The Ultimate Guide to Visiting Sydney, Australia

Over the last decade, I’ve explored more than 50 countries including spending two years living, working, and travelling around Australia. My Sydney travel guide is for backpackers and budget travellers with a taste for boutique stays. Solo travellers will learn the essentials for visiting Sydney including airport tips, accommodation recommendations, and the must-sees for adventuring to this jewel in New South Wales. Australia is one of my favourite places in the world and I spent a month living in Sydney when I was travelling there on a working holiday visa. If you're planning a visit, you'll want to read this detailed guide before you book to ensure you plan the ultimate Sydney experience.

Planning a visit to Sydney, Australia? Here's where you'll find:

1. Travelling to Sydney – Everything You Need to Know
2. How to Get to Sydney from the UK
3. Should I Go to Sydney or Melbourne first?
4. What Do You Need to Know Before Going to Sydney?
5. Tips for Finding Cheap Flights to Sydney
6. Do I Need a Visa for My Trip to Sydney?
7. How Do I Book a Trip to Sydney?
8. Go to Australia on a Working Holiday Visa
9. Planning Your visit to Sydney
10. Which Area Should You Not Miss when Visiting Sydney?
11. How to Book Hostels and Hotels in Sydney
12. Travel insurance for a Solo Trip to Sydney
13. Best eSIM for Travelling to Sydney
14. Packing for a Trip to Australia
15. Solo Travel in Sydney
16. How Much Does a Solo Trip to Sydney Cost?
17. Is Sydney Safe for a Solo Female Traveller?
18. 10 Best Things to Do in Sydney
19. 10 Best Day Trips from Sydney
20. How Do I Make Friends when Solo Travelling to Sydney?

Image by Dan Freeman, Unsplash

Travelling to Sydney – Everything You Need to Know

You’ve probably already heard about some of the best things to see in Sydney like Harbour Bridge, Sydney Opera House, and Manly Beach, but what about the finer details needed for a trip to Australia? I’m from the UK, so Sydney is over a 20-hour flight away! This means organising affordable flights, a Visa, and various accommodations in the Harbour City. 

How to Get to Sydney from the UK

Reaching Sydney for most travellers will require at least one flight. I’m a budget traveller by heart and love cutting costs wherever I can. This includes flights as they are often the biggest purse-denter of a trip! Sacrificing time with more than one layover can save a surprising amount, as can taking an early morning flight and keeping within baggage allowances to avoid fees.

When you land in Sydney, sleep-deprived and in need of caffeine, plenty of transport options await. The Airport Link train is a popular choice for reaching the city and they run every 10 minutes to Central Station. Buses, taxis, and Uber are also readily available but can be more expensive. 

How Many Days in Sydney is Enough?

Sydney is loved by fellow Aussies as well as global travellers, and with famous landmarks, golden beaches, and glorious welcoming energy, it’s easy to see why! I’m not a big-city girl, but Sydney is worth exploring for 4- 5 days to see more than just a handful of places! If you have a week or more free for an authentic, slow-paced trip, you can delve deeper into the city’s culture and wind down in the evenings in one of the many rooftop bars. 

What is the Best Month to visit Sydney, Australia?

Maybe I’m biased because it’s one of the highlights of my Aussie trip, but I firmly believe Sydney is perfect to visit at any time of the year. If I had to narrow it down, the months from March to May and September to November come to mind! During these months, the weather is stunning but not too hot and overall expenditures are cheaper as they are outside of Sydney’s peak travel season. 

Should I Go to Sydney or Melbourne first? 

Deciding between Sydney or Melbourne for your first big city stop in Australia is a tough battle! As Sydney is home to so many iconic sights and can get overwhelmingly busy during certain times of the year, I’d recommend stopping there first. You can delve into Aussie culture and bathe in sunlight while admiring views of the Opera House and Harbour Bridge. 

After getting your fill, Melbourne awaits with fresh artistic energy and a passionate arts scene. Not to mention some of the stunning national parks in Victoria like the Grampians, Wilsons Promontory, and Mount Buffalo which are all must-sees. Link to Melbourne post

What Do You Need to Know Before Going to Sydney?

