🗺 Tourism Information
Many might think Sydney is the capital of Australia, when in fact it's Canberra. This is only because Sydney is the biggest city and hosts the most renowned landmarks and points of interest of the country like the Opera House or Sydney Bridge.
Many citizens have come around the globe to Sydney, not only because of its appeal for a holiday, but a place to live. It's a true representation of ethnic multiculturalization.
The most ethnics backgrounds you will be able to notice are Asian (Chinese, Japanese, Philippino), South Asian (Indian) the Pacific (Zew Zealand, Pacific Islands) and many European and American who have made Sydney their home either temporary or permanently.
Sydney is attractive for its good weather year round, high quality of life style and finally, renowned for its excellent food and drink, offering in many international high quality restaurants, bars and cafes. It's not a surprise that there is something for everybody's liking and all ages; whilst many head to the beaches; others love to visit the attractions of Darling Harbour or the most adventurous can climb the iconic Harbour Bridge, or if you prefer a chilled walk with great views of the Opera House, you can stroll the magnificent Botanic Gardens.
🌈Sydney is also a popular gay holiday destination, especially during late February when the annual LGBT Mardis Gras takes place.
Sydney is one of the world's top holiday destinations, offering stunning beaches, vibrant nightlife, superb shopping and delectable restaurants. And beyond the iconic landmarks of the city, many beautiful natural landscapes opens the door to explore the Australian great outdoors, making Sydney a great travel hub too!
Sydney enjoys a warm and pleasant climate, with a very mild winter. It has about 105 sunny, cloud-free days a year! During the Summer (December to March) temperatures can reach an easy 30°C and through the rest of the year it´s a more mild and comfortable 20°C on average.
If you visit during the Winter, June through to August, temperatures don't go below 9°C normally, so it's also a great time to visit when the northern hemisphere is in high season.
The best time to come to visit Sydney is March to June and September to November. (their Autumn and Spring). February is also very popular for swimming and the LGBT MArdi Gras.
Arriving to Sydney centre or the CBD as it´s called is easy by public transport. From the airport, either the domestic or the international terminal, you can take the Train, (T8, green line) to the centre (CBD). The trip takes about 20 min.
Once in the CBD, busses, trams, trains run often, together with the new Metro system which connect all the major suburbs. There is an electronic card called "OPAL Card" which is used for both locals and visitors and this will save you time, looking for change. You need to touch in with the card as you board the transport and also as you leave to calculate the correct fare. ( Tag-on/off)
You can buy the cards at main stations, at the airport and official shops. For more info check Transport Sydney. You can also use your phone for contactless payments.
Comfortable double-decker trains run frequent services from the airport as well as to the suburbs. Public transport is modern, fully air conditioned and has electronic displays for easy orientation and direction of routes. It's also possible to use multiple online and apps to track the status of the trains or busses.
Below you will find the transport maps:
Sydney offers a great transport system, using the Opal card as e-payment. 
Bondi Beach can only be reached by bus. (can pay using Opal/Card/ Contactless). Probably most people will relate Sydney with its best known landmark, the harbourfront Sydney Opera House, with a distinctive sail-like design.
Of course there is much more than meets the eye. Like the massive Darling Harbour and the smaller Circular Quay port which are hubs of waterside life. Also the arched Harbour Bridge and Royal Botanic Garden nearby. In the city's skyline you can observe the Sydney Tower.
Sydney is a city full of life, and after visiting all these attractions, you can recharge or relax by the great venues for eating and drinking. And if that was not enough, the city hosts many cultural events such as music concerts, sport competitions and the famous Mardi Gras in February, the LGBT parade.
Below are the main highlights:
Sydney Opera House: is Australia's most recognisable building and is an icon of Australia's creative and technical achievement. Since its completion in 1973 it has attracted worldwide acclaim for its design and construction. It is placed right at the end of Bennelong Point, close to the harbour and completely to scale in relation to the Harbour Bridge, It took 16 years to build. The technical challenge of how to construct the roof sails took four years to solve. Today the Sydney Opera House is a national cultural centre, and includes a concert hall, opera and drama theatres, a playhouse and a studio. It is a fitting showcase for many of the world's leading performers. You can visit the Opera House inside by tour or by attending a music concert or event. Prices range from AU $35 depending for the activity chosen. Advance booking always suggested.
