Travelore Tips: 20 Free Things To Do In Sydney

Contributed by Sarah Gilbert·  

You don't need a fat wallet to enjoy the glamour and chic of Sydney. These 20 attractions, activities and icons won't cost you a cent.

Walkers on the Bondi to Coogee Walk approaching Waverly Cemetery. Image by Lindsay Brown / Lonely Planet Images / Getty Images.

Take the Bondi to Coogee Walk

One of the most spectacular walks and coastlines you could hope to see, this route takes in some of Sydney’s most iconic beaches. In late spring, check out the free Sculpture by the Sea (www.sculpturebythesea.com).

Stroll the Sydney Harbour Bridge

The climb will set you back at least $148, but you can get the next best thing for nix by simply strolling along the pedestrian pathway at the bridge’s eastern edge.

Sydney Harbour Bridge from the air. Image by Wikimedia Commons.

Gaze out from North Head Lookout

Enjoy sweeping views from the mouth of the harbour to Sydney’s skyscrapers, and if you’re lucky, spot a whale or two. Sunsets at north head are spectacular (www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/sydney-harbour-national-park/north-head/lookout).

Feast your eyes at the Art Gallery of NSW

Entry to Sydney’s premier art institution is free, with everything from Indigenous to Asian art on display. Wednesday nights are a bonus with free talks and films. See www.artgallery.nsw.gov.au for a schedule.

The Art Gallery of NSW. Image by Kayhadrin. CC BY-SA 2.0.

Experience tranquillity at the Royal Botanic Gardens

These beautifully kept and appointed gardens have everything from succulents to herbs, as well as a tropical greenhouse. A perfect picnic spot in the heart of the city. Time your visit for one of the excellent free tours.

Bob in the waters of Camp Cove

Avoid the crowds at Bondi by heading to Sydney’s most intimate beach, where you can pitch your umbrella at the very doorstep of one of the city’s priciest homes before floating in the wave-free harbour.

Tap your toes at Opera Bar

This lovely terrace bar with sumptuous harbour views has free live music each night and on weekend afternoons. For another free live music venue, try the Beach Road Hotel in Bondi (beachroadbondi.com.au).

Relax in Bronte Park

Coin-operated public barbecues make this Sydney’s best (almost free) al fresco lunch spot. Take a dip before squeezing your sausages in between a Korean family grill and a Brazilian meatfest, while enjoying the sparkling sea views.

Luna Park, Sydney by Jan Smith. CC BY 2.0.

Raise a smile at Luna Park

There's no entry fee to this historic fun park with killer harbour views. It’s $10 per ride, though, with adorably retro Coney Island offering the best value for money.

Spot sea creatures at Shelly Beach

The Sydney Aquarium is pricey but you can see plenty of marine life in its natural habitat at Shelly Beach. Take the Manly ferry and some swimming goggles. Other good places to spot sea life are Clovelly and Gordon’s Bay.

Vulture some culture at the Museum of Contemporary Art

Overlooking Circular Quay, this recently expanded gallery’s permanent collection can be seen for free, though its featured exhibitions carry a hefty price tag.

Get lost in the Royal National Park

The second-oldest national park in the world, the Royal is home to over 100km of walking tracks through littoral rainforest gullies, over dramatic windswept cliffs and down to pristine beaches. Camping and picnic sites abound. The cost is $11 per vehicle but it's free on foot. Take the train to Cronulla then the ferry, or just get off the train at Waterfall (www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/Royal-National-Park).

Be uplifted at St James' and St Mary’s

Two of Sydney’s loveliest churches are separated by just a short walk across Hyde Park. St Mary’s is a prime example of English Neo-Gothic style with some interesting local touches in its crypt (free tours after Sunday Mass), while the elegant St James’ was designed by a convict architect, James Greenway.

