Tips for Oz and San Francisco please [Archive]

OurManInTangier

06-08-2009, 04:36

Hi.

I'm working in Australia (Perth) for a week at the end of July then driving from Adelaide to Sydney before heading up to a place called Bloomfield just north of Cairns for a weeks holiday before flying to San Francisco for five days work there.

If anyone could recommend some good places to explore with my camera, decent bars & general places to visit I'd be extremely interested and grateful.

I'm stopping off in Singapore briefly first but know my way round quite well, Oz and San Francisco are both new to me though so a little help from some locals would be great!

P.S. SF MoMA is already on my list just from seeing various RFF'ers photos

Thanks

35mmdelux

06-08-2009, 04:48

1) The Cliff House and the Baths -- two classic side-by-side locations off the Pacific.
2) Twin Peaks - two highest points in S.F.
3) Coit Tower - high point near the bay, great vantage, and a short hike to the wharfs.
4) Walk from Union Square (downtown) through Chinatown to North Beach (entertainment, nightclub area).. Short walk from North Beach to Columbus St restaurants. Enjoy the trip.

djfiesta

06-08-2009, 05:26

I've only been to Perth once, but Fremantle is really nice, sit by and relax on the Cappuccino Strip.

Depends how long you're in Adelaide, you can wander through our gardens (don't know how different it'll be to any other gardens in any other city), our parklands, and our rather small city. Great restaurants in our town, some nice ones in the city on Rundle Street, and Gouger (Goo-ja) Street for the more Asian persuasian.

Outside the city there are the famous winery area's of Barossa Valley and Mclaren Vale, seaside town of Victor Harbour for whale watching, and if time permits a trip over to Kangaroo Island to see the penguins and seals in their natural element (as well as too many Koala's and Kangaroos).

I'll let Sydney natives tell you more about their local areas.

mfunnell

06-08-2009, 05:42

Sydney, well, there's so much so it really depends on what you like and want to photograph. There are the really obvious places (Circular Quay, The Rocks, the Queen Victoria Building, Darling Harbour, Chinatown) that, while obvious, also give many great photo opportunities and have decent bars, coffee places, restaurants etc. From there, well, pick a direction: down south to the Royal National Park, north to Kuringai National park (varied, with lots of things to see, do and photograph), west to the Blue Mountains (for the scenery or the old-style buildings in various towns or the bush). And on it goes. PM me, if you like, and give me an idea of what you're after.

Or PM me and I'll see about meeting up at a pub somewhere then playing local guide, depending on my employment circumstances (if they're what they are right now I have plenty of time: if I find a new job between now and then, well, all bets are off).

I'm not just saying: PM me and I'll do what I can to help locally around Sydney.

...Mike

wgerrard

06-08-2009, 06:22

Bring comfy shoes to San Francisco.

Fisherman's Wharf is pretty touristy/tacky. Pier 39, on the eastern edge of the Wharf, is tackiness slightly upgraded, but might have some interesting photo chances if the mix of milling people and tourist shops appeals. It's also one place to catch a ferry across the bay. (I usually surrender myself to the tackiness and take pictures.)

The walk from the Wharf west along the bay, through Fort Mason and the Marina, and down toward the Golden Gate can be interesting. And has the virtue of being mostly flat.

I like to recommend that people get out of the city by taking a ferry across the bay to Tiburon and/or Sausalito. Weather cooperating, the view back to the city can be impressive, expecially at night. Sausalito, especially the strip right along the water, attracts and caters to tourists. Tiburon attracts tourists who spend money at a little cluster of shops right at the ferry landing, but the town itself is definitely one of those "You Can't Afford To Live Here' places. Both towns are small and easily walkable.

.ken

06-08-2009, 06:57

neat tips. i'm planning on making a SF trip soon as well so this is really helpful.

chut

06-08-2009, 07:16

In San Francisco, don't miss the Ferry Building Marketplace. It's a food lover's paradise and a great place to take photos. Also, the recently opened California Academy of Science Museum in Golden Gate Park is fantastic, especially the new aquarium.

majid

06-08-2009, 08:26

In SF the Presidio has great views and stunning scenery. So does Telegraph Hill.

