Page 221 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Sydney

PR A C TIC AL INFORM A TION  219

booklets available on stands just
before the duty­free shops and
customs area and in the arrivals
hall of Sydney Airport (see p229).
If you have any questions or need
directions, volunteer Airport
Ambassadors offer assistance.
They are identifiable by their
bright­blue jackets (Mandarin­
speaking ambassadors wear
red jackets) and can be found
throughout the international
departures and arrivals terminals,
the domestic arrivals terminal,
and at the information desks. Public toilets with brightly painted murals
There is a Commissionaire Desk Opening Hours
in the domestic departures Sydney also operates self­
terminal for passengers Although opening hours vary, cleaning automatic public toilets
requiring wheelchair assistance. the majority of museums and with visits capped at 20 minutes
galleries are open from 10am to in busy areas. Check www.city
5pm daily, except on Good Friday ofsydney.nsw.gov.au/explore/
and Christmas Day. Smaller facilities/public­toilets for
galleries are usually closed on details. Baby changing fac ili ties
Mondays. The Art Gallery of are also quite common, partic­
New South Wales is open until ularly in department stores and
10pm every Wednesday and the major museums and galleries.
Museum of Contemporary Art Clean drinking fountains can
(see p75) stays open until 9pm be found throughout the city.
on Thursdays. Museums, galleries
and other attractions are often at Taxes and Tipping
their busiest at week ends.
The striking sandstone entrance to the Australia has a 10 per cent
Art Gallery of New South Wales Goods and Services Tax (GST),
Etiquette and Smoking
Admission Prices While Sydney society is generally included in the listed price.
If travellers spend more than
Most of Sydney’s museums, laid back, there are a few rules A$300 in one store (even across
gal leries and historic houses to follow. Eating and drinking multiple transactions), they can
charge a reasonable admission is prohibited on public claim back the GST when they
fee, usually A$8–12. The Art transport. There are no real leave Australia – this is known
Gallery of New South Wales (see dress codes – casual and smart­ as the Tourist Refund Scheme
pp110–13) is free but charges for casual are the most common (TRS). Refunds are available at
special exhib itions. Family attrac­ approaches. Topless bathing is the airport and at cruise­line
tions such as zoos and wildlife accepted on many beaches, but terminals. All goods must either
parks are more expensive, often not at public swimming pools. be carried as hand luggage or
A$20–60. However, cheaper Smoking is banned in all public worn (unless they are liquids,
family passes are usually avail­ venues, including beaches, which must be unopened
able on the company’s website. playgrounds, restaurants, pubs and packed in your checked
A multi­attraction pass offers and bars, but many clubs have baggage). It is advisable to
big savings for those planning designated covered outdoor allow extra time at the airport
to visit SEA LIFE Sydney areas (often accessed via corri­ or port to make your claim,
Aquarium (see p98), WILD LIFE dors) where smoking is allowed. although you can use the
Sydney Zoo (see p99), Sydney mobile app or website to
Tower Eye (see p85) and other make the process faster. For
Merlin Entertainment Group Accessibility to Public more information, check the
Conveniences
venues. Buy tickets in advance Australian Customs and Border
online for further discounts. Free public toilets can be found Protection website.
Student and senior conces­ in Sydney’s galleries and mus­ Although tipping is optional,
sions are available at many eums, department stores and it is the custom to leave about
attractions on presentation of all bus and railway stations. They 10 per cent for good service in
an official international ID card. are generally well serviced and restaurants (see p181) and to
The Sydney Living Museums clean. A national public toilets leave any small change for
Pass, valid for one month, allows map at www.toiletmap.gov.au bartenders and taxi drivers.
one­time entry to the 12 member is a useful way to locate the Most small cafés have a tip jar
museums and historic houses. nearest convenience. The City of on the counter for gratuities.

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