Travel
Flight
Getting to Sydney
There are direct flights to Sydney from certain US cities, although flights with a layover between mainland USA and Australia tend to be cheaper (but not always). You will generally be able to also extend the amount of time you stay in a layover destination at little to no additional cost - i.e. spend a few days in Hawaii / New Zealand / Fiji. Direct flights: - Los Angeles: Delta, United, American, Qantas - San Francisco: United - Vancouver: Air Canada, Qantas - Dallas: Qantas - Houston: United Flights with layovers: - Hawaiian (Honolulu, HI) - Fiji Airways (Nadi, Fiji) - Air New Zealand (Auckland, NZ) A note on time difference: In November and December, Sydney is 19 hours ahead of Pacific Time, and 16 hours ahead of Eastern Time. As a result, you’ll generally skip a day when flying to Sydney, and you’ll gain a day flying back. For example: - If you leave the US on a Friday, you’ll land in Sydney on Sunday - If you leave Sydney on a Sunday, you’ll land in the US on Sunday Click the link below for a helpful google doc on other travel logistics including instant-approval tourist visas (required even for US citizens traveling to Australia)
Travel Note
Where to Stay
For overseas guests, hotels or Airbnb will be the best option for accommodation. In terms of location, anywhere in the CBD is a great option for both getting around and sightseeing. The Rocks, Darling Harbor, Barangaroo, and Circular Quay are awesome spots, but really wherever you can walk to a train station (Central, Town Hall, Wynyard, Circular Quay) or a Ferry terminal will work well. Kirribilli, which is just across the Harbour Bridge on the north side, is also a solid option. Those who really love the beach may want to stay in the Eastern Suburbs (e.g. Bondi or Coogee). Courtesy of our wedding venue, guests are eligible for discounts at several hotels around Sydney. Please click the link for more information!
Travel Note
Travel around Sydney
Sydney has excellent public transport, so unless you’re going to parts of Greater Sydney without a train station (or regional areas in the state), you won’t need to rent a car. Across Sydney, trains are the gold standard public transport option. Buses are also very good, and provide more coverage to areas where trains don’t directly go. Ferries are amazing for areas across the water, and if the weather is good we’d always recommend taking a ferry when possible (anything around Sydney Harbour is stunning!). Trams are new in the inner areas, although they’re generally slower than taking a bus. We strongly recommend downloading the TripView App to plan trip routes and view timetables for all forms of transport. The Premium version of the app (one-time $4.50 fee) gives live location of all trains / buses / ferries. Click the link below for app information.
Travel Note
Ferry to Gunners Barracks
Ferry F2 or F6 departs from Circular Quay and arrives at Taronga Zoo Wharf. From Taronga Zoo Wharf, Athol Wharf Rd bus stop, take Bus 238 Balmoral Beach to Middle Head Rd. Then walk 10 minutes to Gunners Barracks