Getting Around (click to expand)

For a city with the geographic challenges of a huge harbour right in the middle, Sydney manages to have a reasonable public transport system. Public transport in Sydney comprises the usual suspects of buses and trains as well as a great harbour ferry network.

For information on Sydney public transport simply visit the Sydney Transport Information site at 131500.com.au. You can punch in any two addresses in Sydney and you’ll get How-To-Get-There instructions. It’s really helpful!

There are numerous passes available including Travel Ten Passes and Day Trippers that make using the public transport system in Sydney more convenient and affordable. Check out the Fares and Passes page of the Sydney Transport Information to make sure you get the most economical pass for where you live.

• Trains

  Trains in Sydney services most of greater Sydney and beyond; from the Blue Mountains in the west, Wollongong to the south and as far north as Newcastle. Although the CityRail Network covers a huge area, the lines are concentrated downtown and in the inner western suburbs. The biggest advantage of the trains is that they’re not impacted by peak hour road traffic and can be more reliable than the buses.

  
  

  A new service has recently linked Chatswood with Macquarie University opening the transport options for students north of the city.

  
  

  One of the major grips that locals have with the trains is how expensive it is to take the Airport Link train to the airport. Since the airport stations are considered private, it’ll cost you $15 for the privilege of alighting at either the domestic or international terminals.

• Buses

  The Bus Network in Sydney is enormous with over 300 routes! It's a complex tangle but you'll work it out soon enough by standing at your local stop. Many of the express buses only accept pre-paid tickets so make sure you've got a pass before you rock up to the bus stop.

  
  

  Sydney Buses have a web page dedicated to helping university student's untangle the bus routes and find the easiest way to the universities around Sydney. You can download the info sheets here.

  Macquarie University - Sydney University - University of NSW - University of Technology, Sydney - University of Western Sydney

  
  Hint: You need to hail the buses to stop in Sydney. If you don't hail them, they probably won't stop!

• Ferries

  If you live near a ferry terminal make sure you take advantage of your luck and ride the Sydney Ferries. You’ll never set sick of cruising the beautiful Harbour and pulling in to Circular Quay between the twin icons of the Harbour Bridge and Sydney Opera House. The Sydney Ferries network covers the Harbour from Manly in the east and up the Parramatta River to Homebush in the west. It's a great way to explore Sydney as a tourist while mixing it up with the locals.

  
  

  Even if you don’t live near a ferry terminal, make sure you venture over to Manly on the Manly Ferry on a sunny weekend. It’s truly one of the worlds public transport highlights and a must do while you’re in Sydney

• Taxi's

  Most taxis in Sydney are licensed to carry four passengers and if you’re traveling in a group of 3 or 4, you might find a taxi far fasters and still reasonably affordable. If you’re a large group of over 5, you might like to consider a Maxi Taxi. Maxi Taxi is the common name for the mini-van cabs that work the streets of Sydney.

  
  

  Although hailing a taxi off the street is common in downtown Sydney though you’ll struggle to hail a cab in the more suburban areas. You can call one of the taxi companies and book a pick up but make sure you know the street address before you call. If you’re a large group and you need a Maxi Taxi, be sure you book in advance as they can be in high demand, especially in peak times like Saturday nights.

  
  

  Sydney Taxi Companies: Taxi's Cambined - Silver Service - Legion Cabs - Premier Cabs

  
  

  Hint: Sitting in the front seat of a taxi is as Aussie as a Meat Pie. So go on, don’t be shy, jump up front and ride with the driver.

• Driving

  If your from Europe, the US or China, you’ve probably noticed something different on the roads right? In case you didn’t, Australian’s drive on the left side of the road. If you think people in Sydney are friendly and you’d like to keep it that way, don’t drive! The gloves come off on the roads and you can experience all the usual driving rudeness and road rage symptoms of a large city with overcrowded roads.

  
  

  Driving outside Sydney is decidedly more pleasant however there are some major safety concerns to consider for students, especially those that are used to driving on the Right side of the road.

