How many passengers are carried by buses in Sydney? Transport in Sydney. Districts. Where is the best place to live?

So let's figure it out what to drive in Australia tourist? In Australia, there are various types of public transport with which you can comfortably move around the country. Of course, the most developed systems are in big cities such as Melbourne and Sydney.

Australia is permeated bus network, which will take you almost anywhere in the country. Bus travel is the cheapest way to travel, but admittedly also the slowest. Although, there is no better way to admire the landscapes passing outside the window!

What to drive in Australia

Travelers can purchase special travel tickets for different periods and different numbers of trips, which will significantly reduce the cost of travel. City buses run from 5.00 to 23.00. Travel is paid by cards, which can be purchased at any kiosk or station. It is most profitable to purchase weekly (green) cards (17.5 Australian dollars), suitable for all types of transport and valid from 9.00 am.

In Sydney there are special bus routes designed for tourists, on which fancy red buses run called “Red Sydney Explorer Bus”. Conveniently, passengers can get on and off at any stop. You must have a Sydney Explorer ticket with you.

Sydney has several subway lines, a monorail in the city center and ferries that travel across the bay. As well as a taxi, which in the city costs about 2.5 AUD per km.

Taxi exists in all big cities. They can be found at the final stops of public transport, near large hotels and central stores. Of course, you can catch them on the street. A free taxi has a warning light on the roof.

Railway transport in Australia it is relatively underdeveloped, and tickets are very expensive. Only commuter transport and tourist routes in the Sydney area are well established.

Australia also has an analogue of the electric train - city ​​railway- S-Bahn. There is city rail in cities such as Adelaide, Brisbane, Geelong, Gold Coast, Melbourne, Newcastle, Perth and Sydney.

Public transport is presented and tram network, however, it only connects Adelaide and Melbourne so far. Melbourne, Sydney and other cities with a monorail can boast high-speed trams. There is also an extensive network monorail trains And water taxi system and coastal vessels.

How to drive around Australia

In Brisbane, Melbourne, Newcastle, Perth and Sydney there is such an exotic mode of transport as ferry. The Spirit of Tasmania ferry operates regularly between Melbourne and Tasmania, carrying passengers and vehicles on overnight trips. In summer, during peak traffic periods, additional daytime flights are introduced. Sea ferries travel between South Australia and Kangaroo Island several times a day. Ferries also connect individual areas in capital cities: they run between the banks of Sydney Harbour, the Swan River in Perth and the Brisbane River in the city of the same name. In Western Australia, regular ferries operate from Perth to Rottnest. Ferries operate between the mainland and the islands of the Great Barrier Reef. You can take a very exciting and educational excursion on the ferry.

I have already been to Australia several times, but I still couldn’t get to Sydney. And it happened! The city greeted me with a hurricane that lasted 5 days, I broke my umbrella and smashed my SLR camera. But when I first climbed the Harbor Bridge, I forgave Sydney for all its troubles. It is impossible not to fall in love with such a place.

Australia's largest and oldest city is located on the shores of the winding Port Jackson Bay.

The main arm of the bay, Sydney Harbour, gives the city its unique beauty. It's not for nothing that Sydney is called The Harbor City.

This place cannot be imagined without the ocean and a long series of various beaches, where you can both fight the waves and glide along the azure surface.

Urban development is eclectic: skyscrapers, colonial architecture, neo-Gothic churches, private houses of all colors and sizes.

This motley mixture, combined with expressive natural topography and bright Australian colors, gives Sydney a unique charm.

This is a noisy, creative, crowded and multinational metropolis, whose residents somehow miraculously manage to maintain a special Australian relaxedness and ease. It’s easy to forget the bustle of the big city when you find yourself in one of the many parks with untouched nature, colorful parrots, kookaburras, possums and flying foxes.

How to get there

The main way to get to Sydney from Russia is by air. From neighboring cities in Australia there are other options:

• train,
• bus,
• automobile.

By plane

Unfortunately, there are no direct flights from Russia to Sydney. With one transfer from Moscow you can fly with the following airlines:

• Emirates (the same flight can be purchased from Qantas), via ;
• Singapore Airlines, via ;
• Qatar Airlines, via Doha;
• Etihad Airways (available from S7 Airlines), via ;
• Air China, via ;
• China Eastern Airlines, via ;
• China Southern Airline, via Guangzhou;
• Thai Airlines, via Bangkok;
• Japan Airlines, via ;
• Aeroflot together with Cathay Pacific or Asiana Airline, through either.

The journey will take on average 20–30 hours. Prices range from 700 to 1400 EUR. Emirates flies from St. Petersburg with 1 stop to Sydney, but most often it is cheaper to get through Moscow.

It is also possible to combine airlines. Many discounters fly to Sydney from Asia (Air Asia, Jetstar, Tiger Airways, Cebu Pacific, Virgin Australia). In any case, when buying 2 separate tickets, you need to allow enough time for a transfer or make a stop. If the first flight is late, you risk missing the second, and you are not guaranteed to board the next one.

How to get there from the airport

Sydney Kingsford Smith International Airport consists of 3 terminals:

To travel into the city by public transport, you can purchase a reloadable card at the airport Opal card, which I will talk about in more detail in the section “How to get around the city.”

Travel options to the city:

Opportunity to save

The price of a train ticket from Sydney Airport to the center consists of the regular cost of travel within the city and the airport surcharge (13.80 AUD for adults, 12.40 AUD for children). For example, the cost of a train ticket from Mascot station next to the airport to Central Station will be only 1.8 - 2.6 USD (2.36 - 3.38 AUD). From the Domestic Terminal you can walk to Mascot Station in about 20 minutes. It's a bit of a walk from the international terminal, but there is an option to get there by bus number 400.

By train

As you understand, it is impossible to get to Sydney by train from Russia. This type of transport will only be useful to you within the country. The rail system connects Sydney with cities in New South Wales, Victoria and Queensland including (11 hours), Canberra (4 hours 20 minutes), Brisbane (14 hours 15 minutes). Timetables and prices can be found on NSW Trainlink Regional.

The luxury train The Indian Pacific takes you from Sydney to Adelaide and... Tickets can be booked on the Great Southern Rail website. All trains arrive at Sydney Central Station, from where you can easily reach anywhere in the city.

