THE ROCKS
Walking tours include THE ROCKS where the first convicts set up their tents in 1788, aptly naming it to describe the rocky terrain. There are many remnants and reminders of the intriguing past of this historic area that could be missed by the casual unguided tourist – narrow lanes, stone stairs, cobblestone alleys, a beautiful old Observatory, old pubs and many excellent restaurants as well as charming cafes set in tiny gardens.
MACQUARIE STREET
MACQUARIE STREET is the most popular walk. This elegant thoroughfare is home to the Law, the Parliament, the State Library, Sydney Hospital, doctors rooms, the old Mint (where the gold from 'the diggings' was turned into coins), the HPB, the Botanic Gardens and many fine buildings established in the early days of the colony. The Hyde Park Barracks was designed by a convict and built by convicts to house convicts; you may still swing in one of the convict-style hammocks housed in this old building which has been impressively restored. You will see bewigged barristers hurrying to the Macquarie Street courts, their gowns blowing in the breeze. You may inspect the beautiful mosaic map in the foyer of the State Library of Abel Tasman's 17th Century voyages to our region, and one or more of the many exhibitions always on view in the Library. Finish the walk with a visit to the delightful rose garden in the Royal Botanic Gardens.
CHINESE GARDEN
There are many City walks. The CHINESE GARDEN at Darling Harbour, for instance, is wonderfully tranquil, despite its proximity to bustling Chinatown. A botanist guide will walk you through the garden explaining the philosophy of the design and describing the various plants and trees. Tea is available in the Pavilion Tea House and a tour of Chinatown is optional.
PADDINGTON
PADDINGTON, an inner Sydney suburb significantly gentrified over the past few decades, is well known for its terrace houses decorated with iron lace of differing styles a la New Orleans . A few of the tiny houses built by the earliest settlers in the area can still be seen. Paddington is the centre of Sydney's art gallery scene. Take time out to explore them and the local antique shops, and have a coffee, a beer or a meal at one of the district's many cafes, pubs or fine restaurants. played by the Australian Army Band.
BEHIND THE SCENES TOURS
BEHIND THE SCENES TOURS provide an insight into some of the less readily apparent activities to be found in a big city. The tours include visits to the Sydney Theatre Company and the Australian Opera where one may see the sets, costumes, props, wigs, shoes, hats being made for forthcoming productions of these companies and, if one is lucky, perhaps sit in on a rehearsal. The Colleges of the University of Sydney may be visited and one may lunch in the refectory with the students. Behind the Scenes Tours may include visits to the ABC (the National broadcaster), the beautifully refurbished old Post Office now the WESTIN Hotel , the Jewish Museum (the Museum of the Holocaust), and The Great Synagogue and St. Mary's Cathedral, both buildings of architectural and, of course, religious importance.
INTRODUCTION TO SYDNEY
The half day INTRODUCTION TO SYDNEY coach-and-stroll excursion takes in the CBD, Millers Point (an interesting inner city area adjoining the Rocks), the Botanic Gardens, the Eastern Suburbs where there are many grand houses showing an interesting mix of architectural styles, and from where there are constant views of the Harbour and the City. Visit Watsons Bay overlooking the Pacific Ocean at South Head which looks across to North Head, the one mile of water between these two Heads comprising the entrance through which all shipping visiting Port Jackson must pass. Once past these 'Heads' the ocean swell is left behind and one is in what many have described as the finest harbour in the world. Return to the city is via the beautiful surfing beach of Bondi where it is de rigueur to enjoy a gelato while watching the rolling surf.
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