Sydney, Australia - Accommodation, Airport Parking, Airport Transfers, Car Rental

Our Sydney Lodging Guide contains listings for well-over 120 properties, along with high-quality digital photographs of individual hotels, plus downtown location maps. Moreover, if you have any questions about a potential or confirmed booking, just ask us via our 'Live Help' system or send an e-mail to: talking.webs@btclick.com!

Airline Information

For detailed information on scheduled/charter airline services, ticket pricing, discount flights and air ticket consolidators, check out "Getting There".

Airline Meals

Generally, at least two meals are served on each leg of a long haul flight from North America, Europe and Asia. Vegetarians, or travellers with special dietary requirements e.g. kosher, halal etc. should check the availability of such food when booking their flight.

Depending upon the timing of your flight(s), some domestic carriers within Australia (for example Qantas from Cairns-Sydney, Canberra-Sydney or Melbourne-Sydney) offer either a breakfast, light-lunch or dinner - with the usual choices of beef/chicken or fish. Budget carriers such as Virgin Blue, Pacific Blue and Polynesian Blue offer, for a fee, a selection of sandwiches, hot breakfasts and dinners (with the average cost of a meal, snack and non-alcoholic beverage being $13 per person).

Airport Transfers in Sydney

Below you'll find details on how to get to central Sydney once you arrive in Australia. Here, we cover popular transport options from the airport, including bus, coach, rail and taxi services. Alternatively, you can book an airport transfer online with Talking Cities, which avoids the hassle of having to arrange a connection upon arrival.

By Rail - the "AirportLink" connects Sydney Airport to the city's Central Business District (CBD) from where you can also connect to other CityRail services. With the journey taking approximately 15 minutes, fares (correct as of 2/2007) cost AUD $12.60 for a single ticket. The service, which is well-signposted with stations situated directly beneath the International T1 and Domestic T2/T3 terminals, connects to the city stations of Central, Museum, St. James, Circular Quay, Wynyard, and Town Hall. For other Sydney stations you'll need to make at least one change.

By Taxi - as a convenient but relatively expensive way to reach your destination, a journey between the airport and city centre will cost at least AUD $25. Fares include an AUD $2 toll charge, which is levied on all taxi pick ups from ranks at the airport. Popular taxi firms include: Taxis Combined Services (Tel: 133 300); RSL Taxis (Tel: 02/9581 1111); Silver Service (Tel: 133 100); Legion Cabs (Tel: 131 271) and Premier Cabs (Tel: 131 017).

Bus/Minibus/Coach Services - as there's no longer a regular bus connection between the airport and city centre (see below), a number of local operators have stepped in to provide shuttle services to/from the airport. The advantage, of course, is that such services are "door to door", though if your destination/pick-up address happens to be last on the drivers' list, then the journey can end up being a long one. Fares, which start from approx. AUD $10, are offered by companies such as Kingsford Smith Transport.

Note: the old green/gold liveried Airport Express service ceased operations in late 2000 (following the inauguration of the city's "AirportLink" rail connection). Sydney Buses do, however, operate a timetabled service between Bondi Junction and Burwood (taking in the T1 International and T3 Domestic Terminals en-route). For information on fares, timetables and onward connections please visit: www.sydneybuses.info.

Arriving in Sydney

By Air - all International and domestic flights arrive at Sydney Airport, approximately 5 miles (8km) from the city centre. The facility has three terminals, serving more than 40 airlines and handling more than 28 million passengers per year, the majority of which are carried on domestic flights.

Terminal 1 handles all international arrivals and departures, including flights operated by Australia's national airline Qantas, plus members of the One World Alliance.
Terminal 2 carries domestic traffic, while Terminal 3 is used exclusively by Qantas for its domestic flights.

Note: the airport is currently undertaking an ambitious modernization programme (the STAR project) which, as well as upgrading passenger facilities, will also prepare the airport for the new generation of larger passenger jets - such as the Airbus A380. Scheduled for completion in 2010, the works should enable Sydney to retain its position as one of the world's leading airports.

