Sydney travel information
Sydney is one of the great cosmopolitan cities of the world, where people from all walks of life have made their home. Sydney bursts with energy and boasts a vibrant arts and cultural scene centered on the iconic Opera House and nearby museums and galleries, as well as an energetic nightlife with entertainment to suit all tastes. As Australia’s oldest city, and an unplanned one at that, Sydney can be a tricky place to navigate; but with its excellent public transport system, getting around shouldn’t be a hassle. Friendly locals enjoy a temperate climate that includes some 300 sunny days per year, meaning plenty of chances to soak up the city’s beaches, the famous harbour, national parks, and the outdoor lifestyle.
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The public transport in Sydney is an integrated system and one ticket can get you travelling by bus, ferry or train to almost any part of the city. Sydney Explorer coaches will take you to the most interesting and spectacular attractions, in and around the city and beaches. You can travel for the whole day, getting on and off the buses as often as you like. A bus trip to Vaucluse offers some of the best views of the harbour and surrounds.
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A cruise on Sydney Harbour is a must. Numerous companies run all sorts of cruises, including popular dinner cruises. However, if you’re on a budget, take a ferry ride instead and incorporate it into your day’s sightseeing. The ferry to Manly is particularly popular, passing stunning harbour sites and the famous Sydney Heads.
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Australians love their colloquialisms. One particular habit that may shock the uninitiated is the use of derogatory names among friends. If a local starts calling you names in an otherwise friendly conversation, take it as a sign of affection and a token of friendship. And give as good as you get!
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In general, it is not customary to tip in Australia. In some of the high-class restaurants, it is usual to tip up to 10 per cent, but on the whole, gratuities are at your own discretion.
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Sydney is comfortable to visit at any time of year. It can get humid during summer but this is usually broken by an afternoon storm. Heading for the beach in summer is a great Australian tradition and shouldn’t be missed.
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For a unique perspective of the city, go on a bridge climb and savour the views from the top of the Sydney Harbour Bridge.
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Anywhere within metropolitan Sydney, cinemas have special rates every Tuesday. Instead of paying the normal adult price of AUD$13.50, come on a Tuesday and you will only pay AUD$8.50.
Useful travel tips resources
Footprint Guides – Sydney
Excellent resource on Sydney from this well-known travel guide publisher.
http://www.footprintguides.com/
Sydney Guide
An exhaustive and regularly updated resource on Sydney.
http://www.sydneyeguide.com/
Visit NSW
The official government website for tourism in New South Wales, with an extensive section on Sydney
http://www.visitnsw.com.au/
More topics on this site…
Sydney maps and geography
Australia travel information
Australia travel tips
Australia health and safety
Australia maps and geography
Sydney Trip Planner
Sydney Accommodation
Sydney Arts and Entertainment
Sydney Bars and Clubs
Sydney Eating And Drinking
Sydney Festivals And Events
Sydney Gay and Lesbian
Sydney Getting There
Sydney History and Background
Sydney Shopping
Sydney Sports
Sydney Tours and Attractions
Subregions of Sydney
Essentials
Visas: Every nationality except New Zealanders needs visas
Season: Year round
Money: Australian Dollar – ATMs widely available
Language: English
Emergency #: 000