Know before you go

Five things you need to know about Sydney

Word to the wise: Refreshingly, Australians only expect tips for good service, more so at higher-brow establishments. Round up cab fares to the next dollar. 1. Sydney is enormous: The city spreads so wide it can take at least four hours to drive from north to south - much longer via the woeful public transport system. For most visitors, the CBD and Eastern Suburbs are the most convenient bases.


2. Restaurants are expensive: Aside from take-away kebabs, no-frills Thai and AUD 10 pub steaks, eating out is a luxury in Sydney. It can help to skip the wine, as the alcohol tax is astronomical.
3. Laws are tough: You can't smoke in, or even outside, restaurants and bars (or the beach) and you'll be fined for drinking in most public places.

4. First impressions count: Sydneysiders (in the east, at least) are a stylish bunch. Dress up for dinner, and more so for dancing. Jeans and trainers won’t get you far, especially after dark.

5. Nobody has a pet kangaroo: But you can see them at Taronga Zoo, or eat one on a pizza at heritage-listed The Australian Hotel (100 Cumberland Street, The Rocks).

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