By Train - the city's Central Station, which lies downtown at the top of George Street, handles both suburban and interstate rail services. As well as being a major CityRail hub, the adjacent Railway Square is the place to head for bus services to Town Hall and Circular Quay. For details of train services call: 131 500 for CityRail, or 132 232 for Countrylink (covering regions of New South Wales and interstate trains).

By Coach - as Australia's only national coach company, Greyhound's services arrive/depart from the Sydney Coach Terminal, Tel: (+61 2) 9212 1500, which is located at Shop 4-7, Central Station (on the corner of Eddy Avenue and Pitt Street).

By Car - drivers can enter Sydney from the south on the M5 and Princes highways. From the north you'll need to use the Pacific Highway, while from the west Sydney is accessed via the Great Western Highway.

By Cruise Ship - situated opposite Sydney Opera House, foreign cruise ships dock at the Overseas Passenger Terminal (at The Rocks) or, alternatively, at Wharf 8 (see www.darlingharbour.com and Darling Harbour).

Alcohol (Liquor) Laws in Sydney

In Australia, it's against the law for anyone to sell or provide alcohol to a person under the age of 18. Drinking, along with the possession of alcohol, is also banned in some public areas.

Drink driving is also treated very seriously, with police routinely conducting random breathalyzer tests (the process where a driver blows into a bag to measure their blood alcohol level).

The permitted alcohol level in most Australian states and territories is 0.05, which is 0.05 grams of alcohol for every 100ml of blood. For anyone involved in an accident where a death is caused by drink driving, the New South Wales police will not hesitate to bring a charge of murder or manslaughter against them.

Babysitting

Being able to leave the kids with a trusted family member is, of course, the ideal solution although, if you opt for paid childcare services, then give the hotel's front desk at least a day's notice of your intention to hire a sitter. Of the third-party services available in Sydney, tourists and locals alike need look no further than www.dialanangel.com.

To help you, a good travel agent will be able to find out what's on offer before you book (indeed, at Talking Cities we're also happy to help. Just send your request to talking.webs@btclick.com and we'll do the rest).

Baggage Allowances

Baggage allowance on most domestic flights is 22kgs (50lbs) although some airlines offer increased allowances of up to 30kgs (66lbs). Generally, hand luggage is limited to one piece per person weighing between 5kgs (11lbs) and 10kgs (22lbs). Permission to take larger items on board, such as pushchairs and bicycles etc. should be obtained from your airline before travelling. Exceeding the allowance stated on your ticket will incur an extra charge (which must be paid when checking-in).

Airlines now have greater restrictions on the type of items that can be taken aboard as hand-luggage. In particular, scissors, knives and razors most go in the cargo hold (if found during hand-luggage checks they'll be confiscated). For further details about restrictions that may apply, please check with your airline or travel agent at the time of booking.

Bargain Hunting

By spending even just a short time online, it's likely you'll save money on a trip to Sydney through researching the prices of various flight booking and travel agency services. Indeed, as well as our own online flight and hotel booking pages (which are a great place to start) our "Getting There" section gives the low-down on the travel companies offering the best deals to Australia. In addition, a list of the best third-party sites (in terms of both value and reputation) can be found in our general links section.

Before Leaving Home

As a general rule of thumb, frequent flyers don't travel with expensive looking luggage. If you do, it's rather like attracting bees to a honey pot (particularly in baggage reclaim). It's equally important though not to use old threadbare luggage which isn't up to a mild bruising from baggage handlers.

When leaving home, ask neighbours to keep an eye on the house and ensure that all exterior doors and windows are locked properly. Security experts advise not to lock interior doors as this usually results in further damage should an intruder break in. If you turn off gas or electricity supplies, remember that appliances such as fridge-freezers will need to be defrosted beforehand. And, if the timing of your return flight means that you'll be arriving home at night, make sure you have a torch to hand to switch supplies back on.

