Visit Sydney

Welcome to Sydney, one of the world’s most iconic cities known for its stunning harbour, beautiful beaches, and vibrant cultural scene. To help you make the most of your visit, here’s essential traveller information to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience.

Getting Around Sydney

Sydney has a well-developed transport network, making it easy to explore the city and its surroundings. Here are your main options:

Public Transport

Transport NSW: Sydney’s public transport system is managed by Transport NSW, providing comprehensive services across trains, buses, ferries, and light rail.
Opal Card: Purchase an Opal card for convenient travel on all public transport. Contactless payments are also accepted.

Ferries & Cruises

Ferries: Enjoy scenic ferry rides across Sydney Harbour, including trips to Manly, Watsons Bay, and Taronga Zoo.
Captain Cook Cruises: Offers 1 or 2-day ferry passes to iconic areas such as Circular Quay, Darling Harbour, and Manly for unlimited travel.

Hop On Hop Off Bus

Sydney has a Hop On Hop Off bus service that covers major attractions in Sydney CBD and Bondi Beach. 24-hour, 48-hour and 7-day passes are available, making sightseeing convenient and flexible.

Taxis & Rideshares

Taxis are available across the city, with dedicated taxi ranks at popular locations.
Rideshare services like Uber, Didi, and Ola operate throughout Sydney.

Cycling & Walking

Sydney is a walkable city with scenic paths like the Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk.
Bicycle rentals are available through services like Lime and Beam, which are available throughout the City.

Driving & Car Rentals

Consider renting a car if you plan to explore beyond the city. Note that Sydney has toll roads and limited parking in the CBD.

Money-Saving Tips

Attraction Bundle Passes: Consider purchasing attraction bundle passes to popular sites like Taronga Zoo, SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium, and the Sydney Tower Eye to save money and avoid long queues.

Sydney Big 5 Attractions Pass

Weather & Best Time to Visit

Sydney has a temperate climate, with warm summers (December to February) and mild winters (June to August). The best time to visit is during spring (September to November) and autumn (March to May) when the weather is pleasant and crowds are smaller.

For more details, check out our Sydney Weather Page

Local Currency & Payments

Currency: The Australian dollar (AUD).
Payments: Credit and debit cards are widely accepted. Contactless payments (tap-and-go) are common.
ATMs: ATMs are available throughout the city.

Language

The official language is English. You’ll find helpful signage and information in multiple languages at major tourist sites.

Health & Safety

Emergency Services: Dial 000 for police, fire, or ambulance.
Medical Care: Sydney has excellent healthcare facilities. Travel insurance is recommended.
Sun Safety: Use sunscreen, wear hats, and stay hydrated, especially in summer.

Customs & Etiquette

Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory.
Respect local wildlife and natural environments.
Follow road and beach safety rules.

Must-Know Travel Tips

Power Plugs: Australia uses Type I power outlets (230V, 50Hz).
Time Zone: Sydney operates on Australian Eastern Standard Time (AEST) or Australian Eastern Daylight Time (AEDT) during daylight savings.
Wi-Fi & Connectivity: Free Wi-Fi is available at many public spots, including airports, libraries, and cafes.