About Sydney
Sydney is the capital of the state of New South Wales and the largest city in Australia. The metropolis surrounds Sydney Harbour and extends about 80 kilometres (50 mi) from the Pacific Ocean in the east to the Blue Mountains in the west, and about 80 kilometres (50 mi) from Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park and the Hawkesbury River in the north and north-west, to the Royal National Park and Macarthur in the south and south-west. Greater Sydney consists of 658 suburbs, spread across 33 local government areas. Residents of the city are colloquially known as "Sydneysiders". The estimated population in June 2025 was 5,638,830, which is about 66% of the state's population. The city's nicknames include the Emerald City and the Harbour City.
Cheap flights to Sydney
The lowest round-trip fare found by Destina Holidays travellers in the last 30 days was $1,265 from New York, travelling 24 Nov – 1 Dec. These are the cheapest fares from the most searched cities.
Airlines travellers compared most often: United Airlines.
Prices are per adult in US dollars, taken from searches between 20 Sep and 20 Oct 2026. Fares change often, so search your dates for live prices.
Search flights to SydneyPlaces to visit in Sydney
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Sydney Opera House
LandmarkThe world-famous performing arts center with sail-like roofs on Bennelong Point. Take a guided tour of its interior or see a show, and book ahead for popular performances.
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Sydney Harbour Bridge
LandmarkA huge steel arch bridge across the harbor, nicknamed the Coathanger. Walk across it for free on the pedestrian path, or book a guided climb to the summit.
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Bondi Beach
Beach · 4 mi from centreSydney's best-known surf beach, with golden sand and a lively seaside promenade. Swim only between the red and yellow flags, and walk the cliff path to Coogee.
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The Rocks
NeighborhoodThe historic waterfront district where the British colony began, with sandstone buildings, old pubs, and narrow laneways beneath the Harbour Bridge. Visit on a weekend, when the street market sells local crafts, food, and souvenirs.
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Royal Botanic Garden
ParkA large harborside garden next to the Opera House, with lawns, native plants, and walking paths. Walk to Mrs Macquarie's Chair for a classic view of the bridge and Opera House.
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Taronga Zoo
Zoo · 2 mi from centreA hillside zoo with views of the city, featuring Australian animals such as koalas and kangaroos. Take the ferry from Circular Quay, then ride the cable car up to the top entrance.
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Blue Mountains
Nature · 53 mi from centreA region of sandstone cliffs, deep valleys, and eucalyptus forests west of Sydney. Visit the Three Sisters lookout at Echo Point, and take the train for an easy day trip.
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Manly Beach
Beach · 7 mi from centreA popular surf beach reached by a scenic ferry ride from Circular Quay. Walk to Shelly Beach for calmer water, good snorkeling, and a cafe.
Things to do in Sydney by type
127 tours, tickets and experiences across 11 categories. Pick a type to see what is available for your dates.
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City tours 27 experiences Blue Mountains - Full-Day Private Tour -
Day Trips & Excursions 23 experiences Above the Canopy: A Scenic Tour Through the Blue Mountains and Sydney Zoo -
Zoo, Aquarium & Nature 21 experiences A Journey Beneath the Harbour: The Ultimate SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium - Ticket -
Cruise & Water Tours 21 experiences Cocktail Harbour Bar -
Tickets & Attraction Passes 16 experiences 360° Sydney: Tower Eye Observation Deck Ticket with Digi Photo Pass -
Gastronomy & nightlife 13 experiences Boutique Hunter Valley and Wine Tasting - Full Day Tour -
Outdoor activities & Adventure 10 experiences Blue Mountains Deluxe Tour -
Art & culture 7 experiences Aboriginal Heritage Sydney - Walking Tour -
Shows, sports and special events 3 experiences La Boheme at the Sydney Opera House -
Travel Services 2 experiences Plaza Premium Lounge (International Departures) Sydney Airport -
Tour & activities 2 experiences Blue Mountain Scenic World - Scenic World Pass
- 1-3 hours 34
- Over 6 hours 24
- Flexible 7
- 3-6 hours 7
- Up to 1 hour 5
- Couples 9
- Youth 8
- Families 8
- Senior 5
- Families with kids 1
- Private 11
- Small group 11
- Wheelchair accessible 6
Top experiences in Sydney
Tours, tickets and experiences you can book with Destina Holidays, from 127 available.
Sydney Opera House - 1 hour tour
From $35 per adult
Sydney Harbour Explorer - Hop-On Hop-Off Tour
From $42 per adult
Big Bus Sydney Hop-On Hop-Off Tour
From $43 per adult
Taronga Zoo Sydney General Admission Tickets
From $40 per adult
Sydney Private Tours
From $567 per adult
All-Inclusive Blue Mountains - Full-Day Tour
From $207 per adult
Sunset Sydney Harbour Dinner Cruise
From $90 per adult
Panoramic Sydney Sights
From $100 per adult
Blue Mountains Deluxe Tour
From $228 per adult
Sydney Harbour Starlight Cruise
From $106 per adult
Big Bus Sydney: 48-Hour Hop-On Hop-Off and Harbour Hopper Tour
From $79 per adult
BridgeClimb: Twilight
From $267 per adult
Where to stay in Sydney
Popular hotels in Sydney, out of 622 properties you can book.
