Visiting Sydney - Saving When Visting Attractions / Tours / Parking in CBD

godofpizza on 18/01/2023 - 11:11
Last edited 18/01/2023 - 16:39

Hi all,

Planning on visting Sydney in the near future and was wondering what the best way to save on visting the local attractions as a family group with kids ?
have considered the Zoo/center point tower so far/sydney aquarium.

have been recommended trying signing up for the following places:

https://www.klook.com/
https://smallideas.com.au/

is it worth siging up for these or is it too much trouble/hoops to go thru to save a few dollars?

Also considering using public transport ( Ferries), whats parking like at circular quary or another nearby ferry port if your after some sightseeing without getting a parking ticket?

Is the hop on off tour bus worth it?

Many thanks to all the advise given today, it been very helpful and appreciate of your input.
This will make the trip alot lot better on planning.

Travel New South Wales Sydney

Comments

  • Seraphin7 on 18/01/2023 - 11:21
    +3

    A lot of detail in your question, but on one point in particular, unless you are very lucky you won't get parking anywhere in the Sydney CBD outside of a parking station. The availability has reduced enormously in recent years and then the parking restrictions typically mean that much more than ducking in somewhere will see you overstay the limits.

    • godofpizza on 18/01/2023 - 11:31
      +1

      never drove in Sydney before, but thanks for that.

      • DazMon on 19/01/2023 - 08:26
        +1

        I'd sign up with Wilson Parking.
        Parking in the CBD is a deadset b!tch and I have been fined before.
        You really have to read the parking signs twice.

        • godofpizza on 19/01/2023 - 09:37

          are they as bad as the ones in Melbourne?

          • kerfuffle on 19/01/2023 - 09:40
            +2

            @godofpizza: Can't say I've had bad experiences with Wilson Parking here. Do get the odd overcharge every few years (namely when I've booked parking online, but still get charged at exit anyway despite meeting the conditions of the booking), but an e-mail to their customer service team fixes that up

          • lgacb08 on 22/01/2023 - 14:44
            +1

            @godofpizza: Much much more, you pay through the nose for public parking and get slapped with fines very quickly. Sydney Cbd is long and narrow so key attractions might need a drive around if you rely on car. Botanic garden is quite ok to park as you can get access to the Opera house and harbour bridge but it's still around $10 an hour. In comparison you can get plenty of decent parking around Melbourne cbd (even free on Sunday) and hop on the free tram.
            And Sydney cbd streets are mostly one way so you'll have to time your turn to avoid unnecessary running around. But similar to Melbourne you can look at major shopping centre to get shop and save deal from there. even buying $30 iPhone accessories from kmart or the like to get free/cheap parking and return them when you're back home lol

            • godofpizza on 22/01/2023 - 22:05

              @lgacb08: thanks, we're looking at visiting the 4 main Attractions it's look like the sea life aquarium is offering all day parking for $21 at wilson parking @ 201 Sussex Street.

              Looking at google travel times, it mentions between Macquarie Park and that parking lot ranges from 40-50mins from 9:30am and drops to 25-35min after 10:30am on a weekday.

              Are these times really legit? Because we are still considering the train, but with a group of 4-5 people. The fare cost is $84 for 5 people opal all day travel passes?

              • lgacb08 on 23/01/2023 - 08:44

                @godofpizza: $21 a day is cheap, but remember that location is only close to Darling Harbour and will need a fair walk to Sydney iconic places (Opera house, the bridge and the Rocks) unless you want to pay extra for bus ride or train/tram. And yes, peak travel time between Macquarie/Chatswood to the cbd will be that, toll road will be extra and Sydney is notorious for that trap (actually the bit near aquarium is riddled with toll road lanes and entrants so you better watch out, particularly in peak traffic)
                If I were you I'd look for options in the cbd and just park my car 3 station away in those leafy suburbs on the north Sydney line and forget about car altogether until you want to get to the blue mountain. Or look for staying in North Sydney and find street parking nearby.

                • godofpizza on 23/01/2023 - 09:51

                  @lgacb08: thanks, yes. We still considering the blue mountains too.
                  With regards to tolls, i assumeing these aren't well marked and don't provide driver with a option to exit or avoid tolls ways?

