Bus

Hot and crowded yet ever-convenient
Word to the wise: A free CBD shuttle runs every ten minutes in a loop from Central Station to Circular Quay via Elizabeth and George Streets. Look for bus number 555.

Servicing nearly every conceivable destination in the city, buses are by far the best way to get around Sydney. Frustratingly for spur-of-the-moment types, tickets must be pre-purchased (look for the yellow symbol with a blue bus at convenience stores and newsagents) so you risk getting caught out if you don't plan ahead. For multiple trips, opt for a TravelTen.
Check the Sydney Buses webpage to plan your journey, and wait patiently in line at your designated stop (queue-jumpers are not tolerated). If you're unsure where to alight, let your driver know as you board and they'll call out at your stop.

Sydney also operates a Metrobus (look for the letter 'M' in front of the bus number) servicing the arterial routes in metropolitan Sydney that uses the same ticketing system as regular buses. Metrobuses run approximately every ten minutes to no fixed timetable.