The iconic Opera House was built in 1973! 
Crossing over the Sydney Bridge you get to see great views of it! 
Another ways to see it, is taking the ferry's to Many Wharf. Sydney Harbour Bridge: also affectionately known as the 'Coathanger', was opened on March 19th 1932, after six years of construction. Made of steel the bridge contains 6 million hand driven rivets. The surface area that requires painting is equal to about the surface area of 60 sports fields. The Bridge has huge hinges to absorb the expansion caused by the hot Sydney sun. You will see them on either side of the bridge at the footings of the Pylons. It is possible to climb the bridge by organised tour, the costs are from AU $280 per person. (No children allowed) and lasts 3 hours.
Taking a ferry is also a good way to see the bridge! 
Observe the lights at night which makes the bridge even more impressive! Darling Harbour is adjacent to the city centre. It is also a large recreational and pedestrian district that is situated on western outskirts of the CBD. You can find a full array of Hotels, restaurants, souvenir shops, pubs and convenience stores. The Sydney Aquarium, Imax, Maritime Museum and Casinos are is also situated here.
Great Views of Sydney's Newest Skyscraper, the Crown Tower. 
The area is fully pedestrianised now. 
A short walk from Darling Harbour is the New Fish Market! 
Fish & Seafood lovers should not miss the opportunity to explore the market! Circular Quay: Basically it´s the city's main ferry terminus, situated in the very heart of Sydney Cove. The founding place for the settlement of Australia. It serves as a gateway, connecting visitors to Sydney's major attractions - Sydney Harbour, Sydney Opera House, Sydney Harbour Bridge and The Rocks. It's a vibrant, bustling hub with ferries leaving every few minutes to different parts of the harbour, including Manly, Watsons Bay, Mosman and Taronga Zoo.
Circular Quay is at the foot of the central business district and the older, historic end of the city. Buses depart here for Bondi and the eastern suburbs. It is also a major railway station on an underground railway known as the City Circle, which loops around the CBD. Much of its appeal lies in the great many outdoor eating areas set up nearby. The walkway that leads to the Sydney Opera House is bustling with great restaurants, with heaters outside during the evening and cosy indoor tables for when it´s too cold. There are great views of the Harbour Bridge, day and night, from all points of Circular Quay.
Recently redeveloped, the harbour area is now full pedestrian with ample space. 
Along the Quay you can admire the city skyline, enjoy drinks when its sunny and dry as well as watching the Opera House. The Rocks: It's the first settlement area for Sydney Cove that gave rise to soldiers' barracks, hospitals, whaling warehouses, rat catchers and the Bubonic Plague. Now it is a vibrant pocket of cafes, restaurants, shops and weekend market stalls set against a backdrop of historic buildings and mysterious passageways. One of the most popular eating areas is a bank of restaurants set up in a row of former wharves. This part of Sydney is one of the oldest, most attractive and most interesting.
At the weekend you can find the market! 
Local shops sell handcraft and arts. 
Many restaurants and cafes to choose from! Bondi Beach: It's a famous beach and resort in Sydney. Also very popular for surfers. It is a good area for souvenir shopping, local markets and local food. To get to Bondi Beach, get a train to Bondi Junction and then bus 333 (Stand A3) to the beach. Or you can walk which takes about 20 min down hill 3km. There is also a red Metro bus, number 40 from Chatswood via Wynyard, Town Hall, Museum and Paddington that terminates in Bondi junction.
Bondi gets busy specially at weekends year round! 
It's also popular for surfing! 
Enjoy a family day out, or relax with an ice cream and eating fish & chips take away! 
Even during the Winter, Bondi is popular for sun bathing and some even like swimming! Sydney Tower: Nicknamed the 'golden basket', the tower contains an observation deck, a coffee lounge and two restaurants. The enclosed observation deck offers a 360 degree view over Sydney from a height of 250 meter. For those seeking extra excitement there is also the skywalk, an open-air stroll on a glass-bottomed platform 268 meter above ground level. On a clear day, visitors can see as far as 55km. Prices cost from AU $29 per adult if bought online (saver price). Check Sydney Tower Tickets.
The Skytower is located on Pitt Street. 
It's easy to spot it when you are in the CBD! 