Vibe Hotel Sydney
From $232 per night
The York by Swiss-Belhotel
From $226 per night
Adina Apartment Hotel Sydney Town Hall
From $267 per night
Veriu Broadway
From $355 per night
Oaks Sydney Goldsbrough Suites
From $277 per night
Hotel Woolstore 1888, Sydney - Handwritten Collect
From $300 per night
Vibe Hotel Sydney Darling Harbour
From $297 per night
Crystalbrook Albion
From $257 per night
Adina Apartment Hotel Coogee Sydney
From $257 per night
Punthill Norwest
From $198 per night
Veriu Central
From $218 per night
Oaks Sydney Castlereagh Suites
From $259 per night
Best time to visit Sydney
Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Sydney is September, when average daytime highs are around 72°F and rain falls on about 5 days a month.
Average daily low and high temperatures and days with at least 1 mm of rain, from recent weather records. Highlighted months are the most comfortable for sightseeing.
Sydney weather forecast
- Wed 21 Oct 70° 58° 67%
- Thu 22 Oct 71° 62° 94%
- Fri 23 Oct 72° 64° 67%
- Sat 24 Oct 77° 62° 78%
- Sun 25 Oct 84° 68° 78%
- Mon 26 Oct 71° 54° 46%
Know before you go
- Currency
- Australian dollar (AUD)1 US dollar ≈ $1.43
- Language
- English
- Calling code
- +61
- Driving
- On the left
- Time zone
- Australia/SydneyUTC+11
- Capital
- Canberra
Upcoming public holidays in Australia
- Christmas Day
- St. Stephen's DayBoxing Day
- New Year's Day
- Australia Day
- Good Friday
- Easter Monday
Banks, offices and some attractions may close on public holidays, and flights and hotels often fill up early around them.
Getting to Sydney
These are the airports closest to central Sydney. Compare fares into each one, as a slightly longer transfer can sometimes mean a much cheaper flight.
- RSE Rose Bay Water Airport3 mi (4 km) from the city centre
- SYD Sydney Airport6 mi (10 km) from the city centre
- LBH Palm Beach Water Airport20 mi (33 km) from the city centre
Getting around Sydney
The public transport system consists of train, metro, light rail, ferry, and bus services, and can get you virtually anywhere in the city as well as the outer regions. Public transportation in Sydney can be complicated, even when travelling solely in the CBD and inner suburbs. For short distances in the CBD it can be faster to walk than taking public transport.
Fares
Sydney's public transport fare system is called Opal. The fare system covers all train, metro, light rail, ferry and bus services in Sydney, Newcastle, Wollongong and the surrounding regions. There are three ways to pay for your journey:
By train
Sydney has a vast suburban rail network operated by Sydney Trains, covering 882 km of track and 176 stations. The train network will take passengers to most of the metropolitan area. Trains service every station in the metropolitan area at least every 30 minutes. Frequency is higher in the city, and major centres (Chatswood, Parramatta, Bondi Junction, the Airport, etc) usually see a train every 10 minutes or so.
By metro
As of 2025, Sydney Metro only has one line (M1), which runs from Tallawong in far northwestern Sydney through Chatswood, North Sydney, Barangaroo and Central. Services operate on automated driverless trains at a turn up and go frequency with similar operating hours to the rest of the rail network. Services are marked with a teal-coloured 'M' in a roundel at stations and on the rail network map.
Sydney travel FAQ
When is the best time to visit Sydney?
Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Sydney is September, when average daytime highs are around 72°F and rain falls on about 5 days a month.
What is the weather like in Sydney?
December is usually the warmest month in Sydney, with average highs of 80°F (27°C). July is the coolest, with average lows of 47°F (8°C). The wettest month is typically May, with about 178 mm of rain.
Which airport is closest to Sydney?
Rose Bay Water Airport (RSE) is the closest airport, about 3 miles (4 km) from the centre of Sydney. Other nearby airports include Sydney Airport (SYD, 6 mi) and Palm Beach Water Airport (LBH, 20 mi).
How much are flights to Sydney?
The cheapest round-trip fare Destina Holidays travellers found to Sydney in the last 30 days was $1,265 from New York, travelling 24 Nov – 1 Dec.
What currency is used in Sydney?
Sydney uses the Australian dollar (AUD). At the latest exchange rate, 1 US dollar ≈ $1.43.
What time zone is Sydney in?
Sydney uses the Australia/Sydney time zone (currently UTC+11). Remember to check for daylight saving changes when planning connecting flights.
How do I get around Sydney?
The public transport system consists of train, metro, light rail, ferry, and bus services, and can get you virtually anywhere in the city as well as the outer regions. Public transportation in Sydney can be complicated, even when travelling solely in the CBD and inner suburbs.
What are the best places to visit in Sydney?
Top sights in Sydney include Sydney Opera House, Sydney Harbour Bridge, Bondi Beach and The Rocks. The world-famous performing arts center with sail-like roofs on Bennelong Point. Take a guided tour of its interior or see a show, and book ahead for popular performances.
What are the top things to do in Sydney?
Popular experiences you can book in Sydney include Sydney Opera House - 1 hour tour, Sydney Harbour Explorer - Hop-On Hop-Off Tour and Big Bus Sydney Hop-On Hop-Off Tour. Destina Holidays offers 127 tours and activities here.
What kinds of tours and activities can I book in Sydney?
The most popular types of experiences in Sydney are city tours (27), day trips & excursions (23), zoo, aquarium & nature (21) and cruise & water tours (21). Filter by type when you search to compare prices and availability for your dates.
Where should I stay in Sydney?
Popular areas for hotels in Sydney include Sydney CBD, Ultimo and Darling Harbour. Well-reviewed options include Vibe Hotel Sydney and The York by Swiss-Belhotel.
How many hotels can I book in Sydney?
Destina Holidays currently lists 622 properties in and around Sydney, from budget stays to luxury hotels. Search your dates to see live prices and availability.
