Glistening, vibrant and dynamic and set on one of the world’s most stunning harbours, the sun-soaked, beach-strewn metropolis of Sydney is the epitome of easygoing Aussie living. With famous sights such as the iconic Harbour Bridge, Opera House and Bondi Beach to the myriad small, bustling bars and hidden art galleries, Sydney truly has something for all taste.
Sydney is a thriving centre for both business and the arts with a buzzing, cosmopolitan scene and a busy social calendar. Summer events include NYE party, Australia Day celebrations, Sydney Festival, followed by Mardi Gras and Vivid in winter, so plan ahead if you are visiting at this time as hotels are usually heavily booked.
Sydney’s laid-back outdoor lifestyle and physical allure make it one of the world’s easiest and most pleasant cities to visit. The people who live here are a friendly, energetic bunch. When it comes to which city is Australia’s true global city, there’s no argument. It’s Sydney – with its sense of style, its love of sport and exuberant celebrations all year round. The city has a wide-ranging cultural life, dynamic food scene and vibrant cityscape of outstanding contemporary and colonial architecture. Iconic beaches and five major national parks deliver unforgettable experiences.
Climate
The temperate climate delivers warm summers and very mild winters you can enjoy the city year-round. This warm climate attracts people to Sydney’s iconic beaches, most notably Bondi and Manly, almost all year round.
Local business etiquette and customs
Office hours are Monday to Friday, while retail remains open seven days. It is normal to conduct meetings over coffee or a meal and tipping is not compulsory.
TRAVEL AND TRANSPORT
Sydney’s public transport system features a comprehensive network of bus, train and ferry services. Privately-operated light rail lines, airport links, sightseeing buses and taxi services complement the network.
Note: Due to the building of Sydney’s new light rail, sections of George Street in the city will be closed till 2018 so please check transport options on arrival.
A free Sydney CBD shuttle bus (Route 555) operates every 10 minutes from 9.30 – 3.30 on a circuit from Central Station to Circular Quay. If you are working in the city, it is the perfect way to travel across town.
Airport Link trains operate from all City Circle stations to the domestic (T2 and T3) and international terminals (T1) every 10 minutes or so. The trip will take approximately 20 to 40 minutes, depending on where you embark.
Dining
Sydney is a cosmopolitan city and its most exciting cuisine is fusion food, merging Asian, Middle Eastern, European and Pacific Rim dishes, often paired with home-grown wines.
In the CBD there are many fabulous eating places to suit all budgets, such as Café Sydney, a rooftop restaurant with sweeping harbour views serving modern Australian cuisine and cocktails. Mr Wong, China Lane, Felix Bistro, Opera Bar, Rockpool & Nomad are also great choices.
Recent liquor laws changes have resulted in a prolific rise in wine bars across the city which also offer food and a friendly vibe to dine alone. Areas close to the city such as Surry Hills, Potts Point and Woolloomooloo also offer some great eating choices.
Women’s network and events
Maiden Voyage’s partners, IWant2Network offer membership for the best professional networking groups and meetings, locally, nationally and all over the world. See what’s happening in Sydney and join IWant2Network here.
There are a number of networks that run regular women’s only events and if time permits you can review their event calendars on line.
Beauty and fitness
Most top hotels provide gym or pool facilities so please check their services when booking. Alternatively there are several 24 hours gyms in the city that allow casual members. If you prefer to walk or run, the Domain is a great place to see the Botanical Gardens or bring your bathers and swim laps at the Boy Charlton pool on the harbour.
Safety and emergency services
There are no special safety issues or customs to be observed in Sydney. There is little crime in the financial and urban core, day or night and as with any large city, take care after dark and exercise common sense.
Office hours are Monday to Friday, while retail remains open seven days. It is normal to conduct meetings over coffee or a meal and tipping is not compulsory.
