Sydney’s holidays aren’t over.  There’s still a whole year of some long weekends to be excited about.  If you’re looking ahead for another chance to getaway or to extend your vacation, then it’s good to make your reservations early so you won’t have a problem booking flights or finding budget accommodation in Sydney.  You can always count on us in providing you comfortable yet cheap accommodation in Sydney.  So you can start planning your leaves, here is a list of New South Wales’ public holidays this year:

                New Year’s Day                           January 2 (Monday)

                Australia Day                              January 26 (Thursday)

                Good Friday                                April 6 (Friday)

                Easter Saturday                          April 7 (Saturday)

                Easter Monday                            April 9 (Monday)

                ANZAC Day                                April 25 (Wednesday)

                Queen’s Birthday                         June 11 (Monday)

                Bank Holiday                               August 6 (Monday)

                Labour Day                                 October 1 (Monday)

                Christmas Day                            December 25 (Tuesday)

                Boxing Day                                 December 26 (Wednesday)

For those who are not quite familiar with how fun and festive we celebrate our holidays, let’s take a look at our recent events, so you get an idea of how Sydneysiders party.

• New Year 2012: December 31
  • A blaze of colour and light ushered in the new year
  • Hundreds of thousands of people crowded the Sydney Harbour to witness one of the world’s biggest and most spectacular fireworks display that set the world standard
  • 7 tonnes of fireworks, shot from barges, the foreshore and the Harbour Bridge, illuminated the sky.
  • Fireworks display included a giant four-coloured rainbow, cloud shapes, butterflies, golden waterfalls, etc.

• Chinese (Lunar) New Year: January 23 – Year of the Water Dragon 

• Festival Launch: January 20-22 at the Belmore Park
• Feast of colours and flavours as the two-week celebration begins
• Traditional eye-dotting ceremony to bring dragons and lions to life
• Firecrackers, spectacular lights and loud bangs, scare off last year’s misfortunes
• Live entertainment from international performers
• Chinese New Year Festival Markets (4:00pm-11:00pm)
  • Sights, sounds and flavours of Asian markets: woks, Asian pop, dragons, dumplings, traditional arts and crafts
• Twilight Parade: January 29
  • Dragon-style, magical parade from the Town Hall to Chinatown, with over 2900 performers
  • Huge illuminated dragon projections on Sydney’s buildings
  • Pre-parade entertainment: street art, dancers and acrobats
  • International performers from Chengdu and Beijing: panda float, singers, dancers
  • Local performers from Chinese, Korean and Vietnamese communities: floats, lanterns, fire breathing, martial arts
  • Stunning fireworks display to start the Year of the Dragon
• Dragon Boat Races: February 4-5 at the Darling Harbour
  • Traditional eye-dotting ceremony to bring the dragon boats to life and the blessing of the waters
  • 12-metre long boats decorated to form a dragon head and tail, with a drummer pounding loudly as 20 people manoeuvre the oars

• Australia Day: January 26
  • The country’s biggest annual day celebration
  • Over 5,000 events celebrated across New South Wales
  • Events of the day
    • Sydney CBD
      • Aussie-style activities held on the beaches, at backyards, in the sky, at the parks
      • Hyde Park
        • Entertainment, wine, food, fun and relaxation with family and friends
        • The ABC for Kids concert
        • The Lord Mayor’s Citizenship Ceremony
        • John Williamson, an Australian music legend, takes centre stage
        •  Sydney Harbour
          • A spectrum of events can be enjoyed on land or on the water
        • Activities
          • Woggan-ma-gule Morning Ceremony – to commemorate the past and celebrate the future
          • GIO Oz Day 10K – an iconic wheelchair race participated by the finest wheelchair athletes across the globe
          • Exhibits by the most popular cultural institutions and public buildings in the city
          • Yabun Concert – to showcase the rich indigenous creative talent
          • NRMA Motorfest – to showcase approximately 1,000 vintage, veteran and classic vehicles
          • Vintage Bus Service – taking a ride around the city through the unique, nostalgic charm of old-world transport
          • Festival of the Voice at The Rocks – to enjoy 9 hours of free live music from more than 50 singers and songwriters, featuring pop, rock, funk, soul, folk, and blues music
          • Darling Harbour Spectacular – to showcase a variety of talents, arts and history: children’s stage, world music and dance, boat parades, NSW Premier’s and the Governor’s speeches, symphony of light and sound, and fireworks by the water for the big finale

Since Sydney welcomes approximately 4 million visitors annually, a host of hotels and hostels have graced the city.  For a unique and funky Sydney budget accommodation, you can come and visit us.  We are at the heart of the city.  Contact us today and check out our funky rooms.

