About Sydney

The Harbour Bridge

The world-famous Bondi Beach

Many attractions are a short walk from ALC

Three Sisters

Blue Mountains

Queen Victoria Building

Access Language Centre is very centrally located in inner Sydney where you can find most popular tourist attractions. In the centre of the city there is the historic waterside Rocks area, the place where Sydney's earliest settlers lived. The area offers many restaurants, bars, cafes and shops containing Australian souvenirs. Beside the Rocks is Sydney Harbour Bridge - climb to the top and get a bird's eye view of the city, including Circular Quay where ferries leave for stops all round the harbour, and the stunning Opera House, Australia's most famous building. A short stroll from the Opera House are the Botanic Gardens and the Art Gallery of NSW - both well worth a visit.

Bondi, perhaps Sydney's best known beach with it's white sand and sparkling blue waves, is only a 15 minute drive from Access Language Centre. But there are also many other beautiful beaches to visit, that are not far away from ALC. To the north, Palm Beach and Whale Beach offer great swimming and surfing, as does Manly Beach which can be reached by taking an inexpensive scenic ferry ride from Circular Quay. South of Bondi are Bronte, Coogee and Cronulla Beaches - each with it's own special character.

Life isn't all outdoors in Sydney - there is also a very vibrant cultural scene, including regular art festivals that attract performers from all over the world. Staff at ALC will give you all the information about what's on and where to go. Try to catch some traditional Australian Aboriginal dance performances and see Aboriginal art in the Art Gallery of NSW. Compared to many big cities, going to the theatre or a music concert is often surprisingly affordable. In fact, during summer, there are many free concerts of opera and classical music held outside under the stars. Just take a picnic, find a spot on the grass and enjoy yourself. For those who like the latest in music, from rock to techno and jazz, there are numerous night clubs with live bands. Many of these are in areas only minutes away from Access Language Centre.

While at Access Language Centre, students will not only learn a language but also form life-long friendships with fellow students and staff. We understand at ALC that students like to share their experiences so we organise many social events such as school picnics and special occasion parties like Melbourne Cup day festivities. Outings are organised by the centre for groups of students to places like Taronga Park Zoo where you can see Australia's koalas, kangaroos, emus and crocodiles. At the Sydney Aquarium near ALC, watch the divers feed the seals and man-eating sharks.

See also Australian Links