Get quirky at the White Rabbit Gallery

This is a surprising and delightful little gallery devoted exclusively to contemporary Chinese art. Entry is free Thursday-Sunday, and there is an excellent tea room downstairs. There are guides all over the place willing to explain the art, as well as free tours (www.whiterabbitcollection.org).

Browse at Eveleigh Market

Every Saturday from 8am, enjoy gourmet eats in a funky industrial setting. Check out the artisans’ market on the first Sunday of the month, which offers excellent local design and craft goods to browse (www.eveleighmarket.com.au).

Soak up the sun at Centennial Park

Unemployed men were enlisted to turn this marshy catchment area into a huge English-style park, which opened in 1901 – the birthday of Australia’s federation – for the enjoyment of all Sydneysiders. Keep your eye out for free events in the warmer months (www.centennialparklands.com.au).

Panorama of Manly by Nigel Howe. CC BY 2.0.

Meander the Spit to Manly Walk

One of Sydney’s best walks takes you from the Spit Bridge at Mosman, through the Sydney Harbour National Park with its fascinating Aboriginal rock art, past Manly Cove, across North Head and down to Manly’s famous beach. You can download a free map here: www.walkingcoastalsydney.com.au.

Treat your ears at Conservatorium Wednesdays

Australia’s premier musical training institution hosts its Lunchbreak series during the academic year, with free classical music – see music.sydney.edu.au/event-listings for the schedule.

Experience history at The Rocks Discovery Museum

Entry to this museum is free, making it the perfect starting point for an exploration of Sydney’s oldest neighbourhood, as well as the area’s rich Aboriginal heritage.

Peruse Paddington Markets

Smack in the middle of Paddington’s famed shopping strip, Sydney’s most browse-worthy markets offer a chance to pick up a unique souvenir or just while away a lazy Saturday (www.paddingtonmarkets.com.au).

Even more tips on saving cents in Sydney

Sydney has recently been scoring quite high on lists of the world’s most expensive cities. Here are some tips for saving cash:

• Pick up a copy of Time Out ($4.95) or Friday’s edition of The Sydney Morning Herald ($2) to look up free shows and events.
• For cheap movies, search online for Event Cinemas, Palace Cinemas, Dendy and Hoyts – they all have cheap days.
• Book launches and gallery openings are good ways to soak up the local culture, and there is usually complimentary wine. Try RoslynOxley9 gallery and Gleebooks.
• For cheap eats, pubs and clubs are definitely the go. Try the Norfolk and the Shakespeare in Surry Hills, or the North Bondi RSL for a cheap burger with a million-dollar view.
• There’s a dearth of free wi-fi in Sydney, so when you get sick of the smell of McDonalds, try public libraries - Customs House at Circular Quay is the best.
• For cheap theatre tickets, try the terrific Stables Theatre in Kings Cross, which hosts pay-what-you-can Mondays. For cheap tickets to any of the shows in town, go to www.halftix.com.au.

Read more: http://www.lonelyplanet.com/australia/travel-tips-and-articles/77780#ixzz2qWsKDP1c

Delta Air Lines To Offer JFK-Malaga Spain Nonstop Service In 2014

Flight to operate from June, offering nearly 2,000 weekly seats to and from United States

Delta Air Lines has confirmed that its seasonal nonstop flight between Malaga Costa del Sol Airport and New York, JFK will recommence, effective June 6, 2014.  The flight will initially operate four times weekly in June increasing to five times weekly in July in conjunction with Delta’s joint venture partner Air France KLM.

Delta’s flight from Malaga features 15 seats in BusinessElite, with passengers enjoying a five course meal with wines chosen by Master Sommelier, Andrea Robinson.

Customers flying in Economy Comfort, Delta’s premium economy service, benefit from up to four additional inches of legroom and 50 percent more recline than Delta’s standard international Economy class seats, as well as priority boarding.

Passengers flying into New York-JFK will benefit from Delta’s new JFK Terminal 4, part of a $1.4 billion project to create a state-of-the-art international gateway.    

