About Randwick

The oldest municipality in New South Wales, incorporated in 1859 and proclaimed a city in 1990, Randwick takes its name from the town in Gloucestershire, England. Conveniently located, it is only a short bus or car ride from the heart of Sydney (6kms) and the airport (5kms.) Randwick City enjoys 25 kms of ocean coastline and bayside foreshores - strongly influencing the character, ambience and leisure activities of the area.

Historic, culturally diverse and endowed with great natural beauty, all ensure that it remains the most visited tourist area outside central Sydney. Boasting world class accommodation facilities and sporting amenities second to none. It is central to all the major attractions and venues including the University of NSW, The Entertainment Quarter (Fox Studios), Randwick Racecourse, the Sydney Football Stadium, the Prince of Wales Hospital, Golf Courses, the Coastal Walkway and stunning beaches all within a short bus ride from the centre of Sydney.

Randwick City - A Destination Profile

Location: 4.5 km from Sydney CBD & 5 km from Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport

Geography: 25kms of ocean and bay foreshores, total area of 3655 hectares.

Population: 127,000

Climate: Average temperatures, Summer 21.8C, Autumn 18.2C, Winter 12.6C, Spring 17.5C (Also see in Links section a 128KM Weather Radar)

Transport Access: Public Transport (bus,) extensive road links to Sydney City & surrounding areas, airport coach & rail links.

Major Suburbs: Clovelly, Randwick, Coogee, Maroubra, Matraville, Malabar, La Perouse, Kingsford, Kensington.

Surrounding areas: Sydney City, Waverley/Bondi, Botany/Mascot, South Sydney.

Attractions/Activities: Coastal walkway, surf beaches, coastal pools, historical buildings & forts, boating, fishing, sailing, scuba diving, horse racing, university, Botany Bay, La Perouse, kite festival, dramatic arts, golf courses, night clubs, snake show, shipwrecks, Aboriginal arts & settlement, surf lifesaving carnivals, lawn & 10 pin bowling, historical cemeteries, antique shops, Randwick Rugby, Centennial Park, food festival, weekend markets, horse riding, bushwalking, National Park, all sports, picnics/bbq.

Facilities: Resorts, motels, guest houses, executive apartments, private hotels, bed & breakfast, backpackers, licensed clubs, major shopping centres, theatres, hospitals, restaurants, cafes, hire cars.

Safety Tips for Travellers

Whether enjoying our fabulous beaches, shopping and entertainment venues, or the great sporting facilities, there are some simple safety and security tips that you should follow to ensure your visit to Randwick is as enjoyable as possible.

Personal Safety

On arrival to Sydney airport, the first thing you may need to do is exchange currency. Do not carry large amounts of cash. Any cash you do carry should be kept in a safe place such as a money belt. It is recommended that you do not keep all your money, credit cards or traveller's cheques in the one place. And remember to always keep your passport secure.

Australians drive on the left hand side of the road. Make sure you stay alert to traffic and that you observe road safety rules. When crossing the road check both directions first, and be aware that traffic may be coming from the opposite way to which you are accustomed. 

Always use designated pedestrian crossings and only cross when you have the green ‘walk’ sign. Look right, then left, then right again.

When in public be aware of others around you and keep personal belongings safe and close to you at all times.

In an emergency you can dial 000.

Water Safety

One of the best features of Randwick City is its wonderful beaches. You can enjoy many activities at our beaches including: swimming, surfing, fishing, snorkeling and sunbathing. You must, however, take care when enjoying any of these activities. The sun in Australia is very strong and over-exposure can lead to burns. Make sure you always wear a hat and sun-screen with sun protection factor 15+.

Always swim at patrolled beaches. You should only swim between the red and yellow flags. They mark the safest place to swim and the areas where lifesavers and lifeguards patrol.

Driving

Driving is a great way to move around and see all that Randwick has to offer, but there are a few basic traffic rules you must follow when using the roads.

Firstly, you should not consume alcohol and then drive. There are strict drink/driving laws in place in NSW which are actively enforced by police.

In Australia, all cars travel on the left-hand side of the road. 

If you wish to drive, please make sure your overseas driver’s licence is current and you carry it with you at all times when driving.

Always travel at the sign-posted speed limit. This is usually sixty kilometres per hour in built-up areas (except where otherwise specified) and one hundred kilometres per hour on highways.

All occupants of a vehicle must wear seatbelts at all times, as required by Australian laws.

The driver of the vehicle is not permitted to use a hand-held mobile telephone whilst driving in Australia.

We know that your visit in the City of Randwick will be a great one and we are sure that the tips above will also help make it a safe one!

 

Information for Interstate and International Guests

Accommodation

Accommodation varies according to your needs and budget. Details of accomodation providers in the area can be found here. We would be more than pleased to assist you in determining the best and most convenient facility to suit. Simply call us on +61 2 9344 7006

Goods + Services Tax

A goods and services tax of 10% is applicable in Australia.

Tipping

Tipping is not included in service but definitely customary in Australia. For restaurants 10% is the norm and taxis round up to the nearest dollar. In hotels one dollar per bag is usual.

Randwick: A Brief Historical Overview

			Aboriginals were the first to inhabit the Randwick area with archaeological evidence dating back some 10,000 years.
1770			Captain James Cook discovered Botany Bay.
1788			Captain Arthur Phillip - brought the first fleet into Botany Bay. A French expedition led by La Perouse arrived in Botany Bay. Australia's first European trail ran from Botany Bay to Sydney Cove following the coastal ridge.
1811			Governor Macquarie set aside 185 hectares for grazing and water. This land was later to become Centennial Park.
1859			Randwick incorporated as a Municipality - New South Wales' oldest.
1888			Centennial Park was opened on Australia Day, January 26, as part of centenary celebrations. The park is visited by more than 3 million people annually. Sydney's only example of an English country style park and also Australia's grandest of the 19th century.
1901			Declaration of the Commonwealth of Australia in Centennial Park.
1990			Randwick declared a city.
2000			Olympic venue for a number of events.
2001			Celebration of centenary of Federation in Centennial Park.