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Guide to Sydney

Aboriginal name: Warrane (pronounced War-rang)

Welcome
Aboriginal
Getting to Sydney
When to visit
Accessibility

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.

Top things to do in Sydney

Sunset at the Sydney Opera House © Keith Zhu/Unsplash

Spend the day at the Sydney Opera House

Dine at a world-class restaurant, see a performance or step behind closed doors for a tour of backstage areas, complete with informative history and fun celebrity anecdotes. Find more ways to experience Australia’s most famous cultural icon.

Aerial of Bondi Beach in Sydney © Adam Krowitz

Discover Sydney’s best beaches

From hitting the surf at famous Bondi Beach to finding secluded spots to stand up paddleboard the calm waters of the harbour, you’ll be spoilt for choice with Sydney’s beautiful beaches. Discover your favourite Sydney beach.

Climbing the Sydney Harbour Bridge © Destination NSW

Climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge

For the best views of Sydney Harbour, take in the magic of twilight or see the city come to life as the sun rises. As you climb, your guide will share the incredible history of this landmark and the city it calls home.

Three Sisters rock formation in the Blue Mountains © Filippo Rivetti Photography

Explore the charm of the Blue Mountains

Quaint villages, towering rock formations and ancient forests await you less than two hours from the city. Head into the bush and enjoy scenic vistas from one of the spectacular lookout points. Discover the magic of the Blue Mountains.

Aboriginal cultural tour with Dreamtime Southern X in Sydney © Tourism Australia

Find ancient culture in a modern city

Hear the ancient Aboriginal creation stories that shaped Sydney, taste bush tucker plucked from alongside city streets and visit sacred sites hidden in popular tourist precincts. Find a unique cultural experience without leaving the city.

Visitors at the Art Gallery of New South Wales in Sydney © AGNSW

Visit the museums and galleries

Sydney’s museums and galleries have fascinating stories to tell through classical and contemporary works of art, Aboriginal artefacts and scientific specimens. Whether you visit a large museum or neighbourhood gallery, you’ll find something special.

Giraffes at Taronga Zoo Sydney © Tourism Australia

Meet the animals at Taronga Zoo Sydney

The giraffes at Taronga Zoo Sydney have the best views in the city. Catch the ferry from Circular Quay to see for yourself and meet more than 4,000 native and exotic animal residents. Why not stay overnight and see what else you can do at the zoo?

Paddington Reservoir Gardens, Sydney, NSW © City of Sydney

Discover Sydney's hidden gems

Think you know the Harbour City? Beyond the icons, Sydney serves up some surprises – if you know where to look. From laneway art installations to hawker-style eateries, these hidden gems show you a whole new side of Sydney.

Manly ferry arrives in Manly, Sydney © Destination NSW

Ride the ferry to Manly

Circular Quay to Manly has got to be one of the most picturesque boat rides around. Bring your camera for incredible photos of the harbour bridge, Sydney Opera House and the city skyline. Discover why this cruise is one of Sydney’s best values.

Smoke Bar in Barangaroo, Sydney © Destination NSW

Get to know Barangaroo

Once a neglected container terminal, Barangaroo is now a thriving waterfront precinct dotted with world-class restaurants, bars and one-of-a-kind experiences. Explore all there is to see and do in one of Sydney’s newest and hippest neighbourhoods.

Family camping on Cockatoo Island in Sydney © Destination NSW

Camp on Cockatoo Island

Experience Sydney after dark, learn about convict history and settle in for a night under the stars on this historic harbour island. With scenic picnic spots and waterfront cafes, see why an overnight stay on Cockatoo Island is a must-do.