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MAC Sydney - On a Shoestring
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For those on a budget, a good option is to climb to the top of the South-Eastern Pylon of the Harbour Bridge to the Pylon Lookout for an exhilarating view. Alternatively, you can walk across the bridge on the railed-off pedestrian lane or head down to Circular Quay and take your pick of harbourside ferry destinations. Manly is the most popular, but other routes, like McMahons Point/Balmain or Rose Bay/Watsons Bay are just as scenic. Peak hours will see you share the deck with thousands of commuters who travel to work by water.

Sydney has some beautiful historic houses such as Elizabeth Bay House, Rouse Hill Estate, and Vaucluse House. You can purchase the "Ticket Through Time," which includes entry to 11 properties including the Museum of Sydney, Hyde Park Barracks Museum and the Justice & Police Museum. Tickets are valid for three months and available from any Trust property.

Walking through the regal, glass-domed 19th century Queen Victoria Building (QVB), provides an alternative form of retail therapy. Guided tours depart daily from the customer service desk on the ground floor. Also, be sure to check out the sandstone columns of the Art Gallery of New South Wales guard paintings by Australian masters Tom Roberts, Frederick McCubbin and Sidney Nolan. Guided tours are a great way to learn more about the gallery's local and international collections; and they are free.







Copyright 1999-2005 Wcities, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Contact Wcities

Circular Quay


Major destination of water travel
Opera Quays
Sydney, NSW 2000
Australia
+61 2 9255 1788 (The Rocks Visitors Centre )
This is one of the busiest, most beautiful bustling ports of departure in the world. The State Transit authority, sightseeing tours, water taxis, and private cruises all depart and arrive from this 'port of call'. The actual terminal itself is a bustling collection of fast food joints, ticket sales, information booths, and buskers and of course, commuters. No trip to town is complete without a ferry trip from this fabulous location beneath the bridge.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Circular Quay photo by JJ Halans
Photo: JJ Halans
Circular Quay photo by Brett Donald
Photo: Brett Donald
Circular Quay photo by Wilson Afonso
Photo: Wilson Afonso
Circular Quay photo by Nikhil Chauhan
Photo: Nikhil Chauhan
Circular Quay photo by Chris Donnelly
Photo: Chris Donnelly
Circular Quay photo by Andrew Stewart
Photo: Andrew Stewart
Circular Quay photo by Wayne Kang
Photo: Wayne Kang
Circular Quay photo by Larks
Photo: Larks
Circular Quay photo by Ørjan Mjelde
Photo: Ørjan Mjelde
Circular Quay photo by Binod Therat
Photo: Binod Therat
Circular Quay photo by Claire Cutler
Photo: Claire Cutler
Circular Quay photo by Lynn McGowan
Photo: Lynn McGowan
Circular Quay photo by Melanie Laidlaw
Photo: Melanie Laidlaw
Circular Quay photo by desmoq
Photo: desmoq
Circular Quay photo by protoflux
Photo: protoflux
Circular Quay photo by Paul Duncan
Photo: Paul Duncan
Circular Quay photo by stephanie gotis
Photo: stephanie gotis
Circular Quay photo by David Vainauskas
Photo: David Vainauskas
Circular Quay photo by cupcake.bandit
Photo: cupcake.bandit
Circular Quay photo by Maura Burns
Photo: Maura Burns
Circular Quay photo by sarah plunkett
Photo: sarah plunkett
 

 
Elizabeth Bay House


Mr Macleay's folly
7 Onslow Avenue
Elizabeth Bay
Sydney, NSW 2011
Australia
+61 (0)2 9356 3022
Sydney does have some grand houses even if they only date back to the nineteenth century. Elizabeth Bay House overlooks Sydney Harbour and was designed in the early 1830s by the fashionable architect, John Verge, for Alexander Macleay. While Macleay occupied the position of Colonial Secretary, he almost bankrupted himself over this venture. The interior reflects the lifestyle of the Macleay family between 1839 and 1845 and is based upon rigid documentary research. A changing exhibition programme also makes it well worth a return visit.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Elizabeth Bay House photo by Mickie Flick
Photo: Mickie Flick
Elizabeth Bay House photo by Mickie Flick
Photo: Mickie Flick
Elizabeth Bay House photo by Ebony Wheeldon
Photo: Ebony Wheeldon
Elizabeth Bay House photo by Cougar-Studio
Photo: Cougar-Studio
Elizabeth Bay House photo by Natalie Chiu
Photo: Natalie Chiu
 

