SYDNEY (Melbourne & Brisbane A-Z are below)

• ** GETTING AROUND SYDNEY **
   

  
  Daily and Weekly tickets:
  
  There are several tickets available to suit tourists and visitors. Some are geared specifically for tourists and include bus services to tourist destinations.
  
  

  If you are here for a week or longer - get the pass, get the pass!!! - It will be much cheaper to buy a weekly travel pass - the same ticket that locals use.

  
  

  If you are in Sydney for only a few days, purely as a tourist, it is probably easiest to buy a tourist tickets- a Sydney Pass, a Sydney Explorer or a Bondi Explorer (more information below). These tickets are expensive but they are convenient and will suit people who are in Sydney for a limited time and who may not be confident using the public transport system.
  

  
  
  TRAVEL PASS:
  
  As of June 30, 2010, a new ticketing system will be introduced in Sydney. For information on how that will work and which ticket will best suit you, go to www.myzone.nsw.gov.au/
  
  
  FAMILY FUN DAY SUNDAY:
  
  

  this allows a family, with at least one child under 16 years of age, to travel for $2.50 per person. (Children aged under 4 travel free). The tickets allow unlimited travel on all Sydney buses, ferries and trains. It's a bargain! These tickets must be purchased from shops and outlets including newsagents.
  

  
  
  MY MULTI DAY PASS: 

  
  An all day ticket that gives you access to all trains, trains and ferries is $20 for adults, and $10 for children/concession. An all day Pensioner ticket for NSW pensioners costs $2.50.
  
  A My Multi Day Pass ticket does not allow travel on premium ferry services, cruises, or tourist and special events buses. But it does get you discounted entry (varies from 15% - 20%) to the following on the day you buy the ticket:
  
  

  (1) Luna Park at Milsons Point;

  (2) Taronga Zoo;

  (3) Powerhouse Museum, at 500 Harris St, Ultimo www.powerhousemuseum.com
  (4) Sydney Olympic Park and Telstra Stadium, at Showground Rd, Sydney Olympic Park www.sydneyolympicpark.com.au
  (5) Sydney Tower and OzTrek, at Centrepoint Podium Level, 100 Market St, Sydney www.sydneytoweroztrek.com.au
  (6) Sydney Aquarium, at Darling Harbour www.sydneyaquarium.com.au
  (7) the National Maritime Museum, on the western side of Pyrmont Bridge, at Murray St, Darling Harbour www.anmm.gov.au
  (8) The Australian Museum, at 6 College St, Sydney – opposite Hyde Park www.amonline.net.au

  
  
  SYDNEY PASS:
  
  The Sydney Pass gives you access to the Sydney and Bondi Explorer buses, trains to the airport on the Airport Link, cruises, and all regular Sydney bus services, ferry services, and train services (within the red zone).
  
  The Sydney Pass 3 days costs $116 Adults, $58 Concession, $290 Family.
  

  The Sydney Pass 5 days costs $152 Adult, $76 Concession, $380 Family.
  

  The Sydney Pass 7 days costs $172 Adult, $86 Concession, $430 Family.
  For more information on the Sydney Pass, click here.

  
  

  
  EXPLORER:
  
  

  A one day Sydney Explorer or Bondi Explorer bus ticket is $39 Adults, $19 Concession and $97 Family.
  A combined two day Sydney Explorer and Bondi Explorer is $70 Adult, $35 Child and $175 Family.
  
  The Sydney Explorer takes you to some of the most interesting parts of inner city including the city centre, Darling Harbour, China Town, the Botanic Gardens, Kings Cross, Potts Point, and Woolloomooloo. For more information, click here
  
  
  The Bondi Explorer goes to all of Sydney’s eastern beaches and a few extras. Stop off points are: Circular Quay, Woolloomooloo, Kings Cross, Double Bay, Rose Bay, Vaucluse, Nielsen Park, Bondi, Bronte, Coogee, Clovelly, Randwick, Centennial Park and Hyde Park. For more information, click here
   

  
  
  

• AIRPORT
   

  
  > MAP OF SYDNEY AIRPORT and DIRECTIONS HOW TO GET THERE
  
  
  Train: You can catch a train to the domestic and international airports from several city centre train stations:
  Central station - trains depart from platform 23 at Central Station;

  Town Hall - trains depart from platform 6;
  Wynyard - trains depart from platform 6;
  Circular Quay - trains depart from platform 2;
  Museum - trains depart from platform 2;
  St James - trains depart from platform 2.
  
  The trip to the domestic airport takes approximately 10 minutes from Central Station, and 20 minutes from Town Hall Station.
  
  A single or one-way full fare from the city centre to the Domestic Airport is $12.20, and to the International Airport is $12.60. A return ticket is valid for same-day travel only.
  

  www.airportlink.com.au
  
  
  

  Parking: There are three parking options at Sydney's Domestic Airport:

  Click HERE to find out parking rates for short, long and valet parking.
  
  

  There are four parking options at Sydney's International Airport:
  Click HERE for prices for Qantas Valet Parking, Short term, Long Stay Valet Parking, and Remote Long Term Parking.
  
  
  

  Shuttles: You can catch shuttles to the airport. Several small companies operate a shuttle service from city hotels and various suburbs to the airport and back.

  Manly Airport Bus - 9981 1453
  Collaroy Airport Transfers - 9984 1420
  
  

  Public Bus: Sydney Buses has a service from Bondi Junction via the domestic and international airports, to Burwood. Route number 400. For information on the route and timetable, go to www.sydneybuses.info
  
  

  Taxi: A taxi fare from Sydney's domestic airport to the city centre will cost approximately $30. From the international airport it will be slightly more expensive.

  Taxi companies include:
  ABC Taxis - 132 522
  

  Sydney Taxis: 131 008

  Taxis Combined Servcies - 133 300

  RSL Ex-Servicemans Cabs - 132 581

  Taxi Cabs Legion - 131 451

  Taxi Cabs St George - 132 166

  Taxi Premier Cabs - 131 017
  Manly Cabs - 131 668
  
  
  

  Domestic airlines:

  
  There are three major domestic plane carriers: Qantas, Virgin Blue and Jetstar. There are smaller airlines that fly to regional centres. These include Rex. And there is a Singaporean owned airline operating in Australia - Tiger Airways.
  

  
  Qantas offers the most comprehensive inflight service at no additional cost. This includes food, drinks, onboard entertainment and newspapers. It has a frequent flyer club, regular air fare sales, and offers subscriptions for notification of the air fare sales.

  www.qantas.com.au
  
  

  Virgin Blue has a daily happy hour between 12noon and 1pm Australian Eastern Time where you can pick up cheap flights to nominated destinations between specified dates. Inflight service does not include free food, drinks or onboard entertainment. These are paid for separately. You can subscribe to Virgin for notification of airfare sales. It also has a frequent flyer club.
  www.virginblue.com.au
  
  

  Jetstar is Qantas’ low cost carrier. It too offers discounted airfares. Food, drinks and on board entertainment cost extra. Certain flights on Jetstar will earn you Qantas Frequent Flyer Points. Jetstar has a fare frenzy sale every Friday from 4pm - 8pm Australian Eastern Time. Points.
  www.jetstar.com.au
  
  

  Rex

  www.rex.com.au/
  
  

  Tiger Airways

  The newest player on the scene. Tiger Airways is based in Melbourne, offering cheap flights from Melbourne to Perth, Darwin, Adelaide, and regional Queensland and Tasmania. Plus, cheap flights to Asia.

  www.tigerairways.com/home/index.php

  
  
  

  RESPONSIBLE TRAVEL

  Of course all these cheaper plane tickets mean more flights, which means more carbon emissions and more global warming. Try ethical travelling (www.yoursafeplanet.co.uk) and carbon offsetting. Choice magazine has some tips.
  

  
  
  

• AUSSIE EXPATS
   

  
  

   

   

   

   

   

  Heading to the US, Europe or China? Already living there? Check out Advance, Australia's largest expat organisation. www.advance.org
  
  

• BICYCLES
   

  
  Sydney is very hilly making bike riding a challenge. It doesn’t have too many ‘bike only’ lanes. The NSW Roads and Traffic Authority offers free cycling maps, via snail mail or email, to show the easiest bicycle routes through the city to avoid the worst of the traffic.

  Ph: 13 22 13

  www.rta.nsw.gov.au
  
  

  If you take your bike on trains during the morning (6am - 9am) peak or afternoon (3:30pm - 7:30pm) peak times, you will be charged extra. Taking your bike on trains is free during the off-peak times Monday to Friday, and all weekend.

  You can take your bike for free on ferries all the time.
  
  

  Buses which are wheelchair accessible may allow you to bring your bike on. This is left to the driver's discretion.

   

  The Manly ferry allows bikes on board.
  

  
  Or, if you really like the idea of riding bikes, move to Melbourne. It's flat and has hundreds of designated bike lanes.

  
  

• DOG PARKS
   

  
  
  Inner west:
  Hawthorne Canal Park Reserve, Canal Rd, Leichhardt. Sunday morning dog classes, dog cafe.
  Victoria Park, Broadway - near Glebe Point Road. Leash-free 6pm–9am; leashed dog walking at all other times.
  Sydney Park, Sydney Park Rd, St Peters.
  

   
  
  

  West:
  Hawthorne Canal Reserve, I Canal Rd, Leichhardt. There's also a dog friendly cafe here, Cafe Bones website
  Bicentennial Park, Homebush.
  

  
  
  East:

  Neptune Park, Neptune St, Coogee.
  Centennial Park, Moore Park
  Rushcutters Bay Park, Waratah St, Rushcutters Bay website
  
  
  

  Lower North Shore:
  Sirius Cove, Sirius Cove Rd, Mosman.
  
  
  

• DRIVER'S LICENCE
   

  
  Interstate:

  People who have moved to Sydney from interstate can use their existing license for three months. After that, they must get a NSW license. An eye test is compulsory for all drivers renewing a license. You must prove your identity and show you live in NSW.

  
  

  Overseas:

  Overseas residents in Australia on a temporary visa can drive on their current and valid overseas license indefinitely provided it is in English or has an English translation.

  If you are in Australia on a permanent visa, you can drive on your overseas licence for three months from the date you entered Australia or from the time the permanent visa was issued to you. After that you must apply for a New South Wales driver’s license.
  

  
  Costs:
  

  A one year license is $46. A three year license is $108. A five year license is $145.

  
  

  The RTA (Road Traffic Association) issues drivers licenses and has more information.

  www.rta.nsw.gov.au
  
  
  

• E-TAGS, E-PASSES AND TOLLS
   

  
  TOLLS:
  
  

  Most tolls are paid on toll roads leading into the city. The Harbour Bridge toll ($3) is paid going into the city. Most drivers use an e-tag (electronic tag attached to the front windscreen of their car) which charges the toll directly to an account.
  
  If you don't have an e-tag, you have two options. You can use the “auto” (correct change) lane, or the “change given” lane (for people who don’t have the exact toll in coins).
  
  Anyone driving from the north shore via the tunnel MUST have an e-tag or e-pass. You CANNOT use the tunnel if you want to pay for the toll with cash because there are no lanes that allow for drivers to do this. It's quite inconvenient, but forwarned is forearmed. Your only way out of this is to use the bridge.
  

  
  
  

  E-TAGS:

  
  

  To apply for an e-tag click HERE to download a form and for more comprehensive instructions. The E-tag applications can be done online, or sent via mail or fax.
  
  

  An E-tag will cost $40. Then, you will need to set up an E-toll account. Frequent users will need to start an account with an opening balance of $60. Infrequent users will need to open an E-toll account with a balance of $40. Topping up the account can be arranged through direct debit.
  
  

  E-tags will be sent in the mail, but if you want to pick one up in person, you can go to the following Motor Registry offices: Blacktown, Bondi Junction, Botany, Burwood, Castle Hill, Chatswood, City South, Five Dock, Hornsby, Liverpool, Maroubra, Miranda, Mount Druitt, North Sydney, Ryde, Warriewood or Wynyard.
  
  

  To find the addresses to these Motor Registry Offices, scroll down to the end of this page and click on "Vehicle Registration and Motor Registry Offices". It's the second last category in FAQ.
  
  

  E- PASSES:
  
  

  If you are visiting Sydney or are a casual motorway user, and you don’t have an e-tag, you can register for an RTA E-Toll pass to pay the Sydney Harbour Tunnel and Bridge tolls. This can be done before your trip or up to 48 hours after your trip.
  
  

  To apply for an E-pass, phone 131 865, go to your nearest Motor Registry Office (details are provided at the end of this page under "Vehicle Registration and Motor Registry Offices", or you can register online.
  
  

  
  

• EDUCATION
   

  
  For a list of government schools go to: www.schools.nsw.edu.au/
  

   

  For a list of private schools go to: www.privateschoolsdirectory.com.au/sydney or www.isd.com.au/index.php
  
  
  There are several universities in Sydney.

  
  The University of Sydney is in Camperdown. Suburbs nearby (0 - 3.5km) include:

  Newtown, Erskineville, Glebe, Annandale, Leichhardt and Surry Hills.
  
  

  The University of New South Wales is in Randwick. Suburbs nearby (0 - 3.5km) include:

  Randwick, Coogee, Clovelly, Bondi Junction, Paddington and Woollahra.
  
  

  The University of Technology, Sydney (UTS) is in Broadway. Suburbs nearby (0 - 3.5km) include:

  Pyrmont, Newtown, Glebe, Annandale, Leichhardt, Surry Hills, and Redfern.
  The UTS is located very close to Central Station and is easily reached by train from any suburb with a train station.
  
  

  Macquarie University is in Marsfield. Suburbs nearby (0 - 3.5km) include:

  North Ryde.
  
  

  The University of Western Sydney has a campus in Rydalmere. Suburbs nearby include:

  Parramatta.
  

  
  Shillington College  www.shillingtoncollege.com.au 
  Level 3, 50 Margaret St, Sydney.   Suburbs nearby (0 - 4km) include:
  Glebe, Annandale, Surry Hills, Kirribilli, Neutral Bay, Pyrmont,
  
  
  

• EMERGENCY CONTACTS
   

  
  Fire Brigade, Police, Ambulance – Phone: 000
  
  
• FLATMATES - HOUSE SHARE
   

  
  Need to find a new flatmate?

  
  www.flatmatefinders.com.au
  
  
  

• GAS, ELECTRICITY, WATER
   

  
  Gas:

  AGL - 131 245
  Origin - 1800 808 526
  
  Electricity:
  Country Energy - 13 23 56
  Energy Australia - 13 13 88
  Integral Energy - 13 10 03
  
  

  Water:

  Sydney Water - 13 20 90

  
  
  
• JOBS Employment
   

   

  Job ads are advertised in newspapers and the internet.
  

   

  The main newspapers in Sydney are:
  The Sydney Morning Herald, The Daily Telegraph and The Australian.
  
  Websites include:
  mycareer.com.au/
  www.seek.com.au/
  www.careerone.com.au/
  
  
  

• MAPS
   

  
  Public transport maps:
  TRAINS, BUSES, FERRIES
  

  
  

  This website provides several maps of Sydney's suburbs. To see the maps and the profiled suburbs, click on any of the following:

  
  

  1 - OVERALL MAP
  

  2 - SYDNEY NORTH SHORE MAP

  3 - SYDNEY LOWER NORTH SHORE MAP
  

  4 - SYDNEY INNER WEST MAP
  

  5 - SYDNEY WEST MAP
  

  6 - SYDNEY EAST MAP
  

  7 - SYDNEY SOUTH MAP
  
  
  

• MIGRATING?
   

  
  For migration advice from someone who's been through it all, check out www.migrationangel.com
  
  
  
• MOULD
   

  
  Some older Sydney properties can suffer from a lack of ventilation which can be problematic during the humid months of December – February. Poor ventilation can lead to mould and unpleasant musty smells. Ground floor and basement apartments with poor ventilation are prime candidates for mould. Upper floor apartments and newer homes/apartments are usually fine. When inspecting a property, check for musty smells or any tell tale signs of mould.

   

  The mould can end up on your clothes. If this happens, dry-cleaning can get rid of it. Dehumidifiers can be purchased from department and electrical appliance stores to deal with the humidity. They are pricey but work wonders.
  
