Our tour group recently took a beautiful ferry ride via Rose Bay back into Sydney cove. Circular…read moreQuay from Watson's Bay by ferry is one of Australia's great ferry trips. An unscheduled storm cloud had us all scrambling for cover but today the 125th anniversary of the Royal Australian Navy featuring a fleet review of 30 ships from 19 countries right here in Sydney harbour meant we didn't really mind getting a tad wet. Our first ferry stop Rose Bay was once the home to Sydney's first international airport with amphibious aircraft taking the 30 stop kangaroo route from London to Sydney in 12 days commencing in 1938 and continuing right up to the 1950s. Passing the HMAS Sydney memorial Mast, Shark beach, Taronga Zoo, Garden Island (Royal Australian Navy) and the Prime Minister's house while also admiring some of the most expensive suburbs in the southern hemisphere, it was easy to see why this is such a well patronised ferry ride. Standing between Wharf 3 and 4 the RAAF roulettes then had us in awe at their 15 min display of raw energy and choreographed acrobatics.

While staying in Sydney's CBD, we found walking to the points of interest I had bookmarked to be…read moresafe and easy, as everything seemed to be within walking distance of our hotel. For places such as the Taronga Zoo or beaches (Manly and Bondi), which were farther away or across Sydney Harbour, we chose to use public water transport, AKA the Sydney Ferry System. We purchased single-ride tickets since we only used the system 4 times ( round-trip tickets) instead of getting an OPAL card, which you can recharge or top up for multiple trips. Anyway, we couldn't have been more impressed by the efficiency, high capacity, and accessibility of the ferry system, which services 38 wharves across Sydney Harbour. The Sydney Ferry Fleet is comprised of six different classes of vessels, ranging from modern, high-speed double-hulled catamarans for inner harbour suburban routes to larger freshwater-class vessels for handling larger or rougher swells. The cost of each ride varies by destination and as tourists, we found this ferry system economical, fast, and allowed us to get different views of the iconic landmarks in and around the Sydney Harbour and glimpses of the suburbs.

I stayed one night at the Mantra on Sydney Airport. Check in and out process was quick and…read moreefficient with friendly staff. The room was clean, good bed , view of the airport and local area. The hotel restaurant was also good and reasonably priced. Only issues is there is a lot of traffic noise and you have to pull down the black out blinds to cut out the significant lights from the other buildings and airport

Arguably the world isn't full of geniuses. Fortunately, Mantra contracted with one to put an…read moreaffordable, modern and friendly hotel experience within reach. From the friendly and most accommodating check in experience to the comfortable beds and the absolutely genius bathroom, Mantra then goes one step further at breakfast. Delightful and highly recommended. Location is right next to the airport entrance. From Int'l arrivals a bit of a hike by taxi but certainly the most convenient option. Quiet - even though smack under a take off path. Barely heard anything at all. Looking forward to coming back.

It checked the boxes. It was near the airport and comfortable bed. However, it's like walking back…read moreinto a college dorm in the sense of the furniture and decor. The only difference is you get a king size bed. For the price some more amenities would be a plus. The only thing you got was two mugs, some tea, coffee, and hairdryer and iron ironing board. Anything else you might need you should bring along especially as far as toiletries. They did have what you need for a shower. The building definitely looks more impressive than the rooms. Mostly quiet during the evening and toward the morning hurt him low engine noises nothing to wake you up but it's starting around nine. You do hear planes taking off in the distance. Still not bad since you can actually walk from the domestic terminal, which took me 15 minutes from terminal three. Not recommended with lots of luggage but if you can roll your luggage along it's pretty level. It's nice to get a little exercise after sitting in a plane.

I booked the twilight bridge climb and I am still not quite sure what possessed me. Let me explain,…read moreI am in my mid sixties, fat, out of shape and deadly afraid oof heights. It didn't look so bad on pictures, but once I saw the bridge in person and in particular how tiny the climbers looked on top of the bridge, that was the moment fear set in. And it got worse during the preparations. You don't just walk in and climb on up there. You need to have instructions, pass a breathalyzer test, change into a special suit, get a radio, headphones, attach your glasses, hat, jacket and whatnot all to your suit and step into a heavy harness. By that time you'll start to sweat because this suit is like a plastic bag and hold in the heat. You also get to practice a climb up some ladders... oh yay. As a scaredy cat in regards of heights, I was placed up front so our guide could keep an eye on me. Good thing too. The rest of my group consisted of 20-30 year old athletic types... great. So you step on out of the building onto a catwalk and get hooked onto the safety line. This already made me regret things as I looked down onto the street below. Then our guide starts to run, yes run on this narrow catwalk... aaarggghhh... I did finally catch up with her but only because she was waiting for our group. Surprise, let's climb up 4 ladders with 25 steps each back to back... man I was huffing and puffing. Thank goodness you get to wait until everybody is up. Then you climb and climb and climb on up the stairs. I did my best and did keep up, but I was really trying hard. I gave it my all. At about 3/4 of the way, my legs were turning into jello, almost to the summit I thought I was going to throw up, but luckily we stopped to take pictures as a group and then as individuals. I recovered during this little rest. We had climbed up during daylight, by the time we reached the summit the sun was setting and the the view was spectacular. Unforgettable. Recovered due to the short rest and with the promise of no further climbing, but rather descending from here on, I was feeling much better. Thirsty, drenched in sweat and wishing I had used the restroom before the climb, but otherwise ok. Well now we had to cross from one side of the bridge to the other... at the summit, over several lanes of traffic and railroad tracks, and you can see straight down... for me, the scariest part. Then finally the descent. By now it was getting quite dark and we needed to turn on our lamps. The descent was much quicker than the climb of course and I was eager to get out of this hot suit, get a drink of water and use the rest room... no such luck. Now one has to painstakingly unbuckle all the equipment from the suit. Eventually you get to change back into your regular clothes. And just when you think you are done, you have to stand in line for the photo purchases. I had prepaid for the pictures, but still had to wait because the staff will pick out the pictures that feature you and put those with the group and scenery pictures. I do have to say our guide took fabulous pictures and they were worth the wait. Yes, I know I don't describe this adventure as a wonderful experience, it was quite strenuous, but also exciting and the view alone is absolutely worth it. Also the staff was very encouraging and if you have fear or physical concerns let them know so they can help you along the way.

