CLIMATE
Lying in the temperate zone of Australia, Sydney has four distinct seasons with summer running from December to February and winter from June to August. Average temperatures range from 12 degrees Celsius in the winter to 24 degree Celsius in the summer with occasional days exceeding 30 degree Celsius. Being close to the ocean, hot days are often tempered by cooling sea breezes and balmy evening temperatures.

FROM AIRPORT TO CITY
Sydney Kingsford-Smith International Airport is located 10km southwest of Sydney centre. It’ll take you 20 – 30 minutes to get from airport to city centre by taxi. The fare should cost about A$30.

VISA
All visitors may enter provided they have valid passports for the duration of stay. Visas are also required except holders of Australian and New Zealand passports. Free visas valid up to three months can be obtained from the nearest Australian High Commission, Embassy, Consulate or through some travel agents.
* For detailed and up-to-date information on visa requirement please refer to the local immigration authorities direct or through your travel agent.

EXCHANGE RATE
US$1 = AUD1.28 (approximate)

LANGUAGE
English

UTILITIES
240/250 volts, 50 Hertz

TRANSPORTATION
Sydney is a compact city. You can easily explore the town on foot as many attractions and shopping malls are within walking distance from each other. In the downtown area, you can also get to main attractions like Darling Harbour, Chinatown and Sydney Fish Market by monorail, lightrail, buses, ferries and taxis. There are various types of Travel Passes available. The Sydney Pass for instance (from A$85) offers three days unlimited travel by bus, train or ferry in and around Sydney. Family passes are also available. Other tourist passes include the Sydney Explorer and the Bondi Explorer. For more information, check with the Visitor Centre or log on to www.131500.com.au

FAST FACTS
Sydney is the capital of New South Wales, the most populated state in Australia.
Residents refer to themselves as Sydneysiders.
Modern Australian cuisine (or Mod Oz) was pioneered in Sydney. It is a blend of Italian, French, Asian and Australian influences.
The city was named after Viscount Sydney, then Secretary of State in Great Britain.

OTHER USEFUL TIPS
If you intend to rent a car in Australia, don’t forget to bring along your home country’s driving license. Check with your travel agent if you need to convert your home driving license to an international driving license.
Camera film is expensive in Australia. It’s best to get your rolls from your home country.
All food items must be declared at customs. Travelling with baby? Infant milk powder should not be opened.
Tipping is not obligatory in Australia. However, if you’ve received exceptional or warm service, a tip will always be appreciated.
When planning a holiday in Sydney, make sure to work in a weekend – markets like Rocks and Paddys only operate on Saturdays and Sundays.

MUST-DOs IN SYDNEY
- Do the BridgeClimb : www.bridgeclimb.com.au
- Visit the Sydney Opera House : www.sydneyoperahouse.com
- Darling Harbour - www.darlingharbour.com.au
- Sydney Tower + OzTrek : www.sydneytower.com.au

AMONG PLACES TO VISIT…
- Weekend Markets
Weekend markets are a great place to pick up unique arts and crafts, fashion and accessories. Check out Paddy’s Market (Thurs – Sun) in Chinatown for gifts and souvenirs, the Rocks Markets (Sat – Sun) for arts and crafts or Paddington Market (Sat only) which is the base for Sydney’s young fashion and art up-starts. Don’t miss shopping at the charming Queen Victoria Building and the department stores like Grace Brothers and David Jones at Pitt Street Mall.

- Cruising on the Sydney Harbour
Explore one of the world’s most spectacular harbour. Take a scenic Sydney Harbour cruise or for a little more thrills, try the Harbour Jet boat ride. Or better yet, go sailing. The blue sky, clear water, cool sea breeze plus spectacular sunset will make this an unforgettable experience to be cherished.

- Sydney Fish Market
Sydney Fish Market is the largest wholesale seafood market in the Southern Hemisphere with the freshest and cheapest seafood you can find. Tuck into a sumptuous seafood meal here or you can even get it packed to take home on the plane!

OFFICIAL WEBSITE
www.sydneyaustralia.com/sg