 
Hyde Park Barracks Museum


Convicts and women
Macquarie St
(Queens Square)
Sydney, NSW 2000
Australia
+61 2 8239 2311
http://www.hht.net.au/museums/...
An elegant, Georgian building designed by the convict architect, Francis Greenway, Hyde Park Barracks is located in one of Sydney's most historic precincts. Until 1848, it provided accommodation for convicts but has since had many occupants becoming sequentially an Immigration Depot for Irish orphans and unprotected females, an Asylum and law courts. The sensitive interpretation acknowledges these various, historical usages while a new exhibition on convicts has opened recently. The shop and Barracks Café complement the visitation experience. Admission is AUD7 for Adults, AUD3 children, concession AUD3 and family AUD17.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Hyde Park Barracks Museum photo by Declan
Photo: Declan
Hyde Park Barracks Museum photo by Dee Ustundag
Photo: Dee Ustundag
Hyde Park Barracks Museum photo by Richard Rodgers
Photo: Richard Rodgers
Hyde Park Barracks Museum photo by James Skidmore
Photo: James Skidmore
Hyde Park Barracks Museum photo by Maggie Corrigan
Photo: Maggie Corrigan
Hyde Park Barracks Museum photo by Steven Ledwith
Photo: Steven Ledwith
Hyde Park Barracks Museum photo by Julia Decates
Photo: Julia Decates
Hyde Park Barracks Museum photo by Patricia McArdle
Photo: Patricia McArdle
Hyde Park Barracks Museum photo by Jeremy LeBard
Photo: Jeremy LeBard
Hyde Park Barracks Museum photo by berry.sudirno
Photo: berry.sudirno
Hyde Park Barracks Museum photo by Ben and Debs Blench
Photo: Ben and Debs Blench
Hyde Park Barracks Museum photo by lynn smith
Photo: lynn smith
 

 
Justice & Police Museum


Crooks, criminals and coppers
Corner Albert & Philip Sts
Circular Quay
Sydney, NSW 2000
Australia
+61 2 9252 1144
http://www.hht.net.au
This museum is a little gem, particularly good for kids, but not too young--some of the exhibits are quite gory! Housed in a sandstone building that has been the Water Police Court (1856), the Water Police Station (1858) and finally the Police Court (1885), it provides a great opportunity to learn about Sydney's colourful criminal past. It features a magistrate's court, charge room, remand cell, and a selection of mind-bogglingly nasty weapons ... spiked metal balls and chains, daggers, clubs and knuckledusters. Group bookings are available.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Justice & Police Museum photo by wcities
Photo: wcities
 

 
Museum of Sydney


Innovative museology
Corner of Bridge Street and Phillip Street
Sydney, NSW 2000
Australia
+61 (0)2 9251 5988
http://www.hht.net.au/museums/...
Located on the site of Australia's first Government House, the Museum of Sydney deliberately looks towards the future rather than the past. The building itself was demolished in 1846 but in 1983, archaeologists unearthed the original footings. The Museum's interpretation is highly imaginative and offers the visitor a journey of discovery through Sydney from 1788. This is achieved by a mixture of static displays, state of the art technology and an acclaimed temporary exhibition programme. The shop and café are also very stylish.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Museum of Sydney photo by Patrik Berglund
Photo: Patrik Berglund
 