  
  

• MOVING CHECKLIST
   

  
  Furniture removalist - find a removalist about 4 – 6 weeks before moving. Certain times of the year can be very busy and if you don’t organise well in advance, you may have fewer options open to you, or find yourself stranded without a removalist.
  
  

  Carpet cleaning - if you are renting, organise for your carpets to be cleaned once your furniture has been removed. Book the service about 2 - 3 weeks before your moving date.
  
  

  Have you discontinued these services?

  * Newspaper delivery

  * Telephone - notify your telephone company two weeks before you move that you will be needing a disconnection and reconnection service.
  

  * Gas - notify your gas provider that you will need a final reading, and a service disconnection and reconnection. This should be done 2 weeks before you move.

  * Electricity - notify your electricity provider that you will need a final reading, and a service disconnection and reconnection.This should be done 2 weeks before you move.

  * Notify your cleaner you will be moving.
  
  

  Have you notified the following of your change of address?
  * Post office. Notify Australia Post you are moving and arrange to have mail redirected. All post offices have forms you can fill out to ensure your mail is redirected. Or you can download a form from the internet. Ideally, you should fill this out about one week before moving. Choose if you want your mail redirected for one, three, six or 12 months.
  

  * Lawyers, dentists, doctors, accountant

  * Bank or credit union

  * Car registration / license authority

  * Superannuation company

  * Insurance company for house, contents, life and car insurance

  * Children’s school

  * Real Estate Agent - for mail redirection

  * Local council – rates

  * Gyms, sporting and social clubs, memberships and other subscriptions

  * Newspaper and magazine subscriptions

  * Centerelink for family allowance or other payments
  
  
  

  
  

• PLANES AND AIRLINES
   

  
  There are three major domestic plane carriers: Qantas, Virgin Blue and Jetstar. There are smaller airlines that fly to regional centres. These include Rex. And there is a Singporean owned airline operating in Australia - Tiger Airways.
  

  
  Qantas offers the most comprehensive inflight service at no additional cost. This includes food, drinks, onboard entertainment and newspapers. It has a frequent flyer club, regular air fare sales, and offers subscriptions for notification of the air fare sales.

  www.qantas.com.au
  
  

  Virgin Blue has a daily happy hour between 12noon and 1pm Australian Eastern Time where you can pick up cheap flights to nominated destinations between specified dates. Inflight service does not include free food, drinks or onboard entertainment. These are paid for separately. You can subscribe to Virgin for notification of airfare sales. It also has a frequent flyer club.
  www.virginblue.com.au
  
  

  Jetstar is Qantas’ low cost carrier. It too offers discounted airfares. Food, drinks and on board entertainment cost extra. Jetstar has a fare frenzy on Fridays between 4pm and 8pm Australian Eastern Time.
  www.jetstar.com.au
  
  

  Rex

  www.rex.com.au/
  
  

  Tiger Airways

  How much do we love this airline? Rrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr! You Tiger, you! Thanks to Tiger Airways, domestic and international fares are now cheaper, and sometimes ridiculously cheap!
  

  www.tigerairways.com/home/index.php

  
  

  RESPONSIBLE TRAVEL

  Of course all these cheaper plane tickets mean more flights, which means more carbon emissions and more global warming. Try ethical travelling (www.yoursafeplanet.co.uk) and carbon offsetting. Choice magazine has some tips.
  
  
  

  Travel to and from the airports:
  
  

  Taxi: A taxi fare from Sydney's domestic airport to the city centre will cost approximately $30. From the international airport it will be slightly more expensive. Taxi companies include:

  Sydney Taxis: 131 008

  Taxis Combined Servcies - 133 300

  RSL Ex-Servicemans Cabs - 132 581

  Taxi Cabs Legion - 131 451

  Taxi Cabs St George - 132 166

  Taxi Premier Cabs - 131 017
  

  
  
  

  Train: You can catch a train to the domestic and international airports from Central station. Trains depart from platform 23 at Central Station, platform 6 at Town Hall and Wynyard, and platform 2 at Circular Quay, Museum and St James. The trip takes approximately 10 minutes. A single or one-way full fare from the city centre to the Domestic Airport is $12.20, and to the International Airport is $12.60.

  www.airportlink.com.au
  
  

  Parking: There are three parking options at Sydney's Domestic Airport:

  Short Stay, Long Stay and Valet.
  Click HERE to find out parking rates.
  
  

  There are four parking options at Sydney's International Airport:
  Qantas Valet Parking, Short term, Long Stay Valet Parking, and Remote Long Term Parking.
  Click HERE for prices.
  
  

  Shuttles: You can catch shuttles to the airport. Several small companies operate a shuttle service from city hotels and various suburbs to the airport and back.

  Manly Airport Bus - 9981 1453
  
  

  Public Bus: Sydney Buses has a service from Bondi Junction via the domestic and international airports, to Burwood. Route number 400. For information on the route and timetable, go to www.sydneybuses.info
  
  

• PRICES/TAXES
   

  
  Virtually all retail prices in Australia include GST (goods and servies tax). If a pair of shoes is advertised for $99, that’s all you will pay. No hidden extras.

  
  
  

• PUBLIC TOILETS MAP
   

  
  Australian public toilets are FREE and are usually relatively well looked after.

  The Australian Goverment even has a website dedicated to show you where you can find the nearest public toilet! No joke.
  

  
  

  So, to check out the Sydney map, click HERE.

  Happy ablutioning!
  
  
  

• RENTING
   

  
  There is currently a shortage of rental accommodation in all Australian cities. This has seen a large increase in rents. Sydney is Australia's most expensive city to live in. Both rental prices and property prices in Sydney are, on average, high.
  
  In Australia, an apartment is more commonly called a flat or a unit.

  A townhouse is generally a modern two storey building that has one or both walls as common walls.

  A duplex is a house that has been divided into two separate apartments - upper floor and lower floor.

  A studio is a bedsit. It's also known as a granny flat or bachelor flat.
  
  

  When renting, landlords and real estate agents will ask for a rental bond as a form of security. For an unfurnished house or flat, this is the equivalent of four weeks rent. A bond for a fully furnished apartment can be unlimited.
  
  

  The NSW Department of Fair Trading provides plenty of information on tenants' and landlords' rights. You can use the site to download forms or get quick answers to questions.
  
  
  There are several websites where you can search rental accommodation:

  www.domain.com.au
  www.realestate.com.au
  www.gumtree.com.au
  
  
  

• ROAD TOLLS AND E-TAGS
   

  
  TOLLS:
  
  

  Most tolls are paid on toll roads leading into the city. The Harbour Bridge toll ($3) is paid going into the city. Most drivers use an e-tag (electronic tag attached to the front windscreen of their car) which charges the toll directly to an account. Those without an e-tag have two options. They can use the “auto” (correct change) lane or the “change given” lane (for people who don’t have the exact toll in coins).
  
  

  E-TAGS:

  
  

  To apply for an e-tag click HERE to download a form and for more comprehensive instructions. The E-tag applications can be done online, or sent via mail or fax.
  
  

  An E-tag will cost approx $40. Then, you will need to set up an E-toll account. Frequent users will need to start an account with an opening balance of $60. Infrequent users will need to open an E-toll account with a balance of $40. Topping up the account can be arranged through direct debit.
  
  

  E-tags will be sent in the mail, but if you want to pick one up in person, you can go to the following Motor Registry offices: Blacktown, Bondi Junction, Botany, Burwood, Castle Hill, Chatswood, City South, Five Dock, Hornsby, Liverpool, Maroubra, Miranda, Mount Druitt, North Sydney, Ryde, Warriewood or Wynyard.
  
  

  To find the addresses to these Motor Registry Offices, scroll down to the end of this page and click on "Vehicle Registration and Motor Registry Offices". It's the second last category in FAQ.
  
  

  E- PASSES:
  
  

  If you are visiting Sydney or are a casual motorway user, and you don’t have an E-tag, you can register for an RTA E-Toll pass to pay the Sydney Harbour Tunnel and Bridge tolls. This can be done before your trip or up to 48 hours after your trip.
  
  

  To apply for an E-pass, phone 131 865, go to your nearest Motor Registry Office (details are provided at the end of this page under "Vehicle Registration and Motor Registry Offices", or you can register online.

  
  

  STREET DIRECTORY:
  
  Sydney has the busiest roads in Australia.

  There are several street directories you can buy - Sydways, Gregorys or UBD are the three biggest brands. These can all be bought at newsagents or bookstores.
  
  

  
  

• RTA OFFICES IN SYDNEY
   

  
  All RTA offices in Sydney have the same phone number:
  

  Ph: 132 213
  www.rta.nsw.gov.au

  They are listed below alphabetically
  
  
  Hours:
  

  All Motor Registry offices are open:
  Mon - Fri from 8:30am – 5pm (except Katoomba and Springwood which are open from Mon – Fri: 9am – 5pm).
  Sat from 8:30am – 12 noon (except Engadine, Silverwater, Springwood and City Wynyard. All four are closed on Saturdays).

  
  
  RTA Bankstown  map

  Shop 4A, Bankstown Square Shopping Complex, Bankstown 2200
  
  

  RTA Beverly Hills  map

  Cnr Cambridge St & Stoney Creek Rd, Beverly Hills 2209
  
  

  RTA Blacktown  map

  85 Flushcombe Rd, Blacktown 2148
  
  

  RTA Bondi Junction  map

  88 Ebley St, Bondi Junction 2022
  
  

  RTA Botany map

  5 Lord St, Botany 2019
  
  

  RTA Burwood  map

  Suite 4,
  1-17 Elsie St, Burwood 2134

  
  

  RTA Campsie  map

  Shop 43 Gallery Level, Campsie Centre Amy St, Campsie 2194
  
  

  RTA Campbelltown  map

  Cnr Tindall St & Menangle Rd, Campbelltown 2560
  
  

  RTA Castle Hill  map

  18 Anella Ave, Castle Hill 2154
  
  

  RTA Chatswood  map

  313 Victoria Ave, Chatswood 2067
  
  

  RTA City (Wynyard)  map

  19 York St Sydney 2000
  
  

  RTA City South

  Centennial Plaza Motor Registry

  Ground Floor, Centennial Plaza,

  260 Elizabeth St, Surry Hills 2010
  
  

  RTA Engadine

  Shop 3-5, Engadine Court, Engadine 2233
  
  

  RTA Fairfield

  32 - 36 Harris St, Fairfield 2165
  
  

  RTA Five Dock
  Cnr Ramsay Rd & Henley Marine Dr, Five Dock2046

  
  

  RTA Frenchs Forest

  Shop 12

  Forest Way Centre, Frenchs Forest 2086
  
  

  RTA Hornsby

  324 Pacific Hwy, Hornsby 2077
  
  

  RTA Hurstville

  Ground Floor

  4 - 8 Woodville St, Hurstville 2220

  
  RTA Ingleburn

  Shop 9, Centennial House

  Cnr Oxford and Ingleburn Sts, Ingleburn 2565
  
  

  RTA Katoomba

  30 Parke St, Katoomba 2780
  
  

  RTA Lidcombe

  Cnr Swete & Mills streets, Lidcombe 2140

  
  

  RTA Liverpool

  357 Hume Hwy, Liverpool 2170
  
  

  RTA Manly

  239 Pittwater Rd, Manly 2095
  
  

  RTA Maroubra Junction

  Level 1, 832 Anzac Pde Maroubra Junction 2035
  
  

  RTA Marrickville

  Marrickville Metro Shopping Complex

  Shop 9

  34 Victoria Rd, Marrickville 2204
  
  

  RTA Merrylands

  12 McFarlane St, Merrylands 2160

  P.O. Box 396
  
  

  RTA Miranda

  Shops 7 - 9 Kiora Mall

  Kiora Rd Miranda 2228
  
  

  RTA Mount Druitt

  23 - 27 Luxford Rd, Mount Druitt 2770
  
  

  RTA Narellan

  Shop G1, Narellan Town Centre

  326 Camden Valley Way, Narellan 2567
  
  

  RTA North Ryde
  Macquarie Centre Motor Registry

  Shop 2

  Macquarie Shopping Centre, Ryde 2113
  
  

  RTA North Sydney

  154 Pacific Hwy, North Sydney 2060
  
  

  RTA Padstow

  Shop 1

  11 Cahors Rd Padstow 2211
  
  

  RTA Parramatta

  Cnr Macquarie & Charles St, Parramatta 2150
  
  

  RTA Penrith South

  81 - 85 York Rd, Penrith South 2751
  
  

  RTA Richmond

  Shop 5

  Rear 173 Windsor St, Richmond 2753
  
  

  RTA Rockdale

  Shop 6 Mezzanine Level, Rockdale Plaza,

  1 Rockdale Plaza Drive, Rockdale 2216
  
  

  RTA Ryde Motor

  Cnr Blaxland & North Rds, Ryde 2112
  
  

  RTA Silverwater

  1 - 15 River St, SIilverwater 2141
  
  

  RTA Springwood

  Shop 1 Raymond Mall

  cnr Raymond Rd and Springwood Ave, Springwood 2777
  
  

  RTA St Clair

  Shop 20,

  Cnr Endeavour & Bennett Rds, St Clair 2759
  
  

  RTA Thornleigh

  1 Central Ave, Thornleigh 2120
  
  

  RTA Warriewood

  Shop 4 Warriewood Square Shopping Centre

  Jackson Road, Warriewood 2102
  
  

  RTA Wetherill Park

  Unit 1, Greenway Plaza,

  1183 The Horsley Drive, Wetherill Park 2164
  
  

• SHOPPING HOURS
   

  
  

  Major shopping malls and shoppiing areas have the following hours:

  Mon, Tues, Wed and Fri - 9am - 5pm

  Thurs - 9am - 9pm

  Saturdays - 9am - 5pm

  Sundays - 10am - 5pm

   

   Smaller strip shopping centres may not have shops open on Sundays.
  

  
  The two major supermarket chains, Coles and Woolworths, are open till midnight and some are open 24/7. There are plenty of convenience stores and petrol (gas) station that keep long hours, and sell basic grocery provisions.
  

   

  
  
  

• TAXI
   

  
  A taxi fare from:

   

  Sydney's domestic airport to the city centre will cost approximately $30 - $35.

  From the international airport it will be $35 - $40
  
  

  Balmain to domestic airport will be $25 - $35 depending on the time of day

  Balmain to city centre will be $12 - $25
  
  

  Bondi to city centre will be $20 - $30 depending on the time of day

  Bondi to domestic airport will be $25 - $38
  
  

  Chatswood to city centre will be $25 - $40 depending on the time of day

  Chatswood to domestic airport will be $40 - $55
  
  

  Manly to city centre will be at least $35 depending on the time of day

  Manly to domestic airport will be at least $55
  
  

  Neutral Bay to city centre will be $10 - $20 depending on the time of day

  Neutral Bay to domestic airport will be $35 - $45
  
  For more information on taxi fares from other suburbs, click on suburbs, and type in the suburb name.

   

   

  Taxi companies include:
  
  

  Sydney Taxis: 131 008

  Taxis Combined Services - 133 300

  RSL Ex-Servicemans Cabs - 132 581

  Taxi Cabs Legion - 131 451

  Taxi Cabs St George - 132 166

  Taxi Premier Cabs - 131 017

  Sydney'sTrue Blue Cab Co - 133 988

  Manly Warringah Cabs - (02) 9972 5600

  www.manlycabs.com.au

  
  
  
  
  

• TELEPHONE DIRECTORIES
   

  
  Sydney has two telephone directories:
  
  

  The White Pages (domestic, government or business numbers)

  www.whitepages.com.au
  
  

  The Yellow Pages (business numbers only)
  

  www.yellowpages.com.au

  
  
  

  TELEPHONE INQUIRIES:
  
  

  Directory Assistance - 1223
  Call Connect - 12456

  International Directory Assistance - 1225
  
  
  INFORMATION SERVICES:
  
  Poisons Information Centre - 13 11 26
  
  Gas:

  AGL - 131 245
  Origin - 1800 808 526
  
  Electricity:
  Country Energy - 13 23 56
  Energy Australia - 13 13 88
  Integral Energy - 13 10 03
  
  

  Water:

  Sydney Water - 13 20 90

  
  
  

  HELP AND SUPPORT SERVICES:
  
  

  Abortion Grief Counselling - 1300 363 550

  Alcoholics Anonymous - 9799 1199
  Child Abuse Prevention Service - 1800 688 009
  Domestic Violence Line - 1800 656 908
  Kids Help Line - 1800 55 1800 www.kidshelp.com.au
  

  Lifeline - 13 11 44
  Mensline - 1300 789 978 www.menslineaus.org.au
  

  Pregnancy Counselling Link - 1800 777 690 www.pregnancysupport.com.au

  Rape Crisis Centre - 1800 424 017 www.nswrapecrisis.com.au
  
  
  
  
  

• TICKETS - BUS
   

  
  Tickets can be purchased as single tickets on the bus; in strips of 10 for multiple use, or as weekly tickets from newsagents, 7 Elevens, and selected shops including some convenience stores. Outlets selling bus tickets display a small flag at the front entrance.
  
