Sydney flights and travel guide

From the orange-segments shaped Opera House, the Harbour Bridge off which fireworks dance on New Year's Eve, and, of course, Bondi Beach, Sydney is Australia's most instantly recognisable city.

It's not Australia's capital, but it could be, such is its energy, verve and, some would say, its brashness. It's the top city in the Asia Pacific region for quality of life. With its climate, beaches, parks and gardens, shopping and world-class dining, not to mention the underpinning of any great city, an efficient transport system, Sydneysiders know how to live well.

Sydney is Australia's oldest city. Most of the historic buildings stand in Macquarie Street including Hyde Park Barracks (constructed by convict labour), the Mint Building, Parliament House and Sydney Hospital. At the northeast end of the botanic gardens is Mrs Macquarie's Chair, a ledge carved out of sandstone so that Mrs Macquarie, a former governor's wife, could enjoy the views.

Beyond the city, Sydney is within easy reach of the Hunter Valley vineyards, the Blue Mountains, the beaches and resorts of the east coast, and, for those seeking cheap flights to Sydney during the winter months, the ski slopes of the Snowy Mountains, Australia's winter playground.

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Sydney Climate

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When to Fly to Sydney

Peak Season:
The Sydney festival starts just after New Year’s and runs through January. The beaches are busy and plentiful — there are more than 20 beaches along the oceanfront and more around the harbour.

The summer Surfing Carnivals bring crowds on Sydney flights to watch the surfing and other water-sport competitions. There is yacht racing on summer weekends, and the start of the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race is on Boxing Day (Dec 26).

Off Season:
Comfortable to visit any time of year, Sydney is particularly enjoyable in autumn and spring. There is a greater chance of rain in spring, but it usually clears quickly.

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Getting Downtown Sydney

The Airport Rail Link is the fastest and most convenient way to reach the city centre and the suburbs. Trains run every ten  minutes and the journey to the centre takes 13 minutes from where connections can be made for all suburban services. The International rail station is located directly below T1 International Terminal and is reached from inside the terminal on the arrivals level; the Domestic rail station is between the Domestic terminals. A taxi rank is located outside the Arrivals hall in both International and Domestic Terminals; passengers must pay a AU$2 airport toll if taking a taxi from any of the airport taxi ranks. Public bus 400 runs between the airport and Bondi Junction. Shuttle bus companies provide direct transport to and from the airport and must be pre-booked; hotel buses are also available.

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Getting Around Sydney

Some of the best sightseeing is from Sydney’s buses and ferries. The By Sydney Explorer Buses stop at more than 20 places of interest, By Bondi Explorer buses loop around harbour bays and beaches, and there’s Jetcat service to Manly.

Harbour taxis are a quick and convenient way to get to waterfront restaurants and harbour attractions, and they can be chartered.

State Transit operates the city's buses and the ferry network, CityRail runs the urban and suburban trains, and Sydney Ferries runs the public passenger ferries. A monorail connects the city centre to Darling Harbour, and a light-rail (tram) line provides access to Chinatown, Paddy's Markets, Darling Harbour, the Star City casino, and the Sydney Fish Markets.

Driving is not necessarily a good option in the city itself — the one-way streets are confusing and parking is difficult. Taxis however are abundant and easily hailed.

Many enjoy the walk across the Sydney Harbour Bridge, and you can catch the CityRail train back into town. For the adventurous, a Bridge Climb tour takes you across catwalks and ladders to the top of the main arch for 360-degree views.

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Sydney Insider Information

• Lots of tourist activities in Sydney are all about the views such as climbing the Sydney Harbour Bridge. There are panoramic views from Mrs Maquarie’s (wife of Governor Macquarie) Chair, in the Royal Botanic Gardens (free to enter). The Open Air Cinema is close to the Chair. The big screen has the Sydney City Skyline, Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge as a backdrop.
• Taronga Zoo was opened in 1916 and sits on high land along the waterfront overlooking the Sydney Harbour Bridge, the Cove and the Opera House. The zoo is just 12 minutes by ferry from the central business district. The Sky Safari cable car runs between the zoo wharf and the top of the zoo.
• The Rocks is Sydney's oldest preserved colonial area. It is where the first settlers from England landed in 1788. Today, having undergone a makeover, it is a thriving area of galleries, museums, restaurants, cafes and shops. Staying with settlements, Fort Denison was an unhappy place of punishment and confinement … for the convicts. It’s part of Sydney Harbour National Park and is open for guided tours.
• Take the Manly Ferry. Hop on at Circular Quay and cruise the seven nautical miles (takes about 30 minutes each way) to Manly, the suburb by the sea. There’s a lot to do there apart from going to the beach: several heritage walks, galleries and museums, regular festivals and more than 80 restaurants. 
• For a view of the city and beyond, visit The Sydney Tower, 250 metres (820 feet) above the streets. High-speed double-decker lifts rocket up to the observation desk in just 40 seconds.
• And beaches. Don’t forget the beaches: Bondi, Manly, Coogee, Balmoral, Tamarama and Palm.

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Sydney Airports

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