 
Queen Victoria Building


Superb shopping in historical surroundings
455 George St
Sydney, NSW 2000
Australia
+61 (0)2 9264 9209
http://www.qvb.com.au
Built in 1898 to celebrate Queen Victoria's golden jubilee, the QVB is a history lesson and shopping experience rolled into one. Designed to resemble a Byzantine palace, marvel at the central copper dome and the glass roof, take note of the original floor tiles and cast iron circular staircase and then you could even think about doing some shopping. With over 200 stores there is something for everyone, particularly if you are in search of a designer label or two. Fashion, art, antiques, gifts, souvenirs, jewellery, cafes, this is a shopaholics paradise.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Queen Victoria Building photo by chris
Photo: chris
Queen Victoria Building photo by Adrian Clark
Photo: Adrian Clark
Queen Victoria Building photo by Ruth Chong
Photo: Ruth Chong
Queen Victoria Building photo by Julia und Andreas Sellmeier
Photo: Julia und Andreas Sellmeier
Queen Victoria Building photo by Kieran Murphy
Photo: Kieran Murphy
Queen Victoria Building photo by Richard Phipps
Photo: Richard Phipps
Queen Victoria Building photo by Unolin
Photo: Unolin
Queen Victoria Building photo by Andy Covington
Photo: Andy Covington
Queen Victoria Building photo by Harry Zhang
Photo: Harry Zhang
Queen Victoria Building photo by Magda Biskup
Photo: Magda Biskup
Queen Victoria Building photo by Thomas Vander Wal
Photo: Thomas Vander Wal
Queen Victoria Building photo by Roy
Photo: Roy
Queen Victoria Building photo by mawrightnz
Photo: mawrightnz
Queen Victoria Building photo by Ben Walker
Photo: Ben Walker
Queen Victoria Building photo by lenore lee
Photo: lenore lee
Queen Victoria Building photo by Lisa Schoeps
Photo: Lisa Schoeps
Queen Victoria Building photo by Jessie061
Photo: Jessie061
Queen Victoria Building photo by cut_throat_girl
Photo: cut_throat_girl
Queen Victoria Building photo by Steven Lee
Photo: Steven Lee
Queen Victoria Building photo by Endi Caturmulia
Photo: Endi Caturmulia
Queen Victoria Building photo by koalawrangler
Photo: koalawrangler
Queen Victoria Building photo by ripcurl666
Photo: ripcurl666
Queen Victoria Building photo by Katalin Ohegyi
Photo: Katalin Ohegyi
Queen Victoria Building photo by Keith Thorne
Photo: Keith Thorne
Queen Victoria Building photo by endless beauty
Photo: endless beauty
Queen Victoria Building photo by lincolnose2
Photo: lincolnose2
Queen Victoria Building photo by Gilbert Jadraque
Photo: Gilbert Jadraque
Queen Victoria Building photo by manubi_75
Photo: manubi_75
Queen Victoria Building photo by Jenny Pesina
Photo: Jenny Pesina
Queen Victoria Building photo by basvanmeel
Photo: basvanmeel
Queen Victoria Building photo by Thijs Dijkman
Photo: Thijs Dijkman
Queen Victoria Building photo by digitalreflections
Photo: digitalreflections
Queen Victoria Building photo by Franz Jachim
Photo: Franz Jachim
Queen Victoria Building photo by Adam Lewis
Photo: Adam Lewis
Queen Victoria Building photo by Greg Potterton
Photo: Greg Potterton
Queen Victoria Building photo by ORD 2 SXM
Photo: ORD 2 SXM
Queen Victoria Building photo by Dynomutt
Photo: Dynomutt
 

 
Rouse Hill Estate


One of Australia's major heritage sites
Guntawong Rd, off Windsor Rd
Rouse Hill
Sydney, NSW 2155
Australia
+61 (0)2 9627 6777
http://www.hht.net.au
Established by Richard and Elizabeth Rouse in 1813, this property was occupied continuously by six generations of one family before being taken over by the Historic Houses Trust. The whole site is extremely fragile and can only be accessed through booked, guided tours. Following a lecture and video, visitors then make their way up the paddock to the time-warped Georgian house, gardens, stables, woolshed and outbuildings. Not a tour for the faint-hearted-- wear sensible shoes and a hat-- but few sites in Australia encapsulate the colonial experience with such sensitivity.

Admission: Adults AUD7; children AUD3; concession AUD3; family AUD17.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Rouse Hill Estate photo by Ian Teh
Photo: Ian Teh
 

