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Sydney, New South Wales

Guide to Sydney

Aboriginal name: Warrane (pronounced War-rang)

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• 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

15 places to Come and Say G'day in 2024

Sydney made the list. where else will 2024 take you, the hottest restaurants in sydney.

Restaurants with a view

Top coffee shops

Cheap eats in Sydney

Best rooftop bars

Craft beer bars

Breakfast and brunch spots

Coolest urban distilleries

Hidden bars to uncover

Trip essentials.

Where to stay

Weather in Sydney

Suburb guide

Getting Around

Destinations near Sydney

The Blue Mountains

Sydney Harbour

Port Stephens

The Southern Highlands

The Sapphire Coast

Trips and itineraries.

4 days in Sydney

Drive the Legendary Pacific Coast Touring Route

9-day Sydney to Melbourne coastal drive

4 days on board the Indian Pacific train

8-day Sydney to Melbourne inland drive

12-day road trip through New South Wales

The ultimate trip to Australia

Sydney to the Sapphire Coast: a 6-day road trip   

Explore another city.

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Acknowledgement of Country

We acknowledge the Traditional Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Owners of the land, sea and waters of the Australian continent, and recognise their custodianship of culture and Country for over 60,000 years.

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Travel info

Ways to get around

Metro, train, bus, ferry and light rail and other transport options in NSW

All you need to know to plan your trip to and from events using public transport. 

Using public transport

Travelling with children and animals, late night transport, WiFi hotspots and more.

Places to visit

Check out where Regional trains and coaches can take you.

Getting to the airport

You can travel to and from both the Sydney International and Domestic Airport by train or by bus, 7 days a week.

Accessible travel

How to plan an accessible trip on metro, train, bus, ferry and light rail services and wheelchair accessible taxis.

Safety and security

Read through the safety tips for travel on public transport including at platforms, stops and wharves.

School travel

School students can travel to and from school on dedicated school bus services or public transport in NSW.

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Places to visit in Sydney

You’ll discover wonderful places to visit in Sydney, from sun-kissed beaches to fascinating heritage and amazing attractions. The city fans out from beautiful Sydney Harbour to Bondi Beach in the east, Palm Beach in the north, fun adventures in the west and Australia’s oldest national park in the south.

Sydney City

Inner Sydney

Sydney East

Sydney North

Sydney South

Sydney West

Sydney Harbour

Darling Harbour

Plan your trip.

One of the most multicultural cities in the world, Sydney celebrates its cultural diversity and heritage, and passion for arts and sports. Begin your discovery in the cultural heart, Sydney City, where you’ll find the iconic Sydney Opera House near Circular Quay’s trains, ferries and buses.

Public transport is available to many of Sydney’s top tourist attractions. Hop on a ferry at Circular Quay for Taronga Zoo and Manly in Sydney’s north, Watsons Bay in Sydney’s east, and UNESCO World Heritage Australian convict sites at both Cockatoo Island and Parramatta in Sydney’s west.

You can also take the ferry to Darling Harbour , home to the Sea Life Sydney Aquarium and the Wild Life Sydney Zoo . The fun entertainment area is also a short walk from Town Hall Station in the city centre . Getting to Bondi Beach and Coogee Beach from Town Hall is easy on public transport.

Still wondering where to go in Sydney? Then visit the vibrant inner Sydney neighbourhoods, such as Darlinghurst , Surry Hills , Paddington , Chippendale and Newtown . You’ll find buzzy cafes, small bars, lively theatres and delicious restaurants. You’ll love shopping in the markets and boutiques as well.

Other points of interest in the New South Wales capital are the natural wonders . There are gorgeous beaches for sunbathing and surfing, sparkling waterways for boating and fishing, and great national parks for bushwalking and cycling. You can even go whale watching between May and November.

The Royal National Park is in Sydney’s south. Take a train to lovely beachside Cronulla for a ferry to charming Bundeena on the edge of the wilderness near ancient Aboriginal rock engravings. And there are beautiful hidden places in Sydney, from the Royal’s tranquil rainforest to secret beaches .

The following pages are also helpful when planning your holiday, short break or weekend escape:

• Things to do in Sydney
• What's on in Sydney
• Sydney attractions
• Tours in Sydney

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Destination NSW acknowledges and respects Aboriginal people as the state’s first people and nations and recognises Aboriginal people as the Traditional Owners and occupants of New South Wales land and water.

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