One of the main sailing companies in Sydney is Captain Cook Cruises. They have been around for more than 39 years and sail around the Great Barrier Reef, The Fijian Islands, the Murray River Basin and of course: around the Sydney Harbour. The company is run by a family and they have a fleet of 16 vessels.

A brand new sailing trip has just launched and will definitely excite low-budget travellers and backpackers. Meet the 'Sydney Harbour Venture Cruise'! With this 3 1/2 hour sailing trip, you start and return the Darling Harbour on a 21 meters long luxury catamaran 'Aussie Venture'. On board, there is a bar where you can buy soft drinks and alcohol. 

Relaxed in the lounge chairs on the sun deck or inside the covered aft deck (close to the bar), or have a seat at one of the tables on the front deck. With a welcoming-Mojito and complementary bowls of chips and nuts, the holiday-mode will switch on pretty soon! Time to get to know the person sitting next to you!

When you sail out to a secluded beach, next to the Clifton Gardens on Sydney's North shore, some live commentary would have been nice, because on the way, there is a lot to see. But we heard they are thinking about including this in the trip at some point. 

With only half an hour on the beach, there is just enough time for a picnic lunch (you will receive a brown paper bag with a delicious sandwich or wrap and a big slice of banana bread), but nearly not enough time for a proper sunbath or swim. But on the way back to the Darling Harbour, the crew raise the sails and that is really the highlight of the trip: seeing the imposing Sydney skyline when slowly sailing around the harbour. The ship goes right under the Harbour Bridge, which will give you some great photo opportunities as well. 

Sydney is often called one of the most beautiful places in the world, and to see it from the waterfront gives it just a little extra. And for the introductory price of AUS$49 (valid until 31 March 2012 - normally AUS$65), it's perfect for those that want to see the city from a totally different viewpoint.

The Aussie Venture departs 1.30pm (check-in 30 minutes prior to sailing) from Pier 26 (Aquarium Bay Wharf, Darling Harbour) every Monday, Wednesday and Friday. It will return the harbour at approx. 5pm. Children under 12 years are not permitted.

The Darling Harbour can be reached by Explorer Bus Stop 24 or Train Station Town Hall and a short walk down Bathurst, Market or King Street.

For more information about this cruise or to book this trip, please see our reception staff!

captaincook.com.au

In just a day, you can visit all the different Australian habitats. Normally this would take you months! What about the Kakadu Gorge, The Outback, Gumtree Valley, the Daintree Rainforest or the Butterfly Tropics? Each habitat has it's own unique flora and fauna and Wildlife Sydney can tell you all about it.

Meet the animals!

If you would like to know anything specific about your favourite Australian animal, then Wildlife Sydney is the place for you. Apart from great interactive displays and feeding sessions, the keepers regularly walk around with animals and have talks that will learn you things you probably never heard before.

Did you know that Australia has about 1 million native species? And that 80% of them cannot be found anywhere else in the world? That emu's cannot fly – but can run up to 50 km/hour? Or that Wildlife Sydney's saltwater crocodile Rex is over 5 meters long?

Wildlife Sydney is more that just a ZOO – it's the best place in Sydney to learn all about the beautiful, native Australian nature and all its very special animals.

How to get to Wildlife Sydney?

Finding Wildlife Sydney from the Funkhouse Backpackers Hostel is easy! Just hop on the train from the Kings Cross station (1 min. walk) and get off at Town Hall. From there it's just a 5-10 minute walk to the Darling Harbour (down Market Street or King Street).  Wildlife Sydney is next to the Sydney Aquarium. You can also take the Sydney Explorer Bus to stop no. 24.

Wildlife Sydney is open daily from 9am to 5pm.

Tickets Prizes

For a single visit to the Wildlife Sydney, you pay $35 dollars. Our staff can book this for you at reception, so that you don't have to wait in line!

If you're also planning on visiting the Sydney Tower, Ocean world Manly or the Sydney Aquarium, it might be worth for you to check out their great combo passes. How about a 2-attraction pass ($50), a  3-attraction pass ($60) or even a 4-attraction pass ($70)?

