It's been a while since I made a transit in Sydney, but I'm sure the shuttle was laid on gratis by the airline. Surely cost-recovery hasn't extended to this?

I'd try demanding this information from the airline that's booked you through to your final destination. Doesn't matter if you're flying UA or anyone else, they've sold you the end-to-end transport.

Hi simpson-no expert but lived and worked in Sydney for 20 years up until 2000-now live in the wondeful Hunter Valley (30 mins by air from Sydney). I take taxis because I am usually stressed out, in a hurry, laden with luggage and the cost of $10 just doesn't seem too much for the convenience. Never been refused a ride by taxi! There is a law in NSW they have to take you unless they display a sign which tells you otherwise. My husband drove taxis for years and would give the driver a mouthful of cheek if we were refused a ride to domestic!!!

Here you go Simpsonc510, I've lifted this directly from the Qantas homepage after 'drilling down' a bit ....

"From the International Terminal to Terminals 2 and 3 - Domestic transfers QF400 to QF4999
Proceed through immigration.
Collect bags and clear Customs.
Follow signs to the Qantas Transfer Lounge.
Relodge baggage.
Take the terminal transfer bus to Terminal 3.* Buses operate every 10-20 minutes from 6.00am to 9.40pm."

No mention of costs associated with it, but like Neil said, surely they're not THAT hard up for a dollar that they can't put on a free shuttle service !

Back again .... that link that I talked of can be found here: http://www.qantas.com.au/info/flying/atTheAirport/transfers then scroll down to the 6th of 7 available options for those transitting from an International flight (of any description) to a Qantas domestic one.

I realise Lyndie's advice is well-meaning, but I for one wouldn't bother getting a taxi the short distance between the two terminals !

Simpsonc510 - I second New_Guy's advise, take the shuttle. I've done the transfer from international to domestic and vice versa several times and the shuttle is the (free) way to go.

If you're coming from the US, you'll find that the airports in Australia are far more efficient than what we have here. I had a flight once from Cairns - Sydney - LA and landed in Sydney with 40 minutes to get to the international terminal, clear security and get on the plane. I made it with 15 minutes to spare.