Page 174 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Sydney

172  TR A VELLERS ’ NEEDS

and to public transport, and
the moderate price usually
includes breakfast.

Gay and Lesbian
Accommodation
Lesbian and gay visitors are
welcome in all of Sydney’s
hotels. In fact, quite a number of
places cater primarily to same-
sex couples, particularly in small
hotels in the inner-city areas
of Darlinghurst, Paddington,
Newtown and Surry Hills.
Bet’s B&B, a self-contained studio in the suburb of Annandale (see p175) At the IGLTA (International Gay
and Lesbian Travel Association)
Budget Accommodation
sharing a room with parents, and the Gay and Lesbian
though there may be a charge As a favoured destination for Tourism Australia websites, you
for extra bedding. many young travellers, Sydney can search for gay or gay-friendly
has a large number of hostels travel-related businesses,
that cater specifically to their including hotels, guesthouses
Self-Catering Apartments needs. Standards vary widely, and tours. Planet Dwellers
Accommodation including full but, at their best, hostels offer arranges accommo dation as well
kitchen and laundry facilities excellent value. as “gaybourhood” walking tours.
offers the traveller greater It is best to book in advance
independence. In addition or call hotels ahead of arriving
to comfort, they also provide to make sure a room or bed is Camping
good value because the living available. Kings Cross and the Although not an option in the
space is larger than standard southern end of the city near city itself (other than on the
hotel rooms and the prices Central Station have the largest harbour at Cockatoo Island,
are competitive. concentration of cheap see p108), camping is available in
All the “apartment” hotels in accommodation. several national parks close by.
the listings on pages 174–9 offer Summer House and Original The Royal National Park (see
self-catering facilities. Many of Backpackers are smaller hostels pp166–7) has a camp site with
these rival the big hotels for offering good facilities in restored facilities at Bonnie Vale, just
location and features. Most buildings close to Kings Cross. outside Bundeena. Free bush or
are professionally managed by Original Backpackers also offers “walk-in” camping is allowed in
devel opers, with many properties inexpensive secure parking. many other places, but call the
to choose from (see p173). Blue Parrot Backpackers is park in advance to obtain the
situated in a converted mansion necessary camping permit. At
in the quieter end of Potts Point, The Basin camp site in Ku-ring-
Homestays with a sunny garden courtyard gai Chase National Park (see
European-style bed-and- and large, cosy common room pp156–7), there are toilets, cold
breakfast accommodation in complete with fireplace. showers, barbecue facilities and
a private home can be an ideal YHA Australia is a useful a phone. There are basic camp
way to experience a city. There source of information when sites near Glenbrook, Woodford,
are limited options close to the planning your trip, offering Blackheath and Wentworth Falls
city centre, especially Surry Hills, advice about travel deals, as well in the Blue Mountains National
the inner west and beachside as helping you decide on your Park (see pp162–3). Jenolan
suburbs. Most, but not all, bed- itinerary and find places to stay. Caravan Park in Oberon has
and-breakfast-type accommo- Two other useful online sources cabins and caravans for hire,
dation includes breakfast, so it that provide lists of budget as well as camping pitches with
is wise to check when booking. hostels in Sydney are hostels. and without electric hook-ups.
People from all walks of life com and hostelworld.com. You will need to book if you
offer rooms in a variety of house Halls of Residence are another want to camp at the Euroka
styles and locations. Agencies good option for travellers on Clearing near Glenbrook, but
such as Bed and Breakfast a budget. Student rooms with this is not necessary for the
NSW and the Homestay shared bathroom facilities are other sites. Bush camping is also
Network make it easy to search available at the University permitted in the park, but there
for suitable accom modation of Sydney over the summer are some restrictions. The NSW
from centralized listings. Airbnb break from late November to National Parks and Wildlife
options are plentiful, though it is mid-February. The university is Service website lists camp-
best to check reviews carefully. conveniently close to the city grounds and their facilities.
.
.

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