For the long termers in Sydney, we recommend the Merlin Annual Pass. This will give you a 12 months unlimited access to the Sydney Aquarium, WILD LIFE Sydney, Sydney Tower Eye, Ocean world Manly, WILD LIFE Hamilton Island (QLD) and Kelly Tarlton's Underwater World (Auckland, NZ). All that for $90!

Visitor information Wildlife Sydney

From industrial town to eco-friendly community

It turned out to be quite difficult to set up a community in the industrial area Byron Bay had become. A lot of nature was lost due to deforestation and the smells of the meat factories didn't really appeal either. After the Second World War, most of the factories closed and a group of surfers re-discovered the place.

After the start of the 'Aquarius Festival' in neighbouring town 'Nimbin' (1973), an unstoppable flow of tourists (mostly students) arrived and decided never to leave again. They set up communities in Byron Bay and it soon became a peaceful, alternative hippy-village.

The hippy vibe can still be felt in Byron Bay. You won't find big commercial food chains, as the emphasis lies on local stores and practices. The community feeling is strong and besides the tourist activities, mostly alternative products and services dominate the shop windows. From main street 'Jonson Street' you conveniently step onto Main Beach and the pristine white lighthouse can be seen in the distance. The village is very compact and flat, so it's easy to move around on foot or bicycle.

Hike to the lighthouse

The Byron Bay lighthouse can be found on most postcards you'll see in the shops. It opened in 1901 and from the tower, you'll have great views of the entire area.

The walk to the lighthouse is particularly popular around sunset and sunrise, and many hostels will have a shuttle bus to take you to the top in no time. But it's so much more fun (and think about your carbon offset...) to hike there yourself! It's only 5km and with the 2 hour trail, you'll walk from the village centre straight to the top, going through a bit of rainforest and completing the walk on the beach on the way back.

Along the way you will have some picture perfect lookouts and informational signs can be found everywhere to let you learn about this extraordinary area. From the lighthouse, you also get access to more of the secluded beaches.

Walk from the centre of town along Lawson Street (eastbound), until it goes on into Lighthouse Road. Across the Captain Cook Carpark and lookout, go right onto Lee Lane and there you'll find the entrance to the walkway that will lead you through the rainforest. You will come across a hang gliding platform, where you get some good views of the beaches!

From there it's an easy walk to the top of the hill and from the lighthouse platform, you might spot some dolphins or whales during the season (jun-sep). Walk down hill and you'll find a car park and lighthouse café that has some great food to offer! Make your way along the beaches (Watego, Little Watego and Clarke's Beach), until you reach Main Beach again. You can walk on the beach to get back to the village centre.

Outdoor activities

If you're an outdoor sports lover, then Byron Bay is the place for you! You can hire a bike, go kayaking with the dolphins, take a surf lesson, go diving, kite boarding or even hang gliding. Many companies also offer Whale watching tours, balloon rides and skydives.

If you are in Byron just to relax, there are quite a few beaches to choose from. You can also take yoga classes or have a massage.

Byron Bay is also famous for its festivals and markets. They are a perfect way to get in touch with the locals and to soak up the relaxed atmosphere of the area!

The 'Byron Bay Markets' are held every first Sunday of the month, at the 'Butler Street Reserve'. You can easily walk there from the centre, it's just across the railway tracks.

On the second and fifth Sunday of the month, you will find the 'Lennox Head Markets' near the Ainsworth Lake. It's opposite Lennox's Seven Mile Beach, just 20 minutes south of Byron Bay.

Festivals

As we said before, Byron Bay is well known for its festivals. The 'East Coast Blues and Roots Festival', or better known as the 'Bluesfest' is one of the biggest events in the year. It's been around for over 20 years and during the Easter weekend you can indulge in the music from 5 stages, drinks from 3 bars, food from 2 indoor eateries and an abundance of market stalls. Also very suitable for kids!

For literature lovers, we recommend the 'Byron Bay Writers Festival' in August. It focuses on local writers, but there are also many Asian writers that come to talk about their work. There is a different theme every year.

In March, the art of the silver screen can be enjoyed. The 'Byron Bay Film Festival', which was founded in 2006, hits town! It started off with local filmmakers only, but soon expanded to 150 films from 30 countries and even shows world premieres. Book your ticket in time! There are also quite a few free events to take part in.

