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The Local Stay | City guide - Sydney
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City guide - Sydney, Australia

Sydney is one of the greatest cities in the world. It unites the excitement of a metropolitan city and the tranquility of Australia’s wonderful nature. In Sydney you can find amazing beaches, scenic shorelines, World Heritage sites, top-notch dining, and exciting nightlife.

Tipping: In Australia there is no obligation to tip as waitstaff receive a livable minimum wage. For service that exceeds expectations, feel free to tip up to 10% or round the bill up to the nearest $5 or $10. Bartender, however, do not expect to be tipped except for maybe a larger round of drinks. When tipping, try to leave the tip in cash to make sure the waiter really receives it.

  • Language:

    English

  • Currency:

    $ AUD (Australian Dollar)

  • Airport:

    SYD

  • Time Zone:

    AEST

Popular Accommodations

Transportation from Sydney Kingsford Airport (SYD)

Train

The city center is just 13 minutes by train from the airport. “Airport Link” offers a fast and convenient way to reach the city and suburbs. The station is located at the northern end of the terminal and is accessible from the Arrivals level. To use this service, you can either purchase an Opal Card from the station, Relay or WH Smith, or tap on with your Amex, Visa or Mastercard.

Cost Adults: $19.40 and Children (4-16 years old): $15.40
Trip Duration 13 minutes
Hours Every 15 min from 4 am to 12:30 am
Website https://www.airportlink.com.au
Public Bus

Sydney Buses operate a timetabled service. The route 400 operates between Bondi Junction and Eastgardens via Sydney Airport and route 420 between Eastgardens to Burwood via Sydney Airport. The buses stop at both the T1 International and T3 Domestic terminals. You will find clearly marked bus stops located on the arrivals level outside each of these terminals. You'll need an Opal transport card to use the service.

Cost Adults: $4.80 with Opal Card and Children (4-15 years old): $2.40
Trip Duration approximately 60 minutes
Website https://transportnsw.info/travel-info/ways-to-get-around/bus#/
Taxi

Especially for families with children or travelers with large luggage a taxi is recommended. You can access taxis when you arrive. The Sydney Central Business District (CBD) is a short, 20 minute ride away and will cost about $45-$55 one way. You'll find taxi ranks at the front of all terminals - simply follow the signs to the nearest ranks.

Cost AUD $45-$55
Trip Duration approximately 20 minutes
Barangaroo Reserve

Sydney’s newest harbour foreshore park once used to be the city’s oldest industrial site. Today the spectacular, six-hectare headland open space is a wonderful place to take a walk and enjoy the ocean-view.

Hyde Park Barracks Museum

The Hyde Park Barracks is an UNESCO World Heritage-listed site in the heart of historic Sydney from the early colonial times in Australia. Originally built to house convicts, the barracks has also served as an immigration depot, asylum, law courts and government offices. Today it accommodates a unique museum showing the history of Australia.

Wendy's Secret Garden

Sometimes called “Sydney’s worst kept secret” this wonderful and idyllic garden seems like a giant painting. Almost too beautiful to be true, the garden was created in hard labour by Wendy Whiteley when the passing of her husband, a renowned artist, led her to regain control in her life. The garden is open to anyone who would like to relax, enjoy the nature and appreciate the wonderful view on the water and the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

Paddy’s Markets

Paddy’s market is a lovely opportunity to get souvenirs, women’s fashion, kids clothes, hair accessories, jewellery as well as gifts, gadgets, and lots more. And after your shopping, you will find a variety of food options and stalls that won’t leave you asking for more. Especially for the budget conscious and the curious Paddy’s Market is the right place to spend an afternoon in Sydney!

Surry Hills

Southeast of the Central Business District, Surry Hills has traditionally been known as the best area in Sydney for fashion. There are lots of boutiques, unique, creative dining options, and many old warehouses have been transformed into classy art galleries and gorgeous homes. The area is perfect for young travelers, foodies, and those wanting to experience Oxford Street, the longtime Gay Capital of Sydney.

King's Cross

Located just North of Paddington, Kings Cross is another great party district for any nightowl looking to have fun. It’s wild and cheap, and you’ll find a good mix of both backpackers and locals here. The vibrant community is home to many happy hours and drink specials – definitely worth a night out!

Coogee

This little area in the southeast of Sydney is perfect for travelers who want a beach vibe but not all the craziness of Bondi Beach. The area is super scenic and the ocean is calm and safe for swimming. This neighborhood is an eastern suburb of Sydney, but you can get to town on public transit in less than half an hour. Another way of getting there is the coastal “Bondi to Coogee Walk” that offers impressive sea views and a fresh breeze!

Newton

Newtown is a multi-faceted, unconventional district where there is a lot going on by day and night. The independent bookshops and second-hand shops on King Street are popular shopping destinations. Then many trendy bars and multicultural restaurants are especially frequented by locals and students of Sydney University. The Enmore Theatre offers comedy shows and live music that guarantee a fun and memorable evening. The neighborhood's appearance is characterized by restored Victorian buildings and street art, including a mural by Martin Luther King.

The Rocks

The Rocks mark the birthplace of modern Sydney with an intricate history that took it from being the shady suburb where convicts first settled to the hub of Sydney’s upmarket creative crowd. With such a vibrant local history, it goes without saying that this revitalized neighborhood has its fair share of secrets, spun out of spine-tingling urban legends and some of Sydney’s shadiest historical events.

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