sydney
Welcome to our Sydney travel guide, where we explore this vibrant city, arguably the most diverse and cosmopolitan city in Australia. With large scenic harbours, long sweeping beaches and iconic landmarks such as the Opera House and Harbour Bridge, it’s easy to see why Sydney has found a place on most travellers bucket lists.
Surrounded by national parks and dotted with beautiful coastlines, escaping the city and getting a glimpse of the spectacular natural beauty that Australia has to offer, is easy. Even in the city, amongst the skyscrapers and buzzing nightlife, parks and greenery are scattered throughout. As a result, you might see some of the wildlife and creatures that Australia is so well known for. One thing is clear, that there is no other city quite like Sydney.
Sydney Travel Guide Contents
Sydney Travel Guide
Getting to and from the airport
Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport is the largest and busiest airport in Australia and has 3 terminals. Terminal 1 handles international flights and Terminals 2 and 3 handle domestic flights. It is one of the oldest, continually operating aiports in the world. The airport is large, modern and well equipped and is located 8km from the Sydney central business district. It is well connected by public transport, these are the options for getting to and from the airport:
- Train, the T8 airport and south line runs from T1 arrivals area, leaves every 10-15min and takes approx 15min to the city centre and 20min to Circular Quay. Tickets are AU$18.70 ($14) for one adult, one way. Single Opal tickets can be purchased at the station, or buy an Opal top up card (minimum top up at the airport stop is AU$35 ($26)). Alternatively, you can use contactless credit/debit card
- Bus, the no.400 and 420 (420N at night) services go to several train stations on the city network, but you will likely need further transport from there on. Tickets are AU$3.80 ($2.90) one way, from T1 (30min to centre) and AU$2.40 ($1.80) from T2 & T3 (15min from centre). These buses also run between terminals and operate as a means to get between domestic and international terminals, if you require for flight connections
- Taxi from taxi rank, approx AU$50 ($38) to city centre, taking approx 20-30min
- Uber (or other ride hailing apps), a popular option and approx 20% cheaper than regular taxis. Readily available from the airport and will likely work out cheaper, or a similar price as a the train for 2 or more people
Areas to stay
Sydney is a large city and is spread out over a large geographical area. There are quite a few options of areas to stay, here are the most popular:
- CBD (Central Business District), as the name suggests, this is the most central area in Sydney and is full of shops, bars and restaurants. It's central location makes it easy to walk to most of the major sites and it has good transport links
- Circular Quay, we have included the Rocks area within this as well, as it's close by. This area has nice views, plenty of restaurants, bars and cafes, and is home to some of the older, historic buildings in Sydney. It is also close enough to most of the major attractions to walk to
- Darling Harbour, another area full of restaurants, bars and shops and home to some of the cities major attractions. Great for families due to the high concentration of family restaurants and family orientated attractions nearby
- Paddington and Surrey Hills, an area more frequented by locals and home to a host of independent restaurants, bars and pubs. A great option for foodies or people looking to have more of a locals experience in the city
- Kings Cross and Potts Point, home to some of the most vibrant nightlife in the city and some of the best budget accommodation options. Also well connected with the Central Station nearby
- Bondi Beach, if you want to be close to the beach then this is the place to be, as well as being an area that is great for young backpackers. However, it takes a while to get into the city, so not the best option if you're looking to explore the city more and be close to the action
Getting around
The main attractions in Sydney city centre are within walking distance and this is always the best way to see the city, if possible. However, some sights are a little further out and sometimes, your feet need a rest. For those days, see the most popular transport options in the city:
- Train, there are 9 lines that run across the city, including the light rail and metro, which all meet at the Central Station. Best options for tickets are the top up Opal card or using contactless credit/debit card and tickets depend on distance travelled ranging from AU$3.60 ($2.70) to AU$8.90 ($6.70). Trains run every 5 to 15min and remeber to tap in and tap out with your card to avoid multiple trip costs.
- Bus, 100's of routes run all over the city, 24 hours a day, and they work on the same ticketing system as the trains
- Ferry, with 7 ferry routes in total, the ferry is a good option to get to areas such as Manly and for a more scenic ride. Fares are more expensive than the train
- Taxi/Uber, taxi's are available all over the city but can be expensive. Ride hailing apps such as Uber tend to be a popular alternative for less expensive rides
Accommodation
Accommodation options are endless in Sydney, however, they can be expensive, so picking the right one, in the right area is key. There are a wealth of backpacker options including basic hostels and trendier versions, serviced apartments, large hotel chains and smaller boutique hotels.