The necklace of abandoned fortifications around the Golden Gate is quite interesting. Most are nominally closed to the public but still readily accessible:
http://www.nps.gov/goga/historyculture/seacoast-defenses.htm

wayneb

06-08-2009, 08:34

Yeah, don't bother with fisherman's wharf.

here's a few tips:
- for a walk, start at the sutro baths and walk the land's end trail to ocean beach. wonderful views.
- for a view, go to the top of the deyoung museum tower (across from the science museum in gg park). it's free.
- for a coffee, the best espresso drinks are at blue bottle coffee at mint plaza, or at the rooftop cafe in the sfmoma

OurManInTangier

06-08-2009, 08:34

Thanks for the info so far, very useful and will give me a better idea of what to research in more depth before I leave.

Mike, I'll send you a PM when I can, I'm waiting for full details of where and when I'll be dependant on the work I'm doing. Thanks for the kind offer.

Jamie Pillers

06-08-2009, 09:09

Hi Simon,
If you have a taste for the off-beat landscape stuff, I can tell you more about Treasure Island (abandoned military base w/great views of San Francisco and Bay); East Bay waterfront parks (trash sculpture/art/homeless encampments); East Bay hills trails (amazing views of the Bay, hiking trails to 'mystical' labyrinths). PM me. Depending on your schedule, I'd be happy to show you some of these places.
Regards,
Jamie

monopix

06-08-2009, 13:38

Are you hiring a car in Perth? If so, make sure you take the extra insurance which limits your liabilty. And when you take the car back photograph EVERY panel, including the roof, so you have proof of it's condition on return. I found out the hard way that they have a habit there of charging your credit card for 'damage' several days after you've left so you stand no chance of contesting it. I've since heard of others suffering fom this scam so it wasn't just me. Personally, I'd never visit Perth again if it was the last place on earth. I've never met such a bunch of miserable people, and they call us 'winging poms'...

jmilkins

06-08-2009, 14:20

If you are driving from Adelaide to Sydney (are you coming to Melbourne too?) I would highly recommmend one of the most scenic coastal drives in the country - the Great Ocean Road - http://www.greatoceanrd.org.au/

Melbourne is full of parks, cafes and laneways for interesting urban photography.

PM me if you are coming to Melbourne - we can have a beer/coffee, or both.

RayPA

06-08-2009, 16:17

If anyone could recommend some good places to explore with my camera, decent bars & general places to visit I'd be extremely interested and grateful.

For SF:

There are a lot of good bar and restaurant areas in the city that get pretty lively. For example, there's North Beach, which is a great place to shoot any time of the day, especially in the evening. Our local groups frequently plan night shoots up through there. The lower Haight has a bunch of bars and a great weekend nightlife.

Great street/scenic shooting areas are Market Street (pretty much the entire length), Chinatown, the Tenderloin (take care), Union Square, North Beach, the Haight and the Mission. The first five you could hit in one day. They all butt up against one another in one way or another. Local RFFers and Flickr groups frequently organize shoots that circle through these neighborhoods. You could probably spend a couple of days in each of those districts shooting nothing but street and scenic. The Mission is pretty big and colorful, and the Haight is cool, because you can shoot there and get to Golden Gate Park pretty easily--great if you like natural landscapes.

The other thing is there is always something going on in SF (e.g., street fairs (just about each district has one) or some wacky event). Depending on when you visit there might be more or less happening. There are SF event calendars that you can access, so check those out and let us locals know when you come into town. Maybe we can arrange a beer & gear.

/

carlb

06-08-2009, 16:19

OMInT

I live in Perth and would second the recommendation to spend some (if not most) time in Fremantle (or Freo as we natives call it). The CBD area of Perth is a bit the same as any other modern city (ie generally soul-less and not very distinctive or interesting in an architectural sense) but there are great views from Kings Park which is easily accessible from the CBD. For getting around outside the CBD a car will (unfortunately) be your best bet (but the drivers are awful!!!!!).

Feel free to PM me if you want any more info

Monopix: I've never heard of the scam you're talking about but it's probably not bad advice to use when you hire a car anywhere. And we're not that miserable, honest :(

Edit: I might be available for some sort of meet-up

Keith

06-08-2009, 16:36

I may be travelling to Perth from Brisbane to stay with a mate I haven't seen for years for a week or so at the end of July work permitting ... if so I'll be tracking you down Simon! :)

jonmanjiro

06-08-2009, 16:56

Hi.

