The Sydney Visitor Centre, corner of Argyle and Playfair streets, The Rocks (tel. 1800/067 676 in Australia, or 02/8273 0000; www.sydneyvisitorcentre.com), is a good place to pick up maps, brochures, Youth Hostel Association (YHA) cards, and general tourist information. There’s also the Sydney Visitor Centre Darling Harbour, at Palm Grove (between Cockle Bay Wharf and Harbourside), Darling Harbour. Both are open from 9:30am to 5:30pm daily. In Manly, find the Manly Visitor Information Centre (tel. 02/9976 1430) at Manly Wharf (where the ferries come in). It’s open Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm and on weekends between 10am and 4pm.

Elsewhere, City Host information kiosks, on George Street (next to Sydney Town Hall), at Circular Quay (corner of Pitt and Alfred sts.), and at Kings Cross (corner of Darlinghurst Rd. and Springfield Ave.) provide maps, brochures, and advice and are open daily (except Christmas Day) 9am to 5pm. Another kiosk at Dixon Street (near Goulburn St.) is open from 11am to 7pm.

A good website for events, entertainment, dining, and shopping is CitySearch Sydney (www.sydney.citysearch.com.au). Another is www.sydney.com.

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.