But is doesn't stop there. Byron Bay has way more activities on the calendar. How about the 'Byron Bay Latin Fiesta', or the 'Fatherhood Festival'? There are also a dozen of sporting events, such as the 'Summer of Cycling', the 'Byron Bay Triathlon' or the 'Whales in Winter Swim'... to name a few.

The 'Byron Bay Under Water Festival', held in September, promotes various diving sites and attracts large crowds.

Where to stay?

Byron has a huge selection of spacious Backpackers hostels, most of them located near to the beach and with a private swimming pool. We recommend the almost motel-like 'Aquarius Backpackers' (with it's own bar and travel desk), the brand new and modern 'Nomads Hostel' (for the 'flashpackers' amongst us) or the alternative 'Arts Factory' (located a little out of town, but you can sleep in a teepee here and they have the awesome 'Buddha Bar' right next door). For the Party animals, that prefer to party in (in)famous 'Cheeky Monkeys') every night, we suggest checking out the 'Holiday Village Backpackers', as it is right across the road.

If you like to camp, there are plenty of opportunities as well. The weather in this region is suptropical and therefore ideal for camping. Always be prepared for rain though, as it can rain 1 out of 3 days, especially during summer and fall. Book ahead in summer and during festivals as well.

So-called 'Holiday Parks' are located at the beaches (Suffolk Beachfront Holiday Park, south of town), in the lush green bushland (Byron Bay Tourist Village, 2km from centre, located in tropical gardens and lakes), or in town itself (First Sun Holiday Park, the most centrally located park). There are also parks located at Clarkes Beach, Broken Head and more around town itself.

If you drive a Campervan, you could also stay at a Holiday Park, but there are free overnight spots just north of Byron Bay on the Pacific Highway. It's forbidden to camp in Byron Bay or the adjacent residential areas. You will get fined. Most hostels will have free parking for guests with a car of van.

How to get there?

From Sydney, flying takes about 70 minutes (Jetstar is a cheap option, one way for about $49). You'll land on neighbouring Ballina and have to take a shuttle bus from there to Byron Bay (around $15 single)

The Greyhound bus stops right in the centre of Byron Bay. It runs daily from Sydney Central Station. The journey takes about 12 hours and costs around $90. From Brisbane, you're in Byron Bay in 3 hours, 40 minutes (around $35). Tour companies such as 'OZ Experience', also stop in Byron Bay.

If you're by car, follow the Pacific Highway all the way to the far north of New South Wales. The ride from Sydney will take about 9 hours (non-stop), it's a 800km journey. From Brisbane you can drive it in 2 hours (170km). Also, you can easily rent a car at the airport in Brisbane or Ballina, just book in advance if you'll be there in high season.

Alternatively, you can travel to Byron Bay by train. Get off at station 'Casino' and take a bus from there to the centre of Byron Bay. The trains in Australia are run by 'Country Link'. 

Excited about visiting Byron Bay? See our Travel Desk now!

The Funkhouse staff is happy to help you book transport, accommodation and/or activities for you right now, to be sure you don't miss out on a great experience in Byron Bay! Come and see reception for more information and the best deals. 

One of the first things you'll probably want to do after arriving in Sydney, is to take a tour of the city. What's beter for that than a walking tour that shows you all the mayor attractions? You can recognize the 'I'm Free' guides by their bright green T-shirts. They will take you around town for free. Twice a day! The tour takes about 3 hours. Meet them beside Town Hall Station at 10.30am or 2.30pm. They work on a tips only basis, so if you really liked your tour, please show your appreciation to the tour guide by tipping them accordingly.

Using public transport can be expensive, but if you want to see the city centre, you can choose to use the '555-bus'. It's a free bus that makes a loop from Circular Quay to Central Station. Both directions every 15-20 minutes. The bus operates between 9.30am and 3.30pm, from Monday to Friday (until 9pm on Thursdays). On the weekend, it operates from 9.30am to 6pm.