My family and I did the sunset bridge climb and it was a fantastic experience. First, I sincerely…read moreappreciate how seriously they take safety. They take you through a series of procedures to make sure that you are prepared to do the climb as well check all of your equipment and that you aren't bringing anything you shouldn't onto the bridge. The attitude is still very positive and the employees do an excellent job balancing checking safety with a jovial attitude and maintaining the excitement of the adventure. Our bridge guide was Rhys and I cannot say enough good things about him. He did an excellent job sharing the history and fun facts about the bridge and Sydney while taking very good care of our group. We bought our nine and 11 year old sons with us and he was incredible with them answering their many questions and encouraging their enthusiasm. I have wanted to do the bridge climb for several years now and this experience surpassed all expectations. Anticipation can oversell the actual experience, but not this time. Thanks to Rhys and crew, we had a great experience.

We had no issues... all the agents and staff at this location are very friendly and helpful…read more.. Buying souvenirs.... staff informed us of what we could bring into the USA...

A beautiful airport, easy to get through and navigate…read more however, as beautiful as this airport is, there is a major concern that needs to be addressed. In the vicinity of my gate and even beyond there were two filtered water drinking fountains that had lines wrapped around the corner with a minimum 20 people per line. With something like that, I would say you have a crystal clear problem that needs to be addressed, which is more filtered water fountains to refill water bottles!!! In addition to that, there were lines for the women's bathroom, which indicates they need more stalls for the ladies. The other huge complaint is gate 26. We were switched to gate 26 and there was a large crowd of people just blocking it hoarding this area with a guy saying oh no it's gonna be a while. I'll sit down. This is with United Airlines only to find out that he opens it and then you go down there to find a BCDEFG which is additional united airlines "gates". So you'd have several airplanes out there that you're walking to with all these different booths and lines and workers with very minimal seating area so that's what they don't tell you but that's what nobody knows so you're at this large area gate 26 wondering what's going on everybody was confused. This is a complaint to the United Airlines and Sydney Airport. We need clear communications and signage as well as more water bottle Fill stations and ladies bathrooms.

We stay here about once a year . This time we are here for over a month. Staff is great rooms…read moreclean but alittle dated . The location is perfect with the mall across from us they have laundry and a grill that you can use . Everything you need . I enjoy the parrots that are like pets that we can feed from the balcony. Good tv . Highly recommend mainly on location

Quite dingy. Small rooms but decent appliances. However our room had a terrible sewage smell coming…read morefrom the drains. Breakfast was adequate but not great. Very awkward parking. At least it is quite near shops and transport.

We are here for 3 nights and 4 days for vacation . This place was so close to everything…read more Chinatown , Circular Quay, Harbor Bridge, Darling bridge , Sydney Opera house , restaurant and shops. 15 -20 mins walk. Make sure sunblock hat or umbrella . The room and hotel was clean. Love the white linen sheets. Our view is the Darhling harbor. Very nice. The TV here has only regular channel. No cable. The room was enough for 3 of us. Small kitchenette with kitchen wares. We didn't cook bcuz the food here is very reasonable. It was a very friendly place to stay . Definitely will stay again for another vacay here in Sydney. For now c u again Australia. G'mates ..... flying home to California USA

Great location in the CBD and close to Darling Harbour and all it's attractions…read more Mantra has a great deal on breakfast if you pre book at reception.

Nice hotel in the central part of downtown Sydney near lots of restaurants, bars, shops and not far…read morefrom the metro station which is very convenient. Walking distance throughout the city from the hotel. Hotel itself is really nice, the lobby is large and accomodating and next to their restaurant. The hotel room was spacious and offered nice amenities, mini frig, safe, large bathroom with tub, large bed, nice screen TV. Workout room was large and had very machines and weights along with pool. The hotel also offered a laundry which was very nice also. Everything about this hotel worked for me and it was a good and positive experience here. The price we booked the hotel was'nt too bad either. I would recommend this hotel.

The architecture of the building is exquisite. It's beautiful and nostalgic. I enjoyed reading…read moreabout the history of the building and I definitely got the feeling of going back in time while I stayed here. Unfortunately, I stayed a while and the charm faded a bit over the days. The hotel was large, but it still had an intimate feeling. The concierge/bell hops were probably the best part of our stay. They were incredibly friendly, helpful and polite. One gentleman was always chipper, whistling and hustling which made me smile every time I saw him. He always remembered my name and greeted me warmly. Conversely, the front desk staff were cold, stiff, pre-occupied and inattentive. The room was on the smaller size, but had a nice view of the city. Through the concrete jungle, you could see where the harbour area was without actually seeing the harbour. It seemed as if the fixtures and bathroom could use some updating and redecorating. It seems like free wifi just isn't something common in Sydney, and this hotel was no exception. Limited wifi access is available at a fee. In the lobby area codes for a small increment of free wifi time are available but you practically have to hold a gun to the front desk staff to get one. I loved the location. Everything was really within walking distance. Darling Harbour, QVC, Chinatown, the Rocks and Circular Quay seemed like just a hop, skip and a jump. After being in the city for just a day or two, we quickly realized how small the city and easily navigable the city was. If we return to Sydney, most likely we will stay elsewhere.