Other product initiatives being rolled out across Delta’s international fleet include the expansion of Wi-Fi service by the end of 2015.  The introduction of Wi-Fi on Delta operated flights between Spain and the U.S. will enable customers to get online throughout their journey. 

Delta’s seasonal nonstop service between Malaga and New York, JFK will operate as follows:

Flight	Departs	Arrives	Days of week
DL0214	New York (JFK)8:40pm	Malaga (AGP) 10:20am (+1 day)	June: Mon, Thu, Fri, Sun July:  Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri, Sun
DL0215	Malaga (AGP) 11:50am	New York (JFK) 2:07pm	June: Mon, Tue, Fri, Sat July: Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri, Sat

*Revised schedule times and other relevant information will be reflected on delta.com from Dec. 21 onwards

For more information please visit www.delta.com

MALAGA

Located in Andalusia, Malaga is one of Spain's foremost holiday destinations thanks to its mild weather, its beaches and its outstanding offer of golf courses. In addition to its historical and architectural marvels (from a Roman amphitheater to a Moorish fortress), art enthusiasts flock to Malaga to enjoy the Picasso Museum, a magnificent collection of Malaga’s most prominent son.

Every August Malaga celebrates its traditional fair (Feria de Malaga). During the Fair, the streets of the city center are adorned with paper lanterns and floral displays. Booths are set up, there are performances for children and adults, music and dance, and decked out horses and carriages attempting to make their way through it all. The sound of flamenco is everywhere, along with less traditional music.

Venturing out of Malaga City along the Costa del Sol (Sun Coast) is a must. Visitors will enjoy the incomparable beauty of towns like Ronda and Mijas, and the luxurious lifestyle of Marbella, to name a few.

Malaga is conveniently connected via high-speed train with Cordoba (50 min), Seville (2 hours) and Madrid (2.5 hours.)

For more information please visit www.spain.info/en_US/que-quieres/ciudades-pueblos/grandes-ciudades/malaga.html

Travelore Tips: The Top 5 Museum Restaurants In The World

After a day of taking in culture and admiring art, travelers have earned their coffee and a fantastic view. Whether you are planning a romantic dinner or just looking for a spot to grab a light meal during your next museum day, the members and editors of VirtualTourist.com have compiled the Top 5 Museum Restaurants.

1. Musee d'Orsay Restaurant & Café Campana at Musee d'Orsay - Paris, France Museums are one of the most highly regarded architectural landmarks of our time, but few new builds can compare to the history of the Musee d’Orsay. Housed in a former train station, the museum holds some of the greatest artistic treasures from 1848 to the mid 20th century. Attached to the station was a luxury hotel, the dining room of which was preserved and turned into the museum’s primary restaurant. With gilded ceilings and ornate chandeliers, it is just as dramatic as when it opened over 100 years ago. In addition the traditional restaurant, the museum also revamped the Café de l’Horloge in its recent renovation. Now called the Café Campana, the eatery located behind the building’s clock face, was inspired by Emile Galle, a French glassmaker, and the Art Nouveau movement. The main restaurant hosts a special Thursday evening deal, during which includes a discovery menu, drinks, and entrance to the museum’s collections for 55 Euros. (Photo Credit: Musee d’Orsay restaurant in the former station hotel’s dining room, courtesy of the Musee d’Orsay)

2. The Modern at MoMA - New York City, New York Few restaurants in general can boast a Michelin star or three stars from the New York Times, and the Modern at the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA)has garnered both. The restaurant is part of chef Danny Meyer’s Union Square Hospitality Group, serving French-American cuisine with Alsatian influence. The Dining Room serves a prix-fixe menu and overlooks 31 sculptures in the Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Sculpture Garden.  The venue also has a more casual option, the Bar Room, which serves small plates and accepts walk-ins. Offerings include Langoustine and Razor Clam Tartare, Squab and Foie Gras Croustillant, and a Modern Black Forest Fantaisie. (Photo Credit: The Dining Room at The Modern, courtesy of Union Square Hospitality Group)

