Despite what most people think, Sydney is not actually Australia’s capital, but is probably its most iconic and instantly recognisable one, thanks to exceptional monuments such as the Sydney Opera House and the Harbour Bridge.

The capital of New South Wales is a relaxed and welcoming gateway to your Down Under adventure. A sunny climate and a lively atmosphere await you in Sydney, as do a host of activities to suit every taste, whether you are travelling solo or in company.

From arrival to departure, you will have an itinerary packed with entertainment, arts, culture and sporting activities and events. Book a flight with Qatar Airways to Sydney, and find out why it is one of the world’s most beloved cities.

Birmingham International Airport is just five miles from the UK’s second largest city and serves the midlands and heartland of the country. Modern, efficient and with the emphasis on the customer experience, it’s a rapidly expanding airport that offers the best in both facilities and warm welcomes. 

Customers flying from Birmingham with Qatar Airways will find it a convenient alternative to Heathrow or Gatwick if they are staying in the north or midlands, and its proximity to the internationally renowned Birmingham NEC conference centre makes it a key airport for business customers.

Transportation and parking

Transportation is excellent and the free Air-Rail monorail connects the airport to the nearby Birmingham International railway station in just two minutes. Buses run to and from New Street station in the heart of the city, taking around 15 minutes. Taxis are plentiful and can be booked by your hotel concierge in advance. Journey time is approximately 25 minutes, depending on traffic conditions. There are three multi-storey car parks offering short and medium-term stays, and two long-stay car parks are also available, located close to the A45 and linked to the terminal by frequent shuttle buses.

At the airport

Customers flying from Birmingham with Qatar Airways depart from the main Departures area. The airport is very busy, and the completion of the new runway has increased the volume of passengers considerably, so allow extra time before your flight is due to depart to check-in and clear the tight security checks. 

Facilities and amenities

The airport is very business-passenger friendly, with its own dedicated business centre providing plenty of meeting rooms and conference facilities. Free Wi-Fi is easy to connect to throughout the terminal, and retail outlets offer a good selection of travel and luxury goods, as well as Duty Free items. A multi-faith prayer room is open for devotions, and baby-changing facilities are also on offer. Food and drink are provided by a number of outlets and vendors, offering both local and international cuisine, fast food, snacks and beverages. The airport is also accessible, with excellent access and assistance for those with mobility issues.

Despite what most people think, Sydney is not actually Australia’s capital, but is probably its most iconic and instantly recognisable one, thanks to exceptional monuments such as the Sydney Opera House and the Harbour Bridge.

Modern, thriving and continually expanding, Sydney is the powerhouse of Australia and one of the most vibrant cities on the Pacific Rim.

Book a flight to Sydney with Qatar Airways and you’ll discover that it’s also a centre for the arts, music and theatre, with an incredibly relaxed and laid-back atmosphere for such a large metropolis.

Warm and friendly people welcome visitors with open arms, and its business sector is innovative and progressive, making it an excellent destination for business travellers too.

Tourist attractions

Top of the list has to be the Sydney Opera House. It sits on Bennelong Point in Sydney Harbour, close to the Sydney Harbour Bridge, and adjacent to the Sydney central business district and the Royal Botanic Gardens.

It is in fact a collection of venues that host 1,500 performances every year, attracting over a million visitors from around the world. From opera to modern dance, theatre to mime, this is the cultural heart of the city.

Many of the city’s landmarks are clustered around the harbour, and an excellent and very relaxing way to see them is to take a ferry east from Circular Quay to Taronga Zoo or Manly, or west under the Harbour Bridge towards Parramatta.

This will also give you a great view of the harbour itself.

The city is famous for its museums, and visitors can choose from the Australian Museum, which has extensive exhibits covering Australia’s unique flora and fauna, through to the interactive Powerhouse Museum and the Museum of Contemporary Art.

To find out more about Australia’s First Nation people, head to the Royal National Park where you’ll find Aboriginal rock carvings, or take a guided interpretative walk at Berry Island.

Travel Considerations

Flights to Sydney with Qatar Airways land at Sydney Kingsford Smith International Airport. Visa restrictions for entry into the country will depend on your country of origin, length of stay and whether your trip is for business or pleasure.

Before you fly to Sydney please check the visa and passport requirements.