  

  Single tickets are easily bought on the bus. It's good if you have the correct change or close to it. There are some buses (pre-pay only) that cannot sell you any tickets. Tickets for these buses have to be pre-purchased from ticket vending machines or the usual ticket outlets. You can get transfer tickets on some bus services if you need to change buses to reach your destination. Costs vary according to the distance travelled.
  
  A strip ticket allowing you 10 trips is cheaper than buying 10 individual tickets. Prices vary according to the distance travelled. Check with the bus driver or person selling you the ticket.
  
  

  Weekly tickets for buses, trains and ferries start at $41.
  

  
  An all day ticket that gives you access to all trains, trains and ferries is $20 for adults, and $10 for children/concession. An all day Pensioner ticket for NSW pensioners costs $2.50.

  
  Family Fun Day Sunday - this is a new ticket which allows a family with at least one child under 16 years of age to travel for $2.50 each. (Children aged under 4 travel free). The tickets allow unlimited travel on all Sydney buses, ferries and trains. It's a bargain! These tickets must be purchased from shops and outlets including newsagents.
  
  For the full list of tickets, prices, bus routes and time tables go to www.sydneybuses.info/tickets/
   
  As of June 30, 2010, a new ticketing system will be introduced in Sydney. For information on how that will work, go to www.myzone.nsw.gov.au/
  
  
  

• TICKETS - FERRY
   

  
  Tickets must be purchased for all ferry trips. If you board a ferry from a wharf where you cannot buy a ticket, then you have one of two options: you can either buy a ticket on the ferry if there is a conductor on board, or you can a ticket from a ticket vending machines when you get off at Circular Quay – if you are city bound. You cannot exit or enter Circular Quay wharf without a valid ticket.
  
  After 7:30pm on weeknights and 7:15pm on Saturdays all ferries, except Manly, depart from Wharf 4.
  
  Ticket prices vary according to the distance travelled. Tickets can be purchased as singles; returns; day tripper; in strips of ten; as weekly, quarterly or yearly travel passes
  
  

  For more information, go to www.sydneyferries.info
  
  As of June 30, 2010, a new ticketing system will be introduced in Sydney. For information on how that will work, go to www.myzone.nsw.gov.au/
  
  
  

• TICKETS - TOURISTS AND VISITORS
   

  
  Daily and Weekly tickets:
  
  There are several tickets available to suit tourists and visitors. Some are geared specifically for tourists and include bus services to tourist destinations.
  
  

  If you are in Sydney for only a few days, it is probably easiest to buy a tourist ticket - a Sydney Pass. There is more information on the Sydney Pass below.
  
  

  If you are here for a week or longer, and are confident to make your own way around the city, it will be much cheaper to buy a weekly travel pass, the same sort that locals use.
  
  
  TRAVEL PASS:
  
  As of June 30, 2010, a new ticketing system will be introduced in Sydney. For information on how that will work and which ticket will best suit you, go to www.myzone.nsw.gov.au/
  
  
  FAMILY FUN DAY SUNDAY:

  this allows a family, with at least one child under 16 years of age, to travel for $2.50 per person. (Children aged under 4 travel free). The tickets allow unlimited travel on all Sydney buses, ferries and trains. It's a bargain! These tickets must be purchased from shops and outlets including newsagents.
  

  
  
  MY MULTI DAY PASS: 

  
  An all day ticket that gives you access to all trains, trains and ferries is $20 for adults, and $10 for children/concession. An all day Pensioner ticket for NSW pensioners costs $2.50.
  
  A My Multi Day Pass ticket does not allow travel on premium ferry services, cruises, or tourist and special events buses. But it does get you discounted entry (varies from 15% - 20%) to the following on the day you buy the ticket:
  
  

  (1) Luna Park at Milsons Point;

  (2) Taronga Zoo;

  (3) Powerhouse Museum, at 500 Harris St, Ultimo www.powerhousemuseum.com
  (4) Sydney Olympic Park and Telstra Stadium, at Showground Rd, Sydney Olympic Park www.sydneyolympicpark.com.au
  (5) Sydney Tower and OzTrek, at Centrepoint Podium Level, 100 Market St, Sydney www.sydneytoweroztrek.com.au
  (6) Sydney Aquarium, at Darling Harbour www.sydneyaquarium.com.au
  (7) the National Maritime Museum, on the western side of Pyrmont Bridge, at Murray St, Darling Harbour www.anmm.gov.au
  (8) The Australian Museum, at 6 College St, Sydney – opposite Hyde Park www.amonline.net.au

  
  
  SYDNEY PASS:
  
  The Sydney Pass gives you access to the Sydney and Bondi Explorer buses, trains to the airport on the Airport Link, cruises, and all regular Sydney bus services, ferry services, and train services (within the red zone).
  
  The Sydney Pass 3 days costs $116 Adults, $58 Concession, $290 Family.
  

  The Sydney Pass 5 days costs $152 Adult, $76 Concession, $380 Family.
  

  The Sydney Pass 7 days costs $172 Adult, $86 Concession, $430 Family.
  For more information on the Sydney Pass, click here.

  
  

  
  EXPLORER:
  
  

  A one day Sydney Explorer or Bondi Explorer bus ticket is $39 Adults, $19 Concession and $97 Family.
  A combined two day Sydney Explorer and Bondi Explorer is $70 Adult, $35 Child and $175 Family.
  
  The Sydney Explorer takes you to some of the most interesting parts of inner city including the city centre, Darling Harbour, China Town, the Botanic Gardens, Kings Cross, Potts Point, and Woolloomooloo. For more information, click here
  
  
  The Bondi Explorer goes to all of Sydney’s eastern beaches and a few extras. Stop off points are: Circular Quay, Woolloomooloo, Kings Cross, Double Bay, Rose Bay, Vaucluse, Nielsen Park, Bondi, Bronte, Coogee, Clovelly, Randwick, Centennial Park and Hyde Park. For more information, click here
   
• TICKETS - TRAIN
   

  
  Tickets can be bought through vending machines at every train station or from station staff. Ticket prices vary according to the distance travelled. There are five zones in Sydney. So, if you are not familiar with the system, it's probably best to speak to a station attendant.
  
  Tickets can be purchased as single trips, return trips, or as weekly, quarterly or yearly tickets.
  
  If you travel after 10am, you can buy off-peak tickets which are cheaper.
  
  

  Some tickets only allow for train travel. Others will allow for train, bus and ferry travel.
  
  For more information on train services, ticket prices and timetables, go to www.cityrail.info
  

   

  As of June 30, 2010, a new ticketing system will be introduced in Sydney. For information on how that will work, go to www.myzone.nsw.gov.au/
  
  
  
  

• TIPPING
   

  
  Australians rarely tip.
  
  

  While hospitality staff in cafes and restaurants like it if you do tip, tipping is not ingrained in the culture. Hospitality staff here get a much better hourly rate of pay than their North American counterparts. In Canada and the US it is customary to tip your hairdresser, the person who washes your hair, the taxi driver and the person who waxes your legs/back/brazillian. Ouch! But in Australia, thankfully, that is not the case. Which makes going out cheaper, so we can do it more often!
  
  

  If you are staying in a 4 or 5 star hotel, it's a good idea to pay the baggage handler $1 or $2 per bag carried.

  
  

• VEHICLE REGISTRATION, RTA AND MOTOR REGISTRY OFFICES
   

  
  
  All RTA offices in Sydney have the same phone number:
  Ph: 132 213 
  

  www.rta.nsw.gov.au

  The offices are listed below alphabetically
  

  
  

  
  Hours:
  
  

  All RTA offices are open:

  Monday to Friday from 8:30am – 5pm

  (except Katoomba and Springwood which are open from Mon – Fri: 9am – 5pm)
  
  

  And Saturdays from 8:30am – 12 noon

  (except Engadine, Silverwater, Springwood and City Wynyard. All four are closed on Saturdays).

  
  
  RTA Bankstown

  Shop 4A, Bankstown Square Shopping Complex, Bankstown 2200
  
  

  RTA Beverly Hills

  Cnr Cambridge St & Stoney Creek Rd, Beverly Hills 2209
  
  

  RTA Blacktown

  85 Flushcombe Rd, Blacktown 2148
  
  

  RTA Bondi Junction

  88 Ebley St, Bondi Junction 2022
  
  

  RTA Botany

  5 Lord St, Botany 2019
  
  

  RTA Burwood

  Suite 4,
  1-17 Elsie St, Burwood 2134
  
  

  RTA Campbelltown

  Cnr Tindall St & Menangle Rd, Campbelltown 2560
  
  

  RTA Castle Hill

  18 Anella Ave, Castle Hill 2154
  
  

  RTA Chatswood

  313 Victoria Ave, Chatswood 2067
  
  

  RTA City (Wynyard)

  19 York St Sydney 2000
  
  

  RTA City South

  Centennial Plaza Motor Registry

  Ground Floor, Centennial Plaza,

  260 Elizabeth St, Surry Hills 2010
  
  

  RTA Engadine

  Shop 3-5, Engadine Court, Engadine 2233
  
  

  RTA Fairfield

  32 - 36 Harris St, Fairfield 2165
  
  

  RTA Five Dock
  Cnr Ramsay Rd & Henley Marine Dr, Five Dock2046

  
  

  RTA Frenchs Forest

  Shop 12

  Forest Way Centre, Frenchs Forest 2086
  
  

  RTA Hornsby

  324 Pacific Hwy, Hornsby 2077
  
  

  RTA Hurstville

  Ground Floor

  4 - 8 Woodville St, Hurstville 2220

  
  RTA Ingleburn

  Shop 9, Centennial House

  Cnr Oxford and Ingleburn Sts, Ingleburn 2565
  
  

  RTA Katoomba

  30 Parke St, Katoomba 2780
  
  

  RTA Lidcombe

  Cnr Swete & Mills streets, Lidcombe 2140

  
  

  RTA Liverpool

  357 Hume Hwy, Liverpool 2170
  
  

  RTA Manly

  239 Pittwater Rd, Manly 2095
  
  

  RTA Maroubra Junction

  Level 1, 832 Anzac Pde Maroubra Junction 2035
  
  

  RTA Marrickville

  Marrickville Metro Shopping Complex

  Shop 9

  34 Victoria Rd, Marrickville 2204
  
  

  RTA Merrylands

  12 McFarlane St, Merrylands 2160

  P.O. Box 396
  
  

  RTA Miranda

  Shops 7 - 9 Kiora Mall

  Kiora Rd Miranda 2228
  
  

  RTA Mount Druitt

  23 - 27 Luxford Rd, Mount Druitt 2770
  
  

  RTA Narellan

  Shop G1, Narellan Town Centre

  326 Camden Valley Way, Narellan 2567
  
  

  RTA North Ryde
  Macquarie Centre Motor Registry

  Shop 2

  Macquarie Shopping Centre, Ryde 2113
  
  

  RTA North Sydney

  154 Pacific Hwy, North Sydney 2060
  
  

  RTA Padstow

  Shop 1

  11 Cahors Rd Padstow 2211
  
  

  RTA Parramatta

  Cnr Macquarie & Charles St, Parramatta 2150
  
  

  RTA Penrith South

  81 - 85 York Rd, Penrith South 2751
  
  

  RTA Richmond

  Shop 5

  Rear 173 Windsor St, Richmond 2753
  
  

  RTA Rockdale

  Shop 6 Mezzanine Level, Rockdale Plaza,

  1 Rockdale Plaza Drive, Rockdale 2216
  
  

  RTA Ryde Motor

  Cnr Blaxland & North Rds, Ryde 2112
  
  

  RTA Silverwater

  1 - 15 River St, SIilverwater 2141
  
  

  RTA Springwood

  Shop 1 Raymond Mall

  cnr Raymond Rd and Springwood Ave, Springwood 2777
  
  

  RTA St Clair

  Shop 20,

  Cnr Endeavour & Bennett Rds, St Clair 2759
  
  

  RTA Thornleigh

  1 Central Ave, Thornleigh 2120
  
  

  RTA Warriewood

  Shop 4 Warriewood Square Shopping Centre

  Jackson Road, Warriewood 2102
  
  

  RTA Wetherill Park

  Unit 1, Greenway Plaza,

  1183 The Horsley Drive, Wetherill Park 2164
  
  

• WHERE TO LIVE
   

  
  Any area in Sydney is a good place for couples. But certain suburbs/neighbourhoods can be particularly good for singles, families, executives, students or long term travellers.
  

  
  
  

  Music:
  

  If you are into live music, you could check out NEWTOWN and ANNANDALE .
  
  
  

  Arty:

  Arty suburbs in Sydney include: PADDINGTON, DARLINGHURST, POTTS POINT and SURRY HILLS in the East. BALMAIN, ROZELLE, LEICHHARDT, NEWTOWN and GLEBE in the Inner West.

  
  

  
  

  Singles:

  Singles tend to live in: POTTS POINT, DARLINGHURST, SURRY HILLS, PADDINGTON, BALMAIN, LEICHHARDT, NEWTOWN, ERSKINEVILLE, GLEBE, NEUTRAL BAY, MANLY, PYRMONT.

  
  
  

  Executives:
  

  For executive types with a family looking for a quiet, affluent area - try DOUBLE BAY, ROSE BAY or VAUCLUSE in the East. Or MOSMAN, CREMORNE and NEUTRAL BAY on the Lower North Shore. Or try WAHROONGA, TURRAMURRA and ST IVES on the North Shore.
  
  

  For single executives try MILSONS POINT, KIRRIBILLI, NORTH SYDNEY, MCMAHONS POINT - if you want to live on the Lower North Shore; or PYRMONT if you want to be walking distance from the city centre. Otherwise POTTS POINT, ELIZABETH BAY, and PADDINGTON are good options in the east.
  
  
  

  Community:
  

  If you are into areas with a bit of creativity, a community feel and edge - try DARLINGHURST and SURRY HILLS in the East. Or any of the suburbs in the Inner West, but especially GLEBE, BALMAIN, ROZELLE, NEWTOWN.
  

  
  
  

  Family:
  

  On the North Shore try: LANE COVE, CHATSWOOD, NORTH RYDE, ST IVES, AVALON, DEE WHY, MANLY, MONA VALE, COLLAROY and BALGOWLAH.

  In the East try: PADDINGTON, CLOVELLY, RANDWICK, BRONTE, MAROUBRA, and ROSE BAY.

  In the Inner West try: ANNANDALE, BALMAIN, ROZELLE, SUMMER HILL, HABERFIELD, LEICHHARDT, and FIVE DOCK.

  All of the Lower North Shore suburbs are good for families. Map.
  Family oriented suburbs in the North Shore include: ST IVES, WAHROONGA, and TURRAMURRA

  
  
  

  Gays:
  

  Gays may want to check out POTTS POINT, DARLINGHURST, ELIZABETH BAY, SURRY HILLS, ERSKINEVILLE and NEWTOWN.
  

  
  
  

  Travellers and Backpackers:
  

  Travellers might be interested in POTTS POINT, DARLINGHURST, BONDI JUNCTION, BONDI, MANLY, and GLEBE.
  

  
  
  

  Beach suburbs:
  

  The following are great beach suburbs:

  BONDI, BRONTE, CLOVELLY, COOGEE and MAROUBRA in the East.

