Why do we love Sydney?
Sydney, Australia offers a wide range of attractions and activities for visitors. Here are some popular things to do in Sydney:
1. Sydney Opera House: Take a tour of this iconic landmark, enjoy a performance, or simply admire its unique architecture from the outside.
2. Sydney Harbour Bridge: Climb the bridge for breath taking views of the city skyline and harbour, or take a leisurely stroll across the pedestrian walkway.
3. Bondi Beach: Relax on the sandy shores, soak up the sun, and experience the vibrant beach culture. You can also try your hand at surfing or take the scenic Bondi to Coogee coastal walk.
4. The Rocks: Explore Sydney’s historic district, known for its cobblestone streets, boutique shops, lively pubs, and weekend markets.
5. Taronga Zoo: Visit this renowned zoo, located on the shores of Sydney Harbour, to see a wide variety of animals, including koalas, kangaroos, and exotic species from around the world.
6. Royal Botanic Garden: Take a leisurely stroll through these beautifully landscaped gardens and enjoy stunning views of the Sydney Opera House and the harbour.
7. Darling Harbour: Visit this bustling waterfront precinct, which offers a range of attractions such as SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium, Madame Tussauds, and the Australian National Maritime Museum.
8. Art Galleries: Explore the vibrant art scene in Sydney by visiting the Art Gallery of New South Wales, the Museum of Contemporary Art, or smaller galleries in neighbourhoods like Paddington and Surry Hills.
9. Sydney Tower Eye: Get panoramic views of the city from the observation deck of the Sydney Tower, which also features a 4D cinema experience.
10. Coastal Walks: Enjoy picturesque coastal walks like the Bondi to Coogee walk or the Spit Bridge to Manly walk, which offer stunning views of the ocean, cliffs, and beaches.
11. Day trips: Consider taking day trips to the Blue Mountains, where you can explore scenic landscapes and visit the famous Three Sisters rock formation, or take a ferry to the picturesque beach town of Manly.
These are just a few suggestions to get you started. Sydney has much more to offer, including shopping, dining, and a vibrant nightlife scene.
What currency will I need?
The Australian dollar (AUD) is the official currency of Australia and its territories, including Christmas Island, Cocos Islands, and Norfolk Island. It is also used as legal tender in the Pacific island nations of Kiribati, Nauru, and Tuvalu.
The Australian dollar is abbreviated as AUD or A$ and is subdivided into 100 cents. The coins in circulation are 5, 10, 20, 50 cents, and AUD $1 and $2. Banknotes are available in denominations of AUD $5, $10, $20, $50, and $100.
The Reserve Bank of Australia is responsible for issuing and regulating the Australian dollar. The exchange rate of the Australian dollar is affected by various factors, such as the country’s economic performance, interest rates, and global events.
Australia has a highly developed and diversified economy, and the Australian dollar is one of the most traded currencies in the world. It is often used as a benchmark currency in commodity trading, especially for gold and iron ore, which are major exports of Australia.
Overall, the Australian dollar is a stable and widely accepted currency, and it has been consistently ranked among the top 10 most traded currencies in the world.
Should I use travel cash or a card?
According to Mintel, 90% of British travellers take some travel cash with them. It’s perfect for tips, taxis, street-side vendors and locations which do not have card machines (or where they are not working). It’s easy to budget with, and share with other members of your party. It’s also not prone to technical faults, does not require internet access, and you won’t be charged to use it.
Having a debit card is also a great idea as backup – just make sure you know what fees the card issuer charges to make payments in the foreign currency (better still, find one that makes no charges at all). Bigger purchases should be made on a travel-friendly UK-issued credit card to get that additional Section 75 protection (see https://www.moneyhelper.org.uk/en/everyday-money/credit-and-purchases/how-youre-protected-when-you-pay-by-card). Make sure when paying by card that you ALWAYS pay in the foreign currency – do not let the card processor do the conversion to GBP as you will always get a worse rate. That applies even if the foreign currency is already loaded onto a prepaid multi-currency card – the card issuer will decide whether to settle from your foreign currency wallet or not.
Where can I buy currency?
You will typically get a better deal buying your travel cash here in the UK before you travel. Look for the highest possible foreign currency exchange rate to indicate the best deal. For example, a rate of AU$1.8496 is better than AU$1.7436 when buying Australian Dollar (AUD). Airports tend to offer the worst rates – especially if you have not pre-ordered – and you may find a bureau de change on your High Street, in a supermarket or department store, in many travel agents, and at major transport hubs.
You can also buy Australian Dollar from Travel Money Club for next business day despatch to home via fully insured Royal Mail Special Delivery Guaranteed by 1pm. Unlike the competition, we don’t hide fees and charges in our exchange rates – you just pay a fair and transparent handling fee based on how much you are exchanging. Get an instant quote now at https://yourtmc.link/quote-aud.