I'm working in Australia (Perth) for a week at the end of July then driving from Adelaide to Sydney before heading up to a place called Bloomfield just north of Cairns for a weeks holiday before flying to San Francisco for five days work there.

I was going to suggest hiring a car and driving from Cairns up past Port Douglas into the Daintree Rainforest area, but I just looked up where Bloomfield is. You'll be right in the forest anyway! Great spot!!!

As for Sydney, there's lots to see there. It's always fun to catch a ferry from Circular Quay over to Manly, and back.

Chinatown can be fun if there's a festival on, and the Sydney fish markets are great if you like sushi!

Have a great trip!

Jon

Tarzak

06-08-2009, 20:47

Tarzak

06-08-2009, 20:55

Depending on where your work in Perth is, I'd recommend that you stay in Freo and commute to work in the city.
Freo is a really nice port town and Perth is just a modern city. It's only about 40 minutes on a bus. It might be quicker now, perhaps our Perth residents can add some accuracy to that.

Tarzak

06-08-2009, 21:14

Just checked the transperth website and you can catch a train from Freo at 8:30 and be in Perth before 9:00.

djfiesta

06-08-2009, 23:26

Sorry totally forgot central markets. Great to spend sime time there on a friday evening and then walk out the southern exits straight onto Gouger street to grab a nice meal.

Central markets have pretty much the only camera store well stocked with rangefinder equip too, so always cool to take a peek. Lucia's is great for lunch if you can find the time (and a table). Adelaide's first pizza/pasta place.

If you would like I'd be keen to meet up when you're in Adelaide!

OurManInTangier

06-08-2009, 23:40

alan davus

06-09-2009, 02:25

Any trip to Adelaide that does not include a visit to the Central Markets is a trip wasted.

Lucia's is an old coffee shop inside and you have to hover around to wait for a table, the coffee is worth the wait.

You've got it in one Tarzak......... If driving from Adelaide to Sydney I'd go through Broken Hill. From there visit Mootwingee Nat. Park to the north and Mungo Nat. Park to the south. The Great Ocean Road is nice but it could be any where in the world. The Outback could only be in Australia. And by the way, don't waste your time going to Glenelg in Adelaide, it's been ruined by the developers.

lynnb

06-09-2009, 03:27

In Sydney plan on having a few drinks at the Opera Bar at the Sydney Opera House around sunset. Just to the east of the Opera House through the Royal Botanic Gardens is the lookout at Mrs Macquarie's Chair (try Google maps) for good backlit sunset shots of the Opera House and Harbour Bridge. Book a Bridge Climb www.bridgeclimb.com (no cameras permitted on climb, but the best views of Sydney). The historic centre of Sydney is The Rocks (opp Opera House), there are markets on Sunday mornings. Catch the Manly Ferry from the city to Manly and walk to Fairy Bower, stop at a cafe and enjoy the views. From Manly go to North Head to see the city from the harbour entrance cliff tops at 200'.
For something different tour Barrenjoey Lighthouse (on the northern beaches) on Sundays - stunning views, historic building. Stop at the Newport Arms Hotel at Newport for lunch in the beer garden overlooking Pittwater, or at one of the beachside restaurants and cafes at Dee Why Beach.
Be careful around Chinatown/Haymarket late at night - not safe, some muggings/stabbings reported.
Bondi Beach is iconic and the nightclub precinct is Kings Cross.
For driving in Sydney/Melbourne you will need an e-toll account for the toll roads. Beware of variable speed limits, radar speed cameras, unmarked patrol cars and savage traffic infringement fines. Driving with blood alcohol over 0.05 is a criminal offence.

OurManInTangier

06-10-2009, 00:56

For driving in Sydney/Melbourne you will need an e-toll account for the toll roads. Beware of variable speed limits, radar speed cameras, unmarked patrol cars and savage traffic infringement fines. Driving with blood alcohol over 0.05 is a criminal offence.

Thanks for this info! The traffic regs, toll road info and parking are always worth knowing about when driving in a foreign country, I'll look into these a little better later.

