New South Wales

[Prawn_86]

New South Wales (abbreviated as NSW) is Australia's oldest and most populous state, located in the south-east of the country, north of Victoria and south of Queensland. It was founded in 1788 and originally comprised much of the Australian mainland, as well as Lord Howe Island and Norfolk Island. New Zealand was not initially part of the colony, although when Britain annexed New Zealand in 1840 it was briefly a part of New South Wales. During the 19th century large areas were successively separated to form the British colonies of Tasmania, South Australia, Victoria, Queensland, and New Zealand.

[Prawn_86]

Im looking at applying for a job in Wollongong.

Anyone been there? Whats it like? Even better; has anyone lived there?

[kennas]

Lived in Cronulla for a couple of years and travelled down to Woolygong a few times. Seems like a nice place. I'd live there I think.

[Prawn_86]

EVEN while firefighters are still battling bush infernos in scorched Victoria huge amounts of Australia are under floodwaters.
Rains have eased, but more than 4000 people remain isolated by flood waters in parts of northern New South Wales

http://www.news.com.au/story/0,27574,25071890-421,00.html

[Prawn_86]

NSW is launching an extensive tourism campaign in Britain and other parts of Europe aiming to lure tourists back to Sydney and other areas of the state.
The campaign will promote NSW across a range of platforms including online, radio and outdoor advertising.



http://www.news.com.au/travel/story/0,28318,25363518-5014090,00.html

Any members live in NSW? Why should we visit your fine state...?

[Prawn_86]

Areas of Northern New South Wales have been declared a disaster zone after torrential rain and heavy flooding. Towns such as Lismore were evacuated.

One of my fav Aussie bands, Grinspoon, is orginally from Lismore. There's a bit of useless trivia for you all :)

[buddinghealth]

I was living in Coffs Harbour when the floods hit - it was crazy, 130km winds and days and days of rain - it took over a week for the pacific highway to reopen going north! Australia has some crazy weather!

[buddinghealth]

Quick question - I need to go back to Coffs for a couple of months pretty soon, anyone know anywhere I might be able to stay/cheap accom - i'll be working there for a while (hopefully won't rain this time!)

[threeland]

Hello everyone, I have been planning to visit Sydney with my family. Since, I am real busy with my hectic schedule; I thought that it would be a good place to relax for some days with my entire family. The reason I am here is that I don’t have any close associates that have been there, so I need advice from you people to help me know what are the do’s and dont’s that I need to take care of……..please do advice me on this.

Thanks in advance.

[johnting101]

Hello everyone, I have been planning to visit Sydney with my family. Since, I am real busy with my hectic schedule; I thought that it would be a good place to relax for some days with my entire family. The reason I am here is that I don’t have any close associates that have been there, so I need advice from you people to help me know what are the do’s and dont’s that I need to take care of……..please do advice me on this.

Thanks in advance.

Oh yea, Sydney is a great big city =) It'd be a great place to enjoy and relax.
Well, there aren't much do's and dont's though, it is just like any other city. My tips are,

1. Be sure you have a map if you want to walk around in the city, or if you have a car, you can consider GPS.
2. Don't hesitate to ask for directions ;) Last I went, the people were very nice.
3. Enjoy yourself with your family^^

Post what you did in your trip :P Or if you meet any problems, we'll be glad to help you.

[Prawn_86]

Well im off to Sydney this evening on business. Staying at the Sofitel Wentworth on Philip St. Havn't stayed there before so will report back as to how it is :)

Its been years since i have been to Sydney so will see if it has changed or if it is still as i remember it (congested, poorly layed out and busy ;) )

[kennas]

That sounds nice. :)

Head to The Rocks for drinks....

[Prawn_86]

Just got home. The Sofitel was nice. I had a club sandwhich (just for you Kennas :p ) prompt delivery and quite tasty, although the bread was fried rather than toasted which put an interesting twist on it.

Also went to a bar called The Argyle. Monday night so it was really quite, but a nice place to kick back and have a couple beverages.

[woywegian]

No vacation visit to Sydney is complete without discvering where it all began, The Rocks. It is one of the best preserved historic areas of Sydney and to discover the stories behind the old buildings The Rocks Audio Tour (http://www.talk-n-tours.com/catalog/tour.php?tour=rocks) is inexpensive and a great day out.

