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Home , Martin Place, Queen Victoria Building, Sydney Cove, Sydney Observatory

appearing in gourmet restaurants. Foreign exchange rates fluctuate. There is also a slight variation Local drink: boasts a vibrant spirits industry, and for cash or traveler’s checks. Darwin samples of the country’s renowned vintages are widely POST OFFICE & TELEPHONE FACILITIES has © 2008 maps.com n available at restaurants and bottle shops in Sydney. Beer or both red and yellow mail boxes. The red boxes are for normal FRANCE Indian Ocea Cairns brut, chardonnay or cordial, Sydney’s thirst-quenchers are postal service; yellow boxes are used exclusively for Express strong, diverse and satisfying. Local wines from Rosemount, Post within Australia. The General Post Office (GPO) is located Barcelona Yalumba, Petaluma and Cullen are winning internationalgold AUSTRALIASPAIN at 1 . medals. Ibiza a Most of the telephones in the street take coins and telephone SHOPPING FACILITIES Australia has tremendous natural PORT EXPLORER cards, which can be purchased at a newsstand or the post office. Mediterranean Se Sydney resources, and gemstones – especially opals and pearls – are Phone cards cost $A2, $A5, $A10 and $A20, depending on the particularly attractive. Western Australia also supplies 80% of number of calls permitted. Dial the following access numbers ALGERIA the world’s mother-of-pearl. Aboriginal art is widely available; to place a call with your personal calling card: it features hand-carved and painted spears and boomerangs, Sydney AT&T: 1.800.881.011 T ASMANIA drumming sticks, boldly colored bark, canvas and sand AUSTRALIA paintings. Leather goods and woolens are also good buys. MCI: 1.800.881.100 SPRINT: 1.800.881.877 Quality hats, especially straw hats of the greatest variety, are GENERAL INFORMATION The brightest star HISTORY The first inhabitants of Australia were the Aboriginal available here. Or pick up the famous stockmen’s Akubra hat. TOURIST INFORMATION An information Centre booth in the Southern Hemisphere is Sydney, home to one peoples. Their history began in a time called the Dreaming when the Australia is the home of Speedo, so plan to pick up the latest offers brochures on places of interest in Sydney at Martin Place. quarter of Australia’s residents and the financial, Ancestor Spirits emerged from the earth and gave form to the landscape. in competitive swimwear designs and accessories. Trendy The Rocks Sydney Visitor Centre can organize a walking and cultural heart of the country. From its majestic Anthropologists believe the Aboriginal people arrived from Asia more shopping areas include The Rocks, Rose Bay, and Oxford tour of the historic Rocks district. Sydney Convention and Harbour Bridge to the spectacular Blue Mountains, than 50,000 years ago. Clans lived in the area now known as Sydney Street in Darlinghurst, and the Queen Building. Visitors Bureau at 80William Street. this city yields a rich feast for visitors: great natural until the Europeans caused violent disruption to this world. beauty, a clean and safe environment, exquisite In 1768, Captain began a search for the fabled “great south David Jones Reputed to be Sydney’s best department store, Manly Visitors Information Bureau – Manly Wharf cuisine and the vibrant energy that sets Sydney apart land.” Traveling in the wake of other European explorers, he was the offering quality products and services for everything and Forecourt, East Esplande, Manly. everyone – fashion, linen, books, music, furniture, antiques, from other cities in Australia. Sydney impressed first to set foot on the east coast of the land the Dutch had named New household goods, handicrafts, haberdashery, toys, perfumes, Visitors Information Service, 346A Church the world with its hosting of the Olympic Games in Holland. He claimed the land for England, named it , hair salons and much more. The “Food Hall,” stocked with Street (beside the Lennox Bridge). the year 2000, the validity of its claim to be “God’s and sailed 2,500 miles along its shores, charting the coast and barrier Country.” reef. The “new” land wasn’t empty, however. Captain Cook encountered imported American delicacies including Oreo cookies and TRANSPORTATION Once in the city, visitors discover a Sailing into Sydney harbour is one of the world’s a dark skinned race of nomadic hunters and gatherers. The distant root beer, is certainly worth a visit. There are two stores right fantastic walking environment, with the novel option of taking great maritime moments. Almost without warning, ancestors of these people had begun their migration into the land at in the heart of the city and other stores throughout the Sydney the ferry to some tourist destinations. Most major attractions are the golden cliffs that edge the Pacific least 50,000 years before, passing across land bridges and shallow seas metropolitan area. located in the Central Business District, south of the Harbour coastline part to reveal a huge natural harbour with connecting Ice Age Asia to present-day Indonesia, Papua New Guinea Myer/Grace Bros Similar store to David Jones, although Bridge. Taxis are plentiful, and the bus and train systems are a beautiful city at its heart. Sydney is a premier and Australia. Captain Cook also encountered an array of strange new not as upmarket. Offers duty-free shopping. Stores located user-friendly. A privately owned monorail connects some of cruising destination, offering