By the way: the cost of long-distance train tickets is often higher than the cost of air travel.

By bus

The bus can be a cheaper alternative to the train. Sydney Central Bus Station is located next to Central Station. Popular bus companies (Greyhound and Murrays) provide services to Sydney from Canberra (3.5 hours), Melbourne (12-13 hours) and Brisbane (18 hours).

By car

Sydney is connected to neighboring cities by convenient and modern roads. If you are traveling from Canberra, you can get to Sydney in an average of 3.5 hours, from Melbourne it will take from 9 to 11 hours, from Brisbane it will take about 11 hours. There will be toll roads along the way, most of which cannot be paid in cash.

Typically, a special device for contactless fare payment (transponder) is installed on the car, connected to a credit card account. I will tell you more about it in the appropriate section. Gasoline costs on average 0.95 USD (1.24 AUD).

By ferry

A sea route from Russia to Sydney (for example, from Vladivostok) is theoretically possible, but is unlikely to interest the average tourist. It will be long, tedious, will require many transfers and will generally be difficult in terms of organization. But you can go on a cruise to Sydney on a comfortable ship from the UK, Japan, Singapore, Argentina, and New Zealand.

Large ships arrive at the international passenger terminal at Circular Quay.

If the ship is compact in size and can pass under the Harbor Bridge, it is based at the new White Bay Cruise Terminal east of the city centre.

Clue:

Sydney - the time is now

Hour difference:

Moscow − 7

Kazan − 7

Samara − 6

Ekaterinburg − 5

Novosibirsk − 3

Vladivostok 0

When is the season? When is the best time to go

Sydney is great at any time of the year. Australian summers offer the opportunity to enjoy swimming in the ocean, while the cooler months offer comfortable temperatures for walking and sightseeing. Do not forget that it is in the southern hemisphere and the seasons here are opposite to ours. When it is winter in Russia, summer is in full swing in Australia.

Sydney in summer

The period from December to February is a good time for a beach holiday. The air temperature can jump from +25 to +40°C, and the humidity can rise to 70%. Many tourists are attracted by the opportunity to celebrate the New Year in Sydney. Harbor of Light Parade- one of the most famous fireworks shows in the world.

Every year in January Sydney also hosts an exciting Sydney Festival, which includes a variety of cultural events.

Sydney in autumn

The beginning of autumn feels like summer. You can still swim, but the air temperature is gradually decreasing and the nights are becoming cooler.

On average, you can expect a comfortable + 17 - 23°C. In late autumn, in the evening and at night, the temperature can drop to +10°C. It rains frequently. At the end of May - beginning of June the famous festival of lightVivid Sydney, transforming the city into a stage for impressive light installations.

Sydney in spring

Spring is a pleasant time to explore the city: the weather is sunny, the air warms up to +20–24°C on average. However, periodically there are sudden temperature fluctuations ranging from +17 to +35 °C. You need to be prepared for anything: take both T-shirts and light jackets on your trip.

In late spring, the city's beaches are decorated with sculpture festival Sculpture by the Sea and colorful Festival of the Winds kite festival.

Sydney in winter

Winter (from June to August) is mild, the air temperature during the day on average reaches + 15–17°C, in the evening and at night it drops to +8–10°C. June is generally the rainiest month and July the coldest.

July and August are sunny months. And although the water is a little cold for swimming, walking along the beach is still pleasant.

Sydney - weather by month

Clue:

Sydney - weather by month

Districts. Where is the best place to live?

The largest number of hotels is concentrated in the center of Sydney, which can be divided into the following areas:

• Kings Cross- entertainment district of Sydney. Reputation of the hottest place in the city. There are many inexpensive hostels here, where you can get a bed for 20 – 30 USD (25 – 40 AUD), and a double room will cost 75 – 115 USD (100 – 150 AUD). But the area is still specific and not everyone will like it.
• Darlinghurst- an area famous for its nightlife, cafes, fashion boutiques, and is popular with the local LGBT community. Cost of hotel accommodation: 115 – 190 USD (150 – 250 AUD).

The following areas will be of interest to beach lovers:

Whatever area you choose, I advise you to book your accommodation as early as possible. Sydney is a popular destination and good options sell out quickly. You can compare hotel prices, for example. And make your reservation more convenient at.

What are the prices for holidays?

Accommodation

Sydney, as befits the most famous city in the country, is a rather expensive place. Hotel prices are steep, and sometimes you still have to pay extra for using the Internet. It is difficult to find a room in the center with all amenities for less than 90-100 USD per night.

Nutrition

The lunch menu in an Asian restaurant will cost around 9–12 USD (12–15 AUD). You can have lunch in an inexpensive pub for 15 USD (20 AUD).

Dinner for two in a mid-level restaurant will cost 68–90 USD (90–120 AUD).

How to save money

Of course, there is always an opportunity to save money. The city has many hostels and cheap cafes. City transport offers a system of discounts. So, if you have an Opal card, all long transport trips, if possible, should be planned for Sunday. Then the maximum daily payment will be only 1.9 USD (2.5 AUD).

Takeaway food is very popular. You can pick up some goodies and have a picnic in some beautiful place: for example, under a tree in the park on Observatory Hill overlooking the harbor or on any free bench in the many green areas of the city.

The main attractions are also free: panoramic views, beaches, botanical garden. You don't need money to walk along the scenic paths along the ocean. Some art galleries and museums, which I'll discuss next, also don't charge admission.

Clue:

Cost of food, accommodation, transportation and other things

Currency: Euro, € US dollar, $ Russian ruble, rub Australian dollar, $

Main attractions. What to see

Sydney is a large and diverse city. Natural and man-made attractions and a whirlwind of cultural life await you. You can always find something interesting here: all kinds of festivals, exhibitions and parades will not let you get bored. And for nature lovers, Sydney offers many walking routes that give the opportunity to get to know the flora and fauna of the continent better.

To save money, pay attention to travel flyers - there are discount coupons there. Many attractions offer all-inclusive tickets that include visits to multiple sites.

Top 5

Beaches. Which ones are better

Sydney residents are very lucky: they have more than 100 beaches at their disposal. If you like waves, head to the ocean. The beaches of the bay offer more relaxing swimming. The choice is huge.

