Cooma is a New South Wales (Australia) country town of nearly 7,000 people and is generally regarded as the capital of the Snowy Mountains region. It is located about 110 kilometres south of Canberra (Australia’s Capital) and 90 kilometres from the ski resorts of the Snowy Mountains. Continue reading “Cooma – Gateway to the Snowy Mountains”
The Australian War Memorial At Night
As part of the its activity to commemorate the centenary of the 11 November 1918 Armistice, which brought about the end of World War I, the Australian War Memorial opened its commemorative area for night-time viewing (up to 10pm) on a number of weekends running up 11 November 2018. This rare event allowed visitors to see the memorial in a different light. Again, as part of its commemorative programme visitors were also able to enjoy the Memorial’s temporary 62,000 Poppy Display by night. Continue reading “The Australian War Memorial At Night”
62,000 Poppies Display
In the run up to and as part of its commemorative activities to mark the 100th anniversary of the ending of World War I on 11 November 1918 the Australian War Memorial commissioned a rather haunting and melancholy display of poppies, bathing the western gardens of the Memorial in a sea of red. A moving musical program, created by Chris Latham, the Memorial’s recently appointed musical artist in residence, beautifully complemented the display. The idea of having a musical artist in residence really appeals to me and Chris has got of to a flying start with this project! Continue reading “62,000 Poppies Display”
Yanga Lake
In a separate review, on Willowvale Rest Area just outside Balranald, New South Wales, I have pointed out that the biggest issue facing long distance drivers in Australia is fatigue. There is only one solution to this problem and that is to stop driving and rest. On our regular 1,200kms trips between Canberra and Adelaide Andy and I swap driving at regular intervals. While those in the know say you should pull over and rest every couple of hours we often change drivers more frequently than this. Our bodies tell us when it is time to stop and have a rest. Continue reading “Yanga Lake”
NextThere – A Must Have App
If you have an Iphone or an Ipad and plan on using public transport in Sydney (and various other Australian and a few US cities – though I have only tested it in Sydney) you absolutely must download this app and use it (along with the other must have – an Opal Card – (see my separate review)). Continue reading “NextThere – A Must Have App”
Sydney Light Rail
This is the simplest form of Sydney public transport to tell you about as there is only one line, though as I write (December 2017) construction of an extremely controversial line connecting Central Station and Circular Quay via a track down George Street is underway. It will be the world’s most expensive light rail system on a per kilometre basis – if that’s any claim to fame. And that’s before the budget blow-outs occur.
I have digressed. Continue reading “Sydney Light Rail”
Sydney Ferries
Sydney Ferries is a one part of an integrated transport system in Sydney which includes ferries, trains, buses and light rail.
There are almost 30 ferries in the fleet ranging from the traditional green and yellow ones to a more modern, though not as atmospheric, catamaran fleet of RiverCats, HarbourCats and SuperCats. Continue reading “Sydney Ferries”
Sydney Buses
Sydney has a reasonably extensive system of buses but like most places catching a bus is the thing tourists tend to steer clear of or fear most. The reasons for this is that bus routes are harder to decipher, buses get snarled up in traffic, all buses don’t stop at all bus stops, and stops are not marked in the way train stations and the like are, meaning that unless you know the route you may have little idea where you are. Continue reading “Sydney Buses”
Opal Card – All You Need
Sydney has not long since moved into the 21st century and come up with its Opal Card – Sydney’s version of London’s Oyster card, if you like.
The Opal Card, which you pre-load with cash, works on Sydney Ferries, Sydney and metropolitan trains, the light rail system and Sydney Buses. Continue reading “Opal Card – All You Need”
The Airport by Train
Notwithstanding my second picture I highly recommend this service if your final destination in Sydney is within walking distance of a train station.
Catching the train is the fastest way to reach Sydney Airport or to get to the city from the airport. Services run directly to/from the city centre to/from stations located inside the Domestic and International terminals. You can probably go cheaper by bus but for the extra dollar or so I prefer the faster train service. Continue reading “The Airport by Train”
The Rambling Wombat 