[woywegian]

If you are visiting Sydney and don't have access to a car you can still enjoy a great day out and explore some to the beaches, including Palm beach where Home and Away is filmed, and take a guided audio tour to the Central Coast (http://www.talk-n-tours.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=22_1_3&products_id=35) using public transport.

Take in all the Northen beaches to Palm Beach (Summer Bay) (http://talk-n-tours.com/blog/free-audio-guides/home-and-away-palm-beach-australia) by public bus, catch a ferry accross Broken bay to Ettalong Beach (http://talk-n-tours.com/blog/free-audio-guides/ettalong-beach-australia) and perhaps even take in the Avoca Beach Grower's Market (http://talk-n-tours.com/blog/free-audio-guides/avoca-beach-growers-market) at Avoca Beach before catching the train back to Sydney from Woy Woy.

It's a great day out, leave Sydney at 08:30am and arrive back at 6:00pm and you get to see a lot more than just the city.

[kennas]

I'm going to Cuzco on Wednesday, do you have an audio tour for that? :rolleyes:

[Prawn_86]

I'm going to Cuzco on Wednesday, do you have an audio tour for that? :rolleyes:

Maybe you could make it Kennas :) A bar tour of Cuzco...

[kennas]

Maybe you could make it Kennas :) A bar tour of Cuzco...That's not a bad idea you know. I haven't seen anything like it in Cuzco. Hmmmm

[chrissylewis03]

That's not a bad idea you know. I haven't seen anything like it in Cuzco. Hmmmm


i'd do it when and if i ever get there!

We're considering the big move to Sydney, if we're working in the CBD does anyone have any idea what a good fairly cheap subburb might be to live in thats still quite easy to get to the city... or does that not exist?

cheers,

[kennas]

Doesn't exist really.

If you work in the city living around Bondi/Coogie/Randwick would be nice, but you pay.

I've lived there a couple of times and last time lived in Cronulla in an apartment right on the beach. Was $420 a week. Probably around $520 a week for similar now. It was worth it though. Love Cronulla!!

[Prawn_86]

As Chrissy said it actually looks like there is a fair chance we will be moving to Syd in the near future. We want to live as close to the CBD as our budget allows, what should we know? Aside from the fact its all damn expensive!

Are there any good/bad suburbs people know about? We will be looking for something close to public transport.

By the prices Kennas posted beach suburbs will be out :(

[kennas]

Thos prices were for on the water Prawn, you'll get something much cheaper back from the beach.

A search on realestate.com will show up currrent costs. You'll probably want to be as close as possible to the city and easten beaches. Could even look at Manly and take a ferry to work?

[Prawn_86]

Huge dust storm in Sydney overnight and this morning. Red as far as the eye could see:
http://www.smh.com.au/environment/sydney-turns-red-dust-storm-blankets-city-20090923-g0so.html

[Prawn_86]

So we are looking at moving to Sydney, and for our budget it looks like areas around Croydon and Campsie will suit us. Does anyone know what these suburbs are like/ Neat, safe, etc etc??

[Prawn_86]

So we are looking at moving to Sydney, and for our budget it looks like areas around Croydon and Campsie will suit us. Does anyone know what these suburbs are like/ Neat, safe, etc etc??

Ok so we have found out that those 2 suburbs are best to be avoided :o

Does anyone know about the following:
Marrickville
Petersham
Lewisham
Maroubra
Hurstville
Allawah
Beverly Hills

Any help would be much appreciated :)

[kennas]

You could move to Maroubra and join the Bra Boys... lol.

Like anywhere close ish to the beaches that will be more expensive than elsewhere though.

Don't know about the other burbs.

Move to Cronulla!! :)

[Prawn_86]

In Sydney now and looked at some places around the Marrickville and Dulwich Hill area. Some are nicer than others obviously, but we have found a few that we like in our price range. Marrickville road is really interesting with all the different food styles and cafes and little boutique type shops.

[Prawn_86]

Now living in Marrickville. Its so multicultural, Chinese, Greek, Vietnamese, Russian and many other cultures all in the same suburb. Heaps of different cafes, sporting facilities and arts areas, and new night spots opening up, it appears to be an up and coming suburb in the Inner West :)

[kennas]

Prawn, driving through Newtown to your place is like being back in Melbs in Fitzroy. Nice area!

Moving into my new pad in Bondi in 2 weeks. Can't wait!!!

