Sydney
Updated on December 7, 2020
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Learn before you go
Australia Snapshot
Capital
Canberra
Language
English
Currency
Australian Dollar ($)
ATMs
Easily found in cities mainly in shopping and tourist areas.
Transaction fees are high so you should consider Revolut or Transfer wise cards.
Credit cards
Visa and MasterCard are widely accepted
American Express is also taken by most establishments
Other cards include DinersClub and CarteBlanche
Time zone
Australia has three time zones
Perth: GMT + 8
Adelaide, Darwin: GMT + 9, 5
Brisbane, Canberra, Melbourne, Sydney: GMT + 10
From October to March add one hour to the time differences in New South Wales, the ACT, Victoria and South Australia ( due to daylight savings)
Emergencies free number
Dial 000
(police, ambulance and fire department)
Visas
All visitors need a visa, except New Zealanders.
For stays of up to three months get an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) or an eVisitors (depending on your nationality)
Electricity
Electrical current is 240–250 volts AC
Sockets take two or three flat, not rounded, prongs.
Driving
On the left
Your driving licence must be in English
Carry your license at all times when driving
Seat-belts are compulsory
Making calls while driving is illegal
Mobile Phones
Activate international roaming (be aware of high costs) or bring your phone (if compatible) and buy a local Sim card once you have arrived from Optus, Telstra, Virgin or Vodafone mobile phone service providers.
Etiquette
Smoking is prohibited in all public buildings, transports and stores
Ask for permission before taking some one’s photograph
Dress codes are casual but you should to cover up when sitting in a café or restaurant
| Public Holiday Dates 2020 |
| Christmas Day public holiday: 25 December (Friday) |
| Boxing Day: 26 December (Saturday). Additional Day 28 December) |
| Public Holiday Dates 2021 |
| New Year’s Day: 1 January (Friday) |
| Australia Day: 26 January (Tuesday) |
| Good Friday: 2 April |
| Holy Saturday: 3 April |
| Easter Sunday: 4 April |
| Easter Monday: 5 April |
| Anzac Day: 25 April (Sunday) |
| Queen’s Birthday: 14 June (Monday) |
| October Long Weekend (Labour Day): 4 October (Monday) |
| Christmas Day: 25 December (Saturday). Additional Day 27 December |
| Boxing Day: 28 December (Tuesday) |
When to Go
TRAVEL SEASONS
High Season
December to February
with a peak in prices from Christmas Eve to 2 Jan
Shoulder Season
Mid-February to end of May and September to November
With two exceptions:
Sydney Mardi Gras Parade
(19 Feb – 7 Mar 2021)
VIVID Sydney Festival
(August 6-28 2021)
Low Season
End-June to August
Our recommendation
Late spring (October–November) or early autumn (March-April)
WEATHER
Spring – Sep to Nov
Autumn – Mar to May
Summer – Dec to Feb
Winter – Jun to Aug
| School vacation dates 2020 |
| Summer vacation (Eastern division): 21 December to 26 January 2021 |
| Summer vacation (Western division): 21 December to 2 February 2021 |
| School vacation dates 2021 |
| Autumn vacation: 5 April to 16 April |
| Winter vacation: 28 June to 9 July |
| Spring vacation: 20 September to 1 October |
| Summer vacation (Eastern division): 20 December to 27 January 2022 |
| Summer vacation (Western division): 20 December to 3 February 2022 |
Getting There
AIR
Sydney International Airport
www.sydneyairport.com.au
Located 8km/5 miles from the city center
Has three terminals
(T1-international, T2-domestic, T3-Qantas exclusive)
Covid info update
Green and red zones have been created at airport to ensure the separation of passengers arriving on ‘quarantine-free’ flights from other passengers required to enter 14 days mandatory quarantine
Airport Link Train
Connects the international and domestic airports to the city centre stations (Central, Museum, St. James, Circular Quay, Wynyard, and Town Hall)
During rush hours (7–9am | 4–6:30pm) gets very crowded with passengers from suburbs to city centre
Adult price: A$16
Child price: A$14.10
Sydney Airport shared coach
Connects the international and domestic airports to the city centre hotels
Prices vary from operator
“ Go Sydney Shuttle” prices
Adult price: A$19
Child price: A$14
TRAIN
All interstate trains arrive (and depart) at Central Station located at the top of George Street in downtown.
CRUISE
Cruise ships dock at the Overseas Passenger Terminal (in The Rocks, opposite the Sydney Opera House) or in the suburbs at Rozelle (White Bay Cruise Terminal)
Move Around
Train
Our recommended way to move around
City Circle is the main underground railway system (Stations: Central, Town Hall, Wynyard, Circular Quay, St James and Museum)
Many major attractions can be accessed from City Circle line
Other rail lines are connected to the City Circle.
Trains are operated by CityRail
Fares vary based on distance and time traveled
Buy an Opal card (reloadable)
Bus
Two main terminals: CBD and Circular Quay
Expect traffic jams and delays mainly during rush hour
Fare determined by distance traveled
Single ticket ride ( less 3 km): A$2.80
Opal card ride ( less 3 km): A$2.20
Hop-on, Hop-off Bus Tour
Unlimited rides throughout its validity
1-day validity or 2-day validity
Up to 33 stops to Hop-On and Hop-Off
Cruise and attraction entrance (optional)
Commentary in chosen language
“ Big Bus Open-Top Hop-on, Hop-off” prices
Adult price (1 Day): A$52
Child price (1 Day): A$32
Adult price (2 Days): A$63
Child price (2 Days): A$40
Taxi
Fare determined by distance traveled
Approximate price per km: A$2.20
Hiked fares may apply during peak hours (10 pm – 6 am) and on weekends
You can also use Uber and Taxify
Ferries
Best scenic views of Sydney Harbour from the deck of the ferry
Main ferry terminal located at Circular Quay
JetCats sail to Manly and RiverCats sail to Parramatta
On Foot
Great option for short distances in downtown
Sydney is too large to explore only by foot
Explore Sydney
What to do with kids
Taronga Zoo

