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| The Silly Sys |
We flew from Manila to Sydney via Cebu Pacific. Yes, Cebu Pacific. A lot of people were quite surprised that we took an 8-hour flight with CebPac. It was actually a decent flight. They don't provide a blanket, pillow and in-flight meals for free though. A meal would cost around P350, snacks P100, drinks P50, blanket P350, and neck pillow P150.
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| In flight travel essentials |
Our host arranged a taxi service to pick us up from the airport. It costs $80 for 9pax. There are also taxi services available at the airport. They usually charge $15/pax plus tip.
We rented a place at Arncliffe via Airbnb. It's a beautiful 3 bedroom and 2 bathroom home with a kitchenette, dryer & washer, living/dining area, parking, and WIFI (essential hehe). The place is good for a maximum of 9 pax! Really perfect for my family of 9.
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| Photo from Airbnb |
Going around Sydney is really easy with the help of the TripView Lite app. This app shows you which train/bus/ferry you should ride and at what time. What's great about this app is that you can use it offline. You can also check the timetable at http://www.transportnsw.info/ Make sure you purchase an opal card which you can use to pay when you ride the train, bus, and ferry.
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| Screenshot of Tripview Lite |
We spent a total of 10 days in Australia. We had enough time to explore and shop during our stay. Make sure you leave your hotel early as most of the attractions and malls close as early as 4pm.
DAY 1: After checking in, we decided to rest for an hour before heading out. We attended the 6pm service at Hillsong Church, had dinner at Nando's, and went to the supermarket before heading back home.
Getting to Hillsong Church: You may ride the T62 or T64 bus to Hillsong from Parramatta-T5 or T1 line or catch the Hillsong courtesy bus from Parramatta (in front of Max Brenner) at 8:15am, 11:15am, and 5:15pm.
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| Hillsong Church |
DAY 2: We went to DFO Homebush and Circular Quay. DFO stands for Direct Factory Outlets. You can find outlet stores like Cotton On, Converse, Platypus, Typo, Forever New, Havaianas, Levis, etc here.
Getting to DFO: DFO is accessible through the 525 or 526 bus from the Sydney Olympic Park-T7 line or Strathfield station-T1 or T2 line.
Getting to Circular Quay: Circular Quay station-T2 or T3 line
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| View from Circular Quay |
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| Sydney Harbour Bridge |
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| Sydney Opera House |
DAY 3: We visited the Sydney Tower Eye and shopped at Pitt street. The tower eye is located in Westfield Sydney. Entrance is on the 5th floor and costs $26.50 for adults and $17 for children ages 4-15years old. Discounted tickets are available when you purchase tickets online at https://www.sydneytowereye.com.au/tickets/single-visit/.
Getting to Sydney Tower Eye: The nearest station to the Sydney Tower Eye is St James-T2 or T3 line.
Pitt street is at the heart of Sydney CBD and is known as one of the busiest shopping streets in Australia.
Getting to Pitt Street: Pitt street is accessible through Town Hall-T1, T2, T3, or T4 line, Martin Place-T4 line, and Wynyard station-T1, T2, or T3 line.
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| Hyde Park view from the Sydney Tower Eye |
DAY 4: We spent the day at Bondi beach. Dihia and I did half of the Bondi to Coogee walk. I really enjoyed this walk because of the Sculptures by the Sea exhibit. The exhibit was held from October 22 -November 8 along the coastline. It transformed the coastline into an outdoor gallery by local and international artists.
Getting to Bondi beach: Bondi Junction station-T4 line then catch the bus to Bondi beach at stand A3.
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| Wall obsession along the Bondi Beach Graffiti Wall |
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DAY 5: We rode the ferry to Manly Beach! The ferry to Manly leaves at Circular Quay every hour. The ride is 30 mins long and it has a spectacular view of Sydney CBD. Make sure to get a seat outside!
I love the chill vibe of Manly. I find the beach at Bondi better but I prefer the ambiance in Manly. I especially enjoyed walking through The Corso. The Corso is the main pedestrian to and from Manly Beach. It is lined with hotels, restaurants, and shops.
Getting to Manly: Ride the ferry to Manly Wharf from Circular Quay at Wharf no. 3
DAY 6: It was a windy day and we decided to go to the Royal Botanic Garden and Chinatown. This garden is huge! You can definitely have a picnic and spend the entire day here.
I wasn't able to take pictures of Chinatown but if you want yummy Asian food and cheap souvenirs, then this is the place to visit. They had a Little Eat Street which featured different Asian food stalls when we went there so it was really crowded.
Getting to the Royal Botanic Garden: You can take the train to Martin Place-T4 line, St James-T2 or T3 line or Circular Quay-T2 or T3 line
The nearest station is Martin Place. Other stations close by are St James and Circular Quay.
Getting to Chinatown: Closest train station is Central (all lines) which is the busiest station is Sydney. Chinatown is a 12min walk from the station. You can also take the tram and get down at the Chinatown Monorail or Paddys Market stop.
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| Dihia's mandatory bench shot :)) |
Part two coming soon!
'til my next adventure,
Kye
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