Below I will talk about several popular places:

Churches and temples. Which ones are worth visiting?

There are many churches in Sydney. The following temples located in the city center are of interest to tourists:

Museums. Which ones are worth visiting?

Curious tourists have plenty to explore: the city has art, historical, and natural science museums, as well as many galleries. My favorite places:

Parks

Sydney is a very green city. There are many parks here, and each of them is good in its own way. I will list just some popular places:

• Royal Botanic Gardens and Domain. The Royal Botanic Gardens and the adjacent Domain Park are a huge oasis in the city centre.
  The botanical garden has a stunning collection of local and imported plants.
  There is also an interesting historical component: the first farm on the continent was founded on this site in 1788. Also located here is Government House, the former residence of the Governor of New South Wales and now a museum. I especially enjoy walking along Farmer Cove, which is hugged by the Botanical Garden.
  This boardwalk is popular with tourists, photographers and health-conscious locals who enjoy running. Gorgeous views open up from the Mrs Macquaries Point observation deck, a popular place for picnics and sunset watching. Here is also Mrs Masquarie’s Chair, a bench carved into the rock where the wife of the Governor of New South Wales liked to relax. The botanical gardens open at 7:00 and are open until 19:30 in October, until 20:00 from November to February, until 18:30 in March, until 18:00 in April and September, until 17:30 in May and August, to 17:00 in June and July. The Domain is open 24 hours a day every day, except during special events.
  
• Hyde Park named after his London brother. In addition to the shady alleys, of interest is the imposing ANZAC Memorial, a memorial erected in memory of the losses of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps in the First World War. There is a nice Archibald Fountain in the center of the park. Possums can be seen in Hyde Park in the evenings.
  
• Chinese Garden of Friendship. The Chinese Friendship Garden is a little piece of heaven near Darling Harbor and Sydney's Chinatown. The traditional garden, stylized as the gardens of the Ming Dynasty, was created by landscape architects from Guangzhou in compliance with all the canons of Chinese park art. There are waterfalls, small lakes with carp, elegant pavilions and cozy paths. The garden is open from 9:30 to 17:00 from April to September, in other months from 9:30 to 17:30. Entrance costs 4.5 USD (6 AUD) for an adult and 2.3 USD (3 AUD) for a child.
  
• Centennial Park. When you look at a map of Sydney, you can't help but notice the gigantic Centenary Park, created in 1888 to celebrate the centenary of European settlement on the continent. It was here that on January 1, 1901, a solemn ceremony was held to unite six former British colonies into the Union of Australia. The park is home to many birds (parrots, ducks, swans) and a colony of flying foxes. In addition to watching animals, you can have fun here by cycling and horseback riding.
• Cremorne Reserve- a small park notable for its beautiful views of the city. As a rule, there are few people here. Getting here is very easy by ferry from Circular Quay. The park can be visited while walking through the northern suburbs.
  
• Sydney Harbor National Park is a large national park that includes isolated areas of untouched nature along Sydney Harbour. Main attractions: rocky peninsulas of Bradleys Head; North, South and Middle Heads; old quarantine station, Macquarie Lighthouse and Hornby Lighthouse.
  Detailed information about the park can be obtained on the official website.

Tourist streets

I advise you to take a walk along the following streets of Sydney:

What to see in 1 day

To be honest, one day in Sydney is catastrophically not enough. But if for some supernatural reason you can only devote a day to Australia’s largest city, I can suggest the following route.

• 8:00 . Let's start the day with the ocean. Early in the morning we are on the famous beach Bondai. After enjoying the view, we set off along the picturesque path along the coast towards the beach Bronte.

What to see in the area

There are many interesting places in the vicinity of Sydney that you can visit either by rented car or by public transport.

Blue Mountains

The Blue Mountains are listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The mountains owe their name to the bluish haze that envelops them - the result of the evaporation of countless eucalyptus trees.
The national park of the same name occupies a vast territory. One day, of course, is not enough to see its main attractions. Here you can wander through eucalyptus forests, climb rocks, go down into caves, admire waterfalls, ride cable cars and funiculars. If you have limited time, you will have to make difficult choices.

For example, for the first time I decided to go to the city of Katoomba. Getting there is very easy: a train from Central station will take you to Katoomba in 2 hours without any changes. By the way, I remind you that if you plan a trip on Sunday, you will only spend 1.9 USD (2.5 AUD) on travel! From Katoomba train station you can walk or take a bus to Echo Point, which offers classic views of the iconic Three Sisters cliffs and endless eucalyptus forests.

There are many hiking trails in the surrounding area. For example, you can take the Prince Henry Cliff Walk to Katoomba Falls. Katoomba is also home to the Scenic World complex with two cable cars and a funicular. A ticket, which includes use of the entire Scenic World infrastructure, costs 30 USD (39 AUD) for adults, 16 USD (21 AUD) for children from 4 to 13 years old. A family ticket (2 adults + up to 5 children) will cost you 76 USD (99 AUD). From the nearby community of Leura there is an easy walking trail to Gordon Falls Lookout, where you can admire the beautiful waterfall. Another famous waterfall, Wentworth Falls, can be reached in two hours along the Charles Darwin Trail from the town of the same name, Wentworth Falls. If you don't have a car to get around and see more in a short time, I recommend using local bus companies or . Don't forget warm clothes: the weather here is usually much colder than in Sydney.

Hunter Valley

If you have a car, you can go to the wine region in the vicinity of Sydney - the Hunter Valley. Hundreds of restaurants, wineries and breweries will be at your disposal. The legendary semillon white wine is produced here. Chardonnay, shiraz and merlot are also good. Local farms are famous for their cheeses and olive oils. A popular but expensive entertainment is flying over the valley in hot air balloons. It can be booked through many companies including Balloon Aloft, and Balloon safaris.

Featherdale Wildlife Park

If you don’t want long journeys and are interested in the animal world of Australia, I advise you to go to Featherdale Wildlife Park. Unlike your average zoo, this wildlife park allows you to get up close and personal with the animals and even touch some of the continent's most amazing creatures. Who doesn't dream of petting a koala?
Getting there by public transport is not difficult. You need to take the train to Blacktown station, and then change to bus number 729, which stops near bus stand E at the station exit. The park is open from 9:00 to 17:00. An adult ticket costs 24 USD (31 AUD), a child ticket (from 3 to 15 years old) - 13 USD (17 AUD).

