Sydney Savers

If you know Lonely Planet guidebooks, you're probably familiar with the "Splurge!" asides that tempt the reader to embark upon temporary detours from her miserly daily allowance. These recommend food and accommodation of a caliber normally beyond the average backpacker's reach. After all, the pain of parting with very large sums from your very small bank account is occasionally justified if the purchased experience is awesome enough. The key is to select your indulgences wisely and infrequently.

L.P.'s splurge asides are always carefully cordoned off in a box from the plentiful economical listings (so as to not contaminate the budget-conscious ethos) and are usually few and far between. But in the Sydney section of our guidebook these incitements to spend with abandon are uncharacteristically prevalent. We think this is indicative of a cultural capital (like London or L.A.) where opportunities to be extravagant abound -- some worth the expense, others only marginally so. Inspired by this great city's pricier attractions, we compiled the following list.

5 Ways to Spend Money Expeditiously in Sydney (and some lower cost but less flashy alternatives)

1. Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb, AU$ 295-165 (US$ 220-123)

Let's begin with this Aussie tourism giant. Since the inception of the bridge climb, we may be the only people ever to travel to Sydney and neglect to stand on top of the grey coat hanger for an aerial view of the Opera House. But the thing is, there are more than a few lovely spots from which to gaze at that fabulous architectural icon -- free places where you needn't wear a uni-suit nor take a breathalyzer test to partake in the gazing.

Alternative: While we'll grant that it's probably less thrilling, crossing the bridge on a pathway actually designed for pedestrians who aren't harnessed to the trestles makes for a lovely stroll. On this level you're guaranteed to encounter some real Sydneysiders commuting across the harbour on foot. Clearly the people up top are missing out.

2. Drinks at Minus 5, AU$30 (US$22)

Treat yourself to a pricey vodka-based cocktail and a half hour in which to drink it in a bar hewn entirely of ice (even your glass and seat). You actually wouldn't want to spend more time in there given the temperature needed to maintain the furnishings. So it's comforting to know that the admission price includes parka and Siberian hat rental.

Alternative: Surely, there's no replacing this experience. In New Zealand, however, you can get it slightly cheaper: NZ$25 (US$17), which equates to a savings US$ over the Sydney branch. Take your pick: Auckland or Queenstown. Sadly, Sydney's climate may prove more inspirational to sitting in an icebox for thirty minutes -- so it may be worth they extra fiver after all.

3. Catch a show at Sydney Opera House's Concert Hall, AU$295-95 (US$220-71)

There are always plenty of shows playing at the Opera House. This is great for tourists because you never need to plan ahead too much, unless you want to see Billy Connolly, which was sadly sold out. But because there are eight venues within Utzon's monumental structure, it's probably mathematically impossible for them all to sell out. So beyond your preferred act being unavailable, you only other worry is the expense, which can be considerable, especially if you'd like to see something in the Concert Hall, the theater with the most striking interior design.

Alternative: If the stars aren't aligning and you can't get tickets for a performance that agrees with both your tastes and your pocketbook, taking a guided tour of the house (AU$25 = US$17) is your best option. If your goal is to learn about the building and see as much of the interior as possible, a tour may even be better than a show. Our extremely informative guide took us into the Opera Theatre as well as the Concert Hall, where we got to hear Hall's acoustic design in action as the Sydney Symphony rehearsed. Besides, you could probably see Olivia Newton John back in the States.

4. Catch a film in style in the Fox Studio Hoyt's La Premiere section, AU$32 pp (US$24)

Cuddling with your date on your private coach at the back of the movie theater while munching on unlimited popcorn and slurping bottomless sodas is pretty darn cool, we have to admit. But the price tag dictates that this splurge can only be justified on special occasions. We saw several couples who appeared to be celebrating anniversaries or birthdays.

Alternative: For less money (AU$21.90 = US$16), get a movie and a scrumptious buffet dinner (because one can not subsist on popcorn alone) at Govinda's, where the relaxed floor seating also encourages cuddling. We grabbed some cushions close the screen and since there was no one else in our row it felt terribly exclusive -- like watching a movie on your living room floor but with a much bigger picture. It was fantastic!

5. Purchase Aboriginal Paintings, varies a great deal, prices of ones we liked AU$39,000-500 (US$29,000-367)

Certainly artistic taste is a very subjective thing. But if you can't find a piece of aboriginal art that speaks to you, something must be wrong with your insides and you should seek existential therapy immediately.

Alternative: Unfortunately, the less expensive pieces (AU$50 = US$37) don't possess the same grace or vigour, which makes this item the suckiest poor man's compromise of the entire list. If you do not have the necessary funds to become an art patron, you can always enjoy browsing the many galleries to admire the striking works, picturing a large one hanging in your mythic Manhattan loft.

By Meredith Bragg |  March 8, 2006; 5:24 PM ET  | Category:  Australia
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