Travel

Travel Note

Travel Tips

Getting to Sydney First of all… the fact that you’re even considering flying across the world for us is wild in the best way. We do not take this lightly. You showing up means more than we can say. Australia is far (like… really far), but Sydney is one of our favorite places on earth, and we’re so excited you’ll get to experience it with us. The Travel Time Traveling to Australia is a long journey, and for many of you it will feel like two full days of travel. On the way here, you’ll cross the International Date Line, which means you may “lose” a calendar day during the trip. This is normal — you’re not actually missing time, just moving across time zones. When you fly back home, it balances out. Because of the distance and time difference, we recommend arriving a couple of days before the wedding if possible, to rest and adjust before events begin. Fly into: Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport (SYD) That’s the main international airport and where everyone from overseas arrives. Rough flight times (aka: movie marathon length): West Coast: ~14 hours nonstop Central U.S.: ~18–22 hours East Coast: ~20+ hours

Travel Note

Entering Australia

The ETA (Electronic Travel Authority) Most of our guests traveling on a U.S. passport will need an ETA to enter Australia. It sounds official and intimidating, but it’s basically just a digital “permission to visit.” How to Get It The easiest way is through the official Australian ETA app on your phone. What you’ll need: Your passport A few personal details A small application fee You’ll answer basic travel questions (nothing intense), submit it, and usually get a response pretty quickly. When to Apply Don’t do this at the airport. Apply a few weeks before your trip just to be safe. Many people get approved fast, but we don’t want any last-minute stress. Do You Get a Physical Visa? Nope! There’s nothing to print. Your ETA is electronically linked to your passport, so when you check in and land in Australia, it’s already in the system. Important Notes Your passport should be valid for the duration of your stay The ETA is for tourism/visiting — which is exactly what you’re doing If you have a non-U.S. passport, double-check Australia’s visa requirements for your nationality We know travel paperwork is not the fun part of this trip, but once this is done, you’re officially on your way to Australia 🇦🇺✨ If anyone gets confused, please reach out — we’re happy to help figure it out.

Hotel

Hyatt Regency Sydney

This is where our reception will be held. To book, please use one of our discount codes to receive 20% off. WEDA: Room only (no breakfast included) WEDB: Room with breakfast included

Discount Code - WEDA or WEDB

Travel Note

Getting Around Sydney

Getting Around Sydney Sydney is a big city but surprisingly easy to navigate. First important note: We drive on the left side of the road here. Yes, it feels weird at first. Do you need a rental car? Not really. If you’re staying in the city or near the wedding events, you’ll be totally fine without one. Parking in Sydney can be expensive and hard to find Traffic can be frustrating Public transport + Uber is usually easier Your best options: Uber / Train: Widely available and simple Trains, buses, ferries: Clean, safe, and go almost everywhere. You can just tap your credit card on and off. From the airport: Uber/Taxi: ~20–30 min to most central areas Train: Fast, easy ride straight into the city If you want to rent a car for day trips (coast, mountains, etc.), you absolutely can — just remember: left side of the road!

Travel Note

Other Things to Note

Jet Lag Is Real, We Care About You Sydney is way ahead of the U.S. time-wise, which means your body will be confused at first. Our strong recommendation: arrive at least 2 days early if you can. That gives you time to: Get some beauty sleep in Try coffee (Sydney takes coffee VERY seriously - Raelene's personal favourite is the cappuccino and iced matcha) Sunlight + walking on your first day helps a lot. Money Stuff Australia uses Australian dollars (AUD), but you won’t need cash. Your credit/debit card will work almost everywhere Tap-to-pay is the norm No need to exchange a ton of money Phones & Wi-Fi Your phone will probably work here. Options if you want data: International plan with your carrier eSIM Cheap SIM at the airport Also, cafes + the airport usually have Wi-Fi.