Sydney, New South Wales
Guide to Sydney
Aboriginal name: Warrane (pronounced War-rang)
A city of iconic attractions and brilliant beaches, Sydney is a destination you'll never forget.
Sydney is home to must-visit icons like the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera House, but this Harbour City is constantly evolving. New rooftop bars, theatre shows and designer shops pop up at every turn, and the urban excitement is perfectly balanced by afternoons spent lying on the sand. Plus, with diverse destinations at its doorstep, Sydney is the perfect base for day trips and weekends away.
Sydney/Warrane is home to a number of distinct First Nations groups, spanning from the beaches of Bondi out to the Blue Mountains. Warrane refers to the area now known as Circular Quay and Sydney Cove specifically.
Aboriginal culture is vibrant across the city, and you can experience it on cultural tours, exhibitions and events throughout the year.
- Traditional name: Warrane (pronounced War-rang),
- Indigenous Peoples of Central Sydney: Gadigal people
- Traditional lands of Greater Sydney: Eora Nation
- Traditional languages of Central Sydney: Gadigal language
- How to say g’day in Gadigal: Budyeri kamaru
Being one of Australia’s major cities, getting to Sydney is easy with many international and domestic flights arriving daily.
- Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport (SYD) is 9km (5.5mi) from the city and services international and domestic arrivals
- Hire cars, rideshare and taxi services and shuttles are conveniently available to book prior to your arrival, or on the day
- Sydney Airport is also serviced by an urban train line direct to the city
Sydney offers clean, reliable and affordable public transport services connecting all of the city’s suburbs. Read more about getting around Sydney.
When it comes to weather, Sydney is quite predictable and experiences four distinct seasons. The warmer months are commonly from November to February, with the cooler months being March to August.
Even if you are visiting in the cooler months, make sure to pack swimwear, as it is common to enjoy warm, sunny days during winter.
- High season: Spring and summer (November to February)
- Low season: Winter (June to August)
- Don’t miss: The long list of festivals and events happening all year long
Throughout Sydney, you’ll find accessible attractions, museums and galleries, heritage landmarks and more.
- Arrival: Special assistance for people with disabilities, including those with hidden disabilities, is available upon arrival and departure at Sydney Airport.
- Getting around: Most of Sydney’s public transport networks are accessible for people using a wheelchair or mobility device. You can use the ‘Accessible services only’ option on the Trip Planner tool for real-time public transport information.
- Accessible experience highlights: Australia in Style provides epic accessible Sydney tours for wheelchair users, and the staff at Let’s Go Surfing are committed to helping everyone ride Bondi’s famous waves.
- Helpful resources: The Vacayit app provides immersive audio guides to selected Sydney attractions. Check out Sydney’s access and inclusion map to explore the city on your own.
