Orientation

Orientation takes place at the YHA, located in the Rocks, a five-minute walk from Sydney’s iconic Harbor Bridge. Framed by the sparkling waters of Sydney Harbor, the Rocks is the oldest part of Sydney, where Sydney began. The YHA is brand new, it was officially opened by Australia’s Governor General in 2010 and is built over an archeological dig.

The location is a 10-minute walk from Circular Quay, which sports the Opera House, the Museum of Contemporary Art, the Main Ferry Terminal, Indigenous performers and other buskers, tourist shops, and is the central tourist hub of Sydney. You will be sharing single gender dorm style rooms with between 4-6 other IFSA-Butler students, and will have access to these rooms as soon as they arrive. See below photos for rooftop views and location proximity.

The YHA has a stunning rooftop with 5 star views of the Opera House, Harbour Bridge and the city.

Here's a live view from the roof top.»

Now that you have rested and enjoyed the view, no doubt you want to get out and explore all that Sydney has to offer.

Day 1:

Morning: You will arrive, freshen up and then come up to YHA rooftop for a good ol’ traditional Aussie BBQ. On arrival you will also find on your bed an ‘Aussie Survival Kit’, including but not limited to:

Vegemite is great!

IFSA-Butler bag (great for groceries)
IFSA-Butler notepad with pencil
Vegemite dipper
Drink bottle
Orientation schedule
Tim tam (individual packet)
Small tube of sunscreen

Afternoon: Walking tour of Sydney. This three-hour walking tour is a fantastic way for you to see the city of Sydney, it is an excellent informal Australian history lesson, and teaches you about:

The Harbour Bridge
Sydney Opera House
The Rocks District Gangs area
Sydney Hyde Park Barracks
Free things to do
Bombings in Sydney
The ‘Rum’ Hospital
St Mary’s Cathedral
Sydney Town Hall
Circular Quay
Main shopping precinct

This tour is casual and will suit any level of fitness.

Evening: Aussie dinner locally at The Australian Hotel. The Australian is a fantastic historical hotel right next door to the YHA (you may be very sleepy by this time!). The Australian is famous for their gourmet pizzas and Australiana themed interior. You will have the amazing opportunity to try kangaroo pizza-yum!

Day 2: Blue Mountains Day Trip

This full day adventure will take you to the stunning Blue Mountains, where you will see the 3 sisters, go on the scenic railway as well as a bushwalk. You will also visit the beautiful Featherdale wildlife park. This park focuses on Australian animals and you will be given bags of feed to feed kangaroos! You will also have the opportunity to get a photo with a koala. Optional evening event will be available.

Featherdale Wildlife Park

Day 3

University specific information sessions will take place in the morning where you will be given important information by Australian IFSA-Butler staff regarding housing, academics, health and well-being and local information.

You will then be given a packed lunch and a travel pass (to all ferries, buses and trains) and given some free time to explore Sydney. You may choose to visit exciting locations such as Manly, Bondi, explore the gorgeous museums or go into the center of the city to shop.

In the evening we will be taking off on a dinner cruise of Sydney Harbour, so you can see how beautiful the city is when lit up at night with 360 degree views.