When packing, it's important to know the value and contents of each bag, just in case they're lost. Label them with your name, contact number and destination address in Sydney (this is preferable to advertising your home address to all and sundry). And, when checking in, make sure every piece of luggage is correctly tagged with the destination airport's unique three letter identifier. Moreover, if travelling as a couple, group or family, avoid packing each person's clothes into just one bag/case. That way, even if you do lose baggage, you'll still have some fresh clothes on day two (which trust us is a godsend, as airlines are often sluggish in finding lost items and/or paying compensation).

Bicycle Rental and Cycling in Sydney

Bike rental - As well as offering a range of accompanied sightseeing trips, Bonza Bike Tours, Tel: (+61 2) 9331 1127 also rent out men's and women's cycles and provide compulsory/additional items such as helmets/ bicycle mounted bags. Alternatively, Centennial Park Cycles offer a bicycle pick up and delivery service to most locations in the Sydney area (with lower rates for deliveries within an 8km radius of the Sydney CBD).

Information on cycling in Sydney and New South Wales is available from www.bicyclensw.org.au, while www.rta.nsw.gov.au provides maps, a list of local bicycle laws and background on events such as the NSW Big Ride.

Business Hours in Sydney

Banks - bank business hours in Sydney vary, although major branches of National Australia Bank, Westpac, HSBC and ANZ are usually open Mon-Thu from 9.30am to 4pm and on Friday from 9.30am to 5pm. Very few bank branches are open on Saturday.

Retail Stores - as a rule, retail stores are open Monday-Friday from 10am to 5pm (many shops also remain open until 9pm on Thursdays) and from 10am-4pm on Saturdays. Many also open on Sundays, though they operate variable hours. As in most major cities, large shopping centres/malls tend to have extended shopping hours during the week, whilst also trading on both days at the weekend.

Cameras, Computers & Camcorders

X-ray machines at Sydney Airport are film safe, though professional photographers (and those with valuable films) tend to play safe by purchasing a film X-Ray protection bag. Alternatively, you can usually ask for a hand inspection on the basis that, having passed through several airports, you're concerned about the accumulated effects of x-rays on the films.

Of course, in such a thriving city, there are plenty of stores where you can buy film and camera accessories. Therefore, its not necessary to buy film before you go (as recognised brands such as Kodak, Agfa and Fuji can all be bought cheaply). Of the specialist stores located in Sydney, a good starting point is Ted's Camera House at 254 Pitt Street, Tel: (+61 2) 9264 1687 or (+61 2) 9264 8499, while other well-regarded retailers include Camera House, which operates the Foto Riesel store at 364A Kent Street, Tel: 02/9299 6745.

If you're taking a camcorder with you, think about buying a spare battery and don't forget to pack your battery charger. Moreover, for those planning to use a PC notebook on a flight, international safety regulations mean you won't be able to use it during takeoff and landing. What's more, don't try enabling your Wi-Fi connection onboard (especially if we're on the same flight) as you may end up in Auckland rather than Sydney. More generally, you should be able to prove to customs that cameras, computers, camcorders and pocket TVs are for holiday or business use and have not been imported into Australia for the purpose of resale.

Also remember that for any 35 mm film lost or damaged during developing, laboratories are only obliged to replace it with another of the same value. You won't be compensated for the commercial or sentimental value of photographs. Our advice is to ask about separate insurance for important films such as those from weddings, birthdays etc.

Car Rental in Sydney

We strongly recommend that you hire a vehicle in advance of your arrival. Well-known companies such as Avis, Tel: (+61 2) 9353 9000 and Hertz (133 039) have offices both at the airport and in downtown Sydney. In addition, local operators such as Bayswater offer good value for money, providing you opt for a slightly older model. To instantly find the best rates available, simply use online car rental search engine.

Most car rental companies require drivers to be over the age of 25. Those with lower minimum age requirements, such as 18 or 21, may apply a surcharge. In addition, younger drivers may be restricted in the types of vehicles they can hire.

