Sydney - Australia 2004 - page 170

OPALS
There are plenty of opal shops around in Sydney, but don't expect to walk away
with any bargains. Best just to choose one you like and haggle.
Altman & Cherny A good selection of opals—black, white, and boulder
varieties—as well as jewelry are on sale here. Ask to see “The Aurora Australis,”
the world famous black opal valued at A$1 million (US$650,000). 19-31 Pitt St.
(near Circular Quay). & 02/9251 4717.
Australian Opal Cutters Learn more about opals before you buy at this
shop. The staff here will give you lessons about opals to help you compare pieces.
Suite 10, Level 4, National Bldg., 250 Pitt St. & 02/9261 2442.
WINE
Australian Wine Centre This is one of the best places in the country to pick
up Australian wines by the bottle or the case. The shop stocks a wide range of
wines from all over Australia, including bottles from small boutique wineries
you're unlikely to find anywhere else. Individual tastings are possible at any time,
though there are formal tastings every Thursday and Friday from 4 to 6pm.
Wine is exported all over the world from here, so if you want to send home a
crate of your favorite, you can be assured it will arrive in one piece. The center
owns the wine bar and bistro next door, which is open Monday through Satur-
day from 6am until 10pm. You can drink here without dining. 1 Alfred St., Shop 3
in Goldfields House, Circular Quay. & 02/9247 2755.
10 Sydney After Dark
Australians are party animals when they're in the mood; whether it's a few beers
around the barbecue with friends or an all-night rave at a trendy dance club,
they're always on the lookout for the next event. You'll find that alcohol plays a
big part in the Aussie culture.
WHERE TO FIND OUT WHAT'S ON
The best way to find out what's on is to get hold of the “Metro” section of the
Friday Sydney Morning Herald or the “Seven Days” pullout from the Thursday
Daily Telegraph.
THE PERFORMING ARTS
If you have an opportunity to see a performance in the Sydney Opera House,
jump at it. The “House” is actually not that impressive inside, but the walk back
after the show toward the ferry terminals at Circular Quay, with the Sydney
Harbour Bridge lit up to your right and the crowd all around you debating the
best part of this play or who dropped a beat in that performance—well, it's like
hearing Gershwin while on the streets of New York—you'll want the moment to
stay with you forever. For details on Sydney's most famous performing-arts
venue, see “What to See & Do in Sydney,” earlier in this chapter.
THE OPERA, SYMPHONY & BALLET
Australian Ballet Based in Melbourne, the Australian Ballet tours the coun-
try with its performances. The Sydney season, at the Opera House, is from mid-
March until the end of April. A second Sydney season runs November through
December. Level 15, 115 Pitt St. & 02/9223 9522. www.australianballet.com.au.
Australian Chamber Orchestra Based in Sydney, this well-known com-
pany performs at various venues around the city, from nightclubs to specialized