[Prawn_86]

Yeh Newtown is a very 'trendy' part of Sydney but it is very alternative and full of punks, hippies, stoners, just anyone a bit different really. Lots of nightlife there too, but i havn't been out there yet

[kennas]

Yeh Newtown is a very 'trendy' part of Sydney but it is very alternative and full of punks, hippies, stoners, just anyone a bit different really. Lots of nightlife there too, but i havn't been out there yetReminds me of Fitzroy, my favourite part of Melbourne. I'd be happy to live down there if Sydney didn't have the beaches.

[Prawn_86]

Heading up to Newcastle on the weekend, any advice on what there is to see up there?

[Prawn_86]

Heading up to Newcastle on the weekend, any advice on what there is to see up there?

Went up there and thouroughly enjoyed it. Drove the scenic route from Sydney taking the Pacific Highway up past Lake Macquarie. Only takes about 2 - 2.5hr to drive from Sydney, so pretty easy to do and the roads are good.

We went an had fish and chips on Nobbys beach and walked around to the salwater pools and spa's which was built by convicts way back int he day. Also went up to Fort Scratchley which was built around 1830 and sits right on top of the hill overlooking to Port and Newcastle city. Pretty nice place and good to wander through just for a look at history. While we were overlooking the ocean also saw a couple whales migrating about 300m offshore!

Went to Scratchleys seafood restaurant on the foreshore for dinner. Food was very nice and fairly priced.

[Prawn_86]

Does anyone know of some good farmstay bed and breakfasts in the Hunter Valley region?

I know there are heaps, but just wondering if ATF members have any recommendations?

[leona788]

A few years back, we stayed at Willow Tree Estate. The stay was overall great!
http://au.totaltravel.yahoo.com/directory/accommodation/australia/nsw/huntervalley/cessnock/?filter=bedbreakfast&sort=

[kennas]

Does anyone know of some good farmstay bed and breakfasts in the Hunter Valley region?

I know there are heaps, but just wondering if ATF members have any recommendations?Nope, but I stayed in an awesome B&B in the hills south of the Valley. Really special.

Trying to find it...

[travelexpert]

If you want transport the cityrail trains and buses are easy, you can use sites to also locate your trip. or hire a car like theprevious person said, or even hire a taxi. You need to explore here, its beautiful city with great suburbs.

[camper]

Northern Suburbs are more pleasing =) its kind of mixed but i reckon its good you get all channels you want for Sydney. Spending, relaxing, romantic, family :D

[hoteltravelvietnam]

Thank you for the information!

[tiger_lily]

Any members live in NSW? Why should we visit your fine state...?

I live in the Jervis Bay area and have for the last 29 years.
I would recommend this area for travellers due tot he beach meets bush approach.

There is something for everyone:
* Aboriginal History.
* Maritime History.
* Military History.
* National parks and wildlife.
* Famous Hyams Beach.

... I could go on. lol

[tiger_lily]

No vacation visit to Sydney is complete without discvering where it all began, The Rocks. It is one of the best preserved historic areas of Sydney and to discover the stories behind the old buildings The Rocks Audio Tour (http://www.talk-n-tours.com/catalog/tour.php?tour=rocks) is inexpensive and a great day out.

We are doing the Ghost Tour around the Rocks in November.

[nhoj850]

Hey guys,

just had my working holiday visa approved for Australia and me and a few other lads are thinking of heading over at the end of October.

We are thinking we'd like to hit Sydney first as it's big so we figure there'll be job opportunities and it's near a beach. We fancy the fruit picking scene first since it should be summer, any tips on the best areas to start and get fruit picking jobs and cheap accommodation?

Any info will be great as we're total beginners to travelling!!

Cheers, John Mc

P.S. we're Scottish and Irish so the beach is like a magnet to us, cuz we've deen deprived of sunshine!!! ha!

[kennas]

Around the Murry River is good for fruit picking.

Sydney is a little expensive so be prepared.

But the beaches are sensational!

Bring sun screen.

[Prawn_86]

Hey guys,

just had my working holiday visa approved for Australia and me and a few other lads are thinking of heading over at the end of October.

We are thinking we'd like to hit Sydney first as it's big so we figure there'll be job opportunities and it's near a beach. We fancy the fruit picking scene first since it should be summer, any tips on the best areas to start and get fruit picking jobs and cheap accommodation?

Any info will be great as we're total beginners to travelling!!

