The vast cultural heritage of Sydney’s urban landscapes mixes with the modern art scene throughout the endless avenues and the tiniest streets alike. The excellently planned infrastructure of this Southern Ocean metropolis is perfectly suitable for exploration on foot, by bike or using its vast network of public transport. However, its size considering, you’ll probably do best if you explore those sunlit streets by car. This collection of useful tips will help you navigate this unreal city and reach your destination safely and on time, like a true Sydneyer.
While driving
The speed limit in Sydney urban areas is 50 km/h, unless stated otherwise, while on the surrounding country roads, freeways, and ring roads, you can speed up to 100 km/h. As all Commonwealth states, Australia follows the left-hand traffic rule, which requires your to stick to the left-most lane on any multi-lane road, exchanging lanes only when you need to turn right. Remember always to give the right of way to traffic incoming from your right-hand side on intersections, unless commanded otherwise by a ‘yield’ or ‘stop’ sign.
In your car
Wear a safety belt at all times, not only for the sake of your safety, but for the sake of your wallet. Although fines vary slightly in between states and territories, the NSW law fines you $325 and three demerit points for forgetting to wear a seat belt, while if all of your three passengers happen to forget to clasp, the driver is fined $1047 and six demerit points. It goes without saying that the car you’re driving needs to be equipped with rear seat belts. While in the state of Victoria the minimum driving age is 18, in Sydney and the entire NSW, its 16.
Parking and road tolls
The Sydney area is serviced by several Toll Way roads, so keep your change at hand if you’re bound on crossing the Sydney Harbour Bridge or the Sydney Harbour Tunnel. The parking zones are marked strictly throughout the city, so pay close attention to the signage and keep the parking meter fed to avoid fines or the tow service. Keep in mind that a parking ticket costs $7 during business hours and $5 during off-business hours.
Emergency situations
The traffic efficiency in Sydney is regulated by numerous safety laws that contribute to the overall safety of the city and its inhabitants. However, when driving through such a congestion of private cars, commercial vehicles, and public transport, it always pays to be more cautious, especially if you come from a right-hand traffic country. In the case of collision or car theft, keep in mind that the universal number for first responders in Sydney is triple zero – 000. You should also look up and write down a number of an emergency locksmith in case you need to get cheap car keys, either because you misplaced or damaged them.
Local driving tips
The city’s regulation on drinking and driving is strict, with maximum allowed driving limit of 0.05. If you decide to head to the Outback, you’ll do well to skip trying to breach through the city, but instead use one of numerous roundabouts, just keep in mind the clockwise direction in this part of the world. So, hold on to the left-hand side of the road if you’re heading straight or turning left, and switch to the right only if you want to turn right.
Sydney’s amazing landmarks, vibrant streets and surf-swept beaches, combined with the vast area of the city proper make it challenging to navigate on foot, sometimes even in public transport. In addition, many of the nearby points of interest make renting the car definitely the best way of exploring the most populous city in Australia.