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[GoddyofAus]

OP, make sure you move into a suburb that has the NBN.

 

[TDLink]

I don't really want to derail this thread but I would like to ask: How is Gold Coast? I'm considering studying there for a year. I'm American, 24. Never been to Australia but have made plenty of Aussie friends traveling in Europe (although they are mostly in the Melbourne area). I don't really see anyone talk about this city so I'm just wondering what I would be getting myself into if I accept to go there.

 

[twdnewh_k]

OP, make sure you move into a suburb that has the NBN.

Seems like by 2015 it will be almost everywhere.

Also I was worried about bandwidth caps for internet, but searching around, I see some providers are offering it.

 

[commedieu]

Shit my cover's blown. Time to bail out. I lived in Australia as a child (Melbourne) and loved it, for what it's worth. I'm sure it will be a good move for you OP, despite my enjoyment of GAF's obsession with Australian racism. You guys are still fucked up about Aborigines though, I stand by that.

shill.

 

[twdnewh_k]

Quick update, will be flying to Sydney one week from today. Staying for 2 weeks to fulfill my landing requirements and get a feel for the place.

A friend will show me around. Other than the tourist areas, I also want to briefly have a look at potential residential areas.

Will try and update while I am there or when I get back.

 

[Dead Man]

Quick update, will be flying to Sydney one week from today. Staying for 2 weeks to fulfill my landing requirements and get a feel for the place.

A friend will show me around. Other than the tourist areas, I also want to briefly have a look at potential residential areas.

Will try and update while I am there or when I get back.

Hope you enjoy it

 

[ninjapanda]

Quick update, will be flying to Sydney one week from today. Staying for 2 weeks to fulfill my landing requirements and get a feel for the place.

A friend will show me around. Other than the tourist areas, I also want to briefly have a look at potential residential areas.

Will try and update while I am there or when I get back.

Very good, I hope you have fun! Here are few notes to help you out while you are here

- Make sure you grab a free Sydney tourism guidebook when you touch down at the airport. They're available at stands prior to when you go through Duty Free to Customs. The guides are surprisingly detailed and have coupons which will save you a tonne if you intend on doing some sightseeing since many of the attractions are not cheap. Like the zoo for example which costs ~$50 per person!

- You have decided to come during the centenary celebrations of the Royal Australian Navy first arriving in Sydney. There will be many events on the harbour, the foreshore will be packed and the public transportation network will be under strain. Plan in advance if you intend on doing anything in the Sydney CBD during this period. http://www.navy.gov.au/ifr/

- With transport avoid parking in the city if it is a weekday as you can be paying ~$100 for 3-4 hours if you are not careful. Your friend should be well versed as to where to go and how to get there but check in advance due to the changes being made for the International Navy Fleet Review.
- www.131500.com will help for public transport (theres an app as well)
- http://livetraffic.rta.nsw.gov.au will help for travelling via car (theres also an app for this)

- Take advantage of the free shuttle bus service that runs throughout the CBD. http://www.131500.com.au/tickets/upload/docs/555map.pdf

- On the 6th of October daylight savings will begin so don't forget to move your watch an hour forward otherwise you'll find yourself an hour late for anything you have planned on that day!

In terms of things to see and do which aren't in the usual tourism publications I can recommend off the top of my head:
- This awesome walking tour run by volunteers where you pay as little or as much as you want http://www.imfree.com.au/
- Climbing the Sydney Harbour Bridge Pylon which is the cheaper and easier option than climbing the bridge itself. http://www.pylonlookout.com.au
- Taking the ferry from the City to Manly and back again. Sit at the front of the boat in the open air section and just enjoy the views.
There's plenty more to do and see but they'll likely be covered by tourism guide books and be known to your friend.

I suspect looking for areas you want to live in will actually be quite complex. Sydney is described as a city of villages, it is wide spread and the atmosphere and demographics living in one part can be dramatically different to another. Where you end up working will also influence where you live as you will probably want to minimise long commutes if possible. Good luck with that one!

Anyway I do hope you have a good time while you are down here. If you have any questions feel free to post and do keep us updated! =D

 

[twdnewh_k]

Very good, I hope you have fun! Here are few notes to help you out while you are here

- Make sure you grab a free Sydney tourism guidebook when you touch down at the airport. They're available at stands prior to when you go through Duty Free to Customs. The guides are surprisingly detailed and have coupons which will save you a tonne if you intend on doing some sightseeing since many of the attractions are not cheap. Like the zoo for example which costs ~$50 per person!

- You have decided to come during the centenary celebrations of the Royal Australian Navy first arriving in Sydney. There will be many events on the harbour, the foreshore will be packed and the public transportation network will be under strain. Plan in advance if you intend on doing anything in the Sydney CBD during this period. http://www.navy.gov.au/ifr/

- With transport avoid parking in the city if it is a weekday as you can be paying ~$100 for 3-4 hours if you are not careful. Your friend should be well versed as to where to go and how to get there but check in advance due to the changes being made for the International Navy Fleet Review.
- www.131500.com will help for public transport (theres an app as well)
- http://livetraffic.rta.nsw.gov.au will help for travelling via car (theres also an app for this)

- Take advantage of the free shuttle bus service that runs throughout the CBD. http://www.131500.com.au/tickets/upload/docs/555map.pdf

- On the 6th of October daylight savings will begin so don't forget to move your watch an hour forward otherwise you'll find yourself an hour late for anything you have planned on that day!

In terms of things to see and do which aren't in the usual tourism publications I can recommend off the top of my head:
- This awesome walking tour run by volunteers where you pay as little or as much as you want http://www.imfree.com.au/
- Climbing the Sydney Harbour Bridge Pylon which is the cheaper and easier option than climbing the bridge itself. http://www.pylonlookout.com.au
- Taking the ferry from the City to Manly and back again. Sit at the front of the boat in the open air section and just enjoy the views.
There's plenty more to do and see but they'll likely be covered by tourism guide books and be known to your friend.

I suspect looking for areas you want to live in will actually be quite complex. Sydney is described as a city of villages, it is wide spread and the atmosphere and demographics living in one part can be dramatically different to another. Where you end up working will also influence where you live as you will probably want to minimise long commutes if possible. Good luck with that one!

Anyway I do hope you have a good time while you are down here. If you have any questions feel free to post and do keep us updated! =D

That is a lot of helpful information, thanks !
I am staying at a hotel in the CBD, so hopefully wont struggle too much with transportation.
I plan to do a lot of site-seeing, so will def. be on the look out for that tourist handbook.

Thanks again !