 
Sydney Harbour Bridge Pylon Lookout


The other bridge climb
Entrance to Pylon via Cumberland St
(The Rocks)
Sydney, NSW 2000
Australia
+61 (0)2 9240 1100
http://www.pylonlookout.com.au
This bit of adventure is a must for all visitors to Sydney. The Pylon lookout at the top Sydney Harbour Bridge is a harrowing 200 steps to the top. But those who brave vertigo and the often windy days are treated to the most amazing views of the city, the harbour, and the Sydney Opera House. Plus, you will touch the very monumental structure itself and have a new understanding of roosting pigeons. Inside the pylon, there is also a museum with displays relating to the construction of the bridge, including some great photographs. Admission: Adults AUD8.50; children (8-12) AUD3.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Sydney Harbour Bridge Pylon Lookout photo by Patrick Houlihan
Photo: Patrick Houlihan
Sydney Harbour Bridge Pylon Lookout photo by Graham Woolrich
Photo: Graham Woolrich
Sydney Harbour Bridge Pylon Lookout photo by Daniel Rosado
Photo: Daniel Rosado
Sydney Harbour Bridge Pylon Lookout photo by Brad Lenahan
Photo: Brad Lenahan
Sydney Harbour Bridge Pylon Lookout photo by Jorke Odolphi
Photo: Jorke Odolphi
Sydney Harbour Bridge Pylon Lookout photo by Zach Casper
Photo: Zach Casper
Sydney Harbour Bridge Pylon Lookout photo by James Wood
Photo: James Wood
Sydney Harbour Bridge Pylon Lookout photo by S Baker
Photo: S Baker
Sydney Harbour Bridge Pylon Lookout photo by Ben O'Hara
Photo: Ben O'Hara
Sydney Harbour Bridge Pylon Lookout photo by Kevin Ward
Photo: Kevin Ward
Sydney Harbour Bridge Pylon Lookout photo by Michelle Corral
Photo: Michelle Corral
Sydney Harbour Bridge Pylon Lookout photo by Arun varma
Photo: Arun varma
Sydney Harbour Bridge Pylon Lookout photo by Rick & Shayla Collins
Photo: Rick & Shayla Collins
Sydney Harbour Bridge Pylon Lookout photo by Ryan Downey
Photo: Ryan Downey
Sydney Harbour Bridge Pylon Lookout photo by james.9t6
Photo: james.9t6
Sydney Harbour Bridge Pylon Lookout photo by Silver Spot
Photo: Silver Spot
Sydney Harbour Bridge Pylon Lookout photo by Ashur Lazar
Photo: Ashur Lazar
Sydney Harbour Bridge Pylon Lookout photo by Helen Savill
Photo: Helen Savill
Sydney Harbour Bridge Pylon Lookout photo by Richard Hilburn
Photo: Richard Hilburn
Sydney Harbour Bridge Pylon Lookout photo by Pierre Combrink
Photo: Pierre Combrink
Sydney Harbour Bridge Pylon Lookout photo by essellarr
Photo: essellarr
Sydney Harbour Bridge Pylon Lookout photo by Darian Eckersley
Photo: Darian Eckersley
Sydney Harbour Bridge Pylon Lookout photo by Ray Mosley
Photo: Ray Mosley
Sydney Harbour Bridge Pylon Lookout photo by Dan Kim
Photo: Dan Kim
Sydney Harbour Bridge Pylon Lookout photo by markyboy_
Photo: markyboy_
Sydney Harbour Bridge Pylon Lookout photo by Alex Brunner
Photo: Alex Brunner
Sydney Harbour Bridge Pylon Lookout photo by Karsten Grillitsch
Photo: Karsten Grillitsch
Sydney Harbour Bridge Pylon Lookout photo by sandi gordon
Photo: sandi gordon
Sydney Harbour Bridge Pylon Lookout photo by jetaime
Photo: jetaime
 

 
Vaucluse House


An Australian feudal estate
Wentworth Rd
Vaucluse
Sydney, NSW 2030
Australia
+61 2 9388 7922
http://www.hht.net.au
The combination of grand, gothic-style house, outbuildings, harbour views and twelve hectares of formal gardens and grounds places Vaucluse House high on Sydney's must see list. Dating from 1803, it was later extended by William Charles Wentworth- father of the Australian constitution. The interiors have been restored to the period when he lived here with his wife and numerous children (1827-53 and again in 1861-62) and include many objects, which belonged to the family. The adjoining Tearooms are also worth a visit. Admission for Adults is AUD7, children AUD3, concession AUD3 and family AUD17.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Vaucluse House photo by Joao Salvado
Photo: Joao Salvado
Vaucluse House photo by Dave & Lorelle
Photo: Dave & Lorelle
Vaucluse House photo by Dave & Lorelle
Photo: Dave & Lorelle
Vaucluse House photo by Bart Orriens
Photo: Bart Orriens
Vaucluse House photo by Joe Dorn
Photo: Joe Dorn
 

 
Other Schmapplets in this city related to "Sydney - On a Shoestring"
Sydney - Top Attractions
Sydney - Top Events
Sydney - Top Hotels
Sydney - Top Restaurants
Sydney - Top Nightlife
Sydney - The Essential Tours
Sydney - Behind the Scenes
Sydney - Sydney in Style

Other nearby cities:
Canberra (246 miles)
Melbourne (712 miles)
Brisbane (719 miles)
Hobart (1058 miles)
Adelaide (1161 miles)
Christchurch (2142 miles)
Auckland (2160 miles)
Wellington (2230 miles)
Perth (3291 miles)
Kauai (8124 miles)

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