Sydney

Why go

Sydney may not be the capital but it is Australia’s biggest metropolis. Go for its unique setting, with miles of coastline, a breathtaking harbour and mountainous parklands, all complemented by a warm tropical climate.

When to go

Sydney has a moderate climate, with warm to hot summers, cool winters and rainfall all year round. Spring brings blossoming flowers and clear blue days, with temperatures warm enough to shed the woollies, especially when the sun shines. In summer, Sydneysiders live in shorts as the sun bakes the city; temperatures can top 30ºC (90ºF), and even go over 40°C (104ºF).

Best for

Restaurants , Nightlife , Beaches

How to get there

Sydney is served by Sydney Airport, which is 9.5km south-east of the city centre. There are regular indirect flights from Heathrow and Gatwick – as the distance is so great, most flights incorporate one or two stops – but Virgin Atlantic runs a daily non-stop service from Heathrow.

Shopping

The hub of city shopping sits between Pitt Street Mall and George Street. Here you’ll find chain stores and the two big department stores: Grace Bros and David Jones, the latter revamped its impressive food hall in 2003. The grand Strand Arcade houses some of the city’s more interesting clothes and jewellery shops while the Queen Victoria Building has designer fashion and Australiana gift shops packed with didgeridoos.

Alternative Perspectives

Despite scare-mongerers telling you otherwise, shark attacks are very rare. In the past 20 years only one person in NSW has been killed by a shark, and the last fatal attack in Sydney harbour was in 1963. A far better place to spot them is in the Sydney Aquarium.

Must see

The Opera House, majestically sited on Sydney’s crenellated harbour, is the icon that most visitors gravitate towards first and, fortuitously, it’s a good place to get your bearings. Visiting the Harbour Bridge is also a must, as is chilling out at Bondi, Australia’s most famous beach.

Family activities

Beaches, parks, entertainment venues and outdoor activities abound, and the climate makes it a pleasure to get the family out and about. Koala Park Sanctuary and Sydney Children’s Museum are both worth a visit, or simply take a ferry trip across the harbour.

Sports activities

Diving , Windsurfing , Surfing , Sailing

Local customs

Tipping. Tipping is appreciated but not expected in restaurants and cafés, where ten per cent is the norm. Locals never tip in taxis

Visas. All travellers, including children – except for Australian and New Zealand citizens – must have a visa or Electronic Travel Authority to enter Australia.

Smoking. Smoking is banned on public transport and in cafés, restaurants and many theatres and shopping malls.