Page 222 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Sydney

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Travellers with
Special Needs Sydney Time
Sydney infrastructure largely Sydney is in the Australian Eastern Standard Time zone (AEST).
caters to the needs of the Daylight saving in New South Wales starts on the last Sunday in
disabled. The public transport October and finishes on the last Sunday in March. The Northern
network has been developed Territory, Queensland and Western Australia do not observe
to accommodate people with daylight saving, so check time differences when you are there.
mobility disabilities, with specially Hours
adapted buses, trains and ferries. City and Country + or − AEST
Accessible buses run on most Adelaide (Australia) −½
routes, with the body of the Brisbane (Australia) same
bus lowered to allow people in Canberra (Australia) same
wheel chairs access to the vehicle. Darwin (Australia) −½
There is also priority seating for Hobart (Australia) same
those with a disability, and bus Melbourne (Australia) same
−2
hand rails and steps are marked Perth (Australia) −9
London (UK)
with bright-yellow paint to assist Los Angeles (USA) −17
the visually impaired. All Light Singapore −2
Rail stations are also wheel chair Toronto (Canada) −14
accessible, as are many train
stations and ferry wharves. The
Transport Infoline (see p233) has Travelling with Children Student Travellers
details on disabled access at Sydney is an easy city to explore Student travellers carrying the
each station and bus stop. with children. There are many International Student Identity
For the visually impaired, push beaches, several wildlife parks Card (ISIC) are eligible for
buttons at traffic lights emit a (two either in or very near the discounts in many museums,
series of beeps to indicate when city centre) and plenty of fun theatres and cinemas, as well as
the pedestrian light has turned attractions to keep families discounted air fares and 15 per
green and it is safe to cross. entertained, plus parks and cent off interstate coach travel.
Museums, many hotels and gardens such as the Darling Overseas visitors who are full-
some major sights cater to the Quarter Kids Playground (see time students can buy an ISIC
less mobile, including those in pp94–5). Public transport and card (which comes with a guide
wheelchairs, as well as people most attractions offer cheaper book) for A$25 from Sydney
with other disabilities. It is still tickets for children and many branches of STA Travel.
advisable to phone all sights in offer discount family tickets. Non-students aged 30 or
advance to check on facilities. Several free festivals and events under can take advantage of
For detailed information on are held in the city and tourist the same discounts with an
accessible services and venues, areas, like Sydney Festival (see International Youth Travel
Access Sydney is available from p51) and Sculpture by the Sea Card (IYTC) through the
Spinal Cord Injuries Australia (see p50), that appeal to families. same provider.
(see p173). A map and directory Details can be found at the
for those with limited mobility Sydney Visitor Centre and are Gay and Lesbian
can be obtained from the City often publi cised in the free
of Sydney One-Stop Shop monthly publica tion, Sydney’s Travellers
behind Sydney Town Hall. Child (www.childmags.com.au). Sydney is an ultra gay-friendly
city with many gay bars and
nightclubs. It also hosts the
annual Sydney Gay and Lesbian
Mardi Gras, which attracts
thousands of international
visitors and a vast TV audience.
The hub of Sydney’s gay
community is Oxford Street,
Darlinghurst (on the city’s
eastern fringe, see pp118–23).
There are several gay
newspapers including the
Sydney Star Observer and
Lesbians on the Loose, with
online editions found at
www.starobserver.com.au
and www.LOTL.com. Pride
Centre is a not-for-profit
Entrance gates with wheelchair access at Circular Quay railway station organization supporting the

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