Travel resources

Travel Resources

Arriving by air

Your flights to Sydney should be a time spent in rest and relaxation and not needlessly worrying about where one can stay in comfortable and clean accommodations in the city of Sydney. Sydney being the most populous city in Australia with over 7 million visitors in 2010 alone, worrying about a good place to stay is a valid concern as you will be competing with a large number of tourists and visitors for quality accommodation in the city. We aim to help tourists and first time visitors to Sydney in their search for a place to stay with a compilation of budget hostels and lowcost backpacker offers for those of you who are on a tight budget.

Sydney Airport at Mascot, to the south of the city, is the main port of entry for overseas visitors on direct flights. The airport also handles the majority of domestic passenger arrivals. The airport is 11 km (7 mi) from Sydney’s CBD. There are taxis, a rail service, and bus services (including Sydney Airporter (9666 9988) that travel into the city every 20–30 minutes for $12), as well as car rental outlets. Cityrail trains take 15 minutes from the airport to central Sydney, and costs $14 for a one-way trip.

When to go

Summer is the best time to visit Sydney, when festivals and celebrations are happening all over the city – the Sydney Festival and New Year’s Eve at the Rocks – plus it’s perfect weather for a visit to the beach, walks in the many beautiful parks and gardens, and a ferry trip on the harbour.

Arriving by air

Arriving by sea

Not the most common means by which to arrive in Sydney, although the city is a very popular port for cruise liners. Sydney’s Overseas Passenger Terminal, at Circular Quay, services cruise ships.

Arriving by bus

Bus travel is often more expensive than flying, but buses are nevertheless one of the best ways to see more of Australia on your way to Sydney. Country and interstate buses pick up and depart from the Transit Centre at the Eddy Avenue side of Central Station. Daylight and overnight buses arrive each day from Melbourne and Brisbane and usually take between 8 and 12 hours respectively. The main interstate carrier is Greyhound Australia (1300 473 946 www.greyhound.com.au).

Arriving by train

Country and interstate trains (13 2232 www.countrylink.info) travel to and around New South Wales and offer a comfortable, if slower, way to see the state and other parts of Australia. The Countrylink trains arrive at Central Station, part of the metropolitan train system's underground City Loop service. Countrylink XPT train service from Melbourne to Sydney takes around 10-11 hours.

Arriving by car

Car hire is inexpensive in Australia and is a popular way for families to save money on inter-capital travel. The main highways between cities are excellent. Sydney and larger regional centres have several car rental firms, offering a variety of vehicles and deals. You must be at least 25 years old, and you can pay additional fees to have the insurance excess waived. The main rental companies are Avis, Budget, Europcar, Hertz, National and Thrifty.

Seasons

Many people dream about moving to a foreign country, for a variety of reasons. Some are looking for action and adventure, while others are interested in finding a job abroad. Some people believe they will manage to save more money if they relocate. Whatever your motive is, you must never forget about one thing: taxes.

Every country has a different set of rules to follow when it comes to the payment of taxes. You will have to be careful when deciding what part of the world and what country you decide to relocate your business. The question of how to invest your money is the harder part for some, as doing business in another market with a different set of rules and regulations for operating a business and with high tax rates may lead some to be strapped for cash and needing invoice finance services from a reliable factoring company for continuance of day to day operations.

There are only several countries in the world that would stoop low enough to tax their citizens (regardless of where they live and work). One of the countries is Libya. Guess what country is also in this group? The United States of America. Imagine, you are self-employed and live in, say Phuket, Thailand, where you’ve been for several years. Do you have to pay taxes to fight wars, build roads, pay politicians’ salaries back home, and subsidize farms in America, simply because you hold a USA passport? The federal government certainly thinks you do, and is more than willing to either hunt you down, or wait for you to finally show up. Luckily, there are ways to emigrate and take your hard-earned funds with you – and never look back.

Useful web sites

Most hostels in Sydney will have internet access in the rooms, an area with wireless connections for laptops, or an online computer set up in the lobby.

Tourist Information

Australian Travel Specialists 9555 2700
Sydney Visitor Information The Rocks 9255 1788
Taxi Combined Services 133 300
Sydney Ferries
Country Link 9379 1098
Discount Car Rentals 9389 7377

Emergencies

Police, ambulance or fire: 000
Sydney Hospital Emergency: 9382 7111
Dental emergency: 9369 7050
Emergency prescription service: 9235 0333
Lifeline: 131 114
Poisons Information: 913 1444