An insider’s guide to getting around Sydney
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So you’ve enjoyed a quality nights’ sleep in your comfy bed, admired the great view of the Sydney Harbour Bridge from your apartment window and feel energised after brunching at one of Potts Point’s delicious cafes. You’re ready to start exploring, but how are you going to get around? The Macleay Hotel is superbly positioned in the heart of Sydney, so you’ll be able to reach most of the city’s major attractions on foot.
However, should you wish to venture across town (or need to get back home after an awesome night out tasting craft beers), it’s good to know what your options are. Here’s our insider’s guide to getting around Old Sydney Town.
Use your own two feet
Walking is the easiest and most economical way to get around if you’re staying at The Macleay Hotel. Our central location means we’re within walking distance of restaurants and shops in Potts Point, as well as the trendy suburbs of Surrey Hills and Paddington. Additionally, Hyde Park and the city centre are within a thirty minute stroll.
Walking is the easiest and most economical way to get around.
Commute like a local
There’s a bus stop less than 100m from The Macleay Hotel, where you can take bus route 311 to Darlinghurst, Town Hall and Millers Point. Additionally, Kings Cross train station is a 10 minute walk from us. From there, you can catch the blue Eastern Suburbs and Illawarra Line to Bondi Junction or south to the beaches of Cronulla.
Alternatively, jump on a train heading to the city centre and change to the yellow North Shore Line that will take you over the Harbour Bridge to Milsons Point and North Sydney. You can reach Newtown via the green Airport, Inner West and South Line, which has some of the best Thai food in the city, a vibrant young community and a happening nightlife to boot.
If you’re keen to travel by tram, there are twenty-three existing light rail stops around the CBD and Inner West suburbs of Sydney, with an extensive tram network planned to launch in 2019.
Nab yourself an Opal card at a convenience store or supermarket and jump onboard. Bear in mind that buses and trains tend to get packed during peak hour, so avoid the school and work rush between 7-9 a.m. and 4-7 p.m. if you can!
Ferry yourself across the harbour
You can’t visit Sydney without travelling on one of its iconic ferries. From Circular Quay, hop aboard the classic route to Manly, or take the family to Taronga Zoo to visit some Australian wildlife. Don’t forget to pack your camera to snap those amazing harbour views!
On your way back, jump off at Watsons Bay or Darling Point Wharf and take a leisurely walk back to The Macleay Hotel via some of Sydney’s prime waterfront real estate in Vaucluse, Double Bay and Rushcutters Bay.
Catch a lift in others’ vehicles…
Buses and trains stop running regularly late at night, so if you find yourself in need of a ride home you can jump in one of the city’s many taxis. If you need a lift to the airport when you depart, our helpful reception staff can order you a taxi ($60 one way) or a shuttle bus ($18 one way) to take the hassle out of your journey home.
You won’t need a car when you’re staying with us.
Taxis are the transport mode of choice for trips to and from the airport. However, Sydney locals all use Uber to get around the city these days, so why shouldn’t you? It’s far cheaper than a cab and the drivers are always up for a friendly chat. It’ll cost you just over $20 to get from Darling Harbour to The Macleay Hotel.
…but forget about one of your own
Any Sydneysider will tell you that driving in the inner city is a nightmare. And with the CBD only 30 minutes’ walk away and a wealth of other transport options, you won’t need a car when you’re staying with us unless you’re planning a road trip out of town.
If you have any questions about getting around Sydney, get in touch with our friendly staff and they’ll point you in the right direction.
