Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
the Olympic venues are at this dedicated Olympic precinct at Homebush Bay,
which also has plenty of bars and restaurants. First port of call should be the
Homebush Bay Information Centre ( & 02/9714 7888 ), which offers displays,
walking maps, and tour tips. It's open daily from 9am to 5pm.
Nearby is Stadium Australia ( & 02/8765 2300; www.stadiumaustralia.
com.au), the site of the Opening and Closing ceremonies, the track and field
events, and some Olympic soccer games. Today it stages Australian Rules games,
rugby league, rugby union, and soccer matches. A 20-minute tour of the sta-
dium costs A$15 (US$9.50) for adults, A$7.50 (US$4.90) for children, and
A$42 (US$27) for a family. A 1-hour “behind the scenes” tour is A$26 (US$17)
for adults, A$13 (US$8.45) for children, and A$60 (US$39) for a family.
Also at the Olympic Park is the Sydney International Aquatic Centre
( & 02/9752 3666; www.siac.nsw.gov.au), which comprises the Olympic pool,
diving pool, and training facilities. To swim here costs a whopping A$16 (US$10)
for adults and A$10 (US$6.50) for children. I hope they towel you off afterward.
There are wonderful views of the Sydney Olympic Park and the city from
Level 17 of the Novotel hotel ( & 02/8762 1111 ), located in the park. Entry to
the observation area costs A$4 (US$2.60) for adults, A$2 (US$1.30) for chil-
dren (free for under 8 yr. old). You can purchase a SuperPass entitling you to
entry to the Observation Center at the Novotel and a guided tour of Stadium
Australia and the Sydney Aquatic Center (including swimming). Tickets are
available from participating venues or the visitor center for A$40 (US$26) for
adults, A$20 (US$13) for children, and A$79 (US$51) for a family.
One of the best ways to get to the Olympic Site is via the Sydney Explorer bus.
Sydney Olympic Site, Olympic Park, Homebush Bay. www.sydneyolympicpark.nsw.gov.au. CityRail: Olympic
Park. Sydney Explorer bus.
Wonderland Sydney If you're used to big Disneyesque extravaganzas, then
this theme park (until recently called Australia's Wonderland) might be a bit of a
disappointment—though I guarantee The Demon roller coaster will more than
satisfy in the terror department. Other big rides are Space Probe 7, which is basi-
cally a heart-stopping drop, and a cute and rattly wooden roller coaster called the
Bush Beast. Live shows and bands round out the entertainment options. The
entry ticket also includes admission to a wildlife park, with all the old favorites—
koalas, wombats, kangaroos, wallabies, and more. Allow half a day.
100 Wallgrove Rd., Eastern Creek. & 02/9830 9100. www.wonderland.com.au. Admission (includes rides,
shows, attractions, and entrance to Australian Wildlife Park) A$46 (US$30) adults, A$30 (US$20) children,
family tickets only available for wildlife park. Daily 10am-5pm. CityRail: Rooty Hill (trip takes less than 1 hr.);
Wonderland buses leave from Rooty Hill station every half hr. on weekends, and at 8:55, 9:32, 10:10, and
11:35am, and 12:14pm weekdays. Wonderland express coach is a convenient way to get to Wonderland Syd-
ney, with city return transfers available daily from major CBD locations. For bookings and information call
& 02/9830 9187. Free parking.
'ROOS, KOALAS & OTHER AUSSIE WILDLIFE
The Sydney Aquarium is discussed on p. 150.
Australian Reptile Park What started off as a one-man operation supplying
snake antivenin in the early 1950s has ended up a nature park teeming with the
slippery-looking creatures. But it's not all snakes and lizards; you'll also find salt-
water crocodiles, American alligators, as well as plenty of somewhat cuddlier
creatures, such as koalas, platypuses, wallabies, dingoes, and flying foxes. The
park is set in beautiful bushland dissected by nature trails. A truly devastating
fire burned down the entire park in mid-2000, killing all of the animals. The
staff has worked valiantly to start up a new collection.
Search WWH ::




Custom Search