Royal National Park

This is a huge national park that offers a variety of activities, from walking and cycling to learning about Aboriginal culture. Highlights: Wedding Cake Rock, view from Garie North Head, Garie Beach, Lady Carrington Drive cycle track and more. More information about routes around the park can be found on this website.

Nearby Islands

As you can see on the map below, the choice of islands here is quite large.

I'll tell you more about each of them:

There are other small islands in the bay where locals enjoy hosting banquets, weddings and picnics, but they can only be accessed by private boats.

Food. What to try

Sydney is a cosmopolitan city and it is easy to find almost any cuisine in the world. There are quite a lot of catering places. Competition forces cafe and restaurant owners to care about quality, so the level of establishments is quite high. You can go to authentic Korean, Chinese, Lebanese and even Nepalese restaurants or enjoy the fusion cuisine of Australian chefs. The mixes can be quite funny: where else, if not in Australia, can you taste, for example, pizza with kangaroo fillet.

Be sure to visit one of the many steakhouses to try the famous Angus beef(Angus beef). Good food is also served in pubs, and they often have special offers (if you order a drink, you can get a hot dish at a good price).

Takeaway food is also very popular, fortunately there are many places in Sydney where you can have a picnic with a wonderful view. Worth a try meat pie(meat pie), sausage roll(minced meat sausages in dough) and fish and chips with fresh local fish.

Self-catering

There are many markets in Sydney. For fish and seafood, head to Sydney Fish Markets in Pyrmont (open daily from 7am to 4pm). Fresh fruits and vegetables can be found at nearby Paddy's Markets (Wednesday to Sunday, 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.). If you find yourself in the Bondi Beach area on a Saturday, visit the Bondi Farmers Markets (Saturday, 9am to 1pm). The market in Newtown is also good - Newtown Community Market (Saturday from 10.00 to 16.00).

A significant portion of the restaurants are located along the Darling Harbor promenade. Naturally, there are many of them in the city center, in the Rocks quarter and near Circular Quay. Another area where you can eat "with a view" is Woolloomooloo Wharf.

The Newtown area offers a budget alternative. Its main street, King Street, is popular with young people and is famous for its inexpensive restaurants serving national cuisine (I especially like Thai here), as well as trendy Australian cafes. There are many interesting restaurants in the Chippendale area.

For affordable Asian cuisine, go to Chinatown on Dixon Street and neighboring streets.

By the way, food festivals are often held in different places in the city in Sydney. These are great events that give you the opportunity to sample local delicacies at an affordable price.

Budget

• Mamak, 15 Goulburn Street;
• Friggitoria, 6/12 Bayswater Rd, Kings Cross;
• Spice Alley, 38 Kensington St, Chippendale;
• Wok on Inn Street Noodle Bar, 42/26 Playfair St, The Rocks;
• Yok Yor Thai Food Factory, G06/323 Castlereagh St, Haymarket;
• Malay Chinese, 1/50-58 Hunter Street.

Mid-level

• Fortune Village Chinese Restaurant, 209 Clarence Street;
• The Spice Room, 2 Phillip Street;
• Fish At The Rocks, 29 Kent Street;
• Graze MCA, 140 George Street;
• Farmhouse Kings Cross, 4/40 Bayswater Rd.

Expensive

• Quay Restaurant, Overseas Passenger Terminal, Hickson Rd, The Rocks;
• Aria Restaurant, 1 Macquarie Street;
• Tetsuya's, 529 Kent Street;
• Est., 252 George Street;
• Rockpool Bar & Grill, 66 Hunter Street.

Holidays

Safety. What to watch out for

Overall the city is quite safe. Of course, as in any tourist place, reasonable caution must be exercised in Sydney: take care of personal belongings, do not give in to the persuasion of barkers in dubious strip clubs in Kings Cross, and do not get into arguments with drunk people in bars.

You need to be careful on the roads, traffic here is still on the left.

Sydney's beaches are known for treacherous rip currents that can sweep an unprepared swimmer out to sea. It is safe to swim in the areas between the yellow and red flags. Naturally, we must not forget about hats and protection from the active Australian sun.

Many of the city's beaches are equipped with special shark nets and are also patrolled from the air, so the chance of an attack near the surf zone is minimal. There are no deadly jellyfish in Sydney. But there are 2 types of very poisonous spiders: the Redback spider and the Sydney funnel-web spider. True, the likelihood of encountering them is very small, and in case of a bite, doctors have an effective antidote.

Things to do

• Climb the arches of the Harbor Bridge. As part of an organized excursion, you will climb to the very top of the bridge, to a height of 134 meters above sea level. It does not require any climbing skills, you just need to follow a guide and follow safety rules. Ticket prices for adults start at 120 USD (158 AUD). You can book your tickets on the BridgeClimb website.
  
• Ride the ferries. Ferries are the most enjoyable and scenic way to travel around the city. They can be easily paid for using an Opal card, which must be applied to the reader when boarding the ferry at the pier, and then at the exit upon arrival at your destination.
  For relatively little money you will get great pleasure. Choose any route: you can go towards Manly or in the opposite direction, towards Parramatta.
  
• Listen to an open-air opera. If you find yourself in the city between March and April, don't miss Handa Opera on Sydney Harbor. The opera takes place against the backdrop of the picturesque scenery of Sydney Harbour.
  
• Stroll along the coastal walking trails. I have already mentioned the section of the trail from Bondi beach To Bronte beach, but the road goes further, to the beach Coogee. The walk will take a little over an hour if you do not make long stops. But this is almost impossible, because, in addition to beautiful views, you will also encounter wonderful beaches along the way.
  Another scenic route Federation Cliff Walk, also starts from Bondai Beach, but goes to the side Watsons Bay. Military Road will take you to the reserve Raleigh Reserve, along the paths along the rocks you will come to a beautiful observation deck Gap. If you have enough strength, you can walk to the lighthouse Hornby Lighthouse. It's great to end your walk in one of the Watson Bay pubs.
• Swim with sharks at Manly Sea Life Sanctuary. You will meet sharks from one to three meters long without any cages! Prices start from 195 USD (252 AUD), you can book a dive on the official website.
  