On a clear day the views are great! Royal Botanic Gardens, Within the CBD, you will find this wonderful tranquil oasis on the edge of one of the world’s great natural harbours. From the gardens, you’ll enjoy spectacular views and can take great photographs of Sydney Harbour, the Sydney Opera House and the Harbour Bridge. The garden has thousands of plant specimens. Wildlife in the garden includes colourful birds, fruit bats and water dragons. The Calyx is a world-class horticultural space, with changing exhibitions designed to capture your imagination. Volunteer guides will lead you through the gardens on free walks, daily at 10.30am, except on public holidays, and at 1pm on weekends. The walks are for 90 minutes and depart from the Information Booth outside the Garden Shop at the Palm Grove Centre, in the middle of the gardens, where you’ll also find a restaurant and café. Entry is free into the gardens, open daily from 7am. The nearest train stations are Circular Quay and Martin Place.
Finding a respite from the city in the gardens is a welcome pastime! 
Unmatched beauty year round! ✔️Tip: Join a Free walking tour organised by locals or students living in Sydney. These walking tours are completely free and give you good in depth knowledge from the city, history facts and curiosities about Sydney. At the end you can leave a tip if you liked the tour. The tours meet at Town Hall Square and are about 2 hours long.
For more info check Free Walking Tour
Museums and Galleries
The Australian Museum is what many consider to be the crown jewel of the Sydney museum scene. The country's oldest museum (coincidentally located next to the country's oldest park) re-opened bigger and better than ever in late 2020 after major refurbishments. Today, it houses a staggering collection of more than 20 million pieces, including a sizeable Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander collection celebrating our First Nations history and contemporary culture.
The Australian Museum is the country's oldest museum! The Museum of Sydney was built around Australia's first government house to preserve the stories of one of the most pivotal locations in the country's early history. The state's founding governor, Arthur Phillip, called this location home, and for decades it hosted some of the most important legal events that shaped Sydney, NSW and Australia. Visitors can view original parts of the building as well as a rotating series of exhibitions and events that dive into the state’s colonial history, including a favourite based on the First Fleet ships.
The museum is relatively small, but quite interactive. Sitting on the east side of Sydney’s parklands, the Art Gallery of NSW, hosts permanent collections consisting of thousands of works across all genres and from around the globe, including Asia, Europe and Oceania. It also has excellent Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander works.
The museum is currently being renovated with the addition of a new building to its north called the Sydney Naala Badu. It will have a dedicated Indigenous art gallery and space for major international exhibitions that tour the world. (Both Free to enter)
The classic Building and the main entrance to the museum 
Aboriginal art as well as International art is displayed. 
The new building is call the Naala Badu. Australian National Maritime Museum. If you’re visiting Darling Harbour, it would be interesting to stop by here if you have somewhat curiosity for ships, cartography, navigation and ocean exploration. Moored outside the museum are a Cold War-era submarine, a decommissioned army patrol boat and a historic tall ship.
Museum of Contemporary Art: best for its stunning location. Ideally situated overlooking Circular Quay in a commanding Art Deco building, Sydney’s Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA) is dedicated to exploring and celebrating the work of living artists. Their collection and exhibitions curated around themes cover the whole spectrum: painting, photography, sculpture and moving images.
Located just next to Circular Quay, you can't miss it! Hyde Park Barracks Museum: This is an interactive museum with a free Audio Guide, best for innovative storytelling. The Museum was once a prison designed by a convict architect before housing a women’s immigration depot, asylum, law courts and government offices. Today this Unesco World Heritage-listed site is an innovative museum that brings Australia’s colonial story to life through charismatic audio guide storytelling.
Highlights of the tour include the upstairs hammock room where convicts – some 50,000 passed through here – slept side by side, various period artefacts, and stories from the building's later history.
It used to be a prison before housing a women’s immigration depot, asylum, law courts and government offices before becoming the museum. Other Events to consider when visiting Sydney:
Australian open for Surfing: It's a big event located on Manly Beach, celebrated at the end of February of each year. it includes the best surfers, skateboarders, BMX, and music events. The best thing is that it´s all for free! Additionally, the party goes on with plenty of live music, art, gourmet food and beverage during the day and into the early hours of the morning. Its a good area for going out and socialising in a relaxed atmosphere.
