The journey from NW to St James (transfer at Central) was efficient but with waiting time added up to a little over two hours. Since the train fare is a mere $2.50 and Opal cards are now permanent (my long lost balance from a previous card was transferred and further reduced the fare to $0.70) this is a commendable way to reach the NSW capital. The new carriages are also a pleasure to ride, as is the new signage and location voice messages (at least the first time, but after that they pall: but never underestimate the inattention of travellers). All this is vastly superior to PTV, whose internal location signage is mostly two stops incorrect on my Northern lines: could be very frustrating for someone who needs the information.
The new Metro plans are impressive, with driverless trains already in operation in the outer North West, and a major new line to bisect the city and suburbs. Light rail lines are laid in part of George St.
The combination of plane-car-train worked very well for our planned meet people and enjoy the coast itinerary .
We chose modern Japanese for our first Sydney dinner, Kid Kyoto, and asked for omakase (chef’s choice). Loud noise, trendy people, and definitely not traditional food. A fun experience good introduction to the changing of the vibe in Sydney. Youth, Asian rather than European, lots of young women who would look distinctly underdressed in Melbourne.
“Meet Kid Kyoto, Sydney's Rebellious Japanese Izakaya.”
The hotel breakfast price forced a forage. I found something splendiferous at TheWalrus
Our day was spent with relatives and friends. Train and a borrowed car got us around the suburbs.
In the evening we dined in Barangaroo , which is now looking finished and very much with vibe.
I'm with you in not driving unnecessarily in Sydney. We avoided driving on our last trip there. The main difficulty we found was that there are so many bus routes. For a visitor, life would be simpler if the many buses could be concentrated on fewer routes with better frequencies. However, perhaps the wishes of the Sydney-siders are otherwise....?
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