Find cheap flights to Sydney from $366

With iconic landscapes and a glorious harbor, the buzzing and vibrant city of Sydney offers a visual treat unlike most other cities in the world. Offering some of the Southern Hemisphere’s best surf and attractions, Sydney caters to a wide range of travelers and is a year-round destination. It also boasts a round the year line-up of events and festivals. The city’s high season is from December – February. The sunny climate and average temperatures of 70 – 75 degrees Fahrenheit attract snowbirds from all over the globe. While this is the ideal time to enjoy the outdoors, beaches, and everything that Sydney has to offer, be prepared for high room rates and long queues at popular attractions. For a slightly quieter experience, visit Sydney in the shoulder months from September – November or March – May. From June – August, the average temperatures range from 45 – 65 degrees Fahrenheit. Since this is the low season, you’ll find fewer crowds. Hotel rates are at their lowest and you will also be able to enjoy festivals such as Vivid Sydney, Sydney Film Festival, Bondi Feast, and the Australian International Music Festival during this time.

Most of Sydney’s popular tourist attractions are located in the CBD or around the harbor. If your hotel is in the downtown area, you can easily cover most of the attractions on foot. It is best to avoid driving within the city as traffic is always heavy and Aussies drive on the left side of the road which may not be easy for those who are accustomed to driving on the right. To visit the surfing areas such as Bondi and Manly, you have plenty of other public transportation options.

Trains

Sydney Trains runs a convenient train and light rail network for getting around in the city. Its City Circle line connects many of the popular tourist attractions including the Sydney Opera House, The Rocks, and the Royal Botanic Gardens. Fares are based on time and distance travelled. An Adult Opal single train ticket fare starts at $4.20 AUD, while the same fare using an Adult Opal smart travel card will be $3.46 AUD. For light rail, the fare range is the same as that for buses.

Buses

Sydney Buses offers an extensive network connecting all parts of Sydney and its outskirts. However, Sydney is a big and bustling city and buses, or any other ground transportation will be prone to frequent traffic jams and delays, particularly during rush hour. Fares are based on distance travelled and start at $2.60 AUD for the Adult Opal single bus ticket fare and $2.15 AUD if you use the Adult Opal card.

Ferries

To get to areas such as Manly Harbour or Darling Harbour, or to take in the sights of the spectacular Sydney Harbour, hop on to one of the Sydney Ferries from the main ferry terminal at Circular Quay. Approximately 7 ferry lines operate from here and ferries depart every 25 – 40 minutes. Fares are based on the destination. One-way fares start at $7.10 AUD for the Adult Opal single trip ticket fare and $5.88 AUD if you use the Adult Opal card.

Taxis

Taxis are easily available all over Sydney city and you can hail a taxi directly in the streets. Taxi fares are determined by the number of kilometers traveled and additional surcharges apply during peak hours and on weekends.

Citizens of any nationality other than Australia and New Zealand need a visa or an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) and a valid passport to enter Australia for business or tourism. Please check the Australian Government Department of Home Affairs website.

Things to do and places of interest in Sydney

One of the most vibrant urban destinations in the world, Sydney offers something for everyone. Apart from popular attractions and iconic monuments, the city features lush green parks, museums and galleries, scenic harbors, surf-worthy beaches, and a host of shopping, dining and entertainment options. Here are a few suggestions on what to do when you travel to Sydney.

• Check out some of the popular landmarks such as Sydney Harbour Bridge and Sydney Opera House, and buzzing harbors such as Sydney Harbour and Darling Habour.
• Spend a few hours in the Sydney Rocks district to get a glimpse of the colonial era architecture, pubs, restaurants and a wide range of specialty shops.
• Check out the various museums and galleries such as Museum of Contemporary Art Australia, Art Gallery of New South Wales, Australia Museum, Hyde Park Barracks Museum, and Australian National Maritime Museum.
• Go surfing, sailing, snorkeling, or sunbathing on beautiful Sydney beaches such as Bondi Beach, Coogee Beach and Manly Beach.
• Enjoy leisurely strolls and picnic lunches in Hyde Park and the Royal Botanic Gardens.
• If you are travelling with kids, visit family-friendly attractions such as the Taronga Zoo, Sea Life Sydney Aquarium, Wild Life Sydney and Sydney Olympic Park.
• Go on a shopping spree at Paddington Market that takes place every Saturday.

Tips and tricks for visiting Sydney

Purchase an Opal Card

Sydney’s public transportation is fast, efficient, and economical. Instead of trying to drive in the city, rely on the trains, buses and ferries, and pick up an Opal card for significant discounts on travel.

Invest in an iVenture card

Invest in an iVenture card to enjoy significant savings on Sydney’s top attractions. Check out the Sydney Unlimited Attraction Pass that includes 27 top attractions and tours. A 3-day adult pass costs $216.75 AUD. If you plan to visit other cities in Australia, consider the Australia Multi City Flexi Attraction Pass.

Pick up some Aussie slang!

Aussies love their slang and if you wish to mingle with the locals and soak in the true Aussie culture, it may be worthwhile to pick up some of the popular local lingo like ‘mate’ (friend), ‘barbie’ (barbeque), ‘bevvies’ (alcoholic beverages), ‘brekkie’ (breakfast).