                  • lgacb08 on 23/01/2023 - 11:39
                    +1

                    @godofpizza: Toll road is marked but during peak traffic you might end up being on the wrong lane 500m earlier and with angry commuters around you might end up being pushed through the toll lane. With one way traffic and constant short turn along east-west direction to get to the right north-south axis, it's very easy to get lost. That's not discuss about choosing toll or no toll to get into the cbd, choosing tunnel or the bridge.
                    What's worse is when you decide to comingle with toll and no toll options, google maps won't be smart enough to tell you which route is best in terms of cost vs time.

    • DazMon on 19/01/2023 - 08:24

      I drove up to Sydney and just came back on Sunday.
      Parking is extremely difficult in Sydney, there's hardly anywhere free and its all luck.
      Even some back street miles from anything of note will have parking meters, its all for local residents it seems.

  • Ghost47 on 18/01/2023 - 11:24
    +5

    I would just park in a Secure or Wilson parking or something, if I absolutely had to drive. I think if you’re lucky there is some street parking available in Surry Hills IIRC but you’d be doing a bit of walking to get where you need to go.

    Driving in Sydney’s CBD is a nightmare IMO, where are you going to stay? I would consider catching a train instead.

    • godofpizza on 18/01/2023 - 11:30

      We're looking at staying North of CBD about 25min away. Most of the hotels within the CBD are charging somewhere between 45$-65$ to park overnight. the place we're staying has it included.

      Unless it better to stay at a CBD hotel and just walk / ferry to locations ?

      • kerfuffle on 18/01/2023 - 11:34

        You can't drive to the nearest station and catch the train in?

        • godofpizza on 18/01/2023 - 11:37

          according to google maps it's roughly an hour to travel by train to the CBD. What's parking like at train stations?

          • kerfuffle on 18/01/2023 - 11:39

            @godofpizza: I don't know; I don't live north of the city.

          • Ghost47 on 18/01/2023 - 11:47
            +3

            @godofpizza: Where are you starting from?

            Can’t speak for many train stations other than Epping and Eastwood but both don’t really have a lot of or any dedicated parking at all.

            If you drive in Sydney you’re definitely going to be in for an adventure haha.

          • [Deactivated] on 18/01/2023 - 11:48

            @godofpizza:

            What's parking like at train stations?

            lol

            Is parking the same at all train stations in Melbourne?

            • godofpizza on 18/01/2023 - 11:55
              +2

              @[Deactivated]: with the recent pork barreling, actually no. We just got a 6 story mutil-deck carpark and it's free too.

      • Ghost47 on 18/01/2023 - 11:42
        +1

        Are you driving from Melbourne or flying? If you’re driving up you might as well stay where you intend to, to save parking costs, and park in Secure or Wilson parking when going to the CBD (maybe there’s even cheaper options, duno) but if you’re flying it might be better to stay in the CBD and use public transport instead of renting a car.

        The trains in Sydney are pretty good IMO. The light rail will help you get around a bit as well.

        Not sure what the parking situation is like near the ferries.

        • godofpizza on 18/01/2023 - 12:02

          We're driving up there.

          I guess we're still comparing:
          1. staying the CBD + pay for overnight parking and using Public transport
          2. Staying a tad away and using public transport into the CBD. But would need to check if the closest train station isn't too from where we looking at staying.

          • Ghost47 on 18/01/2023 - 12:06
            +2

            @godofpizza: I see, in that case I would probably recommend option 2 as it’d be cheaper overall.

            There’s also the Metro line in North Sydney (which is probably worth checking out in its own right I think, it’s pretty cool) but to get to the CBD you’ll need to transfer at Chatswood.

            • godofpizza on 18/01/2023 - 12:12

              @Ghost47: Thanks,
              the closest train station from where we're staying is Macquarie Park

              • Ghost47 on 18/01/2023 - 12:22
                +3

                @godofpizza: Ah cool, that’s a Metro station so you definitely need to transfer depending where you want to go.

                Some tips: Mac Centre is horribly laid out, Lane Cove Macca’s is consistently good, Tan Viet (the crispy chicken especially) in Eastwood and AJ’s Indian on Balaclava Rd are must tries when in Sydney!

                • godofpizza on 18/01/2023 - 12:25
                  +1

                  @Ghost47: many thanks, I'll also wasn't aware about the no u-turn's at traffic lights unless signed. We don't have that rule in Mebourne that i am aware of.