Cheers, John Mc

P.S. we're Scottish and Irish so the beach is like a magnet to us, cuz we've deen deprived of sunshine!!! ha!

Most of the fruit picking and general farm hand/labourer work is a bit inland and away from the cities. Working on farms etc gives a great insight into the life of countryAussies though.

If you want to be near the beach i would actually suggest you head up to North Queensland where there are banana farms near the Tully area, close to Mission Beach. Very hard work though.

Or as Kennas said you could head inland towards the Murray and Riverina areas. Goulburn, Shepparton, Mildura and the Riverland (throughout various states) all have plenty of work in the winerys and farms etc

[nhoj850]

Cheers lads will definitely look into those areas, especially if, as you say, sydney is expensive, just booked the tickets the other day! 28 oct 10 we fly to sydney!

also where can i find out about sydney new years parties that dont all cost $250? looked about but most stuff is really expensive, or do you know anywhere better for new years?

cheers

John Mc

[nhoj850]

Hey guys, Also wanted to ask if you could recommend some good value bank accounts in australia, been searching online but i can only find NAB, st george and ANZ that do accounts and they dont seem good value.

Cheers, John Mc

[Prawn_86]

Hi John,

The 'big 4' banks in Australia tend to have an oligopoly. They are NAB, Commonwealth, ANZ and Westpac. Personally i am with Bankwest so you might want to look at them

[buddinghealth]

Hey guys, Also wanted to ask if you could recommend some good value bank accounts in australia, been searching online but i can only find NAB, st george and ANZ that do accounts and they dont seem good value.

Cheers, John Mc

Are you in Scotland John? I would ask your bank if they have any arrangements with Auzzie banks to make it cheaper to transfer Money and to get money out of cash machines without being charged - I was with Barclays in the UK who had a deal with Westpac here.

[CWBush]

I very recently did the Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb with some American friends. I was the sole Aussie of the twelve who went up and I absolutely loved it. I'm a Sydney local, but I'm a sucker for that view.

I'd thoroughly recommend it.

[pradap]

Areas of Northern New South Wales have been declared a disaster zone after torrential rain and heavy flooding. Towns such as Lismore were evacuated.
One of my fav Aussie bands, Grinspoon, is orginally from Lismore. There's a bit of useless trivia for you all

[buddinghealth]

I'd like to do the Sydney Harbour Bridge, actually in Sydney this weekend - anyone know of any events that are going on?

[Prawn_86]

I'd like to do the Sydney Harbour Bridge, actually in Sydney this weekend - anyone know of any events that are going on?
City of Sydney is launching its xmas celebrations this week. Not specifically sure what events are on though

[Prawn_86]

Went to a dance festival called Field Day, run by Fuzzy. Absolutely amazing day! For those interested in dance music the line-up included Erol Alkan, Art Vs Science, Tensnake, A-trak, Public Enemy and Justice.

It was in the Domain in Sydney, right near the botanic gardens. Great venue for it, grass and trees and then when the sun went down had skyscrapers lit up as the back drop.

Will chuck a couple pics up soon :)

[Prawn_86]

Here is a few pics of the Domain during the Field Day festival :)

[buddinghealth]

Here is a few pics of the Domain during the Field Day festival :)

Looks like a beautiful Sunny Australia day, not like the weather we've been having lately a bit further north!

[Melinda323]

Hi,

I am trying to get together some research on regional travel in NSW. Do most overseas backpackers in Australia stick to the main East coast trail? I.e Tropical QLD, Brisbane, Gold Coast, Byron Bay, Sydney and Melbourne? Are people interested in travelling to some of the country regions around sydney? I.e Blue Mountains, South Coast and Hunter Valley?

What are the reasons for not bothering, or have you been to these places? Please let me know about your experiences....

[harrymcg]

I'd highly recommend you have a look at some regional areas of NSW. I'd recommend Yamba, New England area such as Armidale, Uralla, and the coastal town up the NSW north coast. In Qld why not have a look at Warwick, Toowoomba and north Brisbane areas such as Dayboro.

[Prawn_86]

Went out for a few drinks in the Sydney CBD last night and stumbled across The Baxter Inn. They dont have a website so dont bother looking for one, but its down an alley way and then underground off Clarence Street. Reminds me of Melbourne style bars

Absolutely amazing. Reminds me of an old prohibition style saloon and has over 200 scotches on the list and amazing cocktails so go ahead and get involved ;)