A lot of museums and gallery have (part of) their collection on display for free. What about the Rocks Discovery Museum (10am-5pm daily), Museum of Australian Currency Notes (10am-4pm daily), Art Gallery of NSW (10am-5pm daily), Australian National Maritime Museum (9am-5pm daily), The Mint (9am-5pm on weekdays), Government House (see www.hht.au for opening times), the Sydney Observatory (10am-5pm), Manly Art Gallery (10am-5pm, tue-sun), White Rabbit Gallery (10am-6pm thu-sun), Museum of Contemporary Arts (10am-5pm daily), Customs House (until midnight or 5pm on sun), Parliament House (9am-5pm), State Library (daily until 5pm or 8pm on mon-thu) and Centre for photography (12-7pm tue-fri, 10am-6pm on sat-sun).

And what about the markets? Sydney has a lot of them! The Sydney Fish Market is open daily from 7am to 4pm. The auctions can be seen from 5.30am. The Paddington Markets are every Saturday from 10am to 4pm. You'll find some cheap, vintage fashion here!  The Manly Markets and the Rocks Markets are on the weekends from 10am to 5pm and the Opera House Markets are every Sunday from 9am to 4pm. In Bondi you'll have markets on Sunday and in Glebe on Saturday, both from 10am to 4pm.  The markets that run most often are Paddy's Markets. You'll visit them every Wednesday-Sunday from 9am to 5pm.

A visit to Sydney is also not complete without a walk through the Royal Botanical Gardens. It's absolutely free and open daily from 7am to sunset.

The free party doesn't stop at night. For free live music, visit the 'Sugarmill' (mon, dj from 9pm), the '3 Wise Monkeys'  pub (tue, 9:30pm-4am), 'Sidebar' (every day,  all night), 'Cargo Bar' (fri), 'Opera Bar' (sat, from 2pm), 'The Orient' (sun, from 4pm) and 'PJ O'Briens' (sun, from 7-10pm).

Free Trivia can be found in 'Paragon Hotel' (tue, from 6:30pm), 'The Glenmore Rooftop Hotel' (wed, from 7pm) and 'The Strand Hotel' (thu, from 8pm). And if you're looking for a more special night out, check the 'Scubar' for it's crab racing (mon, from 7pm), the 'Edinburgh Castle Hotel' for free mini manicures (thu, from 6pm) and 'Empire Hotel' for a free BBQ (fri, 4:30-6:30pm).

And if you stay at the Funkhouse Backpackers Hostel, there's even more: free daily breakfast, free internetcard, free storage, free airport pickup (conditions apply) and free help finding a job and planning the rest of your trip! You cannot get any more budget than that!

In a hostel you'll find everything you need to get that home-away-from-home feeling. Most hostels will have a kitchen, bathrooms, tv-room/lounge, dormitories and private rooms.

Some hostels also have a travel desk and internet computers (like the Funkhouse, come and see reception!)

What kind of rooms do hostels have?

A dormitory is a type of room that you share with other travellers. Usually they will have bunk beds in them, but they come in all different shapes and sizes: 3/4/6/8 or even more beds with a shared bathroom or sometimes even ensuite. In the Funkhouse backpackers, we only have 3 or 4 shared rooms, so you get to know everyone in the room pretty quickly and can even book an entire room with friends! The bathrooms in the Funkhouse Hostel are on the hallway, so you never have to wait for your roommates to go to the toilet or to take a nice, warm shower.

The private rooms can be a single room (for 1 person only), twin room (bunk bed for 2 people), double room (double bed, ideal for couples) or even a family/multi room (a bunk bed with a double bed on the bottom and a single bed on top). In the Funkhouse, we have all these different types of private rooms. They each have a cheap weekly rate as well.

What other facilities do hostels have?

In the bigger hostels, you can sometimes find a hostel bar or even restaurant, but the smaller hostels will usually have good deals with bars and restaurants in the area, so that you can have your breakfast, lunch and dinner for a budget prize! Isn't that all backpacking is about? The Funkhouse provides guests with a free breakfast every morning. So when you arrive late a night from a long flight, you're sure to have something nice to eat in the morning.

Other facilities that you might find in a hostel could be laundry facilities, possibility to swapping books and renting DVD's, bike rental, swimming pools, pool tables, sporting fields, or -as in the Funkhouse- rooftop terraces with great views!!

There are hostels that pick you up or drop you off from/at the airport or a bus- or train station. We arrange an airport pickup and drop off, please see for further information under 'location'.

A lot of hostels would have a luggage room, where you can store your bag or suitcase when you cannot enter your room (as it is being cleaned) or after you've checked out (and waiting for your flight, for example). There are also hostels that can keep your luggage for a couple of days if you were to go on a tour and check back into the hostel after that.

