Travel to Sydney

Travel to Sydney

Best known for its harbour, famous Opera House and Harbour Bridge, Sydney also boasts a wide variety of museums and art galleries. The multi-ethnic city offers food and culture from all over the world and is a gateway for exploring the nearby beaches.

Transportation to Sydney

Sydney Kingston International Airport is located just nine kilometres south of the city. It is linked by train and bus to the city centre. Excellent rail and coach services connect Sydney to the rest of the country, but distances can be enormous. Cruise ships dock at the Overseas Passenger Terminal or in Darling Harbour. Travelling by car, you can enter Sydney from the north via the Pacific Highway; from the south on the M5 and Princes Highway; and from the west on the Great Western Highway.

What to see

Great views can be enjoyed by crossing the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Completed in 1932, the bridge is 1,150 metres long and has two walkways, two railway lines and an eight-lane road. Climbing the bridge can be done by those looking for a safe adventure. The climb takes 3 hours. One of the best views from the bridge is of the Opera House, with its white, sail-like roof. Here, regular performances are held featuring world-renowned opera stars.

One of the worlds best aquariums, the Sydney Aquarium, features two underwater walkways through two enormous seawater tanks. Chinatown is worth a visit, as is Darling Harbour, a waterfront entertainment complex. The Botanical Gardens are also a good spot for relaxation, being conveniently located near the Opera House and offering spectacular views of the harbour from Mrs Macquaries Seat.

Daytrips

Sydney and its surroundings are wonderful to drive around, with many attractions being easily reachable. The skiing resorts of the Blue Mountains, the vineyards in Hunter Valley and Port Stephens all make for wonderful excursions. For those with time on their hands, Newcastle, Coffs Harbour and Port Macquarie are all charming coastal towns where visitors can go on whale-watching excursions. Meanwhile, the easy-going town of Byron Bay, a former hippie colony, has good beaches and surfing.

Activities and leisure

Sydneys 30 or so beaches line the ocean front and harbour; the most well-known are Bondi and Manly beaches. Having strong currents, they are excellent surfing spots, while scuba diving can be found a little further north.

Sydneys nightlife is vibrant, with many upmarket performing art venues, restaurants and pubs. The seedier but more interesting nightspots can be found in Kings Cross. To the west of the city centre, Darling Harbour is a major entertainment hub with countless bars and restaurants. The suburb of Glebe offers a more bohemian atmosphere and is popular with students. Plenty of accommodation options are available, from budget to five-star.

The yearly Sydney Festival takes place in January, with recitals, plays, films and performances held at venues all over the city. This tolerant city is also host to the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras (February/March), which is well worth seeing.

Safety issues

Be on your guard for pickpockets when visiting Sydney, particularly at night around the hectic bar areas. Tourists are always more prone to crime when in an unfamiliar environment. Driving is also a potential danger and travellers should remain cautious. We strongly recommend you take out travel insurance for yourself and your family before you travel.