Included in the cost of your rental will be a Vehicle Registration Recovery Fee (VRRF), which is a surcharge to recover the cost of registering a rental vehicle. The fee, which varies on a state basis, can be up to AUD $5 per day +GST. Note that certain rental companies, such as Budget, also offer a form of excess reduction which, for a small fee, reduces your standard excess liability. For younger drivers, however, i.e. those under 25, it is usually not possible to reduce their excess.

Although reputable companies operate new fleets and service them to a high standard, make your own checks before accepting a rental car. These should include:

i) checking for minor bodywork damage, making sure that small defects are noted on the rental agreement before you take the vehicle;

ii) checking for tyre wear (insist on a different vehicle if the tread appears low, uneven or if there are cuts or bulges in any tyre sidewalls);

iii) checking in advance to see if rear seat belts are fitted (and arrange for a car seat if you have small children).

If you plan to use a vehicle to visit tourist attractions further afield, then journeys will involve driving on long, often lonely highways. Therefore, before leaving, undertake a thorough check of your tyres, water, and oil. Also take with you a good supply of water and fill up with petrol regularly. It's also best to let someone know exactly where you'll be going and when you'll likely return.

Of course, you should also allow yourself plenty of time to get used to the vehicle, unfamiliar road signs and Sydney's drivers. When returning the car, fuel should be topped up to the same level as when you first picked it up (otherwise you'll be charged at the rental company's own tariff per gallon which is invariably higher than that of local forecourts).

Check In

For scheduled European flights to Australia, check in at least two hours before departure. For flights to Sydney from other Australian cities, passengers are recommended to check-in (at least) 1 hour before their scheduled departure time on weekdays, and up to 90 minutes in advance at weekends.

Note that, due to the increased threat of terrorism worldwide, security checks have been stepped up significantly at international airports. Consequently, anyone found travelling with hand luggage that contains sharp objects such as scissors, razors, nail files etc. would have them confiscated before boarding their flight. They can, of course, still be transported in the hold as part of your normal baggage allowance.

Children's Travel to Sydney

The trick here is to plan well in advance and involve youngsters in your holiday plans. If you're flying with children to Sydney, then it's wise to allow extra time to clear security so as to ensure you'll be in time for your flight.

Before entering the line for the security checkpoints, it's important (particularly with smaller children) to explain what will happen when passengers undergo screening, so as to avoid them being frightened or surprised. For example, telling your child that belongings will reappear after going through an X-ray machine, helps lessen the possibility of confusion or hold-ups.

From a practical point of view, although major airlines provide goody bags for kids on long-haul flights, it's still wise to take other small puzzles, games, toys and books. Make sure though you pack them as hand luggage!

For children under two years of age on the date of their return flight home, you'll have to pay a charge for them to fly. This is relatively small on flights from New Zealand and Asia, although it can add up if you're travelling from Europe or have more than one child. What's more, rates vary depending on whether you fly with a scheduled or charter airline. During the flight, infants under six months must sit on an adult's lap and wear a lap-strap. Youngsters over six months and under two years must sit on an adult's lap unless there is a vacant seat. If you have a child who's prone to air sickness, make sure they know to tell you straight away if they're feeling unwell. If all else fails, make sure they know where to find the sick bag, just in case you've left your seat for any length of time.

The same basic rules apply if travelling by car to Sydney. Again, make sure plenty of toys are to hand (having to unpack a favourite toy from the boot of the car won't improve your mood) and stop for breaks at frequent intervals. Youngsters suffering from motion sickness usually improve if encouraged to look at the road ahead. As a precaution, purchase travel sickness tablets from your local pharmacist.

Climate in Sydney

With more than 340 sunny days per year, Sydney enjoys a temperate climate with mild winters, hot summers and mainly reliable rainfall throughout. The summer season, which runs from December through to February, is categorized by hot, often humid conditions. On the very hottest days, there's a tendency for short sharp downpours and thunderstorms in the mid-afternoon. Most of the time, however, the sun will be out for at least part of the day. Ultraviolet Radiation (UV) levels are at their most intense from late morning to mid-afternoon, while the maximum 'clear sky' UV Index value frequently occurs between 1pm and 2pm.

