Sightseers hoping to glimpse some of the world's most powerful leaders during Sydney's APEC summit are likely to be disappointed.
Organisers say no city walkabouts are planned for the 21 world leaders who attend the September summit, and onlookers will only be able to crane their necks as their motorcades sweep past them.
Commonwealth APEC spokeswoman Anne Fulwood said heightened security concerns were behind the moves to restrict public access to the leaders.
She repeated warnings for Sydney residents and those planning to visit the city during the APEC weekend to expect delays and frequent police searches.
"One of the key points 50 days out from the APEC meeting is the need to be prepared," Fulwood said.
"You may be stopped and searched ... so be prepared."
She said the public would be allowed access to a precinct bounded by King, George, and Alfred Streets to Circular Quay, through which leaders' motorcades will make frequent passes.
"There will be opportunities to see the leaders in their motorcades but I don't think you'll be able to get that close to them," Fulwood said.
The only areas that will be locked down are the event venues of the Sydney Opera House, Government House and their immediate surrounds, including the northern end of Macquarie Street and parts of the Botanical Gardens.
The Opera House will be closed to the public from September 3-9 and Government House from September 2-10, although their surrounds will only be locked down during the weekend of APEC.
Sydney Harbour will be subject to certain restrictions imposed by NSW Maritime but Fulwood said pleasure craft and other vessels would still be allowed on the harbour during the summit.
Further restricted areas will be announced closer to the time.
From Sunday August 19, message signs will be erected on major roads into the the CBD advising motorists of impending traffic changes.
The road changes will build up over a number of days, with the most significant in place from September 7-9.
Circular Quay, Museum and St James train stations will be closed from September 7 until the morning of September 10.
City Circle trains will terminate at Central or run via Town Hall to the North Shore Line.
Central, Town Hall, Martin Place and Wynyard stations will remain open during APEC.
The bus terminal at Circular Quay will be relocated to Elizabeth Street, near Park Street.
