Sydney
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Airport: Sydney Kingsforth Smith (SYD)
Served by: British Airways, Cathay Pacific, JAL Japan Airlines, LAN, Qantas
City Statistics
Overview
Getting There By Air
From London - 23 hours; New York - 21 hours; Los Angeles - 13 hours 30 minutes; Singapore - 7 hours 40 minutes; Toronto - 21 hours 30 minutes.
Sydney Airport (SYD)
Tel: (02) 9667 9111.
Web: www.sydneyairport.com.au
Sydney Airport is located 9km (6 miles) south of central Sydney.
Airport facilities:
Full banking services are available from ANZ Bank in Terminal 1. Currency exchange facilities are located in Terminals 1 and 2. ATMs are located in all terminals.
Getting Around
Hotels
There is a wide choice of hotels in Sydney catering to every budget – from 5-star international hotel chains to niche boutique properties in one of Sydney’s trendy suburbs.
The Sydney hotels below have been classed into three different pricing categories:
Luxury (over A$300)
Moderate (A$100 to A$300)
Cheap (under A$100)
The prices quoted above are the starting prices for a standard double room and include breakfast unless otherwise specified. The central Sydney area has a 10% accommodation levy, commonly known as the bed tax. This is added to the bill and included in the prices quoted here. Most hostel-type accommodation is exempt from this tax.
Cheap
Central Railway Station Hotel
Centrally situated near Central Railway Station (the heart of Sydney's transport system) the Central Railway Hotel has China Town and Circular Quay on its doorstep. Accommodation has been custom designed to offer guests the unique benefits of self contained ‘apartment style’ rooms with hotel services and facilities. Apartments offer flexible room layouts including sofa beds, which are well suited to family or group bookings.
240 Chalmers Street
Sydney
NSW 2000
Australia
Tel: (02) 9319 7800.
Web: www.centralrailwayhotel.com
The Y Hotel
If you’re looking for cheap hotels in Sydney, then the Y Hotel definitely fits the bill. Ideally located opposite Hyde Park and Oxford Street, the Y Hotel is surrounded by everything you could want during a stay in Sydney including great shops, restaurants, gyms, jogging track, parks, gardens and galleries. Facilities include a guest lounge, internet kiosk, and continental breakfast is included in the room rate.
Darlinghurst
5-11 Wentworth Avenue
Sydney
Australia
Tel: (02) 9264 2451.
Web: www.yhotel.com.au
Travelodge Phillip Street
This no-nonsense hotel in the financial district offers the familiar Travelodge amenities for the budget-minded traveller. Rooms are workmanlike and feature a kitchenette with microwave and cable television. There are also five disabled access rooms. All rooms are en suite. The Quay is a five-minute walk away and Martin Place is just around the corner, although visitors should not expect any views apart from the central atrium's rather unconvincing trompe l'oeil mural.
165 Phillip Street
Sydney
NSW 2000
Australia
Tel: (02) 8224 9400.
Web: www.travelodge.com.au
Four Seasons
The original luxe Sydney hotel, the Four Seasons can legitimately boast one of the best views around. Located in the historic Rock’s area, overlooking the Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge, the hotel’s 531 luxurious guestrooms and suites all feature a 42- inch LCD television, iPod/MP3 player connectivity and wireless internet access. The spa is one of the best in the city and facilities include steam, sauna and Sydney’s largest heated outdoor pool.
199 George Street
Sydney
NSW 2000
Australia
Tel: (02) 9250 3100.
Web: www.fourseasons.com/sydney
BLUE
Arguably the most boldly conceived of the newer hotels in town, BLUE (formerly W Sydney), occupies the renovated interior of an old loading wharf, jutting out into the harbour at Woolloomooloo Bay. Retaining the original exterior and many of the interior beams, the refit is an ingenious exercise in industrial chic. Business travellers are well catered for with oversize work desks, ISDN lines and two telephones.
Woolloomooloo
6 Cowper Wharf Road, NSW 2011
Sydney
Australia
Tel: (02) 9331 9000.
