Sydney Australia hotel - by ATS Tours

Built on one of the world’s most beautiful harbors, cosmopolitan Sydney is the gateway to New South Wales. Visitors will delight in cruising the harbor to view the Opera House and Harbour Bridge… or venturing just an hour or two outside the city to some of the state’s diverse regions.

The Blue Mountains, sometimes called “Australia’s Grand Canyon”, offer opportunities to view Australian wildlife amid beautiful canyons and vistas. In the Hunter Valley, taste some of Australia’s famous wines, go hot air ballooning, shop for antiques, or indulge in a game of golf or relaxing spa treatment. Further afield, Outback New South Wales is home to opal mining, ancient Aboriginal rock art, wildlife, and strikingly rugged landscapes.

Sydney & Surrounds, New South Wales Hotels

Hotel / Resort name	Ratings
Capella Lodge - Lord Howe Island   World Heritage-listed Lord Howe Island is a pristine and timeless hideaway of dramatic volcanic peaks rising above the world's southernmost coral reef, a short two hour flight from Sydney. Capella Lodge is the only accommodation on the island commanding spectacular ocean and mountain views. This intimate lodge offers guests a unique and sophisticated escape. A must do on Lord Howe Island is feeding the fish at Ned’s Beach. Be part of this favorite ritual and watch the fish come to you as you feed the eager mullet, wrasse, garfish, silver drummer, spangled emperor and kingfish.		more photos
Four Points by Sheraton - Sydney   Four Points by Sheraton, Darling Harbor provides outstanding levels of comfort and service. Located in an enviable position, overlooking Darling Harbor, nestled between Sydney’s vibrant Cockle Bay and the sophisticated King Street Wharf. Australia's largest hotel offers contemporary dining in the award-winning Corn Exchange Restaurant, casual dining in a heritage-listed pub and a fitness center.		more photos
Four Seasons Hotel Sydney - Sydney   Stunningly situated overlooking Sydney harbor in the historic Rocks district, a short walk from the city's shopping and business centers, Four Seasons is vibrant and elegant. Features include dramatic harborfront views, elegant rooms, gourmet dining, Sydney's largest outdoor hotel pool and a pampering day spa featuring exclusive skincare and aromatherapy treatments.		more photos
Hilton Sydney - Sydney   The Hilton Sydney is located in the heart of the city, close to shopping and attractions. Here you will find celebrated New York designer Tony Chi's elegant glass brasserie and Zeta bar, and superbly appointed guest rooms including the sensual indulgence of the much talked-about Relaxation Rooms.		more photos
Hotel Ibis Darling Harbor - Sydney   The Hotel Ibis overlooks Darling Harbor and the Sydney city skyline. The hotel's great location is in close proximity to the Sydney Aquarium and Australian National Maritime Museum. The Ibis provides comfortable accommodation at an affordable price. Guests can enjoy breakfast or dinner at iBistro, a refreshing beer on the terrace at iBar, or sample the al fresco restaurants, bars, cafés and nightlife.		more photos
Hunter Resort - Hunter Valley   Enjoy superb food at the gourmet restaurant, comfortable accommodation among 37-year-old vines, and sample the great wine, plus beers from the Bluetongue Brewery. Facilities include mountain bikes, tennis courts, pool, heated spa, and walking tracks. Located just minutes away are hot-air ballooning, antique shops, two championship golf courses -- not to mention some 150 wineries to visit!		more photos
InterContinental Sydney - Sydney   Located minutes from Circular Quay and the Opera House, the hotel offers panoramic views of Sydney harbor and the Royal Botanic Gardens. There are 509 stylish guest rooms with broadband Internet access, three dining venues and around the clock services. For the ultimate Sydney experience, upgrade to a club room. Take in the views from the rooftop Lounge, Club InterContinental, where you can enjoy breakfast or canapés in the evening.		more photos
Lilianfels Blue Mountains Resort & Spa    Overlooking the spectacular Jamison Valley, Lilianfels has established a reputation as one of Australia’s finest boutique getaways. The luxurious 85-room establishment is set among magnificent English landscaped gardens. Features include two restaurants, a world class spa, and an outdoor pool overlooking the valley. Lilianfels is the ideal retreat for nature and gourmet enthusiasts.		more photos
Mantra 2 Bond Street - Sydney   Combining classic elegance with a chic city style, this hotel offers a choice of studio, one or two bedroom apartments and is located in the very heart of Sydney's CBD. An impressive rooftop pool with panoramic Sydney city views and a cosmopolitan, bustling open restaurant and bar in the foyer are just a few of the unique features to be found at Mantra 2 Bond Street.		more photos
Old Sydney Holiday Inn - Sydney   Old Sydney Holiday Inn is ideally located in the historic Rocks area. Nestled between the world famous Sydney Harbor Bridge and Opera House, and only a short stroll to some of Sydney's finest restaurants and shopping, the hotel is perfectly situated for leisure travelers. By day or by night, experience spectacular views of Sydney harbor from the rooftop pool area.		more photos
Peppers Guest House - Hunter Valley   Nestled in the heart of Hunter Valley wine country, Peppers Guest House offers a stylish accommodation base for exploring the region. Surrounded by beautiful gardens and overlooking vineyards, its intimate, relaxed atmosphere, and a long-standing reputation for exceptionally fine food and wine at Chez Pok restaurant, ensure that guests return year after year.		more photos
Shangri-La Hotel Sydney - Sydney   The Shangri-La Hotel Sydney is perfectly positioned between the iconic Opera House and Harbor Bridge, in the heart of the historic Rocks district within walking distance of the major shopping and business districts. Many of the spacious and beautifully appointed rooms have some of the most outstanding views of the city. Be sure to visit Blu Horizon bar or Altitude restaurant on the 36th floor for dramatic views of Sydney harbor.		more photos
Sheraton on the Park - Sydney   Located on majestic Hyde Park, in the heart of Sydney's business and premium shopping district, this five star hotel is renowned for being a benchmark of classic hotels in Sydney. The hotel features deluxe rooms and suites (some with balconies), Executive Club, Health Club with a stunning rooftop pool, and a range of dining facilities. Breakfast is included.		more photos
The Grace Hotel - Sydney   The Grace is an elegantly restored, 11-story, heritage listed, Art-Deco hotel superbly located in the heart of Sydney's CBD. The hotel is surrounded by retail outlets and theaters, and is a few minutes walk from the attractions of Cockle Bay, King Street Wharf, Darling Harbor and Chinatown. Guests can also take advantage of the Rooftop Health Club or indulge in a treatment at the Oriental Spa.		more photos
York Fairmont Resort - Blue Mountains   For romantic escapes, relaxed family vacations, or action-packed getaways, York Fairmont Resort is a destination in itself. All 210 deluxe rooms offer views over the beautiful Jamison Valley or the adjoining Leura Golf Course. The recreation club offers everything from a spa, swimming pool, massage and beauty therapies.		more photos