  MONA VALE, MOSMAN, MANLY, DEE WHY, COLLAROY and AVALON on the North Shore.

  
  
  

MELBOURNE

• ** GETTING AROUND MELBOURNE **
   

  
  Melbourne has an extensive public transport system of trams (street cars), trains and buses. Getting around Melbourne is very easy and the ticket system is simple. Each ticket is valid for all trains, buses and trams. You just need to make sure you have the correct zone.
  
  ZONES:
  
  

  Melbourne is divided into two zones: Zone 1 and Zone 2.
  

  Zone 1 covers all of inner Melbourne. Zone 2 covers everything else.
  Most trams only go within Zone 1 - Map. The trains do both zones - Map
  
  TICKETS:
  
  You can buy a ticket for a single zone or both zones. These can be purchased from ticket vending machines on trams and at train stations, from bus drivers, or from shops displaying the blue Metcard flag. You can also buy tickets via the phone for free home delivery - Ph: 1800 652 313, or on-line www.metlinkmelbourne.com.au
  
  

  Types of tickets:

  • 2 hour ticket - These are valid for at least two hours. Eg: validate at 8:05am, expires at 11am. Validate at 9:55am, expires at 12noon.
    

  • 10 x 2hour ticket

  • Daily

  • Daily 5 pack

  • Weekly

  • Monthly

  • Yearly

  • Sunday Saver - $3.10 allows travel across zones 1 and 2 for the entire day.

  • City Saver

  • Seniors Daily

  
  For more information on ticket types and ticket prices, go to www.metlinkmelbourne.com.au or click here
  
  
  
  

• AIRPORT
   

  
  Melbourne has two airports:
  
  TULLAMARINE:
  The main domestic and international airport is called Tullamarine. It is about 25km north of the city centre. It takes approximately 30minutes to drive there from the city centre.
  MAP OF MELBOURNE AIRPORT. DIRECTIONS HOW TO GET THERE.

  
  

  
  Parking: Long term parking, short term parking, express parking, business parking, and multi-storey long term parking are available at Tullamarine. Click here for more information.
  
  Bus: There are numerous public bus services to the airport. Click HERE for more details.
  
  Shuttle bus: Skybus offers a shuttle bus service from the airport to its main terminal in the city - Southern Cross station, and to city hotels. The buses run every 10 - 15minutes from early morning to mid eveing. And then every 30 - 60 minutes overnight. Fares are $16 one way and $26 return. www.skybus.com.au/
  
  To help plan your trip to and from the airport, metlink may be of help. www.metlinkmelbourne.com.au
  
  Taxi: Taxis are available on the ground floor. The fare from Tullamarine to the city centre will cost approximately $45 one way.
  
  Rental cars: There is a large choice of car rental companies. Click HERE for more information.
  
  
  AVALON:
  

  A smaller domestic airport is called Avalon. It is 55km west of Melbourne, towards Geelong. The Avalon Airport is serviced only by Jetstar airlines. You must check in at least 30 minutes prior to your departure or Jetstar will not let you on board.
  MAP OF AVALON AIRPORT. DIRECTIONS HOW TO GET THERE.
  
  
  Driving: If driving from Melbourne, take the Princes Freeway (Geelong) route. Keep driving until you see the signs on the left for the turn off. It takes about 40minutes to drive there from the city centre. But travel times will be longer during peak period and in times of heavy traffic.
  
  Parking: Long term and short term car parking is available. Click HERE for more information.
  
  Bus: Sunbus Shuttle operates between Avalon Airport and Southern Cross train station in Melbourne. Fares are $18 one way or $32 return. www.sunbusaustralia.com.au
  
  Southern Cross train station is in Spencer Street at Collins St. It is a major train terminal, and all suburban, country and interstate train lines pass through here. Travellers wanting to get to Avalon who are not in a hurry, could make their way to Southern Cross station and catch the Sunbus Shuttle. It'll be a lot cheaper than taking a cab.
  
  Avalon Airport Shuttle operates between Avalon, Geelong, Bellarine Peninsula, the Surf Coast and the Great Ocean Road. Prices start from $12 one way or $23 return. www.avalonairportshuttle.com.au
  
  For more information on getting to Avalon airport, click HERE.
  
  Taxi: A taxi fare from Melbourne/city centre to Avalon Airport will cost approximately $80. A taxi fare from Avalon to Geelong will be approximately $30.
  
  Hire cars: There are five car hire companies at Avalon airport. Click HERE for more information.
  
  
  
  

  Domestic airlines:

  
  There are three major domestic plane carriers: Qantas, Virgin Blue and Jetstar. There are smaller airlines that fly to regional centres. These include Rex. And there is a Singaporean owned airline operating in Australia - Tiger Airways.
  

  
  Qantas offers the most comprehensive inflight service at no additional cost. This includes food, drinks, onboard entertainment and newspapers. It has a frequent flyer club, regular air fare sales, and offers subscriptions for notification of the air fare sales.

  www.qantas.com.au
  
  

  Virgin Blue has a daily happy hour between 12noon and 1pm Australian Eastern Time where you can pick up cheap flights to nominated destinations between specified dates. Inflight service does not include free food, drinks or onboard entertainment. These are paid for separately. You can subscribe to Virgin for notification of airfare sales. It also has a frequent flyer club.
  www.virginblue.com.au
  
  

  Jetstar is Qantas’ low cost carrier. It too offers discounted airfares. Food, drinks and on board entertainment cost extra. Certain flights on Jetstar will earn you Qantas Frequent Flyer Points.
  www.jetstar.com.au
  
  

  Rex

  www.rex.com.au/
  
  

  Tiger Airways

  The newest player on the scene. Tiger Airways is based in Melbourne, offering cheap flights from Melbourne to Perth, Darwin, Adelaide, and regional Queensland and Tasmania. Plus, cheap flights to Asia.

  www.tigerairways.com/home/index.php

  
  
  

  RESPONSIBLE TRAVEL

  Of course all these cheaper plane tickets mean more flights, which means more carbon emissions and more global warming. Try ethical travelling (www.yoursafeplanet.co.uk) and carbon offsetting. Choice magazine has some tips.
  
  
  
  

• AUSSIE EXPATS
   

  
  

  

   

   

   

   

   

  
  

  Heading to the US, Europe or China? Already living there? Check out Advance, Australia's largest expat organisation. www.advance.org 

  
  

• BICYCLES
   

  
  Riding bikes in Melbourne is popular. In recent years there has been a huge increase in the number of people riding their bikes to work, or going for bike rides on weekends.
  
  Melbourne is a relatively flat city, making it ideal for bike riding.
  
  Many of Melbourne's major roads have designated bike lanes.
  

  
  Bicycle Victoria has a great website with plenty of information on bike riding, getting around, joining bike groups, maps, where to ride, and it organises bike rides that last several days. www.bv.com.au/
  

  
  
  
  
• BUS, TRAM, TRAIN TICKETS
   

  
  Melbourne has an extensive public transport system of trams (street cars), trains and buses. Getting around Melbourne is very easy and the ticket system is simple. Each ticket is valid for all trains, buses and trams. You just need to make sure you have the correct zone.
  
  ZONES:
  
  

  Melbourne is divided into two zones: Zone 1 and Zone 2.
  

  Zone 1 covers all of inner Melbourne. Zone 2 covers everything else.
  Most trams only go within Zone 1 - Map. The trains do both zones - Map
  
  TICKETS:
  
  You can buy a ticket for a single zone or both zones. These can be purchased from ticket vending machines on trams and at train stations, from bus drivers, or from shops displaying the blue Metcard flag. You can also buy tickets via the phone for free home delivery - Ph: 1800 652 313, or on-line www.metlinkmelbourne.com.au
  
  

  Types of tickets:

  • 2 hour ticket.

  These are valid for at least two hours. Eg: validate at 8:05am, expires at 11am. Validate at 9:55am, expires at 12noon.
  

  • 10 x 2hour ticket

  • Daily

  • Daily 5 pack

  • Weekly

  • Monthly

  • Yearly

  • Sunday Saver - $3.10 allows travel across zones 1 and 2 for the entire day.

  • City Saver

  • Seniors Daily

  
  For more information on ticket types and ticket prices, go to www.metlinkmelbourne.com.au or click here
  
  
  
  

• CITY LINK - ROAD TOLLS, E-TAGS
   

  
  TOLLS:
  
  In recent years several toll roads have been built in Melbourne to help deal with the traffic congestion. The toll roads are operated by a private company called City Link.
  
  Road tolls in Melbourne can be pricey and tolls are paid in each direction. The toll paid depends on how many sections you drive through. The more sections you travel through, the more you pay.

  
  E-TAGS:
  
  Drivers can opt to buy an E-tag to place on their windscreen if they use City Link roads regularly.
  
  PASSES:
  
  

  Infrequent users can opt to buy a pass. Each car is limited to 12 trips in a 12 month period.
  
  If you find yourself on CityLink by mistake, fear not, you can call CityLink on 13 26 29 to obtain a 24 hour pass or a special weekend pass. If you don’t call Citylink within 3 days of using the toll roads, you will receive a hefty fine in the mail. And don't think you can get away with it, because they will track you down.
  
  WHERE TO BUY:
  
  To obtain an electronic tag or pass, call CityLink on 13 26 29 or go to their website www.citylink.com.au/
  
  For further information on types of passes, how to buy an E-tag or pass, how to set up an account, or to get a map of the toll roads, go to www.citylink.com.au/
  
  
  STREET DIRECTORY:
  
  There are several street directories you can buy - Melways is the most popular. Others include Gregorys or UBD. These can all be bought at newsagents or bookstores.
  
  
  
  
  
  

• DRIVER'S LICENCE
   

  
  INTERSTATE:
  If you have moved to Melbourne from another Australian state or territory or from New Zealand, you can use your existing interstate or NZ license for three months. After that, you must get a Victorian licence. To get a Victorian driver's licence, you have to call VicRoads on 13 11 71 and make an appointment. You cannot just turn up to a VicRoads office to get a license.
  
  OVERSEAS:
  For overseas residents in Australia on a temporary visa, you can drive on your current and valid overseas license indefinitely provided it is in English or has an English translation.
  
  If you are in Australia on a permanent visa, you can drive on your overseas licence for three months from the date you entered Australia or from the time the permanent visa was issued to you. After that you must apply for a Victorian driver’s license.
  
  COST:
  A 3 year Victorian license is $45.30. A 10 year license is $154.
  
  For more information go to www.vicroads.vic.gov.au
  
  
  CAR REGISTRATION:

  To change your car registration plates to Victorian number plates, you have to call VicRoads on 13 11 71 to make an appointment. It is recommended that you book ahead because time slots fill up very quickly. Often changing your registration will require you to travel to a VicRoads office that is nowhere near your house or place of work, depending on appointment availability. The more in advance you book, the better off you will be.
  
  
  VICROADS OFFICES:
  VicRoads has customer service centres throughout Melbourne.
  
  All centres have the same phone number and opening hours.
  Mon – Thurs: 8:30am – 4:30pm
  Friday – 8:30am – 5pm
  Ph: 13 11 71
  
  
  Broadmeadows
  Cnr Pearcedale Pde & Johnstone St, Broadmeadows 3047
  
  Bundoora
  8 Graduate Rd, University Hill, Bundoora 3083
  
  Burwood East
  12 Lakeside Drive, Burwood East 3151
  
  Camberwell
  3 Prospect Hill Rd, Camberwell 3124
  
  Carlton
  459 Lygon St, Carlton 3053
  
  Dandenong
  72 - 74 Greens Rd, Dandenong South 3175
  
  Dromana
  Shop 11, Dromana Central
  143 Point Nepean Rd, Dromana 3936
  
  Frankston
  71 Hartnett Drive, Seaford 3198
  
  Geelong
  180 Fyans St, South Geelong 3220
  
  Greensborough
  Shop 13
  Diamond Village Shopping Centre
  Cnr Nepean St and Medbury Ave, Watsonia 3087
  
  Hoppers Crossing
  52 - 64 Old Geelong Rd (Spotlight Centre)
  Hoppers Crossing 3029
  
  Melton
  267 High St, Melton 3337
  
  Oakleigh South
  1 Eskay Rd, South Oakleigh 3167
  
  Sunbury
  Hume Shire Office
  36 Macedon St, Sunbury 3429
  Mon – Fri: 8:30am - 4:30pm
  
  Sunshine
  499 Ballarat Rd, Sunshine 3020

  
   

• EDUCATION
   

  
  For a list of government schools go to: www.eduweb.vic.gov.au/
  
  For a list of private schools go to: www.privateschoolsdirectory.com.au/melbourne or www.isd.com.au/index.php
  
  
  Melbourne has six universities and tertiary institutions. Some have mutliple campuses.
  
  

  University of Melbourne  www.unimelb.edu.au/
  Suburbs close to the University of Melbourne include: CARLTON, COLLINGWOOD, BRUNSWICK, FITZROY, FLEMINGTON, NORTH MELBOURNE, KENSINGTON, SOUTHBANK. Many trams that service the eastern suburbs go directly to Melbourne University.
  
  
  

  Monash University  www.monash.edu.au/
  Suburbs close to Monash University include: Mt Waverley
  

  
  
  La Trobe University  www.latrobe.edu.au/
  Suburbs close to La Trobe University include: PRESTON
  
  
  RMIT (Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology)  www.rmit.edu.au/
  Suburbs close to RMIT include: CARLTON, COLLINGWOOD, FITZROY, EAST MELBOURNE, FLEMINGTON, NORTH MELBOURNE, KENSINGTON, SOUTHBANK. RMIT is directly opposite Melbourne Central train station. Every train line in Melbourne goes through Melbourne Central train station. Also, many trams that service the eastern suburbs stop at RMIT in Swanston St.
  
  
  VU - Victoria University  www.vu.edu.au/
  Suburbs close to VUT include: FOOTSCRAY, MARIBYRNONG, YARRAVILLE, FLEMINGTON, KENSINGTON

  
  
  Swinburne  www.swinburne.edu.au/
  Suburbs close to Swinburne include: PRAHRAN, SOUTH YARRA, BALACLAVA, CAMBERWELL, and HAWTHORN   

  
  
  Shillington College  www.shillingtoncollege.com.au
  Level 9, 55 Swanston St
  Suburbs close to Shillington include: CARLTON, BRUNSWICK, COLLINGWOOD, EAST MELBOURNE, FITZROY, FLEMINGTON, NORTH MELBOURNE, KENSINGTON, SOUTHBANK
  
  
  

• EMERGENCY CONTACTS
   

  
  Fire Brigade, Police, Ambulance – Phone: 000
  
  
  
  
• FLATMATES - HOUSE SHARE
   

  
  Need to find a new flatmate?

  
  www.flatmatefinders.com.au
  
  
  

• GAS, ELECTRICITY, UTILITIES, POWER
   

   
  
  The gas and electricity system is privatised. This means there are many companies around that will try and get you to sign a contract with them or to switch to their power. Most power companies send salesmen around to knock on doors, trying to get you to switch over to their company.

   

  Be careful. If you are already on a contract with a power provider, and if you sign a new contract to switch to another provider, you will incur a fine from your existing provider if the contract with them has not yet expired. Sometimes this fine can be as high as $260. Many of the salesmen are pushy and will not tell you about the fine.

   

  You have every right to tell the salesmen to go away or to lodge a complaint with the company they are representing or the Energy and Water Ombudsman if the salesmens tactics are pushy, if they are rude or if they make you feel uncomfortable. You can also call the Ombudsman if you have a dispute with your power provider.
  

   

  Some providers inlcude:

  Origin (largest provider of green energy) -13 24 61
  

  Country Energy (NSW government owned) - 13 23 56
  

  Red Energy -13 18 06
  

  AGL -131 245
  

  or click here for more information
  
  
  

• JOBS Employment
   

  
  

   
  

  Job ads are advertised in newspapers and the internet.
  

   

  The main newspapers in Melbourne are:

  The Age, The Herald Sun and The Australian.
  
