New South Wales Roll Call

[Ryan]

Since elevenism made the Texas Roll Call, who hails from NSW, Australia?

[Ryan]

*crickets*

[ophelia_]

Meeeeee. And I know there are a few others somewhere on here :)

[elevenism]

Australians and Texans get it.
We have similar pride about where we live.

Also, for some reason, a little town in Australia is our sister city.
They presented us with a monument.

[ManBurning]

Alright you Australian folks, which ones of you want to PARTY HARD when I am visiting your country for this first time ever Between February 17-March 1st?

[ophelia_]

I'm always up for a drink or ten! :D where in Australia are you visiting?

[ManBurning]

Melbourne from Feb 17-23 and then Fly to Sydney on the 23rd where I will be til March 1st.

Any suggestions on any MUST DO activities in either city for first time visitors?

Based on what I've researched online, here are the things I am thinking of doing:

Melbourne:
-Healesville Sanctuary
-Great Ocean Road (for sure)

And attending the Soundwave Festival on the weekend of Feb 21-22 for sure.
I was considering putting Phillip Island on the itinerary, that was til I read the reviews on trip adviser and everyone basically said it was a waste of money and you aren't allowed to take photos of videos of the penguins and it's usually freezing cold and you're waiting like 3-4 hrs to see them. Decided my time would be better spent elsewhere.

Sydney:
Blue Mountains (for sure)
A tour of Hunter valley winery

Doing the Foo Fighters concert on the 26th for sure (got tickets already).

possible/unsure:
Featherdale Wildlife park (is this worth it?)
Paddington Market?
Bondi Beach
The Rocks Market?

Open for other suggestions.

Limited to traveling by public transit only.

[xmd 5a]

NSWelshman here. Based in the Newcastle region.

[Timinator]

Yo, I've lived in Sydney for the last 5 years.



Any suggestions on any MUST DO activities in either city for first time visitors?

Based on what I've researched online, here are the things I am thinking of doing:

Melbourne:
-Healesville Sanctuary
-Great Ocean Road (for sure)

I was considering putting Phillip Island on the itinerary, that was til I read the reviews on trip adviser and everyone basically said it was a waste of money and you aren't allowed to take photos of videos of the penguins and it's usually freezing cold and you're waiting like 3-4 hrs to see them. Decided my time would be better spent elsewhere.
None of those things are actually in Melbourne. They're all a couple of hours away. That being said, all the things you mention are good. Healesville is a great place to see most of the important Australian animals, and the Great Ocean Road is an amazing drive (I've done it three times).

Phillip Island is very nice. I've done it three times as well. The penguins are worth the wait, and the chill, and the lack of photos, trust me. Every visitor I've taken has been impressed. And there are other things to do there, too. Good hiking, nice beach, seal-watching, and the circuit if you're into motorbike racing.

There used to be a bunch of Melbourne people on ETS but they've mostly bailed now I think. I personally like the vibe of central Melbourne, its European-style laneway cafes and bars. Or hang out at one of the bars down by the Yarra River. The Botanic Gardens are great if you like greenery.



Sydney:
Blue Mountains (for sure)
A tour of Hunter valley winery

possible/unsure:
Featherdale Wildlife park (is this worth it?)
Paddington Market?
Bondi Beach
The Rocks Market?

Open for other suggestions.

Limited to traveling by public transit only.
The Blue Mountains are my favourite thing around Sydney.
The Hunter Valley has some tacky, cheesy touristy bits with big mega-buses spewing out hordes of people at giant-size wineries. If you don't drive you'll probably be one of those. There are some great tiny wineries, though, like Piggs Peake and others out on Hermitage Road, or in Wollombi.

I have not been to Featherdale, but I hear it's OK. If you go to Healesville, don't bother. Go to the Zoo instead.
Bondi Beach is overrated in my opinion, but it's sort of a mandatory tourist thing. I like Manly better, especially the area around the beach.
Paddington and Rocks Markets are OK.

I like taking the ferry out to Watsons Bay. You get a great view of the harbour, you can get fish and chips at Doyles on the wharf, you get the lookout from the cliffs of the Gap, and you can walk out to South Head.

The Harbour Bridge Climb is worth it if you can spare the $$$.

The walk around Cremorne Point is great if you have an hour.

The Spit Bridge to Manly hike is amazing if you have three hours.

The Art Gallery of NSW is great.

Newtown and Marrickville are cool for their cafe and bar vibe.

Go for a swim at Balmoral beach.

[Ryan]

Yes, what Timinator said.

[ManBurning]

Timinator - Thanks for all the feedback and suggestions.

Lots of good stuff mentioned there.

I figured I didn't need to attend Featherdale if I went to Healesville, and Healesville sounds to be the better of the two based on what I've read. So, I won't waste time at Featherdale. Like you said, if i'm still aching to see more animals, I can hit up Taronga Zoo (which was another maybe point on my list).

As for Great Ocean Road, I will be most likely taking the trip via a tour. I know it's not actually inside Melbourne. More of a day trip. It won't be as good going with a tour as it would driving yourself, since you can take your time along the way, but seeing it on a tour is still better than not seeing it at all. I especially want to see The twelve Apostles and Loch ard Gorge.

We'd be taking a tour up to Hunter Valley as well, so we'd be part of those annoying tour groups, haha.

Watson's Bay looks good, probably add that to my list. Spit Bridge to Manly Hike sounds good as well if I can squeeze in the 3 hour time frame.

What are some must eat at restaurants of Sydney?

[Timinator]

What are some must eat at restaurants of Sydney?As with everything, it's always personal preference. My favourites, in no particular order:

Cowbell 808
Cornersmith
Chiswick
Porteno
La Pesa Trattoria
New Shanghai
Via Napoli
4Fourteen

[nothing8]

As with everything, it's always personal preference. My favourites, in no particular order:

Cowbell 808
Cornersmith
Chiswick
Porteno
La Pesa Trattoria
New Shanghai
Via Napoli
4Fourteen

Going to screenshot this list and make note next time I can't decide on what to do on the weekend :D