Visiting Sydney

Sydney, Australia

Sydney Australia is one of the world’s most loved cities and it has a lively and vibrant buzz that makes it the ultimate destination throughout the year. There are always plenty of things to do in Sydney whether it’s summer, winter, autumn or spring – from world-class dining, shows and entertainment, to sightseeing and great walks or fun in the sand at one of Sydney’s idyllic beaches.

Beautiful beaches: Sydney is known for its stunning beaches, including Bondi Beach, Manly Beach, and Coogee Beach. These beaches are perfect for swimming, surfing, sunbathing, and relaxing.
Iconic landmarks: Sydney is home to some of the world’s most iconic landmarks, including the Sydney Opera House, the Harbour Bridge, and the Royal Botanic Garden. These landmarks are must-see attractions that offer spectacular views and unforgettable experiences.
World-class dining: Sydney has a thriving food scene, with an abundance of restaurants, cafes, and bars serving up delicious cuisine from around the world. Whether you’re in the mood for fine dining, street food, or something in between, Sydney has it all.
Cultural experiences: Sydney is a multicultural city that celebrates diversity and offers a range of cultural experiences. From visiting museums and art galleries to attending music and dance performances, there are plenty of opportunities to immerse yourself in different cultures.
Outdoor activities: Sydney’s mild climate and beautiful natural surroundings make it a great place to enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, cycling, kayaking, and sailing. There are also many parks and gardens where you can relax and enjoy nature.

Overall, Sydney is a city that offers a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural diversity, and urban sophistication. It’s definitely worth a visit!

Flying into Sydney

Sydney is served by Sydney Kingsford Smith International Airport (SYD), which is the busiest airport in Australia. It is located about 8 kilometers from the city center and is well connected to major cities around the world. Many major airlines operate direct flights to Sydney from cities across Asia, Europe, North America, and the Pacific. International flights depart and arrive from Terminal 1.

The following carriers provide frequent direct flights from most major centres across Australia.

Qantas – www.qantas.com.au
Virgin Australia – www.virginaustralia.com
Jetstar – www.jetstar.com.au

Airport Train

The airport train (airportlink.com.au) runs approximately every 10 minutes and takes about 13-16 minutes to the Sydney Central Business District. The station is located at the northern end of the terminal and accessible from the arrivals level. To use this service, you can tap on with your Amex, Visa or Mastercard, or you can purchase an Opal Card (opal.com.au) from the station. For more information visit the Transport NSW Trip Planner.

Buses

Sydney Buses operates a timetabled service, Route 400, between Bondi Junction and Eastgardens via Sydney Airport and 420 between Eastgardens to Burwood via Sydney Airport. The services stops at the T1 International and T3 Domestic terminals. You will find clearly marked bus stops located on the arrivals level outside each of these terminals. You’ll need an Opal transport card to use the service.

Taxis and Rideshare

Ride share pick-ups are available at Sydney Airport. You can request a ride from your preferred app and get picked up from either the domestic or international terminals. For the domestic terminal, this is the Priority Pick-up Zone. For the international terminal, this is the Express Pick-up zone.

Each terminal has a taxi rank with taxi supervisors on hand during peak times. An estimated fare from the Sydney Airport to the city costs $45-55.

13CABS
Phone: 13 22 27 Web: www.sydney.13cabs.com.au

Legion Cabs
Phone: 131 451 Web: www.legioncabs.com.au

Premier Cabs – Airport Taxi Service
Phone: 13 10 17 Web:www.premiercabs.com.au

Public Transport

Sydney has a range of public transportation options available, including buses, trains, ferries, and light rail.

