| Districts: | Circular Quay | City Center | Coogee Beach | Darling Harbour | Glebe/Ultimo | Kingsford Smith Airport | North Sydney | Potts Point | The Rocks | West |
 | Destination: |
Sydney, Australia Hotels and City Guide
Sydney Hotels and Sydney Guide with Sydney maps, top attractions, room reservations and hotel deals at a wide range of the best Sydney hotelsSydney - Travel Tips
When to Visit Sydney
When planning a fun beach vacation, it is helpful to know when summer is! The seasons in Australia are the complete opposite of those in the northern hemisphere – which is why it is such a popular destination in January. When those in the United States, Canada, or Europe want to escape the cold, dreary weather of January, Sydney offers hot and sunny weather. Spring is from September to November, with summer following until the end of February. The fall is March through May, and winter is June through August. Most travelers opt to go in late spring through early fall, making the city bustling and busy. Winter is considered off-peak season, but you will likely find the city busy with visitors, though prices are typically a bit lower.
Local Holidays
New Year’s Day (January 1)
Australia Day (January 26)
Good Friday (March/April, Friday before Easter)
Easter Monday (March/April, Monday after Easter)
ANZAC Day (April 25)
Christmas (December 25)
Note: In addition to these national holidays, New South Wales, of which Sydney is part, celebrates regional holidays. During the following holidays, stores in Sydney may be closed while business remain open in other Australian districts.
Easter Saturday (March/April, Saturday before Easter)
Queen’s Birthday (Second Monday in June)
Bank Holiday (First Monday in August)
Labour Day (First Monday in October)
Boxing Day (December 26)
Visas and Passports
To travel in Australia, you will need a valid passport and a visa. For visitors staying for less than three months, the ETA Visitor Visa is appropriate. The eVisitors option is for those traveling to Australia for business or pleasure for up to three months and are from the European Union and many other European countries. The Tourist Visa allows visitors to stay for three, six, or 12 months. The Sponsored Family Visitor Visa is for those who will be visiting family in Australia for no more than one year. You must have a formal sponsorship from an Australian resident or permanent resident. For questions on your particular needs, visit http://www.immi.gov.au/visitors/tourist/visa-options.htm.
Local Customs & Language (including Tipping)
Customs
Sydney’s atmosphere is very casual and friendly. You will find most residents are happy to assist you with direction or suggestions during your visit. Australians work some of the longest hours of any industrialized nation and take their businesses very seriously: they are direct and to-the-point, in stark contrast to countries like Turkey who use preliminary meetings solely for socialization. Be direct also and courteous.
Language
English is the primary language spoken in Sydney, though you will find regionalisms mixed in, and the language is more akin to British English than American English.
Tipping
Tips are not generally expected in Sydney, with the possible exception of wait staff. A ten percent tip is sufficient, and they will usually expect one if you are and American. Other than that, it is nice to tip your baggage handler $1 or $2, and round up the fare on taxi rides in lieu of a tip.
Health and Security
Sydney is generally very safe, but you always have to be cautious when traveling. Be protective of your money, travel documents, and wallet as pickpockets sometimes roam the crowds. It is smart to travel with a companion at night, and if you are going to use the rail system, sit in the car closest to the guard. Women, especially, will want to exercise caution when out at night, particularly at bars and clubs. Sydney suburbs, Redfern and Lakemba, as well as some areas in the south-west, have high crime rates. If you travel outside the city, ask a local about which streets to steer clear of.
Disabled Travelers
Sydney is generally very accessible to disabled travelers, particularly at the Sydney Airport where they have special parking lots and accommodations. Public transportation is in the process of being modernized, but disabled travelers will be able to get around the city. If you have questions about your particular needs, contact the Access Foundation, Suite 6, The Cooperage, 56 Bowman Street, Pyrmont NSW, 2009 (+61.02.9692.9322 or +61.02.9692.9100).
Tax Refunds
Tax refunds are calculated by dividing your total purchases (must be at least $300 from a single retailer) by 11. At shops participating in the Global Tax Refund, ask for a receipt, which will state the amount you spent and the date of your transaction. Bring this to the airport before your departure to claim your refund. There are some rules and regulations, so visit TRS to ensure you get your taxes back.