                  • Ghost47 on 18/01/2023 - 12:43
                    +2

                    @godofpizza: Yeah in Melbourne you can u-turn at lights as long as there’s no “no u-turn sign”.

                    In Sydney you can perform u-turns at lights if there’s a “u-turn permitted” sign, I don’t think I saw many of those though.

                    Other than that I don’t think there’s much differences in terms of the laws, you just need to pay more attention to signs in Sydney, and also just use Google Maps everywhere.

                    If you don’t pay for tolls be extra careful when driving to the CBD, I missed a turn somewhere on the Western Distributor after crossing Anzac Bridge then had to go around all the way around back to North Sydney again. The Harbour Bridge is only tolled going southbound.

                    • kerfuffle on 18/01/2023 - 12:49
                      +1

                      @Ghost47: I find that Melburnians tend to turn into the road while pedestrians are crossing said road while it's safe to do so instead of waiting for them to finish crossing. In Sydney, you have to give way to pedestrians crossing when they have the green light before you can turn i.e. you must wait for them to finish crossing.

                      • godofpizza on 18/01/2023 - 12:52

                        @kerfuffle: so you have to wait for the pedestrain light to be red before turning or you still have to give way even if there no one there?

                        • kerfuffle on 18/01/2023 - 12:53
                          +2

                          @godofpizza: If there's no one there and the pedestrian light is green, and there's no red arrow stopping you, you can go.

                      • Ghost47 on 18/01/2023 - 12:56
                        +1

                        @kerfuffle: Fair enough. I noticed in Sydney when that happens the amber arrow normally flashes to let drivers know that people are crossing and/or be careful, I haven’t seen lights do that in Melbourne. It’s a pretty good feature.

                  • naruto128 on 18/01/2023 - 16:24
                    +1

                    @godofpizza: at least there are no hook turns for Sydney trams.

                • jolee3 on 18/01/2023 - 13:34
                  +2

                  @Ghost47: +1 Tan Viet crispy chicken

                  @godofpizza I don't think it's worth the extra to stay in the CBD, but staying near a train station will make it more accessible for you. Metro stations like Macquarie Park will require a transfer so it does take longer - but if you're only planning to go to CBD for a day or so then the trip out could be part of the experience.

                  If you're going out on a weekend then there are flat rate carparks to consider too. Hourly ones will cost you a fortune, and during weekdays they are mostly hourly.

                  • godofpizza on 18/01/2023 - 16:35
                    +1

                    @jolee3: thanks for the tip, love Viet food.

                    • Ghost47 on 18/01/2023 - 19:55
                      +1

                      @godofpizza: There's also an all you can eat KBBQ place on Dixon St in Haymarket called 678. It was really good a while ago, I've heard the quality of the meat has gone downhill but might still be decent.

                      • kerfuffle on 18/01/2023 - 20:15
                        +1

                        @Ghost47: One in Eastwood too which is still decent

                        • Ghost47 on 18/01/2023 - 20:20
                          +1

                          @kerfuffle: True, good option for the OP since it's near Mac Park. Only problem is it's not all you can eat haha.

      • boomramada on 18/01/2023 - 12:00
        +3

        When you looking for hotels, look into acces to the public transport, don't just look for cheap hotels, which is a false economy.

        ie access to public transport, hotel car park fees, how far from to CBD if you after attractions. Try use booking.com associate with google maps.

        Also consider a toll pass. https://www.linkt.com.au/accounts-and-passes/buy-a-pass/sydn…

        • kerfuffle on 18/01/2023 - 12:01
          +4

          If they're from Melbourne, they should be able to use their eTag if they already have one for the toll roads there.

        • ihbh on 18/01/2023 - 17:58
          +1

          Very good point that people underestimate.

          My elderly uncle & aunt came from Canada last year and stayed at the Shangri-La. Probably costs a bomb, but they've been with this chain for a long time, and stay many nights each year, and it dawned on me that there's got to be some trade off with the proximity.

          I took them to Manly on the ferry which they really appreciated and wanted to go but wasn't sure how with their guide book (they thought I was going to pick them up and drive them there). For the walk back from CQ I took them the scenic route around The Rocks. Apart from that they got to see pretty much all that they had wanted to see by themselves during their week's stay in Sydney.

          The only thing that was hard for them was getting to the Blue Mountains - we said forget it; it wouldn't be a pleasant day trip for elderly tourists (they had one day free after flight back from Melbourne before home flight).

