Doing business
Little things will make a big impression in Australia. Getting the tone right in sporting banter – which you should be clued-up on – is key. Punctuality, being game for a beer after work and picking up your tab all strike the right note. Be prepared to impress when the hard work starts – Aussies will go through the night to get the job done.

Cool hotel
Gorgeous five-star rooms (from £154), some with balcony, await travellers at the well-placed 96-room Observatory Hotel in the historic Rocks district of Sydney. The wonderful indoor pool (complete with starry ceiling constellation), luxurious gym and famous day spa will help weary road warriors recuperate, and they even have real goldfish you can borrow if you fancy some company. See: www.observatoryhotel.com.au

Hip restaurant
Some of Sydney’s finest food is produced at Rockpool. The award-winning seafood is exceptional and chef Neil Perry has spent over 15 years tingling the taste buds of Sydney’s beautiful people. Advance reservations are absolutely crucial. See: www.rockpoolsydney.com

Happening bar
The Cargo Bar in Darling Harbour is a favourite hang-out with the smooth set, which sees them relaxing on the establishment’s smooth wooden benches or leather sofas while enjoying the wonderful views of the water. Visitors can plant themselves under a white umbrella and take in the airy breezes and sweet cocktails.

Must-see sights
With Sydney, it’s all about the water. Whether you’re taking an early morning jog by the Opera House and Botanic Gardens or the Manly Ferry for harbour views, you’ll never be short of a great panorama. Take the walk up the Harbour Bridge for a unique view of the city.

Getting downtown
Sydney Airport is six miles south of the city centre. One of the easiest way to get from the airport into the city centre is with a shuttle company. These take you straight to your hotel and cost around £5. There’s also a train (£5) running to central rail stations every ten to 15 minutes. A taxi will cost around £15 to go to the central business district.

The details
Visas are required – details depend on how long you’re staying and what you’re doing. The easiest way to get one is to apply for an ETA (eletronic travel authority). They cost £8 from www.immi.gov.au. Sydney is GMT+10hours. Currency is the Australian dollar: £1=$2.51 (Feb ‘07)

Getting there
Sydney is a long, long flight so consider stopping over in Asia for a couple of days – Singapore and Hong Kong are the best hubs. Competition is fierce on the Kangaroo route, though the code-share operations of Qantas and BA offer the most options. Outside of peak times (December to January, Easter and July to August) return fares can drop to £550. At peak times they can rise to £900. Good value business fares are often available, especially with less-established airlines. 

INSIDER’S TIP
“The hotel which we’ve used recently in Sydney and received positive feedback on is the Observatory Hotel. It’s located near the central business district and Rocks area. They have a shuttle bus service and the price from/to the airport is around AUD$9 one way. A complimentary luxury vehicle drop-off service is available to guests between 7am and 10am, weekdays, from the hotel to anywhere within the CBD”
Richard Jarvis, Operations Manager, Business Travel Direct

Compiled by Tom Hall on behalf of Lonely Planet. www.lonelyplanet.com

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