• Climb to the Sydney Tower observation deck, Sydney's tallest building (309 m) and the second tallest tower in the Southern Hemisphere.
  Closed observation deck.
  A ticket costs 20 USD (26.50 AUD) for adults, 13 USD (17 AUD) for children (from 4 to 15 years old). If you buy it in advance and for a certain time, the price will be slightly cheaper. There is also an outdoor area, but it can only be accessed as part of a guided Skywalk Tour. Prices start from 38 USD (50 AUD) for an adult and 25 USD (32.5 AUD) for a child. The price also includes a visit to the closed observation deck.
• Whale watching. During the season (May to November), special excursion boats depart from Circular Quay, Darling Harbor and Manly piers, allowing you to get a closer look at these majestic creatures.
  If you're lucky, you can see whales for free. A good observation deck is equipped at Cape Solander in the national park Botany Bay. Other popular observation points: observation deck North Head, lighthouse Palm Beach Lighthouse and the already mentioned path from Bondi Beach before Coogee.
• Visit the zoo. Taronga Zoo famous for its rich collection (more than 4,000 inhabitants). There is a cable car here, and various shows with animals are regularly held. It’s worth coming here for the breathtaking views of the bay and the city. By the way, the word “Taronga” is translated from the Aboriginal language as “beautiful view”.
  The beauty of the surrounding landscape has made the zoo a popular venue for wedding receptions. Easily accessible by ferry from Circular Quay. A special bus will take you from the zoo pier to the main entrance. Opening hours: 9:30 – 16:30 (from May to August), 9:30 – 17:00 (from September to April), on New Year's Eve the zoo is open until 16:00. Ticket prices: adult - 35 USD (46 AUD), child 20 USD (26 AUD), family (2 adults, 2 children) - 99 USD (129.6 AUD). You can save some money by booking your tickets online.

Shopping and shops

Shopping centers

For exclusive shopping, head to Queen Victoria Building. This is the most beautiful shopping center in the world, according to Pierre Cardin, and I will not argue with him.

Another wonderful place with antique interiors - Strand Arcade.

In general, the entire center is filled with shops. They reach their highest concentration on Pitt street. Giants crowd in its vicinity Westfield, The Galeries, World Square, Myer, David Jones.

There is an outlet near Chinatown Market City. Other discount shopping options are located much further from the city center: Birkenhead Point Outlet Center, Drummoyne and DFO Homebush, Sydney Olympic Park.

Shops and markets

For original products by Australian designers, you need to go to Paddington, many interesting boutiques on Oxford Street. Local fashion shops are also scattered around Bondai Beach. Most shops are open from 9:00 to 17:30, some close earlier on Sundays. Large shopping centers are open longer, but everyone's schedule is different.

Markets are very popular in Sydney, where you can buy a lot of interesting things: clothes, jewelry, souvenirs, art, vintage and antiques. I like:

• Paddington Markets on Oxford Street (Saturday, from 10:00 to 16:00);
• The Rocks Markets in The Rocks quarter (on weekends, from 10:00 to 17:00);
• Paddy's Market near Chinatown (Wednesday-Sunday, from 10:00 to 18:00);
• Bondi Markets near Bondi beach (Sunday, from 10:00 to 16:00);
• Glebe Market(Saturday, from 10:00 to 16:00);
• Rozelle Collectors Markets near Rozelle Public School (on weekends, from 10:00 to 15:00).

Bars. Where to go

You won't be bored in Sydney. There are bars to suit every taste. And even the recent troubles with new laws limiting the opening hours of drinking establishments could not kill the city’s nightlife. Although locals complain that Sydney is no longer the same and are actively advocating for weakening the law.

If you like good old English pubs, head to the Rocks area. Sydney's oldest brewery, The Lord Nelson Brewery Hotel, will serve freshly brewed local ale. Other veterans of the bar movement are the Fortune of War pub and the Hero of Waterloo.

If views are your thing, it's hard to compete with The Opera Bar, located near the Opera House. Marble bar will amaze you with its exquisite 19th-century interiors.

A string of music bars line bohemian King Street in funky Newtown. Oxford street is full of trendy alternative establishments. There are inexpensive bars for backpackers in the Bondi area. And, of course, the infamous King's Cross offers a good selection of drinking places to suit any wallet size.

Many bars are called hotels, for example the Kings Cross Hotel, but this does not mean you can stay there overnight - in most places this is just a tribute to tradition. In the old days, pubs usually existed in hotels.

According to the new law, most establishments in the central regions (lockout zone) stop allowing visitors after 1:30, and at 3:00 they stop serving alcohol to customers. In practice, many bars close earlier, around midnight, so I recommend checking the schedule before going anywhere.

As for prices, a glass of local beer will cost you on average 5–6 USD (7–8 AUD). Some bars charge an additional entrance fee if they have live music.

Popular places:

• Kings Cross Hotel, 244-248 William St, Potts Point;
• Town Hall Hotel Newtown, 326 King St, Newtown;
• Fortune of War, 137 George St, The Rocks;
• Palmer & co, Abercrombie Lane;
• 3 Wise Monkeys, 555 George Street;
• Midnight Shift, 85-91 Oxford St, Darlinghurst;
• The Glenmore, 96 Cumberland St, The Rocks.

Clubs and nightlife

There are clubs in different areas of Sydney. But when most tourists think of the city's nightlife, they think of King's Cross. The famous red light district, a nest of vice, noisy, cheerful, depraved. Every traveler should come here at night at least once to appreciate the local flavor.

Another popular place for nightlife is the area around Oxford street. This traditionally gay friendly area is open to people of all orientations and attracts with its extravagant atmosphere.

Don't forget your ID, even if you're over twenty, or you may be denied entry. In addition, face control is unlikely to allow openly drunk people into the establishment. One drink in a club can cost around 14–15 USD (18–20 AUD). There is also an entrance fee depending on the event. Clubs in the central areas of the city are subject to exactly the same restrictive measures as bars: at 1:30 they stop admitting new visitors, at 3:00 they stop serving alcohol.

