Planning
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Sydney is an easy destination to tackle, which makes it extremely popular! Booking accommodation well in advance is definitely recommended as occupancy rates run exceptionally high in summer and around key events. Booking ahead will also secure a cheaper deal in most of the bigger hotels – and often a better room.
Serious foodies should consider booking top restaurants beforehand as well. Likewise, if you’re planning to attend big-name shows, theatre performances or concerts, it will pay to book ahead. Everything else can be easily sorted out once you touch down.
Sydneysiders love to bitch about their public-transport system, but visitors should find it surprisingly easy to navigate. In fact, you’ll find PT almost indispensable – a car will be more of a hindrance than an asset when you’re exploring most city areas. Flights, tours and rail tickets can be booked online at Lonely Planet travel services.
Get organised
Three months prior: book accommodation; reserve a table at Tetsuya’s; make sure your passport, visa and travel insurance are in order.
One month prior: book any other high-falutin’ restaurants such as Aria, Guillaume at Bennelong or Bondi Icebergs; also check to see if your visit coincides with any major events and book tickets.
A week prior: top up your credit cards; pay your power bill; check the Sydney news sites; who’s looking after the cat? As you leave the house: tickets, money, passports!
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