Sunny, sexy and sophisticated, Sydney basks in its worldwide recognition as the shining star of the southern hemisphere.
The white-sailed Sydney Opera House, caught mid-billow over the waters of Sydney Cove, and the Sydney Harbour Bridge are the pride and joy, but there’s far, far more on offer.
Decades of immigration have meant Sydney’s restaurants cater for all sorts of tastes from Greek and Lebanese to Japanese and Indian. Fresh ingredients and a fusion of Eastern and Western styles are an Australian trademark, while superb wines and scores of bars and pubs will quench your thirst. In daylight hours the city buzzes with life and performances while all-night pubs, cutting-edge dance clubs, and gay reviews on trendy Oxford Street, could keep you out until dawn.
Shopping is superb and there are a number of shopping paradises that are well worth visiting - Queen Victoria Building, Harbourside, Pitt Street Mall, Chatswood, Birkenhead Point and Paddy’s Market.... just to name a few.
Sydney style has an exuberant quality defined by the city’s climate, magnificent harbour, luxuriant hinterland and superb beaches.
Whatever you choose to do, you can be assured of an enjoyable holiday, so good in fact that you’ll return time and again.
CLICK HERE FOR THE MAP OF SYDNEY
CLICK HERE FOR THE MAP OF NEW SOUTH WALES |
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PASSPORT
A valid passport is required which must be valid beyond the length of your intended stay.
VISAS
Are not required for New Zealand passport holders. If travelling on other than a New Zealand passport you may require an entry visa into Australia and a re-entry permit for New Zealand. You are strongly recommended to check with your travel agent.
MEDICAL
No vaccinations are required.
INSURANCE
You are strongly advised to take out travel insurance available from your travel agent.
GOODS & SERVICES TAX
GST is payable on most, but not all, goods and services, GST paid on goods being exported from Australia may be able to be claimed back at the International Airport when you have cleared Customs and Immigration. Receipts must be produced and strict rules apply. Refer to the information available from your travel agent.
HOTEL CHECK-IN PROCEDURES
Although you have prepaid your accommodation in New Zealand, upon check-in at your hotel you will be asked for either an imprint of your credit card or a cash deposit. This is standard practice and is used as a deposit against incidental charged to your hotel room e.g., room service, telephone calls, beverages, tours, etc.
HOTEL CHECK-IN TIMES
Please refer to the accommodation options given for the check-in time for each property. The time given allows for rooms to be cleaned and prepared for guest arrival. If you are arriving on an early flight you may not be able to access your room immediately upon arrival. In order to guarantee immediate occupancy you should ask your travel agent to book an additional night to cover the night prior to arrival. This ensures your room is unoccupied until your arrival.
CLIMATE
Sydney has a temperate climate. Average temperatures range from 26°C maximum in January to 17°C maximum in July.
SHOPPING
Shopping hours are generally 8.30am to 5.30pm Monday to Saturday with extended hours to 9.00pm on Thursday. Major city and suburban stores are also open on Sunday from 10am to 4pm.
Sydney offers a number of specialised shopping areas each catering to different tastes. Oxford St in Paddington offers many unique fashions by
local designers, Double Bay has the best of high fashion and at the other end of the shopping scale Newtown’s King St features great recycled treasures and Birkenhead Point Shopping Centre is a bargain hunters dream!
SPEED LIMITS
50km/hour in residential areas, 60km/hour on local throughfares and 100km/hour on highways, or as indicated.
QUARANTINE & CUSTOMS
The standard customs rules apply but of particular mention here is the quarantine relating to animal and plant products. For environmental and health reasons, these goods are unpopular, you will need to declare possession of these items or risk getting caught and fined. For those with babies, milk powder is allowed, but this is limited to only one tin, and it has to be a brand new, unopened tin.
