Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
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(cnr Parramatta & City Rds; 422-440) The green gateway to the Inner West and the University
of Sydney, Victoria Park is a 9-hectare grassy wedge revolving around pondlike Lake
Northam and Victoria Park Pool ( CLICK HERE ). In February 75,000 people descend on the
park for the Mardi Gras Fair Day: dog shows, live performances and the 'Miss Fair Day'
drag competition (no, it doesn't involve cars).
SYDNEY OLYMPIC PARK
More than just Olympic nostalgia, the 640-hectare Sydney Olympic Park, 14km west of the city centre, is a
sprawling sustainable world unto itself. Each year 850 million litres of water are captured in the park's water
features, reducing its demand on city water by half, and banks of solar panels generate much of the site's electri-
city. In the post-Olympic years the surrounding land has been transformed into nature reserves, 35km of cycle-
ways and residential enclaves.
The train deposits you at the heart of the complex, near the visitor centre ( 9714 7888;
www.sydneyolympicpark.com.au ; 1 Showground Rd; 9am-5pm; Olympic Park). Drop in for maps
and information on tours and events. Ferry is another option, though the wharf is at the far northern tip of the
complex, next to the Newington Nature Reserve . From here it's a 3.5km walk (about 45 minutes) to the visitor
centre, or you can catch bus 526 (16 minutes, departs every 30 minutes).
The best way to explore is by bike. Bike Hire @ Sydney Olympic Park ( 9746 1572;
www.bikehiresydneyolympicpark.com.au ; Bicentennial Dr, Bicentennial Park; mountain bike per 1/2/4/8/24hr
$15/20/30/40/50; 8.30am-5.30pm) operates daily from Bicentennial Park (1.6km from the visitor centre)
and on weekends and school holidays from Blaxland Riverside Park (1.5km west along the river from the
ferry wharf), renting mountain bikes, kid's bikes and tandems.
The Olympic venues are near the train station, including the Aquatic Centre ( 9752 3666;
www.aquaticcentre.com.au ; Olympic Blvd; adult/child $7/6; 5am-9pm Mon-Fri, 6am-7pm Sat & Sun;
Olympic Park). ANZ Stadium ( 8765 2300; www.anzstadium.com.au ; Olympic Blvd; tours $29/19;
tours 11am, 1pm & 3pm; Olympic Park), the main Olympic arena, is an imposing oval bedpan with a col-
ourful sculpture of native feathers spiralling over its main entrance. Apart from the regular venue tour, daredev-
ils can take a walk along the gantry, 45m above the pitch (adult/child $49/19, 2pm daily). In the shadow of the
stadium is Games Memories , an outdoor multimedia installation consisting of 480 decorated poles, and the sil-
ver flying saucer that burst into Olympic flame, which has been converted into a fountain .
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