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Late spring (October–November) and early autumn (March-April) are the best times to visit Sydney. The days are warm and the evenings mild. Sydney’s winters are cool to mild, but summer can be hot and unbearably humid with the occasional downpour.

Sydney fashion is casual, so a selection of light mix-and-match clothing should suffice. Be sure to pack beach gear and walking shoes.

One week will allow you to cover all the top 10 sights, in two weeks you’ll be able to explore the Around Town section, and three weeks will be enough time to experi-ence the national parks and outlying regions.

Sydney has three major dailies. The Sydney Morning Herald , The Daily Telegraph and The Australian , all of which have websites. The Sydney Morning Herald is probably the best starting point to research events in Sydney.

The New South Wales (NSW) govern-ment portal is an inform-ative site, and its Culture and Recreation section is useful for planning a holiday. The Australian Tourist Commission site provides information on various events and lists worldwide Australian travel agencies.

All foreign visitors to Australia must have a valid passport. If you are a New Zealander you will receive an electronic visa. If you are from any other country, you will require an entry visa or ETA (Electronic Travel Authority). Visa forms are available from travel agencies and the Australian government’s immigration website.

Australian consulates, embassies and missions are found in almost every country’s capital city. They can provide inform-ation about Sydney and answer questions regard-ing visas. To locate the consulate in your city, visit the site listed under “Consulates”.

Although travel in Australia is generally straightforward, and hospitals won’t turn you away if you’re uninsured, it’s always best to be insured when traveling. Before any challenging outdoor activity, read the fine print to ensure that you will be covered in emergency.

Drivers with a valid overseas license can drive in Australia. Carry your license with you all the times if you are driving and present it to the police if requested. Seatbelts are compulsory.

Customs regulations are strictly enforced and prohibit the unauthorized import of goods made from plant or animal products, weapons or firearms, amounts exceeding $10,000 and non-prescription drugs. If you require medication, carry your prescription.