by Nina, , for everyone

Kylie´s Gold Hot Pants and the Sights of Sydney!

Really rather good , 6 ratings
Login to rate

Nina's experience was in Sydney, Australia. She went on 09 of January 2007 for 1 day. She went for tourism, adventure, culture. Nina went with a friend. She got there and around by car or van, walking, boat or ferry, airplane or helicopter. Nina's verdict is: you must go here.

I had arrived in Sydney a few hours before and now here I was looking up at the Sydney Harbour Bridge, as the ferry passed directly underneath it. Sure, I had seen the image hundreds of times before, but nothing had prepared me for how spectacular it looks in real life, set against the backdrop of the clear, harbour waters and the bright, blue Australian summer sky.

Sydney Harbour Bridge

As we turned into Circular Quay, I saw the Opera House shimmering in the sunlight. It´s strange, domed roof reminded me of pieces of a giant 3D puzzle, rearranged to form something irregularly beautiful.

Sydney Opera House

Once the ferry had docked, we followed the hoards of passengers out onto Circular Quay, which was a hive of activity. People in suits were hurrying to catch ferries, tourists sauntered along the quayside absorbing the atmosphere, street performers juggled, leapt off high platforms and played with fire, whilst musicians provided the soundtrack with didgeridoos, humming their low, vibrating sound.

Climbing up to the Harbour Bridge Pylon Lookout, I did my best to overcome my vertigo and jelly like knees to appreciate the vista. Sydney is a beautiful city, with the sparkling waters of the harbour breaking up the urban sprawl. From the top of the pylon, you can see for miles. Not only do you get a million dollar view from up here, but it is also very helpful if your sense of direction is as appalling as mine is!

View from the Pylon Lookout

Back onto the ferries (I loved travelling around by ferry – by far the best form of public transport I have ever encountered), we headed to the Powerhouse Museum to see the much talked about Kylie exhibition. Having been somewhat of a fan since Kylie wed Jason in "Neighbours", I was thrilled to find out that the exhibition of Kylie´s legendary costumes had arrived in Sydney at the same time as I had.

It was awesome to see all the tiny (and I mean tiny, I didn´t know they made human beings that small!) iconic outfits, including those famous gold hot pants. I tried to take a sneaky photo of them, but photography was forbidden and security was tight - much like Kylie´s hot pants!

No photography allowed inside :(

As evening began to draw in, we headed back to Circular Quay, standing at the front of the ferry so that we got sprayed by water. The sky was growing darker as storm clouds circled above, yet the air was still hot and sticky.

Humming some of Kylie´s greatest hits to myself, we wandered along to the Opera Bar, set right at the base of the Opera House, as the heavens opened. Sheltering from the rain, sipping glasses of Australian wine, we watched as the bridge lit up with a glowing red heart at its centre and a brightly coloured showboat chugged past.

Its show time!

Comments

Amelia says...

This sounds great - thanks for sharing your experience. I'm going to Sydney for a month in October/November...what are your top tips? I've never been before, so all advice welcome!

Posted 463 days ago.
Nina says...

Sydney is awesome, so you will have a great time!

My top tips are:

- Make the most of the ferries, as it is such a good way to see the city and a really nice way to travel about.

- If you have the budget and a head for heights, doing the Sydney Harbour Bridge climb is a once in a lifetime experience...apparently!

- Check out Darling Harbour

- Go for a stroll though the Royal Botanic Gardens and head for Mrs Macquarie´s Chair for a great view of the bridge and Opera House.

- Visit the beaches. I thought Bondi was really over rated and much prefered the smaller eastern beaches like Bronte. Manly beach is also worth a visit.

- Head to Oxford Street and Kings Cross for shopping and nightlife

- I stayed in Balmain, which is a funky little suberb with great cafés and pubs.

If you are there for a month, I would also try to get out to the Blue Mountains.

Hope that helps.

Have a great time and let me know how you get on.

Posted 462 days ago.
Alexandra says...

Everyone raves about that bridge climb but complains about the cost. Do you know how much it is, to dissipate the shock a bit?!

Posted 462 days ago.
Nina says...

The bridge climb ranges in price from $179 to $295, depending on when you go. If you´re on a budget, the Pylon lookout at the bridge is a great way to see the views for a fraction of the price - $9.50! :)

Posted 458 days ago.
simon031280 says...

Great photos and run down of your time in Sydney. I am heading to sydney a similar time next year can you pay for a card that you can use on the ferries, buses and trains. if so is this better value, prices? also are their any funky bars around the harbour, opera house? Interesting you say you prefer Manly to Bondi why is this so? Sorry about all the question just you gave me a really good run down of margaret river last time! thanxs

Posted 457 days ago.
Nina says...

Hi Simon,

No problem about all the questions. :)

You can get combined travel passes for the ferries buses and trains in Sydney. It really all depends how long you are staying as to which is better value. I got day passes for the ferries and buses, which was about $15.

There are plenty of bars, restaurants and cafés in Circular Quay, but the Opera Bar is a great place to go for a drink.

I wasn´t that impressed with Bondi Beach - probably because I was comparing it to the stunning beaches of Western Australia. There was more to see and do at Manly beach. Bondi is worth a visit though - so you can say you´ve been there!

Hope you have fun!

Posted 455 days ago.
Amelia says...

Hey Nina - thanks for all your tips above, I fly there in about 8 days! Should be good fun - let me know if you think of any last minute must-dos. And Blue Mountains definitely on the agenda!

Posted 423 days ago.