Sydney, Australia | City Guide
Sydney is one of my favorite cities that I’ve had the pleasure of visiting. The weather is beautiful with hot summers and mild winters and it’s on the water with a beautiful harbour and plenty of beaches. If you’re planning a trip to Australia and you are flying into Sydney, this city guide can help! Beautiful Sydney it’s definitely worth seeing!
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Sydney City Guide | Things To Do
Climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge
One of my most favorite things I’ve ever done in a city was climbing the Sydney Harbour Bridge. They give you a full safety briefing and outfit you in a grey jumpsuit with a belt. When it comes time to climb the bridge, you clip onto the bridge for extra caution. However, you are never fully exposed on the climb and will have railings on both sides. The steps are not that steep either and you climb at an easy pace. This is absolutely worth doing if you have the ability, time and budget!
Sydney Opera House
The Sydney Opera House is the most iconic building in Sydney and perhaps all of Australia! It sits in the beautiful harbour and whether you plan to go inside or attend any events, it’s worth catching a glimpse of this beautiful structure from every angle available.
Sydney Opera House Official Guided Walking Tour
Sydney Opera House Guided Backstage Tour
Sydney Opera House Architectural Tour
Royal Botanic Gardens
Next to the Opera house is the Royal Botanic Gardens. Take a stroll or have a picnic in the gardens overlooking the harbour if the weather is nice. Take some photos or just take in the sights!
Bondi Beach
Visit the iconic Bondi Beach. Enjoy a stroll along the boardwalk, have brunch at a cute cafe overlooking the beach, or visit the shops. Channel some local energy and take a surf lesson or have a swim at the iconic ocean pool! It’s easy to get here by train and bus and you can do some shopping at Bondi Junction too before or after grabbing a bus to the beach!
Surfing Lessons on Sydney’s Bondi Beach
Sydney, The Rocks, Watsons Bay, Bondi Beach FULL DAY PRIVATE TOUR
For surf lessons on a less touristy beach, check out this option: Learn to Surf at Sydney’s Maroubra Beach
SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium
Take a few hours and visit the Aquarium. There is something very “finding nemo” about vising the SEA LIFE Aquarium in Darling Harbour. If you want even more of an adventure, you can dive with sharks at the aquarium.
Manly Beach
Take the ferry over to Manly Beach for a few hours. Walk around, shop, watch the surfers or grab a bite to eat. I have fond memories of buying of surf t-shirt and getting pooped on by a bird getting off the ferry.
Golden Beaches and Ocean Vistas MANLY AND NORTHERN BEACHES PRIVATE TOUR
The Rocks
This area of Sydney has some shops, restaurants, charm and history. If you are here on the weekend, check out the market! Also, if you are doing the BridgeClimb you’ll start and end in this area, so it’s an easy add-on to your day! However, it’s not far from the Opera House making it accessible on any day you’re strolling around.
Sydney The Rocks Guided Walking Tour
Sydney The Rocks Historical Pub Tour
Taste of Sydney – Barangaroo and the Rocks
Sydney Harbour
If you don’t have time for Manly Beach, or just want to experience more of the Harbour, consider some kind of a boat tour! The harbour is such a star of Sydney so experience it as much as possible!
Sydney Harbour Sightseeing Cruise Morning or Afternoon Departure
Sunset and Sparkle Sydney Harbour Cruise
Sydney City Guide | Short on Time
If you are short on time for Sydney, check out some of the below options. While I love Sydney, Australia is full of natural wonders to explore and a city might be low priority for you. This city on the water has a beauty worth taking in even if it’s only half a day!
Big Bus Sydney and Bondi Hop-on Hop-off Tour
Private 4-hour city tour of Sydney with Hotel pick up and drop off
Nature and Wildlife: Australia in One Day – Private Tour
Day Trips from Sydney
If you have more time for Sydney then you might want to include some surrounding areas! From the Blue Mountains, to vineyards to National Parks, there are plenty of options surrounding Sydney!
Blue Mountains
The Blue Mountains are beautiful and so close to Sydney. This is one the most popular day trips and for good reason! Trade out ocean views for mountains and marvel at the The Three Sisters or explore caves!
Blue Mountains Unique Small-Group Day Adventure with Picnic Lunch
Blue Mountains Small-Group Tour from Sydney with Scenic World,Sydney Zoo & Ferry
Small Group Blue Mountains Day Trip from Sydney with Scenic World
South of Sydney
Head south of Sydney for the Royal National Park, Sea Cliff Bridge, Jervis Bay, or Macquarie Pass National Park!
Jervis Bay & Dolphins Cruise – One Day Tour
Sea Cliff Bridge, Blowhole, Beaches & Farmlands- Escape the City
Wild Wombat and Kangaroo Day Tour from Sydney
Hunter Valley
If you love wine, then Hunter Valley is for you! Rent a car or pick a tour and explore Australia’s oldest wine region.
Chef-Led Hunter Valley Gourmet Food and Wine Day Tour from Sydney
Luxury Hunter Valley Wildlife & Wine Tasting Tour from Sydney
Hunter Valley Wine Tour from Sydney incl Lunch, Cheese, Chocolate and Distillery
Weather in Sydney
In my perusing the internet I came across a very reputable travel site claiming Sydney is 80F in their Summer. I’ve been to Sydney in March, their Fall, and that is more accurate temperature to what I experienced. I live in central Florida and I’d compare our weather to Sydney’s. The summers are hot and the winters are mild. I took my research to the next level and checked January’s weather in Sydney for this year. While they had some days in the 80s they also reached days over 100F! Being on the water might keep temperatures more mild at times, but I’d still plan for hot weather if you go in the Summer. The sunshine will keep you warmer any time of year and you will need a jacket in the winter months especially on cloudy days, though not a thick one!
How to Get Around
Driving in Sydney is possible, but with parking rates, you are better off not driving. If you are splitting taxis or ubers, it could be cost effective and easy for getting around. However, in Sydney, it is very easy to get around on public transport. I mainly relied on the train system, but did take a bus for Bondi Beach and a Ferry for Manly Beach. Once you’re by the harbour, a ferry is an easy option. I enjoy wandering city streets and Sydney is very walkable for a lot of its main attractions.
Where to Stay
There are plenty of options in Sydney for every type of traveler! Whether you’re a family of four, a couple, group of friends or you’re taking in this beautiful city solo, there’s a perfect place for you!
With a View
Near a Beach
Manly Pacific Sydney MGallery Collection
Rooms Under $100 per Night
Solo Budget Options
Space for a Family of Four
Getawayz NSW – Heatherbrae II – Chic 2 Bed Apartment, Stunning Harbour Bridge Views.
I hope this Sydney City Guide was helpful! Warm weather cities on the water always seem to win my heart and Sydney is no exception!
