Sydney Airport has seen record growth thanks to the recent recovery in the travel industry. More than three million passengers travelled through the airport in August 2012. Of that number, 2.1 million were domestic travellers, and international passengers counted for nearly a million more. Flights from Sydney to all corners of the world serve millions more passengers annually.
As the gateway to Australia, Sydney’s airport operates 40 international and nine domestic passenger airlines. International travellers can choose from such major airlines as Air France, Air New Zealand, Malaysia Airlines, Pacific Blue, Cathay Pacific, Royal Brunei Airlines, United Airlines, Virgin Atlantic and more. Domestic flights out of Sydney using primarily Qantas, Jetstar and Virgin Blue travel to all major and capital cities across the country. Flights travel between Sydney and Melbourne, Australia’s cultural capital, more than a dozen times a day. Buses, trains, car hires and taxis provide transport to and from the airport, which has a full range of services, including dining, shopping and more.
If, like many other travellers who are simply passing through Sydney, you only have a few days to enjoy the city, you may wish to spend most of your time in Sydney’s CBD, which is just a 20-minute drive from the airport. Most of Sydney’s top attractions are a quick bus, train or ferry ride away from the CBD, making it a convenient home base for all your explorations. The CBD itself has some of the most impressive skyscrapers in Australia as well as libraries, museums and other cultural institutions.
Bordering the CBD are such well-known landmarks as the Harbour Bridge and the Opera House. Sydney Harbour may well be the most beautiful harbour in the world. The harbour with its bustling water taxis and bobbing sailboats really is the soul of Sydney. The colours, sounds and excitement surrounding the harbour are nothing short of inspirational. Try a bridge climb on a clear afternoon, or spend the day prowling The Rocks, the birthplace of modern Sydney.
Whether you are flying into or out of Sydney, you are likely to be searching for cheap airfare. Both domestic and international flights to and from Sydney can be found steeply discounted if you know how to look. First, be realistic. Many people expect to pay very low prices, which may or may not be possible. Check with several aggregator sites first to determine what the average rate is before purchasing. Second, pay attention to the details. Many so-called budget flights may not be such a great deal after they include surcharges for baggage and add other miscellaneous fees. Finally, check with the airlines themselves. Sign up for email updates, or follow them through social media in order to get the latest information on sales prices or other great deals.