No, it was concern for my pocket and plenty of warnings and woes about just how expensive this city is.
They have a point. Sydney is not cheap to live in or travel to (in fact, nowhere in Australia is, not aided by the exchange rate). There’s something about travelling too, as opposed to holidaying (i.e, longer, living a place) that suddenly turns me into Miss Stingy McStinge. But I survived in Sydney. In fact, I thrived. There are plenty of ways to see Sydney without being tight, but frugal, savvy, and thrilled by this striking and iconic city.
Sydney is all about the views, and views cost nothing. Hit up those icons, by which I mean the harbour. The largest natural harbour in the world, it is part of the 19km long harbour of Port Jackson that connects that Tasman sea with the Pacific, and is of course home to the widest bridge on the planet, Sydney Harbour Bridge, as well as the Opera House. See these, and the comings and goings of this bust tourist port from down on the circular quay as you wander the causeway, sit on the Opera House, or climb a little further and view from the Observatory set up in The Rocks.
The Rocks is, as the name suggests, a hilly area, and also aptly named given its slightly tumultuos history and nature. Once home to the convicts and uncongenial of Sydney, it is now home to pubs, restaurants, and markets. Wander through its laneways, visit the Rocks Discovery Museum, and learn more about its past, or join one of the excellent free walking tours. Running daily these tips funded tours take you up, down and though the area, and you can also do one in and around the city.
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The main city and CBD is a beautiful place, the older sandstone buildings giving it a sepia tinged hue. Look but don’t buy in the 1930s Queen Victoria arcade, marvel at the facade of the Recital Hall (and try to catch a free lunchtime concert) and generally look up at the array of nineteenth century through to art deco architecture that you see, primarily centred along George Street. Although the quay area is dominated by no less striking city towers and high rise blocks, it is also home to Customs House, where you can take in the art, smile at the view, read up in the library, and have a drink – the latter less cheap.
Getting a culture fix is easy in Sydney. As well as the library at Customs House, the City hosts eleven libraries, each filled with a world of words. The Art Gallery of New South Wales is housed in a striking building near the Botanic Gardens (also free, beautiful, and with free walking tours every morning at 10.30am), and is the best place to see native and international masterpieces of all styles. Every Wednesday is ‘Lates’ where the gallery is open until 9pm for you to peruse with extra activities, live music, and a glass of wine.
The State Library does a similar event on a Thursday, as does the Museum of Contemporary Art, which as well as housing exhibits by some of Australia’s biggest names, has one of the best rooftop bars in the city, amazing view and good prices.
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Sydney isn’t a cheap place to drink, so keep your eye out for deals and happy hours. For buzzing and eclectic bar scenes hit up the once notorious Kings Cross area, or the arty Newtown neighbourhood, the latter also being a place for cheap and authentic meals.
The proximity to the university makes this a cosmopolitan and diverse area with cuisine to match, and Vietnamese, Thai and Lebanese are particularly popular. Sushi is a big thing in Australia and you can often pick up one dollar hand rolls, and you could do far worse than the delicious one dollar dumpling deals around Haymarket and Chinatown, as well as further out.
Live music is on the rise around Sydney, and you can see some new and upcoming bands around Darlinghurst and the University. The Paragon Hotel and Macquarie Hotel also host easygoing acoustic bands to listen to whilst you sip away.
Of course, blessed with the weather that it is, it would be a shame to spend your time in Sydney chowing dumplings and viewing art, so head outside. Bondi is the big name, its turquoise waters and golden sand an exclamation in itself, but try Bronte, Cronulla, and Manly for an alternative. Manly is on the northern harbour, and a visit to the National Park a must do, for the views back to the city. Follow it up with a walk along the Coastal Scenic Route for a little exercise.