TIPPING
There is no obligation to tip. Australians believe in rewarding good service, so you can tip when you feel you’ve received good service! SYDNEY VISITOR CENTRE
The Sydney Visitor Centre is conveniently located at 106 George Street, The Rocks. It provides a one-stop source for all information on Sydney and New South Wales. The centre welcomes visitors who wish to pick up brochures and maps, make enquiries or make all-day and accommodation bookings. It is open every day of the year from 9.00am to 6.00pm. |
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SUNBUS AIRPORT TRANSFERS
Sunbus operates coach transfer services from Sydney Airport, providing international visitors with a personal 'meet and greet' at the airport and a direct transfer to their city accommodation house. The ideal way to start a holiday or business trip.
The service operates 7 days a week and meets all flights. All transfers must be booked 48 hours in advance.
SEE SYDNEY & BEYOND SMARTVISIT CARD
The See Sydney & Beyond Smartvisit Card opens all the right doors with free admission to over 40 attractions in Sydney and Blue Mountains for one all-inclusive price.
Among the attractions included are; Sydney Aquarium, Harbour Cruises, Sydney Opera House Guided Tour, Taronga Zoo, Harbour Jet, Australian National Maritime Museum, Wonderland Sydney, Queen Victoria Building, Koala Park, Sydney Olympic Park, Powerhouse Museum, Scenic World, Blue Mountains Explorer Bus, Jenolan Caves plus many more!
With it comes the See Sydney & Beyond Smartvisit Guide that highlights everything you'll want to see and do - with useful maps and local tips to help you on your way. Plus there are special offers at shops, restaurants and activities...
Visit as few as two attractions, and start to save money!
Packages are available with a transport option, helping you get around Sydney using public buses, trains and ferries.
SYDNEY PASS
Highly recommended, this transport pass allows you to get around Sydney using a variety of methods. Purchase a 3, 5 or 7 day pass and you have the flexibility of unlimited travel on the red Sydney Explorer, the blue Bondi Explorer, a choice of 2 x 1 hour morning harbour cruises, a 21/2 hour afternoon harbour cruise, a 11/2 hour harbour lights cruise, the JetCats to Manly, the RiverCats to Parramatta, all regular Sydney buses and ferries, the CityRail red TravelPass zone as well as return airport Express transfers.
BRIDGECLIMB SYDNEY
It's awesome… it's high… it's breathtaking… its waiting…
BridgeClimb offers the ultimate experience of Sydney with an exhilarating climb to the top of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, day or night. Professional Climb Leaders will take you to the summit over ladders, catwalks, and arches. The exhilaration and personal satisfaction achieved with Bridgeclimb provides a unique experience in Sydney.
NIGHT CAT TOURS
Think you’ve seen Sydney - Think again! Scratch beneath the surface when you come aboard the award-winning Sydney Night Cat Tours. Get off that well-worn tourist trail and discover where the locals go to eat, drink and be merry! Experience a nightime busabout and see the best markets, restaurants, cafes and pubs are around the hip, groovy suburbs like Balmain, Newtown, Surry Hills and Paddington. Learn about the history of the old Sly-Grog gangs and the Razor gangs from the 1920’s in Kings Cross. See stunning views of the best city in the world and uncover Sydney at night from a locals-eye view!
CAPTAIN COOK CRUISES
Surrounded by unspoilt beaches, parks, gardens and magnificent waterfront homes, the harbour reflects the truly international character of Sydney. COFFEE CRUISE
A must for every visitor to Sydney. This spectacular cruise not only takes in all the landmarks but also the exclusive bays and parklands of Middle Harbour (including light refreshments). Departs daily at 10am & 2.15pm.
LUNCH CRUISE
The most refreshing lunch venue in Sydney. Choose from a Buffet Lunch cruise with commentary or a stylish Top Deck Lunch with a premium 2 or 3 course a la carte menu. Departs daily at 12.30pm.
SYDNEY 2000 DINNER
The ultimate in dining afloat, enjoy premium 3 course a la carte menu and dancing aboard the spectacular MV Sydney 2000. Departs nightly at 7pm.
2 NIGHT SYDNEY HARBOUR CRUISE
Discover the secrets of Sydney aboard Sydneys own small ship MV Captain Cook's Explorer over 2 unforgettable nights - a unique weekend escape.
