Long time readers would know that I like to blog my holidays. If you’re here for the transport content, there’ll be some, but that’s not necessarily the focus.
It was time for a break from Melbourne’s winter. In 2024 it was the Far North Queensland and Thursday Island, in 2025 it was Brisbane. This year: Sydney.
At the airport going through security I (not for the first time) failed to completely empty my pockets. A handkerchief was left behind. They told me to go back and put it in a separate tray.
At least these days theyâre clear that you donât need to take laptops out of bags.
After that, smooth sailing. Got to see the Calder Park train stabling and maintenance facility from the plane, and (perhaps more impressively) a good view of Sydney Harbour as we approached our destination.
We landed on time, headed to the Airport station and hopped on a train within a few minutes. It’s not cheap ($18.61 surcharge plus the train fare), and not even spectacularly fast to Town Hall where we were going, but you can’t beat the convenience, especially with Tap And Go fare payments.
The roundabout route to Town Hall has its compensations, including the spectacular view rolling into Circular Quay station:
After a recommendation from my sister to consider the Meriton Suites, and looking at their different locations, I’d booked one, and confidently navigated us from the train to their Sussex Street building.
As we walked in the door I found the booking confirmation in my email. Which clearly said I had booked in their Kent Street building.
Oops. Okay, just down the road, not a biggie. (The more we explored central Sydney, the more Meriton buildings we spotted; there are five in the CBD alone.)
After settling into the correct hotel and admiring the view, we headed out and caught a train to Milsons Point. We walked back along the bridge, then visited the Bridge museum. This was really good as someone who maybe one day might like to do the Bridge Climb, but isn’t brilliant with heights.
You get some great views from the top of the pylon – including the Bridge climbers, see below. (Tip: book the museum online to save 20%.)
After enjoying the view for bit, we walked back via the Rocks, looking for dinner, eventually finding a fancy Italian restaurant. They had no tables but offered seats in Spanish restaurant downstairs, connected via “secret” stairway instead. Intriguing. And delicious.
It was a good start to a short break.
6 replies on “Sydney mini break!”
That’s such a good photo of the harbour.
@Andrew C, during our stay we could see a lot of planes coming into land via the same path. Such a great view as you come in.
Went to Sydney last month to pick up a car and needed to go to the city 1st. Got a Didi from the airport for my mum and I. Cost $23 and took 18mins was surprised how quick and cheap it was. Even for a monday morning. Crazy how expensive just the access fee is when a didi cost less even as a single passenger
You might know this already, but with two cards you can save $5 by ‘transferring’ at Mascot station, since the airport access fee is $8 cheaper at Mascot.
For the return trip, just need to remember which card you used for the airport trip.
Yeah – There are a few hacks to avoid the Airport station premiums – probably worth doing if you’re watching your pennies.
This page lists some of them:
https://www.pointhacks.com.au/guides/travel-from-sydney-airport-to-city/
Good shot from the aircraft window. You captured the entirety of my childhood ferry route to the city, plus the waters upon which I spent many happy hours sailing. There’ll never be another city like Sydney, but it’s getting too crowded now.
You’re right about the trams, but they’re oh so slow. Operated like heavy rail with none of Melbourne’s operational flexibility. Like the suburban trains, if there’s a little hiccup, everything stops and the buses are called out.