Where to go:

• Home, 101/1-5 Wheat Rd, Darling Harbour;
• ARQ Sydney, 16 Flinders St, Darlinghurst;
• World Bar, 24 Bayswater Rd, Kings Cross;
• Chinese Laundry, 111 Sussex St, Sydney;
• Oxford Art Factory, 38-46 Oxford St, Darlinghurst;
• Marquee, Pirrama Rd, Pyrmont;
• Ivy, 330 George Street.

Extreme Sports

Souvenirs. What to bring as a gift

Sydney is rich in a variety of souvenirs, which are better to look for in local markets rather than in the same type of souvenir shops. The choice is huge. Some ideas:

How to get around the city

Public transport in Sydney includes city trains (similar to a subway), buses, ferries and light rail. All transport in Sydney and its suburbs is part of a single system.

To travel you will need an Opal card or a one-time Opal ticket (the cost of the trip is higher than using the card).

Of course, the Opal card is preferable. It's free. You simply put the required amount of money on the card (you can top up your balance at transport ticket offices, magazine kiosks, shops and special machines). At the beginning and end of the trip, you must attach the card to special readers (tape on and tape off).

If you have a child between 4 and 15 years old with you, he needs a Child/Youth Opal card. Children under 4 years old travel free of charge.

Advantages of the card:

1. No matter how much you move during the day, the maximum payment from the card will be 11.5 USD (15 AUD) for an adult and 5.7 USD (7.5 AUD) for a child (this does not include the cost of the train to the airport).
2. The maximum amount you will be charged per week is 46 USD (60 AUD) for an adult and 23 USD (30 AUD) for a child (airport ticket fees are also not included).
3. On Sunday, for any number of trips you will pay only 1.9 USD (2.5 AUD). Again, except for the trip to the airport.
4. If you have paid for 8 trips within one week (from Monday to Sunday), then until the end of the week all other trips will be provided with a 50% discount (except for airport routes).
5. Traveling off-peak by train will be 30% cheaper. Peak hours in Sydney are 7:00 – 9:00, 16:00 – 18:30. Peak hours in the New South Wales region are 6:00 – 8:00, 16:00 – 18:30.
6. If you make several transfers using the same type of transport, and if the transfer takes less than 60 minutes (the time elapsed from the moment you touched the card to the reader when leaving the vehicle), this is considered one trip and is paid at the rate of one trip .
7. When changing modes of transport within one trip (also within 60 minutes), you receive a discount of 1.5 USD (2 AUD) for an adult and 0.77 USD (1 AUD) for a child on the fare of the next vehicle.
8. If you traveled to the airport many times during the week, the airport tax will not exceed 20.6 USD (27 AUD) for an adult and 18.7 USD (24.50 AUD) for a child.

To clarify routes around the city, I recommend using this site. It is also convenient to install travel planning applications on your phone.

Taxi. What features exist

Taxi is a popular way to get around the city. You can catch them on the street, but it is usually cheaper to order in advance.

Average prices: landing 2.7 USD (3.6 AUD), 1 km - 1.68 USD (2.19 AUD) during the day and 2 USD (2.63 AUD) at night, the client also pays for all toll roads along the way, there are fee for waiting in traffic jams. Most taxis accept credit cards, but there is an additional charge.

Uber is also very popular and is cheaper than a regular taxi.

Trams

There is only one light rail line, connecting Dulwich Hill and Central. A tourist might be interested in the section of the path from Central to the Fish Market. The trams are beautiful and modern; for most of the route they run on a separate line, which eliminates interference from other transport.

Metro

The Sydney Trains system, a cross between the metro and city trains, connects Sydney's city center and suburbs. Nearby cities are served by the company. The system is very convenient. For example, from the center of Sydney you can easily and with a minimum of transfers get to the Blue Mountains region.

Buses

The city has an excellent bus system covering all areas. I noticed that sometimes the Opal card does not work on buses (the reader is not active). It doesn’t matter - in this case you travel for free, which is not considered a violation.

Transport rental

If your goal is to explore the city rather than remote national parks, think twice about renting a car. Sydney has good public transport and parking is very expensive.

All the world's leading car rental companies are represented in the city (Hertz, Europcar, Avis, Budget, Sixt, Thrifty, etc.), as well as local companies (Bayswater Car Rentals, Redspot, East Coast Car Rentals, etc.) The rental will take 19 – 42 USD (25–55 AUD) per day. To apply, you will need an international driver's license and a credit card. You can compare prices for offers from different companies and choose the option that suits you, for example.

Remember to drive on the left!

There are a lot of cars in Sydney, traffic jams do occur, but the problem is not as acute as in large Russian cities.

Finding parking in the center can be difficult. The cost depends on the location, day of the week and time of day. The range is wide: on average from 1.9 to 19 USD (2.5 – 25 AUD) per hour. Hotels in central areas almost never provide guests with free parking space, so check this issue in advance. Don't break parking rules, the fines here are quite big!

Tolls apply for some roads, tunnels and bridges. It cannot be paid in cash. The car must be equipped with an electronic transponder device (E-Tag) connected to your credit card. In this case, upon entering the toll road, payment is processed automatically. Check availability of E-Tag when booking a car. Another payment option: register on the toll roads website (for example), indicating the car number, travel dates and other necessary data (Visitor's e-PASS). This can be done either before the start of the trip or within three days from the end of the trip .

Be careful when traveling outside the city. Australia's wildlife doesn't always bring joy. A collision with a kangaroo can result in an extremely dangerous accident. From personal experience I will say that they often jump out onto the roads and are always unpredictable.

When traveling to remote areas, check the serviceability of the car and the amount of gasoline. Gas stations can be located at great distances from each other. You should also always have water with you.

Sydney - holidays with children

Sydney is a suitable city for families with children. Many parks have playgrounds for children, and a number of museums have colorful and educational exhibitions. You can also have fun with your family in the following places:

Anything to add?

Transport links in a big city like Sydney need to be up to par. So, in general, this is what it is - in Sydney there are a large number of public transport options, so a tourist unfamiliar with the city should not have problems with how to get from one area to another.

