Sydney is one of the world's premier destinations. Situated on the world-famous Sydney Harbour, Sydney is Australia's oldest and largest city and one of the most picturesque cities in the world. The economic centre of Australia, Sydney is famed for being more fast-paced than Australia's other large economic centres of Melbourne and Brisbane. But, with its beaches, gardens and the nearby Blue Mountains, there's plenty of opportunity for kicking back and relaxing too.
Sydney is home to many world-famous natural and man-made landmarks such as Bondi Beach, the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Sydney also hosts some of Australia's biggest events and festivals including the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras, Sydney Film Festival, and one of life's must-experience events, New Year's Eve on Sydney Harbour. There's something for everyone in Sydney.
Getting in and around Sydney
Sydney Airport
Sydney Airport is Australia's largest international and domestic airport, with connections to all capital cities in Australia and major international airports.
Sydney Transport
Getting around Sydney is easy, with much of the city's area covered by frequent bus, train and ferry services.
Sydney Car Hire
If you need a rental car to travel in and around Sydney, car rental is available from the domestic airport in Sydney as well as in town.
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Sydney accommodation
There's a wide range of Sydney hotels and accommodation available, from world-class five-star hotels to self-service apartments and backpacker accommodation. Where you stay in Sydney will depend on the purpose of your trip, but over the summer months, most travellers prefer to stay around the Eastern and Northern Beaches of Sydney. Popular beach destinations are Bondi, Manly and Coogee Beach.
Luxury
The Shangri La Hotel provides unsurpassable views over the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera House. The Shangri La is located in The Rocks district and is billed as one of the world's finest luxury hotels.
Four Seasons Hotel Sydney is located in the city and has all you need for absolute luxury. The Shangri La Hotel provides unsurpassable views over Sydney Harbour and Opera House. Located in The Rocks district so within walking distance of all the harbour attractions, and billed as as one of the world's finest luxury hotels.
Four Seasons Sydney
Located right in the city, for absolute luxury the Four Seasons has all you are after.
Mid-range
Novotel Sydney Central. Relax and indulge in the comforts of this great hotel.
Holiday Inn Darling Harbour is located near the beautiful Darling Harbour and has wonderful views along with modern rooms and even decorated kids' rooms. Citigate Central, Sydney Relax and indulge in the comforts of this great hotel.
Holiday Inn Darling Harbour, Sydney located near the beautiful Darling Harbour in Sydney you are right in the hub of all the excitement!
Budget
ibis Darling Harbour has wonderful views along with a great location for easy access to all of Sydney's top attractions.
Club Wyndham Sydney. This hotel gives you the opportunity to explore the city with ease and stay in style. Hotel Ibis, Darling Harbour has wonderful views along with a great location for easy access to all of Sydney's sites.
Wyndham Vacation Resort, Sydney This resort gives you the opportunity to explore the city with ease, and stay in style.
Backpackers
YHA Sydney Central can't be beaten for space, cleanliness and proximity to everything.
Mad Monkey Downtown is located in Kings Cross, close to the best of Sydney's night life.Railway Square YHA can't be beaten for space, cleanliness, and proximity to everything. Regular dorms available, or opt for a bed in a genuine old carriage on a disused train platform. Carriages are popular so book early, though keep in mind too that early departing trains right next door could prevent that sleep-in you had planned!
Funkhouse Backpackers, Sydney located in Kings Cross, you are close to the best of Sydney's night life.
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Things to do in Sydney
Circular Quay is a first port of call for visitors to Sydney. The hub of Sydney Harbour, Circular Quay offers fantastic views of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Sydney Opera House. Ferries also leave frequently from here for Manly and other parts of Sydney. A ride on the water is a great way to see the iconic Opera House, Harbour Bridge and nearby Luna Park, as well as catch a glimpse of Sydney's harbour lifestyle.
Bondi Beach is Australia's most famous beach. Learn to surf with one of the surf schools based here, or stretch out on the sand and relax. Nearby Coogee Beach offers the same experience - the two are linked by a popular coastal walk starting at the south end of Bondi.
Darling Harbour has an array of attractions that make it a great destination for families. All year round enjoy the Sea Life Aquarium, the IMAX theatre with the world's largest screen, Wild Life Sydney Zoo, pedal boating and other fun activities. You can also coincide your visit with one of the precinct's many festivals.
Paddington is one of Sydney's hippest suburbs. Restaurants, cafes and high-end fashion, accessorie and homewares shops line the east end of Oxford Street, while on Saturday the long-running Paddington Markets attract both locals and tourists for the unique hand-crafted products including fashion, jewellery, homewares, art and gourmet foods.
Darlinghurst is a cosmopolitan neighbourhood of modern restaurants, bars, boutique shops and attractive terraced houses. You'll also find here the section of Oxford Street widely understood to be Sydney's main LGBTQI nightlife district and the location of the world-famous Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras.
Kings Cross is the heart of nightlife in Sydney with popular clubs as well as small bars, high-end restaurants and late night kebabs. Day time attractions include art galleries and theatres.
Newtown is a vibrant inner-city suburb with a strong student influence thanks to its proximity to the University of Sydney. Stroll the main strip lined with interesting shops, boutique and vintage stores, colourful pubs and entertainment venues, and enjoy the smorgasbord of international-flavoured restaurants.
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Day trips in and around Sydney
Blue Mountains. Many tours depart Sydney daily headed to the spectacular World Heritage-listed Blue Mountains, which is high on most visitors' must-see lists. You can see the Three Sisters, Katoomba, Jenolan Caves and other main attractions in a day-trip, but the area is one that deserves more than a single day if you can spare the time. Plenty of accommodation options are available in Leura and other Blue Mountain townships. Consider renting a car to get there and staying a few nights.
Canberra is only a three-hour drive from Sydney - well worth the trip to see Parliament House and the displays of Australian history and culture exhibited in the city's first-class array of museums and galleries, including the National Gallery of Australia, National Museum of Australia and the Australian War Memorial. Well-maintained rest stops along the way provide somewhere to stop and picnic on the drive.
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