In the countdown to the 2000 Olympic and Paralympic Games, Sydney is looking better than ever. Theres a new buzz in the air, a feeling of ever-increasing excitement as the preparations lock into place, the hard hat comes off, the party dress is tried on for size and the wraps come off on the citys glittering new facilities.
In addition to the handsome new sporting and
special-events facilities that have transformed Homebush Bay, the main site for
the Olympics, Sydney itself has had a total makeover.
special-events facilities that have transformed Homebush Bay, the main site for
the Olympics, Sydney itself has had a total makeover.
From the moment visitors arrive at Sydneys
international airport, the change is obvious. To prepare for the huge volume of
arrivals expected for the Games, the international terminal has just emerged
from a two-year multimillion-dollar revamp.
international airport, the change is obvious. To prepare for the huge volume of
arrivals expected for the Games, the international terminal has just emerged
from a two-year multimillion-dollar revamp.
Big expansion
This has involved a huge expansion of all areas of the
airports operation check in counters, baggage-handling, customs
facilities, shops, restaurants and aircraft gates.
airports operation check in counters, baggage-handling, customs
facilities, shops, restaurants and aircraft gates.
The terminal can now handle up to 7,000 passengers an
hour an increase of 35 per cent. Its also more user-friendly.
Covered walkways link the terminal with the parking lot, taxi stand and bus
terminals.
hour an increase of 35 per cent. Its also more user-friendly.
Covered walkways link the terminal with the parking lot, taxi stand and bus
terminals.
Theres faster access between the airport and the
city. The new Sydney airport rail link provides fast, convenient travel between
the international and domestic terminals and the city, where it meshes with
Sydneys suburban rail network. Trains depart every five to 10 minutes
during peak hour and at least every 15 minutes at other times.
city. The new Sydney airport rail link provides fast, convenient travel between
the international and domestic terminals and the city, where it meshes with
Sydneys suburban rail network. Trains depart every five to 10 minutes
during peak hour and at least every 15 minutes at other times.
And its not only the international terminal that
has been upgraded. Both Qantas and Ansett, the two major domestic carriers,
have invested lavishly to provide state-of-the-art air terminals for domestic
travellers.
has been upgraded. Both Qantas and Ansett, the two major domestic carriers,
have invested lavishly to provide state-of-the-art air terminals for domestic
travellers.
Historic wharf saved
Typical of the changes that have transformed Sydney is
The Finger Wharf. Until just a couple of years ago, this covered wharf on the
eastern side of the Royal Botanic Gardens was a relic of the citys early
shipping industry rickety, disused and in danger of collapsing into the
harbour.
The Finger Wharf. Until just a couple of years ago, this covered wharf on the
eastern side of the Royal Botanic Gardens was a relic of the citys early
shipping industry rickety, disused and in danger of collapsing into the
harbour.
Today, it has been rescued, resuscitated and revitalised
into a sparkling marina lined with waterfront cafes and a smart new hotel, W
Sydney. A new concept from Starwood aimed squarely at the business traveller,
this is the first W hotel to be planted outside the United States. The mood
inside is industrial chic.
into a sparkling marina lined with waterfront cafes and a smart new hotel, W
Sydney. A new concept from Starwood aimed squarely at the business traveller,
this is the first W hotel to be planted outside the United States. The mood
inside is industrial chic.
Elements of the former warehouse – such as the steel
roof trusses have been retained in an interior that mimics the
dimensions of a Gothic cathedral. In the rooms, chic takes the drivers
seat. The 104 rooms are understated and sublimely elegant, and all are equipped
W trademarks including a goose-down comforter, 250-thread cotton
sheets, terry and cotton pique bathrobes, a large writing desk, and a TV with
ultra-fast Internet access via an infrared keyboard.
roof trusses have been retained in an interior that mimics the
dimensions of a Gothic cathedral. In the rooms, chic takes the drivers
seat. The 104 rooms are understated and sublimely elegant, and all are equipped
W trademarks including a goose-down comforter, 250-thread cotton
sheets, terry and cotton pique bathrobes, a large writing desk, and a TV with
ultra-fast Internet access via an infrared keyboard.
