Destination guides > Australia > New South Wales > Sydney
Sydney
Sydney is one of the world’s most spectacular cities with its impressive harbour full of inlets and bays. It is the first port of call for many international travellers and there is a good choice of accommodation, excellent transport connections and plenty to see and do, which ensures that Sydney never fails to impress.
Australia has two internationally recognised urban landmarks (the Harbour Bridge and Opera House) and they’re both in Sydney, but there are plenty of other things to see and do ranging from world-class museums and famous beaches to exploring vibrant neighbourhoods like The Rocks, Darlinghurst and Kings Cross.
Harbour cruises, the BridgeClimb and Opera House tours are on top of many visitors’ must-do lists, but they are expensive activities and simply walking across the bridge to get a dramatic view of the Opera House is leisurely and free. Likewise a ferry ride from Circular Quay is a much cheaper alternative to a cruise. Jump on a ferry to Manly, it’s cheap and a great way to get your bearings.
The Royal Botanic Gardens are a must-see, with their winding pathways and striking harbour views. Just around the corner is the Rocks, one of Sydney’s oldest neighbourhoods. With its historic buildings and old world charm, it is worth a look, especially when the market is on.
It is hard to imagine that just over 200 years ago Sydney was little more than a ramshackle convict colony; today it is one of the world’s leading innovators in fashion and design, and has a healthy economy to back it up. This is reflected in increased housing prices, causing the impressive suburban sprawl that characterises the city.
Sydney has a reputation as a brash and flamboyant city but despite its ostentatious reputation, many Sydneysiders keep a pretty down-to-earth and fun-loving attitude, which makes Sydney one of the world’s more welcoming major cities. Don’t be afraid to ask for directions; most people are more than happy to help.
If you’re here between Christmas and New Year, watching the annual Sydney to Hobart yacht race on Boxing Day is a wonderful way to experience the city’s love of its harbour. Stay in Sydney a few more days and catch one of the world’s best New Year’s celebrations. The annual Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras is held in late February, culminating in a parade when you can see Sydney at its most flamboyant.
Practical information
INFORMATION CENTRES & USEFUL ADDRESSES
Sydney Visitor Information Centre
Corner Argyle & Playfair Steets, The Rocks
Train Circular Quay, Wynyard Ferry Circular Quay
Tel (02) 8255 1788 or 1 800 067 676
Website www.sydney.com
Open 9.30am-5.30pm daily
Darling Harbour Visitor Information Centre
33 Wheat Road, Darling Harbour
Monorail Convention, Harbourside MLR Tram Convention Ferry Pyrmont Bay
Tel 1800 067 676
Website www.sydney.com
Open 9.30am-5.30pm daily
Manly Visitor Information Centre
The Forecourt, Manly Wharf, Manly
Ferry Manly Bus 130, 131, 132, 135, 136, 139, 140, 142, 151, 155, 156, 158, 159, 169, E50, E70
Tel (02) 9976 1430
Website www.manlyaustralia.com.au
Open Mon-Fri 9am-5pm, Sat-Sun 10am-4pm
EMBASSIES & CONSULATES
British Consulate-General
Level 16, 1 Macquarie Place, Sydney
Bus all Circular Quay buses Train Circular Quay Ferry Circular Quay
Tel (02) 9247 7521
Website www.britaus.net
Open Mon-Fri 9am-12.30pm & 1.30pm-5pm
Canadian Consulate-General
Level 5, 111 Harrington Street, Sydney
Train Circular Quay Ferry Circular Quay
Tel (02) 9364 3000
Website http://geo.international.gc.ca/asia/australia/
Open Mon-Fri 8.30am-4.30pm
New Zealand Consulate
Level 10, 55 Hunter Street, Sydney
Train Circular Quay Ferry Circular Quay
Tel (02) 8256 2000
Website www.nzembassy.com
Open Mon-Fri 9am-12.30pm & 1.30pm-5pm
USA Consulate
Level 59, MLC Centre, 19-29 Martin Place, Sydney
Train Martin Place
Tel (02) 9373 9200
Website http://usembassy-australia.state.gov/sydney/
Open Mon-Fri 8am-5pm
INTERNET ACCESS
If you’re travelling with your own computer there is free wireless internet access in most areas of the Rocks (the neighbourhood at the southern end of the Harbour Bridge), but you can only log on for 30 minutes at a time.
There are plenty of internet cafés in the city centre, especially in the area between Central Station and Town Hall. Prices are cheap, starting at around $2 an hour.
Central Internet Café
230 Elizabeth Street, Sydney
Tel (02) 9281 9988
Website www.centralinternetcafe.com.au
Open 9am-2am daily
City Hunter Cyber Cafe
Level 1, 374 Sussex Street, Sydney
Tel (02) 9261 0768
Website www.cityhunter.com.au
Open 24 hours
Level 1, 733-735 George Street, Sydney
Tel (02) 9280 2080
Website www.cityhunter.com.au
Open 24 hours
Level 1, 197-199 Oxford Street, Bondi Junction
Tel (02) 9389 0768
Website www.cityhunter.com.au
Digi.Kaf
174 St Johns Road. Glebe
Bus 431, 432, 433, 434 MLR Tram Glebe
Tel (02) 9660 3509
Website www.digikaf.com.au
Open Mon-Fri 8am-5pm, Sat-Sun 9am-4pm
Global Gossip
415 Pitt Street, Sydney
Tel (02) 9281 6890
Website www.globalgossip.com
790 George Street, Sydney
Tel (02) 9212 4444
Website www.globalgossip.com
63 Darlinghurst Road, Kings Cross
Tel (02) 9326 9777
Website www.globalgossip.com
37 Hall Street, Bondi Beach
Tel (02) 9365 4811
Website www.globalgossip.com
Green Room Internet
5 Raglan Street, Manly
Tel (02) 9977 3016
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