  
  

  For those insistent on driving in Australia, most renal car companies will require that you be 21 years old and drivers under 25 will attract an underage excess. You’re home country license might not be accepted so be sure to ask when you make a booking.

Health & Safety (click to expand)

Despite the friendly reputation, the usual cautions of big city living should be adhered to whilst in Sydney. As a city of 4.5 million, Sydney has its share of petty and serious crime but by using a bit of common sense and caution you should be able to stay out of trouble. Don’t wave large amount of cash around, keep valuables out of sight and secured, avoid being alone in dark areas of the city and parks and exercise the usual cautions when encountering strangers. Simple.

• Safety at Night

  Alcohol is a major factor contributing to late night violence in Sydney so show extra caution around bars and nightclubs and avoid being overly intoxicated yourself. Kings Cross is the nightclub district of Sydney and the seedy underground lurks close to the surface. Extra caution should be shown late at night in Kings Cross and the inner city and you should avoid confrontations, especially with intoxicated people.

  
  

  Drink Spiking occurrences have been reported in Sydney so don’t leave your drinks unattended. The age-old adage of safety in numbers and looking out for your “mates” is the best way to keep safe at night.

• Beach Safety

  Lifeguards are in attendance at the major city beaches of Bondi and Manly year round and they’re not just there to fill the lens of reality TV shows. Thousands of rescues occur on Sydney’s beaches every year and extreme caution should be shown when swimming in the ocean. The Red and Yellow Flags on the beaches indicate the safe swimming area and lifeguards directions should be followed at all times.

  
  

  Surf Life Saving Australia has put together a comprehensive brochure on Beach Safety that you download here.

  
  

  Swimming at night, especially after drinking, is a dangerous idea and every year people drown or go missing after an innocent evening dip. Don’t do it!

  
  

  The sun is the other major danger on Sydney’s beaches. During the summer months the sun can be brutal and the risk of sunburn extreme. If you’re outdoors and exposed to the sun during summer make sure you use a SPF30+ sunscreen, wear a hat and drink plenty of water.

  
  

  During the summer months small jelly fish called Bluebottles can be blown into the beaches. These can give a nasty sting that can last several hours and cause your glands to swell. If you get stung by a Bluebottle, remove the tentacle, rinse with cool fresh water and seek the lifeguards advice. In some serious cases, severe and numerous stings from Bluebottles can leads to respiratory issues and medical advice should be sort immediately if breathing becomes difficult.

  
  

  Sharks are rare at Sydney beaches but they are out there. Avoid swimming at night, early in the morning and at dusk and you’ll most likely avoid the man in the grey suit as they’re affectionate known by Sydney surfers.

• Emergencies

  In case of an emergency dial 000. This will connect you to police, ambulances or the fire brigade. 000 is the equivalent of 911 in the US and should only be called in the case of a serious emergency requiring medical attention or immediate police response.

  
  

  If you need to contact the NSW Police for a non-urgent matter look up your local police station online or in the white pages.

• Health

  Australian enjoy universal healthcare through the federal government’s Medicare scheme. Medicare provides free or subsidised healthcare to Australian citizens through public hospitals, medical centers and General Practitioners (GP’s).

  
  

  International students must have Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) as part of their visa requirements. This basic level of cover mirrors the Australian Medicare system and entitles international students to much the same benefits that Australians enjoy through the public health system. OSHC provider’s differs slightly, you should check your OSHC policy to see exactly what you’re covered for. In many cases, you may have to pay medical expenses up front and make a claim to be reimbursed through your OSHC provider. Check with the medical practice you attend as to how they handle OSHC insurance at the time of making an appointment.

  
  

  Private Hospitals also exist in Australia and can be quite expensive if you’re not insured. Before undertaking any medical appointments or procedures make sure you find out what your travel insurance or OSHC will cover.

• Sexual Health

  There’s one thing I’m sure you’ll want to avoid taking home with you and that’s a Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI). Be smart and practice safe sex! You’ll avoid any unwanted lingering memories of that late night encounter. NSW Health and organizations such as Reach Out provide advice for those concerned with sexual health issues.