  • Fat Horny Ghost on 18/01/2023 - 11:41
    +1

    Public transport is good for inside CBD and Inner CBD areas don't need car.

    Worth using those discount sites sometimes they got deals

    If you were to park in CBD use first parking good rates check their deal on ozb

  • ddhar on 18/01/2023 - 11:47
    +1

    I would avoid driving (and parking) in the CBD, if possible. The traffic and parking rates are just bad.

    Stay somewhere with Train or Light Rail access, and use those to get to the CBD. Much less stressful.

    Sounds like you are driving into Sydney and have to park the car? Perhaps you can look for an all-day street parking not far from your accomodation and just leave it there during your trip.

    • godofpizza on 18/01/2023 - 11:59

      yes, we're driving. Flying to sydney are too expensive for groups compared to a car load of people.
      The place we're looking at staying has parking included in their room rate.

      I guess the issue is maybe using a taxi a better choice(for groups) if the train or closest bus stop too far from accomodation?

      • ddhar on 18/01/2023 - 12:04
        +2

        I highly recommend you find an accommodation close to a train line or Light Rail (or even bus lines that go into the city). You'll still be paying a lot on taxis and Rideshares.

  • Gunnar on 18/01/2023 - 12:02
    +2

    Don’t drive to the CBD, you can get cheap parking in the CBD but it is far away. And by cheap I mean expect to pay $25-30. It will be a little way away from where you stated above.

    Parking near circular quay if you can get it for $50 you’ve done well

    Then you have driving around the CBD. This meme sums it up best:
    https://imgur.io/NFcuavw?r

    The best and cheapest thing you can do in Sydney is riding the ferries. Most say go Manly. My recommendations are take the ferry to watsons’ bay and another on to parramatta. You’ll see the harbour in all its glory (don’t do a harbour cruise because it is nothing more than an expensive ferry ride)

    • godofpizza on 18/01/2023 - 12:08

      yes, we would love to do this. But I had a look at the ferry port car park and couldn't see how long you can part there.
      is it worth parking at Manly and ferrying from there? or is the parking there also terrible?

      • Gunnar on 18/01/2023 - 12:25

        Parking in manly near the ferry dock is generally terrible.

        Where exactly are you staying in the city? Based on the times you’ve said above I’m guessing Wahroonga way??

        • kerfuffle on 18/01/2023 - 12:29
          +1

          Sounds like Macquarie Park.

        • godofpizza on 18/01/2023 - 12:30

          near Macquarie Park train station. the time i mentioned are from google. No idea if they're correct as i haven't done the trip myself.

          • Ghost47 on 18/01/2023 - 12:45
            +1

            @godofpizza: If you’re staying at the Holiday Inn you’ve made a decent choice, it’s not a bad place to stay. Coffee Club downstairs, decent rooms, probs a 10-15 minute walk to either Mac Uni station or Mac Park station.

            • godofpizza on 18/01/2023 - 12:54

              @Ghost47: actually the Marriott next door, we needed the bigger rooms.

              • Gunnar on 18/01/2023 - 13:40
                +1

                @godofpizza: In that case as above, definitely catch the train in. Those timings haven’t taken into Sydney traffic or the other terrible thing with Sydney roads … tolls (including the extra tolls you’ll be forced to pay when you’ve made a mistake and taken the wrong exit trying to get off the toll road because it’s so dam confusing, don’t worry this is a right of passage)

                I’ve driven through most capital cities in Australia during peak and off peak hours and none of the others come remotely close to how sh.t, confusing, and expensive Sydney CBD is

  • cashless on 18/01/2023 - 14:03
    -2

    What is this Visting that you speak of?

  • pao2x on 18/01/2023 - 14:54
    +1

    Park at a train/ferry station or a quiet street near one, that usually means out of heavily built suburbs and use the public transport when going into the the city or ferry system.

  • ihbh on 18/01/2023 - 15:00
    +1

    You'll find parking in the Northern Beaches much easier - from free next to the beach for the smaller ones, to a 5-10 minute walk from free parking in Manly. Also, lots of national parks and sights and beautiful walks in the North Shore/Northern Beaches.

    Catch the metro to Chatswood and train to the city and go from there. Definitely don't try to drive to Manly from Macquarie Park, park and then catch ferry to the CQ - you'll do your head in. However, for one trip take a ferry from CQ to Manly (sit at the back of the ferry), spend some time at Manly, then maybe catch a bus back to your hotel.

