Sydney, known as the Harbour City, is the largest city in Australia and is a world-class business and tourist destination. Sydney hosted the 2000 Olympic Games and continues to attract around 8.3 million domestic and 2.8 million international visitors a year.
Due to immigration the city is one of the most culturally and ethnically diverse cities in the world.
When in Sydney make time to visit:
- Sydney Opera House: this iconic building is world famous as a performing arts venue and is situated on Bennelong Point, next to the Sydney central business district (CBD).
- Sydney Harbour Bridge: is the world’s largest bridge and nicknamed the “TheCoathanger” because of the steel arch design. The iconic bridge connects traffic and pedestrians between the CBD and the North Shore.
- Sydney Tower: measuring 309 metres it’s the tallest building in Sydney. Located in the CBD it’s also known as the Centrepoint or the AMP Tower.
Transport information
Sydney has excellent public transport links that will get you anywhere. The city’s Opal card is a touch-and-go contact card that you pre-load with value and use on all mode of transport. There’s a maximum weekly spend and once this is reached any further travel for the week is free of charge.
Alternatively, purchase a multi-model ticket that’s valid on buses, trains, ferries and light-rail journeys. An adult day pass, offering unlimited travel, can be purchased for $22. If you require transport for three days or more it’s cheaper to buy a weekly, which can be purchased between $44 and $61, depending on how far you’re travelling from the city centre. For local travel information visit Transport Info.
Airport
Sydney Kingsford Smith International Airport is Australia’s busiest with over 35 flights in and out of Sydney every day. The airport has been continually operated longer than any other in the world. It’s located less than six miles from the city centre and offers both domestic and international flights. For information of all destinations and airlines visit the official Sydney Airport website.
Airport lounges:
- Etihad Airways First and Business Class Lounge: available to all Diamond first class and Pearl business class customers, as well as qualifying Etihad Guest loyalty members.
- Singapore Airlines’ Silver Kris Lounge: available to Suites, First and Business Class customers and PPS Club Members.
- Qantas Club Lounge at Domestic Terminal: available to first and business class passengers and eligible Qantas and Emirates members.
Transfer details
Sydney airport has several different transport options that will connect you to the city centre and beyond:
- Bus – purchase a shuttle bus ticket, which will drive passengers to their door, from the information desk at T1 or T3 for $18 or book online in advance for $12. Alternatively, take the 400 bus towards Bondi Junction, which can be paid with the MyMulti ticket for $3.30.
- Car – Sydney city centre can be reached in 20 to 40 minutes (traffic dependant). A range of car hire companies operate directly from the airport.
- Taxi – taxi marshals will help you to call a taxi upon arrival. Expect to pay $40 to the city centre but if you request the route via Botany Rd (valued an extra $5.50) you will save time and money.
Schools
Sydney is home to both a large amount of public and private schools at all levels of education. Selective high schools admit students based on academic assessments taken by year six students.
TAFE (Technical and Further Education) is funded by the government, which provides vocational courses after secondary school, whereby students learn workplace skills and earn qualifications.
The University of Sydney was the first institution to be established, but the city now has eight universities which educate more than 200,000 students.
Currency
AUD = Australian Dollar ($)
Weather
Sydney has a temperate climate, which means the city has warm summers and mild winters. Summer season is from December to February and the average temperature is 26°C. Winter season is from June to August and the average temperature is 17°C. Most of the time Sydney is sunny, but in the winter expect two to three weeks of rain fall. Sydney's western suburbs, which are situated away from the ocean, experience more extreme temperatures. Check the latest weather information via the link provided.
We have a broad selection of serviced apartments in Sydney; give SilverDoor a call to chat to one of our client managers who'll be delighted to find the perfect location for your next visit.
For a complete guide of things to do in Sydney, read our article which contains a full breakdown of the city's best attractions.
