We are going to Sydney

[daydream**believer]

Going on a holiday to Sydney in a a couple of months.

I grew up there but havent been back for 15 years.

Hubbys only been a couple of times and its the first visit for the kids.

Will be staying in Manly (where i grew up). I am so excited to see it all again.

We will be driving over but hoping to not need to use the car once we get there. Cant wait to take the kids on a ferry and visit The Opera House, Taronga Zoo, Darling Harbour, Power House Museum etc.

Anyone live in Sydney who can give me a bit of an idea about how much ferry trips cost? Are there passes you can buy for families that cover ferry and bus rides?

Have been to the website but its very confusing

[cherry*135]

Sorry mainecoon, I didn't read the whole thread before replying about Sydney transport.
The OPAL card definitely needs considering. As I mentioned above it is $2.50 maximum on Sunday no matter hiw many trios you make.

I am thinking of getting one myself.

I thought you have to buy the card online? Then you can top it up either online or at retailers?

[cherry*135]

Anyone been to the Sydney Aquarium lately? I went there about 2 years ago and felt is was looking a bit run down and was underwhelmed with the visit.

[i-need-a-martini]

The Opal card is good (I use it every day) but it is no different to buying a multi10 if only one mode of transport (ferry in this case) is being used. 

The problem with it is that you need auto top up. Otherwise there is no way of monitoring what you are spending. DDB could find herself at a ferry stop with no funds in the card and no way of getting on the ferry. Which means she could end up with credit on the card at the end of the trip which she can't get back.

So generally I don't recommend them for tourists.

[mainecoon1]

martini there are newsagents in or close to stations so there will be no problem with top up.  if you have an idea on where you are going you can easily calculate your daily cost.

At the moment I am not using the Opal until paper tickets go in September because it is going to cost me $318 a year more to use Opal, I buy quarterly tickets and get a discount.  As far as I know DDB will not be able to get travel tens by the time she gets to Sydney, she did mention she would not be here for another 2 months which means she will be here after the tickets have been retired in September.

[cherry*135]

Yes, there will be reduced paper ticket options by 2 Sept.

This sounds reasonable on OPAL card for a 1.5 weeks stay.

"Travel all week for no more than $60 (adult) details in my post above. $8.60 a day for 7 days.

The kids might like a short trip on the train.

[crystal**flake]

Manly is the place to go.

[i-need-a-martini]

You're right - the trave10 is being phased out for ferries. They are keeping the bus ones.

So DDB will have to get Opal cards for each member of the family. What a pain.

[cherry*135]

Transport NSW

"All children under the age of four years travel for free on most public transport."

I think the youngest one is under four. If so, at least he can travel free.

"“The new green coloured Child/Youth Opal card works in the same easy and convenient way as the Adult Opal card, but it automatically calculates child fares at 50 percent of an adult fare,” Ms Berejiklian said.

“Children aged 4 to 16 and young people still at school can now carry their own Opal card and access all the benefits – including cheaper fares, daily travel caps and free travel anywhere on the public transport network after eight paid journeys a week.

“As well as half price fares, children get their daily travel cap halved, meaning they can travel on any mode of public transport with Opal for no more than $7.50 a day.

“A Sunday fare cap of $2.50, available to everyone with an Opal card is also very attractive for families to use public transport for a fun day out – such as catching the ferry to Cockatoo Island or Manly, or visiting Katoomba or Kiama.”

Kiama is too far for a day trip with young kids (2hrs each way)

[daydream**believer]

thanks everyone.

Am looking into all of the things youve mentioned.

I expect we will be making quite a few ferry trips over to Circular Quey as we cant do too many things in one day with a 3 yr old.

How long does the ferry take to get from Manly to Circular Quey. I remember going on it as a kid and it always seems to take ages

[trish7025]

I found the Zoo was **bleep**ola. I like my local one much better. Mogo Zoo.Hope you have a great time !