Our Story – A Chance Meeting
Joshua was only supposed to be in Sydney for a year. However, six weeks after arriving he met Adam, and both of their lives changed forever.
The date was Saturday, 26 March, 2005. Easter Saturday. Joshua had arrived in Sydney in mid-February to begin a year-long Masters course at the University of Sydney. Footloose and fancy free, he spent those first weeks exploring the city with gusto, making many new friends along the way. One of those, Heath Fullarton, quickly became a close-confidant and going-out buddy. On one of their many (too, too many) late night excursions to Oxford Street, they found themselves standing upstairs in the popular dance club, ARQ. As they surveyed the pulsing bodies below, Heath pointed to a figure in the crowd. “Look! It’s my friend Adam, let’s go say hello!” As they wound their way down the spiral staircase to the dance floor, neither knew the impact that chance sighting was about to create.
Heath quickly made small-talk introductions over heaving beats, and succinctly faded into the background. It wasn’t long before Adam and Joshua were lip-locked and the darkness of the dance floor seemed all-encompassing. Amidst swirling lights, hands-in-the-air anthems, and a chaos of no one else being in the room, Adam knew that Joshua was the one. He couldn’t relay that in the moment, but has ever since claimed that love at first sight hit him hard.
That’s why it was incredibly shocking when Joshua suddenly exclaimed, “Oh shit! It’s 5am, I’ve got to go! I’m hosting an Easter lunch tomorrow for friends, and I’ve got to defrost a ham!” And with that, and no other words, he turned on his heel and ran out the door. (This later became the reason Adam called Joshua his Cinderella!) No last names, no phone numbers, and perhaps no chance of seeing this American boy again. Except, Heath. He was the only chance of a glass slipper.
Fortunately, Adam was able to track Heath down to explain what had happened. He had to see Joshua again, and he needed Heath’s help. The next day, after a successful Easter Sunday roast, Heath asked Joshua, “Adam asked if I could give him your number?” It was an easy answer.
Map
Check out the interactive map below to get a general understanding of Sydney. You can zoom in and out, and touch an icon to learn more about places to go, see, eat, stay, etc. This list is not exhaustive, and there’s so much to explore right in Sydney! You’ll soon learn why I never left!
Sydney is made up of many small neighbourhoods, with the local tourism agency calling it the City of Villages. Adam and I live in a neighbourhood called Waterloo, but we’re within a ten minute walk of East Redfern, Redfern, Zetland, Alexandria, Green Square, and Roseberry. Each area slowly blends into another, but they all have distinct features that you might like to explore.
Many of the main tourist attractions in Sydney are in an area that you could comfortably call downtown. This is where the main financial district, transportation hubs, and fun areas you’ll probably want to explore are located. (Oh, and this is where my office is located!)
Accommodation
There are so many options to choose from when visiting Sydney! There are plenty of world class hotels, budget motels, Air BnB options, as well as long stay apartments. There are lots to consider when choosing the right place for you. The closer you are to the heart of the city, the more expensive it may be. However, you can find more affordable options a few minutes away, and easily catch public transportation to wherever you want to go! Remember, Adam and I live in Waterloo, a bustling suburb with plenty of restaurants, grocery stores, boutique shopping, transport options, and quick access to us! For the most cost-conscious solution to the above, we recommend the Meriton Suites which provide 1, 2, and 3 bedroom varieties of apartments. There are several Meriton Suites around the city, with Meriton Suites Zetland approximately an eight minute walk from our apartment. Each suite features kitchen and laundry facilities, as well as convenient access to food and entertainment. The cost per bedroom is approximately $100-150 USD per night.
If you are looking for something more bespoke, there are hundreds of options on Airbnb. (If you’re unfamiliar, Airbnb is a bed and breakfast that you book electronically over “the air.”) This allows you to view hundreds of private residences available for rental throughout all parts of the city. Remember you will be staying at someone’s apartment/house which comes with its own set of benefits and detractions.
