Want to cross the road? Don't ask Google Maps

Here's the scenario: you're in Oz's fine city of Sydney and you need to get from the Shelbourne Hotel at 200 Sussex Street to Google's headquarters across the road at 201 Sussex Street. Naturally, this being a potentially complex manoeuvre, it's probably best to consult Google Maps Australia to get the optimum route.

However, if you thought that the best way to cross a street is proceed in a straight line from one pavement to the other, think again:

Blimey. Click on the pic above for a bigger version of the full, 10.4km road-crossing route which involves crossing the Harbour Bridge twice and copping a $3 toll for your trouble.

Google estimates its journey time at 18 minutes, while the The Sydney Morning Herald reckons the ambulatory straight-line alternative as a "30-step, 30-second trip".

We should note at this point that Google Maps Australia has only been up and running since Tuesday, so we're inclined to cut it some slack on this one. Until, that is, it recommends that the best way from Sydney to Perth is via Tasmania - a suggestion which would, of course, require the use of the legendary Oz flying car. ®