Geret Koper: Travel Guide

Salah satu destinasi atau objek wisata terkenal di Sydney yang tidak boleh terlewatkan, selain Opera House dan Pantai Bondi adalah Blue Mountain. Dari namanya mungkin kepikiran, “Blue Mountain? Gunungnya berwarna biru ya?”. Setidaknya itulah yang saya pikirkan tapi ternyata gunungnya tidak biru tuh.

Kenapa namanya Blue Mountain? Dengar-dengar karena pas saat berkabut gunungnya kelihatan berwarna biru dari kejauhan. Tapi kayaknya memang semua gunung kalau dilihat dari jauh berwarna biru kan ya. Tidak hanya namanya yang bikin penasaran tapi pemandangan disekitarnya juga bikin banyak orang penasaran sehingga sering dikunjungi oleh para wisatawan.

Echo Point Lookout

Area Blue Mountain sebenarnya lebih ke dataran tinggi yang terangkat sehingga tidak terlihat seperti gunung, namun lebih seperti lembah yang luas. Biasanya para pengunjung yang datang ke sini akan langsung mendatangi spot view point yang bernama Echo Point. Dari sini kelihatan pemandangan yang luas dan juga asri kawasan Blue Mountain.

Terlihat juga sususan batu menjulang ke atas dari Jamison Valley yang bernama Three Sisters. Three Sisters yang juga menjadi primadona ini bisa juga dilihat dari dekat. Saya berjalan melewati bebatuan diakhiri dengan tangga tangga yang cukup terjal dan kemudian melewati jembatan. Sampailah di sister yang pertama.

Honeymoon Bridge

Jembatan ini bernama Honeymoon Lookout. Mungkin ada alasan tertentu kenapa disebut dengan nama ini. Katanya beberapa ratus tahun yang lalu banyak pasangan bulan madu yang mengunjungi spot ini untuk mengambil foto romantis.

Kawasan Taman Nasional Blue Mountain menawarkan banyak trail atau jalur untuk bushwalking dari yang levelnya lebih gampang sampai yang susah. Saya memilih trail yang paling gampang karena saya cuma punya waktu sehari saja. The Giant Stairways dan Prince Henry Cliff Walk yang mengarah ke Katoomba Falls.

Prince Henry Cliff Walk

Kurang lebih waktu yang dibutuhkan untuk menyelesaikan trail ini sekitar 30-40 menit satu arah. Jalurnya cukup gampang, pepohonan yang rimbun membuat saya lebih menikmati pemandangan sekitar. Katoomba Falls tidak seindah yang saya bayangkan. Ya, kurang lebih beginilah saya menghabiskan hari di Blue Mountain. Saya akan kembali lagi di hari lain untuk mencoba jalur lain yang lebih panjang.

Cara menuju Blue Mountain

Untuk menuju Blue Mountain dari Sydney, kamu bisa menggunakan kereta dari Stasiun Central dengan tujuan Stasiun Katoomba. Perjalanan menggunakan kereta memakan waktu kurang lebih 2.5 jam.

Harga tiket tergantung apakah kamu menggunakan Opal Card, sejenis kartu transportasi di NSW atau menggunakan tiket normal. Tarif menggunakan Opal Card sekitar AUD 5.81 untuk sekali jalan.

Setelah sampai di Stasiun Katoomba, keluar dan sebrangi jalan, kemudian berjalan ke arah kiri sampai sebuah persimpangan. Belok kanan dan carilah bus stop. Bus nomor 686 akan membawa kamu sampai Echo Point.

Jika kamu ingin mengunjungi lebih banyak tempat di Taman Nasional Blue Mountain, kamu bisa naik hop on hop off bus atau mengikuti trolley tour.

Trail lain di sekitar Blue Mountain

Ruined Castle

Trail yang satu ini cukup gampang dimulai dari bagian bawah Scenic World. Jalur ini akan membawa kamu menyebrangi bagian bawah tebing dan melewati hutan alami yang indah.

