Sydney Introduction

If you're new to Sydney, one of the things that will hit you straight off is that this is an aquatic city. There are spectacular, sparkling vistas at every turn on the harbour, the ocean and the rivers.

Make exploring its waterways one of your priorities, even if you're not 'a water person'. It's a great way to see the city and to understand the lifestyle.

The most interesting neighbourhoods are scattered around the city, not grouped together in tidy formation, so be adventurous.

The weather is mostly warm, sunny and conducive to alfresco living, but summer does bring occasional, unpredictable and sometimes violent storms.

Traffic, while quite good by world standards, snarls randomly outside of the peak hour jams. Public transport can be a patchy alternative.

Taking a Sydney taxi is an invitation to adventure - be prepared to take charge of the map and navigate yourself. Call Silver Service Taxis (133 100) or a hire car service for a more predictable journey. If it's raining, be prepared to wait, and wait … and wait.

And the dress code is definitely relaxed, especially anywhere within scent of the sea. Skin is celebrated; in many parts of town it looks like the citizenry has dressed en masse for a beach party.