Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Manly Bike Tours
(
$14/28;
9am-6pm;
Manly)
centennial Dr, Bicentennial Park; mountain bike per 1/2/4/8/24hr $15/20/30/40/50;
8.30am-5.30pm)
Car & Motorcycle
Avoid driving in central Sydney if you can: there's a confusing one-way street system,
parking sucks (even at hotels!), and parking inspectors and tow-away zones proliferate.
Conversely, a car is handy for accessing Sydney's outer reaches (particularly the beaches)
and for day trips. Or you could try a moped or a motorcycle; just wear something bright
so you don't get crunched by a four-wheeler.
Driving & Parking
Australians drive on the left-hand side of the road; the minimum driving age (unassisted)
is 18. Overseas visitors can drive with their domestic driving licences for up to three
months but must obtain a NSW driving licence after that. Speed limits in Sydney are gen-
erally 60km/h (50km/h in some areas), rising to 100km/h or 110km/h on motorways. Seat
belts are compulsory; using hand-held mobile phones is prohibited. A blood-alcohol limit
of 0.05% is enforced with random breath tests and hefty punishments. If you're in an acci-
dent (even if you didn't cause it) and you're over the alcohol limit, your insurance will be
Sydney's private car parks are expensive (around $15 per hour); public car parks are
more affordable (sometimes under $10 per hour). The city centre and Darling Harbour
have the greatest number of private car parks, but these are also the priciest. Street parking
devours coins (from $2.50 to $5 per hour), although some take credit cards.
Toll Roads
Sydney's motorways are all tolled; charges vary with the distance travelled - anywhere
from $2 to $15. Most are cashless; hire-car companies can provide information for setting
up a temporary electronic pass.
