Natural beauty and a wide variety of attractions combine to make New South Wales one of the world's most memorable destinations. Cosmopolitan Sydney is without doubt Australia's most exciting city with its majestic harbour and famous landmarks and is perfect contrast to the state's superb beaches, subtropical rain forests and national parks. Attractions not to be missed include the beautiful Blue Mountains and the lush vineyards of the Hunter Valley.
What To See
New South Wales is home to a wealth of diverse regional areas as well as Sydney. When people think of New South Wales, they often think of Sydney, Australia's largest city and one of the most beautiful cities in the world. However far from being all about Sydney, New South Wales is a blend of fascinating regions - the Hunter Valley, a picturesque landscape shaped by centuries of wine making to a long northern coastline with small relaxed towns such as Coffs Harbour and Port Stephens with wonderful golden beaches. The dramatic Blue Mountains National Park is renowned for it's spectacular rock formations and outstanding vistas.
Food & Drink
There are numerous speciality dishes and foods including Sydney rock oysters, barramundi (freshwater fish), tiger prawns, macadamia nuts and yabbies (small freshwater lobsters). Beef is the most popular meat and lamb is also of a high quality. There is a wide variety of excellent fruits and vegetables. Service is European-style and varies from waitress and waiter service to self-service. Bistros, cafes, family-style restaurants and 'pub' lunches at the counter offer good food at reasonable prices. Some restaurants will allow guests to bring their own alcohol and are called 'BYO' restaurants. Australia also offers an enormous variety of cuisines, including Italian, French, Greek, Spanish, Chinese, Vietnamese, Malaysian, Thai, Japanese, Indian, African, Lebanese and Korean. Australian wines are good and inexpensive. Beer is served chilled. Licensing hours in public bars are 1000-2200 Mon-Sat, however most pubs are open until 2400; Sunday hours vary. Drinking age is 18 years or over.
Shopping
Special purchases include excellent local wines; wool, clothing, leather and sheepskin products; opal and other precious or semi-precious stones; and modern art sculpture and paintings. Exhibitions of bark paintings, boomerangs and other tribal objects are on view and for sale. Many small shops are devoted to the sale of 'Australiana', where Australian souvenirs, ranging from T-shirts to boomerangs, can be bought.
Activities
The range of activity, adventure and special interest holidays is almost limitless. Options available include climbing the harbour bridge, self-drive and 4WD tours, diving, fishing, surfing, golf, skiing, flying and gliding, ballooning, cycling, rafting, pony trekking, bungee jumping, etc.
General Information(A-Z)
Airport
The international airport is Sydney International Airport located 5 miles (8km) from the city.
Climate
Sydney's climate is in its favour - the warmest months of December to February have an average maximum temperature of 26º Celsius. Being close to the ocean, hot days are often tempered by cooling sea breezes and evening temperatures are balmy - perfect for relaxed outdoor dining. June to August are the coolest months, with daytime temperatures rarely falling below 7º Celsius. Even on mid-winter days, with their bright blue, wide-open skies, an overcoat is usually not necessary in Sydney.
Clothing
Lightweight cotton and linen clothing is advised for much of year although warmer clothing is needed during the chilly evenings. Rainwear is advisable in any season.
Currency
The currency is the Australian Dollar (approx. 2.43A$ to £1).
Driving
Traffic drives on the left. Road signs are international. The speed limit is 60kph (35mph) in cities and towns and 80-110kph (50-68mph) on country roads and highways unless signs indicate otherwise. Seat belts must be worn at all times and driving licences must be in the driver's possession when driving. Distances between towns can be considerable, and apart from ensuring that all vehicles are in peak condition, it is advisable to carry spare water, petrol and equipment.
Electricity
220/240 volts AC, 50Hz. Three-pin plugs are in use, however sockets are different from those found in most countries and an adapter socket may be needed. Outlets for 110 volts for small appliances are found in most hotels.
Flying Time
Approximately 23½ hours from London.
Getting Around
Sydney has a Comprehensive public transport system with a good suburban rail network. Meter-operated taxis can be easily found. There is a minimum 'flagfall charge' and then a charge for the distance travelled. Taxi drivers do not expect to be tipped. A small additional payment may be required for luggage and telephone bookings. Some taxis accept payment by credit card. Over 40,000km (24,850 miles) of rail track cover the country.
Health
A yellow fever certificate is required from travellers over one year of age arriving within six days of leaving or transiting countries with infected areas. For the latest immunisation requirements please contact your GP.
Holidays
Jan 1 2005 New Year's Day. Jan 26 Australia Day. Mar 25-28 Easter. Apr 26 ANZAC Day. Jun 13 Queen's Birthday Celebrations. Oct 3 Labour Day. Dec 25-26 Christmas.
Language
The official language is English. Many other languages are retained by minorities, including Italian, German, Greek, Vietnamese, Chinese dialects and Aboriginal languages.
Opening Hours
Mon-Fri 0900-1700.
Time
GMT + 9
Tipping
Not as common as it is in Europe and America nor is a service charge added to the bill in restaurants. Ten per cent for food and drink waiters is usual in top-quality restaurants, but is optional elsewhere. With taxis it is usual not to tip but round up the cost to the next dollar.
Tourist Board
Australian Tourist Commission, Gemini House, 10-18 Putney Hill, London SW15 6AA, UK Tel: (020) 8780 2229 (trade enquiries only) or (0906) 863 3235 (brochure request line; calls cost 60p per minute). Fax: (020) 8780 1496. Opening hours: Mon-Fri 0900-1730.
Visa Requirements
A visa is required for UK passport holders. For other nationalities please check with the High Commission.
Australian High Commission
Australia House, The Strand, London WC2B 4LA, UK
Tel: (020) 7379 4334 or (09065) 508 900 (24-hour immigration and citizenship
enquiries; calls cost £1 per minute). Fax: (020) 7240 5333 or 7413 0653
(visa section).
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 0900-1720 (general); 0900-1100 (visa and immigration); 0930-1530 (passport).
Honorary Consulates in: Edinburgh (tel: (0131) 624 3333) and Manchester (tel: (0161) 237 9440).
Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) visas: The ETA is an electronically stored authority for travel to Australia that allows people from certain countries including the UK to visit Australia for up to three months for tourism, short-term business or elective study purposes. An ETA is invisible and therefore will not show up in your passport - please call EasyOzTravels for further details
Passport must be valid for at least 6 months after the return date.