Things to see
Being a large city and surrounded by parks and beaches, there are tons of things to do and explore in Sydney. We don't want to bore you with a list of everything to see and do in Sydney so here are our top 5 things to see and do:
- Sydney Opera House, the landmark of Sydney, this performing arts centre at Circular Quay deserves some time. Walk the perimeter and admire the structure and view, to go inside buy a ticket (AU$42, $32) for a guided tour, or get a ticket for a show or performance
- Harbour Bridge, built in 1932 this iconic structure is the largest steel arch bridge in the world. Walk across or do the BridgeClimb from AU$198 ($150) a ticket
- Darling Harbour, a vibrant and bustling harbour hosting shops, restaurants, bars and weekend festivals
- Royal Botanical Gardens, established in 1816, and located to the east of the CBD, these 74 acre gardens are free and a perfect way to escape the city
- Bondi Beach, this iconic, white sand crescent beach boasts stunning scenery, waves and an ocean pool. Accessible from the city by getting the train to Bondi Junction and then a bus or 25min walk to the beach
What to eat
As a multicultural country, Australian cuisine is a mix of British, European Asian and some Middle Eastern foods. The amazing oceans that surround the land are also a big inspiration for some of the most popular dishes. The Michelin Guide hasn't made it to Australia yet, but there are still lots of Michelin worthy restaurants in Sydney. There are some amazing restaurants, including budget friendly ones, and an array of delicious Asian restaurants. Although there are lots of cheaper grab and go options, eating out in restaurants can be a little expensive. If you're on a budget then keep an eye out for happy hour deals which can substantially reduce the costs of a drink and some meals. Here are our top picks of the local cuisine:
- Barramundi, also known as Asian Seabass, this fish is beautifully tasty and commonly BBQ roasted or battered
- Sydney Rock Oyster, these oysters are grown off the coast of Australia and known for their deep, lasting sweetness
- Lamingtons, an Australian sweet, Lamingtons are vanilla sponge covered with chocolate icing and dusted with coconut
- Meat Pie, a heartwarming pie commonly served in pubs and a traditional food to eat on Australia Day
- Australian Prawns, best served fresh and done on the BBQ with a herb sauce
Money
The currency in Sydney is the Australian Dollar (AU$). Credit & Debit cards are widely accepted throughout Australia and there are plenty of ATM's which accept foreign cards. Tipping is not considered necessary in Australia but it is becoming more customary. In larger chain establishments, you may have a service charge added to your bill, otherwise, if service exceeded your expectations then a tip of 5-10% is fine, you can round up for taxi's. Sydney can be quite an expensive city for tourists, but there are a range of backpacker and budget options, mid range options and lots of higher end options if budget allows. Depending on where you are in the city, prices can fluctuate a little, but are generally quite consistent across the city. Here's a guide for what to expect to pay (per person) for:
- A local draught beer, AU$6-$9 ($4-$7)
- A coffee, AU$4 ($3)
- A meat pie, AU$5 ($4)
- Budget restaurant meal, AU$15-$25 ($11-$19)
- Mid-range restaurant meal, AU$40-$60 ($30-$45)
- High-end restaurant meal, AU$80+ ($60+)
When to go and for how long
The best time to visit Sydney is October and November or February and March, which is either side of the peak season and when the weather is a little more comfortable. There is so much to see and do in and around Sydney so we'd recommend a stay of 5 nights to a week to enjoy the city and everything it has to offer.
Local language and phrases
The language in Australia is English, but you might still come across some words or phrases that you're not sure on! Here's a quick guide to some of the famous local phrases and slang to help you on your travels:
- G'day, mate - Good day or hello
- Strewth! - A word to express suprise or disappointment
- Thongs - Flip flops
- Bottle-o - Off licence/liquor store
- Arvo - Afternoon
- Schooner - A 425ml serving of beer
Useful info
- Sydney is a very safe city and suitable for any traveller, including lone travellers and lone females
- There are a range of places to eat including those specialising in vegetarian, vegan and gluten free diets
- Be wary of creepy crawlies, there aren't too many in the city but more in rural areas, so brush up on what types to be wary of!
- The tap water is safe to drink
Sydney Travel Guide written in June 2021 based on visit in March 2018.