  Websites include:
  mycareer.com.au/
  www.seek.com.au/
  www.careerone.com.au/
  
  
  

• MAPS
   

  
  MAPS for metropolitan Melbourne:
  
  Free city circle tram - CLICK HERE
  Trams - CLICK HERE
  Trains - CLICK HERE
  Buses - CLICK HERE
  
  After midnight buses - map
  Country train services - map
  

  
  For more information, go to Metlink

  
  
  

• MIGRATING
   

  
  For migration advice from someone who's been through it all, check out www.migrationangel.com
• MOVING CHECKLIST
   

  
  Furniture removalist - find a removalist about 4 – 6 weeks before moving. Certain times of the year can be very busy and if you don’t organise well in advance, you may have fewer options open to you or find yourself stranded without a removalist.
  
  

  Carpet cleaning - if you are renting, organise for your carpets to be cleaned once your furniture has been removed. Book the service about 2 - 3 weeks before your moving date.
  
  

  Have you discontinued these services?

  * Newspaper delivery

  * Telephone - notify your telephone company two weeks before you move that you will be needing a disconnection and reconnection service.
  

  * Gas - notify your gas provider that you will need a final reading, and a service disconnection and reconnection. This should be done 2 weeks before you move.

  * Electricity - notify your electricity provider that you will need a final reading, and a service disconnection and reconnection.This should be done 2 weeks before you move.

  * Notify your cleaner you will be moving.
  
  

  Have you notified the following of your change of address?
  * Post office. Notify Australia Post you are moving and arrange to have mail redirected. All post offices have forms you can fill out to ensure your mail is redirected. Or you can download a form from the internet. Ideally, you should fill this out about one week before moving. Choose if you want your mail redirected for one, three, six or 12 months.
  

  * Lawyers, dentists, doctors, accountant

  * Bank or credit union

  * Car registration / license authority

  * Superannuation company

  * Insurance company for house, contents, life and car insurance

  * Children’s school

  * Real Estate Agent - for mail redirection

  * Local council – rates

  * Gyms, sporting and social clubs, memberships and other subscriptions

  * Newspaper and magazine subscriptions

  * Centerelink for family allowance or other payments
  
  
  

  
  

• PLANES AND AIRLINES
   

  
  There are three major domestic plane carriers: Qantas, Virgin Blue and Jetstar. There are smaller airlines that fly to regional centres. These include Rex. And there is a Singporean owned airline operating in Australia - Tiger Airways.
  

  
  Qantas offers the most comprehensive inflight service at no additional cost. This includes food, drinks, onboard entertainment and newspapers. It has a frequent flyer club, regular air fare sales, and offers subscriptions for notification of the air fare sales.

  www.qantas.com.au
  
  

  Virgin Blue has a daily happy hour between 12noon and 1pm Australian Eastern Time where you can pick up cheap flights to nominated destinations between specified dates. Inflight service does not include free food, drinks or onboard entertainment. These are paid for separately. You can subscribe to Virgin for notification of airfare sales. It also has a frequent flyer club.
  www.virginblue.com.au
  
  

  Jetstar is Qantas’ low cost carrier. It too offers discounted airfares. Food, drinks and on board entertainment cost extra. The earlier in advance you book your ticket, the cheaper it will be.
  www.jetstar.com.au
  
  

  Rex

  www.rex.com.au/

  
  Tiger Airways

  How much do we love this airline? Rrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr! You Tiger, you! Thanks to Tiger Airways, domestic and international fares are now cheaper, and sometimes ridiculously cheap!
  

  www.tigerairways.com/home/index.php

  
  
  

  RESPONSIBLE TRAVEL

  Of course all these cheaper plane tickets mean more flights, which means more carbon emissions and more global warming. Try ethical travelling (www.yoursafeplanet.co.uk) and carbon offsetting. Choice magazine has some tips.
  
  
  

  
  

  
  

• PRICES
   

  
  Virtually all retail prices in Australia include GST (goods and servies tax). If a pair of shoes is advertised for $99, that’s all you will pay. No hidden extras.

  
  
  

• PUBLIC TOILETS MAP
   

  
  Australian public toilets are FREE and are usually relatively well looked after.

  The Australian Goverment even has a website dedicated to show you where you can find the nearest public toilet! No joke.
  

  
  

  So, to check out the Melbourne map, click here.

  
  Happy ablutioning!
  
  
  

• RENTING
   

  
  
  There is currently a shortage of rental accommodation in all Australian cities. This has seen a large increase in rents. Sydney is Australia's most expensive city to live in. Both rental prices and property prices in Sydney are, on average, high.
  
  
  In Australia, an apartment is more commonly called a flat or a unit.

  A townhouse is generally a modern two storey building that has one or both walls as common walls.

  A studio is a bedsit. It's also known as a granny flat or bachelor flat.
  
  

  When renting, landlords and real estate agents will ask for a rental bond as a form of security. For an unfurnished house or flat, this is the equivalent of four weeks rent. A bond for a fully furnished apartment can be unlimited.
  
  

  Consumer Affairs Victoria provides plenty of information on tenants' and landlords' rights. You can use the site to download rental lease forms or get quick answers to questions.
  

  
  
  There are several websites where you can search rental accommodation:
  www.domain.com.au
  www.realestate.com.au
  www.gumtree.com.au
  
  
  
  

• SHOPPING HOURS
   

  
  Melbourne has some of the most liberal shopping hours in Australia.

   

  The big shopping malls are open until 9pm on Thursdays and Fridays.

   

  Shops in some strip shopping centres, and in the big malls are also open all day Saturday, and usually from around 10am - 5pm on Sundays. More>>
  

  
  Many of the larger supermarkets (Coles, Woolworths/Safeway) are open until midnight 7 days a week. Some are open 24 hours a day. Smaller indepdendent grocers trading hours vary but most are open on Sundays. There are also many convenience stores and petrol (gas) stations that remain open 24 hours a day and many of these offer basic groceries.
  
  
  

• TAXI
   

  
  Hey, Melbourne's taxis are easy to spot. They're all yellow.
  
  

  Melbourne’s major taxi companies include:
  
  13 CABS (13 22 27)
  Arrow - Ph: 13 22 11
  Black Cabs Combined - Ph: 13 22 27
  Dandenong Taxis - Ph: 9791 2111
  Embassy Taxis - Ph: 13 17 55
  Frankston Taxis - Ph: 9786 3322
  North Suburban Taxis - Ph: 13 11 19
  Silver Top Taxis - Ph: 13 10 08
  Yellow Cabs - Ph: 13 19 24
  
  If you have any complaints or feedback about Melbourne's taxis, go to www.victaxi.com.au/
  
  

  
  

• TELEPHONE DIRECTORIES
   

  
  Melbourne has two telephone directories:
  
  

  The White Pages (domestic, government or business numbers)

  www.whitepages.com.au
  
  

  The Yellow Pages (business numbers only)
  

  www.yellowpages.com.au

  
  
  

  TELEPHONE INQUIRIES:
  
  

  Directory Assistance - 1223
  Call Connect - 12456

  International Directory Assistance - 1225
  
  
  

  HELP AND SUPPORT SERVICES:
  
  

  Abortion Grief Counselling - 1300 363 550

  Alcoholics Anonymous - 9799 1199
  
  Centres Against Sexual Assault - 1800 806292
  Child Abuse Prevention Service - 1800 688 009
  
  Domestic Violence Crisis Service - 1800 015 188
  Family Drug Help - 1300 660 068 www.familydrughelp.sharc.org.au
  
  Gamblers Help - 1800 156 789
  Kids Help Line - 1800 55 1800 www.kidshelp.com.au
  
  

  Lifeline - 13 11 44
  Mensline - 1300 789 978 www.menslineaus.org.au
  

  
  Nurse-on-call - 1300 606 024
  Poisons Information Centre - 13 11 26
  Pregnancy Counselling Link - 1800 777 690 www.pregnancysupport.com.au

  
  Rape Crisis Centre - 1800 424 017 www.nswrapecrisis.com.au
  Suicide Helpline Victoria - 1300651 251 www.suicidehelplline.org.au
  
  
  
  

• TICKETS - BUS, TRAM, TRAIN
   

  
  Melbourne has an extensive public transport system of trams (street cars), trains and buses. Getting around Melbourne is very easy and the ticket system is simple. Each ticket is valid for all trains, buses and trams. You just need to make sure you have the correct zone.
  
  ZONES:
  
  

  Melbourne is divided into two zones: Zone 1 and Zone 2.
  

  Zone 1 covers all of inner Melbourne. Zone 2 covers everything else.
  Most trams only go within Zone 1 - Map. The trains do both zones - Map
  
  TICKETS:
  
  You can buy a ticket for a single zone or both zones. These can be purchased from ticket vending machines on trams and at train stations, from bus drivers, or from shops displaying the blue Metcard flag. You can also buy tickets via the phone for free home delivery - Ph: 1800 652 313, or on-line www.metlinkmelbourne.com.au
  
  

  Types of tickets:

  • 2 hour ticket - These are valid for at least two hours. Eg: validate at 8:05am, expires at 11am. Validate at 9:55am, expires at 12noon.
    

  • 10 x 2hour ticket

  • Daily

  • Daily 5 pack

  • Weekly

  • Monthly

  • Yearly

  • Sunday Saver - $3.10 allows travel across zones 1 and 2 for the entire day.

  • City Saver

  • Seniors Daily

  
  For more information on ticket types and ticket prices, go to www.metlinkmelbourne.com.au or click here
  
  
  
  

• TIPPING
   

  
  Australians rarely tip. And if they do, it's not going to be a big tip.
  
  

  While hospitality staff in cafes and restaurants like it if you do tip, tipping is not ingrained in the culture. Hospitality staff here get a much better hourly rate of pay than their North American counterparts. In Canada and the US it is customary to tip your hairdresser, the person who washes your hair, the taxi driver and the person who waxes your legs/back/brazillian. Ouch! But in Australia, thankfully, that is not the case. Which makes going out cheaper, so we can do it more often!
  
  

  If you are staying in a 4 or 5 star hotel, it's a good idea to pay the baggage handler $1 or $2 per bag carried.

  
  
  
  

• VEHICLE REGISTRATION AND MOTOR REGISTRY OFFICES
   

  
  VicRoads offices:
  Vicroads has customer service centres throughout Melbourne.
  
  All centres have the same phone number and opening hours.
  Mon – Thurs: 8:30am – 4:30pm
  Friday – 8:30am – 5pm
  Ph: 13 11 71
  
  
  Broadmeadows
  Cnr Pearcedale Pde & Johnstone St, Broadmeadows 3047
  
  Bundoora
  8 Graduate Rd, University Hill, Bundoora 3083
  
  Burwood East
  12 Lakeside Drive, Burwood East 3151
  
  Camberwell
  3 Prospect Hill Rd, Camberwell 3124
  
  Carlton
  459 Lygon St, Carlton 3053
  
  Dandenong
  72 - 74 Greens Rd, Dandenong South 3175
  
  Dromana
  Shop 11, Dromana Central
  143 Point Nepean Rd, Dromana 3936
  
  Frankston
  71 Hartnett Drive, Seaford 3198
  
  Geelong
  180 Fyans St, South Geelong 3220
  
  Greensborough
  Shop 13
  Diamond Village Shopping Centre
  Cnr Nepean St and Medbury Ave, Watsonia 3087
  
  Hoppers Crossing
  52 - 64 Old Geelong Rd (Spotlight Centre)
  Hoppers Crossing  3029
  
  Melton
  267 High St, Melton 3337
  
  Oakleigh South
  1 Eskay Rd, South Oakleigh 3167
  
  Sunbury
  Hume Shire Office
  36 Macedon St, Sunbury 3429
  Mon – Fri: 8:30am - 4:30pm
  
  Sunshine
  499 Ballarat Rd, Sunshine 3020
  

BRISBANE

• **GETTING AROUND BRISBANE**
   

  
  
  Brisbane has a very good public transport system (buses, trains and city/cat and ferries), including an informative website wwwtranslink.com.au
  
  There is a train service to Brisbane's airport. www.airtrain.com.au

• AIRPORT
   

  
  
  

  Parking:
  Domestic terminal parking information, click HERE
  International terminal parking information, click HERE

  
  Train: You can catch a train to the domestic and international airports from several city centre train stations and from Fortitude Valley train station. The trip takes approx 22 minutes.
  www.airtrain.com.au
  
  A single or one-way full fare from the city centre to the Domestic Airport is $14.00. It's another $4 from the domestic to the international terminal. 

  www.airportlink.com.au
  

  
  

  Shuttles: You can catch shuttles to the airport. Several small companies operate a shuttle service from city hotels and various suburbs to the airport and back.
  
  Buses: Bus services from Brisbane airport to Brisbane City, the Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast:
  

  Coachtrans - (07) 3238 4700 www.coachtrans.com.au
  Sunair - (07) 5477 0888  www.sunair.com.au/0811
  
  

  Taxi: A taxi fare from Brisbane airport to the city centre will cost approximately $35.
  Black and White cabs - 133 222 blackandwhitecabs.com.au
  Yellowcab - 13 1924 yellowcab.com.au
  
  
  View Larger Map
  
  

  Domestic airlines:

  
  There are three major domestic plane carriers: Qantas, Virgin Blue and Jetstar. There are smaller airlines that fly to regional centres. These include Rex. And there is a Singaporean owned airline operating in Australia - Tiger Airways.
  

  
  Qantas offers the most comprehensive inflight service at no additional cost. This includes food, drinks, onboard entertainment and newspapers. It has a frequent flyer club, regular air fare sales, and offers subscriptions for notification of the air fare sales.

  www.qantas.com.au
  
  

  Virgin Blue has a daily happy hour between 12noon and 1pm Australian Eastern Time where you can pick up cheap flights to nominated destinations between specified dates. Inflight service does not include free food, drinks or onboard entertainment. These are paid for separately. You can subscribe to Virgin for notification of airfare sales. It also has a frequent flyer club.
  www.virginblue.com.au
  
  

  Jetstar is Qantas’ low cost carrier. It too offers discounted airfares. Food, drinks and on board entertainment cost extra. Certain flights on Jetstar will earn you Qantas Frequent Flyer Points. Jetstar has a fare frenzy sale every Friday from 4pm - 8pm Australian Eastern Time. Points.
  www.jetstar.com.au
  
  

  Rex

  www.rex.com.au/
  
  

  Tiger Airways

  The newest player on the scene. Tiger Airways is based in Melbourne, offering cheap flights from Melbourne to Perth, Darwin, Adelaide, and regional Queensland and Tasmania. Plus, cheap flights to Asia.

  www.tigerairways.com/home/index.php

  
  
  

  RESPONSIBLE TRAVEL

  Of course all these cheaper plane tickets mean more flights, which means more carbon emissions and more global warming. Try ethical travelling (www.yoursafeplanet.co.uk) and carbon offsetting. Choice magazine has some tips.
  

  
  
  

• AUSSIE EXPATS
   

  
  

   

   

   

   

   

  Heading to the US, Europe or China? Already living there? Check out Advance, Australia's largest expat organisation. www.advance.org
  
  

• DRIVER'S LICENCE
   

  
  Interstate:

  People who have moved to Brisbane from interstate can use their existing license for three months. After that, they must get a Queensland license. An eye test is compulsory for all drivers renewing a license. You must prove your identity and show you live in Queensland.

  
  

  Overseas:

  Overseas residents in Australia on a temporary visa can drive on their current and valid overseas license indefinitely provided it is in English or has an English translation.

  If you are in Australia on a permanent visa, you can drive on your overseas licence for three months from the date you entered Australia or from the time the permanent visa was issued to you. After that you must apply for a Queensland driver’s license.
  

  
  
  

  Transport Queensland issues drivers licenses and has more information.

  www.transport.qld.gov.au
  
  
  

• EMERGENCY CONTACTS
   

  
  Fire Brigade, Police, Ambulance – Phone: 000
  
  
  

   

• FLATMATES - HOUSE SHARE
   

  
  Need to find a new flatmate?

  
  www.flatmatefinders.com.au
  
  
  

• MIGRATING?
   

  
  For migration advice from someone who's been through it all, check out www.migrationangel.com
  
  
  
• MOULD
   

  
  Some older Brisbane properties can suffer from a lack of ventilation which can be problematic during the very humid months of November – February. Poor ventilation can lead to mould and unpleasant musty smells. Ground floor apartments, and the ground floor of older homes with poor ventilation are prime candidates for mould. Upper floor apartments and newer homes/apartments are usually fine. When inspecting a property, check for musty smells or any tell tale signs of mould.