Grand Canyon

Beda dengan Grand Canyon di Amerika ya. Jalur yang satu ini menawarkan pemandangan alam yang luar biasa. Jalur ini melalui bagian bawah lembah, dilanjutkan dengan melewati sungai kecil yang dikelilingi dengan pohon-pohon pakis.

Jalur ini bisa dimulai dari Blackheath atau Neats Glen. Untuk menyelesaikan trail ini membutuhkan waktu sekitar 6 jam pulang pergi.

Jenolan Caves

Gua yang sangat indah ini merupakan gua tua yang terbuka. Ada sekitar 11 bagian gua yang beberapanya dilewati dengan sungai bawah tanah. Kamu bisa menikmati formasi batuan kapur bergantungan di atap gua.

Wenthworth Pass

Jalur ini juga sangat popular karena pemandangannya yang tidak kalah indah juga. Kamu akan melewati beberapa air terjun termasuk yang paling tinggi Wenthworth Falls. Jalur ini cukup menantang, dibutuhkan kira-kira 6 jam untuk menyelesaikannya.

Tulisan dan foto oleh Velyzhia Zhang - Nonanomad

9 comments

Have you read the part 1? Here are Sydney Travel guides part 2 covering Transportation around city, Where to stay, What and Where to eat

Transportation around city

Sydney's light rail

Public transportation in Sydney are reliable. If you already have Opal card, you can simply tap on and tap off on the pad provided on each transportation. You can travel around by train, bus, light rail and ferry. Most of the tourist attractions can be reach easily using public transportation. If you want to check route and time table you can download mobile apps called TripView lite on your Android phone or Iphone.

double decker train

Sydney has double decker trains which has moving-direction seat that reminded me with the one I found in Japan. It also has double decker buses on some routes. You can also bike around the city, there are some bike rental shop near The Rocks and city center.

Where to stay?

There are many types of accommodation in Sydney, I always be friend with booking.com, Agoda.com or Hostelworld.com for hotels deal.

Hostel

The most favorites one is YHA chain hostel which has around 5 properties around Sydney; Railway square YHA, Sydney central YHA, Sydney harbour YHA, Glebe Point YHA and Bondi Beachhouse YHA. Try to create YHA's membership card for getting discounts and benefits around Australia.

During my first week in Sydney, I ever stayed at 790 on George backpacker hostel which close to Central station or you might want to check for Wake up hostel, Nate's Place backpacker and Bounce hostel too.

Budget Hotel

In CBD area there are some Budget hotel like Ibis budget, Woolbrokers hotel, and Sydney Central hotel.

Hotel & Boutique Hotel

one of the room in Old Clare Hotel

There are also big chain hotels like Sheraton, Four Season, Shangri-La, Sofitel and Intercontinental. In case you want to try some others great accommodation than the big chain, I might recommend you to take a look to Ovolo Hotel, Old Clare Hotel, The Urban Newtown, Pensione Hotel, QT Sydney and 1888 Hotel.

Serviced Apartment

If you travelling with families and need apartment type accommodation, you can try Meriton Serviced apartment in city area.

AirBnb

living room and kitchen in AirBnb property in Narrabeen

The last if you want to stay as a local, you might one to try book airbnb property in Sydney. I have some experience on staying in airbnb in Pyrmont and Narrabeen area, you can read it here.

What and where to eat & drink?

This one is quite tricky, if you really want to try local food to be honest I can't named many local food in Sydney as it seems like Sydney surrounded by Asian restaurant. Yes..yes.. Asian restaurants (Japanese, Korean, Thailand, Malaysian even Lebanese) are easier to be found than the local restaurant. I tried to ask some local for suggestion but I just found some.

1. Fish and chips

The first food come to my mind definitely this one and this is my must buy item when I visit beach and don't forget to be accompanied by seagull as the perfect frenemy LOL.

