Sydney has similar crime issues to most large western cities, but that being said, it is a safe place to visit. Be on the lookout for the usual big city crime problems such as pickpocketing, and exercise caution on the rail system late at night, as you would in other cities. It is generally advisable to travel in the carriage closest to the guard’s compartment, which is marked with a blue light on the outside of the train.
Be careful in the red light area of Kings Cross at night. Although the main street in this area has been cleaned up immesurably by the police, crime does still occur and pickpocketing or mugging can happen to the unwary.
Whilst in late 2005 some ethnic tension between white Anglo-Celtic residents and Middle Eastern residents spilled over into rioting at Cronulla Beach and tension is generally on the rise, but the area has recovered and is now much quieter.
South-West Sydney has a higher than average crime rate, but most tourists are unlikely to venture there.
