Sydney Tourist Information
A Useful Visitors Guide
Sydney Tourist Information This is where we put some useful facts together for your travel planning. If you are visiting Sydney or other areas of New South Wales feel free to use this info to help you plan. If possible offer it to friends or relatives who can use it to make a visit more comfortable, enjoyable and easy.
Transport InfoSydney public transport is readily available, reasonably reliable and often an easy way to get around. There are numerous options available with and one such is the SydneyPass, which give you unlimited bus, ferry and central train travel. Phone 131 500 (6am to 10pm daily AEST) or visit transport Info Cityrail Central Train Station is located between George and Elizabeth Streets on Eddy Avenue. Trains depart here for all areas close and far (suburban and rural) as does the light rail (trams) for areas around the City. Town Hall, Wynyard, Circular Quay, Museum and St James stations make up what is known as the City Circle or Underground although it’s not too far to walk if you’re healthy. Visit Cityrail Info Countrylink is for information about interstate and regional travel to find out more information Ph 13-2232 or visit Countrylink Sydney Buses The best way to see Sydney is on the red Sydney Explorer bus where you can hop on and off as you please and get to visit 27 of the very best and most famous Sydney attractions. The Sydney Explorer buses travel at 20 minute intervals and will even take you across the Sydney Harbour Bridge with running commentary and fascinating insights into Sydney’s history and culture. Purchase a 3, 5 or 7day Sydney Pass Regional and Interstate Buses depart outside the Sydney Coach Terminal on Eddy Avenue under Central Railway. Tickets can be purchased from travel agents or the coach terminal. Circular Quay, Town Hall and Wynyard are other major city bus terminuses as well. For bus information Ph (02) 9281-9366 or visit Sydney Buses Sydney FerriesThe main Ferry terminal is Circular Quay where you can catch ferries and Jetcats to all areas of the Harbour. Places such as Balmain and Darling Harbour are popular as is the North Shore and Manly (the Manly Ferry is a great way to see the harbour) Alternative harbour destinations include Rose Bay, Parramatta, Double Bay and Taronga Zoo. Sydney Ferries Sydney MonorailSydney Monorail skirts its way around the City stopping at all the best attractions like Chinatown, the Spanish Quarter and down George Street, taking you through the heart of the shopping precinct past the historic Queen Victoria Building to the dining mecca of Darling Harbour then past the Convention and Exhibition Centres to complete the circuit. The Sydney Monorail is the essential Sydney experience. To learn more visit Sydney Monorail Metro Light RailSydney’s Metro Light Rail travels from Central Station westward linking the inner west via Paddy’s Market, Convention and Exhibition Centres, Star City, Sydney Fish Markets, Glebe and over to Lilyfield. The Metro light rail operates 24/7 and is a convenient and efficient means of transport. Metro Light Rail Sydney Visitor Information CentresT: (02) 9240 8788Freecall (Australia only): 1800 067 676 E: visitorinformation@shfa.nsw.gov.au The Rocks Corner of Argyle and Playfair streets Sydney NSW 2000.Open daily: 9.30am – 5.30pm(except Good Friday and Christmas Day; opening hours may vary on some public holidays) Darling Harbour Palm Grove between Cockle Bay Wharf and Harbourside. Open daily: 9.30am – 5.30pm(except Good Friday and Christmas Day; opening hours may vary on some public holidays) Sydney AirportSydney’s Kingsford Smith Airport houses both International (T1) and Domestic Terminals (T2,T3) and is about 15kms from the city. Transport between the Airport and City is made easy with regular bus and train departures from both terminals. There are also regular shuttle bus services from key inner and outer Sydney Hotel areas. Taxis are a convenient and affordable alternative costing around AU$25-30 and taking about 20minutes to the City.Sydney has two major domestic carriers, namely, Qantas Airways and Virgin Blue, both fly to and from major cities and most regional destinations. Remote areas are often accessed by small airlines that are usually affiliated with the major airlines.Qantas booking and flight information ph 13-1313Virgin Blue bookings and flight information ph 13-6789For more information visit Sydney Airport
Car RentalsAll major car hire companies have counters at the Airport and Car rentals are available for self drive excursions and holidays at various locations throughout Sydney. Bondi Beach by BusAll buses to Bondi from the City start from Alfred Street Circular Quay close to wharf number 2. The ride takes about 40minsutes. Look for buses with numbers 380 or 333 with destination showing North Bondi, Dover Heights, Watsons Bay or Bondi Beach. Buses travel south on Elizabeth Street before turning left at Liverpool Street, up to Taylor Square, through Paddington and on to Bondi Junction. There is a 389 bus running from Circular Quay that reaches North Bondi via the back streets of Paddington. It travels along Glenayr Avenue, about two blocks back from the beach. The Bondi Explorer allows you to hop on and off as you like while travelling a popular route highlighted by scenic harbour stops and attractions complete with running commentary and guide book. (This is a great way to discover and learn about Sydney as you go) Bondi by TrainCatching a train is probably the easiest way to get to Bondi by public transport. Simply depart from any of the following train stations on the Eastern suburbs line for direct travel to Bondi Junction, Central, Town Hall, Martin Place, Kings Cross, Edgecliff. Train travel usually takes about 15 minutes from Town Hall to Bondi Junction. Once at Bondi Junction you will need to either walk or catch a bus down the hill to the beach. Look for buses with numbers 380, 381, 382 or 333. For more information on timetables visit Cityrail Info. Driving LicencesVisiting from another country? please be reminded that vehicles travel on the left side of the road in Sydney. Driving anywhere in Australia is easy if you have a valid license from any country that is in English. You will not need any special permits. It is however a legal requirement to carry a driver’s license with you at all times when driving. If your license is not in English, you will need an international driver’s license issued from the relevant legal body in your country. Driving on the Left Because cars drive on the left side of the road it is necessary to look to your right first when exiting or crossing roads. If you are walking and wanting to cross the road where there is no pedestrian crossing, always look to the right first. Speed Kills Speed limits are strictly enforced and should be obeyed at all times for the protection and safety of all road users and pedestrians. Alcohol & Driving If you have a blood alcohol level of more than .05 (1standard drink per hour) you are not permitted to drive. It’s better to have a designated driver for the occasion if you plan to drink more than the legal requirement find alternative transportation so you wont have to drive. Learners and Provisional drivers blood alcohol levels are required to be nil. Driving Long DistancesTraveling Distances Because of large distances between Cities and rural towns driver fatigue is a real issue in Australia. If you are travelling long distances it is necessary to stop and rest regularly. Recommended rest every 2 hours is strongly advised for the best safe driving.
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