The Star City Casino
Four hours north of the capital lies the Australian city most Americans are at least aware of, Sydney… one of the world's most beautifully designed metropolises. The tourist board describes it as "sunny, sexy, sophisticated," and you can't argue the point. Sydney is really the shining star of the southern hemisphere.
Star City Casino is considered a national treasure and the country's ultimate gaming venue. It is the only casino in the city and the only one in the state of New South Wales. Opened in 1997 amid great fanfare, hoopla, fireworks and celebrity, its energy level has never abated, there is pumping nonstop action here 24/7. The main gaming floor is immense: It covers 1,560,635 square feet of space. The casino has a huge "Tab" lounge, sports bar, 200 gaming tables and 1,500 gaming machines. Players can revel in the beautiful themed areas, Forest, Desert and Reef and lose themselves watching in the two huge seawater aquariums. Casino cardholders will find the private "Endeavors Room" elegant and opulent.
Poker players will feel right at home with hold'em, Omaha, five and seven card stud, draw and Manila. Other table games include American and European roulette, baccarat, big wheel, blackjack, craps, pai gow and others. The stakes vary, so both serious players and those just out for a casual fling will feel comfortable.
There is a dress code: You must be "smartly dressed" to enter the casino. Aussies give a lot of latitude in this department, so observe and learn. Smoking is prohibited at the tables and many promotions and tournaments are offered to members of the Total Star Rewards program.
On the way out (maybe better, on the way in), you might want to make an offering to the gods of gambling by tossing a chip or a coin into the "fire and water" fountain at the front entrance.
Once out the door, you're ready to sample one of the world's most successful cities. Great climate, great people, and a great location have blessed Sydney. That Australian style is everywhere, from the fantastic architecture to the food to the activities. I suggest taking a tour of the city to get your bearings. Then visit the fabulous harbor with its soaring Opera House and Harbour Bridge, one of the most famous bridges in the world (known to locals as the "Coathanger"). Check out the Darling Harbour entertainment center near the casino, as well as the museum and clubs in the area. Don't miss the aquarium, one of the world's largest, home to nine-foot sharks.
Sydney is known for its food, honed and melded during decades of immigration from the East and West. From the exotic restaurants of Chinatown to the ethic delights at Indian, Japanese, Greek and Lebanese emporiums, to the new Australian fusion cuisine, you'll never have a dull meal in this city.
Last, but certainly not the least, is Sydney's legendary nightlife. This is a city that never sleeps. No matter when you decide to cash in you winnings at the casino, there are plenty of places to go. Trendy Oxford Street never flips the off-switch on its pubs, dance clubs and eateries. The harbor area is home to many superb waterfront restaurants, and you can seek out the stylish restaurants that seem to multiply in high-rise towers.
As in any large city, you will not have a problem finding a place to rest your weary head. Any tourist guide or Internet site will list pages and pages of in-town, suburban and airport hotels. There are several at nearby Darling Harbour: Novotel, Parkroyal, Nikko and Carlton Crest to name some, with many more within minutes on the monorail.
Wherever you are, you're never far from Aussie poker action. When you're done with the southeast coast, you can always head to Melbourne, site of largest tournament in the southern hemisphere, the Aussie Millions.