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Things to See and Do in Sydney
[ Helpful Links ]     [Optional Group Activities ]     [ Suggested Sightseeing Tours ]     [Other Tours & Things to Do ]     [ Dinner Suggestions ]

 

As usual AATA has picked another fabulous city for our 35th annual csidney operaonference!

Sydney is the most populated city in Australia which translates into lots to see and do for everyone! Located in NSW on Australia’s south-east coast.  Also known as “the Harbour City” it is noted for it’s beaches, the famous Sydney Opera House and the Harbour Bridge, which by all accounts is breathtakingly beautiful!

 

Helpful Links

 

Optional Group Activities

Purchase tickets on the conference registration form Questions, email info@aata-animaltransport.org
 

Saturday, May 9  (IPATA workshop will be held from 08:00-17:00 on Saturday) 

19:00 - 22:30

Starlight Dinner Cruise Sydney Harbour

Registration Form

Cruise Sydney Harbour under the glow of city lights and enjoy the spectacular view from Sydney's prestigious cruise ship MV Sydney 2000.  Cruise includes a 3 course a la carte menu consisting of contemporary Australian dining.  Drinks not included in the price but available for purchase on board. Dress: Business (jackets for men) (Open to both IPATA Pet Workshop attendees and AATA Conference Attendees).

US$75
 

Monday, May 11      

19:00 - ???

Monday Night Fun-Nite-Out at Pony's Lounge & Dining in The Rocks

Registration Form

  Situated on the corner of Argyle street and Sydney's oldest cobblestone laneway (about a 10 minute walk from the Marriott hotel), Pony is housed in a historic former bond warehouse.  It's casual, relaxed dining offers an outdoor deck with bar and communal dining table which is idea for cocktails and sharing small plates with friends.  The price includes appetizers served family style and then each diner will be able to order their own main course from available four options.  Drinks not included in the price but may be ordered separately.  Dress:  Casual
 

US$50

       

Suggested Sightseeing Tours

The suggested tours below were selected as the times and dates should not conflict with the conference schedule.  Other dates and times are available.   Hotel Pickup can be arranged upon request.  These are public tours and
all tickets need to be purchased on your own
.

 

Saturday, May 9 (IPATA workshop will be held from 08:00-17:00 on Saturday; the group dinner cruise leaves the harbour at 19:00) 

09:00 to ??

  City Sightseeing Hop On - Hop Off

Purchase Tickets

The independent and easy way to get around Sydney and its best attractions. The City Hop On - Hop Off allows you to discover vibrant Sydney at your own pace. Stay on board for a 90 minute guided tour of the city or hop on - hop off all day - it’s up to you!
1.5 hours to all day  
[ MORE INFO ]

  Grayline Tours
 #29 (201)

 

US$25

09:00 to ??

  City Sightseeing Hop On - Hop Off
with 4 major attractions

Purchase Tickets

The Hop On - Hop Off open top double-decker allows you to discover vibrant Sydney at your own pace. When combined with entrances to 4 major attractions you get value plus - Sydney Tower, Sydney Opera House, Harbour Cruise, Sydney Monorail.
All day.  [ MORE INFO ]

 

  Grayline Tours
 #30 (210)

 

US$95

Departs every 45 minutes - 9:45am, 10:30am, 11:15am, 12:00pm, etc. 

Taronga Zoo aboard the Zoo Express

Purchase Tickets


The zoo started off in one location but it was soon apparent that the site was too small for a new bar-less exhibit modeled after the Hamburg Zoo.  The site was changed in 1912.  The zoo has worked hard to build a world class facility that is now home to animals of all sizes, shapes and species including the Pigmy Hippo born just last year to first time parents.  There is even a place for you to stay the night at the zoo!   Now that the new Great Southern Oceans exhibit is open it provides an important introduction to Australia's marine wildlife. The new 1.2 hectare exhibit features Australian Sea Lions, Australian Fur Seals, New Zealand Fur Seals, Californian Sea Lions, Leopard Seals, Penguins and Pelicans living in unique displays, emulating their natural habitats and offering spectacular viewing for visitors. The Zoo Express is the easy way to visit Sydney's renowned Taronga Zoo, with regular departures throughout the day. Your pass includes a cruise to Taronga Zoo from Circular Quay, entry to Taronga Zoo and Sky Safari cable car. Plus when your visit to the Zoo is complete enjoy a return cruise from Taronga Zoo to Circular Quay.
Taronga Zoo is open from 9am to 5pm daily. 
 
