If you're heading to Bondi for hte day, you only need to remember these 3 words: bronzed, beefy and near-naked! If you keep these words in mind, you'll fit right on in with the crowd. The beach culture of Bondi has people parading their toned bodies in the least amount of clothing possible. You could say that the sociallly acceptable conduct here is quite casual!

If you're craving a good Thai meal and you find yourself in the heart of Bondi, drop in on Thai Terrific. It's a huge restaurant so that you can almost always find a seat (not to say that it's not busy - it is!), and their food is tasty and there's a huge range of dishes available. Take-away is also available and just as good as the eat in versions!

If you want to rub shoulders with the big wigs in Sydney, then Otto is the place to do it. They say Kerry packer lunches here, and when I was there, Aranxta Sanchez-Vicario was dining there. If you're impressed by that, then you won't mind waiting for your already reserved table for 20 mintues, nor waiting for an hour for your main course if it's really busy - I did mind actually. For a place that is supposed to be so up-market, the service leaves a little to be desired. Granted the meal was great, but not above and beyond what I've tasted at other "lesser" places. For the price, it's not worth the value, but for the people watching it is. Make up your own mind. location is excellent by the way.

This is one of Sydneysiders best kept secrets. Nestled amongst the million dollar mansions in Vaucluse and yachts on the harbour, this has got to be one of the best spots to swim in Sydney. A great place to spend a lazy Sunday afternoon enjoying the delights of Sydney waters without the hassle of sand and surfers. The views are breathtaking and the grass very luxurious. Remember to pack a picnic, a frisbee and sunscreen.

The Manly Ferry across Sydney Harbour is a "must do" for anyone heading to Sydney. You have 2 options for the water crossing to Manly: the JetCat (which takes 15 minutes), and the bigger and older yellow-and-green ferry (takes about 30 minutes). It's worth taking the time for the longer trip to take in the views of the harbour and surrounds along the way.

These days, you can walk across the Harbour Bridge (at a price!@) and catch a great glimpse of the city surrounds> But there is another great way to view Sydney from the "coathanger". You can cruise up the 200-odd steps of the bridges' south east pilon and enjoy the panoramic views of the harbour city - all for $3.

New to Sydney? Need to use public transport get from Bondi to Balmain or anywhere else in Sydney? Try The Transport Information Line 131 500 for information on things like: 1.Timetables and fares for Sydney buses, other buses, trains and ferries. 2.Country train services and bus services 3.Lost property I never had to use a timetable, all you have to do is call and give your location and your destination. The service is available from 6am to 10pm 7 days a week. It also has a Suggestions, Complements and Complaints service for TAXIS!!!, buses, trains and ferries. The service extends as far north as Newcastle, South to Goulburn and Nowra, and West to Richmond and the Blue mountains.

Sydney has a pretty good bus and train system, which allows you to get around the city relatively easily. However, it can take a while, especially if you have to make connections etc. Make sure you get yourself a good Sydney train map, and some bus information, so that you don't end up going out of your way when you could have gone straight there. There are always a few alternatives to getting to places...

When driving in Sydney, make sure you're prepared to go around in circles a bit - so many streets are one way! It can be pretty confusing and Sydney traffic on top of that is pretty bad - in fact Sydney drivers are pretty bad! Being a fast-paced city, everyone is in such a hurry to get somewhere that they are forever darting in and out and generally creating a not veyr relaxed atmosphere on the road.

I basically lived at this place when I lived in downtown Sydney. The drinks are relatively cheap (had my first Toohey's New there- o the memories). The place is always full of other backpackers... it's right near two other hostels as well as the downtown train station. Definitely check this place out.