Generally cool to mild in September and mild in October, both months are regarded as the first of spring. With mild to warm temperatures during the day and cool to mild nights, the humidity at this part of the year is moderate (though strong winds, from southerly to westerly directions are prevalent, with strong sea breezes also common). A benefit of such conditions is that Sydney's spring weather also provides a season of good overall air quality.

Jan	72°F	22C	May	59°F	15C	Sep.	59°F	15C
Feb.	72°F	22C	June	56°F	13C	Oct.	64°F	18C
Mar.	70°F	21C	July	54°F	12C	Nov.	68°F	20C
Apr.	66°F	19C	Aug.	56°F	13C	Dec.	70°F	21C

Clothing

When visiting Sydney, it's probably best to pack light clothing, including breathable cottons, along with sensible walking shoes. A sweater, pullover, jacket and wrap for may be required for trips out at night (or during the day during the cooler months between June and August). A waterproof jacket and an umbrella are also useful additions to your luggage. However, because the climate is predominantly warm to hot, don't forget a sensible hat/cap and sunscreen as it's all too easy to suffer the effects of sunburn during the hotter months.

Complaints

If things do go wrong during your stay in Sydney follow the three C's rule and stay cool, calm and collected.

Problems with accommodation can usually be resolved by contacting the front desk in your hotel. Be polite but firm and make sure you talk to a person with the authority to put things right. If necessary, ask to speak to the duty or hotel manager. If you're on a fully escorted tour, problems should be taken up with the company's local representative. As a last resort use photographs or video footage as evidence and submit a claim for compensation on your return.

Unresolved complaints against a travel agent or tour operator can be referred to an independent arbitration service. Note though, that requests for arbitration won't apply in respect of physical injury or illness (which are covered separately by personal travel insurance policies).

Conversions of Weights and Measures

1 hectare - 2.471 acres
1 inch - 2.54 cm
1 ft. - 30.48 cm
1 oz. - 28.57 grams
1 lb. - 0.454 kg
1 cm - 0.39 inches
1 meter - 3.28 feet / 1.09 yards
1 km - 0.62 miles
1 inch - 2.54 cm
1 foot - 0.39 meters
1 yard - 0.91 meters
1 mile - 1.60 km
1kg - 2.2lb
1 imperial gallon - 4.54 litres

Crime and Security in Sydney

While there's a history of organized crime in Sydney, particularly in relation to illicit gambling activities, it remains a safe city for tourists to visit. Indeed, in 2006 it ranked ninth in a survey of world cities, which judged the quality of life in each, based on political, social, economic and environmental factors (including personal safety, health, education, transport and other public services).

Generally speaking, citizens of Sydney are most worried about their safety in public spaces, such as railway stations. And, although incidences of violent crime, including handgun offences, assaults and murder are higher than some other Australian cities, Sydney's crime statistics still compare favourably to many similar sized cities in the United States.

To help ensure a safe, trouble-free vacation you should take the following precautions:

i) when first arriving in Sydney, be especially vigilant with your belongings at the airport and railway stations. Bags, suitcases, rucksacks etc. should be padlocked and important documents such as passports should be kept on your person. If necessary, luggage should be stored in designated lockers;

ii) store valuables, cash or airplane tickets in a safe deposit box at your hotel. Nowadays, room safes in many hotels are also large enough to store laptops, though it's wise to check in advance of making a booking. Alternatively, larger items can still be left at your hotel, provided a receipt is obtained from the concierge;

iii) when shopping, don't take more cash out with you than is necessary. Keep bags closed and avoid keeping cash and credit/debit cards in the same place. Handbags should be worn over the neck, rather than on the shoulder;

iv) at night, avoid areas and places that are not well lit, even when driving. If you're unsure as to the best route about town, then seek advice from the concierge at your hotel before setting off;

someone has been seriously injured or is in danger;
there is a serious risk to life or property;
a crime is being committed;
someone you suspect of having committed a crime is close by, or their location is known, and there is an opportunity to arrest the suspect;
witnesses might leave the scene of a crime, or evidence might be lost, if police do not get to the scene of a crime quickly;
a further crime may be committed;
the victim is seriously distressed, even though other circumstances suggest a less immediate response.

