Australia's biggest, oldest and, arguably, most exciting city is a must-see on any visit Down Under. Sydney is lively, friendly and easy to get around. Holidays in Sydney are, like the city itself, focused round a spectacular harbour where you can stroll, shop and eat within viewing distance of Sydney's eye catching and iconic Opera House. Sydney has a fair range of accommodation from budget to luxury hotels. Spend a few days here and it's easy to see why Sydney has become Australia's most popular tourist destination. Sydney was also host to the hugely successful 2000 Olympic Games.
Friendly, fun holidays
Beaches
Sydney Opera House
Botanical Gardens
Harbour Life
Shopping
Eating out
Heated debates about summer 2005 and England, Australia and the Ashes. That one still hurts.
UK passport holders will need a visa for holidays in Sydney. They are not difficult to obtain and can be arranged electronically. Make sure you have at least six months left on your passport by the time you intend your trip to end. Importing illegal substances and any form of trafficking is a serious offence in Australia, punishable by lengthy jail sentences. When you swim, always observe the flags and obey instructions from lifeguards.
Weather in Sydney is usually excellent for holidays with more than 300 days of sun a year. The average minimum temperature in winter - June to August - is around 9°C/48°F.The sun is very strong.
Flights to Sydney from London take around 21 hours.
Motorists drive on the left. If you hire a car you need to carry your driving licence and passport (or copy) at all times. The blood alcohol level limit is 0.05 per cent for experienced drivers and zero for young drivers and those with a provisional licence. Penalties are severe. You don’t necessarily need a car for holidays centred in Sydney.