Destination
Sydney, Australia
Sydney wraps a harbour city around surf beaches, coastal walks and the Opera House, with the Blue Mountains and Hunter Valley wineries within a day trip.
Trips to Sydney from every city
No live trip to Sydney right now. Ask for one and we price it for your city.
When to go
| Month | Season |
|---|---|
| January | best |
| February | best |
| March | best |
| April | best |
| May | fine |
| June | fine |
| July | fine |
| August | fine |
| September | fine |
| October | best |
| November | best |
| December | best |
- December, January: New Year's Eve harbour fireworks and the Sydney Festival in January.
- May, June: Vivid Sydney light festival from late May to mid-June.
- May, June, July, August, September, October, November: Humpback whale migration passes the coast; whale-watching boats run from Circular Quay.
- February, March: Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras parade in late February or early March.
Where to stay in Sydney
- Circular Quay and The Rocks: Harbour views of the Opera House and bridge, ferries at the door.
- CBD and Darling Harbour: Central hotels, waterfront restaurants and the big museums.
- Surry Hills and Darlinghurst: The city's cafe, bar and restaurant district, a short walk from the centre.
- Bondi Beach: Surf, coastal walks and a beach-town feel 30 minutes from the CBD.
- Manly: Beach suburb reached by a scenic ferry across the harbour.
What to do in Sydney
- Opera House tour or a performance
- Bondi to Coogee coastal walk
- Climb the Harbour Bridge
- Ferry to Manly with a swim at the end
- Blue Mountains day trip to the Three Sisters
- Taronga Zoo with the skyline across the water
Good to know
| Airports | Sydney Kingsford Smith International (SYD) |
|---|---|
| Passport for US citizens | yes |
| Price level | upscale |
| Time zone | Australia/Sydney |
| Kind of trip | city, beach, nature, food, culture |
Questions about Sydney
When is the best time to visit Sydney?
October, November, December, January, February, March and April.
Do US citizens need a passport for Sydney?
Yes. Sydney is in Australia; bring a valid passport.
How expensive is Sydney on the ground?
Sydney is upscale by US standards: plan about $130 per person per day for food, getting around and tickets.