3. Collections Café at Chihuly Garden and Glass - Seattle, Washington Located in Seattle Center in the shadow of the Space Needle, Chihuly Garden and Glass spans 1.5 acres and provides an overview of the career and work of glass artist Dale Chihuly. In addition to the centerpiece Glasshouse, the Exhibition Hall houses eight galleries and the Collections Café, the venue’s primary eatery. The Café décor highlights Chihuly’s passion for collecting, including his collection of vintage accordions, which hang from the ceiling.  The menu is inspired by Chihuly’s travels with ingredients and wines sourced from the Northwest – highlights include a variety of fish dishes, as well as pork, meatball, and lamb dishes as well. The venue serves lunch, dinner, and a weekend brunch menu, making it very convenient for any visitors to Seattle Center. (Photo Credit: Interior of Collections Café, courtesy of Chihuly Garden and Glass)

4. Acropolis Museum Restaurant - Athens, Greece Most travelers to Greece plan to visit ruins, but what about admiring them during a delicious meal? The Acropolis Museum is only 300 meters (984 feet) from the Acropolis itself, on the pedestrian walkway of Dionysiou Areopagitou Street, the central route for exploring the city’s archaeological sites. This conveniently location makes it a great place to grab a bite after a long day of exploring the ruins. The museum’s restaurant provides panoramic, unobstructed views of the Acropolis and a menu comprised of hot dishes based on traditional Greek favorites. The restaurant is open during Museum opening hours, but also on Friday nights, when it stays open until 12 midnight and offers exceptional night views of the Acropolis. (Photo Credit: Night view from the Restaurant, Courtesy of Acropolis Museum)

5. Ray's at Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) - Los Angeles, California Just under three years old, Ray’s at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art is a truly Californian take on museum dining. In the center of the BP Grand Entrance, the restaurant is completely open to the courtyard, providing great people watching and al fresco dining, as well as a view of Chris Burden’sUrban Light sculpture. With an on-site garden and a wood-burning oven and grill, the restaurant’s cuisine emphasizes farm-to-table, seasonal fare, including peppers and sunchokes from the garden, wood fired pizzas, and a variety of small plates. The venue also garnered press for its extensive Water Menu, offering twenty different types of bottle water from around the world. If you’re planning on visiting LAthis month, Ray’s will be participating in DineLA week, serving a three-course menu for only $35 USD. DineLA, Los Angeles’ restaurant week, runs from January 20 – 31, 2014. Whether you are looking for Michelin-starred cuisine with a sculpture view or an inside look into an artist’s personal collections, these five museum restaurants provide a distinctly artistic take on dining. For travels within the US or world-wide, don’t forget to check out VirtualTourist.com for recommendations and tips from real travelers with unique experiences.

West Africa's Best Wildlife Parks

Contributed·by Emile Filou 

Everyone knows about the great national parks of eastern and southern Africa – Masai Mara, Kruger and Serengeti all conjure up images of majestic landscapes, packs of lions lazing in the shade and herds of elephants roaming the savannah. But have you heard of Mole, Pendjari and Waza? These wildlife reserves are some of the finest in West Africa – they may not be as famous but the wildlife is just as diverse, safaris cost a fraction of those in eastern and southern Africa and you’re unlikely to be bothered by crowds. Here are our top five blissfully low-key West African parks.

Two elephant bulls in an aggressive confrontation in Mole National Park. Image by Mint Images - Frans Lanting / the Agency Collection / Getty Images.

Parc National de la Pendjari, Benin

Surrounded by the beautiful Atakora Mountains, the Pendjari (www.pendjari.net) is probably the best park in West Africa. It has ‘big-ticket’ wildlife – lions, elephants, cheetahs, baboons – and plenty more for those with the patience to seek it. The infrastructure is fantastic too, with sensational guides and accommodation right at the heart of the park to enjoy drives at sunrise and sunset, when wildlife is at its best. Stay at the lovely ecolodge Pendjari Lodge (www.pendjari-lodge.com), or the more old-fashioned Hôtel de la Pendjari.