   

  The mould can end up on your clothes. If this happens, dry-cleaning can get rid of it. Dehumidifiers can be purchased from department and electrical appliance stores to deal with the humidity. They are pricey but work wonders.
  
  
  

• MOVING CHECKLIST
   

  
  Furniture removalist - find a removalist about 4 – 6 weeks before moving. Certain times of the year can be very busy and if you don’t organise well in advance, you may have fewer options open to you, or find yourself stranded without a removalist.
  
  

  Carpet cleaning - if you are renting, organise for your carpets to be cleaned once your furniture has been removed. Book the service about 2 - 3 weeks before your moving date.
  
  

  Have you discontinued these services?

  * Newspaper delivery

  * Telephone - notify your telephone company two weeks before you move that you will be needing a disconnection and reconnection service.
  

  * Gas - notify your gas provider that you will need a final reading, and a service disconnection and reconnection. This should be done 2 weeks before you move.

  * Electricity - notify your electricity provider that you will need a final reading, and a service disconnection and reconnection.This should be done 2 weeks before you move.

  * Notify your cleaner you will be moving.
  
  

  Have you notified the following of your change of address?
  * Post office. Notify Australia Post you are moving and arrange to have mail redirected. All post offices have forms you can fill out to ensure your mail is redirected. Or you can download a form from the internet. Ideally, you should fill this out about one week before moving. Choose if you want your mail redirected for one, three, six or 12 months.
  

  * Lawyers, dentists, doctors, accountant

  * Bank or credit union

  * Car registration / license authority

  * Superannuation company

  * Insurance company for house, contents, life and car insurance

  * Children’s school

  * Real Estate Agent - for mail redirection

  * Local council – rates

  * Gyms, sporting and social clubs, memberships and other subscriptions

  * Newspaper and magazine subscriptions

  * Centerelink for family allowance or other payments
  
  
  

  
  

  
  

• RENTING
   

  
  There is currently a shortage of rental accommodation in all Australian cities. This has seen a large increase in rents. Sydney is Australia's most expensive city to live in. Both rental prices and property prices in Sydney are, on average, high.
  
  In Australia, an apartment is more commonly called a flat or a unit.

  A townhouse is generally a modern two storey building that has one or both walls as common walls.

  A duplex is a house that has been divided into two separate apartments - upper floor and lower floor.

  A studio is a bedsit. It's also known as a granny flat or bachelor flat.
  
  

  When renting, landlords and real estate agents will ask for a rental bond as a form of security. For an unfurnished house or flat, this is the equivalent of four weeks rent. A bond for a fully furnished apartment can be unlimited.

  
  The Residential Tenancies Authority provides plenty of information on tenants' and landlords' rights. You can use the site to download forms or get quick answers to questions.
  
  
  There are several websites where you can search rental accommodation:

  www.domain.com.au
  www.realestate.com.au
  www.gumtree.com.au
  
  
  

• TIPPING
   

  
  Australians rarely tip. And if they do, it's not going to be a big tip.
  
  

  While hospitality staff in cafes and restaurants like it if you do tip, tipping is not ingrained in the culture. Hospitality staff here get a much better hourly rate of pay than their North American counterparts. In Canada and the US it is customary to tip your hairdresser, the person who washes your hair, the taxi driver and the person who waxes your legs/back/brazillian. Ouch! But in Australia, thankfully, that is not the case. Which makes going out cheaper, so we can do it more often!
  
  

  If you are staying in a 4 or 5 star hotel, it's a good idea to pay the baggage handler $1 or $2 per bag carried.

  
  
  
  

• VEHICLE REGISTRATION
   

  
  
  For any inquiries regarding car registration, licence renewal etc, contact the Queensland Transport Customer Service Centre: 13 23 80
  
  Click HERE for a list of customer service centres:
  www.transport.qld.gov.au/Home/Registration/
  
  

MUSTS

• *****************
   
• MELBOURNE BEER GARDENS AND BREWHOUSES
   

  
  North:
  

  
  Atticus Finch
  129 Lygon Street, East Brunswick
  Ph: (03) 9387 0188
  www.atticusfinch.com.au
  
  Brunswick Green
  313 Sydney Road, Brunswick
  Ph: (03) 9381 2413
  
  Grumpy's Green
  125 Smith Street, Fitzroy
  Ph: (03) 9416 1944
  www.grumpysgreen.com
  
  Little Creatures Dining Hall
  222 Brunswick St, Fitzroy
  Ph: (03) 9417 5500
  www.littlecreatures.com.au
  
  Penny Black
  420 Sydney Road, Brunswick
  Ph: (03) 9380 8667
  www.thepennyblack.com.au
  
  Sentido Funf
  243 Gertrude Street, Fitzroy
  Ph: (03) 9416 2689
  www.sentidofunf.com.au
  
  Terminus Hotel
  429 Queens Pde, Clifton Hill
  Ph: (03) 9481 3182
  Nine micro brewed beers on tap
  www.terminus.com.au
  
  The Fox
  351 Wellington Street, Collingwood
  Ph: (03) 9416 4957
  www.thefoxhotel.com.au
  
  The Rainbow
  27 St David Street, Fitzroy
  9419 4193
  www.therainbow.com.au
  
  The Retreat
  280 Sydney Road, Brunswick
  Ph: (03) 9380 4090
  
  The Standard
  293 Fitzroy Street, Fitzroy
  9419 4793
  www.thestandardhotel.com.au
  
  Wesley Anne
  250 High Street, Northcote
  Ph: (03) 9482 1333
  www.wesleyanne.com.au
  
  
  South:
  
  Belgian Beer Cafe Bluestone
  9529 2899
  557 St Kilda Road
  www.belgianbeercafemelbourne.com

  
  Railway Hotel
  280 Ferrars Street, South Melbourne
  Ph: (03) 9690 5092
  www.railwaypub.com
  
  The Local Taphouse
  184 Carlisle St, St Kilda East
  Ph: (03) 9537 2633
  www.thelocal.com.au
  
  Windsor Castle
  89 Albert Street, Windsor
  Ph: (03) 9525 0239
  
  
  East:

  
  Corner Hotel
  57 Swan Street, Richmond
  Ph: (03) 9427 9198
  www.cornerhotel.com
  
  London Tavern
  238 Lennox Street, Richmond
  Ph: (03) 9428 6894
  www.thelondon.net.au
  
  Mountain Goat Brewery
  Cnr North and Clark streets, Richmond
  Ph: (03) 9428 1180
  www.goatbeer.com.au
  
  Terminus
  605 Victoria Street, Abbotsford
  Ph: (03) 9427 0615
  www.theterminushotel.com.au
  
  
  West:
  
  Sabroso
  2 Gamon Street, Seddon
  Ph: (03) 9689 0203
  
  Holgate Brewhouse at Keatings Hotel
  Boutique brewery
  79 High St, Woodend
  Ph: 5427 2510
  www.holgatebrewhouse.com
  
  
  

• MELBOURNE BREAKFASTS
   

  
  North:
  
  Babka – 358 Brunswick St, Fitzroy. Ph: (03) 9416 0091
  
  Cafe Brunetti - 194 Faraday St (near corner Lygon St). Ph: (03) 9347 2801
  
  Marios – 303 Brunswick St, Fitzroy. Ph: (03) 9417 3343
  
  Mitte – cnr Michael and Rowe sts, Fitzroy North. Ph: (03) 9077 7379
  ** best breakfast café 2009
  
  Pippa May Cook - 719 High St, Thornbury. Ph: (03) 9416 8556. Delicious and creative breakfast menu.
  
  Red Door Corner Store – 70 Mitchell St, Northcote. Ph: (03) 9489 8040
  
  Small Block – 130 Lygon St, Brunswick East. Ph: (03) 9381 2244
  
  Sugardough -163 Lygon St, Brunswick East. Ph: (03) 9380 4060
  
  
  South:
  
  Crue – 194 Toorak Rd, South Yarra. Ph: (03) 9827 5058
  
  Gunter's Kitchen and Cafe - Glenhuntly Rd, Elsternwick. Ph: (03) 9523 0925
  
  Las Chicas - 203 Carlisle St, Balacalva. Ph: (03) 9531 3699
  
  Loco cafe, foodstore and catering - 438 Glenhuntly Rd, Elsternwick Ph: (03) 9532 4455
  
  
  East:
  
  Bosisto's Liquor Bar - 318 Bridge Rd, Richmond. Ph: (03) 9428 6888
  
  Liar Liar - 90 Kinkora Rd, Hawthorn. Ph: (03) 9818 8864
  
  New York Tomato - 2 New St, Richmond. Ph: (03) 9429 0505
  
  Porgie and Mr Jones - 291 Auburn Rd, Hawthorn. Ph: (03) 9882 2955
  
  
  West:
  
  Breizoz Crepes - 139 Nelson Pl, Williamstown. Ph: (03) 9397 2300 www.breizoz.com.au
  
  Made – 60 Pin Oak Cres, Flemington. Ph: (03) 9372 6429. South American food.
  

  
  
  

• MELBOURNE CAKES
   

  
  North:
  
  Green Refrectory – 115 Sydney Rd, Brunswick. Ph: 9387 1150. Great airy sponge cakes and plenty of cup cakes. Order ahead for a whole cake.
  
  Cafe Brunetti - 194 Faraday St (near corner Lygon St). Ph: (03) 9347 2801. A huge selection of Italian cakes - big and small. It's like being in Italy.
  www.brunetti.com.au
  
  
  South:
  
  Acland St in St Kilda has several mouthwatering Eastern European cake shops.
  
  Caffé Si -338 Orrong Rd, North Caulfield. Ph: 9527 8400. Try the Cardinal cake. Also sells gluten and wheat free food.
  www.caffesi.com.au/
  
  Keith Home Made Cakes – 46 Church St, Brighton. Ph: 9592 8070. An old fashioned cake shop that specialises in petit fours.
  www.keithcakes.com.au/
  
  Pertutti Food Store Café – 20 Chathan St, Prahran. Ph:9521 5553. Delicious mini-cup cakes. Open Tues to Sat.
  
  
  North West:
  
  Holy Canoli - Margaret St, Moonee Ponds (opp train station). Heavenly canoli.
  
  
• MELBOURNE FARMERS' MARKETS
   

  
  Melbourne has many farmers' markets, but two MUSTS include the:
  VICTORIA MARKET and the COLLINGWOOD CHILDREN'S FARM  Farmers' Market.
  
• MELBOURNE ICECREAM
   

  
  North:

  
  Cosi Duci – 227 Upper Heidelberg Rd, Ivanhoe. Ph: (03) 9499 6886
  
  Gelobar – 74 Lygon St, Brunswick East. Ph: (03) 9388 1419
  
  Lygon St in Carlton has a large number of gelato bars.
  
  
  South:
  
  The Gourmet Ice Cream Factory – 257 Bluff Rd, Sandringham. Ph: (03) 9598 1804
  
  Jock’s – 83 Victoria Ave, Albert Park. Ph: (03) 9686 3838
  
  
  East:
  
  Igloo Zoo – 195 Glenferrie Rd, Malvern. Ph: (03) 9500 9555
  
  
  

• MELBOURNE INSTITUTIONS
   

  
  Here is a collection of the well known and some not so well known places in Melbourne that will give you a real taste of what this city is about.
  
  
  Federation Square - on the corner of Flinders St and Swanston St. This unique building polarised the city when it was first built. People either liked it or hated it. Now, it's become an indispensible part of Melbourne and is used as a meeting point for individuals, groups, it's the venue for community events, festivals, big sports broadcasts etc. There are several cafes and restaurants here, the Melbourne Visitor Information Centre, the Ian Potter Gallery of Modern Australian Art (free entry), the Centre for the Moving Image, interesting stores with an arts focus, and venues for the Melbourne Writers' Festival and other events. Federation Square is directly opposite Flinders St station.
  
  
  Flinders Street Station - on the corner of Flinders St and Swanston St. This grand building is a Melbourne landmark and was designed by the winner of a competition in 1899. Several years ago some bright spark wanted to tear down the clocks above the steps of the station and replace them with tv screens. The clocks tell passengers what time their next train is leaving. Huge uproar put an end to that half-witted idea.
  
  
  The MCG (Melbourrne Cricket Ground) is a total Melbourne Institution. From March - September this is the venue for Aussie Rules football. Every weekend, tens of thousands of people dress in their team colours and head out with family or friends or work mates to watch a game of footy. In summer, the MCG becomes a venue for cricket. Tours are available.
  Brunton Ave, Richmond
  www.mcg.org.au
  
  
  Old Melbourne Gaol - it's a cold, dark place and where Australia's most notorious bush ranger, Ned Kelly, was hanged in 1880. The gaol (jail) is open during the day for self guided tours. In the evenings there is a candlelight performance tour if you are into the more macabre. www.oldmelbournegaol.com.au
  
  
  Queen Victoria Market - on the corner of Elizabeth St and Victoria St. This is a huge market selling fresh produce, meat, fish, cheeses and other deli products. It also has aisles and aisles of clothes, shoes, housewares, touristy stuff and countless other things. The Doughnut van has been there since the 1950s and it sells delicious hot jam donuts. The market gets very busy on the weekends. It's closed on Mondays and Wednesdays.
  www.qvm.com.au
  
  
  Rooftop Cinema
  Level 6, 252 Swanston St, Melbourne
  Ph: (03) 9663 3596
  Astro turf, deck chairs, bar, films and city views.
  Summer only
  www.rooftopcinema.com.au/

  
  
  Colonial Tramcar Restaurant - A 1927 tram has been converted into a restaurant on wheels. It cruises the streets of Melbourne, and some of Melbourne's leafy suburbs while you dine. Stabilisers have been fitted onto the tram so your plate and glass will not fall off the table. Prices are inclusive of drinks. Pre-dinner and late dinner meals are available. Ph: (03) 9696 4000 www.tramrestaurant.com.au
  
  
  Brighton Bathing Boxes at Dendy Street Beach in Brighton. This is where you can get great photos of the colourful bathing boxes. Late afternoon is best, that's when on a sunny day the light will have a golden glow.
  Brighton profile.
  
  
  St Kilda, Luna Park and St Kilda pier - Acland Street in particular is great for cakes, cafes, Luna Park, and grabbing a cheap meal and heading down to the beach. St Kilda is a very arty suburb and has always been a popular destination for Melbournians. There's the St Kilda pier, Fitzroy St with its busy nightlife, streets with art deco architecture, community activism, the St Kilda Bowls Club where you can go bowling barefoot and have a beer, and of course, there are still the prostitutes who come out at night.
  St Kilda profile.
  
  
  Melbourne City Baths - on the corner of Swanston St and Franklin St. This building went up in 1860. It was built to provide a swimming pool and bathing facilities at a time when bathrooms were not a regular feature of houses. Many locals (mostly working class blue collar workers) would go to the baths to scrub up once a week. In 1904 the Baths were rebuilt and redesigned. During the 1950's, Queen Elizabeth II came to Australia for a visit just after her coronation. Feeling as though they had to impress the Queen and show her how modern Melbourne was, officials gave the go ahead to clad the building in aluminium, covering up the old facade. The result was one UGLY square contraption. In the 1970s there was a push to knock down the building. But the now defunct building union, the Builders Labourers' Federation, slapped a green ban on the buildiing, not one old stone was knocked down, and the Baths survived. They have been restored to their original splendour, and are now a popular health and fitness facility. www.melbournecitybaths.com.au
  
  
  Brunswick St in Fitzroy is the Boho capital of Melbourne. Here you will find bookshops, cafes, bars, restaurants, individual shops and plenty of interesting people to look at. You could easily spend several hours here and in the process get a real taste of grungey, arty, alternative Melbourne.
  Fitzroy profile
  
  
  City laneways. Melbourne is well known for its interesting city centre laneways filled with cafes, shops, and young coffee sipping arty types. Many of the laneways have become galleries for graffiti art. Good lanes to begin with include Degraves St between Flinders St and Flinders Lane), Block Place,  Block Arcade (280Collins St), Centre Place, and The Centre Way. Hosier Lane (off Flinders Lane opposite Federation Square) has plenty of interesting graffiti. Meyer Place has some interesting bars.
  Map
  
  
  Sydney Road, Brunswick - is one of the most interesting parts of Melbourne. Here you can find shops selling things from India, Pakistan, the Middle East, Italy, Greece, and countless other countries. Food here is sensational if you are into Italian, Lebanese and Turkish cuisine.