You’ll need a valid passport to reach Australia along with the correct visa depending on your home country and plan while in Australia. Something I hadn’t thought about too much was how much visiting Sydney was going to cost! It can’t be helped, but there are so many places to visit in Sydney and day trips from Sydney to the Blue Mountains and the Northern Beaches.

If you’re in Aus on a working holiday visa, you won’t have to worry too much about spending money for Sydney. However, if you’re just stopping by for a few days and want to cram in as much as possible, this will be quite an investment so make sure you have enough budget to enjoy yourself and see the city highlights.

Image by Johnny Bhalla / Unsplash

Tips for Finding Cheap Flights to Sydney 

Being able to cut flight costs is the first step to big savings. Travelling can cost a substantial amount, with a chunk of funds spent on transport. Read my tips for finding cheap flights to help you minimise costs and reach Sydney with plenty of money left to have some fun!

Use Skyscanner

I know what it’s like when you’re planning a trip and your pre-travel list just keeps growing! I don’t have time to spend hours searching for flight deals online, so I put my trust in Skyscanner which can find cheap flights to Sydney in just a few seconds. After inputting date ranges, airports, and arrival locations, Skyscanner scours the web for the best deals and displays the results in an easy-to-read list so travellers can explore the best options. 

Be Flexible

If you’re planning a trip to Sydney, you’ve likely already got a few ideas set in stone. This is awesome for organisation, but being too rigid with holiday plans can be costing you money. Remaining flexible with dates and airports means you can see the whole picture and cheaper locations or times of year to travel. 

Don’t Overpack 

Some airlines have hefty fees for overweight baggage, so although you may want to pack your whole wardrobe, don’t do it! Instead, take a look online at your airline's regulations for baggage, and weigh your luggage beforehand to avoid any surprise fees. Check out my recommendations for the best travel backpacks & suitcases.

Image by laura-cros / Unsplash

Do I Need a Visa for My Trip to Sydney? 

The world of Australian visas is a complicated one, but if you’re only looking to go to Aus on holiday and see some of the many places to visit in Sydney, you’ll need a tourist visa such as a Subclass 601 Electronic Travel Authority or a Subclass 600 Visitor Visa.

To work alongside your trip, you need a Working Holiday Visa (WHV) giving you one year to work and travel Australia with the opportunity to extend for a further two years. Check out A Guide to Australia’s Working Holiday Visa for UK Citizens

How Do I Book a Trip to Sydney?

When visiting Sydney, it’s possible to book a trip in a myriad of ways. You can organise individual elements yourself like accommodation, activities, and restaurants, or take a tour or group trip for more socialising. Solo travellers will enjoy the comfort of staying in hostels, where it’s never been easier to meet other travellers from around the world and get to know each other over some drinks at the hostel bar. 

Book a Group Trip

Group trips are so fun, and even if you aren’t the most social butterfly, you can benefit so much from diving into the deep and booking a group trip. It can feel daunting to spend time with new people, but your confidence will be boosted once you’re settled and you’ll make some new friends too! G Adventures Sydney group trips have some awesome itineraries including bushwalking, surfing, national parks and more. If you're a solo traveller – you should definitely join my new community for group trips for adventurous solo female travellers! 

Book Flight and First Night’s Accommodation

For the more spontaneous folks, why not just book your outbound flight and first night’s accommodation? Travelling with minimal plans is exhilarating and also means you can potentially scout out cheaper and better accommodation when you’re in the city. 

Go to Australia on a Working Holiday Visa

A Working Holiday Visa combines work and travel in Aus so you can fund adventures and not worry too much about spending. Planning an Aussie adventure for a year or more can be scary, but Welcome to Travel is a tour operator based in Sydney who knows the anxious feeling some backpackers may be experiencing. 

They provide welcome tours in Sydney, Melbourne and up the infamous East Coast to help travellers feel confident for the rest of their time in Australia AND give them the most unforgettable travel experiences! They've given me some exclusive discount codes for you to save up to $150 on a trip to Australia:

• AUD 50 discount on Welcome Tours using code LUCY50
• AUD 100 discount on East Coast Tours using code LUCY100
• AUD 150 discount on Package Tours using code LUCY150

So that you feel even more settled in Aus and ahead of the game, Global Work & Travel offer a Work in Australia package. This includes everything you could ever need from a trip Down Under, including:

• Guaranteed job match pre-arrival
• Pre-departure guide
• Private airport transfer
• Great Barrier Reef excursion
• Global emergency line
• Ongoing local team support
• And more!