To organise your trip to Pendjari, look no further than the excellent Bénin Aventure (www.beninaventure.com).

Réserve de Nazinga, Burkina Faso

It may not be a national park, but it certainly matches the best. The star attractions at Nazinga are its elephants, which you have a good chance of seeing year-round: they love roaming through Ranch de Nazinga, the reserve’s main hotel, and wallowing in the nearby lake (they’ve also been known to swim in the deep lake). Elsewhere in the reserve, you’ll see monkeys, antelope, crocodiles, and a profusion of birds.

You’ll need your own vehicle to get to Nazinga. The best tour operator in Burkina is Couleurs d’Afrique (www.couleurs-afrique.com), who can organise stays in the reserve.

Traditional pirogue passes the mangroves in Makasutu Culture Forest. Image by Andrew Burke / Lonely Planet Images / Getty Images.

Mole National Park, Ghana

The most amazing thing about Mole (www.molemotelgh.com) is how cheap and accessible it is: independent travellers can easily get here by public transport from Tamale, admission fees are under US$10 and walking safaris are standard (although if you did want to go on a game drive, the park has a 4x4 for hire). And then of course there is the Mole Motel, a little overpriced but in an unbeatable location overlooking the park plains, with premium views of what the animals – elephants, warthogs, baboons, antelope, birds – are up to. There is even a swimming pool for a refreshing dip in between outings.

If you don’t fancy trying Ghanaian public transport, Abacar Tours (www.abacar-tours.com) will see you right.

Tiwai Island Wildlife Sanctuary, Sierra Leone

This small island on the Moa River in Sierra Leone is unlike any other reserve or park in West Africa: with 11 species of primate present in the sanctuary (www.tiwaiisland.org), it is one of the very few places in West Africa where you are virtually guaranteed to see chimpanzees and other endangered primates such as the beautiful Colobus and Diana monkeys. There are other rare species such as the endemic pygmy hippopotamus, river otters and more than 130 species of bird. There are guided excursions on the islands and nearby villages, and you can stay the night on a simple, covered platform. The sanctuary is easily reached by taxi from Bo or Kenema but do stay the night in Tiwai if you are using public transport.

Visit Sierra Leone (www.visitsierraleone.org) can help you arrange transport and tours.

Floating lodge at Makasutu in The Gambia by Steve Garvie. CC BY-SA 2.0.

Makasutu Culture Forest, The Gambia

The Gambia is known far and wide for its outstanding birdlife and many seasoned birdwatchers come back here year after year. Makasutu Culture Forest (www.mandinalodges.com/makasutu-forest) is certainly one of the choice picks in the country – although we’re talking shades of superlatives here. This small reserve is a kaleidoscope of The Gambia’s varied landscape and birdlife. You could easily visit from Banjul on a daytrip but if money is no object, treat yourself to a couple of nights at Mandina River Lodge (www.mandinalodges.com), a gorgeous boutique eco-retreat.

Makasutu organises packages with stays at Mandina Lodge; day visitors can use the park’s minibus from nearby Brikama and get the same excellent guides.

Practical tips

• The best time to see wildlife in West Africa is December to April, when the grass has been burnt (which improves visibility) and the dry season forces animals to congregate around water holes.
• Tracks are generally impassable in the rainy season (July-September) and parks often close.
• Entry fees vary from under US$10 in Mole to US$28 for Makasutu, a bargain compared to other parts of Africa.
• Bring sunscreen and plenty of insect repellent – or wear light, long-sleeved clothing and long trousers.
• Malaria is present in all national parks: take precautions.
• Pack binoculars and a wildlife field guide.

Read more: http://www.lonelyplanet.com/africa/travel-tips-and-articles/77770#ixzz2qIK49uo3