Guests travelling with their own laptops can plug into a
high-speed dataport. Theres also an in-room snack and beverage bar and a
coffee maker. Colours are a blend of chocolate and cream. Facilities include a
café, a fitness centre with a swimming pool, and a sundeck with sea
views.
high-speed dataport. Theres also an in-room snack and beverage bar and a
coffee maker. Colours are a blend of chocolate and cream. Facilities include a
café, a fitness centre with a swimming pool, and a sundeck with sea
views.
In the restaurant, chef Christopher Behre, who has
previously worked at two of Sydneys top restaurants, Bennelong and
Tetsuyas, is keeping the menu fresh and simple.
previously worked at two of Sydneys top restaurants, Bennelong and
Tetsuyas, is keeping the menu fresh and simple.
And for something different, Harrys Café
de Wheels a 24-hour pie stall that has evolved into a city icon
is just around the corner.
de Wheels a 24-hour pie stall that has evolved into a city icon
is just around the corner.
GPO converted
W Sydney is just one of the new hotels that have
mushroomed in the city in preparation for the Olympics, with the focus on the
top end of the market. Another new arrival is The Westin, which opened just a
year ago and is a hotel with a pedigree. The facade, the reception area, the
health club and several of the hotels public areas have been re-crafted
from one of the citys most handsome Victorian-era buildings, the 1887
General Post Office.
mushroomed in the city in preparation for the Olympics, with the focus on the
top end of the market. Another new arrival is The Westin, which opened just a
year ago and is a hotel with a pedigree. The facade, the reception area, the
health club and several of the hotels public areas have been re-crafted
from one of the citys most handsome Victorian-era buildings, the 1887
General Post Office.
The 430-room hotel conveys an impression of warmth and
intimacy. Most of the guestrooms are located in a 31-storey atrium tower that
rises at the rear of the ornate GPO building. Others in the original GPO
building are known as the heritage rooms. They have soaring ceilings and
windows, while tower rooms offer panoramic views of the city.
intimacy. Most of the guestrooms are located in a 31-storey atrium tower that
rises at the rear of the ornate GPO building. Others in the original GPO
building are known as the heritage rooms. They have soaring ceilings and
windows, while tower rooms offer panoramic views of the city.
All rooms have lavish bathrooms with theatre lighting,
tubs and separate showers. Terry or waffle-weave robes, feather pillows and
duvets are standard in every room, and 24 suites provide expansive living areas.
The position is prime at the heart of Martin Place, centre of
Sydneys business district and just a block away from the central shopping
area.
tubs and separate showers. Terry or waffle-weave robes, feather pillows and
duvets are standard in every room, and 24 suites provide expansive living areas.
The position is prime at the heart of Martin Place, centre of
Sydneys business district and just a block away from the central shopping
area.
The Rocks, Circular Quay, Darling Harbour, the Royal
Botanic Gardens and the historic precinct of Macquarie Street are all within
easy strolling distance.
Botanic Gardens and the historic precinct of Macquarie Street are all within
easy strolling distance.
For history buffs, theres a carefully preserved
section of the Tank Stream, Sydneys first water supply, which still runs
beneath the building.
section of the Tank Stream, Sydneys first water supply, which still runs
beneath the building.
New-look Darling
Harbour
Harbour
Darling Harbours handsome glass and steel
shopping and restaurant pavilion has recently been redeveloped to make more of
the superb water views at their best in the evening, when the setting
sun strikes the city buildings and casts a molten glow across the water.
shopping and restaurant pavilion has recently been redeveloped to make more of
the superb water views at their best in the evening, when the setting
sun strikes the city buildings and casts a molten glow across the water.
What havent changed are the attractions that have
made this one of the citys favourite playgrounds including the
Chinese Gardens, the Powerhouse Museum, the Sydney Aquarium, the National
Maritime Museum, Sega World and the IMAX Theatre.
made this one of the citys favourite playgrounds including the
Chinese Gardens, the Powerhouse Museum, the Sydney Aquarium, the National
Maritime Museum, Sega World and the IMAX Theatre.
On the city side of Darling Harbour, Cockle Bay Wharf
underlines Sydneys addiction to the good things in life. Rising from the
marina, Cockle Bay Wharf includes a fine collection of dining, from a gourmet
sandwich deli to a Japanese brasserie, from tandoori Indian to some fine
restaurants, all encased in a breezy, low-rise complex with waterfront views.
underlines Sydneys addiction to the good things in life. Rising from the
marina, Cockle Bay Wharf includes a fine collection of dining, from a gourmet
sandwich deli to a Japanese brasserie, from tandoori Indian to some fine
restaurants, all encased in a breezy, low-rise complex with waterfront views.
