The Rocks Markets

Markets... most of them are free to visit, they are always in cool places/venues/ Always have good food and you're out and about walking getting exercise. Markets = Winning.

Set in Sydney's historic 'The Rocks' location, the equally named 'The Rocks Markets' takes place every weekend.

With a wide variety of homewares, trinkets, Australian souvenirs and food, you'll be sure to find something that you like... or just walk around and have a stickybeak.

Its a great FREE way to see a small bit of Sydney's history and shop at the same time.

If you're driving - Leave the car at home and catch the train. Get off at the Circular Quay stop and walk towards the bridge - you'll soon find the markets. Parking will cost you... A LOT! best go with the public transport for this one!

www.therocks.com

Goat Island Heritage Tour

I worked in North Sydney and lived at McMahons Point for about 4 years... I was very lucky to have views or Sydney Harbour and the opera house, as well as all the little islands that dotted the harbour. I never once stop to think - What is on those islands...

10 years later, I finally decided to check out what had been in my back yard all those many years ago. I always was blind to Sydney's historical side. distracted by the fast pace life of the city.

I took my Mum and my Aunt with me on this walking tour of Goat Island. It was used. Like most things historic in Sydney, this island has a lot of history tie up in Convicts and military. The island was never overly inhabited, but a few houses are built here (Absolutely beautiful).

A hell of a lot of explosives were kept here on this island, that was its main use.

Its most famous use in recent history was its icon place in the Australia police drama 'Water Rats'.

It is now a part of the Sydney Harbour National Park and a protected space.

Ripples on the water

Milsons Point, holds a soft place in my heart. I use to live in the neighboring suburb, McMahons Point and spent every afternoon running around Milsons Point and every morning in the Olympic Pool. There is an atmosphere here that is hard to explain, but its a nice place to be.

I don't think Milsons Point gets enough attention. It has one of the best views of the Harbour and the famous Sydney icons. It is the home of Sydney's Luna Park. You have amazing views of Balmain to the west, and the harbour to the east. Really, what more could you ask for?

There aren't lot of restaurants, but the few that are here are top quality. Ripples Cafe in particular is great. They are open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, or in my case I met with my friend Peter for a mid morning brunch session.

Luna Park is now as iconic as the Harbour Bridge for most Sydney-siders. The big smiling face watches over the harbour and welcomes you in to an art deco world (it opened in the 1930's) of childhood fun and excitement. Not into rides? Not a problem, you can enter Luna Park for free! Yep - pop your walking shoes on, take a stroll through the amusement park and people watch, its a lot of fun!

If you do want to go on the rides and have some fun at Coney Island then this is what you will be looking at - price wise

How do you get to Milsons Point? Coming from the city there are 4 ways.

1. Ferry - You can catch a ferry from Circular Quay to Milsons Point, this is fun because you get to be out on the harbour and its not that expensive
2. Train/bus - Its kind of cool, you get a good view as you go over the bridge... but its a train.
3. WALK - always my favourite! Its free, its fun and you get to walk across the bridge! You need to start at The Rocks and it will take you right over to Milsons Point. Great to do at dusk.
4. Drive - There is parking it's all metered

Places to stay? I can only advise on one place - as this is the only place I have stayed at to vouch for. The Vibe Hotel at Milsons Point is easy to get to, nice rooms, good price (but not super cheap) and great service.

Sydney

Just out and about in Sydney...

Sangria, Tapas and some busking.

The icons

Some beautiful icons of Sydney...

Taronga Zoo - The Animals

Did you know that Taronga Zoo hasn't always been located where it is today?

Way back in 1884 the zoo was originally located in Moore Park, Sydney! As this original venue was too small, and developers wanted to adapt the 'no-bars' zoo layout, land was acquired on the other side of the Harbour for the zoo to be relocated to. There is lots of interesting information about the history of the zoo here. I am probably incorrect, but from what I know, the only remaining orignal structure is the elephant temple, which is heritage listed.

Admission Prices (from the website at time of publishing this post)

• Adults $44
• Children (4-15 years) $22
• Children (under 4) Free
• Concession $31.50
• Families SAVE 15%: adult $37.40, child $18.70
  (minimum 3 guests with 1 child aged 4-15 years visiting)

Going to the zoo is a full day experience! Its worth while to plan ahead, and to assist with this, you can use the interactive map on Taronga Zoo's website.

There is plenty of interaction to be found throughout the day - From giraffe feeding, to the famous bird show.

There is a 'food court' and bar at the zoo, but if you are traveling and on a budget - bring a packed lunch and save your money for treats (coffee, ice cream) and souvenirs.

Taronga Zoo is open 365 days a year! Including NYE! If you are in Sydney, I recommend going to the zoo for your NYE celebration. I have been a few times and its great! The views of the harbor and fireworks are amazing!

Taronga Zoo also has a sister zoo located in Western NSW - Taronga Western Planes Zoo, Dubbo - worth a visit, you can cycle your way through this park, or hire a golf buggy!