The check in and check out times can vary, but most hostels ask a 9-11am check out and an check in after the cleaning staff has finished (depends on the size of the hostel). The Funkhouse checkout is 10am.

Is is safe to stay in a hostel?

The advantage of staying in a smaller hostel is (besides having less of a change on snorers), that you get to know your roommates quickly, which reduces the changes of things like theft.

Hostel will have the possibility to safely secure your valuables in a locker (bring your own padlock) or to leave them in the reception safe. The Funkhouse offers lockers in every room, for every person. 

The type of key can vary per hostel. In the Funkhouse, you'll get a 'normal' key to open your room door, and a secure electronic keychain that can open the front door 24 hours. You will be asked for a key deposit, which you get back after you return the key on check out. 

Do I need to bring sheets to a hostel? Can I use a sleeping bag in a hostel?

In most hostels in Australia you will find a pillow and blanket in the room, and receive your sheets from reception. In the Funkhouse this is free and you can always ask for an extra blanket. You will find that in hostels in more warmer areas, there's usually just a sheet for you. (And that's enough most times!) In almost every hostel it is not allowed to use a sleeping bag, because hostels want to make sure the sheets are washed regularly.

Most hostels expect guests to bring their own towel, but in the Funkhouse you can also ask to borrow one!

Who can stay in a hostel? Am I too old for a hostel?

Pretty much anyone that's travelling can stay in a hostel. Whether you're a backpacker, college or university student, family, couple, single traveller, senior citizen, etc. Just be aware that hostels commonly, especially in popular tourist destinations, attract a lot of young backpackers looking to have a good time. Especially on the weekend, it could get a little noisy (although most hostels will ask guests to be quiet after 10pm). But if you're fine with that and love to meet new people, a hostel is the perfect place for you!

How much does a hostel in Australia costs?

It depends on the type of room you choose and what time of the year you'll be visiting what you pay. Dorms are cheaper than private rooms and the smaller the room, the more expensive the room gets. Also, in the Christmas and New Years period, especially in Sydney, the prices go up and you'll be asked to pay for a minimum amount of days to stay. Always check the current room rates on the hostels blog.

In the Funkhouse backpackers, there is also an internet special bed to book in a dorm- or private room every day. First comes, first served. So book quickly and you might stay for an extra cheap prize!

If you don't have a booking, you can also ask reception if there is a room available for one or more nights. Be aware that in busier periods the hostel of your choice may be full when you arrive, we advise to always make a booking when possible. 

Where can I book a hostel?

Most hostels will have a website with an online booking system, so be sure to check that first. They might even have a discount room rate available, like the Funkhouse does! The website can also give you a good idea of what the hostel looks like!

Other good places to book a hostel is through websites like Hostelworld.com or Hostelbookers.com. They will have a lot of different hostels listed and customer reviews to help you make a decision. Part of the total amount of your booking has to be paid as a deposit to confirm your booking. This usually is 10%, 25% or the price of the first night of your stay. Please provide your credit card details when asked for in the reservation progress to be sure to get confirmation on your booking. 

Other websites we can recommend are: Booking.com, Wotif.com, Expedia.com.au and Peterpans.com.au.

We hope to have given you some more information about hostels, youth hostels or backpackers and we are sure that you will have no problem adapting to your new hostel life. Don't forget that the reception staff is there for you to help out when needed. Please ask them if you have any questions or if there is anything they can help you with. Make your stay in a hostel a good one!

Most places to stay in Sydney will require a minimum stay period which can vary between hostels/hotels and they may also ask for full payment up front. As this is Sydney's busiest time of year we do ask for a 10 night minimum stay and full payment up front to secure a room for you.

Why not book a room with your friends? As all of our dorm rooms are only 3 or 4 beds. You can book a whole room with your mates and not have to share with other people.

We are very confident you will have an awesome time here, with Christmas day lunch's organised free of charge for all our guests plus entertainment activities organised every evening and some of Australia's best festivals and orphan's parties right here on our door step.

If you are looking to stay in Sydney over a longer period to find work over Christmas then the earlier you arrive here the better. The reason for this is that most retail outlets advertise for part time staff over the Christmas period from October onwards. These positions do get filled very quickly so get in early to avoid disappointment. You can also ask us about our long term rates which could help you save more money.

