Summary
For those planning to drive while in Sydney, particularly visitors in Australia for a short period of time or new arrivals, the Sydney Motorway system offers a straightforward and convenient way to navigate the city. This system facilitates driving into, out of, or through Sydney’s central business district, often referred to as “downtown Sydney.”
There are 10 Sydney Motorways numbered from 1 to 10, with several actively in use. Each motorway, except for the Westlink M7, features signage displaying the motorway number within a hexagon. The M7 signage uniquely includes the identifier “M7” within a rectangle with rounded corners.
Familiarizing yourself with the locations where motorways begin and end, as well as key connections, can simplify your driving experience. By monitoring the well-marked motorway signs along your route, you can easily navigate the roadways.
Traveling North-South Through the City
To travel from north to south, or vice versa, through the city center, simply follow the M1 sign. For instance, if you are starting from Waterfall in the south, the M1 will guide you through major thoroughfares such as Princes Highway, Acacia Road, and various others, ultimately leading to the Pacific Highway at Wahroonga.
You can focus solely on the M1 signage instead of remembering multiple road names. However, it is important to note that the Eastern Distributor and Sydney Harbour Tunnel are tollways.
Bypassing the City
If you are traveling north and prefer to avoid the busier central Sydney area, you can opt for the Westlink M7 route. Starting from Prestons in southwest Sydney, follow the M7 to Wahroonga. This is an orbital road that traverses the western region of Sydney.
The Westlink M7 is a cashless tollway that begins at the M5 intersection at Prestons, runs parallel to Walgrove Road, and connects to the Great Western Highway before heading north and east toward the M2. Consequently, it bypasses 48 sets of traffic lights, making for a smoother journey. For vehicles using this route, an electronic e-Tag device or an e-Pass is required.
List of Major Motorways
- M1 – From Wahroonga in the north to Waterfall in the south, including the Sydney Harbour Tunnel (or through the Sydney Harbour Bridge).
- M2 – Begins at Milsons Point at the northern end of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, generally running west and northwest toward Castle Hill and Windsor.
- A3 – Connects Blakehurst to Mona Vale, passing through Homebush Bay (Olympic Park), Ryde, and Pymble.
- M4 – Stretches from Sydney to Lapstone, predominantly running west.
- M5 – Links Sydney Airport to Campbelltown through Bankstown and Liverpool, heading west and southwest.
- A6 – Runs roughly north from Heathcote to Carlingford.
- M7 – Previously connected Casula to Wahroonga through Liverpool and Castle Hill; now runs as Westlink M7 from the M5 to the M2 intersection.
- M8 – Currently unallocated and not in use.
- A9 – Connects Campbelltown to Windsor through Narellan and Penrith.
- M10 – Unallocated and not currently in use.
It is important to note that M routes are primary traffic corridors while A routes are categorized as ‘other’ primary highways. Additionally, portions of the M2, M5, and Westlink M7 are tollways, along with certain sections of the M1, such as the Eastern Distributor, Sydney Harbour Bridge, and Sydney Harbour Tunnel.