Finally, Sydney has a full range of hotels. While these might provide all of the benefits you would expect from a hotel, they will be more expensive than the above suggestions for extended stays.
Passports and Visas
You must have a passport to travel internationally. This passport must maintain six months of validity past the date of travel. e.g. If you are returning on 31 March 2020, your passport can not expire before 01 October 2020. Don’t let something simple like this foil your travel plans!
If you are travelling on a US passport to Australia, you must have a visa. However, this is super easy to arrange! The Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) visa can be applied for at the Australian Government Department of Home Affairs website. The online application fee is $20 AUD (approximately $15 USD). You must have your passport, email address and a valid credit card to complete the online application. This will grant you 12 months of entry in and out of the country, with maximum stays of 90 days. This does not permit you to work. The applications are usually granted via email within 72 hours of application, and it will be electronically attached to your passport.
What To Pack
The first thing to remember about packing for Australia, is that if you forget something you can purchase it here on your very first day. You’ll probably want to buy new stuff here anyway, so don’t over pack! Rule of thumb when packing your suitcase: take half of your packed items out, and leave them at home. You’re gonna need all of that room for the new things you buy! Trust us!
Fashion in Australia is pretty casual throughout the day, unless you’re having a meal at an upscale restaurant. You won’t need an ample supply of suits and dresses, instead, focus on being comfortable. Remember you’ll be walking a lot, so ensure you bring appropriate footwear. You’ll find out more about appropriate wedding attire closer to the date, but black-tie is not expected.
Electrical voltage in Australia is 240v. Check that any international appliances are rated 120-240v or they may blow up when you try to use them! Most hotels — including Meriton Zetland — have a hair dryer in every room.
These are some must-haves for your time in Australia:
passport, driver’s license, casual shirts, casual shorts, jeans, slacks, under garments, socks, walking shoes, dress shoes, sunglasses, hat, light jacket, swim suit, wedding attire, prescription medicines, phone, phone charger, skincare/makeup, toothbrush, deodorant, and credit/debit cards (take photos of the front and back of each in case they are lost)
Transportation
Sydney is incredibly easy to navigate! You will not need a rental car. There are buses, subway-style trains, ferries, light rail, cabs, Ubers, rental bikes, and sidewalks everywhere for walking. Nearly all of the places you will want to visit can be accessed via one or more of these transportation options.
Once in Sydney, you will need either a pre-purchased Opal Card or other form of contactless card to use the public transport options. Cash is not accepted. The Opal Card is a card pre-loaded with money specifically for public transport. Upon entering a train station (or other transport) you simply tap the designated card reader with your card; when exiting at the end of your journey you do the same. The appropriate dollar amount will automatically be deducted!
Recently, all contactless cards (Visa, MasterCard, Amex, etc.) were made available for use with Sydney public transportation. While you use them in the same way as the Opal Card, overseas transaction fees may apply to those cards issued outside of Australia. This is another great reason to ensure your debit or credit card is fee-free!
Shopping
Check the live map for some of our favourite shopping destinations.
Much of the shopping in Sydney is found in boutiques and galleries in local neighbourhoods. However, the main shopping mall chain is called Westfield. The closest can be found in downtown Sydney, and neighbouring suburb Bondi Junction. These contain shops for every budget and style. The two major department stores are Myer and David Jones. The two major grocery stores are Coles and Woolworths.
There’s also a myriad of shopping experiences throughout the city. If you’re looking for high style checkout Oxford Street in suburb Paddington, and if you’re looking for cheap souvenirs head to Paddy’s Market in Chinatown.
Souvenirs are easy to come by in a tourist destination like Sydney. Whether it’s a post card, refrigerator magnet, or something more luxurious, you’re sure to find it. Here are a few ideas to memorialise your trip down under:
boomerang, opals, Ugg boots, Dinosaur Designs jewellery & homewares, Akubra hat, kangaroo leather goods, wine, aboriginal artwork, macadamia nuts, Aesop skincare
What To Eat
Check the live map for some of our favourite restaurants and bars.