Departs
from No. 6 Jetty in Circular Quay. [ MORE INFO ] 

  Captain Cook Cruises
 

AUD$44

Sunday, May 10  (AATA Icebreaker Reception starts at 18:00 at the hotel) 

08:30 - 11:45

Morning City Tour & Bondi Beach

Purchase Tickets

See the highlights of Sydney including The Rocks (Sydney’s Birthplace), a visit to Mrs. Macquaries Chair, superb views of the Harbour and City Skyline, Kings Cross and Sydney’s ’hot spot’, The Gap with Stunning Views of the Pacific Ocean and the Heads, and a visit to Bondi Beach, Australia’s Most Famous Surf Beach.
3.25 hour
[ MORE INFO ]
 

Grayline Tours
 #06 (231)

 

US$48

09:45 - 13:30 Cuddle a Koala , Kangaroos & Wombats

Purchase Tickets

 

An excellent opportunity to observe Australia’s most unique native animals-close up! Meet the Kangaroos, Wombats, Goannas, Emus, colourful Parrots, Tasmanian Devils and more. Walk through Koala enclosures perhaps have your photo taken with a cuddly Koala! 
3.75 hours 
 [ MORE INFO ]

Grayline Tours
 #12 (260)
 

 

US$60

 
14:10 - 17:30 Afternoon City Tour, Manly Beach & Northern Beaches

Purchase Tickets

 

Tour the highlights of Sydney and see the Opera House and Darling Harbour.  Enjoy stunning views over Sydney Cove and Circular Quay.  Cross the Sydney Harbour Bridge and see the magnificent views from Seaforth Lookout over Middle Head and Pearl Bay Marinas.  Tour through the Northern Beaches of Freshwater Bay and Curl Curl.  Stop at the Seaside Resort of Manly which is noted for its Famous Surf Beach and Norfolk Pines. 

3 hours 20 min   [ MORE INFO ]
 

Grayline Tours
 #08 (202)
 

 

US$48

 

Wednesday, May 13  (AATA conference concludes at 12:30)

14:10 - 17:30

Sydney Highlights with Manly Ferry Return

Purchase Tickets

Same tour as 08 (202) above but at the end of the tour in Manly, enjoy time to yourself.  Explore the beach, walk the foreshore, shop or explore Manly. Return to Circular Quay by ferry at your leisure enjoying the beautiful Sydney Harbour.

3+ hours    [ MORE INFO ]

Grayline Tours
 #26 (202FR)
 

  US$52

Thursday, May 14      

   

08:00 - 17:30

Blue Mountains Nature Experience - 4WD

Purchase Tickets

The Blue Mountains mountains are given their name because of the blue haze that hovered about the mountains produced by the oil from the plentiful Eucalyptus trees.  Four wheel drive adventure set in a living mountain environment with the timeless solitude of giant rock stacks and sheer escarpments. Experience an off the beaten track day with a wonderful range of close encounters with primitive Australia and native wildlife.  Travel in a Special Luxury 4 Wheel Drive Across the Anzac Bridge. Visit an Australian Wildlife Park - Hand Feed Kangaroos, Experience an Emu Encounter, Walk Through Rainforest Aviaries and more.  Enjoy Morning Tea with the Locals... Kangaroos, Parrots and Kookaburras in Our Very Special Place.  Enjoy a Delicious Aussie Country Lunch - Soak up the Atmosphere of a Real Blue Mountains Bush Experience.  The Three Sisters Rock Formation Boldly Presiding over Jamison Valley.  9 hours   [ MORE INFO ]
 