Tarzak & djfiesta, I'll be sure to try and take a sniff round the Central Markets and stop in at Lucia's thanks - its the little tit-bits like this that help you find interesting places and places that help give a town or city its particular character...very much what I'd like to try and find. I'm in Adelaide literally overnight which is a shame but the only realistic way to get things done in the time I have - djfiesta, thanks for the offer...maybe I can PM you when I know what's happening?

I may be travelling to Perth from Brisbane to stay with a mate I haven't seen for years for a week or so at the end of July work permitting ... if so I'll be tracking you down Simon! :)

If you find me I'll have a cold one waiting for you:) beer that is, not reception;)

let us locals know when you come into town

RayPA & Jamie

I'm scheduled to start work on the 17th August in SF, I think I'm staying on Union Sq but these are with the client at the moment. I'm also due to spend 2 or 3 days in Yosemite for the same people - I know time is tight on this one as opposed to the Oz leg where I even get to squeeze in a quick holiday, however I should be able to get on the net at some point. I know more about beer than gear though;)

I live in Perth.... I might be available for some sort of meet-up

It doesn't look like I'll actually be in Perth other than flying in and flying out, I believe the plan is for me to stay in a place called Margaret River. I may yet find I'm in Perth for a few hours or so ( especially with my luck for having flights delayed:rolleyes:) if so I'll get on the net and see if anyone wants to show a Pom around.

Thanks to you all for your ideas, insight and kind offers

ChrisN

06-10-2009, 01:46

I last visited Margaret River in 1980, and have fond memories of a night in the local pub. I hear it's changed a bit since then - all boutique wineries. (They make some fine wines around Margaret River.)

Are you visiting Canberra at all?

Tarzak

06-10-2009, 04:24

Margaret River, how droll.
Some fantastic wine is made there. beautiful beaches. good surf.
Sun sets over the ocean (a bit weird for us East coasters).

Tarzak

06-10-2009, 04:29

adelaidecentralmarket.com.au
for opening hours and info.

Alan's avatar is a fine drop; Coopers Stout. Possibly a bit sweet but I like it. Very strong and will sneak up on you.

Tarzak

06-10-2009, 16:32

If driving from Adelaide to Sydney I'd go through Broken Hill. .

Sorry, thread highjack:
Alan,
I'm driving from almost Sydney to Lake Eyre in July hoping to go via Broken Hill. Which way do you go from Broken Hill to Sydney?

jmilkins

06-11-2009, 05:00

Wow, thanks for all the responses. I'm off out the door for work now but I'll send some PM's when I get back later.

Regarding Perth, it's where I fly into but it looks like the client wants me a little further south in a place called Margaret River. I'll have to wait and see what the full details are when they come through.

BTW - The Coast Road is the reason I'm getting the campervan from Adelaide to Sydney...and of course I'll go through Melbourne ( I have to, it's the home of Neighbours and thats as English as a curry;):D)

Well the Great Ocean Road is worth seeing before it disapears;) http://www.theage.com.au/travel/travel-news/great-ocean-road-rock-formation-collapses-into-sea-20090611-c4iz.html
And if you really want, you can do a Neighbours tour (http://www.neighbourstour.com.au/):eek:

OurManInTangier

06-11-2009, 05:54

I might leave the Neighbours tour:D Now if there was a Sullivans tour;) now I'm just showing my age!

35mmdelux

06-11-2009, 06:26

A 45 min drive from S.F. gets you to the Berkeley. A walk thru the University of Calif at Berkeley and Telegraph Ave is of another world. Sip a latte at the Mediterrean Cafe (Telegraph Ave) and tell them Paul sent you. Makes the Haight look like Disneyland.

fergus

06-11-2009, 08:09

[QUOTE]Thanks for this info! The traffic regs, toll road info and parking are always worth knowing about when driving in a foreign country, I'll look into these a little better later.

Most people have already given you good info.

Don't speed in Victoria, not even a little. They have very little leeway on their cameras (at least the ones just near the NSW border!). In NSW 10km over won't trigger most of them.

The Ocean Rd is scenic, but the outback is one-of-a-kind. Depends what you're into. Be aware 99.99% of rentals will have no insurance for non-paved surfaces. I think you should drive wherever you want but just be aware of the risk! I've seen several tourists write-off rental cars eg on the Barry Way from Vic up to Jindabyne, unpaved, no tow-trucks for 200km, etc...

Not sure if you've been here before or not, but distances are B-I-G here.