Web: www.tajhotels.com/sydney
Park Hyatt
Occupying a unique position on the water's edge of Sydney's Harbour, The Park Hyatt has a wide range of rooms to choose from all offering deluxe amenities including shoeshine, turndown, robes, gym access and 24-hour butler service. The hotel's restaurant, the Harbour Kitchen & Bar, offers incredible views of the harbour and opera house through floor-to-ceiling folding glass doors. This Sydney hotel also features a spa, fitness centre and rooftop swimming pool.
The Rocks
7 Hickson Road
Sydney, , NSW 2000
Australia
Tel: (02) 9241 1234.
Web: www.sydney.park.hyatt.com
Establishment
With only 31 guest rooms, including two penthouse suites, the Establishment is the definition of boutique. The more modern rooms feature warehouse ceilings, black floorboards and strong colours, while those favouring a more serene environment can opt for rooms with a softer paint palette. All rooms come with a mini-bar and generous bathrooms. Clubs, bars and restaurants are all on site including the award-winning est., the Establishment's fine dining restaurant.
5 Bridge Lane
Sydney
NSW 2000
Australia
Tel: (02) 9240 3100.
Web: www.merivale.com
Hotel Altamont
An 1830s Georgian mansion in the heart of Darlinghurst, the Hotel Altamont has seen many a famous face walk through its double doors, most notably Mick Jagger. The boutique-style accommodation is fun and quirky. Instead of conventional hotel corridors, rooms here open onto a curved communal street and internal courtyards and a spectacular rooftop garden lend a sense of openness.
Darlinghurst
207 Darlinghurst Road
Sydney
NSW 2010
Australia
Tel: (02) 9360 6000.
Web: www.altamont.com.au
Business Etiquette
Australians are a very friendly people and socialising comes easily. Nevertheless, there are a few things that may offend or annoy. The first is the use of the informal ‘G’day’ - foreigners should avoid trying to emulate this overused greeting. The second is that, while out drinking, a system of ‘rounds’ is observed and it is not appreciated when someone skips his or her round by not offering to pay. Gift giving is not a common practice, although a small token (such as chocolate, wine or flowers) is appropriate if invited to a home. If at a loss for conversation topics, sport is always a good choice.
Sightseeing
It's not surprising then that much of the sightseeing in Sydney is focused on the harbour and its surrounds. The Rocks forms the historical backbone of the city and a day spent wandering these old-world streets is a must. Circular Quay buzzes throughout the day with visitors, buskers and locals hopping on and off the ferries on their way to and from work.
But step away from this and you'll see that there is more to Sydney than just the harbour. The central business district (CBD) holds remains of its Victorian past with grand banking chambers and intricate shopping arcades. Further afield, the areas of Surry Hills, Darlinghurst and Paddington are cosmopolitan communities, each with their own distinct character.
Surry Hills is a colourful neighbourhood lined with cafes and boutiques, while Darlinghurst comes alive every March for the world-famous Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade. Paddington has a more genteel feel, with its fashionable restaurants, galleries, antique shops and restored Victorian terraces complete with wrought-iron lace verandas. Another area worth exploring is Kings Cross. Although traditionally renowned for its red light district it boasts a bustling cafe society and some excellent restaurants.
Corner Argyle and Playfair Streets, The Rocks or 33 Wheat Road, Darling Harbour
Tel: (02) 9240 8788 or 1800 067 676, in Australia only.
Website: www.sydneyvisitorcentre.com
Opening hours: Daily 0930-1730.
The Darling Harbour Super Ticket, available at the Sydney Aquarium, includes entry to the Sydney Aquarium and the Chinese Garden, Matilda Rocket Harbour cruise, a monorail ride, a meal at the Aqua Bar and Grill, discount entry to the Powerhouse Museum and IMAX Theatre and discount travel on the People Mover train.
Combined ferry and attraction admission passes are available from the Sydney Ferries ticket office at Circular Quay. For example, the Zoo Pass includes return ferry and bus transport to Taronga Zoo, entry to the zoo and an aerial cable ride.