Hotels in Sydney, Australia
 |  | The Observatory Hotel89-113 Kent Street Millers Point, Sydney, Australia  Hotel Description: An orient-express hotel built in 1993 and superbly located in the Rocks District. The Observatory Hotel is an ideal location for both business and pleasure. The Rocks District is the heart of Sydney's leisure attractions featuring... More » |    |  |
|  | InterContinental Sydney Hotel117 Macquarie Street,Sydney,New South Wales 2000,Australia Welcome to the InterContinental Sydney Hotel, located next to Sydney landmarks such as the Royal Botanic Gardens and Circular Quay. The InterContinental Sydney Hotel is the ideal hotel for those who are travelling to Sydney and offers travellers access to the very best... More » |  | |
|  | Best Western Ashfields Philip Ldg Mtl156 Parramatta Road, Ashfield, Sydney, 2131, Australia  The Best Western Ashfields Philip Lodge Motel is located within an easy drive to Sydney's Olympic site and sporting complex, Sydney Entertainment Centre and Darling Harbour. It offers queen size beds and spa rooms, executive rooms, with some family units available. For... More » |  | |
|  | Best Western Hotel Stellar4 Wentworth Avenue, Sydney, NSW 2000, Australia Ideally located in the heart of Sydney, the Best Western Stellar Suites Wentworth Syndey Hotel is a charming retreat offering affordable luxury, which is appealing to both business and leisure travellers. In a location of convenience, the Best Western Stellar Suites... More » | | |
 | Marriott Sydney Harbour at Circular Quay 30 Pitt Street, Sydney, NW, Australia |
 | 7 Hickson Road The Rocks Sydney NSW 2000 Australia |
 | 488 George Street, Sydney, Australia |
 | Clarion Suites Southern Cross On Harbour Hotel Darling Harbour Cnr Harbour St & Goulburn St,Sydney,Australia |
 | Crowne Plaza Coogee Beach, Sydney Corner Arden&Carr Streets,Coogee Beach,Sydney, NSW,2034 AUSTRALIA |
| 150 Day Street,Sydney,2000 AUSTRALIA |
| 1 Columbia Court, 2153, Baulkham Hills |
| 30 Phillip Street,PO Box 254,Parramatta NSW,2150 Australia |
 | Quality Suites Southern Cross Sydney Corner Wentworth Ave &,Sydney,Australia |
 | 61-101 Phillip Street, 2000 Sydney, Australia |
 | 68 Market Street Sydney, NSW 2000 Australia |
| Best Western Lidcombe Motor Inn Cnr Mark & Taylor Streets, Sydney, 2141, Australia |
| 260 Pacific Hwy, Artarmon, Sydney, 2064, Australia |
 | Grand Mercure Apartments One Darling Harbour 50 Murray Street, Darling Harbour, 2000 Sydney, Australia |
 | Holiday Inn Darling Harbour Hotel 68 Harbour Street, Darling Harbour,PO Box K1205, Haymarket 1240,Sydney NSW,2000 AUSTRALIA |
| 55 George Street, Sydney, NSW 2000 Australia |
| Holiday Inn Potts Point, Sydney 203 Victoria Street,Potts Point,Sydney,2011 AUSTRALIA |
| Cnr Railway and Sherbrooke Streets,Rooty Hill,Sydney NSW,2766 AUSTRALIA |
| Holiday Inn Sydney Airport Hotel Bourke Road and O’riordan Street,,Sydney 2020,,Australia, |
| 383-389 Bulwara Road, Ultimo, 2007 Sydney, Australia |
| 818-820 George Street, Po Box 7082, Nsw, 2000 Sydney, Australia |
 | Cnr Grand Pde And Princess St, 2216 Brighton Le Sands, Australia |
| Novotel Sydney Darling Harbour 100 Murray Street, Darling Harbour, 2009 Pyrmont, Australia |
 | 70 Murray Street, Darling Harbour, 2000 Sydney, Australia |
| 382 -384 Pitt Street Sydney 2000 Australia |
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