I wouldn’t have been able to spend two epic years making memories in Australia without a working holiday visa. It opened up doors to new opportunities and responsibilities, not to mention qualifying me for my second year! 

Planning Your visit to Sydney

Once you’ve booked your flights and maybe a few nights of accommodation, it’s time to start planning the super exciting parts of your trip! You’ll want to spend quite a bit of time on your feet as Sydney is walking-friendly and your feet are a free mode of transport! Key things to include in your Sydney itinerary are completing the Coogee to Bondi Beach walk, hiking through the Blue Mountains, exploring The Rocks and Sydney Observatory, and of course, popping to the Opera House, Harbour Bridge, and Botanical Gardens. 

Which Area Should You Not Miss when Visiting Sydney?

Seeing the famous attractions is a must when in Sydney, but other areas filled me with beachy city vibes too such as Bondi Beach, Taronga Zoo, The Rocks, Sydney Harbour, and Circular Quay. By booking accommodation in Sydney CBD, you can limit transport costs and be walking or cycling distance from key sights. You’ll also be minutes away from delicious restaurants and quirky hipster bars for evening entertainment. 

How to Book Hostels and Hotels in Sydney 

Globetrotting for the last decade has landed me in some magnificent hotels and questionable hostels! But this is all part of the adventure and I’ve learned plenty of accommodation tips for scoring cheap hotel deals. For dependable accommodation options, I put my faith in Booking for sourcing the best hotel deals and Hostelworld for unbeatable hostel prices. 

Best Hostel in Sydney: Wake Up! Sydney Central (Hostel)

Voted ‘Sydney's Most Popular Hostel’, Wake Up! Sydney Central is a winner for budget backpackers looking for an affordable stay accompanied by other solo travellers. With a central location, modern and clean facilities, and complimentary experiences, any stay is guaranteed to end in smiles and budding friendships.  

Book your stay here

Best Budget Hotel in Sydney: 28 Hotel 

Just over a mile from downtown Sydney is 28 Hotel; an attractive location for solo travellers wanting to recuperate and rejuvenate before hitting the city streets. Less than a 10-minute walk from Central Train Station, 28 Hotel is within proximity to Sydney’s best sights. 

Book your stay here

Currency, Plugs, and the Best Ways to Get Around Sydney

Sydney uses the Australian dollar and Type 1 plugs, so make sure to pack the right currency and adaptors! Type 1 plugs have three flat pins in a triangle and you’ll need an adapter to charge things like a laptop and camera. For getting around the city, your feet and the Sydney Train network are your best friends. Trains are cheap, frequent, and reliable to make accessing the whole city easy. 

Travel insurance for a Solo Trip to Sydney 

Adventure is my way of life, and I can’t ever see myself halting travel for anything! But this doesn’t mean I compromise my well-being. Instead, to support my global travels, I use SafetyWing's Nomad Insurance. It covers over 175 countries and offers complete control over the policy start and end dates. 

They've recently expanded coverage to include adventure sports and electronics theft too. Maybe you won’t encounter any issues during your trip, but having the security blanket of reliable insurance delivers great peace of mind. SafetyWing provides Travel Insurance for Nomads which includes global coverage that you can purchase while outside your home country, with a simple claims service and 24/7 human support. Their cover provides the following:

• Meals & accommodations if you have a travel delay over 12 hours
• Emergency dental care up to $1000
• Medical care including prescriptions, emergency care and hospital stays
• Coverage for lost checked luggage
• Flights home if something bad happens
• Continued coverage for visits back home
• Coverage for motor accidents
• Coverage for injuries from leisure sports & activities

You can read more on my blog Choosing Travel Insurance for Solo Female Travellers to learn more about what insurance can provide for your trip to Sydney. 

Best eSIM for Travelling to Sydney 

Accessing the internet and being able to stay connected with loved ones on your Aussie vacation is something so special, and helps you feel supported even when you’re away from home. As a digital nomad, staying online is essential for me to earn a living to support my travels, and I’ve found eSIMs to be the best solution. 