More Details
📌 Location
Bradleys Head Rd, Mosman
☎️ Phone
02/9969 2777
🕒 Opening hours
9.30am to 5pm
🚊 Getting there
Ferry: Taronga Zoo
💰 Prices
Adult: A$44.10
Child (4-15): A$26.10
1 Adult & 2 Children: A$85.60
2 Adults & 1 Children: A$101.60
2 Adults & 2 Children: A$124.80
⌛ Visit Time
3 hours
Australian National Maritime Museum

More Details
📌 Location
2 Murray St, Darling Harbour
☎️ Phone
02/9298 3777
🕒 Opening hours
10:30am to 4pm, daily
🔒 Closed
Christmas Day
🚊 Getting there
Ferry: Darling Harbour
💰 Prices
See It All Ticket
Adult: A$25
Child: A$15
Concession: A$20
Family: A$60
⌛ Visit Time
2 hours
ℹ️ About
Featherdale Wildlife Park

More Details
📌 Location
217 Kildare Rd, Doonside
☎️ Phone
02/9622 1644
🕒 Opening hours
9am to 4pm
🚊 Getting there
Train: Blacktown station, then bus 725
💰 Prices
Adult: A$35
Child (3-15): A$22
1 Adult + 1 Child: A$52
1 Adult + 2 Children: A$67
2 Adults + 1 Child: A$79
2 Adults + 2-4 Children: A$99
⌛ Visit Time
2-3 hours
SEA LIFE Aquarium

More Details
📌 Location
1-5 Wheat Rd, Manly
🕒 Opening hours
10am to 4pm
26-30 Dec:
10am to 5pm
🔒 Closed days
December 2020: 1, 2, 8, 9, 15, 16, 25
🚊 Getting there
Ferry: Darling Harbour
Train: Town Hall or Wynyard
💰 Prices
Adult: A$48.00
Child (4-15): A$35.00
⌛ Visit Time
2 hours
Top Museums
Museum of Contemporary Art

