Sydney is Australia’s harbour city: the Opera House and Harbour Bridge, more than 100 beaches, coastal walks, great food and national parks within easy reach. It’s relaxed, outdoorsy and easy to explore by train, bus and ferry. This Sydney travel guide brings together everything you need to plan your trip.
Top things to do in Sydney
- Sydney Opera House — take a one-hour guided tour or see a show. Tours & tickets.
- Sydney Harbour Bridge — walk across for free or climb the arch. BridgeClimb guide.
- Bondi to Coogee walk — about 6 km of cliffs, beaches and ocean pools. Walk guide.
- Manly ferry — the best cheap harbour cruise, to Manly’s beaches.
- The Rocks and the Royal Botanic Garden — historic lanes and the classic Opera House view.
- Taronga Zoo — Australian animals with harbour views, by ferry.
- Blue Mountains — the Three Sisters and rainforest, two hours by train. Day trip guide.
Popular tours and climbs sell out in summer, so compare Sydney tours and activities before you go.
Where to stay in Sydney
- Circular Quay & The Rocks — the best location for first-timers.
- CBD — best transport and choice of hotels.
- Darling Harbour — ideal for families.
- Surry Hills — food, cafés and a local feel.
- Bondi, Coogee or Manly — for a beach holiday.
Read our full guide to where to stay in Sydney or compare hotels in Sydney.
Getting around
Tap on and off with a contactless card or an Opal card on trains, buses, ferries, Metro and light rail. Daily caps are AU$19.30 Monday to Thursday and just AU$9.65 Friday to Sunday (source). From the airport, the train reaches Central in about 13 minutes — see Sydney Airport to the city.
Best beaches
Bondi, Bronte, Coogee and Manly are the classics; Balmoral and Camp Cove have calm harbour water for families. Always swim between the red and yellow flags. See the best beaches in Sydney.
When to visit
Spring (September–November) and autumn (March–May) are warm and less crowded. Summer (December–February) is beach season and New Year’s Eve; winter (June–August) is mild, with whale watching and the Vivid Sydney light festival.
Before you go
- Flights: compare flights to Sydney — summer and Christmas are the most expensive.
- Visa: most visitors need an ETA or eVisitor visa before travelling to Australia — check the official Australian government website.
- Internet: get an Australia eSIM.
- Insurance: compare travel insurance for Australia.
Practical tips
- Cards and contactless payments are accepted almost everywhere.
- Tipping isn’t expected, though rounding up for good service is appreciated.
- The sun is very strong all year — wear sunscreen and a hat.
- Electricity: 230 V, type I plugs.
Plan your trip to Sydney
The trusted services we use to plan our own trips.
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