un- Australian to exclude from the top ten of anything. This fantastic watering hole is a true suburban local and an ideal place to watch the sunset with a drink after a day at the beach (across the road). Home to the ‘chocolate ice cream scandal of 2008' (don't ask), was proudly labelled the second most dangerous pub in New South Wales, a title it received with much enthusiasm (and occasionally still lives up to). Be it a St Patrick's, Australia, Bastille or Independence Day; any excuse to go off in raunchy celebration is exercised here. To make a night of it in Coogee, head over to the much more taccily-clubby-Palace Hotel at the north head. Don't go near the water after, no matter how confidently drunk you are in your midnight skinny-dipping abilities!
  Cnr Arden St & Coogee Bay Rd, Coogee Beach.
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  Images of Sydney en route to Jolly Swagman Backpackers Sydney by Erin
  in Photograpy and Sydney, Sydney
  26 May 2009  | 1 Comment

  Images of Sydney - A photogenic City

  On Sundays when I have the luxury of driving to work at the Jolly Swagman Backpackers Sydney Hostel, I climb the steep steps of The Butler Stairs from my treasured car spot.

  Once I reach the top after huffing and puffing, I make the most of my precious time and turn around to take in the amazing view. From here you can see the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Centre Point Tower peeking out from behind the magnificent trees covered in Ivy.

  I'd love to capture an artsy black and white shot straight down the stairs, or when I'm heading home from my shift and the twilight colours are hovering over the Sydney Harbour Bridge, there are so many beautiful shots in just this one location.

  Kings Cross has a lot more photogenic locations. The more obvious being the Coke sign and the Alamein Fountain. Your more then likely to find these shots in any backpackers album, but there are so many ways to create your own personal shot.
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  We love Sydney by Jolly Swagman Backpackers Sydney
  in Sydney
  6 Mar 2009  | 0 Comments

  Sydney is a vibrant city just waiting for backpackers  to explore. The city boasts some world famous tourist attractions and has an exciting events calendar. Sydney, with a population of almost 4 million, and covering almost 1120 square kilometres (700 square miles), is a remarkably easy city to move around in. An excellent train, bus and ferry service covers all points of the greater metropolitan area. Roadways, although congested in peak hour times, are generally well planned and driving is not too harrowing an experience.

  Most Sydney tourist attractions are either within easy strolling distance from the Jolly Swagman Accommodation Sydney,  and include the points around Sydney harbour and Bondi and Manly Beach.
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  The Rocks Sydney by Jolly Swagman Backpackers Sydney
  in Sydney
  6 Mar 2009  | 0 Comments

  The Rocks is one of the most-visited parts of Sydney. It is not hard to see why. Nestled at the foot of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and on the western shores of Sydney Cove, The Rocks is the foundation place of Sydney and Australia, and of enormous historical significance.

  You can walk to the Rocks in 20 minutes from the Jolly Swagman Hostel Sydney.

  Most activities centre on walking, looking and eating. The Rocks is Sydney's oldest preserved colonial district so the main emphasis is on the historical importance of the area. The old district has been transformed into a vibrant pocket of cafes and restaurants and interesting tourist shops and stalls. This has been achieved without destroying the area's Old World charm and historic buildings.
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  Sydney Opera House by Jolly Swagman Backpackers Sydney Hostel
  in Sydney
  6 Mar 2009  | 0 Comments

  The Sydney Opera House is situated on Sydney Harbour at Bennelong Point.You can walk to the Sydney Opera House in a 15min power walk from the Jolly Swagman Backpackers in Kings Cross.  But we would recommend you enjoy the stroll form the hostel past Woolloomooloo and through the Royal Botanic Gardens.

  It is considered by many to be one of the wonders of the modern world. The Opera House was designed by Jorn Utzon and was opened in October 1973. The Opera House is one of Sydney's most popular icons with tourists and travellers from the world over visiting, photographing and standing in awe of the cultural centre of Sydney.

  It is possible to choose from a one or two hour tour that takes in the extraordinary history, breathtaking architecture and the unseen workings of the Opera House and its daily life or take you behind-the-scenes to stand on stage in the world-famous Concert Hall or Opera Theatre. You also get the opportunity to enjoy a light breakfast in the Green Room.
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  Sydney Harbour Bridge by Jolly Swagman Backpackers Sydney
  in Sydney
  6 Mar 2009  | 0 Comments

  This is one of Sydney’s most famous landmarks second only to the Sydney Opera House. Construction was completed in 1932. The bridge was built by 1400 workers, 16 of whom were killed in accidents during construction.

  Painting the bridge has become an endless task. Approximately 80,000 litres of paint are required for each coat, enough to cover an area equivalent to 60 soccer fields. Before Paul Hogan (from the movie Crocodile Dundee) became famous, he worked on the Sydney Harbour Bridge as a painter.

  It is recommended that all visitors go to the Pylon Lookout. Inside the Lookout is a fascinating display on how this bridge was built. Entry to the Pylon is from the pedestrian walkway on the Harbour Bridge. You can get to the walkway via the stairs in Cumberland Street, The Rocks.

  To walk to the Sydney Harbour bridge from the Jolly Swagman Hostel in Kings Cross takes about 25 minutes - but its a really great walk.

  The Bridgeclimb is a really aweomse experience - but it is kind of expensive for the backpacker budget  - what do you think?
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  Eating out in Sydney by Jolly Swagman Backpackers Sydney
  in Sydney
  6 Mar 2009  | 0 Comments

  Eating Out

  There is an amazing diversity of restaurants in Sydney to suit every appetite. Sydney’s China Town is a great place for a delicious affordable meal. Another great location for eateries is the Surry Hills District. This area is popular with locals and tourists alike. If it’s a quick lunch your after, you should check out some of the trendy cafes in Kings Cross. This area is where you will find budget accommodation and along with it some great value restaurants. Bourbon is one such venue in the cross that is known throughout Sydney for its high quality affordable meals.  Backpackers in Sydney are often on the look out for cheap eats  - what can you recommend??
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  Bondi Beach by Jolly Swagman Backpackers Sydney Hostel
  in Sydney
  6 Mar 2009  | 0 Comments

  The world famous Bondi Beach is only a short bus journey from Jolly Swagman Sydney Backpackers.

  Bondi is a thriving cosmopolitan centre for sun, surf and fun. The beach is part of a large moon shaped bay of white sands and breaking surf. It is surrounded by parks and apartments that overlook the water. You can easily spend a day here soaking up the sun and admiring the locals.

  Spanning the length of the beach there are a string of eateries, shops, hotels and travel outlets. Behind the shops are apartments and accommodation for both the short or long-term visitor. Along with the fantastic scenery, there are restaurants to suit any appetite. This makes Bondi Beach a must see location.