More Details
📌 Location
140 George St, The Rocks
☎️ Phone
02/9245 2400
🕒 Opening hours
10am–5pm
(Tue–Sun)
🔒 Closed
Mondays
Christmas Day
🚊 Getting there
Train, bus, or ferry: Circular Quay
💰 Prices
Free of charge
⌛ Visit Time
3 hours
ℹ️ About
Art Gallery of New South Wales

More Details
📌 Location
Art Gallery Rd, The Domain
☎️ Phone
02/9225 1744
🕒 Opening hours
10am – 5pm, daily
🔒 Closed
Good Friday
Christmas Day
🚊 Getting there
Train: St James or Martin Place
Bus: 441
💰 Prices
Free of charge
(general entry)
Exhibitions have diferent prices
⌛ Visit Time
3 hours
ℹ️ About
Powerhouse Museum

More Details
📌 Location
500 Harris St, Ultimo
☎️ Phone
02/9217 0111
🕒 Opening hours
10am – 5pm, daily
🔒 Closed
Christmas Day
🚊 Getting there
Ferry: Darling Harbour
Bus: 501
💰 Prices
Free of charge
Booking required
⌛ Visit Time
2 hours
ℹ️ About
Hyde Park Barracks

More Details
📌 Location
Queens Sq., 10 Macquarie St
☎️ Phone
02/8239 2311
🕒 Opening hours
10am – 5pm
(Thu – Sun)
🔒 Closed
Mon-Wed
Christmas Day
🚊 Getting there
Train: St James or Martin Place
💰 Prices
Adult A$24
Child (5-15) A$16
Concession $20
Family $64
⌛ Visit Time
1 hour
ℹ️ About
Sydney this month
The Rocks Christmas Markets
Full Details
📌 Location
George Street, Playfair Street and Jack Mundey Place
📅 Dates
4 Dec to 24 Dec
🕒 Opening hours
Fri to Sat: 10am – 8pm
Sun: 10am – 5pm
24 Dec: 11am – 6pm
🚊 Getting there
Train, bus, or ferry: Circular Quay
💰 Prices
Free
👍 Highlights & Events
Kids Christmas Cookie Decorating
10am, 12:30pm and 3pm
Gingerbread House Decorating
10am, 12:30pm and 3pm
Kids Christmas Card Screen Printing
11am – 3pm
Bauble Decorating
11am, 1pm and 3pm
Carriageworks Market
Full Details
📌 Location
245 Wilson St, Eveleigh NSW 2015
📅 Dates
23 Dec
Registration (mandatory) open 1 Dec
🕒 Opening hours
4pm-8pm
one-hour shopping windows upon prior registration
💰 Prices
Free
👍 Highlights & Events
Opportunity to buy fresh seasonal directly from producers and Christmas gifts
Icons & Landmarks
Harbour Bridge

🚊 Getting there
Train, bus, or ferry: Circular Quay
ℹ️ Other informations
- Completed in 1932
- Is 1,150 m long and the arch spans 503 m
- The top is 134 m above the water
- The chief engineer was John Bradfield
- The bridge was built by 1,400 workers; 16 died in accidents during construction.
- It has pedestrian walkways, two railway lines, and an eight-lane road
- It’s a 30-minute walk from one end to the other
- Intrepid visitors can climb to its summit
- As an alternative to the climb (cheaper and easier) visit the Pylon Lookout (good views and documentation on the bridge)
❗ Covid-19 Alert
The Pylon Lookout is temporarily closed
Opera House

📌 Location
Bennelong Point
🔒 Closed
Christmas Day, Easter Sunday
🚊 Getting there
Train, bus, or ferry: Circular Quay
ℹ️ Other informations
- Was completed in 1973 with a A$102 million cost
- Jørn Utzon (Danish architect ) won an international competition to design it
- Given the difficulty in execution, the project was significantly changed
- It’s a group of theatres and performance spaces linked beneath its iconic shells
- One of the world’s busiest performing arts centres
- Guided tours of the Opera House (A$42) last about an hour
Sydney Tower