  
  - There are several outstanding grocery stores including what might be one of THE BEST supermarkets in Melbourne. It's called Meditteranean Wholesalers (482 Sydney Rd. Ph: 9380 4777) which stocks everything Italian: canned vegetables, cheese, deli meats, wine, bread, biscuits, coffee, pasta and cleaning products.

  
  - Other places worth visiting include Elli's Deli (417 Sydney Rd. Ph: 9354 2056) which stocks Greek deli items including olives. The South Asian Deshvidesh Groceries (736 Sydney Rd. Ph: 9384 0414) is great for Indian spices. Yassino International (623 Sydney Rd. Ph: 9384 3337) is a good place for Middle Eastern groceries. As are Basfoods and NSM Food Wholesalers on Victoria St.

  
  
  Lentil As Anything. Sydney has Govinda's and Melbourne has Lentil As Anything. This is a vegetarian organic restaurant that asks you to pay what you can afford or what you think the food is worth. The people who run this not-for-profit set up help the socially isolated and newly arrived migrants. It is largely staffed by volunteers.

  Lential As Anything at Abbotsford Convent. I St Heliers St, Abbotsford. Ph: 9419 6444 www.lentilasanything.com
  

  
  

  
  Abbotsford Convent is one of the best places to visit in Melbourne. Property developers were going to knock it down to build a high rise apartment monstrosity. But people power kicked in and after two or so years of very hard work, the convent was saved from destruction. It's now become a hub for artists, community organisations, writers, craftspeople and healers. There is a huge building, heritage gardens, a cafe, bakery, Lentil As Anything restaurant, and one of the best small bars in Melbourne called "Handsome Steve's". The bar is very hard to find but once you do, you will love it. The convent is at 1 St Helier's St Abbotsford. www.abbotsfordconvent.com.au/
  
  
  
  
  

• MELBOURNE KIDS - BEACHES AND PARKS
   

  
  

  Beaches

  
  
  South:
  
  Albert Park - Victoria Avenue - shallow water, a fenced in playground and cafes. MAP
  
  Brighton Beach - brightly coloured bathing boxes, shallow water, good city views. MAP
  
  Black Rock - Half Moon Bay Beach. A half submerged naval wreck, fish and chips shop, picturesque red and white cliffs. MAP
  
  Beaumaris - Rickett's Point. Shallow water, 115ha marine sanctuary, rock pools, teahouse, gardens and bbq. MAP
  
  
  West:
  
  Williamstown Beach - shallow water, park, fish and chips shop.
  Drive or catch the train to Williamstown Beach and then walk. The beach is opposite Sadler Reserve. MAP
  
  
  
  

  Parks

  
  
  City:
  
  Birrarung Marr - behind Federation Square, City.
  Climbing rope pyramid, hammocks, swings, climbing wall, slides, and kids art workshops (www.artplay.com.au) MAP
  
  
  North:
  
  Wombat Bend, Finns Reserve, Duncan St, Templestowe Lower
  Near the Yarra River, maze, huge slides, flying fox, climbing cubes, bike path. MAP
  website
  
  
  South:
  
  Skinners Adventure Playground, 211 Dorcast St, South Melbourne. Open 3:30pm - 5:30pm weekdays, and 11am - 5pm during school holidays. Arts cafe, studio, climbing structures, cubbies, trampoline. MAP
  Tram #12 or 112 down Clarendon Street www.metlinkmelbourne.com.au
  
  Packer Park, Frog Hollow Playground, Leila Rd, Carnegie
  Next to a wetland, playground, bike path, wetland themed playground. MAP
  website
  
  
  East:
  
  Hays Paddock, Longstaff St, East Kew
  Huge swings, textured paths, equipment that make noise, parkland, bbqs. MAP
  website
  
  

   

• MELBOURNE OUT - OF TOWN
   

  
  There are several areas about an hour to two hours drive out of Melbourne that are great to vist.
  

   

  1 - Yarra Valley - has rolling green hills, great local produce and some especially good wine. One of the highlights here is the Yarra Valley Dairy where, if you are there in the late afternoon, you can see the hundreds of cows walking themselves home, right past the cafe windows. More...
  

   

  2 - Daylesford - is the spa centre of Victoria. There are numerous massage and day spa centres, plenty of accommodation, cafes, restaurants and a delicious chocolate shop called The Chocolate Mill which is nearby. More...
  

   

  3 - Mornington Peninsula - has a lot to offer - from about 12 golf courses, to strawberry picking, horse riding on the beach, bush walking, surfing in stunning beaches, and eating and drinking at some pretty good wineries. More...
  

   

  4 - Great Ocean Road - this strip of coastal road is stunning on a sunny day. On a grey dark, it's slightly less impressive because the grey skies make the water look grey. Other than that, this is a great area for weekends away, a day trip, surfing in wild coastal waters, walks along the beach and swimming. More...
  
  5 - Penguins - almost everyone who visits Melbourne ventures down to Phillip Island to see the penguins. More...
  
  
  

• MELBOURNE PIZZA
   

  
  North:
  
  DOC - 295 Drummond St, Carlton. Ph: (03) 9347 2998
  
  I Carusi - 46A Holmes St, Brunswick East. Ph: (03) 9386 5522
  
  Ladro - 224 Gertrude St, Fitzroy. Ph: (03) 9415 7575
  
  Pizza Meine Liebe - 231 High St, Northcote. Ph: (03) 9482 7001
  
  Hairy Canary - 212 Lt Collins St, Melbourne. Ph: (03) 9654 2471 www.hairycanary.com.au
  
  
  South:
  
  La Camera - Level 1, Southgate (on the Yarra River), Southbank. Ph: (03) 9699 3600  www.lacamerasouthgate.com
  
  Pizza e Birra - 60a Fitzroy St, St Kilda. Ph: (03) 9537 3465
  
  Mr Wolf - 9 Inkerman St, St Kilda. Ph: (03) 9534 0255 www.mrwolf.com.au
  
  

   

  East:
  
  Post Office Hotel - 90 Swan St, Richmond 3121. Ph: (03) 9428 6674. Great pizzas with interesting toppings.
  
  
  

  West:
  
  Il Caminetto - Pascoe Vale Rd, Moonee Ponds 3039. Ph: (03) 9370 6884. Great thin crust pizzas. Try the Volcaneno .
  
  

• MELBOURNE YUM CHA
   

  
  South:
  
  Ay Oriental Tea House
  455 Chapel St, South Yarra
  Ph: (03) 9826 0168
  www.orientalteahouse.com.au
  
  New Royal Garden
  562 High St Road, Syndal
  Ph: (03) 98861388
  
  
  East:
  
  Golden Dragon Palace
  363 Manningham Rd, Templestowe Lower
  Ph: (03) 9852 4086
  www.goldendragonpalace.com.au
  
  
  West:
  
  Man Mo
  42 New Quay Promenade, Docklands
  Ph: (03) 9642 1997
  www.manmo.com.au
  
  Plume at Highpoint
  200 Rosamond Rd, Maribyrnong
  Ph: (03) 9318 6833
  www.plume.com.au
  
  
  

• MELBOURNE'S BEST GOURMET BURGERS
   

  
  
  Andrews Burgers - 144 Bridport St, Albert Park. Ph: (03) 9690 2126. A combination of regular and gourmet burgers that won't break your budget but will leave you very satisfied.
  
  Barney Allens - 14 Fitzroy St, St Kilda Ph: (03) 9525 5477
  The burgers come with caramelised onions, beetroot chutney, crisp backon, parmesan cheese and a great bbq sauce. Cost is around $12.
  
  Burger Edge - various locations around Melbourne. These burgers are half way between a fish and chips shop burger and the white napkin restaurant variety, and they are very tasty. www.burgeredge.com
  
  Botanical - 169 Domain Rd, South Yarra. Ph: (03) 9820 7888
  This is quite possibly the most expensive burger in Melbourne - around $30. It's made with a wagyu beef patty, organic duck egg and home made tomato relish.
  
  Cafe Vue - 430 Little Collins St, city. Ph: (03) 9691 3899.
  This is one of the cheapest gourmet burgers around from one of Melbourne's best eateries. It is a smaller size and is very popular at lunch. The patty is made from wagyu beef. Cost is around $12.
  
  Rockpool Bar and Grill - Crown Casino Complex, Southbank. Ph: (03) 8648 1900
  Another wagyu beef burger with the patty cooked just how you like it. Comes with house smoked bacon and relish. Cost is around $18.
  
  Station Hotel - 59 Napier St, Footscray. Ph:(03) 9687 2913
  An open burger with a large spiced beef patty, bacon and almost runny free range egg. Comes with fries and two large onion rings.  It's very filling. Cost is around $18.
  
  

  
  
  

• MELBOURNE'S BEST JAZZ CLUBS
   

  
  
  BENNETTS LANE - 25 Bennet's Lane, city. www.bennetslane.com

   

  DIZZY'S JAZZ CLUB  - 381 Burnley St, Richmond. www.dizzys.com.au
  

   

  MANCHESTER LANE - 36 Manchester Lane, city. www.manchesterlane.com.au

   

  PARIS CAT - 6 Goldie Place, city. www.pariscat.com.au

   

  UPTOWN JAZZ CAFE - 177 Brunswick St, Fitzroy. www.uptownjazzcafe.com
  

   

   

  
  

• SYDNEY - OUT OF TOWN
   

  
  

  Lilianfels Resort and Spa - Lilianfels Avenue, Katoomba, Blue Mountains. Restaurant, bar, luxurious accommodation. The architecture, setting and decor are great, and the views are pretty impressive. Llianfels has a one hat restaurant - Darley's - and a bar. Both are welcoming. There's a piano player and singer on Friday and Saturday nights at the bar. A bit of indulgence is good, sometimes.

  Ph: (02) 4780 1200

  www.lilianfels.com.au

  
  Yindi Day Spa - 15 - 47 Katoomba St, Katoomba. Dr Hauschka products, massage, facials, hair, scalp and body treatments.
  Ph: (02) 4782 1111
  www.yindi.com.au
  
  

  Megalong Valley Tea Rooms - Megalong Valley Rd, Megalong Valley, Blue Mountains. Not too many Sydneysiders know about this place. Breakfast and lunch is served here in the perfect rural idyll setting. Tables and chairs are set on the grass, amongst trees and shrubs with a view of the Blue Mountains. The is the perfect place for a chilled out lunch or devonshire tea on a sunny day. All food is home made, including the scrumptious jams. Eggs from the farm are on sale, there's organic porridge, and big breakfasts.
  

  Ph: (02) 4787 9181
  www.megalongtearooms.com
  
  Ashcrofts - 18 Govetts Leap Rd, Blackheath. Award winning gourmet dining.

  Ph: (02) 4787 8297
  www.ashcrofts.com
  

  
  Solitary - 90 Cliff Drive, Leura. This is a must stopover for food lovers. Dinner Wed - Sun, lunch on weekends.
  Ph: (02) 4782 1164
  www.solitary.com.au
   

  Echoes - 3 Lilianfels Ave, Katoomba. Another must stop for food lovers.
  Ph: (02) 4782 1966
  www.echoeshotel.com.au
  
  
  
• SYDNEY BARS
   

  
  inner west:
  
  

  Madame Fling Flong - Level 1, 169 King St, Newtown, at Soni's. A cosy restaurant and lounge in the heart of Sydney's grunge capital, King St. Retro lounge, funky decor, classic, cult and foreign movies screen on Tuesday nights at 8:30pm. $20 for the movie and a meze plate and glass of wine. Bookings for the movies are essential because the cinema is small.
  

  Ph: (02) 9565 2471

  www.madameflingflong.com.au

  
  3 Weeds - This is a gastropub with a huge wood fire place and excellent menu. 193 Evans St, Rozelle. Ph: (02) 9818 2788. www.3weeds.com.au
  
  
  east:
  
  Aperitif - romantic decor. Tapas, European wine list. 7 Kellett St, Potts Point. Ph: (02) 9357 4729. Wed - Sun
  
  Gazebo Wine Garden - a great pub with a garden, blankets and heaters on offer in the winter, fairy lights, huge wine list. 2 Elizabeth Bay Rd, Elizabeth Bay. Ph: (02) 9357 5333.  www.gazebowinegarden.com.au
  
  

  Hugo's Lounge - Level 1, 33 Bayswater Rd, Kings Cross. Yes, it's a bit pretentious and full of beautiful people, but it is a Sydney institution. So, check it out.

  Ph: (02) 9357 4411
  www.hugos.com.au
  
  

  Iceberg's Dining Room and Bar - 1 Notts Ave, Bondi Beach. It's famous, it has great views, and it is friendly.

  Ph: (02) 9365 9000
  www.idrb.com/
  

   

  Longrain - 85 Commonwealth St, Surry Hills. Friendly staff, great drinks, converted warehouse setting.

  Ph: (02) 9280 2888
  
  

  Low - a Melbourne style bar, live music, grand piano for anyone to show off thier skills, good cocktail list. 302 Crown St, Darlinghurst. Ph: (02) 9368 1546.  Wed - Sun.
  
  Rambutan - 96 Oxford St, Darlinghurst. A tropical themed drinking den with good cocktails, wine and food. Open from 6pm every day.
  Ph: (02) 9360 7772
  www.rambutan.com.au
  
  Shop and Wine Bar - hole in the wall place that's a cafe during the day and a bar at night. 78 Curlewis St, Bondi. Ph: (02) 9365 2500
  
  Sticky Bar - a cosy bar that feels more like home. Good food, live music on Thursdays and Fridays. A piano for anyone to play but only if you are really really good. Level 2, 182 Campbell St, Surry Hills. Ph: 0416 096 916 Thurs - Sat from 6:30pm
  
  The Lord Dudley Hotel - a London style pub with plenty of beers on tap. Popular with the 20s and 30s crowds. 236 Jersey Rd, Woollahra. Ph: (02) 9327 5399 www.lorddudley.com.au
  

  
  The Lotus Bar - Challis Ave, Potts Point. At the back of the Lotus restaurant. Chic decor.Great cocktails. 

  Ph: (02) 9326 9000
  

  
  

  The Victoria Room - Level 1, 235 Victoria St, Darlinghurst. Colonial tropical decor, and very popular with young people at night. On Sunday's, it serves up a very mean high tea for around $45.

  Ph: (02) 9357 4488
  www.thevictoriaroom.com
  

   

  Water Bar - W Hotel, Cowper Wharf Rd, Woolloomooloo. Great cocktails in a swanky setting.

  Ph: (02) 9331 9000

  
  
  

  city:
  
  

  Opera Bar - Lower Level Concourse, Sydney Opera House. This place is always busy and easily impresses with its great views.

  Ph: (02) 9247 1666
  
  
  north:
  
  Safety Wolf - vinyl records, seating for 45, mismatched furnishings, Mexican food. 32 Belgrave St, Manly. Ph: (02) 8966 9022.  Wed - Sat
  

  
  

• SYDNEY BREAKFASTS
   

  
  east:

  
  Danks Street Depot - 2 Danks St, Waterloo. Quality and choice.

  Ph: (02) 9698 2201
  www.danksstreetdepot.com.au
  

   

  Fratelli Paradiso - 12 - 16 Challis Ave, Potts Point. A cafe and bakery with delicious food, cakes, bread and gooooood coffee.

  Ph: (02) 9357 1744
   
  Bill’s at the Meridian – 355 Crown St, Surry Hills – fresh produce and mouth watering food. Ph: (02) 9360 4762
  
  
  inner west:
  
  About Life - 600 Darling St, Rozelle. The best organic supermarket and cafe in Sydney. Ph: 8755 1333
  
  The Barn - 731 Darling St, Rozelle. Cafe and groceries in a 1920's style set up. Ph: 9810 1633
  
  Hospscoth Cafe - cnr Annandale and Reserve streets, Annandale. Green eggs and ham.
  