🌈Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras, or locally just Mardi Gras, is an annual LGBT pride parade and festival attended by hundreds of thousands of people from around Australia and overseas. It is one of the largest such festivals in the world, and includes a variety of events such as the Sydney Mardi Gras Parade and Party, Bondi Beach Drag Races, Harbour Party, Mardi Gras Film Festival, as well as Fair Day, which attracts 70,000 people to Victoria Park, Sydney. Held every year at the end of February.
Trips out of Sydney
There are several day trips that you can take from Sydney to explore the surroundings and the scenery of the state. (NSW).
Generally you can take tours which include the following places mentioned below or you can do it yourself, with easy and convenient public transport options.
The Blue Mountains are highly recommended to visit within a day trip. Comprising several highlights, the area is famous for its bluish mountains. They are so named because, from Sydney, they look blue. The reason comes from the vegetation which grows in the region, the vast forests of eucalyptus (commonly called gum trees), which in the hot sun discharge a fine mist of eucalyptus oil from their leaves. The mist refracts light, which makes the haze look blue at a distance.
Nearby is the Scenic World in Katoomba where to enjoy panoramas of the wilderness, waterfalls, valleys and rugged sandstone tablelands by cable car or the famous scenic railway. You can explore the ancient caverns of Jenolan Caves and discover limestone crystal and underground rivers deep within the mountains.
A trip to Leura is also recommended by its proximity to the Blue Mountains (sometimes included in the package of the organised tours). It's a very pretty enchanting village.
With its Edwardian storefronts and 19th century cottages, Leura sits framed upon a background of stunning natural wonders, sandstone escarpment, dense eucalyptus forests and rugged terrain. It's a step back in time which will surprise visitors to find quaint little shops, boutiques, cake shops, cafes and a famous Teapot house, very interesting to visit.
To get to the Blue Mountains by yourself, you can get the trains which go to "Katoomba" taking just under two hours from the central station in Sydney. You can also opt to get off at Leura before and take busses then to Katoomba or continue by taxi/uber.
Another popular day trip out of the busy city, is Manly and its beach. A short 30 minute ferry ride across Sydney harbour, Manly Wharf is a great place to start your Northern Beaches trip. Manly is a must visit Sydney destination offering waterfront restaurants, attractions, adventure and entertainment for young and old. The iconic beach is far less crowded in summer than Bondi, and it stretches 2KM so there is plenty of room to find a spot. Come here and enjoy many restaurants and cafés, pick up some fish n’ chips, relax on the wharf, have a swim or picnic and enjoy sensational view! To get there take the Ferry from Circular Quay and the trip is just 30 min to reach Manly Wharf.
Wollongong is the third largest city in New South Wales, located around an hour's drive south of Sydney and wedged between the coast and the Illawarra Escapment. You can also reach it by direct train from Sydney Central Station taking about 90 minutes.
Wollongong has developed into one of the area's top tourist and holiday destinations. With extensive shopping facilities, a beautiful harbour, sandy beaches and spectacular coastal and mountain scenery, it has become a great location within itself. The pristine Wollongong beaches are indeed a sight to behold, offering miles of sun-kissed sands and crystal-clear waters. The coastline is dotted with various beaches, offering visitors an array of options to soak in the sun, surf the waves, or enjoy a tranquil sunset.
Once in Wollongong, NSW, the city's efficient public transportation system, including buses and taxis, For the more adventurous, bike rentals are available to explore the city at your own pace.
At the core of Wollongong, as you stroll through the city centre, you'll encounter a myriad of shops, ranging from trendy boutiques to well-known retail outlets, offering everything a shopper could desire. Alongside these, a plethora of art galleries and museums.
Finally but not least, what's a trip to Australia without seeing the natural wildlife? Plan a trip to one of the many wildlife Parks nearby Sydney. (You can always go to the Sydney Zoo if you want to see many animals). But the best idea is to visit one of National Wildlife Parks which specialise in Australian animals like the Kangaroo, Koala, Wombat, Crocodiles, birds, etc. One Park recommended is Featherdale Wildlife Park, With over 1,700 mammals, birds and reptiles. You can take pictures with the animals and be around some of them (Kangaroos).