I’ve used Holafly eSIMs on numerous occasions and they haven’t let me down. I've been able to access fast internet and video call family for a fraction of the cost of a physical SIM card. They have countless deals for Australia including flexible plans for Sydney. Save 5% on your eSIM purchase by entering the code ABSOLUTELYLUCY at checkout.

Packing for a Trip to Australia

My love-hate relationship with packing makes things tough because on one hand, when the time comes to pack, you know a trip is looming and excitement starts to grow. Yet, on the other hand, wrestling with a backpack isn’t fun for anyone! That’s why Shop my travel essentials here to help you separate needs from wants. I couldn’t tell you the number of times I’ve packed and unpacked bags over the last 10 years, but here are my tips for an Aussie adventure:

Plan Rotational Outfits

As I’ve grown older, my confidence and interest in fashion have grown. Although I want to pack every piece of denim with me wherever I travel, this isn’t feasible, so instead, I plan interchangeable outfits. By laying my clothes out I can see my most flexible pieces and pack the clothes that offer outfit versatility for minimal space. 

Blend Comfort with Style

Walking was a consistent mission throughout my two years in Australia, so invest in some comfortable yet stylish shoes to support your feet. Functional clothing doesn’t have to be plain and boring, so invest in comfortable pieces that also represent your inner fashionista! This also means investing in a comfy backpack to support you through every stage of your Aussie adventure. Shop my top luggage picks.

Dress for the Weather

Australia is known for sunny weather, but that doesn’t mean it never rains or gets cold! Pack according to the season you’ll experience in Australia. Year-long adventures will require all-season clothing but pack smart! Bring a foldable waterproof Mac coat and items that can be layered during the cooler months. Check out my girls’ packing guide for tips on packing for long-term trips.

Solo Travel in Sydney

People from all over the world head to Sydney to experience the sun, beaches, and some of the world’s most famous landmarks, but what’s the city like for solo travel? I’ve travelled around Asia, Europe, the UK, and Australia, and I can safely say that Sydney was a city where I felt safe and secure as a solo female. Before travelling solo to Australia – make sure you read my detailed guide!

Is Sydney a Good Place to Travel Solo?

Sydney is an epic place for solo travellers looking for beach vibes with an energetic city on your doorstep. If you’re new to solo travelling and want to get your bearings, I’d recommend staying close to Sydney CBD near the action. Hostels are a must for meeting other travellers and the abundance in the city makes it easy to source affordable accommodation at a fair price. 

Should I Go to Sydney on My First Solo Trip?

Australia is a popular choice for first-time solo travellers due to its volume of things to do and see, and its balance of natural landscapes and city bustle. It offers the best of both worlds, where visitors can sunbathe and sip iced coffee on the beach, and enjoy the lively scenes after dark. Regardless of where I travel, I always stick to some basic safety practices such as:

• Making sure my phone is nearby and charged
• Saving the hostel address and number
• Avoiding walking alone at night
• Capping my alcohol intake so I never get too tipsy

I didn’t experience any negativity as a solo female on my Aussie adventure. This includes when I was navigating the streets for the best things to see in Sydney and even on day trips outside of the city to places like the Blue Mountains, Port Stephens, and the Hunter Valley. I met solo female and male travellers pretty much everywhere I went in Sydney which made me feel comfortable and safe.

Is Sydney Expensive for a Solo Traveller?

Budgeting for your solo trip to Australia isn’t for the fainthearted, and it’s one of the most expensive countries I’ve travelled to. But it’s possible to cut costs by booking a cheap hostel in the centre of the city so you can access plenty of places with little need for public transport. Cooking meals from scratch in your hotel or hostel will save you a surprising amount, so head to local markets and bag some delicious supplies. Why not group together with other backpackers for a potluck? 

How Much Does a Solo Trip to Sydney Cost? 

Without much of a strict budget, a solo trip to Sydney can cost around AUD 1,500. But this figure can be reduced dramatically by making a few adjustments. Cheap hostels can be half the price of hotels, stretching funds far further. Limiting restaurants and paid-entry sightseeing brings down expenses even more, and walking instead of using Uber is a no-brainer. Read my money-saving travel tips.

