PUBLIC TRANSPORT
EXPLORE SYDNEY
Sydney is a city best explored by public transport. With its bustling streets, one-way streets, limited parking and heavy traffic, driving can quickly become stressful (and expensive). I don't even drive in Sydney and I grew up here! Instead of taxis, ride-shares (Ubers etc) or navigating narrow laneways in your own vehicle, travellers are far better off hopping on the city’s reliable network of trains, buses, ferries and light rail. It’s affordable, scenic and often the fastest way to move around this vibrant harbour city.
SYDNEY FERRIES
Melbourne has its trams but Sydney has ferries and they’re an unmissable part of the city experience. From Circular Quay, you can glide across the harbour to Manly, Luna Park, Darling Harbour or even Parramatta. Enjoy what feels like a world-class sightseeing cruise for the price of a standard fare. Along the way you’ll pass iconic sites like the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge, often sharing the water with sailing boats or even dolphins! Can you spot the resident Australian Fur Seal on the steps of the Sydney Opera House? The most famous trip is the 20-minute Manly Ferry, a favourite of both locals and travellers, and with all ferries included in the Opal system, you simply tap on and enjoy the journey.
OPAL CARDS
All public transport in Sydney runs on the Opal card system; a reusable smart card that makes getting around simple and seamless. You can pick one up at train stations, supermarkets, convenience stores or order one online via Transport for NSW if you're going to be in Sydney long term.
Better yet, there’s no need to buy an Opal card if you don’t want to! You can simply use your own contactless credit or debit card (or a linked device like your phone or smartwatch) to tap on and off ALL modes of public transport in Sydney including buses, trains, lightrail, metro and ferries.
The system is easy: just tap on at the start of your trip and tap off at the end (except on ferries and light rail, where only tapping on is needed). With daily fare caps, adults never pay more than $16.80 per day and only $8.40 on weekends. It’s one of the most cost-effective ways to explore Sydney, especially if you’re mixing ferries, trains and buses in your journey.
WHY NOT DRIVE?
Sydney's streets were not built with cars in mind; especially not for visitors. One-way streets, constant confusing lane changes, toll roads, pricey parking and peak-hour traffic makes driving in Sydney city an absolute nightmare! Even locals ditch their car and travel into the city using public transport.
If you absilutely need to hire a car in Sydney, perhaps for longer road trips and multi day use to explore other parts of the state, the most ethical approach is to minimise your impact by opting for a hybrid or electric vehicle. Many major companies in Australia like Hertz, SIXT and Europcar now offer them. Where possible, consider short term car services like Go-Get or Flexicar rather than a full rental. Plan your routes and timing to avoid unneccessary traffic and kilometres.
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Support hire companies with green policies and offset your emissions through organisations like Greenfleet or Carbon Neutral.
