Sydney Destination Guide
Sydney Holidays »
The seaside life rules in Australia’s biggest city – Sydney spends her days by the water and under the sun. Her magnificent harbour – with its countless foreshore playgrounds stretching from Manly on the north side to Watson’s Bay in the east – is a magnet for swimmers, sailors, bathers and brunchers. Whether you want a headland walk or a beachside boutique, everyone from families to the fashion-conscious will take home lasting holiday memories.
It’s inner-harbour bulges with bars, restaurants and hotels, its multicultural heart sustains a world-famous food scene and a thriving beach culture buzzes on the coast. From the surf schools of the sandy suburbs to destination dining in the hippest hoods, a visit to Sydney will stay with you long after you fly home.
The essentials:
- Country: Australia
- Currency: Australian Dollar (AUD)
- Offical Language: English
- Visas: International visitors need a visa to enter Australia and different types apply depending on country of origin, your travel agent can advise
- Tipping: Voluntary, tips of around 10 per cent are optional for good service
- Electricity: Australian outlets run on an average 230 volts and use Type I plugs
Temperature (max C)
J 29, F 26, M 25, A 22, M 19, J 17, J 16, A 18, S 20, O 22, N 24, D 25
Rainfall (max mm)
J 103, F 117, M 131, A 127, M 123, J 128, J 98, A 82, S 86, O 56, N 20, D 13
Find the most memorable vantage points...
- The ferry to Manly
- Bondi Cliffs
- Luna Park
Top Attractions »
From the bustling beaches to the thriving nightlife, Sydney’s got something for everyone no matter what your age!
Visit less touristy beaches including...
- Shelly Beach – close to popular Manly Beach
- Tamarama – Sydney’s gay beach
- Cronulla – deep in Sydney’s south
Where to Eat and Drink »
A food-lover’s heaven awaits heaving with dining options from every culture imaginable, reflecting the city’s long history of immigrants from Europe, Asia and the Middle East. From casual cafés to fine dining venues, Sydney's restaurateurs thrive on a foundation of fresh seasonal produce and endless bounty from the sea.
Uncover the city's favourite foodies areas...
- Surry Hills for contemporary fare
- Newtown backstreets for bars & pubs
- Pitt Street in the city for Asian eats
Where to Stay »
Top-end hotels hug the harbour’s edge offering both spectacular views and easy proximity to a host of the city’s major attractions like the historic Rocks area, the Botanic Gardens, Opera House and the bars and restaurants of East Circular Quay.
Make more of your time & stay in...
- The Rocks for extra sightseeing
- Bondi or Manly to be by the beach
- Kings Cross or Surry Hills for nightlife
Shopping »
Westfield Sydney and Westfield Bondi Junction have changed mall shopping forever building glamour destinations offering personal shopping, valet parking and even fine dining.
The QVB has four floors of elegant and unique shopping along its grand century-old, art deco balconies with tearooms, restaurants and a concierge. The nearby 122-year old Strand Arcade offers similar historic elegance with milliners, fine jewellery and bespoke fashion on show.
Handy shopping hints...
- Independent designers in Paddington & Surry Hills
- Vintage items on South King Street, Newtown
- Asian food and groceries in Cabramatta
Sydney like a Local
Sydneysiders may love their beaches – but they love their pools just as much. At the top of your swimming pool list should be Sydney institution Icebergs, one of the only licensed swimming pools in the world. Come for the pool-side cocktails, stay for the view! If you'd rather swim laps than sip champagne, you can do so under the Sydney Harbour Bridge at the North Sydney Pool.
Insider Secrets:
1. How to get cheap tickets: Nab last minute discount tickets for concerts, theatre, comedy and sporting events at lasttix.com.au.
2. Same view, fraction of the price: Get the same view and kitchen as well-heeled customers at Ripples restaurant Milson’s Point from the kiosk at historic North Sydney Pool for a fraction of the cost.
3. Night art: The Art Gallery of NSW is open until 10pm on Wednesdays as part of its Art After Hours program with regular lectures, drawing workshops and access to current exhibitions.
The best ocean baths include...
- McIvers Bath at Coogee
- Clovelly Beach
- Fairy Bower Pool at Manly
Did you know...? On New Year’s Eve each year more than 1.5 million people line the harbour foreshores to watch Sydney’s famous fireworks burst into the night sky at 9pm and midnight.