To get there from the City, take the North Shore and Western line to Blacktown Station. Bus stand E is located just outside the station. Take the number 729 bus for a 10 minute ride which will drop you right outside Featherdale gates.
Those having enough energy left to continue into the night, will not be disappointed to find that Sydney's nightlife is all go!
The best party areas include Darling Harbour, Oxford Street and The Rocks. 🌈Oxford Street is the epicentre of the LGBT nightlife scene in the city, though there are many straight bars and clubs as well.
Kings Cross is the reputed Red Light District of Sydney, an area which has seen some improvement over the last few years, attracting an increasingly diverse and arty array of visitors, but it remains a gritty nightlife centre, as one would expect for an area once dominated by sailors and brothels.
The Rocks and Kings Street Wharf offer more upmarket entertainment options. Sydney is also renowned for its performing arts, the most notable venue being the iconic Sydney opera House. Other areas to enjoy the nightlife are Burwood and Chinatown in the downtown.
The area of Burwood is a trendy area to hang out as well as getting a more local feel. 
From snacks to international cuisine, there something for everyone to enjoy at night! There are some last drinks laws in effect in the Sydney CBD, with no drinks served after 3am at hotels and registered nightclubs, but some smaller venues are exempt from these rules.
✔️Tip: When out and about its good to know that Sydney offers a good range of transportation getting back home. Night busses reach most districts so there is no worry about driving or taking last metros home! Below you have the map of the night busses, available to download:
Those loving a bit of shopping in their holiday will not be disappointed with Sydney. It's a cosmopolitan city that offers international as well as local name brands, world-class shopping centres, speciality shops, and discounted market stalls that offer anything from clothes to arts and crafts.
You will find most of the high end boutiques in the central area (Castlereagh St) Most of the large department stores are within the city centre and within a few blocks of each other. For exclusive shopping, the QVB, or Queen Victoria Building, is an architectural masterpiece housing a large variety of designer label and speciality shops, while in similar vein the nearby Strand Arcade houses some of Australia's top designer labels, as well as boutiques, jewellery shops and beauty salons. Downtown Duty Free in the basement is a great place to pick up some bargains.
Other centres include the Grace Bros department store, boasting vast quantities of goods; Sydney's oldest department store, David Jones; the Harbourside development at Darling Harbour; MLC Centre.
Explore the streets of The Rocks, which hide myriad speciality shops, while Skygarden centre is home to the biggest bookstore in town, Borders, which also stocks a wide selection of magazines, CDs and DVDs.
The Rocks, is also a popular area to shop for local handcraft and arts. Plus the benefit of many restaurants and cafes along its streets to relax. Sydney's biggest market is Paddy's, open from Thursday to Sunday, which offers discounted mainstream items, while the Glebe (Saturday) and Bondi (Sunday) markets are traditional alternative markets with a good selection of clothing, arts and crafts, and second-hand goods.
For something totally different the daily Sydney Fish Market is a fishy spectacle as well as a great place to eat fresh seafood.
Along Pitt Street Mall you can walk free of traffic and shop! 
In central Sydney there are many quaint shops and galleries, even coming just to take a look! Sydney is expensive in regards to Hotels, specially if you want to stay in the CBD. The best recommendation is to stay away from the city with access to train or bus lines which can get you in to the city centre. One area which is definitely worth checking is Kings Cross and Northern City which is now connected to the Metro. Here, there is everything you might need for travelling and accessibility. Convenient restaurants, shops, cafes, bars and better value Hotels. Its also an area popular for Hostels. Hotels are about €70 per night whilst other options might include self catering apartments and Airbnb.
These are local hotels, more typical in Australia which are often above pubs. 
Airbnb is widely available, which is worth checking in non-central areas for better prices. Sydney is truly an impressive city and no matter how long you stay, there is always so much to see and do. Will it be tours around the state, shopping and dining, relaxing, swimming and water sports, you probably need a good week to take it all in! However under a visiting point of view, to see the city's main attractions and a couple of tours to the Blue Mountains and Bondi Beach, then plan to stay at least 4 nights.
If you're only coming to Sydney from a long haul destination and planning to relax, then one week to 10 days would be good as well, including some trips to other local cities and regions, whilst taking time to chill and relax.
Watson Bay Beach and its suburb are worth exploring if you are staying Sydney extra time!
