Sydney holidays

How to reach Sydney

Flight time: Flights to Sydney from London take around 21 to 23 hours. There are no non-stop connections so there’s always a stopover, typically at Dubai, Singapore or Cape Town.

Transfer time: The convenient Airport Link train from Sydney’s airport arrives in central Sydney in around 15 minutes.

Price: The Airport Link train fares start at AUD19 for a one-way ticket. If you take a taxi, you’ll have to part with around AUD50–AUD60 for a trip to central Sydney or around AUD45–AUD55 if you choose rideshare services.

Best time to visit Sydney

Sydney enjoys pleasant weather year-round, but depending on whether you are into sunbathing or sightseeing in cooler temperatures, choose the perfect season for you.

• March to May marks autumn in Sydney, with fewer crowds and less busy attractions. Temperatures hover between 15°C and 22°C, with 6 to 7 hours of sunshine daily. If you’re after outdoor attractions and the romantic autumn atmosphere, it seems an excellent time to arrive.

• June to August are winter months in Sydney, but fret not — it’s never freezing! Although temperatures drop to between 8°C and 17°C, you’ll still get around 5 hours of sunshine a day, though some rainfall may also occur (around 80 to 130mm per month). If you’re into indoor attractions like museums and galleries, do come at this time of the year.

• September to November marks spring, with pleasant temperatures around 13°C to 23°C and approximately 5 to 7 hours of sunshine daily. Rainfall is moderate, averaging 60 to 100mm. Why not come at this time of the year if crowds are a no-no for you and coastal walks or visits to botanical gardens are your thing.

• December to February brings the high summer season, perfect for enjoying sunbathing and swimming. Temperatures range between 20°C and 26°C, with around 8 hours of sunshine daily and 50 to 120mm of rainfall per month.

Practical information

• Spoken languages: English is the official language, but Aussies are known for their unique slang, so sometimes you might end up needing an English–English dictionary.

• Local habits and customs: Sydneyites are usually laid-back and friendly, and will be happy to help you with directions. A tip of around 10 percent will be appreciated at restaurants and bars.

• Currency: The local currency is the Australian Dollar. Major credit cards are widely accepted while ATMs are readily available across the city.

• Getting around: Public transport in Sydney is efficient and includes trains, buses, light rail and ferries. You can top up your Opal card as needed at stations or use a contactless card. A single adult Opal card journey on the train within the Central Business District will cost you around AUD3–AUD4.

• Electricity and plug types: The supply voltage in Sydney is 230V and the Australian three-pin socket plug type is used so UK nationals need an adaptor.

• Time zone: Sydney uses Australian Eastern Standard Time, which is GMT+10.

Best things to do in Sydney

Sydney is a supreme city — a perfect mix of beauty, history and culture. Holidays to Sydney guarantee unforgettable experiences, no matter whether you admire the fascinating views from the city’s lookouts, visit museums or explore the lively neighbourhoods.

Viewpoints and panoramas

• Sydney Harbour Bridge: Pluck up your courage and climb to the top of the famous bridge and you’ll be rewarded with awe-inspiring panoramic views of the city skyline. Not to worry, though, if you’re faint at heart and such an adventure isn’t for you. An “ordinary” walk across Sydney Harbour Bridge is also quite a thing.

• Mrs Macquarie’s Chair: This sandstone bench is located in the Royal Botanic Garden from where you can admire one of the most fascinating views of Sydney Harbour. A perfect spot for photography enthusiasts, especially at sunrise and sunset.

• Sydney Tower Eye: At 309m, the Sydney Tower Eye’s observation deck offers 360-degree views of the city. If you’re lucky, on a clear day, you can even see as far as the Blue Mountains.

The best districts

• The Rocks: This charming district abounds with markets, local shops, restaurants and old pubs. Art and history lovers will not be disappointed either as the area is full of galleries and monuments of the past.

• Newtown: Street art, cosy cafés and vintage shops are your cup of tea? Head for Newtown to experience a thrilling local mix of cultures.

• Surry Hills: Known for its art inclination, Surry Hills is what art gallery-goers should certainly not skip but the area’s tranquil atmosphere also calls for taking long walks along the district’s streets.

Parks and gardens

• Hyde Park: Being the oldest park in Australia, it’s a perfect place to relax, stop for a picnic, or just wander along the lanes in a shade cast by statuesque trees. The iconic ANZAC Memorial is located at the park too.

• Centennial Parklands: Just outside the city centre, Centennial Parklands are an ideal place either to relax doing nothing or to go cycling or horse riding in open fields.