Time Zones
Like the US, Australia is broken into three different time zones. From Pacific Standard Time, the eastern states (New South Wales, Queensland, Victoria, ACT, Tasmania) are + 18 hours, the central states (Northern Territory, South Australia) are + 19, and Western Australia is + 20 hours. Some states practice daylight saving, so these times will differ during certain months.

Entry Formalities
You must have a passport, valid for not less than 6 months beyond the date of arrival, and a visitors visa. Consult your travel agent or airline.

Currency
Australian dollar, decimal currency system. Notes: $100, $50, $20, $10, $5. Coins: 5¢, 10¢, 20¢, 50¢, $1, $2.

Bank Hours
Generally 9:30am to 4pm Monday through Thursday, and 9:30am to 5pm Friday.

Departure Tax
Departure tax is A$38 (approximately US$27) per person over 12 years of age (included in international air ticket).

Electricity
240/250 volts, AC 50Hz. As the 3-pin outlets differ from those in the US a converter/adapter kit is required. Most major hotels have 110v outlets for electric shavers.

Language
English is the official language, but you will hear many colorful local expressions. Do not hesitate to ask questions, as people are very helpful.

Shopping
9am-5pm weekdays, and Thursday to 9pm. Saturday 9am-4pm. Put Akubra hats, Driza-Bone bushman raincoats, Aboriginal objects, wool products, opals and pearls on your shopping list.

Tipping
Tipping is not the general custom, and service charges are not added in hotels and restaurants. In better restaurants, however, it is usual to tip up to 10%. Porters at airports, taxi drivers and hairdressers do not expect to be tipped. At railway terminals porters have set charges, but not at hotels. At any time tipping is your choice.

Climate
As Australia covers 30 degrees of latitude, there is a wide variation in its climate. Looking to the north, about 40% of the continent is in the tropics. In the southeast region of the Australian Alps, there is snow for about 6 months of the year. Primarily, Australia is a sunshine country - even in the cooler southern regions. No capital gets less than 5.5 hours of sunshine per day. Perth is the sunniest state capital, with nearly 8 hours of sunshine a day. Remember that Australia, located in the southern hemisphere, has seasons opposite North America's.

Food
Australians don't really have a dish that they can call their own. But the country does offer a multitude of foods, from native kangaroo tails and macadamia nuts, through avocados, fresh tropical fruits, oysters and lobsters, to tender beef and lamb. And what you will find is a variety of foods prepared with the skills of many nationalities - French, Greek, Italian, Indian, Chinese, Japanese, Indonesian and many others.