Sydney

Sydney is the State Capital of New South Wales, and is located on the South Eastern coastline of Australia. It is known as the “Harbour City” and many of its finest attractions are based on or around the water.

Sydney is approximately 11,000 miles from Dublin. Many airlines offer flights from London, but some airlines are now offering flights via the Middle East, such as Etihad which flies via Abu Dhabi and currently offers the fastest direct flight from Dublin to Sydney.

Currency: Australian Dollar (AUD)

Language Spoken: English

Time Zone: GMT + 10

Country dialling code: +61

Population: 4 million

When to go

Sydney is in the southern hemisphere, so has its summer months from December to February and winter from June to August. Summer temperatures can get very hot, so a good time to travel to Sydney can be in the spring or autumn.

Getting around

Ferry

The most scenic way to see Sydney is from a ferry on the harbour. There are a network of public transport ferries which cross the harbour, providing wonderful views of the city and other harbourside attractions.

Train

The train network offers a route around the city and also connections to destinations further afield such as the Blue Mountains and the Central Coast. Tickets can be purchased at any CityRail station.

Buses

Sydney has a fleet of buses servicing its suburbs. Bus tickets cover a certain number of zones. Some buses are pre-pay only and tickets need to be bought at a machine on the kerbside or from registered ticket offices (showing a yellow Sydney Buses flag).

Taxis

Taxis are available for hire from taxi ranks or can be flagged down in the street. Taxi fares are calculated on a metered basis.

Points of interest/attractions

Sydney Harbour Bridge

Sydney Harbour Bridge, known as the “Coathanger”, has been the focal point for many celebrations in Sydney since it was opened in 1932. The New Year firework display is based around it and it is a landmark known worldwide.

It is now possible to climb the bridge, but for the less adventurous, a walk to the top of one of the pylons also gives amazing views of the harbour and city.

The nearest train station to Sydney Harbour Bridge is Circular Quay, which is also where the ferries come in to the city.

Opera House

The Opera House must surely be one of the most recognisable buildings in the world and many visitors to Sydney consider seeing an opera or concert there to be an essential part of a trip to the city. For those without time to attend an event, it is possible to book on a tour of the Opera House, looking behind the scenes at how the building was created and functions on a day to day basis.

The Opera Bar provides a picturesque place to relax and have a glass of wine, with views of both the Opera House and Harbour Bridge.

Darling Harbour

Darling Harbour is home to many of Sydney’s best attractions. It houses the National Maritime Museum, Sydney Aquarium, Wildlife World and the Imax cinema. It also has a plentiful number of places to eat and drink in the Cockle Bay Wharf development.

A monorail runs around Darling Harbour and into the city. Darling Harbour can also be reached by ferry from Circular Quay or is a short walk from the centre of the city.

Taronga Zoo

Taronga Zoo occupies a position in the harbour which ensures that its animals have the best views in Sydney. Both native Australian and other animals are at the zoo, which can be reached by bus or by ferry from Circular Quay.

Bondi Beach

Bondi Beach is synonymous with surfing and is probably Australia’s best known beach. After surfing is done, there are plenty of places to eat and drink at Bondi, with many offering splendid views of the beach.

There is a coastal walk from Bondi Beach to Coogee Beach, passing through other beachside suburbs such as Bronte and Tamarama.

It can be reached by bus 380 from the city or by train to Bondi Junction.

Sydney

Book cheap flights to Sydney