Hope you have a great trip. Nothing quite like seeing a new part of the world.

Cheers...
Fergus.

35mmdelux

06-11-2009, 08:41

Outback dont step on a snake as sometimes they blend with the environ.

OurManInTangier

06-11-2009, 11:13

The Ocean Rd is scenic, but the outback is one-of-a-kind. Depends what you're into. Be aware 99.99% of rentals will have no insurance for non-paved surfaces. I think you should drive wherever you want but just be aware of the risk! I've seen several tourists write-off rental cars eg on the Barry Way from Vic up to Jindabyne, unpaved, no tow-trucks for 200km, etc...

Not sure if you've been here before or not, but distances are B-I-G here.

I spent two weeks based in Darwin when I was seventeen whilst my sister lived in Cherating just north of Kuantan in Malaysia. I had as good a look round places like Kakadu, Katherine, Alice Springs and the Larapinta trail (tough going but quite something) as I could in the time. That two weeks also taught me quite how big ( and more importantly empty ) Oz can be....it also showed me how big crocs can get too:eek:

I won't get a huge chance to see all that much on this trip with work and then going onto SF, where I'll be even busier and have just five days to do the work and sneak in as much as possible. However I'll do what I can and the Coast Road is new to me so it should be a big hoot in my massive motorhome thing I've been sorted out with ( paved roads only....unless I get horribly lost and well within the speed limits.)

I must admit I'm also looking forward to going back to Singapore, I haven't been there since I was seventeen and first went when I was thirteen - my first BIG trip abroad and on my own - and it blew my mind. It's not the most exciting city I've ever been to but I guess as it was the first place I landed outside of Europe it has always been a little special to me. I bet its changed massively in the, er...just adding the years up, 18 years since I last went.

Bingley

06-11-2009, 18:51

Simon -- You've got some good suggestions above for SF. I'm a fan of shooting around the Ferry Building (including the market), up Mission St, and in the Haight. Yosemite in August will be pretty crowded w/ tourists, but it will still be impressive. Check out Glacier Point for some spectacular views and good shooting. +1 Ray's suggestion for a beer and gear if your schedule permits.

bgb

06-12-2009, 22:14

I remember Freo as being a lovely place to waste away the day ...

Perth is just another city but the river is nice ... and the parks on its banks, nice when it was my back yard :)

People are ok but if you go bush watch out for 'Drop Bears' they are a type of Koala but with claws and teeth and terrible breath. Kill a man in seconds and it's not a pleasant death.

fuzzyflyingbunny

06-22-2009, 21:30

I'm heading down to Australia probably around end of Aug for my annual leave. My itinerary at the moment is Sydney, Alice Springs (Uluru rock), and then Cairns. Yeah I know it's a little touristy but this has been my dream vacation since I did a geography project on Australia in grade school :D.

I'd appreciate any recommendations and also what is the price of film and processing there. Should I just load up locally (Hong Kong, approx $35-50 HKD per roll = $5-8 AUD) or just bring bare minimum and buy there?

fergus

06-23-2009, 05:14

I'd appreciate any recommendations and also what is the price of film and processing there. Should I just load up locally (Hong Kong, approx $35-50 HKD per roll = $5-8 AUD) or just bring bare minimum and buy there?

Buy your film o/s and bring it in your pockets or carry-on bag.

35mm E6 can go for anything up to Au $30 per roll (yep!)... depends where and when but $20-$25 is 'normal'. Many of us get together for Freestyle and B&H orders, sharing the freight cost.

Processing? For E6 I pay $9.50 whether for 35mm or 120, that's mailing off to Melbourne. There's probably cheaper out there but I get consistently good results so I'm happy.

Cheers...
Fergus.

Siluro

06-23-2009, 05:51

Hi Simon

I live in Perth, although I am currently travelling (have just come from SF strangely enough) and will not be in town until December. Would offer to show you around otherwise!

Perth is a great place if you know where to look. As others have said, the CBD is pretty much soulless but there are great urban areas like Mt.Lawley, and Fremantle can be good as well. If you have any specific interests PM me. I can be particularly good with indie music info!

Margaret River is okay, however it has become over-run by corporate exec types with weekend homes in the last few years. Just for the record, my favourite winery there is Cullen on Old Caves Rd.

Have fun!