Card system OPAL CARD

This public transport fare system has been in place in Sydney since 2014. There are still paper tickets in some places, but they are not profitable due to the established tariffs - the payment is at rush hour rates. Therefore, for profitable travel around Sydney, it is better to purchase an Opal card. Tourists can do this at retailers in newsstands and EzyMart and 7-Eleven stores, of which there are many in the city. At Central Station, the Transport Customer Service Center will give you a card and help you activate it. You can top up your balance yourself in the future through special terminals marked Opal Top up. The card itself is free, but some kiosks may charge you for it.

Eastern suburbs

In the eastern part of Sydney, routes starting with the number 3 start, some of them have the letters X or L - these are Express buses. Almost all buses travel strictly from east to west, crossing the center of Sydney.

South West Sydney

From areas located in the southwest of the city, you can get to the center via 400 bus numbers. The series also includes express buses and so-called Limitedstops buses.

North West Sydney

The function of the 500 series buses is similar. They provide easy and convenient access to the city center, and also, on the contrary, from Sydney's business district to the north-west of the city.

Hills

The Hills is an area in north-west Sydney served by 600 series buses. During rush hours, in order to quickly get to the center, you can use the express bus with the letter “X”. It has a limited number of stops and travels through the Lane Cove tunnel.

Western suburbs

The 700 series buses operate to the west of Sydney's city centre, connecting the suburb with areas such as Blacktown, Castle Hill, Parramatta and Penrith.

Southwestern suburbs

800 buses provide passenger movement in the southwestern direction of the city. The main areas affected by the routes are Liverpool and Campbeltown. Number 8 buses provide easy access from these locations to Sydney's business district.

South Sydney

The last series of routes are buses whose numbers begin with nine. They work in the southern areas of the city. The function of the routes is approximately the same as the previous ones: to connect the center of Sydney with a certain area of ​​it.

Metrobus

The metrobus network includes thirteen routes, they are listed below. The starting, intermediate and final stops are indicated in parentheses. Another type of transportation around the city, as convenient as a bus, is the metrobus. This is a fairly new form of transport for Sydney - the first metrobus began operating in 2008. The route numbers of these minibuses begin with the letter “M”; buses are usually red. At all stops there is a large red sign that is impossible to miss.

• M10 (Leichhardt - Center - Maroubra)
• M20 (Gore Hill - Center - Botany)
• M30 (Mosman - Central - Sydenham)
• M40 (Chatswood - Center - Bondi Junction)
• M41 (Hurstville - Burwood - Macquarie Park)
• M50 (Drummoyne - Center - Coogee)
• M52 (Parramatta - Ryde - Circular Quay)
• M54 (Parramatta - Epping - Macquarie Park)
• M60 (Parramatta - Castle Hill - Hornsby)
• M61 (Castle Hill - Baulkham Hills - Center)
• M90 (Burwood - Bankstown - Liverpool)
• M91 (Parramatta - Bankstown - Hurstville)
• M92 (Parramatta - Bankstown - Sutherland)

Free buses

Sydney also has interesting bus routes for tourists, travel on which is absolutely free. Similar services are provided by bus 950 (Bankstown), 720 (Blacktown), 88 (Cabramatta), 777 (Campbelltown), 41 (Gosford), 430 (Kogahrah), 999 (Liverpool), 555 (Newcastle), 900 (Parramatta) and 787 (Penrith). The area through which a particular bus travels is indicated in brackets.

These buses usually operate from 9:00 to 2:00, with each route having slightly different times. On weekends they work until 5:00-6:00, that is, almost around the clock.

Tram

Trams are a convenient way to get from Central station to China Town or to the Sydney fish market. Travel is paid by Opal Card.

Trams operate in two zones with designated stops:

Zone 1 Central to Convention (Darling Harbour)
Central Station - Capitol Square - Paddy's Markets - Exhibition Center (Darling Harbour) - Convention (Darling Harbour).

Zone 2 Pyrmont Bay to Dulwich Hill
Pyrmont Bay (Darling Harbour) - (The Star hotel and casino) - John Street Square - Fish Market - Wentworth Park - Glebe - Jubilee Park - Rozelle Bay - Lilyfield -Leichhardt North - Hawthorne - Marion - Taverners Hill - Lewisham West - Waratah Mills – Arlington – Dulwich Grove – Dulwich Hill

Cityrail

Cityrail is the best mode of transportation for those planning to travel throughout the state. Cityrail trains carry about a million people every day. Opal cards are valid on trains, but only to those stations where Cityrail trains go. For intercity high-speed trains you need to buy tickets in kits.

Within Sydney itself, Cityrail has seven lines ():

T1 - combines the Northern Line, Northern Bank and Western Line
T2 - Airport, Inner Western and Southern lines
T3 - Bankstown
T4 - Illawarah line (to the cities of Wolongong and Kima)
T5 - Cumberland Line
T6 - Carlingford Line
T7 - Olympic Park

Cityrail also includes four intercity lines - the Blue Mountains, Newcastle, South Coast and Southern Highlands line. The only regional line, called the Hunter Line, runs north to Scone - just under three hundred kilometers from Sydney.

Ferry

Sydney has a huge number of tourist and other ferries. The main water transport company is Sydney Ferries. Every year its ferries transport up to fourteen million people. Sydney Ferries' main destinations include Manly, Inner Harbour, Taronga Zoo, Eastern Suburbs and Parramatta River. Including ferries in the OPAL card system simply saves the cardholder from queuing at the ticket office.

Taxi

You can either hail a taxi in Sydney on the street or call it by phone. Taxi cars are usually yellow and black. Taxi drivers usually have a limit of about $2.5 per kilometer. A trip around the city will cost approximately $12.60.

And it is one of the ten most popular cities in the world. Beautiful beaches, wildlife, a huge number of festivals and cultural events - all this attracts more than several million tourists every year. Some of them remain to live here. Because once you come to this city, you fall in love with it forever.

Sydney: Hotels and Accommodation

As you probably know, in Australia all seasons of the year are “arranged” in reverse. And summer occurs from December to February. This is considered the best time to visit this amazing city, when the average air temperature reaches 26 degrees Celsius.

