8 posts
Hi all,
I would appreciate some advice.
I am going to live half a year in Sydney, starting in June. I am really excited about it and I hope to kitesurf a lot in the time.
But I have somewhat a "problem". I have to decide where to live in Sydney. Yes I know, it's a luxory problem. The rental arrangements are taken care by the company and I now have the choice between 3 possible locations.
1st choice is King Street Warf
2nd would be Kent Steet
3rd Berry Street (North Sydney)
Since I've never been in Sydney, I cant decide. preferences are: some bars/cafes around the corner, relaxed neighbourhood, not too noisy traffic. Every location looks very good. I checked on google.earth and on the internet - I can hardly understand my luck - it all looks exceptionally good.
What would you choose? Would King Streed Warf or Kent Street not too busy/touristy? Can you find street parking there? are people really living there - or is it just business? And for North Sydney: If I go kiting to botany bay - is the harbour bride going to be a bottlenck (traffic jams, tolls?).
Thanks in advance for your thoughts.
ERW
NSW
511 posts
G'day mate, North sydney would require Toll's and yes alot of traffic if you want to head to botany. but there are some nice beach locations on that side of the bridge as well. Kent street is very busy and you would be pushing it trying to find a decent park that is free unless it comes with ur accomodation.
Kingstreet i cant really comment on.
NSW
2005 posts
Hey, you one lucky mate - company pays, etc. Comes with a sheila??
Anyways, me reckon Kent too downtownish and touristy. Boring on monday nights.
I spent 4 months in a business unit on the North Side (McMahon's point). Great ferries, quiet and OK pubs at night, can walk across, etc.
As to crossing the bridge to Botany for kiting on weekends, it's a small overhead - no biggy. After working hours on weekdays - not worth it regardless of where you live, unless you finish work real early.
They're funny locations, being picked for you it seems. There are apartments at Brighton, right near by Botany. Commute is OK, at least near water spot.
QLD
60 posts
Where are the pick of the locations on the On the North Side.???
Just curious cos I may be have same dilemma next year.
Beginner / intermed spots ...flatter water..easy launch / land etc
Cheers
NSW
15 posts
Hi ERW
King St wharf would be my pick. Nice location with plenty of bars & restaurants close by. The bars/restaurants at king st wharf itself tend to be a bit pricey but you only have to walk a few minutes back towards the city centre to find some cheaper places. Depending on exactly where you are king st wharf can be noisy though as the bars are popular & close late.
As for street parking, you can definately get it but it is all metered so it is expensive and time limited. A permanent carpark is essential if you have a car.
The trip to botany bay from any of those choices is about 30 mins in peak traffic and 20 mins at other times. I work in the cbd & during summer if I can get away from work about 4.00 or 5.00 I get a couple of hours on the water.
NSW
298 posts
The problem you have is that its winter, the wind is primarily gusty form the south and you cant kite after work because it gets dark at 5:30.
Postpone till summer
But King st warf is right full of bars resturants and night clubs, go for it.
In summer you can kite every day after work, wind permitting, but to kite after work you have to get out of the city fast, driving out of the city centre at 5pm or 5:30 is a real issue due to traffic,you wont get to kite after work if your car is garaged in the city.
I would suggest you get something closer to the beaches where you intend to kite, probably would be the same price for your company. Better still hire a garage out of the city close to the train lines or express bus route, that way you can park your car in there, fully loaded up with kite gear, for a quick getaway.
8 posts
Thanks a lot for your info.
I guess I am going for the appartment in King Street Warf!
CU in June