  

  
  lower north shore:
  
  

  Bather's Pavillion - 4 The Esplanade, Balmoral Beach. This is a showstopper. Cakes are baked on the premises every morning, the service very good and polite. Stunning views.

  Ph: (02) 9969 5050

  www.batherspavillion.com.au 

   

  Ripples Cafe - Olympic Drive, Milsons Point. You can find this place at the Sydney Olympic Pool. Amazing views, and quality food.

  Ph: (02) 9929 7722. There's also a Ripples Cafe at Chowder Bay with sublime harbour views and good food. Deck C, Chowder Bay Rd, Mosman. Ph: (02) 9960 3000
  

  www.ripplescafe.com.au
  
  
  

• SYDNEY CAFES
   

   

  east:
  
  Danks Street Depot - 2 Danks St, Waterloo. This place first came on the scene a few years ago in a part of town bereft of any cultural life. In fact, the area wasn't even considered safe. The Danks Street Depot was the first cafe to open up in Danks Street. Now, the street is a must for lovers of food. And this cafe does great breakfasts, lunches and dinners.

  Ph: (02) 9698 2201

  www.danksstreetdepot.com.au
  

   

  Bar Colluzi - 322 Victoria St, Darlinghurst. A super cool cafe with tiny stools that's been serving up great coffee for decades. The arty set, philosophers, locals and old timers love coming here.

  Ph: (02) 9380 5420

   

  Govindas - 112 Darlinghurst Rd, Darlinghurst. A vegetarian restaurant and cinema with futon lounges, a place you can come for cooking classes, yoga, music, workshops and anything else that's going to give you peace of mind.

  Ph: (02) 9380 5155

  www.govindas.com.au

   

  Bondi Iceberg's Club - 1 Notts Ave, Bondi Beach. Good food, superb views of Bondi, not pretentious at all. But, the restaurant downstairs is rather pricey and comes with an image. Visitors who live more than 5km outside the club can enter for free. Visitors who live within 5km of the club must join the social club for $55 or be signed in by a member. ID is asked for at the door.
  

  Ph: (02) 9130 3120

  www.icebergs.com.au

  
  
  lower north shore:
  
  

  Bather's Pavillion - 4 The Esplanade, Balmoral Beach. This is one of the most superb places in Sydney to grab a coffee, have breakfast, lunch or dinner. Set in an old bathing pavillion, visitors can now drink and dine in a building with great, relaxing decor and sublime views of Middle Harbour.

  Ph: (02) 9969 5050

  www.batherspavillion.com.au
  
  
  

• SYDNEY FARMERS' MARKETS
   

  
  Good Living Growers' Market - Pyrmont Bay Park, Pyrmont. 7am - 11am. This is a food lovers paradise. Gourmet smoked meats, cheeses, organic meat, fruit and veg, coffee, bacon and egg rolls, and water views. It's held on the first Saturday of every month, except January when all holders take a holiday. For more information on Sydney's markets, go to Day Trips
  
  

  Farmers' Market - The Entertainment Quarter, Langs Road, Moore Park. Every Wed and Saturday from 10am - 4pm. A small market with friendly farmers and growers selling organic produce, conventional produce, fresh eggs, tasty bread.

   

  Orange Grove Organic Market - Orange Grove Public School, Balmain Rd, Rozelle. Every Saturday 8am - 1pm. This is a small market but the woman who makes flans is worth getting out of bed early for. The chocolate flan is divine. Get there early or be disappointed. Mayan coffee, artisan breads, vegan food.
  
  
  

• SYDNEY HIGH TEA
   

  
  east:
  
  The Victoria Room
  236 Victoria St, Darlinghurst 2010
  Ph: (02) 9357 4488
  A lounge bar at night that turns into a Colonial chic high tea place on weekends.
  

  Saturdays 2pm - 4pm
  Sundays 1pm - 5pm
  www.thevictoriaroom.com
  
  
  north:
  
  The Tea Room at Gunners Barracks
  At end of Suakin Drive, Mosman
  Ph: (02) 8962 5900
  Sublime views of Sydney harbour from the verandah of this once old military building
  www.thetearoom.com.au
  
  
  city:
  
  The Tea Room at QVB
  Level 3, North End
  QVB 455 George St, Sydney
  Ph: (02) 9283 7279
  This was once an old ballroom but now does wicked high tea.
  

  www.thetearoom.com.au
  
  The Cortile at Intercontinental
  Cnr Phillip St and Bridge St, Sydney
  Ph: (02) 9253 9000
  Daily high tea in a hotel popular with the wealthy
  website
  
  Globe Bar at Observatory Hotel
  113 Kent St, Millers Point, Sydney
  Ph: (02) 9256 2222
  

  How divine - teas mixed by an onsite tea master, served in silver tea pots in a colonial style drawing room.
  

  Daily 2:30pm to 5pm

  www.observatoryhotel.com.au
  
  The Loft
  3 Lime St, King Street Wharf, Sydney
  Ph: (02) 9299 4770
  A cocktail lounge by night, and a high tea haven on weekends
  www.theloftsydney.com
  
  Sofitel
  101 Phillip St, Sydney
  Ph: 1800 676 960
  Delicious French pastries and fine sandwiches. Daily 2pm - 5pm
  

  www.sofitelsydney.com.au
  

  
  
  

• SYDNEY INSTITUTIONS
   

  
  
  Everyone knows about the Harbour Bridge and Opera House. Here are a few more worth checking out: cafes, breakfast, pizza, bars, bakeries, cakes, wineries and more...
  
  
  Sydney By Diva - Get a tour of Sydney with a drag queen. See the inner suburbs of Sydney or the Hunter Valley wineries. It'll be memorable!
  Ph: (02) 9360 5557
  www.sydneybydiva.com
  

  
  Harbour Circle Walk. There is a 26km walking path around Sydney Harbour which takes in the Harbour Bridge, the organic heart of Sydney - Rozelle, mangrove swamps in Lane Cove and jaw dropping harbour views.
  Ph: (02) 9228 6333
  www.planning.nsw.gov.au/harbour/walking.asp
  
  Ginseng Bathhouse - Crest Hotel, 111 Darlinghurst Rd, Kings Cross. A Korean style bathhouse with spas, saunas, body exfoliation, facials, and a cafe. Separate areas for men and women.
  Ph: (02) 9356 6680
  www.ginsengbathhouse.com.au
  
  Wylie's Baths - Grant Reserve, Coogee. for $3, you can access a great Sydney ocean pool. This place is an institution. If you are a female, there is a cheaper alternative. McIvor's Baths is for women and girls only. Boys aged under 3 are permitted. A small donation is appreciated upon entry. The facilities are basic but well appreciated by the visitors. Both pools are surrounded by huge rocks you can walk on at low tide.
  www.randwick.nsw.gov.au
  
  Bondi Beach - Campbell Pde Bondi
  Manly Beach - North Steyne and South Steyne, Manly
  North Head - via Darley Rd, Manly
  
  

  Paddington Market - Oxford St, Paddington. Saturdays 10am - 4pm. This is where many designers got their start and is still a great place for clothes, bags, accessories, jewellery, artwork you won't find anywhere else.

  www.paddingtonmarkets.com.au
  
  Sydney Fish Market - Bank St, Pyrmont. Open every day except Christmas. Drive or catch the tram there. A huge supply of fresh fish, a deli, fruit and veg, fish and chips, sushi, and Doyle's seafood restaurant.
  www.sydneyfishmarket.com.au
  
  Darling Harbour - Popular with families on weekends. Here you will find the Sydney Aquarium, IMAX, Powerhouse Museum, ferries, Sydney Wildlife World, and the Chinese Garden of Friendship.

  www.darlingharbour.com/
  

  
  Luna Park - Olympic Drive, Milsons Point. Rides, entertainment and great views. Especially good for kids and teenagers. Open Mon, Thurs, Fri, Sat Sun.

  Ph: (02) 9903 7676

  www.lunaparksydney.com/
  
  
• SYDNEY PIZZA
   

  
  inner west:
  
  Cafe Morreti - 47 Norton St, Leichhardt. Sensational crusts and toppings. Even has Nutella pizza. Ph: (02) 9568 1354
  
  La Disfida - 109 Ramsay St, Haberfield 2045. Thin crust pizza and simple toppings. Ph: (02) 9798 8299
  
  Napoli in Bocca - 73 Dalhousie St, Haberfield 2045. Great bases and toppiings. Ph: (02) 9798 4096
  
  
  east:
  
  Jilted Anchovy - 348 Clovelly Rd. Ph: (02) 9665 6558
  
  Love Supreme - 180 Oxford St, Paddington. Ph: (02) 9331 1779
  
  Lucio's - 248 Palmer St, Darlinghurst. Ph: (02) 9332 3766
  
  Pompei's - 126 Roscoe St, Bondi Beach. Ph: (02) 9365 1233
  
  Pizza Mario - 417–421 Bourke St, Surry Hills. Ph: (02) 9332 3633
  
  Pizza e Birra - 500 Crown St, Surry Hills. Ph: (02) 9332 2510
  
  
  lower north shore and north shore:
  
  Beaches Pizzeria - 22 Darley Rd, Manly. Delicious thin crusts and simple but fully flavoursome toppings. Ph: (02) 9977 0078
  
  Fratelli's Gourmet Wood Fired Pizza - 332 Military Rd Cremorne – Ph: 9953 000
  
• SYDNEY WALKS
   

  
  There are numerous walks you can do in Sydney, even if you are only there for the day and have just a few hours. CLICK on the options below for more information.
  
  1 - INNER SYDNEY ART AND CULTURE (several hours)

  2 - BONDI TO BRONTE (2 hours return)

  3 - TARONGA ZOO TO BALMORAL BEACH (1 hour and 40 minutes one way)

  4 - MANY TO SPIT BRIDGE (3 hours one way)
  
  
  

• SYDNEY WINE
   

  
  east:
  
  

  Kemeny's - 137 - 147 Bondi Rd, Bondi. Ph: 138 881 

   

  Five Ways Cellars - 4 Heeley St, Paddington. Set in a small terrace house packed with interesting labels, these wine merchants specialise in boutique wines from cooler climates. Great, friendly advice. Ph: (02) 9360 4242
  
  
  inner west:
  
  

  Summerhill Wine Shop - 7 Lackey St, Summer Hill. A small wine shop that specialises in boutique wines from around Australia.

  Ph: (02) 9798 7282 

   

  Ultimo Wine Centre - 99 Jones St, Ultimo. This is the place to come to if you are after the obscure. Good quality wines from around the world. Ph: (02) 9211 2380
  
  
  

• SYDNEY YUM CHA
   

   

  city:
  
  Marigold - Citymark Building, Levels 4 and 5, 683 - 689 George St, Haymarket (Chinatown). This is a huge place with delicious food, and it's not overpriced.

  Lunch daily from 10am - 3pm. Dinner daily 5:30pm - midnight.
  

  Ph: (02) 9281 3388
  
  east:
  
  

  Kam Fook Chatswood - Shop 600, Level 6, Westfield Shoppingtown, Help St, Chatswood. Hordes of people come here.

  Lunch Mon - Fri 10:30am - 3:30pm, Sat - Sun 9:30am - 3:30pm. Dinner daily from 5:30pm - 11pm 

  Ph: (02) 9413 9388

   
  lower north shore:
  
  

  Sea Treasure - 46 Willoughby Rd, Crows Nest. This is another winner on the yum cha front.

  Lunch Mon - Fri 11am - 3pm, Sat - Sun 10am - 3pm. Dinner daily 5:30pm - 11pm.
  

  Ph: (02) 9906 6388
  
• SYDNEY'S BEST BREAD AND BAKERIES
   

  
  inner west:
  
  

  Haberfield Bakery - 153 Ramsay St. Don't expect a trendy bakery, but be prepared for delicious and crusty Italian ciabatta, pane di casa, and dinner rolls.
  

  Ph: (02) 9797 7715

   

  Victoire - 285 Darling St, Balmain. Delicious bread, twists, cakes, and gourmet sweets served by a Frenchie or two.
  

  Ph: (02) 9818 5529

   

  Sonoma - 215a Glebe Point Rd, Glebe. A small bakery and cafe. This is bakery specialises in spelt, and supplies quite a few of Sydney's gourmet delis. 

  Ph: (02) 9660 2116

   

  Bowan Island - 183 Victoria Rd, Drummoyne. Set on busy Victoria Rd, this bakery does great sourdough, yeast free breads, muffins and Turkish bread.

  Ph: (02) 9181 3524

   
  
  east:
  
  

  Infinity Sourdough - 225 Victoria St, Darlinghurst. This is a tiny bakery with a massive reputation. Plenty of Sydney's top restaurants buy their bread from here.

  Ph: (02) 9380 4320

  
  Bourke Street Bakery - 633 Bourke St, Surry Hills - great coffee, cakes, sandwiches, sourdough breads. Ph: (02) 9699 1011
• SYDNEY'S BEST CAKES
   

  
  inner west:
  
  

  Abla - 402 New Canterbury Rd, Dulwich Hill. A massive choice of Lebanese deserts of all shapes and descriptions. It'll be hard to walk out of here with just one cake. There are plenty of chairs and tables in case you decide sitting and eating in is more your thing.
  

  Ph: (02) 9560 5088

  
  Adriano Zumbo - 296 Darling Street, Balmain. Inspiration from around the world fuels the creations in this amazing cake shop.  2041. Ph: (02) 9810 7318
  
  

  Fernandes Patisserie - 516 Marrickville Rd, Dulwich Hill. If you are after some of the best Portuguese custard tarts in Sydney, you would have to have rocks in your head to give Fernandes Patisserie in Dulwich Hill a miss. $1.20 a piece. On weekends it's full of Portuguese families.
  Ph: (02) 9568 2114
  
  Pasticceria Papa - 145 Ramsay St, Haberfield. Fab Sicilian cakes with sensation canoli. Ph: (02) 9798 6894
  

   

  Pasticceria Tamborrino - 75 Great North Rd, Five Dock - Delicious Sicilian cakes. Try the sfogliata.

  Ph: (02) 9712 1461
   

  Sweet Belem Cake Boutique - 35C new Canterbury Rd, Peterhsam. Great Portuguese cakes.
  Ph: (02) 9572 6685
  
  

  Victoire - 285 Darling St, Balmain - as well as great breads, this place has finger licking cakes.
  Ph: (02) 9818 5529
  
  
  east:
  
  Bourke Street Bakery - 633 Bourke St, Surry Hills. Locals are fiercely loyal and addicted to this place. It's amazing.
  

  Ph: (02) 9699 1011
  
  Croissant d'Or - 117 Macleay St, Potts Point. Tiny extravagant and colourful French cakes/petit fours.

  Ph: (02) 9358 6014
  
  Croquembouche Patisserie - delicious French pastries. 65 Belmore Rd, Randwick. Ph: (02) 8062 5950
   

  Hytone Cake Shop - 296 Bondi Rd, Bondi. This shop has a deceptive appearance. Hytone serves up the best poppyseed strudel in Sydney. Everything is made on the premises, including the cheese, cheese and spinach or meat burek - a Serbian specialty.

  Ph: (02) 9130 5170
  
  La Gerbe D'or - 255-257 Glenmore Rd, Paddington. Try the citrus tart. Ph: (02) 9331 1070
  
  Paris Cake Shop - 91 Bondi Rd, Bondi. citrus cakes, pastries, raspberry mouse. Another good cake shop on Bondi Rd.

  Ph: (02) 9387 2496
  
  Sweet Infinity - 53 Riley St, Woolloomooloo. Good tarts.

  Ph: (02) 93312448
  
  Sweet Kiss Cake Shop - 343 Clovelly Rd. Traditional but unpronounceable Hungarian sweets like Flodni and Jzerbo through to the good ol’ Aussie meat pie.
  
  

  Wellington Cake Shop - 157 Bondi Rd, Bondi. OK, so the service may not be the friendliest, but who cares when the ice-cream and Hungarian Jewish cakes here taste so good.

  Ph: (02) 9389 4555

   
  Yellow Bistro and Food Store - 57 Macleay St, Potts Point. Divine cakes but not so cheap.

  Ph: (02) 9357 3400