Key Attractions
Featuring the Yiribana Gallery, the world's largest permanent exhibition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art, the Art Gallery of New South Wales is one of Australia's foremost art museums. Among its most impressive exhibitions is its Australian art collection, extending from the early colonial period to the mid 20th century. The Asian Galleries showcase the gallery's significant Asian collection and touring exhibitions. Shortlisted portraits in the Archibald Prize (Australia's most prestigious and controversial art award) are exhibited here annually.
The Domain
Art Gallery Road
Sydney, NSW 2000
Australia
Tel: (02) 9225 1700.
Web: www.artgallery.nsw.gov.au
Opening hours: Thurs-Tues 1000-1700, Wed 1000-2100.
Admission Fee: Yes
Disabled Access: Yes
Bondi Beach
Bondi is one of the world's most famous beaches, a crescent of sand strung between two rocky headlands, just 15 minutes from the city centre. During the summer visitors jostle for towel space on the beach while the promenade bustles with activity. Campbell Parade serves up a mixture of busy bars, seaside cafes, and the ever-popular Sunday market. Topless sunbathing is tolerated and swimmers should always swim within the patrolled areas marked by the red and yellow flags. The coastal walk, which starts at Bondi's southern end and runs along the coast to Coogee, is a must for any visitor.
Bondi Beach
Sydney
Australia
Web: www.waverley.nsw.gov.au
Opening hours: Daily 24 hours.
Admission Fee: No
Disabled Access: Yes
Centennial Parklands
A grand park in the European tradition, the Centennial Parklands features landscaped gardens, statues, historic monuments and houses, ponds, formal gardens, wildlife habitat areas and grand avenues. There is a restaurant, cafe and facilities for every active pursuit under the sun.
Moore Park and Bondi Junction, bordering Paddington
Southeast of the city
Sydney, NSW 2021
Australia
Tel: (02) 9339 6699.
Web: www.cp.nsw.gov.au
Admission Fee: No
Disabled Access: Yes
Darling Harbour
A former dockside area, this small harbour has been transformed into a major tourist site. The vast, paved and landscaped recreation ground is packed with restaurants and shops, as well as a number of tourist attractions. These include the Powerhouse Museum, Australian National Maritime Museum, Sydney Aquarium, IMAX Theatre and the Chinese Garden of Friendship, a gift to Sydney from its sister city of Guangdong in China.
Darling Harbour
Sydney
Australia
Web: www.darlingharbour.com
Admission Fee: No
Royal Botanic Gardens
A short walk from the Opera House, the Royal Botanic Gardens sits on a slope overlooking the harbour and covers 30 hectares (74 acres) in the heart of the city. Established in 1816, it is Australia's oldest scientific institution and home to over one million specimens. Highlights include the Sydney Tropical Centre and the Rose Garden; there is a hop-on hop-off trackless train to get around them all.
Macquarie Street (main entrance)
Sydney, NSW 2000
Australia
Tel: (02) 9231 8111.
Web: www.rbgsyd.nsw.gov.au
Opening hours: <p>Daily 0700-2000 (Nov-Feb); 0700-1830 (Mar and Oct); 0700-1800 (Apr and Sep); 0700-1730 (May and Aug); 0700-1700 (Jun-Jul).</p>
Admission Fee: No
Disabled Access: Yes
Sydney Harbour Bridge
Affectionately known as ‘the Coathanger', the Sydney Harbour Bridge is a feat of engineering genius. It took 1,400 workers (16 of whom died in the process) eight years to complete at a cost of A$20 million, finally opening in 1932. The best way to experience the bridge is to climb it and the Bridge Climb gives thrill-seekers the chance to walk to the top of the 50-storey-high bridge (over the cars and trains rumbling across the deck below) and down the other side.
5 Cumberland Street
Sydney, NSW 2000
Australia
Tel: (02) 8274 7777.
Web: www.bridgeclimb.com
Opening hours: Daily 0700-2000.