Climbing the bridge
For decades, the painters and bolt-tighteners who
maintained the Sydney Harbour Bridge have had one of the best views of Sydney
Harbour all to themselves. But thanks to BridgeClimb, anyone can now share that
spectacular panorama.
maintained the Sydney Harbour Bridge have had one of the best views of Sydney
Harbour all to themselves. But thanks to BridgeClimb, anyone can now share that
spectacular panorama.
Climbers don a special suit, harness and communication
equipment, hook on to a cable and ascend the arch of the bridge in the company
of trained guides for the ultimate view of the harbour and city centre
134 metres, or close to 450 feet, above sea level. Tours last about three hours
and begin at BridgeClimb’s headquarters in Cumberland Street, in The Rocks
area
equipment, hook on to a cable and ascend the arch of the bridge in the company
of trained guides for the ultimate view of the harbour and city centre
134 metres, or close to 450 feet, above sea level. Tours last about three hours
and begin at BridgeClimb’s headquarters in Cumberland Street, in The Rocks
area
Latest variation on the tours is NightClimb, which adds
a lamp to the equipment package for climbs starting from sunset, with incredible
views as Sydney turns on the lights. For the duration of the Olympics,
BridgeClimb will extend its operating hours until midnight, giving visitors a
birds-eye view of the festivities that will light up the harbour by
night.
a lamp to the equipment package for climbs starting from sunset, with incredible
views as Sydney turns on the lights. For the duration of the Olympics,
BridgeClimb will extend its operating hours until midnight, giving visitors a
birds-eye view of the festivities that will light up the harbour by
night.
Little Italy
The inner-west suburb of Leichhardt has long been known
as Sydneys Little Italy, the place to go for pizzas and pasta. The area
has just undergone a major makeover with the redevelopment of Norton Street, the
suburbs main thoroughfare. It includes new cafes, new restaurants, some
of the best bookshops in Sydney and an art-house cinema, but the star of the
show is The Italian Forum.
as Sydneys Little Italy, the place to go for pizzas and pasta. The area
has just undergone a major makeover with the redevelopment of Norton Street, the
suburbs main thoroughfare. It includes new cafes, new restaurants, some
of the best bookshops in Sydney and an art-house cinema, but the star of the
show is The Italian Forum.
Opened at the end of 1999, the Italian Forum is a modern
rendition of an Italian classic the enclosed piazza. A narrow lane
leads off Norton Street past a row of swanky restaurants and clothes boutiques
and opens at a huge piazza ringed with apartments painted in the sunburnt
colours of Rome.
rendition of an Italian classic the enclosed piazza. A narrow lane
leads off Norton Street past a row of swanky restaurants and clothes boutiques
and opens at a huge piazza ringed with apartments painted in the sunburnt
colours of Rome.
The entire lower level is a huge open-air food court
devoted to the flavours of Italy cafes, delicatessens, ice-cream
parlour, pizzeria, and restaurants spilling across the courtyard. On the floors
above are hairdressers, shoe shops and some smart fashions stores, and
Sydneysiders have taken the concept to heart by joining wholeheartedly in the
passeggiata the leisurely evening stroll that is a ritual
in even the smallest Italian town.
devoted to the flavours of Italy cafes, delicatessens, ice-cream
parlour, pizzeria, and restaurants spilling across the courtyard. On the floors
above are hairdressers, shoe shops and some smart fashions stores, and
Sydneysiders have taken the concept to heart by joining wholeheartedly in the
passeggiata the leisurely evening stroll that is a ritual
in even the smallest Italian town.
Leichhardt is situated on one of the major arteries to
the main Olympic Games site at Homebush Bay, which makes it a prime choice for
pre- or post-event dining.
the main Olympic Games site at Homebush Bay, which makes it a prime choice for
pre- or post-event dining.
Get the spirit
The following are 10 quintessential experiences that
will make anyone into a real Sydneysider.
will make anyone into a real Sydneysider.
Bladerunners – Centennial Park: Get out your
lycra gear and head for Sydneys favourite bike and rollerblade track,
against a backdrop of date palms, groves of Moreton Bay figs, paperbark-fringed
lakes, duck ponds, a super-chic café and lots of open-air playing fields.
