Advantages: What a beautiful city!!!
Disadvantages: Don't go when it's really hot or when there are tonnes of tourists

...I had the opportunity to visit Sydney, Australia in March of 1999. This was the most beautiful city I have ever seen! From the transportation, to the accommodations, to the people, everything was superb. Sitting right on the harbour, it offers great sunrises, and lovely crisp days. In March, it rains more often than not, however the rain lasting several hours and stopping for the rest of the day. The transportation system is incredible. Whether by bus, car, or ferry, there is virtually no problems, at least none that I came across. If you have any questions about how to get around or where to go, asking someone on the street does quite well as the people there are very friendly. For those interested in some tourist highlights, I would recommend the following: 1. The Harbour Bridge Climb: For AU$100, you can view Sydney... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: Food was excellent, great city views and well-equipped gym
Disadvantages: Casino a bit drab, but is being upgraded.

...This review for Ciao describes my stay (during August 2008) at the glittering Star City Casino Hotel, located in Pyrmont, an inner city suburb of Sydney Australia. Previous reviews of this hotel have only really described the casino area, but you can have a great time staying here even if you aren't into gambling, because there's lots of places to eat and things to see and do. Also I took a few photos at the hotel, and readers may be interested in these. Good points were as follows. Excellent proximity to the downtown area. It was easy to get to most of Sydney's attractions from here. For example there is a monorail which runs very near to the hotel, and this got me in no time to shopping areas downtown. This facility runs every two or three minutes. However, it's a pleasant 15 min walk if you prefer walking and there's lots... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: A Great Night Out For a Meal, Theatre Production and Casino Spending!
Disadvantages: SPEND SPEND SPEND. Prepare to Use Lots of Money

...When i looked at the previous reviews for this I was astonished not only to find one review, but the fact it wasn't even about this casino! I felt compiled to write a review and give Star City Casino of Australia the proper review that it deserves. During my travels around Australia i spent a month in Sydney (please see my other reviews about Sydney) and was amazed by the diversity of the attractions available. Star City Casino is one of the most extravagant, luxurious and star quality attractions that Sydney has to offer, whether you are a backpacker, on a hen or stag night or there on an adult family holiday. The outside of the building is utterly impressive adorned with lights (the firework name "Star City" formation was fantastic), moving escalators, cascading waterfalls and water features, extensive plants and trees... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: Awesome place/great photo opportunities!
Disadvantages: I was jet lagged when we saw it!

...in an old naval base! It really was the bare essentials with bunk beds, but it was the most basic place we stayed in. And perhaps appropriately the most uncomfortable on the first few days, when we were absolutely knackered from jet lag and would be prepared to sleep anywhere. Our first real day of the tour (not in a plane), we officially 'did' Sydney Harbour bay. However if you go to Sydney do not do it the same day as you land. We were knackered and this may have meant we didn't appreciate the places we were seeing in Sydney as much as you would if you were 'fresh'. Sydney Harbour bay is the most iconic place in Australia and the most popular tourist destination. This review is about Sydney Harbour bay rather than Sydney as a city: We took the local Sea Cat Ferry down river into Sydney Harbour. The best way to see the harbour... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful

Advantages: Weather, Scenery, Culture
Disadvantages: Too far from UK!

...will often see flights advertised for about £700, including three stop overs in Australia. (For my money, these would be into Perth, then Uluru, Sydney and Great Barrier Reef). I always bought Round the World tickets, (RTW), as these are invariable cheaper than a direct return flight. Sometimes the savings for me was as much as $2500 AUS. Many specialist travel companies such as Trailfinders have good reputations in tickets of these types. However the cheaper the ticket, the more restrictions, so be sure, before you book anything. Oh, and don’t forget to get your Visa. Everyone who wants to gain entry to Australia must have a Visa, unless you are a New Zealander. When you land, you could get a coach to the city for a few bucks, or alternatively just get a cab, which typically cost me about $35 to North Sydney. Accommodation... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: Excellent City, Clean streets, Great Transport, Loads to do
Disadvantages: Changable and Blustery in Winter, A Bit too far from Ireland

...I stayed in Sydney for over 10 months in 2003 and the hardest thing I had to do was to leave the place. Sydney is an amazing city, with so much to do you will never get bored. From the Harbour area to the beaches of Bondi - theres something for everyone. When we arrived we did the usual tourist trips, Opera House, Harbour Bridge, Trips on the Harbour Ferries, Centrepoint Tower but as time went on we found a hidden Sydney. These are areas or items in Sydney which are not on the usual tourist trail. Places like Suzannah Place in the Rocks whic