Plan your perfect Australian holiday Sydney Travel Tips

What time of year should I visit Sydney?

Our opinion is that Sydney is at its most beautiful in our spring (Sept – Nov) and autumn (Mar – May) seasons. It is not as hot, and the temperature and general weather is perfect for being outdoors. In summer, with daylight saving hours, we have nice, long days, and it is better beach weather, although temperatures can get above 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit). Winter in Sydney is fresh and crisp too, with temperatures down to around 7 degrees Celsius (45 degrees Fahrenheit), at night and up to around 20 degrees Celsius (68 degrees Fahrenheit), during the day. Read more on the best time to visit Sydney.

What are the best day trips out of Sydney?

Okay, so you are busy planning your perfect Sydney trip and wondering what day trips around Sydney to include during your stay. Below are some ideas to get you started:

The Blue Mountains: One of the most visited regions in Australia, and for good reason. They are only 1.5 hrs west of Sydney and are a perfect day trip. Deep gorges and valleys, lush rainforest, prolific birdlife, quaint villages, and amazing views at every turn.

The Royal National Park: Less than an hour south of Sydney and a true hidden treasure. Pristine Australian bushland, sparkling beaches, waterfalls, dramatic sea cliffs, scenic roads through towering forests, and a laid-back feel.

Southern Highlands: Close to Sydney and full of magical surprises, this region has wineries, stunning scenery, amazing local food, wildlife options, and is free of large tour groups.

South Coast (Jervis Bay): This place is pure magic. Turquoise waters, white sand, dolphins, diving, and vast coastal bushland make this place incredibly scenic.

Hunter Valley: 2.5 hours north of Sydney and a wine and food lover’s dream. If you appreciate great wine, then add this to your list for sure.

Port Stephens: Famous for its vast sand dunes, friendly local dolphins, beautiful beaches, and relaxed coastal feel, this region is well worth considering.

How long should I stay in Sydney?

Always a hard question to answer. We would love for you to stay for as long as you can to enjoy Sydney. We would suggest that a minimum of 3 days would be needed to see Sydney properly. This would allow for one day tour to the Blue Mountains or similar, plus some time to see the city sights. If you stay for 5 nights or longer, that would be ideal.

What are the best restaurants in Sydney?

We have a list of some amazing Sydney Restaurants with links to their websites over on our Sydney Travel Ideas & Tips page. There are many amazing places to eat in Sydney, and our advice would be to enjoy some meals in and around Sydney city, but also venture out to some outer suburbs like Balmain, Paddington, Haberfield, Surry Hills, Marrickville, and Petersham, and mix with some Sydney locals who enjoy food from all over the world. Greek, Italian, Vietnamese, Japanese, Korean, Thai, Nepalese, Spanish, vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free… you will find it all here in Sydney.

What is the best location to stay in Sydney?

You are probably reading reviews on Tripadvisor until your eyes hurt, trying to find the right Sydney Hotel to stay at. The good news is that you can be near to anywhere around Sydney regardless of where you stay, but it is still worth thinking about where to be. Here are a few options:

Sydney Harbour: Stay near the harbour for great views, night-time walks, access to ferries, and to be close to icons like the Sydney Opera House and The Rocks.

Darling Harbour: Great location for proximity to dining and shopping, and a great choice for families and corporate travellers. Adjacent to some exciting city precincts like Barangaroo.

City Centre: Better for shopping, close to trains, Hyde Park, cinemas and art galleries etc.

City Fringe: Choose a hotel in Surry Hills, Potts Point, Darlinghurst or similar, for a more ‘Sydney’ experience and to mix with the locals.

Is Sydney a safe city?

The short answer is yes. Sydney is a great place to live or visit, and is not only very beautiful but very safe as well. Even travelling solo, you can feel confident that people are generally kind and helpful, and if you ask someone for help you will be well looked after. As with any city, there are areas that are less safe, especially at night, so use common sense and ask someone if you are not sure.