Hire blades and bikes from the shops in Clovelly Road, adjoining the park, and
stoke up on kilojoules with burgers and urban-strength cappuccino from the
mobile canteen near the central duck ponds.
lycra gear and head for Sydneys favourite bike and rollerblade track,
against a backdrop of date palms, groves of Moreton Bay figs, paperbark-fringed
lakes, duck ponds, a super-chic café and lots of open-air playing fields.
Hire blades and bikes from the shops in Clovelly Road, adjoining the park, and
stoke up on kilojoules with burgers and urban-strength cappuccino from the
mobile canteen near the central duck ponds.
Harrys Cafe de Wheels: At the watery end
of Woolloomooloo, this dockyard food stall dispenses meat pies and comfort to
well, just about everyone. Famous opera singers, actors and
international rock stars have been spotted here, rubbing shoulders with shift
workers and taxi drivers. The name, Cafe de Wheels, is
tongue-in-cheek. The original Harrys was a pie cart and shortly after it
opened in 1945, someone stole the wheels
of Woolloomooloo, this dockyard food stall dispenses meat pies and comfort to
well, just about everyone. Famous opera singers, actors and
international rock stars have been spotted here, rubbing shoulders with shift
workers and taxi drivers. The name, Cafe de Wheels, is
tongue-in-cheek. The original Harrys was a pie cart and shortly after it
opened in 1945, someone stole the wheels
Fish and chips, Balmoral Beach: Grab a serve of
fish and chips from the corner shop at Balmoral Beach and head for the sand –
and the Balmoral slice of Sydney Harbour is one of the loveliest.
fish and chips from the corner shop at Balmoral Beach and head for the sand –
and the Balmoral slice of Sydney Harbour is one of the loveliest.
A ride on the Manly ferry: Is this the
worlds best commute? You bet! (Hint: For a leisurely trip to take in the
scenery, take the ferry. Or, if youre into speed, take the
JetCat.)
worlds best commute? You bet! (Hint: For a leisurely trip to take in the
scenery, take the ferry. Or, if youre into speed, take the
JetCat.)
Double Bay on Saturday afternoon: Daaahling! Go
chic-to-chic with Sydneys Euro-style café society. BYO (bring your
own) Mercedes.
chic-to-chic with Sydneys Euro-style café society. BYO (bring your
own) Mercedes.
Kayak the harbour: The cockpit of a sea kayak
will give you a fresh perspective on Sydney Harbour. Its also safe, fun,
great exercise and no experience is necessary. Located near the Spit Bridge,
the Sydney Sea Kayak Centre has one- and two-person sea kayaks for hire, with
rudders to make steering a breeze.
will give you a fresh perspective on Sydney Harbour. Its also safe, fun,
great exercise and no experience is necessary. Located near the Spit Bridge,
the Sydney Sea Kayak Centre has one- and two-person sea kayaks for hire, with
rudders to make steering a breeze.
Oxford Street by night: Take a stroll along
Sydneys gay boulevard, but leave any phobias at home.
Sydneys gay boulevard, but leave any phobias at home.
Jog! The best urban jogging track on planet
Earth – through the Royal Botanic Gardens from the Opera House to Lady
Macquaries Chair.
Earth – through the Royal Botanic Gardens from the Opera House to Lady
Macquaries Chair.
Breakfast at Bronte: Sydney sunny side up.
Barefoot chic prevails at this row of cafes that dish up fresh juices, ham and
eggs and devil-may-care cakes with a view of Bronte Beach. Sea pool, lots of
green space and bounding surf to hone the appetite.
Barefoot chic prevails at this row of cafes that dish up fresh juices, ham and
eggs and devil-may-care cakes with a view of Bronte Beach. Sea pool, lots of
green space and bounding surf to hone the appetite.
Sunday yum cha in Chinatown: Finger-lickin
Chinese-style feast – hors-doeuvres-size servings of dumplings, spring
rolls, barbecue pork, gow gee and bok choy – served at the table in a
never-ending procession, at a bargain price.
Chinese-style feast – hors-doeuvres-size servings of dumplings, spring
rolls, barbecue pork, gow gee and bok choy – served at the table in a
never-ending procession, at a bargain price.
