Sydney Location

Sydney Time Zone

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Sydney lies within the temperate region and has a moderate climate that, unlike other parts of Australia, doesn’t get too hot or too cold.

Seasons

The seasons in the southern hemisphere are the reverse of the seasons in the northern hemisphere.

Being in a temperate zone, the seasons are not as pronounced nor as prolonged as many other parts of the world.

Summer (Dec, Jan, Feb)

During summer, the average temperature is around 24 degrees Celsius (75 degrees Fahrenheit)

Winter (Jun, Jul, Aug)

During winter, the average temperatures is around 12 degrees Celsius (53 degrees Fahrenheit)

Average Sydney Temperature and Rainfall

Rainfall

Rainfall is lowest during Spring 74millimetres (3 inches) per month and highest during Autumn (Fall) with 126 millimetres (5 inches) month. Average annual rainfall is 1200mm per year.

Sun Protection

The Australia sun is strong and can quickly cause skin damage.

Health authorities recommend avoiding excessive exposure to the sun and using a hat and high-protection sun creams on unprotected parts of the body when out and about.

UV-protection sunglasses are also recommended.

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Money Matters

Australian Currency

Australian note denominations come in $5, $10, $20, $50 and $100 dollar bills while our coinage consists of 5¢, 10¢, 20¢, 50¢, $1.00 and $2.00 pieces. (Note: the $2.00 coin is smaller than the $1.00 coin)

The notes are made of a plastic compound which, with several imbedded security technologies, makes them extremely difficult to forge. They also last much longer than paper notes. This Australian technology is now being used with other currencies.

Note: One and two cent coins are no longer in circulation. Shops still charge odd amounts (e.g. $2.99) but the law requires the TOTAL bill to be rounded to the nearest 5 cents. For example: $1.97 is rounded down to $1.95 and $1.98 is rounded up to $2.00

Travellers Cheques and Foreign Currency

Traveller's cheques are usually only accepted in major hotels and large stores and even more difficult to exchange if the cheques are in a foreign currency.

You’ll find it easier (and possibly far less expensive) to cash your cheques at a bank or Bureau de Change. Note: rates may vary from bank to bank.

Foreign notes and coins should also be exchanged at banks or bureaus for similar reasons.

Credit and Debit/Charge Cards

Visa and MasterCard are perhaps the most widely accepted cards in Australia. Apart from the usual merchants, many doctors, dentists and service stations accept Visa and MasterCard also.

American Express and Diners Club are also well received particularly in restaurants, department stores and specialty shops.

JBC cards are primarily used in hotels and restaurants where there’s a high Japanese customer base.

Note: The American Discover Card is not accepted in Australia.

It's therefore advisable not to rely on the lesser-accepted cards alone.

Note: Most retailers prefer you to pay cash for small purchases and some may have a minimum purchase limit (e.g. $5 or $10) before they’ll accept a credit card as payment.

Taxes

Taxes are included in the price of goods and services purchased.

Some receipts will show the amount of tax paid while others won’t. If the amount of tax isn’t shown, simply divide the total by 11 to find out how much tax has been included in the price.

NB: Generally speaking, there’s no tax on fresh foods, education or health care.

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Weights and Measures (Metrics)

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Hours and Holidays

Business Hours

Business hours (generally) from 9am until 5pm Monday to Friday.

Retail Hours

Post Office Hours

Public Holidays

School Holidays

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Driving

Etiquette

Tipping

Tipping is not as established in Australia as it is in many other Western countries.

Most hotel and restaurant staff do not expect to be tipped by everyone (though they may hope for one). Only in the more expensive establishments is a 10-15% tip expected ($2.00 for bell boys/girls).

In most day-to-day dealings, you’ll find pub staff are content with loose change while it’s common to “round-up” the charge to the nearest dollar or two with taxi drivers depending their helpfulness.

Smoking

Smoking is increasingly becoming unacceptable in Australia and is banned in most closed public spaces, on government transport (bus, rail and ferry) and in government and corporate buildings. Restaurants, bars and pubs often have smoking and non-smoking areas.

If you smoke -- look around for signs or ask the staff about their smoking policy before you light up to avoid embarrassment.

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Links

Sydney Hotels and Accommodation

This is a Sydney accommodation directory that offers a wide variety of accommodation types in Sydney. So if you're a cost conscious backpacker or someone seeking a luxury 5 star hotel, have a look at this excellent directory.

Sydney Serviced Apartments

The Sydney Serviced Apartment Directory provides quality serviced apartments in premier locations. Our selection includes harbour and city apartments, apartments for family and business, and both long and short stay apartments in Sydney.

Long Term Executive and Holiday Accommodation

Looking for long term serviced executive apartment or self-serviced, fully furnished, holiday apartment accommodation for your stay in Sydney? This site will give some good options.

New Year Eve Accommodation in Sydney

Sydney's spectacular fireworks display on New Years Eve attracts many visitors to Australia's capital city. If you are thinking of joining the celebrations, this site offers some good accommodation options for your Sydney stay.

Gay & Lesbian Accommodation in Sydney Australia

Sydney has a thriving Gay and Lesbian community and as such many Gay and Lesbian travellers to Sydney are enticed to enjoy its many attractions. This site offers good gay friendly Sydney accommodation options. 

Gay & Lesbian Accommodation in Cairns Australia

Gay and Lesbian accommodation in Cairns Australia – gay hotels, motels, lodging, bed and breakfast and luxury resort accommodation in Cairns Australia -- the heart of beautiful, tropical North Queensland.

Sydney Gay and Lesbian Tours, Cruises , Parties and Events.

Gay and Lesbian tours, cruises, parties and events in Sydney Australia – Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras parties and cruises, and other queer events during the Mardi Gras, Sleaze Ball and Pride season.

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