2. Meat Pies

This snack can be found in many places form specific pie store such as Harry's cafe de wheels, pie face, the pie tin to local supermarket and convenience store like Woolworth, Coles and Seven eleven. It is basically a pie with savory filling like minced beef or minced chicken. Some of store served meat pies with mashy peas and mushroom gravy, it so yummy.

3. Sausage roll
It is a puff pastry with sausage inside and perfect for grab to go breakfast. I found store in Wynyard station which sells sausage roll, meat pies and another pastries with cheaper price starts from A$1.

4. Kangaroo steak
It might sound weird for me, as I never think that Kangaroo's meat is can be eaten and to be honest I still don't brave enough to try some as I always think Kangaroos are cute animal hahahaha. Hey but why don't you try some and explain to me how does it taste?

5. Emu, Kangaroo and Crocodile jerky
I found these jerky packages in Woolworths and Metro, some people said these are good as souvenirs for families and friends back home but I don't think they have a gut to try it.

6. Vegemite
Here come the most famous spread in Australia and the most hated spread by Australian at the same time (based on my Australian corespondents). I ever tried it once and yesss I don't like it, some of youngster in Sydney said it tasted really good. If you curious enough, you should try this spread when you visit Sydney.

7. Craft beer
Sydney is famous for its craft beer, well since I don't drink alcohol I think I can't tell much about it but I have some reference from local for good breweries in Sydney. 4 Pines brewhouse located in Manly area, this brewery serves the entire 4 pines range (Kolsch, Hefeweizen, Pale Ale, Stout and Extra Special Bitter). The Brewing Company located in Alexandria, it has 'Boxer' Red Ale, 'Hangman' Pale Ale, Butcher Porter, 'Governor' Golden Ale, The Convict Lager. Willie The Boatman located in St Peters, famous for its Willie The Boatman range, 'Foo Brew' Golden Ale, 'Todd's Trailer Ale' Pale Ale, 'Crazy Ivan' IPA, 'The Bulger' Pacific English special bitter and many others. You can also find wide range of local craft beer on bottle-o shop (caller for liquor shop in Australia).

8. Lamington Cake

Lamington cake is basically a sponge cake coated with chocolate and covered with desiccated coconut. It usually can be found in local supermarket like Coles and Woolworths or even in convenience store like seven eleven.

9. Pavlova

When it come to dessert, I will definitely love this dish. Well, it basically a meringue based dessert topped with fruits and whipped cream. This is actually the easiest dessert I can make in Sydney, because you can buy Pavlova based in local supermarket and just add the topping creatively.

10. Tim Tam

Ok this is not local food, you can actually find Tim Tam almost everywhere, but here in Australia they have unique flavors. If you come to Sydney, you might want to buy some special limited time flavors Tim Tam, such as Toffee apple, Pineapple, Mango, Coconut cream, Espresso Martini, Pina Colada and many more. Well not only in Sydney, you can also find those flavors on Coles and Woolworths around the country.

11. Doughnut Time

Central Park Mall store

This local donut was originally from Brisbane and spread out to Sydney, Gold coast and Melbourne. It has weekly special flavors and limited area flavors. In Sydney it has special flavor called "Blue Crush" which was exclusive to Doughnut time store in Bondi Junction.

12. Gelato

Messina

Left: Coconut Lychee, Right: Raspberry

I don't know what is going on with Sydneysiders but it seems like gelato has become a habit. Even on windy and winter, you can see line up on some gelato seller. Some of famous Sydney's gelato bars are Gelato Messina (you can find monthly special flavors), Cow & The Moon, Anita Gelato, Ciccone and Sons and RivaReno.

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As one of largest city in Australia, Sydney has become one of favorite city to visit for holiday. It's easy to use public transportation to reach most of major attractions with complete public facilities. It's been 8 months living in this super multicultural city and I think I wanna share some info and guides for you who wants to go to Sydney.