first-class passenger animals, never before seen (or even imagined) by Europeans. throughout the metropolitan area. 436 George St. the Central Business District’s preferred tourist destinations, facilities and infrastructure, all within walking England didn’t do much with New South Wales until 1787 when the including , Chinese Gardens and Balmain Market Antiques, bric-a-brac, plants, clothing, distance of city experiences and a short hop to other was dispatched, transporting convicts from overflowing pedestrian malls. quality handcrafted wares, fresh organically-grown fruit attractions. Sydney proper is bounded by a natural British prisons to , now the harbour of Sydney. The fleet and vegetables, multicultural food and more. Located in the USEFUL WORDS & PHRASES harbour to the north and west and flanked to the anchored on January 26, 1788, within a pistol shot of the shores of grounds surrounding St. Andrew’s Congregational Church, east by the green park lands of the Botanic Gardens , . Today, the western shore of the cove is The language spoken is English; however, it is spiced with a Darling St., Balmain. and Domain. Within these boundaries is an exciting the site of The Rocks, the restored first settlement. On the tip of the vocabulary and some pronunciations bound to confuse non- and vibrant city. A simple ride on one of the cross eastern shore are the shell-shaped, white buildings of the Sydney Opera Paddington Bazaar One of Sydney’s most colorful native speakers. For example: landmarks, this is a showcase for gift seekers, homemakers, harbour ferries or a stroll through the narrow back House. Are you right? ▪ Do you need help? continued over clothes, jewelry, crafts, health foods and more. At the lanes of The Rock’s area will provide a small slice of Good on ya ▪ Good for you. Eastside Parish Uniting Church, extending through to the the history and magnitude of this great metropolis. Good day ▪ G’day adjoining Paddington Public School grounds in Oxford Street, Good afternoon ▪ Arvo Paddington. Woman ▪ Sheila The Rocks Market Arts and crafts, housewares, decorator That’s OK ▪ No worries items, antiques, entertainment. George St. Evening meal ▪ Tea

LOCAL CURRENCY The official currency of Australia is This information has been compiled for the convenience of our guests and is intended solely for that purpose. While we work to ensure that the information contained herein is correct, the Australian Dollar. Denominations include $5, $10, $20, we cannot accept responsibility for any changes that may have taken place since printing. $50 and $100 bills and $.10, $.20, $.50 $1 and $2 coins. © RCCL 2008. All rights reserved. History continued The Rocks The site of Australia’s first permanent European Sydney Built in 1858 as a center for More prisoners were 7 settlement. With unique historic buildings and a wealth of 14 time-keeping and astronomical study. Now a museum and other convict colonies founded. heritage, it has become a leading retail precinct for quality gifts of astronomy offering a regular program of exhibitions, films Free settlers followed the colonies. and souvenirs and the very best of the nation’s crafts. It is also and talks. Night viewings allow visitors to explore the heavens Slowly the land was explored renowned for its quaint pubs and great restaurants. This area is through modern and historic telescopes. The views of Sydney and domesticated, in some ways located at Sydney Cove, with the main shopping area on George Harbour are breathtaking. Night tours must be pre-booked. reminiscent of the opening of the West Street. Taronga Park Zoo With 74 acres (30 hectares) of in the United States. Settlers in wagons This museum was created within 15 harborside bushland, this is one of the world’s great followed pathfinders to make homes 8 the shell of a huge derelict power station adjacent to Darling zoos. It has Australia’s largest collection of exotic animals, in the wild country; pioneers came Harbour. More than 25 exhibitions depict human achievement, in addition to the unique native animals – koalas, kangaroos, into conflict with the Aborigines; great science and technology, decorative arts and everyday lives of dingoes, wombats, Tasmanian devils and platypus in natural cattle stations (ranches) were founded; Australians as well as a NASA space station, 1930s cinema, gas- environments. Also features a spectacular view of Sydney’s cattle drives were made across trackless filled plasma ball, fashion through the centuries, computers and harbour. wastes; gold was discovered and interactive exhibitions. fortunes made and lost in boom towns; BEYOND SYDNEY railroads were built along old wagon The Changing exhibits trace the rich culture and environment of Australia from thousands of Centennial Park A 544 acre (220 hectare) tranquil reserve with routes, and paddlewheelers were built 9 abundance of birdlife, including black swans. First opened in for transport along the mighty Murray years ago to the present. Permanent exhibits include Aboriginal Australia, mammals, birds, insects, fossils, dinosaurs and more. 1888 to commemorate the arrival of the First Fleet. Combines River. These experiences, set in a the formality of a Victorian garden with the natural beauty of land that for decades remained at the Australian National Maritime Museum Features native plants and ornamental lakes. ends of the world’s transportation and Aboriginal maritime cultures, early Asian contacts, 10 Botany Bay National Park This park is protected for its communication lines, bred an enduring European discovery and sea travel to Australia since convict historic significance: Captain Cook landed there in 1770 and frontier spirit and independent attitude times. Learn about the Navy and water sports, and explore a fleet later in 1788; French explorer LaPerouse anchored there just six into the Aussie. These traits persist of historic vessels moored at the wharves. A special gallery pays days after the arrival of the First Fleet. The Discovery Centre today even though the majority of tribute to 200 years of U.S.