Buses: Sydney has an extensive bus network that covers the entire city. Buses operate 24/7, and there are several different types of buses, including local buses, express buses, and limited-stop services. You can pay for your bus fare with cash or by using a contactless Opal card.
Trains: Sydney has a large train network that connects the city with its suburbs and regional areas. There are several train lines that operate throughout the city, including the T1 North Shore & Western Line, the T2 Inner West & Leppington Line, and the T3 Bankstown Line. You can pay for your train fare with cash or by using a contactless Opal card.
Ferries: Sydney’s iconic ferry system operates throughout the day and connects the city with its harbor and surrounding areas. The ferry network is a popular way to see the sights of the city and offers a unique perspective of the harbor. You can pay for your ferry fare with cash or by using a contactless Opal card.
Light Rail: Sydney’s light rail network connects the city’s central business district with several inner-city suburbs. The light rail system is operated by Transport for NSW and operates every day of the week. You can pay for your light rail fare with cash or by using a contactless Opal card.

The Opal card is a reusable smart card that can be used to pay for travel on all public transport in Sydney. It offers discounts on fares and is a convenient way to pay for your travel.

Car Hire

Sydney Airport has several car rental companies located at the arrivals level at T1 International and T2/T3 Domestic terminals. Search and compare the best deals from quality rental car providers like Avis, Hertz, Europcar, Budget, Thrifty and Enterprise.

Attractions

Family enjoying a giraffe encounter at Taronga Western Plains Zoo, Dubbo.

“Taronga Zoo”, The spectacular views of beautiful Sydney Harbour, is a great destination to see native wildlife and rare exotic animals. A range of tours are offered, from the keeper-led Wild Australia Experience to the VIP Aussie Gold Tour of native animals.

“The Rocks Friday Foodie Market along Playfair Street”, What makes a great market? If it’s about passionate people selling things you’ll love in a cool, relaxed environment then The Rocks Markets is one of Sydney’s greatest. The Rocks is nestled on the doorstep of the CBD, but it’s slower and infinitely more charming.

“The Rocks Sydney Harbour from Mrs Macquaries Point”, The Sydney Opera House is a multi-venue performing arts centre at Sydney Harbour, it is a one of the 20th century’s most famous and distinctive buildings. The Sydney Opera House is one of the world’s most creative and busiest arts centres, featuring world-leading performances and events.

“Climbing the harbour bridge with Bridgeclimb Sydney”, The Sydney Harbour Bridge is one of Australia’s most well known and photographed landmarks. It is the world’s largest steel arch bridge with the top of the bridge standing 134 metres above the harbour. It is known by the locals as the ‘Coathanger’ because of its arch-based design.

“Bondi Beach”, Watch a glorious sunrise at world-famous Bondi Beach before an invigorating swim in the turquoise waters or a stroll along the white sands. Roll out a beach towel and relax on the fine sands while enjoying spectacular views of the vast Pacific Ocean.

The Calyx, The Royal Botanic Garden Sydney

“The Calyx in The Royal Botanic Garden Sydney”, The Sydney Royal Botanic Garden is a tranquil oasis on the edge of one of the world’s great natural harbours. Wildlife in the garden includes colourful birds, fruit bats and water dragons. The Calyx is a world-class horticultural space, with changing exhibitions designed to capture your imagination.

Museums and Art Galleries

Sydney is home to several museums that showcase a wide range of art, history, culture, and science. Here are some of the most popular museums in Sydney:

The Art Gallery of New South Wales: Located in the heart of Sydney’s cultural precinct, the Art Gallery of New South Wales is home to a collection of Australian and international art, including paintings, sculptures, and photographs.
The Australian Museum: Established in 1827, the Australian Museum is the oldest museum in Australia. It features exhibits on natural history, indigenous culture, and Australian animals.
The Museum of Contemporary Art Australia: Located on the edge of Sydney Harbour, the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia features contemporary art from Australia and around the world.
The Powerhouse Museum: The Powerhouse Museum is a science and design museum that features interactive exhibits on science, technology, engineering, and design.
The Hyde Park Barracks Museum: The Hyde Park Barracks Museum is a World Heritage-listed site that tells the story of Australia’s convict past. It features exhibits on the lives of convicts and the history of the Australian penal system.
The Museum of Sydney: The Museum of Sydney tells the story of the city’s history, from the time of indigenous settlement to the present day. It features exhibits on the city’s architecture, culture, and people.