Sydney
Visited in 2008, 2010, 2013 and 2014
At a glance
- Country
- Australia
- Region
- New South Wales
- Population
- 5.5 million
- Best time to go
- September to November, March to May
- Main airport
- Sydney Kingsford Smith (SYD)
- Coordinates
- 33.88°S, 151.24°E
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Overview
Sydney is built around one of the world's most beautiful harbours, with the Opera House and Harbour Bridge as its icons and dozens of beaches within easy reach.
It's an outdoor city: coastal walks, harbour ferries, surf beaches and long brunches. The Blue Mountains are a day trip away.
Things to see
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Photo: Bernard Spragg. NZ from Christchurch, New Zealand, CC0 Sydney Opera House
Take a guided tour or, better still, see a performance.
Tickets and tours -
Photo: Servite et contribuere, CC0 Sydney Harbour Bridge
Walk across for free, or do the BridgeClimb to the top of the arch.
Tickets and tours -
Photo: Dietmar Rabich, CC BY-SA 4.0 The Rocks
The historic area where the colony began, with markets and old pubs.
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Photo: Bidgee, CC BY-SA 3.0 au Royal Botanic Garden
Harbourside gardens with the best view of the Opera House and Bridge from Mrs Macquarie's Chair.
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Photo: Coekon, CC BY-SA 4.0 Taronga Zoo
Native animals and harbour views, a short ferry ride from Circular Quay.
Tickets and tours
Things to do
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Photo: Nick-D, CC BY-SA 4.0 Bondi to Coogee coastal walk
Six kilometres of clifftop path linking beaches, rock pools and cafés.
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Photo: MDRX, CC BY-SA 4.0 Ferry to Manly
One of the world's great ferry rides, past the Opera House to a surf beach.
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Photo: MrActiniuM, CC BY-SA 4.0 Day trip to the Blue Mountains
The Three Sisters, eucalyptus forests and bush walks, two hours away.
Find tours -
Photo: John Robert McPherson, CC BY-SA 4.0 Harbour cruise
A sunset or dinner cruise around the harbour.
Find tours -
Photo: Sardaka, CC BY-SA 4.0 Learn to surf
Lessons at Bondi or Manly for beginners.
Find tours
Where to stay
Circular Quay and The Rocks
Harbour views and walking distance to the Opera House.
Hotels in Circular Quay and The RocksDarling Harbour
Waterfront hotels near restaurants and museums.
Hotels in Darling HarbourBondi
Beach life, cafés and a relaxed vibe, about 30 minutes from the city.
Hotels in BondiSurry Hills
Trendy inner suburb with great food and bars.
Hotels in Surry Hills
Getting around
Trains, buses, ferries and light rail are all covered by tapping an Opal card or a contactless bank card. Ferries from Circular Quay are a highlight in themselves.
The airport train reaches the city centre in about 15 minutes, though it carries an extra station fee.
When to go
Spring (September to November) and autumn (March to May) are warm and pleasant. Summer (December to February) is hot and best for beaches, with New Year's Eve fireworks over the harbour. Winter (June to August) is mild and sunny.
Plan your trip to Sydney
- HotelsBooking.com
- Tours and ticketsGetYourGuide
- FlightsKiwi.com
- Attraction ticketsTiqets
- Airport parking, lounges and transfersHoliday Extras
- Car hireAuto Europe
- Mobile data (eSIM)AiraloCode DAN9406 for money off
- GuidebooksAmazon
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Guide last checked October 2026. Opening times and prices change, so check before you go.