    • Seraphin7 on 18/01/2023 - 16:38
      +1

      Yeesh … whatever you do, do not attempt to go from Manly to Macquarie Park by bus/train. These two places are just not at all connected so you'll be looking two transfers (at least) and spending the whole time on either main roads or suburban train lines with very little to look at. By the end you will be seriously questioning your life choices.

      The ferry is a good way to see the city, but if you are going to do the above either get the ferry back to the city and then train/metro up to Macquarie Park or otherwise cab/uber from Manly.

      • godofpizza on 18/01/2023 - 16:41
        +1

        thanks for the tip.

      • ihbh on 18/01/2023 - 17:28
        +1

        Fair point, I didn't have time to explain that there's no straight as the crow flies route across Middle Harbour and going back by ferry was an option.

        Bus might be faster overall and if he goes via the Spit can stop by Chinaman's Beach / Balmoral Beach and do the Harbour walk to Taronga Zoo.

        Disclaimer: I live in the Northern Shore and its a 15 min drive to the Northern Beaches, 12 min drive to the city and only take the bus when there's trackwork (rail maintenance).

        • Seraphin7 on 18/01/2023 - 17:40
          +1

          Agree there are some stop offs along the way as you note. They would break the thing up and make it more approachable.

          But trust me, based on the quick Google of Manly to Macquarie Park, and the bus ride from Manly via the Spit and over to the lower North Shore (not to mention the transfers onto trains) is just not what you want to be doing when on holidays! Sydney Rd - Spit Rd - Military Rd - Falcon St can be a nightmare at the best of times, let alone if you get caught with heavy traffic and/or some road incident.

          My bet is you live somewhere with fairly close access to the Roseville Bridge. Going that way to the Dee Why or even Narrabeen district is actually very good (by car). The Spit Bridge way is something to be avoided if at all possible IMHO.

  • GG57 on 18/01/2023 - 15:09
    +1

    OP should take care at "circular quary"; pretty dangerous rockfalls down there at times.

    But seriously, I'm looking forward to a post from OP after their trip, complaining about the traffic, tolls, tunnels, narrow streets, etc.

  • kawinuyo on 18/01/2023 - 16:09
    +1

    For the aquarium, you can get $14 parking the Harbourside Wilson Parking. https://www.visitsealife.com/sydney/plan-your-day/before-you…

    They have a code you can use to pre book to get the price. So should make a day and plan for all the attractions nearby to save on parking there.

  • brad1-8tsi on 18/01/2023 - 23:18
    +1

    Park away from the CBD. Tempe is always good. Use public transport.

    I'm in the city a lot. Every week it becomes less "car friendly"

  • kulamw on 19/01/2023 - 12:07
    +1

    Consider purchasing the Sydney Entertainment Book which offers 2for1 or 25% for the attractions you mentioned.

    • godofpizza on 19/01/2023 - 15:38

      thanks, never used the EB before. Did you find hard to make a claim? I rememebr a co-worker had a physical book with coupons. But this new system is a scan and save process?

      • kulamw on 21/01/2023 - 22:07
        +1

        Never had any issues. Just make sure you press ' redeem' in front of the staff so they can apply the discount for you.

        • godofpizza on 21/01/2023 - 23:35

          thanks, is it really the best value?

          I am finding that the EB offer 25% off GA tickets ( for 4 people) but if you buy a combo pass directly from them it's already close to 50% off without having to sign up for the EB. But i guess there's other deals the EB offers.

  • tabitha731 on 19/01/2023 - 21:32

    Dont even think about driving in the city to take your family around to the places you have listed, the closest parking spot u will get will be 1km away and the price to park wont be worth it, it will be cheaper and more convenient to use the trains and lightrail/ trams, buses cant get near the city either these days due to heavy traffic during peak, or if an accident occurs. Best to out on your most comfortable sneaker and walk to most of the places, coz sydney these days is mostly only accessible by foot.

  • John Kimble on 20/01/2023 - 10:22
    +1

    Just noticed a few Wilson Parking locations in the CBD have been taken over by First Parking and the rates are pretty good!

    Flat rates of about $16

    You can sign up for free to get 20% off also.

    https://www.firstparking.com.au/

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