DESTINATION GUIDE: SYDNEY

Sydney

When people think of visiting Australia, a trip to Sydney is often the number one place that comes to mind. The most popular tourist and business travel destination in Australia, Sydney welcomes over 9 million international visitors each year to explore the cities shopping, dining and entertainment offerings, alongside close deals and establish new business opportunities.

Home to some of Australia’s most popular tourist landmarks including the Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge, as well as some of the country’s best fine dining and high-end accommodation, learn about everything that Sydney has to offer for those visiting the city.

POPULATION: 5.18 million

STATE: New South Wales, Australia

TIMEZONE: UTC +10 during Winter or UTC +11 during Summer.

CLIMATE: Temperate

NEAREST AIRPORT: Sydney Airport

Sydney: Top Things To Do

Home to the Sydney Opera House, Sydney Harbour Bridge, Luna Park and hundreds of shopping, dining and entertainment opportunities, there are no shortage of ways to enjoy Sydney. Read about a couple of our top picks for when you visit the city.

Visit the Sydney Opera House

One of Sydney’s most iconic cultural and architectural landmarks, no visit to the Sydney area is complete without a walk to the Sydney Opera House. Perched right over the water at Circular Quay, make your way down to the water and spend time exploring inside and around the building, learning the history and grabbing iconic photos. The Opera House is also open and hosting performances and shows regularly, so if you’re interested in art, culture or music, check out their website HERE and book in to see a show while you’re there.

Spend the day at Taronga Zoo

Just across the Harbour from Circular Quay lives Sydney’s own Taronga Zoo, and if you consider yourself an animal lover it’s well worth taking a day to visit the Zoo and the animals within it. Accessible via road, bus or via the Ferry from Circular Quay, get up close with the Giraffes, Penguins, Monkeys, Frogs and Snakes that call the Zoo home, and learn about their Conservation opportunities during the many shows. The Zoo also has a range of retail and food outlets, so you can grab a souvenir of your favourite animal on the way home.

Explore Bondi Beach

Australia is lucky enough to have over 11,000 beaches, with Bondi Beach being by far one of the most famous. Located about a 30-minute Train Ride from Sydney CBD, head down early in the morning and grab a coffee from one of the many cafes in the area before setting up on the kilometre-long stretch of sand and enjoying Bondi’s sunny weather. More than just a beach, Bondi is lucky enough to be home to dozens of shopping, dining and entertainment opportunities as well for tourists to enjoy, so make a day out of it and take some time to explore the entire suburb.

Sydney: Top Places to Stay

More than just a hub of shopping and dining, Sydney is home to some of Australia’s most extravagant accommodation. Whether you’re looking to travel on a budget or live like royalty, Sydney offers something for everyone. Check out some of our top accommodation recommendations below.

Park Hyatt Sydney

If you’re looking for luxury, opulence and convenience, the Park Hyatt Sydney is the place to stay. A 5-star property located right under the Sydney Harbour Bridge, Park Hyatt Sydney boasts luxurious accommodation, indulgent fine dining and breath-taking views, with the Opera House and Sydney Harbour viewable from your bed within the property. The Park Hyatt is also a short distance from Circular Quay, Darling Harbour and Sydney CBD, meaning it’s the perfect place for an indulgent Sydney stay.

Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour

Home to the Sydney Convention Centre, Lyric Theatre and Star Casino, Darling Harbour plays host to hundreds of meetings, conferences and events every year, and the Sofitel Hotel is the ideal place to stay when attending for business. Located within walking distance to all of Darling Harbour’s key venues and a short drive from Sydney Airport, enjoy modern accommodation, delicious cuisine and ample tourist opportunities while visiting the area.

QT Bondi

Bondi Beach is a vibrant melting pot of culture, so why not stay somewhere just as vibrant as the suburb? Just a short walk from the beachfront, QT Bondi offers vibrant, fun and comfortable accommodation, alongside a delicious Room Service menu for you to choose from after a busy day exploring the suburb. If you don’t feel like ordering Room Service or want to enjoy a dining experience, there are also dozens of restaurants and bars within walking distance for you to visit.

Sydney: Best Restaurants to Visit

Home to some of Australia’s most incredible entertainment and architecture, it comes as no surprise that Sydney is also home to some of the country’s finest dining opportunities as well. Offering everything from Pub Food to waterfront Fine Dining, there is a restaurant for everyone.

Quay

If there is one place where you can get Sydney’s fine dining and exceptional views all wrapped up in one place, it’s Quay Restaurant. Located in Circular Quay above the Cruise Terminal, Quay offers Modern Australian Cuisine paired with exceptional Sydney Harbour views, allowing you to dine on dishes such as Abalone, Bone Marrow Pasta, Freshwater Marron and more, all while overlooking the fabulous Harbour and Opera House.

Bondi Icebergs

Bondi offers a multitude of exceptional dining opportunities, but if you’re after a place that serves fantastic food paired with outstanding views of the beach, look no further than the Bondi Icebergs. A local favourite spot because of its food and location, Bondi Icebergs serves up Aussie classics including Burgers, Seafood, Schnitzel and more, all while overlooking the beach and Icebergs pool.

Cottage Point Inn

Located roughly 50 minutes from Sydney CBD by car (or 20 minutes by seaplane), Cottage Point Inn is a hidden Sydney gem that’s well worth the trip. Perched on the banks of the Hawkesbury River and surrounded by national park, take the journey out for lunch and enjoy fine dining dishes including Blue Swimmer Crab, Scallops, Beef Shortrib and more, all while overlooking the river and paired perfectly with wine.

PLAN YOUR TRIP

Discover our range of Sydney holiday packages and supplier deals for your next trip to Sydney.

FAQ’s

When is the best season to visit Sydney?

Boasting temperate weather and a climate that’s not too hot or cold, Sydney is ideal to visit for business or leisure all year round. Famous for its beaches and events such as New Year’s Eve, VIVID and Sydney Mardi Gras, Sydney’s tourism hits its peak throughout the summer months of September to March and quietens down between April to August, so if you’d like to take advantage of cheaper prices and a quieter city, we recommend visiting during this time.

Where is Sydney's nearest airport?

Sydney’s nearest airport is Sydney Domestic and International Airport, located about 30 minutes’ drive from the CBD. Sydney Airport is Australia’s busiest airport, servicing both domestic flights around the country and international routes around the world. Sydney Airport is also a popular layover point when transitioning between Domestic and International flights.

Is Sydney safe to visit?

Sydney is a very safe city to visit for business, solo or family travel. It’s always recommended to follow local Health and Safety Advice, as well as talk to your Travel Agent about any concerns before visiting. Obtaining Travel Insurance prior to visiting can also help to alleviate any issues that you may come across.

Is Sydney expensive?

Sydney is on the pricier side to visit if you choose to stay in the CBD or popular tourist hotspots, however there are still a range of more affordable accommodation options available for those wanting to visit Sydney on a budget.

If you’re looking to visit Sydney, we recommend speaking to our Travel Agents to book the perfect trip that fits within your budget.

Get in touch with us to plan your Aussie holiday!