As far as police patrols are concerned, the New South Wales Police cover all areas in Sydney. Non-emergency enquiries should be directed to the Police Assistance Line on 131 444 (24 hours a day, 7 days a week). In instances where the Police Assistance Line cannot directly assist, they will always refer you to the appropriate person or department responsible.

Currency

The Australian dollar, AUD or A$, is the unit of currency of Australia. One hundred cents add up to one dollar.

Bank Notes (Bills) come in denominations of $5, $10, $20, $50 and $100, with coins of 5, 10, 20, and 50 cents, and $1 and $2 denominations. The official exchange rate against the British pound, US dollar, Euro and other currencies can be found on the Internet at: www.xe.com.

Automated Telling Machines (ATMs) are commonplace in Sydney, so you should have no difficulty withdrawing money using a debit or credit card. However, to avoid problems ensure that your Personal Identification Number (PIN) has been set-up properly before travelling. Also note that some banks charge a fee and a transaction tax, so check with individual banks to find the best value.

Alternatively, you can opt to use a pre-paid (disposable) travel card such as Visa TravelMoney that gives 24-hr access to your funds in any local currency. The main advantage to this system is that the overall value of the card is stored on Visa TravelMoney's system, not on the card itself. So, if you lose your card, you don't lose your money.

Customs Regulations

All travellers arriving in Sydney must comply with Australian Customs formalities. Your passport and Incoming Visitor Card (usually distributed during your flight) should therefore be ready for inspection.

Australian Customs operate a two-channel clearance system. Travellers with items to declare should proceed through the Red Channel, whilst those with nothing to declare use the Green Channel. The current list of items that should be declared are set out here - items to be declared on arrival. Where an item requires a permit, ensure that any documentation you hold is still valid, otherwise you may be liable to a severe penalty and the item will most likely be confiscated.

Frequent checks are made to deter tobacco and drug smugglers, as well as imports of banned or restricted goods. Severe penalties (including prison terms) exist for those committing an offence, particularly for drug smuggling.

Australia does offer a duty free allowance for passengers with accompanied baggage (i.e. your personal luggage). Click for current Australian Duty Free allowances. Allowances can be pooled for a family travelling together, with the definition of a family being a husband, wife and a child or children under the age of 18.

It is important to ensure that you do not exceed the duty free limit. If the limit is exceeded, you will be charged duty and any additional taxes on ALL items within the relevant category of goods. Alternatively, your goods may be confiscated. You may also be subject to further penalties if Customs believe you have made a false declaration, or presented false/inaccurate documentation.

For travellers leaving Sydney who have purchased goods whilst in Australia, there may be scope, under certain conditions, to obtain a refund of Goods and Sales Tax (GST) and the Wine Equalisation Tax (WET) under the Tourist Refund Scheme (TRS). For more in depth information on Australian Customs regulations, you can visit www.customs.gov.au.

For general information on UK/EU customs allowances contact the National Advice Service on 0845 010 9000 (+44 208 929 0152 for international callers). Her Majesty's Revenue & Customs also provide a useful leaflet entitled 'A guide for travellers' (Notice 1) which is available without charge and can viewed on the Internet at: www.hmrc.gov.uk

In the US, the US Customs and Border Protection Agency's Internet site at: www.customs.ustreas.gov summarises duty limits in the leaflet 'Know Before You Go'.

For general customs enquiries in Canada call 1 800 461-9999 (toll free). The leaflet 'I declare/Je Déclare' is available together with bi-lingual information (English and French). Information is also available on the Internet at: www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca

Sydney - Accommodation, Airport Transfers, Car Rental, Customs Allowances and more...

Accommodation in Sydney