Our Vlog!

Hey everyone! All of us here from Sydney4Beginners thought we'd show you some of our favourite places in a little more depth through a Vlog. The vlog starts of with a little intro then cuts to Madeline who shows us some of Sydney's bush lands, then Connie shows us a sneak peak of vivid, followed by Samantha who shows us some amazing food dishes Sydney restaurants have to offer, then Aiden shows us what it's like to ride public transport all to be concluded by my (Mitch's) video where i show you what our uni campus is like. We hope you enjoy the video! You can watch it below or click on this link here to redirect you to Youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dEUb42Ov73c

- Mitch

The Opal Card

I've mentioned the usefulness of the Opal card in previous posts so I thought that I might dedicate an entire post to it. As someone who does a lot of commuting on public transport I much prefer the ease of the Opal card compared with the old paper tickets. Having to worry about whether or not I had coinage or cash to buy my ticket was a constant concern when I was living near Newcastle before the Opal card came out. Receipts were also a pain and with a few transfers a day, I had plenty of them. The Opal card allows you to not have to worry about having cash, just tap the Opal card on the reader as you're getting on and tap again when alighting from whatever mode of public transport you're on.

*photo taken from http://www.opal.com.au*

Putting money onto the Opal card is easy. You can either top up online, using a special Opal card top up machine available at some train stations or at some retailers. Auto top-up is also available online, meaning that you don't have to worry about not having enough money for your trip (assuming that you have money that can be used to top up the Opal card).

There are 4 different types of Opal cards available

Adult - daily cap $15
Concession - daily cap $7.50
Child/Youth - daily cap $7.50
Senior/Pensioner - daily cap $2.50

To find out more details about the Opal card and even get one, go to http://www.opal.com.au.

- Aiden

JET BOAT RIDING EXPERIENCE

G'day Sydney lovers... have you ever been on a jet boat experience? If you haven't, you are missing out! I did it a few months ago and it was amazing! it was a spectacular way to experience and see Sydney. Sit back and hang on tight as they open the throttle and release 500 litres of water per second from the jet as we unleash the full power at 75km/h. With a mix of 180-degree spins, wild fishtails and incredible power brake stops this experience can be wet and wild but loads of fun! The Harbour Jet boat races under the famous Harbour Bridge, past Sydney’s popular icons including the Sydney Opera House, Luna Park, Fort Denison and more! Having the wind blast through your hair so fast you feel like you are flying is truly an unforgettable experience in Sydney. 


click here for more information and booking details! http://www.harbourjet.com

image taken from http://madaboutsports.com.au/Adventure-Sports/Water/Jetboat-Rides

Parramatta Lake

Hi all... looking for a nice quiet escape in the suburban areas of Sydney? How about Parramatta Lake! Lake Parramatta Reserve is located in North Parramatta. There are tons of activities you can do there including swimming, bush walking, picnics or just enjoying a relaxing walk along the water. This makes it a perfect location for anything like family BBQs to having a peaceful cup of coffee on your own with the view of the lake. You'll even get to see wildlife as there are beautiful ducks which swim peacefully up and now the lake. 

Lake Parramatta Reserve has the following facilities:
- Designated swimming area
- Non-motorised boating facilities
- Children’s playground
- Off street car park
- Walking trails
- Public Toilets
- BBQs
- Picnic facilities
- Visitors kiosk
For more information about swimming in the lake, check out their website http://www.parracity.nsw.gov.au/play/sports_and_recreation/swimming_at_lake_parramatta

image taken from http://www.sydney.com/destinations/sydney/sydney-west/parramatta/attractions/lake-parramatta-reserve

 - maddy

BOURKE ST BAKERY

Pies and Tarts

Bourke St Bakery serves up a variety of delicious treats and drinks for all ages to enjoy.

The great thing is, Bourke St Bakery has now expanded into multiple suburbs for everyone to try and fall in love with.
Locations include:

• Alexandria
• Banksmeadow 
• Barangaroo
• Kirrawee
• Marrickville
• Neutral bay
• North Sydney
• Parramatta
• Potts Point
• Surry Hills

Photographed by: Samantha Vuong

The picture shown above is only a small selection of the many tarts they have at Bourke St Bakery. From left to right in the picture, the first is a creme brulee ginger tart, then a rhubarb tart and finally a lemon meringue tart! All three are amazing and unique.

Bourke St Bakery also has delicious gourmet pies and bread which are mouth watering and baked fresh daily! 

- Samantha 

Coogee Beach!

Hello all Sydney lovers! 

The coast of Sydney is filled with amazing beach destinations, and one of those is Coogee Beach! Coogee is 8km south of the Sydney CBD and easy to get to by public transport. This beach has waves but they aren't too rough which makes it perfect for every swimmer! We recommend also checking out the Coogee Baths while you're there. These rock pools that are located on the Northern end and have spectacular views of the open ocean. Coogee Beach is patrolled by SLSC so make sure you swim between the red and yellow flags. Just behind the beach there is a big grass area which is ideal for picnics and catch ups! And just across the road you have tons of options for food which the street filled with eateries, cafes and restaurants during day and night! So make sure you check it out :) 

image taken from  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coogee,_New_South_Wales#/media/File:Coogee_Beach_view_from_Dolphin_Point.jpg  

- maddy 

Sydney’s Luna Park

Experience the magic…

Everyone who comes to Sydney has to go to Luna Park.