Admission Fee: Yes
Sydney Opera House
Opened in 1973, the Sydney Opera House is the most recognisable symbol of both the city of Sydney and the country of Australia, and is also considered one of the 20th century's great buildings. Designed to resemble a ship at sea with its roof appearing as a billowing white sail, SydneyOpera House is one of the busiest performing arts centres in the world. Housing a large complex of theatres and halls that play host to a wide range of performing arts, the Opera House offers spectacular views of Sydney Harbour and is visited by more than 4.5 million tourists every year.
Circular Quay
Bennelong Point
Sydney, NSW 1225
Australia
Tel: (02) 9250 7111.
Web: www.sydneyoperahouse.com
Opening hours: Daily 0900-1700 (tours); Mon-Sat 0900-2030 (box office), plus two hours before Sun show.
Admission Fee: Yes
Disabled Access: Yes
UNESCO site: Yes
Sydney Tower
Standing 309m (1,014ft) above Market Street, Sydney Tower is the city's tallest building and offers views over the city, the harbour, the Olympic Park and as far as Terrigal Beach, 100km (62 miles) to the north. Entry to the observation deck (250m/820ft high) includes the Skytour - a 35-minute virtual tour/ride on the podium level. Thrill-seekers can go one better and take a Skywalk, an outdoor tour on two glass-floored platforms.
Corner of Pitt and Market Street
Sydney, NSW2000
Australia
Tel: (02) 9333 9222.
Web: www.sydneytowereye.com.au/
Opening hours: Daily 0900-2230.
Admission Fee: Yes
Disabled Access: Yes
Culture
Bangarra Dance Theatre
Performing a fusion of contemporary and traditional dance at various venues throughout the city (including its home theatre). The multi award-winning company was established as a dance company to celebrate Australia's indigenous peoples and their culture. Each year, Bangarra performs to approximately 50,000 people around Australia and the world and its productions are regularly sold out.
Pier 4/5 Hickson Road, Walsh Bay, Sydney, NSW 2000, Australia
Tel: (02) 9251 5333.
www.bangarra.com.au
Music and Dance
Conservatorium of Music
Known locally as 'The Con', this is one of the oldest and most prestigious music schools in Australia. Located adjacent to the Sydney Royal Botanic Gardens the Conservatorium hosts symphony, wind and chamber concerts (as well as big jazz bands), both from some of the world's leading musicians and talented staff and students. Look out for the regular lunch time concerts.
35 Anderson Street, Sydney, NSW 2000, Australia
Tel: (02) 9351 1222.
www.music.usyd.edu.au
Opera
Sydney Opera House
The Sydney Opera House, one of the city's iconic landmarks, is a premier performance venue for the Sydney Symphony, the Sydney Philharmonia Choirs, Opera Australia and the Australian Chamber Orchestra. The Australian Ballet performs mainly traditional pieces during its summer and winter season at the Sydney Opera House. Similarly, the Sydney Dance Company, the city's leading contemporary dance group, performs at the opera house for two seasons per year.
Bennelong Point, Circular Quay , Sydney, NSW 1225
Tel: (02) 9250 711.
www.sydneyoperahouse.com
Theatre
Sydney Theatre
A major in Australian drama since its establishment in 1978, the Sydney Theatre is the city's flagship theatre company. Presenting an annual 12-play programme at its home base, The Wharf, on the harbour (in addition to performances at the Opera House), the company offers audiences an eclectic program of Australian plays, lively interpretations of the classic repertoire and the best of new international writing.
22 Hickson Road, Walsh Bay, NSW 2000
Tel: (02) 9250 1999.
www.sydneytheatre.org.au
Belvoir Street Theatre
Tucked in-between terraces and flats in a converted leather factory, the fringe-style Belvoir Street Theatre has seen acting luminaries, such as Geoffrey Rush and Cate Blanchett grace its (well-used) stage. Performances often star well-known Australian actors, playing in either "Company B", upstairs, or "B Sharp", downstairs. There is a foyer bar for before, during or after performance drinks.
25 Belvoir Street, Surry Hills, Sydney, NSW 2010, Australia
Tel: (02) 9699 3444.
www.belvoir.com.au
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