📌 Location
100 Market St
(at the corner of Pitt St and Market St)
🕒 Opening hours
Thu – Mon: 10 am – 8pm (last entry 7pm)
Skywalk: 12pm, 1pm, 2pm, 3pm, 4pm and 5pm
🔒 Closed
Tuesdays & Wednesdays (except in school holiday periods)
Christmas Day
🚊 Getting there
Train: St James or Town Hall
ℹ️ Other informations
- Completed in 1981
- Top floor viewing platform is called Sydney Tower Eye
- With 309 m tall offers a 360-degree view of Sydney
- Many times you can see as far as the Blue Mountains
- The building may slightly tremble in strong wind days
- Has a revolving restaurant at the top
Looking for radical experience and aren’t affraid of heights?
Try the Skywalk tour, a walk out onto a glass-floored platform 260 m in a special suit
Bondi Beach

- Bondi Beach is Australia’s most famous beach
- 1-km long sweep of golden sand
- It gets crowded in peak season
- For safety always swim between the flags
- The southern end of the Beach is the surf area
City Cards
- Access over 30 top Sydney attractions and tour
- Option by days to use
| Prices examples | |
| 3 Days option | from A$270 |
| 7 Days option | from A$345 |
- Either 3, 4, 5, 7 or 10 attractions, tours & activities
- Organized by Leisure Pass Group – Australia
| Prices examples | |
| 3 attractions | from A$120 |
| 4 attractions | from A$154 |
| 5 attractions | from A$184 |
| 7 attractions | from A$199 |
There are another card just for museums and historic houses:
Sydney Museums Pass
Price
A$35 Adult
A$28 Child (5–15)
Free access to 10 museums and historic houses
Expires one month after first visit
Allows one general entry to each attraction
❗ Covid-19 Alert
Some of the participating houses and museums remain closed
Our Accommodation choices
Luxury Hotels
Shangri-La Hotel Sydney
1.1 km from centre
Romantic, Business

Our Review
The pros
- Overlooking Darling Harbor
- Luxurious interiors (Asian-inspired)
- Indoor pool area
- Large and bright rooms
The Cons
- Can be very busy
Veredict
It is one of the most desired hotels in the city which reflects its excellent quality. The downside is that it can be quite crowded and agitated
Ovolo Woolloomooloo
1.1 km from centre
Romantic, Boutique

Our Review
The pros
- In Woolloomooloo Bay
- Bright rooms with modern hi-tech
- Groovy & stylish decor
- Occupies part of a heritage building
The Cons
- Parking is valet-only (fees aply)
- Train stations distance
Veredict
The bay location and the historic building environment makes it one of a kind. You may have to take a taxi or bus to connect to the train
Four Seasons Sydney
1 km from centre
Romantic, Kids-friendly

Our Review
The pros
- Central location near Circular Quay
- Outdoor pool and bar
- Children’s menus and welcome gifts
The Cons
- Expensive room service
- 531 rooms may feel a lot
- Dated decor
Veredict
This is our choice in this segment. Even so, we highlight the high number of rooms and the somewhat impersonal decor
Recommended
Mid-Range & Budget
Meriton Suites Kent Street
700 m from centre
Mid-range, Apartment

Our Review
The pros
- Central location near Hyde Park
- Separated kitchen option
- Location and ease of parking (but pricey)
The Cons
- Lower floors street noise
Veredict
This hotel located right in the center is an excellent option at a good price. Definitely our choice in this range
Recommended
Swissotel Sydney
In the centre
Mid-range, Urban

Our Review
The pros
- Central location near Hyde Park
- Isolation from street noise
The Cons
- Expensive on site parking (off site option)
Veredict
The good location and good conditions also make it a good option for a stay
Meriton Suites Campbell Street
1 km from centre
Mid-range, Apartment

Our Review
The pros
- kitchenette
- Location
- Value formoney
The Cons
- Without on site parking
Veredict
Best option for those looking for an apartment.
If you are going by car, consider the Meriton Suites Waterloo – same chain but with on site parking
Meriton Suites North Ryde
13 km from centre
Budget, Apartment

Our Review
The pros
- Good price for value
- Near shopping centre
- Close to train station and bus stop
- Shuttle bus in the morning and afternoon
The Cons
- Away from city centre
- Parking fee and availability
Veredict
If you’re short of money and don’t mind wasting some time to get to the center