Travelling to Australia
If you’re visiting from overseas, quarantine-free travel is available for travellers and proof of vaccination is no longer required, visit Home Affairs to ensure you meet the criteria. The easiest and quickest way to get to Sydney is by plane. Airlines from all over the world service Sydney Airport, and there are multiple flights each day from major hubs across the world. The CBD is just a few kilometres north of the airport, and there are plenty of ways of getting there quickly and affordably.
Qantas is the official airline partner for Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras. You can book flights to Sydney on Qantas.com.
Entering Australia
No matter what country you are coming from, to enter Australia, you must have a valid visa. You can easily apply for a tourist visa via Home Affairs, and we recommend you do so at least a month in advance, just in case the approval process is delayed.
Upon your arrival
Once you’ve landed, you’ll need to present your Incoming Passenger Card (which you should be given on the flight) and hold a suitable visa. After you’ve cleared immigration, it’s time to grab your bags and hit the city!
Whether you prefer to save some cash and hop on a train or splash out for that chauffeur service, Sydney Airport has a whole host of options to get you straight to the heart of the city. We can’t wait to welcome you!
Train
Probably the quickest option, Sydney CBD is just a 13 minute journey from the airport. Trains run approximately every 10 minutes and depart from the northern end of the terminal, near the Arrivals hall. To use this service, you can purchase an Opal card or tap on with your contactless card. Head to the travel planner below for precise routes and fares.
Taxi & Rideshare Services
Whether you take a traditional taxi or request a ride from your preferred rideshare service, Sydney CBD is just a 20-30 minute journey from the airport and will cost you approximately $40-60. Head to your terminal’s designated taxi rank or arrange for your driver to pick you up from the Priority Pick-up zone if using a rideshare service.
Shuttle
Convenient, efficient and affordable, shuttle services are a great alternative to a taxi. Wherever you’re heading, you should be able to find a shuttle that will drop you off! Take a look at the link below for some route and fare options.
Bus
Sydney Buses operate timetabled services that stop at both the T1 International and T3 Domestic terminals. You’ll find clearly marked bus stops on the Arrivals level outside each of these terminals. – just be sure to purchase an Opal card at the airport before you hop on!
There is no hotel quarantine
You may be aware Australia managed to contain COVID-19 successfully with a system of hotel quarantine during 2020 to 2021.
The hotel quarantine system is no longer used, so even if you’re unlucky to arrive in Australia with COVID-19, you will not be required to stay in mandatory hotel quarantine.
If you do get COVID-19 in Sydney, you can consult the NSW Health website for advice.
Keep Exploring!
Where to Stay
Sydney is a sprawling city of countless neighbourhoods, each with their own personality. Here are some of the best areas to stay and celebrate Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras.
Australia Highlights
While there’s plenty to do in and around Sydney, there’s a whole country out there to be explored: from the sparkling waters and pristine coastline surrounding this mega-island, to the legendary and endless outback.
Getting Around Sydney
Public transport is used across Australia by locals, commuters and visitors alike, and Sydney is no exception. We give you the low-down on how to navigate from buses to Ferries and everything in between.