Sydney Travel Guide

Fast facts

Sydney - Fast Facts

Sydney is one of the world's favourite cities. Endowed with a sparkling harbour, dazzling beaches and a sunny, Mediterranean climate, its setting alone has guaranteed Sydney is a place among the most glamorous cities on the planet.

FAST FACTS

1. Climate:

Sydney enjoys a temperate climate year-round. It has four distinct seasons, with summer running from December to February and winter extending from June to August. Sydney’s sub-tropical climate gives average temperatures ranging from 16°C in the winter months to 26°C in summer.

Distance from airport to city centre: 12 km

2. Time Zone:

Summer Time GMT plus 11 hours (October to March) Winter Time GMT plus 10 hours (March to October)

3. Daylight Hours:

Summer: Sunrise approx. 0530-0600 Sunset approx. 1930-2000 Winter: Sunrise approx. 0700 Sunset approx. 1700-1730

4. Currency:

Australian Dollar (A$) = 100 cents

All major credit cards are widely accepted in Australia. Visit the XE.com Universal Currency Converter

5. Shopping opening hours:

General opening hours are:
Monday to Wednesday, Friday, Saturday 0900 to 1800
Thursday 0900 to 2100
Sunday 1100 to 1700

Most grocery stores have extended trading hours with some operating 24 hours/7 days a week.

6. Banks:

General opening hours are: Monday to Thursday 0930 to 1600
Friday 0930 to 1700
Saturday Some banks are open in the morning
Sunday Closed
Automatic Teller Machines (ATM’s) are available at many places in the city and in restaurants and pubs, offering 24-hour banking.

7. National/International Telephone Calls

To Sydney:
National 02 + number International 0061 + 2 + number
From Sydney:
National Area code + number International 0011 + country code + area code + number

8. Useful phone numbers:

Emergency/Ambulance/Police 000
CityRail Transport Info Line 131 500
Taxis Combined Service 133 300

9. Tipping:

It is common to tip at a restaurant to show your appreciation for the food or service. For taxis, tipping up to the nearest dollar is also occasionally practised.

10. Electricity:

Electrical Supply: 240 volts, 50 Hz
3 pin plugs are used, although an adapter is required
Most hotels provide 110 volt outlets for shavers

11. Public holidays:

• New Year’s Day 1 Jan
• Australia Day 26 Jan
• Good Friday
• Easter Monday
• Anzac Day 25 April
• Queen’s Birthday June
• Labour Day October
• Christmas Day 25 Dec
• Boxing Day 26 Dec

12. Population:

Sydney – approx. 4.2 million New South Wales – approx 6.7 million

13. Must-Do Attractions:

• Sydney Darling Harbour
• Sydney Opera House
• Sydney Harbour Bridge
• Chinatown
• Australian Museum
• Star City Casino
• Sydney Beaches