paulry

I'll be in Sydney for 4-5 days next month with my family, and expect we'll be using the public transport (buses, trains, ferries) a lot. Does anyone know if there any public deals available? Is there any advantage in getting an Opal card to use during that time?

Molly Coddle

Walk you lazy bugger!

Bermudashorts

I am not sure what you mean by "public deals"? Sydney transport is pretty cheap anyway. I haven't got an opal card yet, but I believe after you have made 8 trips in a week all trips thereafter are free. You might as well get one I think.

paulry

Sorry, a typo. I meant public transport deals.

paulry

carolinephillips

If you are going to a lot of places during the day, including ferries then try a one day pass. They used to do it, but since the introduction of the opal card I don't know if it is available now.

What are you hoping to see whilst here?

Dreamy

I'd definitely get an Opal card, saves on hassle, cost and having to faff about.

You can pre-order them:

Opal cards for tourists

paulry

Pretty much all the main attractions. We need to work out a plan but will go to all the harbourside icons as well as places like Taronga Zoo, Bondi, etc. Taking my sister on the tourist trail mostly.

paulry

Thanks, those are what I need

carolinephillips

Bondi isn't worth it. It was dirty, crowded, shabby and small when we went. Too many people who have been drinking. Go on the ferry from Circular Quay to Manly- a much nicer family friendly beach, with good cafes and a shopping strip that has market stalls at the weekends. You get a brilliant view of the Opera House and the Bridge too, and all the little spots on the Harbour. There is often a commentary too. Manly also has its own aquarium.

paulry

Yeah, Bondi is the most over-rated Aussie icon, but seeing is believing. That coastal walk starting at Bondi is good though.

Hmmm.... Manly. Not so sure about that. The last time I went there I walked for miles and miles. Good beers and company at the end though

Beoz

I go Opal everywhere when I don't drive. Don't look at the bill so no idea what it costs to take public transport in Sydney. From time to time I throw in an expenses claim. I think one way on a train anywhere central is a bit over 3 dollars. I think they reduce it if you take lots of trips.

tartankoala

^^^^ This, so much this.

Beoz

Bondi does need a paint job. From the surface it looks a bit 'so this is it?' I think part of the problem is the beach and sea is too far removed from the shops and backstreets. It has that big piece of green grass and a road separating the 2. The two need to be somehow joined together. Perhaps they need to build some low rise buildings on the green grass with cafes and shops. The walk from Bondi down to Bronte and beyond is great and the north end is great for just sitting around watching the world go by. Manly has that connector between the shops and the beach but the beach at Manly is boring. Too long too far away to interesting headlands. And Manly is insular. Locals only type feel meaning the people watching is pretty drab. Bondi gets all the unique fruitcakes.

Beoz

Bondi v Manly - no contest on City to Surf weekend