Since Australia is situated in the Pacific Ocean expect some of the best and fresh seafood available. Also, as Australia is in the proximity of Asia, many Asian flavours dominate the cuisine. However, don’t forget Australia is still known for its traditional meat pies and lamingtons as well!
Here are a few suggested items to try while in Australia:
meat pies, snags from the barbie, vegemite on toast, lamingtons, a burger with the lot, pavlova, barramundi, pumpkin soup, grilled kangaroo, Cherry Ripe, chicken parmigiana, fish & chips, Tim Tams
What To See & What To Do
Check out the interactive map below to get a general understanding of Sydney. You can zoom in and out, and touch an icon to learn more about places to go, see, eat, stay, etc. This list is not exhaustive, and there’s so much to explore right in Sydney! You’ll soon learn why I never left!
Sydney is made up of many small neighbourhoods, with the local tourism agency calling it the City of Villages. Adam and I live in a neighbourhood called Waterloo, but we’re within a ten minute walk of East Redfern, Redfern, Zetland, Alexandria, Green Square, and Roseberry. Each area slowly blends into another, but they all have distinct features that you might like to explore.
Many of the main tourist attractions in Sydney are in an area that you could comfortably call downtown. This is where the main financial district, transportation hubs, and fun areas you’ll probably want to explore are located. (Oh, and this is where my office is located!)
March in Sydney is the end of summer, so you’ll find the seaside beaches still warm enough for swimming. If you’re not ready to dive into the ocean, there’s an amazing beach walk that starts at Bondi Beach and winds all the way south to Maroubra Beach. Picture below by Joshua Helms.
“A cliff top coastal walk, the Bondi to Coogee walk extends for six km [3.7 miles] in Sydney’s eastern suburbs. The walk features stunning views, beaches, parks, cliffs, bays and rock pools. The beaches and parks offer a place to rest, swim or a chance to eat at one of the cafes, hotels, restaurants or takeaways. … The Bondi to Coogee coastal walk is a medium grade urban walk but there are some steep gradient paths and several staircases along the track. There are rest stops with great views and seating along the coast. It takes about two hours to complete the Bondi to Coogee Beach section of the walk and another hour and a half [south] if you choose to continue to Maroubra. Although an urban walk the Bondi to Coogee walk is open to the elements, please make sure you wear comfy shoes, bring a hat, sunglasses, sun screen, water and in colder weather wear appropriate clothing.” From Bondi To Coogee Walk.
Weather
March is autumn in Australia. The average temperature ranges from 18°-25° C (65°-77° F), with approximately nine days of rain throughout the month. Expect evenings to be a little cooler with a light jacket required.
Banking
Australia uses Australian dollars and coins, AUD for short. Cash can be withdrawn from hundreds of ATMs throughout the city. Your bank may charge a fee to withdraw cash. However, nearly all retailers (big and small) will take debit/credit cards. Like most places, Visa and Mastercard are the most widely accepted, with American Express close behind. It is also recommended that you use a card that does not charge international transaction fees. Check with your bank prior to arrival for full details.
Popular Australian banks for ATMs include: Westpac, ANZ, NAB, Commonwealth, and St. George.
Post Office
Consult the live map above for area Post Offices. They are found throughout the city with red and white signage on buildings and drop boxes.
Medical
In an emergency dial “000.” That’s triple-zero, not 9-1-1. Operators will connect you to the appropriate emergency services.
Many over-the-counter medicines can be found at grocery stores like Cole’s and Woolworths. Otherwise, numerous pharmacies / chemists such as Chemist’s Warehouse can offer a wider range and prescription medications.
If you need to see a doctor, Joshua and Adam can provide the names and locations of a few recommendations. Ensure you know the allowances of your travel insurance.
