For many, this is the real capital of Australia (no, it is not… that’s Canberra!) because it is certainly the most famous, beautiful, engaging and welcoming city on the continent. But Sydney does not need titles to be an exceptional tourist destination. Its extraordinary essence alone creates the myth. The journey is expensive indeed, but it is certainly worth it! Once in a lifetime everyone should come to Sydney and enjoy the wonders that this port city overlooking the ocean has to offer. Founded at the end of the 18th century, the former prison colony has become over the centuries a very modern metropolis and a point of reference for the whole of Oceania. Come and discover it with us!
When to go
The best season for visiting Sydney is autumn, which – in Australia – means the months of March, April and May! During this season, the weather is still mild and warm, you can enjoy the beaches and the ocean, but you can also tour the city without suffering for the hot sun! Also, you can enjoy a Sydney tour during spring days (from September to November), for the same reason.
Travel documents
In order to enter Australia you need a passport valid for the next six months and show a specific visa (tourist, study or work). With the exception of Australian citizens, everyone is required to have a valid Australian visa before entering the country. People with a New Zealand passport can apply for a visa upon arrival in the country. Everyone else, regardless of age, must apply for this document before departure. You can apply through the ETA app, through the embassy or on the Department of Home Affairs website.
What to pack for your trip to Sydney
Australia is big, you should buy a specific guide to the state where you are going to live. For example, if you go to Sydney you will find a totally different climate than Melbourne or Hobart. Sydney has a very balanced climate: nice winters, hot summer, mild middle seasons. When you pack your bags for a Sydney trip make sure you never forget: power adapters, photocameras, battery chargers for your device, any medical prescription/medicine with you, in case you have to undergo a check, and a first-aid kit because health care in Australia is quite expensive! You certainly must have a good insurance.
As for clothes, depending on the season of your stay: short-sleeved and light clothes are always the best choice, but if you go in winter make sure you also have coats and jackets.
How to get to Sydney
Sydney is served by the most important airport in Australia, the international Kingsford Smith Airport (SYD), which will soon be helped by the brand new Western Sydney Airport.
Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport is designed to offer a convenient, efficient, and pleasant start or end to your Australian escapade. For travellers and residents alike, the airport is more than just a travel hub; it’s a symbol of Sydney’s welcoming spirit, with the promise of adventure looming on the horizon. As you pass through its terminals, you’ll not only witness the vibrancy of a world-class airport but also feel the pulsating energy of a city that is ready to greet you with open arms.
Accessibility from the airport to the city and nearby areas is facilitated by a range of transport options, including taxis, trains, and buses. Moreover, for those preferring a more personalized touch, Sydney Airport provides options for private transfers, chauffeur services, and rental cars, ensuring a stress-free continuation of your journey. Sydney is well connected to the other Australian states by motorways, railways and interregional bus transportation nets. Of course, you can also rely on private transfers and vehicle rentals.
How to move through Sydney
Besides the many private transfers choice, you can easily move through Sydney all the time. As one of Australia’s vibrant and bustling metropolises, Sydney offers a dynamic array of transportation options such as city buses, trains, taxis and boats.
Trains operate throughout the city and to suburban areas, making them ideal for longer journeys. Recently, Sydney has bolstered its transportation prowess with the introduction of a modern light rail system. This mode offers efficient travel through key districts, including the CBD and Randwick, merging convenience with sightseeing.
For a more personalized travel experience, taxi services and ridesharing apps like Uber are readily available throughout Sydney. These options provide door-to-door service and are ideal for direct travel to your destination or for those who prefer not to navigate the public system
What to see
The capital of the state New South Wales, Sydney is famous in the world for its harbour, its great iron bridge and its long and wonderful golden beaches! A vibrant city during the day, at night it becomes the kingdom of colours and lights, a place where everyone can have fun. Sydney is also home to wonderful parks, shining skyscrapers and multicultural neighbourhoods where restaurants and pubs give everyone the chance to have fun! There is a lot to see and to do: its port, the old buildings of The Rocks, seaside quarters like Bondi, Manly, Dee Why, the famous Opera House, museums, art galleries and much more. You will never get bored, here!
Not far from Sydney city you can also enjoy visits to places such as Blue Mountains National Park, Bathurst, the national capital Canberra (about 4-hour drive), Newcastle, Wollongong.
What to do and NOT to do in Sydney
What you definitely MUST do in Sydney is…. have fun. Get tanned on the beach, try surf in the ocean, walk along its promenades and lagoons, go visit the many pubs at night, book tours to the “outback” places – in the inner region of New South Wales. Live this city as a real Australian would!
What you better don’t do, when in Sydney: never drink too much, never argue with people who have drunk too much, never stay out too late in a city that loves to stay up late… up to a point. Never underestimate the red flags of the lifeguards on the beaches and never ignore the no-swimming rules… sharks are at home on these shores. Never tell a Sydneysider that Melbourne is better.