Please feel free to e-mail if you have any enquiries and/or follow this link to check availability, prices or even to make a booking.

Start your journey west of Darling Harbour in Ultimo at the hugely popular (1) POWERHOUSE MUSEUM. This interactive science museum is housed inside the old power station of Sydney's defunct tram system.

From the Powerhouse Museum, walk one block north along Harris Street then turn right onto Pyrmont Bridge Road-this will take you down Murray Street to the (2) AUSTRALIAN NATIONAL MARITIME MUSEUM on the western shore of Darling Harbour. Exhibits here celebrate Australia's ties with the sea, from Aboriginal canoes to tall ships and submarines.

Just south of the museum, cross Darling Harbour on the elaborate (3) PYRMONT BRIDGE, which opened to traffic in 1902 as the world's first fully electric swing bridge.

Climb down the stairs on the far side of the bridge and visit two of Sydney's big-ticket attractions: the (4) SYDNEY AQUARIUM and the new (5) SYDNEY WILDLIFEWORLD. In the Aquarium you can walk through underwater glass tunnels and get tantalizingly close to Australia's underwater species. At the end of the pier, WildlifeWorld takes a broader approach, recreating nine different Australian habitats-koalas, snakes, butterflies, and birds seem right at home.

Feeling hungry? Continue north to the ritzy (6) KING STREET WHARF dining and entertainment precinct or follow the crowds south for more of the same at (7) COCKLE BAY WHARF. Take your pick from the excellent seafood restaurants, casual bars, and busy cafés in both complexes.

Once you've refueled, walk south under the freeway flyovers, past the IMAX cinema, through Tumbalong Pa rk, and retreat into the (8) CHINESE GARDEN OF FRIENDSHIP. Designed by Chinese architects for Australia's Bicentenary in 1988, the tranquil garden features ponds, pavilions, waterfalls, and a Chinese Teahouse.

Continuing south, stop by the (9) SYDNEY ENTERTAINMENT CENTRE (35 Harbour Street) and see who's performing that night, then duck into (10) PADDY'S MARKETS, the commercial epicenter of Chinatown. There's not much for sale here that you'll want to take home with you (mobile phone accessories, cheap T-shirts, and sneakers prevail), but it's a stimulating place to wander through.

Across Hay Street from Paddy's Markets is the southern end of (11) DIXON STREET, the historic heart of Chinatown. The opium dens and gambling lairs of the past are long gone, but a walk through here is still a sensory extravaganza: exotic cooking smells, noisy crowds of streetside diners, aggressive restaurant touts, neon-lit food courts, and colorful signage. If you're here in late January/early February, the streets will be awash with Chinese New Year festivities. Pull up a seat and order some fabulous Chinese, Vietnamese, Malaysian, or Thai food.

A Funky feast you do not want to miss out on!! Our Famous Funky Rooftop BBQ kicks off every Friday evening at 7:30pm. It's perhaps the most anticipated of our weekly events because it's such a great way to meet new friends.

There's heaps of food for everyone, burgers, sausages, salad, corn, mushrooms, crisps. Trust us, you'll be chocker blocked! Oh and did we mention, it's only going to cost you $5 and you get a free beer with that! So sit back, relax, have a beer and watch the sunset over beautiful Sydney.

What's more, the music is fantastic, and there's no doubt that after dinner you'll be ready to join us for our 9.30pm Friday night out to the Empire Hotel! How Funky is that!?!

Most of the work which comes through our doors, is for anyone who has no experience in that particular job. We do, however, also receive lots of requests for qualified personnel on a regular basis. These jobs again are varied, some may even lead to a more permanent position and the ability to stay and work in Australia on a longer term basis. Some of these jobs may include:

• Nurses
• Accountants
• Payroll/Accounts payable/Accounts received
• Fork Lift Drivers
• Legal Secretaries
• Cabinet Makers/Carpenters
• Electricians
• Plumbers
• Hairdressers
• Roofers
• Scaffolders
• IT personnel
• Heavy Goods Vehicle/Long Goods Vehicle Drivers

Please be aware that not all licences issued in a different country will be recognised in Australia. You may need to be tested further to meet with Australian standards.

All jobs listed above are available to Funkhouse Backpackers guests only. Please note that these jobs may vary and will not always be available.