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Sydney (Almost) Freebies
Cheap Charlie · November 6, 2000

In this last Sydney column I'll focus on a few of the freebies (or almost freebies) that any visitor should make sure to enjoy while in Sydney. If you follow the suggestions I have made in this column and in past columns, you'll head home with a most affordable vacation.

Ferries are Sydney's best almost freebie. A one-week, unlimited ferry, bus and train pass that will allow ferry travel out to Manly costs only A$36 or about US$22. There is another pass for only A$28 or about US$17, but it doesn't include trips to Manly and other outlying areas. For the five bucks get the green pass rather than the red one.

Ferries are perhaps the best way to explore Sydney's harbor. You can crisscross the water at will and get off at numerous stops to explore small neighborhoods or national parks and beaches. When the sun is shining, it is hard to beat a ferry ride.

The next big categories are Sydney's free museums and historical sites. Head to the Botanic Gardens and walk through the rose gardens, sit in Mrs. Macquaries Chair and see the prehistoric Wollemi Pine.

Make sure to visit the Art Gallery of New South Wales to take a look into the soul of Australia. Aboriginal and Islander art is featured as well as other oils, prints, sculptures and photographs by Australian artists.

St. Mary's Crypt, beneath the first Catholic Church in Australia, in the center of town has a Celtic-inspired mosaic floor that took over 15 years to complete.

The Sydney Observatory with its distinctive dome, is filled with astronomy instruments and features games as well. There are still night star viewings that can be booked in advance. This is one of the most important southern hemisphere observation points where much of the southern stars have been mapped.

Victoria Barracks is the best-preserved collection of late Georgian architecture in the city. Some claim it may be the best example of military barracks in the world. The walled barracks also have an excellent military museum.

After (or before) you have your fill of culture and architecture, head to one of Sydney's collection of colorful markets. There is no admission and the display of crafts, everyday items and knick knacks is joyful.

The Sydney Fish Market opens early everyday for auctions of the daily catch starting at 5:30 a.m. The auctions are fascinating and the market itself is a maze of fish mongers selling what some describe as the most eclectic collection of fish in the world and restaurants serving everything from the freshest of sushi to fish and chips.

The Rocks Market, set under a giant canopy, on the weekend transforms George Street into a sea of antiques, toys, crafts, jewelry, crystal and books.

The Bondi Market near Bondi Junction is open on Sunday from 9 a.m. with stalls selling everything from clothing to local artwork.

The Paddington Bazaar, open Saturday mornings, is the trendiest market in town with some of the latest fashions being sold by designers hoping to be discovered and stalls selling secondhand clothes. There is plenty of jewelry, pottery and art as well.

Paddy's Market at Haymarket, near Chinatown, is a collection of stalls that used to cater to the city's poor population. You'd never guess it now. The place, open Thursday through Sunday, bustles with tourists and local bargain hunters. Upscale boutiques, vegetable and flower stands, hardware stalls and a cinema complex now share the space.

Glebe Market just about a ten-minute walk from Central Station is the city's top junk market. If you have been searching for a pair of felt court jester shoes, boxes of colorful beads, wind chimes made from forks and spoons or the occasional used lava lamp, this is the place to head on Saturday from 9-5.

Naturally, this is only a small listing of free stuff in Sydney. But, the point here is that discovering the feel of a city and exploring its history can be a cost-free and freeform expedition rather than a costly, scripted organized tour.

I'm heading home. Sydney's been a blast. I hope that these snippets have been interesting for anyone who didn't have the chance to make it to Sydney for the Olympics. For travel agents who are faced with letting clients know inside tips about the city, these should be helpful. Feel free to pass them along, with credit, to your clients.

Let me know if these types of articles are of interest. And thank you to those who sent restaurant recommendations.

Oh, I almost forgot. Here are two more great restaurants in Sydney. Sailors Thai (106 George Street, 9251-2466) in the basement of the Sydney Visitors Center in The Rocks serves spectacular meals. It is not undiscovered by any means and its prices are relatively expensive, but worth every Australian cent. Reservations are essential. They also have a noodle shop upstairs where you can enjoy some of the same gourmet meals at pedestrian prices.

Zimi (224 King Street in Newtown, 9519-4044) is a real discovery where Italian food is blended with new Australian cuisine. You won't find any spaghetti and meatballs here. Get ready for a taste delight. No reservations. No wine and spirits license. Buy your wine across the street.

Charlie Leocha is the Boston-based author of Travel Rights: Know the Rules of the Road and the Air Before You Go. Cheap Charlie appears every Monday on this site. E-mail him at leocha@aol.com or access his Web site.