Sydney Public Transport

Ok, I may be the only person who is going to say this, but I enjoy using public transport. Yep, you heard me right I like public transport. Ok, so the system has many flaws, sometimes the trains are grubby and the bus drivers an old grump, but there are many who aren’t.

Public transport is one of the more environmentally friendly travel options and lets face it, it’s definitely a lot less costly than a car trip. Plus, haven’t we all heard the romantic stories of those couples who have been happily together for years after they locked eyes on each other across a crowded train station platform.

So, how do you find out which transport to use to get where you need to go? Check out www.131500.info This is the site for the transport infoline and provides you with an easy guide for the best way to get around using Sydney’s public transport. You simply fill in where you are travelling from and to and where you want to travel and the site lets you know the times and transport methods available. Couldn’t be simpler!

To plan your next trip around Sydney, visit www.131500.info

Happy travels!

Sydney Harbour Bridge on a Budget

Whether you are a tourist or a resident, Sydney Harbour Bridge is a must visit. A piece of monumental, architectural significance the bridge is one of the most recognised symbols of Sydney and there are many ways to experience it. You can walk under and around it for free, you can drive across it for the price of the tolls or you can climb up it and experience one of the best views of the Harbour first hand.

In October 1998 a company called Bridge Climb made it possible for the general public to climb up the Harbour Bridge for the first time. Not surprisingly, the venture has been a huge success with thousands of people taking the trip up 1439 steps to see the view from the top. Unfortunately the price tag (from $179 AUD per adult) means that not everyone can enjoy the journey up the bridge, but that doesn’t mean that you can’t experience at least some of the view.

The Sydney Harbour Pylon Lookout is the perfect solution for those on a budget (or who want to climb a few less stairs!). With just 200 stairs, the lookout is situated in the South East Pylon of the Harbour Bridge and sits at 87m above mean sea level offering gorgeous views of the Harbour. The Pylon also houses an exhibition documenting the history of the bridge and its builders.
Admission prices are from $9.50 per adult, $6.50 for seniors with a valid seniors card, $4.00 for children between 8 and 12 years and free for children under 7.

Even if you are doing the bridge climb, I strongly recommend checking out the Pylon Lookout too.

For more info visit the websites:
www.bridgeclimb.com
www.pylonlookout.com.au

Please note: Pricing is correct at time of publication however is subject to change at any time. We strongly urge you to check pricing with the relevant venue before booking or attending.

1st – 4th May – HIA Sydney Home Show Save $4

The HIA Sydney Home Show is on again from the 1st – 4th May at the Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre. The show features exhibitors for all areas of your home, and includes talks and special events throughout focusing on specific topics.

Tickets are $18 for adults, $14 for concession holders and free for children 14 and under when accompanied by an adult.
Book your tickets online and save $4.00!

Where:
Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre, Darling Harbour Sydney
When:
1 – 4 May from 10 a.m. – 9 p.m. (Thursday/Friday), 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. (Saturday), 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. (Sunday)

For more info visit www.sydneyhomeshow.com.au

For public transport info visit www.131500.info

Please note: All prices and details are correct as per publicly available at time of publication, however are subject to change without notice. We strongly recommend that you confirm details with the venue or activity before booking or attending.

CountryLink Kids Travel Special Offer

CountryLink are making trips these school holidays more affordable with their Kids Can Go A Long Way For A Dollar promotion. With two full fare paying adults up to four children can travel to one of CountryLink’s 360 destinations throughout Australia for just one dollar.

With petrol prices the way they are at the moment, the environmental concerns with driving and the nightmare holiday traffic, this offer is a great option for families planning to travel these school holidays. Even if you weren’t planning to travel what better reason could there be than one dollar trips for children. One quick look at the site and I am already daydreaming of where to go on my next trip.

This promotion is available from 12th – 27th April and 5th – 20th July, 2008.
Some conditions do apply and can be viewed on the CountryLink website www.countrylink.info

Sydney Special Offers for Myer One Members

Reward yourself in Sydney

Tourism NSW in partnership with Myer have some very special exclusive offers in Sydney for MYER one Members to experience Sydney’s distinct style, dynamic dining scene, exciting attractions and artistic flair.

Until August 2008, MYER one Members will be able to take a guest along to a selection of Sydney’s finest restaurants, attractions and events for free*.