GRAY LINE SYDNEY
SYDNEY CITY TOUR WITH HARBOUR LUNCH CRUISE
Experience the vibrancy of Sydney, one of the world's most spectacular cities. Enjoy a sumptuous seafood buffet lunch on the harbour followed by a tour of downtown Sydney, including Darling Harbour, Kings Cross and a visit to Bondi Beach, Australia's most famous surf beach.
SYDNEY SUNSET TOUR
Looking for something to do for dinner? This tour shows you the complete Sydney with an afternoon city tour, visiting Bondi Beach, a leisurely stroll through Sydney's Aquarium and then see spectacular Sydney Harbour by night as you enjoy a 3 course dinner aboard Matilda cruises.
HUNTER VALLEY TOUR
Head north across the Hawkesbury River to the Hunter Valley, Australia's oldest wine producing district. Visit premium Hunter Valley wineries for tastings and guided tours. Enjoy a sumptuous lunch at Mc Williams Mt Pleasant before continuing onto Rothbury Estate and Hunter Valley Cellars for further tastings. There is a chance to do some shopping in some of the local craft shops or an opportunity to visit the newly opened Hunter Valley Gardens (own expense)
PORT STEPHENS DOLPHIN WATCHER
Leaving Sydney you head north through the Central Coast Beaches, Sydney's playground. Port Stephens is a paradise of crystal clear bays, inlets, rivers, islands and a permanent home for bottle nosed dolphins. Join a cruiser for a buffet lunch before cruising to find the dolphins at play. Perhaps try the boom net, just the thing on a hot day, you could find an inquisitive visitor swimming along with you!
BLUE MOUNTAINS 4WD NATURE EXPERIENCE
Travel with a small group in 4wd luxury vechicle for an off road adventure. Includes an Australian Wildlife Park, a delicious country homestead lunch and a visit to the famous Three Sisters rock formation. Enjoy some short bush walks.
BLUE MOUNTAINS EXPRESS
See the Blue Mountains and still be back in time to do your shopping! Enjoy sheer escarpments, including the Three Sisters, rugged bushland and awe-inspiring views from mountain lookouts. There is an opportunity to ride the Scenic Railway, Skyway or the new Scenicender and Skyway. (own expense) Includes a light boxed lunch and an optional river cruise return.
Full day including Wildlife Park and 4WD option also available.
JENOLAN CAVES AND BLUE MOUNTAINS TOUR
Head west to the Blue Mountains, see the Three Sisters rock formation and tour the mountain town of Katoomba. Continue to Jenolan Caves, Australia's most famous limestone caves. Take a guided tour of one of the nine spectacular caves and enjoy the natural beauty of the area. Return via Katoomba.
SYDNEY AQUARIUM
Visit Australia’s #1 Attraction
Nowhere else in the world will you find a larger collection of Australian aquatic life, with over 11,500 animals, the most extensive collection of sharks in captivity, and the largest Great Barrier Reef display in the world! Sydney Aquarium’s brand NEW Seal Sanctuary offers you the chance to view one of the worlds first known natural Seal Sanctuaries!
SYDNEY TOWER & SKYTOWER
The Sydney Tower Experience takes you a staggering 250 metres above Sydney, commanding breathtaking 360 degree views of one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Strap yourself in for an amazing virtual adventure on SkyTour, the largest simulated ride in the Southern Hemisphere.
Feel the exhilaration of white water rafting down Queensland’s Tully River, climb the Northern Territory’s Uluru and experience a dangerously close brush with a huge saltwater crocodile.
SKYWALK
Skywalk will take guests on an exhilarating 95 minute adventure over the roof of Sydney, 268m above the city below. Dressed in protective clothing and harnessed to a range of skyways and viewing platforms, one will experience a dynamic 360 degree view over Sydney.
Hold onto your senses as you feel the wind, touch the clouds or simply hang out on the horizon. |
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TRAVELLER'S FACTS
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