Sydney Life and Travel Tips

(Sydney, New South Wales - NSW, Australia)

Sydney, one of the largest and most stunning cities in Australia, is a popular destination at any time of the year. With an exciting atmosphere, Sydney is also home to an interesting mixture of both historic and modern buildings, many of which date back to the late 18th century. Sydney's combination of stunning weather, world-class tourist attractions and superb Sydney beaches attracts people from all over the world, throughout the year.

Tourism and Tourist Information

There are a good selection of tourism and tourist information offices and outlets throughout Sydney and these provide detailed Sydney tourist information, such as brochures, maps of Sydney, attractions information, opening hours, theatre information, directions and general Sydney tourism and tourist information.



Australia's Northern Territory and Outback Centre
Address: 28 Darling Walk, 1-25 Harbour Street, Sydney, New South Wales (NSW), Australia
Tel: +61 0(2) 9283 7477
Open hours: daily - 10:00 to 19:00

City Host Tourist Information Kiosks
Address: Circular Quay, Town Hall and Martin Place, Sydney, New South Wales (NSW), Australia
Open hours: daily - 10:00 to 18:00, winter - 09:00 to 17:00

Darling Harbour Visitors Centre
Address: Darling Harbour, Sydney, New South Wales (NSW), Australia
Tel: +61 0(2) 9281 0788
Open hours: daily - 10:00 to 18:00

Manly Visitors Tourist Information
Address: Manly Wharf, Sydney, New South Wales (NSW), Australia
Tel: +61 0(2) 9977 1088
Open hours: daily - 10:00 to 18:00

Parramatta Visitors Centre
Address: 346 Church Street, Parramatta, Sydney, New South Wales (NSW), Australia
Tel: +61 0(2) 9630 3703
Open hours: Monday to Friday - 10:00 to 17:00, Saturday and Sunday - 10:00 to 16:00

Sydney Coach Terminal Tourist Information
Address: Eddy Avenue, Central Station, Sydney, New South Wales (NSW), Australia
Tel: +61 0(2) 9281 9366
Open hours: daily - 06:00 to 22:30

Sydney Harbour National Park Tourist Information Centre
Address: Cadman's Cottage, 110 George Street, The Rocks, Sydney, New South Wales (NSW), Australia
Open hours: Monday to Friday - 09:30 to 16:30, Saturday and Sunday - 10:00 to 16:30

Sydney Airport Tourist and Visitor Centre
Address: Sydney Airport, Sydney, New South Wales (NSW), Australia
Tel: +61 0(2) 9667 6050
Open hours: daily - 06:00 to midnight

Sydney Visitors Centre
Address: 106 George Street, The Rocks, Sydney, New South Wales (NSW), Australia
Tel: +61 0(2) 9240 8786
Open hours: daily - 09:00 to 18:00

Safety

When travelling in Sydney, as in any large city, is it advisable to always maintain an awareness of your surroundings and not look like a tourist when visiting Sydney. Although Sydney's crime levels are fairly low, try to blend in, look like you know where you are going and always be careful with hand baggage, handbags, purses and money.

Places of Worship

The incredibly diverse city of Sydney is home to many different cultures and religious beliefs and most religions have a presence in the Sydney area. Many Australians are at least nominally Christian in their belief, although this majority is getting smaller. Most Protestant churches in Sydney have merged to form the Uniting Church, although the Anglican Church of Australia remains a separate entity. Catholic churches in Sydney are particularly popular, due to a large population with an Irish or Mediterranean background. There are a number of other religious minorities in the Sydney area, such as Buddhists, Jews and Muslims.

Pharmacies and Chemists

Tel: +61 0(2) 9235 0333
Most pharmacies in Sydney city centre open from 08:00 until 20:00 or later and major pharmaceutical chains in Sydney include Soul Pattinson and Amcal, who can fill and dispense prescriptions and medicines.

Language

English is the most commonly spoken language in Sydney and Australia, although many other nationalities and ethnic cultures are well represented in Sydney. Although Australian accents in Sydney can be strong, they are not difficult to understand.

Visas

Tel: +61 0(2) 9258 4599
All visitors to Sydney and Australia as a whole need a visa and application forms are available from either Australian diplomatic missions overseas or travel agents, where you can either apply in person or by mail. Many travel agents and airlines now also grant on-the-spot Australian visas for up to three months, using the Electronic Travel Authority system (ETA).

New Zealand nationals are the only country not requiring these travel visas, although they do receive a 'special category' visa when arriving at Sydney.

Working

Tel: +61 0(2) 9258 4599
There are extremely strict regulations allowing overseas visitors to work in Sydney and these are issued by the Department of Immigration and Multicultural Affairs (DIMA). Many visitors aged between 18 to 30 from the United Kingdom, the Republic of Ireland, Canada, South Korea, Germany, the Netherlands, Japan and Malta may be eligible for a Working Holiday Visa, lasting up to 12 months.

Tipping

Most services in Sydney don't expect to be tipped, although porters, waiters and taxi drivers are generally tipped small amounts. Most restaurants in Sydney usually expect a tip of around 10%, to the nearest Australian dollar, in recognition of prompt, courteous service and good food. Generally, no other public service workers in the city of Sydney expect to be tipped.

Taxes and Refunds

Sydney has a 10% goods and services tax (GST) that is applied to most items purchased in the city, although fresh food produce can be exempt. If you purchase goods in Sydney that have a total value of more than AUD 300 from a single supplier, you can claim a full refund of the tax within 28 days. Cheque refunds are available at Sydney Airport at designated booths.

Smoking

Smoking in Sydney is not allowed in public buildings, restaurants, outdoor areas and sporting arenas and on public transport in Sydney. When is Sydney, it is advisable not to smoke in enclosed spaces in Sydney unless others around you are also smoking.

Invitations to Eat

Much business is done over the dinner table in Sydney and business lunches are often held at restaurants throughout Sydney. This is a popular way to conduct business in Sydney and most restaurants should be booked in advance.

Social Drinking

Sydney has an enormous selection of public houses, in and around central Sydney. With a good selection of lively pubs and wine bars in Sydney city centre, many with spectacular views of the city and harbour, most of the pubs and wine bars in Sydney are friendly places to relax.