-Australian maritime cooperation. features exhibitions about Cook. The LaPerouse Museum houses Australians now dwell in coastal cities Hyde Park This is the green heart of the city. At the fascinating relics of the French expedition. There is also adjacent and the well-watered lands of the 11 southern end stands the Anzac War Memorial, with an Aboriginal Art Gallery. Located at Kurnell and LaPerouse. southeast. sculptures and exhibits of Australian exploits from the Boer SHORE EXCURSIONS To make the most of your visit to POINTS OF INTEREST War to the Vietnam War. Enjoy the 1932Archibald Fountain and stroll through Queen’s Square to the colonial Saint James’ Sydney and surrounding areas we suggest you take one of our Captain Phillip Church. organized Shore Excursions. For information concerning tour 1 sailed into Sydney Cove in January content and pricing, consult your Shore Excursion Brochure, 1788 to establish the First Settlement Royal Botanical Gardens This superb 74 acre (30 hectare) botanical collection is located on the harbour Shore Excursion TV Channel or contact the Shore Excursion and since then this bustling port has 12 Desk. When going ashore, guests are advised to take with them been a focal point of Sydney. The foreshore and is the oldest scientific institution in Australia. Garden features include Palm Grove, the first farm site in only the items they need and to secure any valuables. restored eastern-end wool stores now © 2008 maps.com house quality restaurants, shops and Sydney, and the Sydney Tropical Centre; the Arc and Pyramid LOCAL CUSTOMS Tipping: While tipping is still optional in Rising from Centrepoint Shopping Complex Glasshouses focus on the wonders of tropical ecosystems, with galleries. Take a stroll along this scenic foreshore promenade and bounded by Pitt, Market and Castlereagh streets, this Australia it is increasingly seen at better hotels, restaurants and and enjoy cafés, shops and regular street entertainment. It is also 4 exotic plants from the world’s rainforests. Superb views of the in taxis. As a general rule in restaurants add 5%-10% of the bill is Australia’s tallest structure. It soars 1,000 feet (305 m). The harbour and city skyline may be seen from Mrs. Macquarie’s Sydney’s busiest commuter terminus – scenic cruises and ferries observation level provides fascinating views over Sydney and depending on service and in taxis add 5%-10% depending on depart for all parts of the harbour. Point; she was the wife of one of the early governors of New the length of the trip. beyond, with high-powered binoculars. Facilities include a café South Wales. She had a stone chair hewn in the rock at the end of “The Coathanger” was completed and information services. the point, where she could watch for ships entering the harbour. Local Cuisine: Sydney offers a wide variety of quality produce. 2 in 1932 connecting the north and south shores with a Cadman’s Cottage Built in 1815 off George Street, the Gardens open daily from sunrise to sunset. Free (except for the The ordinary fare has been pushed aside as restauranteurs seek 1,650 feet (503m) span. For a magnificent view of the harbour, cottage is Sydney’s oldest surviving residential building. It Tropical Centre). out regional specialties. From New South Wales, you may climb the 200 steps at the southeast of the bridge, from 5 sample Sydney rock oysters, honey from Mudgee, mushrooms now houses the New South Wales National Parks and Wildlife Sydney Aquarium Boasts the world’s largest collection Cumberland Street, The Rocks, and visit the Pylon Lookout. Service shop and information center. from Orange, lamb from Illabo, and the Southern Highlands’ of Australian aquatic life. Confront dangerous crocodiles, gourmet potatoes. Also try the olive oil of South Australia, Built 1952-73 from a design by 13 Hyde Park Barracks This 1819 landmark is a museum. explore Australia’s largest river system, wander through a salmon farmed in Tasmania, soft fruit and dairy produce Danish architect Joernl Utzon, this is one of the architectural 3 The elegant Georgian building, designed as convict mangrove swamp, admire the color of the Great Barrier Reef from Victoria, reef fish and exotic fruit from Queensland, and wonders of the world, with vaulted roof shells rising like 6 accommodations, depicts the daily life of convicts through and walk on water while seals swim beneath. A highlight is the Western Australian farmhouse cheeses. The adventurous can billowing sails against the harbour backdrop. It provides a exhibitions, an innovative soundscape and a rich archaeological huge collection of sharks in the Open Ocean exhibit. sample kangaroo, crocodile, camel or try witchetty grubs. Once world-class cultural center, including a concert hall and theaters collection. a mainstay of Aboriginal diet, these small larvae have not started for opera, ballet, drama and dance. continued over