The city center offers hundreds of accommodation options, from backpacker hostels to five-star hotels overlooking the harbor and Opera House. In Sydney, everyone will find a place to their liking and preference. Fans of camping and tent recreation can stay at the campsite closest to the city on Cockatoo Island (Cockatoo Island). In the harbor you can pitch your tent at Lane Cove National Park (Lane Cove National Park), less than 10 kilometers from the city center and approximately 750 meters from the nearest train station.

For beach lovers, we recommend staying in the Manly area (Manly) or near Bondi Beach (Bondi Beach). From Manly the ferry takes you straight to Sydney city center in just twenty-five minutes. The cheapest hotels are located in the southern half of the city center (Sydney CBD) and in the Haymarket area (Haymarket), also on Glebe (Glebe) and King's Cross ( Kings Cross), in the eastern suburbs (Bondi, Coogee) and on the northern beaches (Manly).

As you know, in Australia, and in Sydney in particular, many Aboriginal people with their own traditions still live. In Kernell (Kurnell)- the site of Captain Cook's landing, the famous meeting with civilizations took place. Although Sydney has long become an international metropolis, there are many interesting places throughout the city and its surrounding areas where you will find Aboriginal footprints. They coexist in peace and harmony, fitting harmoniously into the life of 21st century Sydney. Contemporary Aboriginal art is becoming a popular trend in the city's creative circles. On the Rocks (The Rocks), you will find many interesting exhibitions and dance performances dedicated to the life and culture of the Australian Aboriginal people.

And if you want to try Australian surfing, be sure to go to Bondi and Manly beaches. There are surf schools and places where you can rent surfboards: www.sydneysurfboardrental.wordpress.com.

Transportation in Sydney

Nine kilometers from the city center is Sydney Kingsford Smith International Airport. Sydney Airport is the oldest continuously operating commercial airport in the world. You can get to the city by train, bus or taxi.

Upon arrival, be sure to purchase a local Opal card. With it you will receive daily and weekly bonuses, discounts on train travel and other public transport.

The cost of a trip from the airport to the city center will cost 16 USD. Please note that you have to pay another 12 USD for leaving the airport. If you don't want to pay extra money, you need to go one stop to Mascot railway station. In total, travel by train and bus will be 7 USD. Information about trains and buses can be found here: www.transportnsw.info. Also, you can always use a taxi, the average cost of a trip will be 40 USD.

Public transport

There is a special telephone line “Transport Infoline” in the city (telephone: 131 500). It provides 24/7 fare and route planning information for all public transport in Sydney. Also, you can download the TripGo and TripView applications to your phone. These are free apps for iPhone, iPad and Android that provide directions for all modes of transport around Sydney, Newcastle, the Blue Mountains and Wollongong. And also a special application for “Opal Travel”.

There are several types of travel cards: “Daily” (Daily Travel Cap), when no more than 15 USD is withdrawn from an adult’s card, and “Weekly” (Weekly Travel Reward)– you pay for 8 trips and the rest of the time you ride for free until the end of the week. Also, on weekends and from 7:00-9:00 and 16:00-18:30 there is a 30% discount on all trips. Keep in mind that the fine for traveling without a ticket will cost you 200 USD. In Sydney there are night buses from 01:00-05:00 (NightRide). Some buses in the city are completely free: No. 950, 720, 88, 777, 41, 430, 999, 555, 900 and 787.

Taxi

All taxi cars in the city have a sign on the roof. If the car is free, the sign is on, but if it is occupied, it is not. On weekends it is quite difficult to call a taxi here due to the large number of orders. The cost of the trip includes a landing fee of 3.60 USD and another about 3-4 USD for each subsequent kilometer along the way. Some of the city's popular taxi services are: Maxi Taxi Sydney, (+61 424 577 822); Legion Cabs (131,451); Manly Warringah Cabs (131,668).

Automobile

You can easily rent a car directly at the airport. The most popular rental companies are: Hertz and Apex. And if you have a large group, you can rent an entire minibus through the Sydney Minibus Hire website. Parking in the city center is quite easy to find, but it will be very expensive. Expect to pay about 40 USD per day or 25 USD per hour.

There are also toll roads and tunnels in Sydney. Some roads are closed periodically. The cost of a liter of gasoline is 2.60 USD.

Bike

In Sydney it is common to ride a bicycle on roads and highways. Therefore, if you are an experienced cyclist, feel free to rent a bike and go riding! The Bourke Street cycle path is a new route in the east of the city. You can rent a bike in the central Sydney Olympic Park for just 15 USD per hour.

Also, free bicycle tours are popular in Sydney (but this is only if you have your own bicycle). On the website you can find detailed information about renting bicycles.

Water transport

Be sure to take a ferry ride around Sydney Harbor! Sydney Ferries operates to the following destinations: Manly, Inner Harbor and Taronga Zoo, Eastern Suburbs and Parramatta River. You can plan your trip on the dedicated Harbor City Ferries website. You can pay for your trip with an Opal travel card so you don’t have to stand in line for a ticket.

Sydney has a confusing ticket system, they are divided into: one-time, by mileage and time.

Types of tickets

• MyMulti- unlimited number of trips on all types of transport including ferry

Price: for 1 day 21 $, for a week 43 $

• MyTrain- metro ticket

The price depends on the distance.

• MyBus - day bus ticket

The price depends on the number of zones crossed.

Single trip 1-2 zones - 2 $, 3-5 zones - 3.5 $, more than 6 zones - 4.5 $.

Buses in Sydney

Buses run 24 hours a day.

Daytime buses run from 05:00 to 23:00, and special NightRide buses run at night.

Central parking areas: Circular Quay, Wynyard, Town Hall and Central Station. You can also buy tickets there. Tickets can also be purchased from special machines.

The cost of a single bus ride starts from $2.

It is also possible to purchase a MyMulti pass for all types of transport.

Website where you can plan your public transport route: www.131500.com.au/plan-your-trip/trip-planner

Subway in Sydney

The cost of train tickets depends on the distance of the trip. The metro map is located at stations and near ticket offices.

The metro is closed from 24:00 to 04:30 am.

A monorail also runs around the city. The cost of one trip is $5.

Water transport in Sydney

Ferries in Sydney are popular, especially among tourists. Most ferries operate from 06:00 to 00:00. Read more about the operation of ferries.