Is Sydney Safe for a Solo Female Traveller? 

Not a moment went by during my stay in Sydney that I felt uneasy. Having experience as a solo traveller definitely contributed to my confidence, but the locals and city in general have warm, friendly energy so I always felt secure. Getting around the city is easy with trains and buses readily available so you’re never too far from your accommodation. 

I think it’s always important to remain vigilant no matter where you’re travelling so keep your phone charged and with you whenever possible, and save important details like your accommodation address in your notes. Also, avoid exploring alone at night or in poorly lit areas where you may feel more vulnerable. Learn more of my solo female travel advice.

Image by johnny-bhalla / Unsplash

10 Best Things to Do in Sydney

Sydney is a city where being a tourist is simply so FUN! Landmarks can be found everywhere, and when the hustle and bustle gets a bit much, sandy beaches and trendy bars await. But here are my top places to visit in Sydney that will fill you with pure Aussie magic. 

1. Harbour Sunrise Kayak Tour
2. Opera House Guided Tour
3. Taronga Zoo
4. Big Bus Hop-On Hop-Off with Optional Cruise
5. Sydney Harbour: Sunset Catamaran Cruise
6. Unlimited Sky Feast at Sydney Tower
7. The Rocks 90-minute History Walking Tour
8. Sydney Harbour: Thunder Thrill Jet Boat Ride
9. Maroubra Surf Lesson
10. Half-Day City Tour

A city as big as Sydney can be interesting, but taking a tour or guided activity can help you ease into Aussie life. City tours are particularly beneficial as you can scout out the landmarks you want to see and learn key points of interest along the way. You can also find plenty of free things to do in Sydney like the Royal Botanical Gardens, the Rocks Museum, and the Art Gallery of New South Wales.

Image by christopher-burns / Unsplash

10 Best Day Trips from Sydney

Staying in the city is a mistake when there are such incredible day trips from Sydney that transport you to another land! These trips are a tad more expensive than single activities, but if you can squeeze in one or two, you’ll get an entirely different perspective of Sydney. 

1. From Sydney: Blue Mountains, Scenic World All-Inclusive Tour
2. Blue Mountains: Scenic World, Ferry, Zoo & Koala Photo
3. From Sydney: Hunter Valley Wine/Spirit Tasting Tour & Lunch
4. Sydney: Waterfall Bushwalk and Blue Mountain Sunset Day Trip
5. From Sydney: Hunter Valley Wine, Gin, & Food Tastings Tour
6. From Sydney: Sea Cliff Bridge, Beaches, and Farmlands Tour
7. Sydney: Blue Mountains Scenic World, Wildlife Park and Lunch
8. Katoomba/Leura: Blue Mountains Guided Day Tour with Lunch
9. Combo: Blue Mountain Tour + Sydney Hop-on-Hop-off Bus Ticket
10. Sydney: Morning Cruise and Afternoon Panoramic City Tour

Cities like Sydney have a captivating appeal, but I can’t ignore my love of nature and wildlife. Taking a day trip from Sydney expands the city into a wonderland of opportunity where boat tours, wine tastings, and hiking expeditions unite the city vibes with breathtaking landscapes.

Image by christopher-burns / Unsplash

How Do I Make Friends when Solo Travelling to Sydney?

Making friends can seem scary, especially if you’re new to solo travelling! Bonding with other travellers is a huge part of building a support network abroad so you have people to turn to for adventures, activities, and a shoulder if homesickness kicks in. I totally get how daunting striking up a conversation can be, but here are my tips for travelling by yourself:

Smile

Even when you feel wobbly and anxious inside, wearing a smile makes you look approachable and warm. When you’re walking towards new people, smile and introduce yourself like confidence runs through you. I promise after a few minutes your guard will drop and confidence will radiate through you! 

Stay in Hostels

There’s no better way to meet other solo travellers than staying in a hostel. These accommodations are backpacker havens and hanging out in communal areas like the bar or games room will make socialising a whole lot easier. 

Join Group Activities

Group tours and activities are a must if you want to make friends with other travellers from the get-go. There are abundant day trips from Sydney and endless opportunities for group excursions from water sports to hiking, and who knows, maybe someone you meet on a trip could become a bestie for the rest of your Australian adventure!