Grayline Tours
 #21 (264)
 

US$155

08:00 - 18:00 Hunter Valley Wine Tasting Tour

 Purchase Tickets

World acclaimed Australian wines from the vineyards of the rolling hills and valleys of the Hunter region, delight both the palate and the eye in this green and fertile land dotted with villages and over fifty wineries. The Hunter Valley is Australia’s oldest commercial wine producing district with over 7000 acres under vine. Famous wine styles include Semillon, shiraz, chardonnay, gewürztraminer, cabernet sauvignon and earthy pinot noirs  Visit Historic Wollombi and the Old Tavern. Enjoy a Delicious Morning Tea of Scones, Jam and Cream with Tea or Coffee in Delightful Surrounds. Visit World-renowned Lindemans for a Private Wine Tasting and Cheese Platter. View a Presentation on How the Winery Operates. Enjoy a Delicious Smörgåsbord of Tasting Platters for Lunch. Enjoy Time at Hunter Valley Gardens Village and Perhaps Enjoy Further Wine Tasting or Visit the Boutique Shops.
10 hours 
 [ MORE INFO ]
 

Grayline Tours
 #14 (299)
 

US$118

       
Other Tours & Thing to Do
  For Tour Details The Sydney Opera House -
AATA will be holding their Tuesday Night Awards Dinner in the Utzon Room at the Opera House.

The Sydney Opera House, situated on Sydney Harbour at Bennelong Point, is considered by many to be one of the wonders of the modern world.

Designed by Jørn Utzon and constructed under some controversy, it was opened in October 1973.

The Opera House is one of Sydney's most popular icons with tourists and travellers from the world over visiting, photographing and standing in awe of the cultural centre of Sydney.

The Sydney Opera House viewed from the water with  the city skyline behind.
Photo by Matthew Field
http://www.photography.mattfield.com

 

For Tour Details Sydney BridgeClimb
Not for the faint of heart! If you are ready for "the climb of your life" the Sydney Bridgeclimb just might be what you are looking for! 

BridgeClimb Sydney lets you climb Australia's most famous landmark, the Sydney Harbour Bridge. On the exhilarating BridgeClimb adventure, where you make your way over 1500 metres of steel.

Choose your desired time of day, see the sun come up over Sydney, see sunset over Sydney Harbour or watch the city lights sparkle. Amazing 360 degree views of the Sydney and the harbour.

For Tour Details Katoomba Scenic Railway & Skyway (located in the Blue Mountains)

The Skyway takes you on a 720 metre journey, 270m above ancient ravines and dazzling waterfalls.  You are suspended over Jurassic rainforests as you glide smoothly across the sky. This ride boasts a world first - an Electro-Sceni glass floor.  At the flip of a switch, breathtaking views are revealed through the cabin floor.The 360 degree bird's eye view from the Skyway takes in the Three Sisters, Katoomba Falls, Mount Solitary and the never ending expanse of the Jamison Valley.

While in the Blue Mountains you can experience The Katoomba Scenic Railway, the steepest railway in the world.  Originally part of the Katoomba mining tramways constructed between 1878 and 1900.  The cable railway line descends 415 meters through sandstone cliffs.  Travel thru the rainforest, walk the trails and enjoy the day.  It will be a day to remember.

Thanks to technology you can actually take control of a webcam and see the sights in the Blue Mountains... at least for a few seconds!  Try it! http://www.scenicworld.com.au/index.php/interactive-web-cam

For Tour Details The Rocks
The Rocks are situated in Sydney's city centre on the western side of Circular Quay, and was the area of the first European settlement in 1788. Before the 1820's it was full of convicts and prostitutes, although this has changed from slums to three-story houses.

There is plenty to do in The Rocks from visiting the attractions, wandering around the streets, eating out, shopping in the market or admiring the views of Circular Quay. The oldest house in Sydney can be found in The Rocks. It is Cadman's Cottage on George Street, built in 1816, once home to John Cadman but now the National Park Information Centre.