There are some fantastic specials available including tickets to races at Rose Hill, tickets to the Art Gallery of NSW, cruises and dinner at some beautiful restaurants and much more. Offers are only availble to Myer One members, however you can sign up during the period and also receive the offers.

To check out all of the special offers available visit the website www.sydney.com/My_Sydney_Offers_p2891.aspx

Sydney Markets

I absolutely love going to the markets. I love the atmosphere and the fact that they change each time you visit. I see them as treasure filled mirages. You visit, find your treasures and at the end of the day there may be no sign that the market ever existed. I visit markets regularly and have been known to have my own stall selling my jewellery pieces. I guess you can probably tell I am a fan.
Every week Sydney is filled with fabulous markets, from art fairs and organic produce markets, to trash and treasure and car boot sales.

So here are my picks of the Sydney markets for this weekend:
North Sydney Market
Saturday 12 April from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. (2nd Saturday of the month)
Miller St. North Sydney (between McLaren and Ridge St.)
www.northsydneycentre.com.au

Bent St Bazaar
Every Sunday 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
The Entertainment Quarter, Moore Park
www.eqmoorepark.com.au

Hawkewsbury Harvest Farmers and Gourmet Food Market
Saturday 12 April from 8 a.m. – 12 p.m. (2nd Saturday of the month)
Castle Hill Showground, Showground Rd. enter via Carrington Rd. Castle Hill
Details: (02) 45 72 6260

Vicarys Winery Market – Arts, Crafts, Thomas the Tank rides for the kids, etc
Sunday 14th April from 9 a.m. (2nd Sunday every month)
Vicarys Winery, The Northern Rd. Luddenham (02) 47 73 4161
www.vicaryswinery.com.au

For public transport info visit www.131500.info

Happy Shopping!

Free Penrith Panther Home Game Tickets

If you love your footy, and your Penrith Panthers today you have a chance to score yourself some free home game tickets for the game against the Sydney City Roosters this weekend at CUA Stadium, Penrith.

Several IGA stores will be giving out a total of 1000 tickets to the match completely free on Wednesday April 9, 2008.

The 1000 tickets will be divided evenly between the three IGA stores and will be available on a first come, first served basis between 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. this afternoon (Wednesday April 9, 2008). Tickets are strictly limited and only 1 ticket is available per person.

The three participating stores are
Ritchies Supa IGA – Borrowdale Rd. Cranebrook
Supa IGA – 150 – 152 Great Western Highway, Blaxland
Tregear IGA – 4/161 Aurora Drive, Tregear

Tickets will be available from the service desk at the front of each store.

Go the Mighty Panthers!

Sydney Vintage Fashionistas Unite

If you love vintage fashion, or just clothes in general, Sydney is definitely the place to be this weekend.

Canterbury Park Function Centre plays host to the Sydney Vintage Clothing, Jewellery and Textiles Show from the 11th to 13th April. The show features a variety of exhibitors, guest speakers, fashion shows and performances from swing dancers and a capella performers. There are even prizes for the visitor in the best vintage outfit. The show is open from 9a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday and 9 a.m. – 4.30 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.
Tickets for sale at the door
Single Day – Adults $12, Concession $9, Children 10-16yrs $5, Under 10yrs free
Two Day Ticket – Adults $20, Concession $16, Children 10-16yrs $8
Family Ticket – $30
For more information about the show and how to get there, visit the website www.lovevintage.com.au

The QVB also plays host to another vintage fashion event – The Handbags Through The Ages Exhibition. The exhibition features 100 bags dating from 1760 to 2006 and features everything from handmade bags through to a Vivienne Westwood piece. The exhibition is available in the North End of Level 1 and 2 of the QVB and there is no charge to view. It is the cheapest way to get your vintage fashion fix this month.

For more information visit the QVB website, www.qvb.com.au

Please note: Prices are correct as publicly available at time of publication, however they are subject to change at any time without notice. We strongly recommend that you contact the relevant venue or company before booking or attending.

Welcome to the Sydney on a Budget Blog

Hi and welcome to the Sydney on a Budget blog. We are two Sydneysiders (and sisters!) who love getting out and about in this beautiful city. Unfortunately, as it is for many of us, money can sometimes be tight so right here on our blog we are going to share with you some of our best affordable entertainment solutions. Everything from fabulous venues, events, budget shopping and special offers. Hey, we all love a bargain!

Whether you live in Sydney, or are just visiting, we hope that this blog will make your Sydney experience much more exciting, and budget friendly!