24 Hours In

Lauren Wright

As the plane flies over Sydney Harbour, you look down. Gasping in amazement at the size of this famous city, your mind boggles at the thought of all that awaits you when you land.

Stepping off the plane, your excitement builds as you consider the vast array of possibilities- the beaches, the nightlife, concerts, sports, theatre and the list continues endlessly in your mind.

But for all young travelers venturing to Sydney in the coming months, here are the first five of the ten things you must experience whilst in Australia’s finest city.

Big Day Out. The ultimate party is coming to Sydney in January 2010 once again. Due to popular demand, a second show has also been scheduled. The two shows will be held on the 22^nd and 23^rd January at the Sydney Showground. As always, Big Day Out has attracted some of the biggest names in the music industry.

Performances this year include the sexy Lilly Allen, Australia’s own Powderfinger and the group which shot to fame after the smash hit film Twilight; Muse. Other artists include Grinspoon, Rise Against, The Mars Volta and Kisschasy.

Franz Ferdinand performing at Big Day Out

In between rocking out to the great bands and soaking up the sun, watch out for the puddles of vomit and urine- stepping in one of those is a major pitfall to avoid. Bring plenty of water, because temperatures will soar and the beer is expensive.

With both Sydney shows selling out within a matter of hours, organizers are releasing an extra 3 000 tickets per show through an online ticket ballot. Each week 300 tickets will be available, with the ballot drawn weekly at 9pm Thursday nights. These draws begin on 22^nd October and close on 24^th December. To register for tickets online, or for more info on Big Day Out visit www.bigdayout.com.au. 

Nickelback Concert. Nickelback fans and anyone who enjoys some soft rock will be pleased to know that they are touring Australia in a matter of weeks. One of the most successful multi-award winning bands of all time will be in Australia to promote their new album Dark Horse.

This new album is a combination of everything Nickelback have given fans up till now. Produced by world renowned Robert John ‘Mutt’ Lange, this new album will give audiences  all their favourite Nickelback elements with stirring anthems, romantic ballads and gripping lyrics.

For those who aren’t great fans of Nickelback, cheap tickets will at least get you a view of ‘the Chad’ and those gorgeous golden locks of his.

Nickelback will be performing their Dark Horse tour at Acer Arena on the 13^th and 14^th November this year, with Sick Puppies as their supporting act. For more information on the band, visit their site at www.nickelback.com.

Bondi Beach. If running around the city sounds too stressful, Bondi Beach is the perfect place to relax. With some of the most gorgeous views in all of Sydney, the beach provides the perfect setting for some sun and surf. Not only is the landscape gorgeous, but the bods on the beach aren’t too bad either.

Image Copyright: moleculemike, Flickr

The Bondi Beach Markets are held every Sunday from 10-5pm at the local public school, just a short walk from the beach. The Sculpture by the Sea exhibition is also coming to Bondi Beach from 29^th October- 15^th November.

Art lovers will now have even more of an excuse to visit this iconic Sydney site. And for anyone just interested in seeing some really weird art, most of it completely abstract and obscure, then Bondi’s the place to head to.

“It’s a piece of paradise that gives you the opportunity to leave the rat race if city life without actually leaving the city,” says Sydney-sider Owen Strange.

Party on the Bus. After a day of relaxing and taking in the sites of Sydney, a pub crawl through Sydney’s hottest bars and clubs is sure to be the ultimate night out. Book a party bus and forget about transportation. Party on the Bus will take you across Sydney to the hottest night spots and drop you home afterwards.

So stress less and book a party bus. If hardcore clubbing isn’t your thing, then try paintballing, and go-karting instead. Travelling round the city and taking in the sights while drinking without having to worry about getting home- sounds like a sweet deal.

Image Copyright: pubtrek,Flickr

Careful not to puke on the bus though- unpleasant for everyone, particularly those who may pass out towards the end of the night.

The party buses offer packages for all occasions from birthdays to hens’ nights, with clubbing packages for anyone aged 18-30.  For a party that lasts 24 hours, packages also include go-karting and paintballing as well as club hopping.

For more information visit www.partyonthebus.com.au or phone (02) 9820 6626.

Mamma Mia. Get ready to put on your dancing shoes and whip out the jumpsuits. The global phenomenon has finally reached Sydney’s shores. Critically acclaimed throughout the world, Mamma Mia is back for its 10^th anniversary tour. ABBA fans will be leaping from their seats to book a ticket.

Young and old will enjoy this comedy about family and friendship and while most will be reluctant to admit it, the beloved songs of ABBA will have you dancing in your seat.

A number of the original cast members have reunited to dazzle Sydney crowds once again, with Anne Wood and Micheal Cormick starring as Donna Sheridan and Sam Carmichael.

Shows start from October 23 at the Lyric Theatre. To book tickets, visit showbiz or ticketmaster. 

If running around Sydney trying to cram all this in hasn’t tired you out too much, then look out for part two, with five more of Sydney’s hottest destinations.

But for now, head back to your hotel and get some sleep. Tomorrow will be a big day.