Historical monuments

• Sydney Opera House: Everyone will agree that no visit to Sydney would be complete without seeing the Opera House. Marvel at this extraordinary building from the outside, take a tour of its equally stunning interior, or catch a performance to experience its excellent acoustics.

• St Mary’s Cathedral: This impressive Gothic-style cathedral sits in the very heart of Sydney. The structure’s massive body with its twin spires, and elaborate stained-glass windows, make it a major historical site of the city.

• Fort Denison: Catch a ferry to a small island in the middle of Sydney Harbour and explore Fort Denison which once played a major role in the city’s defence.

Day trips in the area

• Blue Mountains: The Blue Mountains offer dramatic landscapes, waterfalls and walking trails, and excellent views of the iconic Three Sisters rock formation.

• Hunter Valley: A trip to the Hunter Valley, one of Australia’s premier wine regions, is a must for wine aficionados. Spend a rewarding day touring vineyards and sampling award-winning wines.

• Manly Beach: It’s advisable to take a scenic ferry ride from Circular Quay to Manly Beach where beach lovers can enjoy spending all day on golden sand, bathing in crystal-clear waters.

Activities for families in Sydney

Sydney has no shortage of fun things for families to do and local attractions will keep both children and parents happy from dawn to dusk.

• Taronga Zoo: Taronga Zoo offers a fantastic day out for children who are fond of animals. They’ll be able to see all the iconic Australian wildlife, from kangaroos to koalas, up close and personal.

• Sea Life Sydney Aquarium: This interactive aquarium is located in Darling Harbour. It offers unforgettable insights into marine life and is full of big and small colourful fish, as well as huge sharks.

• Luna Park: With its iconic smiling face entrance, Luna Park offers a wide array of rides and attractions, from roller coasters to funhouse mirrors.

Free things to do in Sydney

You don’t have to dip into your savings at all to enjoy a wide array of free activities in Sydney.

• Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk: This famous coastal walk, stretching to a distance of 6km and winding along the cliffs, offers breathtaking panoramas of the Pacific Ocean. There are many free swimming places along the trail.

• Art Gallery of New South Wales: The permanent collection of this impressive art gallery, featuring top Australian and international art, is free to visit.

• The Rocks Markets: It’s free to wander through the stalls of The Rocks Markets and enjoy the vibrant local atmosphere. It’ll not be easy, though, not to spend a dollar or two on local crafts or delicious street food.

Local dishes in Sydney

Being a melting pot of cultures, no wonder Sydney is a top Australian foodie destination. So during your Sydney holidays, eat like a king and discover the local food diversity.

Some typical dishes

• Avocado Toast: Everybody knows Avocado Toast and everybody likes it but Sydney cafés are experts at preparing divine toasts, with the addition of feta, poached eggs, salmon or anything you can think of. Almost anything.

• Sydney Rock Oysters: The oysters represent a Sydney delicacy at its best: they’re fresh, full of flavour and sprinkled with a splash of lemon.

Meat dishes

• Kangaroo Steak: Kangaroo meat is a dish for more adventurous consumers, but it’s rather flavoursome and lean and is usually served medium-rare with some pepperberry sauce.

• Lamb Cutlets: Top-quality Australian lamb features on most menus across the city and it’s particularly yummy when served with mint sauce or a herb crust.

Fish and seafood dishes

• Barramundi: Grilled or pan-seared, this iconic Australian fish is often served up accompanied with a fresh salad or seasonal vegetables.

• Fish and Chips: Friday in Sydney and no fresh fish and crispy chips? No way! Enjoy this staple beachside meal in Sydney at one of its many coastal kiosks and cafés.

Street food

• Sausage Sizzles: An ordinary grilled sausage on a slice of bread, plus some onions and a sauce of your choice, deserves tasting as it’s a very popular Australian snack.

• Meat Pies: This flaky pastry filled with rich gravy and minced beef or lamb is an ideal snack not only during sports events.

Sweets and desserts

• Pavlova: Admired all around the world, this famous meringue-based dessert, topped with fresh fruit and cream, is definitely one of the sweet treats to die for.

• Lamingtons: An Australian sweet favourite, these soft sponge cakes, coated in chocolate and rolled in coconut, can be found at many local cafés and bakeries.

Local drinks

• Australian Wine: Wine connoisseurs will certainly not walk away disappointed from Sydney restaurants, as local wines, including Shiraz, Chardonnay and Semillon, are just excellent.

• Craft Beer: Local pubs abound with ales, stouts and lagers, with popular brewers including Young Henrys and 4 Pines.