The park opened on the 4th of October 1935 and is still one of Sydney’s most iconic and loved places. It’s fun for the whole family and open all year round.

Take on crazy rides including:

- Hair Raiser

- Wild Mouse

- Ferris Wheel (My personal favourite)

- Rotor

- Dodgem City and more

Retrieved from: http://www.lunaparksydney.com/

And enjoy tasty and fun carnival food, fairy floss, hotdogs, ice cream and more.

I would recommend going at night, it is absolutely stunning. The fantastic atmosphere and amazing city lights will make you never want to leave.

Did I mention that entry is free, “Just for Fun”?? And if you buy online you save!

Find out even more here: http://www.lunaparksydney.com/

- Connie

Fun for the Whole Family!

If you ever find yourself stuck in Sydney on an extremely hot day and don’t want the hassle of an over crowded beach then worry no longer! Wet ‘n’ Wild has come to Sydney. With over 40 slides and attractions, along with a zone dedicated to children, Wet ’n’ Wild is the perfect family getaway. Just as I had stated before, the park caters to all the levels of thrill seekers out there, so if you’re there for a more calm and relaxing experience then fret not as there are rides for you too!

Image taken from: http://es.oasishoteles.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/Wet-n-wild-cancun.jpg

Image taken from: http://resources3.news.com.au/images/2013/11/28/1226770/404715-8d6d6ba4-57c7-11e3-96b4-51be24f2f5ad.jpg

Unfortunately throughout the colder parts of the year Wet ‘n’ Wild is shut, meaning that opening times and ticket costs are unavailable, however be sure to check in on their site in September 2016 for more information. Just like the Zoo and Aquarium Wet ‘n’ Wild also have season and family passes allowing you to save more. Wet ‘n’ Wild also have locker hires and multiple food and drink stores set up all around the park for your convenience.

Image taken from: http://cdn.newsapi.com.au/image/v1/da526809a7a5c3b5fca2395fa97acf9d?api_key=zw4msefggf9wdvqswdfuqnr5

For further information on Wet ‘n’ Wild just follow this link: https://wetnwildsydney.com.au/#/

- Mitch

SPEEDO'S CAFE

Fresh and Fruity!

Speedo's Cafe is located at the iconic Bondi Beach (North Bondi to be exact), one of Sydney's most famous beaches! Speedo's is a great place to end your beautiful coastal walk with whether you stop by for breakfast, lunch or a quick drink for a little pick me up. 

Speedo's Cafe: 126 Ramsgate Ave, North Bondi 

I had set off for my Bronte to Bondi coastal walk with the soul purpose of arriving at Speedo's Cafe to satisfy my hunger! The fresh and fruity dish I ordered is called the 'Burnt Fig Muesli Bowl' (pictured below):

Photographed by: Samantha Vuong

This dish was not only easy on the eyes but was just enough to fill up my stomach! Although being light yet filling, the 'Burnt Fig Muesli Bowl' was full of surprises! The menu didn't particularly state that there was tapioca in the dish but it was definitely a pleasant surprise. Tapioca and coconut are an amazing combination and this dish is a must try for all you Sydney explorers out there!

Why not stop by after a swim, your long walk or just come by to experience of this colourful place? 

- Samantha 

Amazing Views

Amazing views, amazing experience…

G’day!

Come and see one of Australia’s most iconic landmarks, the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Climbing the Sydney Harbour Bridge will allow you to engage in the ultimate Sydney experience. You only climb with an experienced guide who will make your climb safe, fun and informative.

Retrieved from: http://www.bridgeclimb.com/

Amazing views are only part of this incredible experience. From the top of the bridge, you can see the Blue Mountains, the Sydney Opera house and more.

You can also choose how long you want your climb to be, in case you are afraid of heights. It might not be the cheapest thing to do in Sydney, but it is definitely one of the greatest!

Find out more and book here: http://www.bridgeclimb.com/climbs/#time

- Connie

Picnic in the heart of Sydney

With just over 16 hectares of wide-open space, Hyde Park is an essential visit for anyone new to Sydney. Hyde Park is Australia’s oldest park and is located in the heart of Sydney. After a couple of hectic days sight seeing in Sydney, Hyde Park is the perfect location to come sit down and relax. With lots of luscious green grass it’s the perfect place for an impromptu picnic or sun bathe, and with plenty of trees to go cool off under if you want to beat the heat.

Image taken from: https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/7/7c/ANZAC_War_Memorial,_Hyde_Park,_Sydney.jpg 

Monuments and fountains are also scattered across the Northern parts of Hyde Park. The most notable of the fountains is the Archibald fountain and can’t be missed.

Image taken from: http://f.tqn.com/y/goaustralia/1/S/v/l/archibald-fountain.jpg 

For more information on the Park from directions to the Parks history visit: http://www.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/explore/facilities/parks/major-parks/hyde-park 

- Mitch