N is Stuff to do for Next to Nothing

So Sydney is not the most expensive city in the world, I mean it’s no Paris or London when it comes to the price of a coffee, but on an Aussie scale it can be pretty darn pricey. So here are a few suggestions for things to do and what to keep an eye on if you are looking for some entertainment that doesn’t include a $50 breakfast or $170 concert tickets.

One of my favourite bonuses for under 30’s who are looking for a little culture and cheap way to truly experience iconic Sydney is the cheap Opera House tickets available to under 30’s – it’s true! See selected Sydney Theatre Company and Bell Shakespeare Company performances for as little as $35 for those yet to hit the big three-oh. More information and details about current performances is available at the Sydney Opera House website.

Also jump on to the City of Sydney website because you are sure almost each week to find a new and exciting event happening in Sydney city with many of these being absolutely free. The Darling Harbour and The Rocks websites are also a good place to check if you're on the lookout for free entertainment with plenty going on in these precincts, particularly over the warmer months. While you are  in Darling Harbour and The Rocks be sure to stop and watch the street performers who are happy with a small donation in return for a 30 minute show or be in awe of the magnificent cruise boats that regularly dwarf Circular Quay.

One last suggestion and a personal favourite is the Manly ferry trip, a perfect day out from the city, a return ticket costs a little over $13. Soak up the Sydney sun on the harbour and enjoy an ice cream on the beach at your destination.

M is for Making your Stay in Sydney a Safe One

The other day one of my Twitter followers wrote to me saying they are really looking forward to their visit to Sydney but are a bit worried about staying safe. I thought this was a valid point and deserved a decent response, so here are my pointers for staying safe in Sydney.

Firstly I would like to say Sydney is not a dangerous city. I have been to well over a hundred cities throughout my travels and Sydney is by far one of the places I feel most comfortable. However, you may have noticed Sydney has a pretty bad rep in the Australian media. My response to this is don't always believe everything the media portrays, often isolated incidents are splashed across the news making Sydney look positively scary. Sure there are 'dodgy spots' like every other city but stick to the 'tourist trail' and you will be sure to stay safe and have a great time.

For backpackers, the three main spots to stay (although not the only locations) are the CBD, Kings Cross and Bondi Beach. My pick of the three for safety, and if you are a little nervous about travelling, is Bondi Beach. Bondi is full of backpackers and other tourists, and the night life doesn't tend to get as rowdy as the city or Kings Cross.

When you are in Sydney, some things to watch out for during your stay are:

• Avoid wandering around Kings Cross or the CBD on your own after 10pm at night. Aussies are lovely in the day time but are not the best at holding their drink, so it's best to be in a group if you're out late at night and if you do see an altercation in the street stay out of the action!
• Some people have experienced pick-pockets in the city so keep your bag zipped up, particularly in and around Paddy's Markets in Haymarket.
• Stay away from the dodgy spots. You will quickly hear that some Sydney suburbs are not really tourist destinations, if you don't want any trouble it's best to avoid these areas.
• Watch out for snakes and spiders, not only when you are visiting the beautiful national parks in and around Sydney but even in the city as these creepy crawlys can quickly spoil a good holiday. If you see anything that looks nasty it probably is and if you leave them alone, they will leave you alone.
• Be sure to protect yourself from the sun (hat, sunscreen, sunglasses and cover up). The Aussie sun is far tougher than that of any European sea-side location and will leave you very sunburnt if you are not careful.
• Lastly, always swim between the flags. Some Sydney beaches have strong rips (including Bondi) and the flags will let you know where it is safe to swim. It will also help our big, strong Aussie lifesavers to help you out if you do need it.

If you ever do get into trouble the emergency number in Australia (fire, police and ambulance) is 000.

In saying all of this the Sydney crime rate is lower than many other cities around the world, but like travelling anywhere do your research, use your commonsense and don't do anything you wouldn't do at home to ensure you have not only a fun, but a safe trip to Sydney.

L is for Lazy Sundays

I am so relaxed… Even Monday back at work can’t burst my weekend buzz this week and I have a Sunday drive to thank for it… Yesterday I went on a lazy drive through the NSW Southern Highlands to Berrima a quaint, historical town about 80 minutes south of Sydney; from there we took the tourist drive back through to Mittagong and headed east towards Shellharbour on the coast via Macquarie Pass National Park. From Shellharbour you can take the spectacular coastal drive from Wollongong through Royal National Park (making sure to stop the Otford Pantry for Sydney’s very best apple pie just as you enter to park from the south) and on home to Sydney. I was not even away for a night but the amazing countryside and fresh air - so easily accessible from Sydney - has left me feeling positively refreshed.

Some other day trip suggestions are the Blue Mountains, Leura and surrounds are certain to provide a relaxing destination. Heading north, the Hunter Valley via Putty Road is a fun drive with some yummy treats for lunch readily available in Pokolbin. If you are after a sea-side break, Kiama to the south or Terrigal to the north both offer beautiful beaches out of the hustle and bustle… and lastly if you are after a lazy brunch, head south the Berry, where the Berry Sourdough Bakery & Café offers the most incredible brunch and scrumptious  breads to take back home..

Hope you enjoy your next lazy Sunday and of course don’t forget to drive safely folks.

K is for Keeping the Kids Entertained

Unless you have been hiding under a rock (or maybe you have and are about the thank me), you will know that the Harry Potter Exhibition is coming to Sydney. This exhibition includes props and costumes from all of the Harry Potter movies along with lots of fun interactive exhibits – you can even try your hand at Quidditch  (but don’t worry, i’m sure they won’t let the kids try out a nimbus 2000)!

The exhibition will be at Sydney’s famous Powerhouse Museum and kids off-peak tickets are from $19, which will not only get you into the exhibition but the rest of the museum as well, this is a reasonably priced day out that the kids (and some big kids) are sure not to forget any time soon!

The exhibition will run from 19 November 2011 until 18 March 2012 - perfectly timed to alleviate school holiday boredom. Full details on the exhibition and tickets are available on the Powerhouse Museum’s website.

Before I go I want to mention a free event that your kids are sure to love; the annual lighting of the Martin Place Christmas tree lighting and the children’s concert are both on 24 November (in Martin Place) from 6:00pm – 8:30pm and best of all is completely free! Also be sure to make your way there via the David Jones store near St James Station in the city, the Christmas scenes and decorations are now up in the windows and are simply delightful!

City of Sydney’s Sydney Christmas website has all the details on the tree lighting event and plenty more Christmas happenings, oh and the kids can email Santa from the site also – so 21^st century! 

I'm loving Sydney for Christmas!