Page 134 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Australia

132  SY DNEY
GETTING AROUND SYDNEY

The best way to see the city’s sights and ferries provide a fast and scenic means of travel
attractions is on foot, coupled with public between the city and the many harbourside
transport. Buses and trains serve the suburbs suburbs. An Opal smartcard makes it easy to
and outlying areas as well as the inner city. The pay for travel on all forms of public transport.
Sydney Light Rail links the downtown area to Transport NSW has an excellent online and
the inner west, while a new line out to south­ mobile trip planner for public transport; the
eastern suburbs will open in 2019. Passenger Infoline is the telephone version of the service.

Driving in Sydney at top-up machines at stations
Driving is not the ideal way to and wharves. Users must tap on
get around Sydney: the roads are and off each journey; the tap pad
confusing, traffic is congested shows the remaining balance.
and parking can be dear. If using After eight paid journeys in
a car, avoid peak hours (about a week (running Mon–Sun),
7:30–9:30am and 4–7:30pm). remaining journeys are half-
Overseas visitors can use price. When daily and weekly
their usual driving licences to fare caps are reached, travel is
drive in Sydney. Cycling in Centennial Park free for the rest of the day or
Parking in Sydney is strictly week. The daily and weekly fare
regulated, with fines for any Walking caps for adults are $15 and $60
infringements. There are many Take care when walking around respectively, half that for children
car parks in and around the city. the city. Vehicles are driven on and concession. There is a $2.50
Also look for blue and white “P” the left. For safety, only cross the fare cap on Sundays.
signs or metered parking zones. roads at designated crossings. Opal single-trip tickets for
Push-button crossings with walk trains, ferries and light rail are
signals or countdown timers are available from ticket machines
Taxis found at traffic lights. Pedestrian at selected stations and
Taxis are plentiful in the city: crossings are marked by thick wharves. Opal single trip bus
there are many taxi ranks and white stripes across the road. tickets can be purchased from
taxis are often found outside the driver on board, except on
large hotels. Meters indicate pre-pay bus services, which
the fare plus any extras, such as Tickets includes all city centre buses.
booking fees and waiting time. Travelling on public transport
A 20 per cent night tariff applies requires a pre-paid Opal card or DIRECTORY
from 10pm. Book wheelchair- Opal single-trip ticket. Opal
accessible taxis with any major cards can be used on all public Useful Information
taxi company. Uber is also transport but not for private, Bicycle New South Wales
available via the app. sightseeing and Fast Ferry ser- Tel (02) 9704 0800.
vices including to Fort Denison. ∑ bicyclensw.org.au
The Opal card has to be pre-
Sydney by Bicycle loaded with money, from $10 for Opal
Cycling is permitted on all city adults, $5 for children. There is no Tel 13 65 25. ∑ opal.com.au
and suburban roads, but stay in charge for the card itself. Register Sydney & Bondi Explorer
designated cycling tracks or areas the card online to check balan- ∑ theaustralianexplorer.
with light motor traffic. Helmets ces, top up and block it if it is lost. com.au
are compulsory by law. Cyclists It can be topped up wherever Sydney Buses
can find GPS-based ride routes cards are sold (including conven- ∑ sydneybuses.info
from Bicycle New South Wales. ience stores and newsagents) or
Sydney Buses Transit Shop
Circular Quay
For Hire light Taxi licence number Opposite Wharf 5. Map 1 B3.
Tel (02) 9244 1990.
Sydney Trains
∑ sydneytrains.info
Transport Infoline and
Mobile App
Tel 13 15 00.
∑ transportnsw.info
∑ transportnsw.info/apps
Taxi company name Driver’s photo licence