Sydney

Travel Guide

Sydney
Cronulla Beach which includes surf
Sydney
Sydney
Sydney which includes a bay or harbour, night scenes and a city

Sydney Travel Guide Video

Blessed with more than 100 beaches and buzzing with youthful vitality, when it comes to the good life it’s hard to beat the Harbour City.

Although it’s not the capital, there is little doubt that Sydney remains Australia’s premier city. The Harbour City, home to over 4.5 million people, offers a blend of vibrant bars and beaches that’s a draw for young people, but it also has a laid-back and self-confident vibe that will appeal to visitors of all ages.Sydney is symptomatic of an evolving Australian culture, often being described as one of the most cosmopolitan and charismatic cities on the planet. Sydney residents are also renowned for going out of their way to make visitors feel at home, making this an ideal holiday destination.Sydney plays host to some of the world’s most recognisable tourist attractions, with the inner harbour housing the distinctive Sydney Opera House and the ocean side boasting the warm golden sands of Bondi Beach, perennially lapped by clear blue waves.There is much to explore elsewhere within the city, however. In the CBD, Sydney Tower provides breath-taking views over the city, and is the starting point for the popular Skywalk—a guided tour around the outside of the tower, 268 metres above the ground. If heights aren’t your thing, Sydney’s Royal Botanic Gardens provide a beautiful backdrop for a relaxing harbour-side stroll, and lead visitors to the iconic Sydney Opera House. From here, it’s a short walk to Circular Quay, where you can catch a ferry to many harbour locations, or just enjoy the round trip. Dock into Darling Harbour and explore the award-winning Sea Life Sydney Aquarium and the fascinating Australian National Maritime Museum.Sydney’s waterfront throngs with diverse restaurants and bars. The Surry Hills, Darlinghurst and Potts Point areas are famed for the fine-dining choices they offer. Numerous scenic parks provide a relaxing location to enjoy food and drink if you prefer the self-catering option.If you’re looking for some scenic thrills, don’t miss Luna Park with its roller-coaster, Ferris wheel and other traditional amusements, right under the famous Harbour Bridge. If you have a head for heights, try the Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb for spectacular views.Kids will love Taronga Zoo, home to many species of native Australian animals, while the inner-city suburbs of Paddington and Newtown will appeal to adults with their café culture and eclectic mix of boutiques and galleries. For some retail therapy, make your way to Bondi Junction, and the well-stocked Westfield mall.Above all else, Sydney’s uniquely Australian natural beauty shines through at all times, with the Bush, beaches and the Harbour City’s coastline only a stone’s throw away. A relatively mild climate, stunning scenery, excellent transport networks and no end of things to do make Sydney a simply unmissable experience.

Where to stay in Sydney

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Sydney Central Business District

4.5/5(343 area reviews)

Known for its captivating waterfront views and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in Sydney Central Business District. Check out top attractions like Circular Quay and Sydney Opera House, and jump on the metro at Martin Place Station or St. James Station to see more of the city.

Sydney Central Business District
Darling Harbour which includes central business district, a city and night scenes

Darling Harbour

4.5/5(93 area reviews)

Known for its captivating waterfront views and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in Darling Harbour. Check out top attractions like Star Casino and Australian National Maritime Museum, and jump on the metro at Pyrmont Bay Light Rail Station or The Star Station to see more of the city.

Darling Harbour
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Sydney Olympic Park

Unique features of Sydney Olympic Park include the theatres and live music. Make a stop by Accor Stadium or Sydney Olympic Park Athletic Centre while you're exploring the area.

Sydney Olympic Park
Parramatta featuring general coastal views and a city

Parramatta

Travellers come to Parramatta for its abundant dining options, and you can see top attractions like Westfield Parramatta Shopping Centre and Riverside Theatres while you're in town.

Parramatta
Circular Quay - The Rocks which includes a city, street scenes and heritage architecture

The Rocks

A noteworthy feature of The Rocks is its captivating waterfront views. While you're in town, be sure to stop and check out Circular Quay and Museum of Contemporary Art.

The Rocks
Manly Beach showing a beach, tropical scenes and swimming

Manly

A noteworthy feature of Manly is its stunning beaches. While you're in town, be sure to stop and check out Manly Wharf and Shelly Beach.

Manly
Hyatt Regency Sydney

Hyatt Regency Sydney

5 out of 5
161 Sussex Street, Sydney, NSW
The price is S$225 per night from 24 Aug to 25 Aug
S$225
24 Aug - 25 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Sydney. Enjoy free WiFi, 4 bars/lounges, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the bar in our reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,763 reviews)
"The lobby and restaurants, conference facilities and staff service was 5 star. Rooms were not at the same standard."

Reviewed on 30 Jul, 2025

Hyatt Regency Sydney
Shangri-La Sydney

Shangri-La Sydney

5 out of 5
176 Cumberland Street, The Rocks, NSW
The price is S$257 per night from 25 Aug to 26 Aug
S$257
25 Aug - 26 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this spa hotel in Sydney. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the breakfast and the restaurant in our reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (2,323 reviews)
"We had a club level room. The room was great. Food and drinks options at breakfast and evening were great, though the vegetarian choice in the evening could have been better. The only disappointment was the afternoon tea offer which was limited. But overall I would give it an 8.5/10."

Reviewed on 29 Jul, 2025

Shangri-La Sydney
Rydges Sydney Airport Hotel

Rydges Sydney Airport Hotel

4 out of 5
8 Arrival Court, Sydney International Airport, Mascot, NSW
The price is S$200 per night from 4 Aug to 5 Aug
S$200
4 Aug - 5 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Sydney. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 restaurants, and 2 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the breakfast and the bar in our ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (2,868 reviews)
HOP, SKIP, JUMP&RELAX
"FRONT DESK WERE FRIENDLY. They kept our luggage as we ventured off to see Chinatown. The room was clean and comfortable. The room temperature was chilly and we had no heat. We were grateful for an extra half hour . We heard no airport traffic nor sounds of aircrafts, it was very quiet and ..."

Reviewed on 29 Jul, 2025

Rydges Sydney Airport Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
YEHS Hotel Sydney Harbour Suites

YEHS Hotel Sydney Harbour Suites

4 out of 5
252 Sussex Street, Sydney, NSW
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly aparthotel in Sydney. Enjoy free WiFi, a fitness center, and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the pool and the helpful ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (2,195 reviews)
"Great location, helpful staff and comfortable room with good facilities"

Reviewed on 28 Jul, 2025

YEHS Hotel Sydney Harbour Suites
Meriton Suites Sussex Street

Meriton Suites Sussex Street

5 out of 5
234 Sussex Street, Sydney, NSW
Stay at this 5-star luxury aparthotel in Sydney. Enjoy free WiFi, a fitness center, and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,389 reviews)
"Location was good and the service was excellent. Cleanliness needs improvement. There’s some hair in the bathroom and some small cobwebs. Otherwise it was a comfortable stay."

Reviewed on 28 Jul, 2025

Meriton Suites Sussex Street
Quest North Sydney

Quest North Sydney

4 out of 5
223 Miller Street, North Sydney, NSW
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly aparthotel in Sydney. Enjoy free WiFi, a 24-hour fitness center, and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (327 reviews)
"Very clean and front desk keep in contact with my late arrival"

Reviewed on 12 Jul, 2025

Quest North Sydney
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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