First thing first
Here are some important info you might want to read:

Currency used in Australia is Dollar Australia, for bank notes there are A$5, A$10, A$20, A$50 and A$100 notes meanwhile for coins there are two materials silver for cents and gold for dollars.

Power socket used in Sydney is type I, just make sure you bring your universal socket.

pic from worldstandards.eu

Water tap in Sydney is safe for drinking and there are many water tap available on tourist attraction sites and if you go to cafe or restaurant you can ask for tap water for free.

Opal travel card is used to pay public transportation (bus, train, light rail and ferry). It easily to be purchased or top up in every train stations or convenience stores. The card is free, so for the first time you purchase Opal Card you just need to fill the amount inside.

Best time to visit Sydney

I would say Sydney is nice to be visited at anytime, because it has different excitement on each season. I might say you have to visit Sydney during Autumn or Spring, well beside I am a big fans of those seasons you might want to see the flowers bloom (jacaranda, cherry blossoms and so on) and the color changing leaves during Autumn.

If you love to go to beach and do some 'ocean' things, from the end of winter to spring you can take cruise for whale watching in the ocean, while during summer you can go to beaches for sun bathing. The peak season for tourist is during summer, which is actually have a good weather but maybe Sydney will become too crowded. Well, you can still visit non touristy beaches so you can still get tanned too without being worry to get cramped with people. Ah don't forget the Vivid Sydney around June every year, where there are so many Sydney's building being illuminated by lights and animation.

Transportation from Airport

The easiest way to travel from Airport to city is by using Airportlink train. It will cost you around A$13 - A$14 one way using Opal card. You can also buy single trip ticket too but it more expensive, so I suggest you to purchase Opal card. One more thing, if you buy Opal card in any Airport train station (International or Domestic terminal) they will only accept payment by card.

Beside Airportlink, there is a cheaper way to go to city from airport. You can catch bus route 400 to Bondi Junction from International or Domestic terminal and alight near Mascot Train station to continue your journey by train. It will cost you around A$2.10 - A$3.50 for bus plus around A$1 - A$2 for train (with the new opal fare calculation) well I don't really sure about the exact fare but it cost you more than half price compare to Airportlink. I don't recommend you to use this bus + train option if you bring heavy luggage or you have too many stuffs with you.

If you travel in a group, Taxi or Uber ride might be a best solution for you too since you can split the travel fare with your friends. It will cost you around A$20 - A$30 to city.

What to see?

Most of the tourist attractions in CBD area are can be easily reach by walking. You can also join for free guided walking tour operate by I'm Free start 10.30am or 2.30pm EVERYDAY from Town Hall square, juat take a look for person who wear green shirt with I'm Free tour on it.

[Around city]

many faces of Sydney Opera House

1. Sydney Opera House

As a city icon, I think most of the people have to put Sydney Opera House as first thing to do in Sydney. This unique building with shell roof shaped situated in Circular quay which is near ferry terminal, The Rocks and Sydney Harbour Bridge which indirectly makes this area become one stop entertainment.

2. Sydney Harbour Bridge

Another icon of Sydney is the harbour bridge. it connects Sydney CBD area with North sydney area. You can basically walk, ride a bus, take a train or ride bicycle on it. You can also climb up Pylon Lookout to see the city from above.

3. Royal Botanical Garden

This large botanical garden located near Sydney Opera House where we can found many varieties of trees, cacti, flowers to herbs collection. It also the best place to go picnic on summer day and the best part this garden is FREE.

4. Mrs. Macquarie's Chair

beautiful sunset from Mrs. Macquaire's chair

This area is part of Royal botanical garden which actually one of the best spot to see sunset and New year's eve fireworks.

5. Darling Harbour

Darling Harbour is a great place to spend your weekend, you can visit Sealife aquarium, Madam Tussaud, Wild life Sydney zoo and watch free Fireworks every Saturday night.

6. Queen Victoria Building

This Victorian architecture building is one of shopping center in the heart of Sydney and located next to Sydney Town Hall.

