Customs in Sydney required?

[thethreeofus]

We are traveling from Los Angeles, Ca to Sydney with a 3 hour layover, then continue to Auckland to catch a cruise.  Will we clear customs in Sydney?  Will our checked luggage ship all the way through (same air carrier) or will we need to collect it for customs and then recheck for the final leg?  Is 3 hour layover sufficient?
Thanks in advance.

[Docker123]

You should just stay in the TRANSIT area of the terminal. This is not entering Australia, so not through customs or immigration.

 

This is very different from transiting in the US. Going to Mexico, I have had the experience at LAX of having to clear customs and immigration, then having to do the reverse to catch the next flight a couple of hours later. Of course, had to have the electronic visa to enter US for 2 hours.

 

As your flight should be from the same terminal, 3 hours is plenty (assuming incoming flight is not seriously delayed).

 

Edited January 27, 2020 by Docker123

[MicCanberra]

As mentioned above, your bags should go all the way to Auckland and you should be able to stay in Trans and remain in the International terminal.

[lissie]

You are a transit passenger in Australia - you don't need to fill in an arrival card for Australia - follow the transit signs and you'll miss immigration and customs (there is still security).  3 hours is lots of time and Sydney is quite a nice airport airside with free wifi and some nice food options