Sydney

Harbour Bridge at Sunrise, Sydney, NSW.  Photo credit: Hamilton Lund; Destination NSW

Sydney

Swim or surf at Bondi. Sail beneath (or climb high above) the Harbour Bridge. Sample the rides of Luna Park or enjoy the less frenzied appeal of the Opera House or Centennial Park. You don’t see Sydney; you do it. And most of it you’ll be doing outdoors.

 

 

It’s not the capital city (despite everyone who isn’t from Canberra or Melbourne kind of wishing it was) but it is the capital of New South Wales. It’s about the size of London and just under 20% of Australians live here.

Each year the Sydneysiders’ numbers are swelled by around 2 million tourists. On most days it can feel like they’re all outdoors.

We love visiting Sydney – we’re sure you will too.

Things To Do In Sydney

Botanic Gardens & The Domain
Peace, relaxation and the open air – all in the heart of the city.

City Centre
Serious shopping, then enough museums and parks to let the credit card cool down.

Darling Harbour
Big fish, big screens and an appealing obsession with chocolate.

Kings Cross & Darlinghurst
Visit Sydney’s home of pleasure seekers and party animals.

Paddington
Sophisticated Sydney – where art and cricket collide.

Surrounding Sydney
Whale watching, zoo visiting, beach bathing, show-stopping excitement await…

The Rocks & Circular Quay
Picture postcard Sydney in all its iconic glory. Find the Harbour Bridge and the Opera House here.

Tourist Information
You’ll find the tourist information office in The Rocks. It’s open from 09.30-17.30, 7 days a week (exc. Xmas and Good Friday).

Useful Contact Numbers
Emergency services: 000
Emergency dental: 9369 1111
Emergency prescriptions: 9235 0333
Medicare: 12 20 11
Poisons information hotline: 13 11 26



 

Book places to stay in Sydney

 

Watch Out For The Locals

 

Not the Sydneysiders, of course, they’re lovely. But it is worth keeping an eye out for spiders, snakes and, of all things, magpies (if you’re visiting Sydney between August and November).

Find out more about these and other scary creatures here.

Sydney 101

 

Sydney and NSW are on AEST (Australian Eastern Standard Time) which is GMT +10hrs. Daylight saving time is observed.

Canberra is just 178 miles to the SW. Perth is a massive 2,476 miles away.

Climate: warm summers (averaging 25°C), mild winters (8-15°C). Rainfall is spread throughout the year.

UV levels: the damaged ozone layer here means you can burn on even the cloudiest days. Choose the highest factor cream you can lay your hands on and use it liberally

The working week: Monday –Friday. Stores are open on Saturday and Thursday evening. Limited opening on Sundays.

Sydney is the site of the first British colony in Australia.

It hosted the (second) best Olympics ever in 2000.

Travel advice, top tips and up-to-date country information to help you plan your journey

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