7. Sydney Town Hall

Every capital city in Australia's state has their Town Hall. Sydney town hall is my second favorite beside Brisbane town hall. It has Victorian style architecture on its interior and exterior. It located alongside St Andrew's Cathedral.

8. Luna Park, Milsons Point

Well to be honest, I never come to play in this theme park as I think it is really overrated. I just come to see sunset near the ferry station or taking photo on the gate. I still wondering why Sydney doesn't have a great and big theme park like Disneyland or Universal Studios.

9. Sydney Fish Market
This is the place where you can eat and shop fresh seafood in Sydney. Try their fresh or cheese scallops if you visit it.

10. Paddy's Market

If you want to buy some souvenir to families and colleagues at home, you can visit Paddy's market in Haymarket next to Chinatown. There are a lot of kind of souvenirs can be found in this market. From key-chains to shopping bags, shirts to jackets. Don't forget haggle for lower price if you buy many stuffs.

11. Bondi Beach

Bondi beach is the famous beach in Sydney, well it is not located in CBD area but you can take bus 333 or 380 from Hyde Park or St James station to the beach. In Summer days, Bondi beach will be full of people who want to go for surfing or sunbathing.

12. Sydney Tower

Located on Westfield Pitt street, Sydney Tower become one of the easiest landmark to be found. You can see Sydney CBD and surrounding from above but make sure you check weather forecast first. You sure don't want to climb up on cloudy day because it is not the best time. I prefer to visit this tower on bright summer day and don't forget to try its Sky Walk, feel the excitement walking on 268 meters above Sydney CBD.

13. Sydney Aquarium

Since I know I bad at swimming, visiting Aquarium become the best way for me to feel and to know how underwater life is. Sydney Aquarium is located in Darling Harbour area, next to wildlife park and Madam Tussaud museum.

14. Taronga Zoo

Taronga is the closest zoo to Sydney CBD, you can reach it by Ferry from Circular quay or Darling Harbour or you can catch a bus from Wynyard bus stop. I consider this place quite expensive for a zoo and I think I recommend you to visit Featherdale wildlife park in Doonside or Symbio Wildlifepark in Helensburgh to get closer to Australian animal like Kangaroos, Wallabies, Koalas, Quokka and many more.

[Outside city]
Here are also some great places to visit and can be reach easily by train and bus from Sydney CBD.

1. Blue Mountain

three sisters from Cliff view lookout

You can reach blue mountain by train from central station. It take around 2,5 hours travel time. You can go trekking to Wentworth falls, three sisters or just see the beautiful scenery from Cliff view lookout or Scenic world. There are also limestone caves area in Jenolan which you can reach by car, it will take 1,5 - 2 hours ride from Katoomba.

2. Palm Beach

The view from Barrenjoey Head in Palm Beach is really cool but the track to reach the Barrenjoey Head is quite challenging as it is steep and slippery when wet. You can read more about Palm beach on my previous post.

3. Royal National Park

This National Park is quite huge, you can trekking to wedding cake rock, figure eight pool or taking picture on Seacliff bridge.

4. Kiama

Kiama blow hole

Kiama is known for its Kiama blow hole and light house, it located around 2 hours by train from Central station.

5. Featherdale Wildlife Park

feed the wallaby

Actually there are zoo and wildlife park near CBD but I recommend you to visit this one in Doonside. You can meet and interact with most of Australian animals like Kangaroos, Wallabies, Koalas, Wombats, Echidneas, Dingos, Tasmanian Devils and Emus. I even took a video when I was giving a wallaby some snacks, he was so adorable.

Some others places below might be not major tourist attractions, but these are my favorites too.

Narrabeen Lagoon & Beach
Woolloomooloo Bay
Watsons Bay
Newtown
La Perouse

If you like to visit museums, you might one check some of these out

Museum of Contemporary Art
New South Wales Art Gallery
Power House Museum
Australian National Maritime Museum

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