For Tour Details Sydney's Royal Botanic Gardens & Parks

With the exception of The Chinese Garden of Friendship in Darling Harbour, Sydney's parks and gardens do not have admission fees and they are open to the Public every day of the week. 

The Royal Botanic Gardens were first established in 1816 and they are now one of Sydney's finest natural assets. The gardens also offer some of the best views of Sydney Harbour, the Opera House and the Harbour Bridge possible. The 30 hectares of gardens are home to over a million specimens, some of which were planted by the newly arrived European colonists almost 200 years ago. The gardens were also home to Australia's first vegetable patch and you can visit the site where Governor Phillip planted the first European vegetables more than two centuries ago.

For Tour Details  Sydney's Beaches

Sydney is famous for its excellent surfing beaches. There are also some popular beaches along the harbour foreshores that don't have any surf including Redleaf, Nielsen Park, Parsley Bay and Camp Cove. There are some less accessible nudist beaches such as Lady Jane and Obelisk.

    

Dinner Suggestions

La Ricetta Restaurant(Italian) - Prides itself on having a great variety of fresh seafood, selection of game meats and even catering for those who are vegetarians or have special dietary needs.

Ambience: Relaxed atmosphere. 

Rates : $15 - $25 (Based on average main)

Address: 143 Enmore Road, Enmore, New South Wales 2042 (Sydney, New South Wales - Australia)

Web: http://www.laricetta.com.au

 

Minus 5 (International, Russian) - An Experience that will chill you to your bones! Literally!

Created in New Zealand, Minus5 is an ice lounge where you can touch, feel, and explore handcrafted ice sculptures. What makes us unique is our ever changing ice sculptures and the lounge is made from 100% pure Canadian Ice.

Everything's made of ice. Everything is made of ice the walls, the bar, the sculptures, the seats and even the glasses that you enjoy our famous vodka based cocktails in. Once commencing the tour, guests are kitted out into ice gear which includes sheepskin lined jackets, gloves and booties. Vegetarian option

Ambience : Buzzy, Child-friendly, Contemporary, Live music, Trendy  

Rates : Main $16 - $30, Dessert $7 - $14

Address: 2 Opera Quay Circular Quay, New South Wales 2000     

Web: www.minus5experience.com

 

Ribs and Rumps Grill & Seafood (International, Steak house)  For over 13 years, Ribs & Rumps has been serving the finest steaks on the North Shore of Sydney. Overlooking iconic Manly Beach, a wall of moving glass provides magnificent water views by day or night. The beachside location of Ribs & Rumps will make you feel like you are perpetually on holiday and is a perfect venue for lengthy lunches or balmy dinners.

The personal service is warm and friendly. Our aim is to ensure that every visit to our restaurant results in a memorable dining experience.

Ambience: Relaxed, Child-friendly 

Rates: $25 - $35 (Based on average main)

Address: Shop 22/808 Pacific Highway Gordon, New South Wales 2072

Web: www.ribsandrumps.com.au/locations/australia/nsw/gordon/

 

The Basement - (Modern Australian) Serving up an unpretentious yet scrumptious menu. The Basement offers delicious, fresh meals from a distinctly modern Australian cuisine. To suit both your taste buds and your budget, you can choose from meals in either the restaurant or from our Bistro menu.

The restaurant is not only open when the music's on stage but is also dedicated to serving excellent lunch time meals whether you've only got an hour or whether you're in for The Long Lunch for an office celebration or escape.
But, if it's some fuel you're after, you can't go past the yummy snack and bistro menu with
delicious antipasto plates, calamari & chips, tempura chicken pieces w/sesame mayonnaise & chips, spicy beef or vegetarian nachos, burgers, BLT's, a range of pastas and sauces schnitzel's, steaks & salads.

Ambience: Buzzy, Relaxed, Live music

Rates : $1 - $15 (Based on average main)

Address: 29 Reiby Place Circular Quay, New South Wales 2000

Web: www.thebasement.com.au

 

If you can't find exactly what your taste buds are calling for please check out these links for more local restaurant information.

 

 

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Last Updated: 24-Jun-2009


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