Sydney's public transport network is one of Australia's finest, operated under Transport for NSW. The rechargeable Opal card (available at stations, supermarkets, automated dispensers) covers metro (NSW TrainLink, Sydney Trains, Metro), bus, ferry, light rail. Fare: AUD 2.50-5 per trip depending on distance, daily cap AUD 17, weekly cap AUD 50. Contactless card also accepted directly (tap and go).
Ferries from Circular Quay are essential and offer Sydney's most beautiful views: F1 line to Manly (30 min, AUD 9 or Opal, one of the world's most beautiful urban ferry trips), F4 to Pyrmont Bay, F7 to Eastern Suburbs (Double Bay, Rose Bay, Watsons Bay — starting point for South Head cliff walks and Lady Bay Beach), F8 to Cockatoo Island (UNESCO). The F2 to Taronga Zoo is practical for visiting the zoo (AUD 50).
The metro mainly covers CBD and western suburbs. The airport line (Airport Link) connects SYD to Central in 15 min but costs a substantial airport surcharge (AUD 15-20 above normal fare). Alternative: bus 400 more economical (AUD 8) but 45-60 min depending on traffic.
Taxis and Uber are plentiful and reliable. Typical airport-CBD fare: AUD 50-60 by taxi, AUD 35-45 by Uber.
For the Blue Mountains, the train from Central to Katoomba (2h, AUD 9 with Opal) is the most practical and economical option. Trains every hour.
For Hunter Valley, car (1h45 from Sydney via M1) or guided shuttle (recommended for tastings — AUD 120-180/person with lunch) are the options. No direct public transport.
For Jervis Bay and Byron Bay, car essential. Alternative for Byron: Sydney-Ballina flight (1h, AUD 100-200 return) then 30 min transfer.
Car rental (Sixt, Hertz, Europcar) costs AUD 40-80/day. Left-hand driving, reversed roundabouts, caution first hours. Parking in Sydney very expensive (AUD 50-80/day in CBD) — prefer public transport in town.
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