Sydney transport

Public transport in Sydney consists of a comprehensive network of buses, trains and ferries. Trains are a fast and reliable way of getting around the city, while many buses run all through the night to a number of different suburbs. For the quintessential Sydney experience however, travel by ferry whenever possible - it's the best way to soak in city and harbour views at the same time as getting to your destination efficiently.

Tap on with your credit card or pick up a free Opal Card and top it up for quick and easy travel across all modes of transport. Plan your route using the NSW trip planner or dial 131500 for round-the-clock help with trip planning.

Read our guide to getting around Sydney here

When is the best time of year to fly to Sydney?

Sydney shines all year round so it's always a good time to book a trip. The summer months (December to February) are the most popular time to travel to Sydney, with a feast of sport, events and festivals on - ATP Cup, Sydney Festival, New Year's Eve, the Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras, musicals and exhibitions all taking front of stage. Book your airfare in advance to catch the best price for your ticket to a summer in Sydney.

If a sizzling summer isn't your thing, book your trip for autumn (March to May) when things quieten down, the weather is slightly cooler, and you'll find great flight specials too. The winter months are relatively mild (June to August) and you'll often nap a sharp airfare in September too.

For a combination of good weather, fewer crowds, and cheaper prices, the best time to visit Sydney is from September to November or March to May.

For more in-depth information on Sydney's weather by season and month, make sure to read our Sydney climate and weather guide.

What to pack for your trip to Sydney?

Packing for your trip to Sydney all depends on what you're planning to do on your holiday and the time of year you're travelling. Sydney is generally warm year-round with some cooler temperatures throughout the shoulder seasons, and surprisingly cool winters. Sydney is generally a fairly casual city, so be sure to pack your favourite pieces that you can mix n match, a comfortable pair of walking shoes for day trips, and additional layers depending on the season. If you're planning on taking in a musical or special night out, add some heels and a favourite frock - or even better accidentally leave it at home and splurge on some shopping!

What are Sydney's top attractions?

Sydney's attractions are a cut above the rest, and the habour city offers so much to do and see - from art and culture, attractions, family-friendly fun, unique wildlife and must-do experiences. Sydney has plenty of things to do for every type of traveller. Here are a few of the top activities and attractions to add to your Sydney itinerary

The Art Gallery of NSW

Considered Sydney's most important public gallery, the Art Gallery of NSW presents both Australian and international works. Don't miss the dedicated Aboriginal art gallery space, the new acquisitions from the Archibald and Wynne Prizes 2020, artsy films, the annual ARTEXPRESS exhibition featuring student artworks, and the Brett Whiteley Studio in Surry Hills.

Keep an eye out for the Culture Up Late series in the Summer months where the Gallery stays open until 9pm. Visit the exhibitions, join a tour, enjoy a drink or a bite to eat in the cafe, or grab a ticket for a film screening.

The Museum of Sydney

A Sydney Living Museum, the Museum of Sydney is a modern museum built over and around the remains of Australia's first Government House, celebrating the people and events that have shaped the character and soul of this city. With interactive exhibits and special events taking place year-round, the Museum of Sydney is a fun way for the whole family to learn about Australia's largest colony. The Museum also has extended hours every Thursday evening for the Culture Up Late series during the summer months.

MCA Sydney

Located at a prime waterfront position, the Museum of Contemporary Art is Australia's home of ground-breaking exhibitions and innovative modern artworks. Locals love visiting MCA Sydney, not just for the art, but also for the rooftop bar, which boasts striking views of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera House. Take a self-guided tour, plus experience the Sounds on the Terrace as part of MCA Late program in summer, regular workshops, and for families check out the kids and family summer events.

Sydney Opera House

An absolute must-do on your trip to Sydney, each and every visit. However, there's a lot more to do here than take a few photos for Insta. With over 40 events and festivals per week - covering everything from burlesque circus shows, concerts, musicals, opera and TEDx talks - it's worth looking at what lies beneath that distinctive sail exterior. It's also home to fabulous restaurants and the oh-so-iconic views from Opera Bar.

SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium

Displaying more than 700 species comprising more than 13,000 individual fish and other sea creatures, SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium offers a range underwater zones, from the Great Barrier Reef to Sydney Harbour. Get up close with some of Australia's most fabled predators in Shark Valley, or for the ultimate and unique reef experience try the Aquarium Private Dining.

WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo

Located adjacent to its sister Aquarium, WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo is home to both cute and creepy critters from all over Australia. Meet wombats, koalas, wallabies, snakes and even a giant five-metre crocodile called Rex. Don't forget to meet Frankie too, the rescue numbat who's helping to raise awareness of this endangered species. Grab a Sydney attractions pass deal to save money on entry to multiple attractions including WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo and SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium.

Taronga Zoo

There are few zoos that can boast first-rate views across one of the world's most beautiful harbours. But Taronga Zoo can. See over 4,000 animals in the lush surrounds of Sydney's most famous, and Australia's largest zoo - including gorillas, kangaroos, koalas, giraffes and elephants - all set against the backdrop of the city skyline. Why not experience the ultimate overnight stay at one of Taronga's unique accommodation experiences from tranquil eco-lodges, African-style safari, glamping to camping (Wildlife Retreat at Roar and Snore) - or make a trip to Dubbo to experience a stay in a Zoofari Lodge, Savannah Cabins, or Billabong Camp.

BridgeClimb Sydney

For a unique way to take in an aerial view of Sydney city, harbour and beyond, don't miss out on the experience of BridgeClimb Sydney. Offering dawn, day, dusk, night and special experience climbs the leaders will help to keep you safe and entertained with their fascinating stories. An experience to not miss, and one you'll never forget.

For more, make sure to read our guide on the best things to do in Sydney as well as the top free things to do in Sydney (when you want to save a few dollars!)

Where to find the best beaches in Sydney?

Heading to the beach is a big part of Sydney life. From colossal waves to calm bays, bustling beachfronts to hidden harbour swimming spots, there's over 100 beaches to choose from in Sydney - so you're sure to find a patch of sand to call your own. Our guide on where to stay in Sydney can also help you plan the best area to book your accommodation to be as close to the beach as possible.

Bondi Beach and the Eastern Suburbs

It may be Sydney's most famous stretch of sand, but Bondi Beach is still a favourite retreat for locals, tourists, surfers and sunbathers alike.

Tackle the Coogee to Bondi coastal walk - one of the best walks in Sydney - taking in beaches and clifftop views on the way, before finishing at Bondi's lively strip of cafes, bars and shops. Alternatively, cool off with a dip or drink at Bondi Icebergs. This iconic saltwater pool is perched on the edge of the ocean, with the adjacent bar and restaurant offering some of the best oceanfront dining in Sydney.

Once you've explored all the trappings of Bondi (and sampled one of Australia's best ice creams at Gelato Messina), escape the tourist trail and head for some of the hidden gems of the Eastern Suburbs. Camp Cove in Watsons Bay and Milk Beach in Vaucluse offer secluded sands and city views, while Redleaf Beach in Double Bay is the perfect place for a relaxing dip in a netted harbour pool.

Manly and the Northern Beaches

Catch the ferry from Circular Quay to Manly, a laid-back beach suburb with a different vibe from its famous eastern counterpart. Look out over the surf from one of the beachfront bars, find a shady spot under a tree for some fresh fish and chips or browse the surf shops of the The Corso. Alternatively, just kick back on the long, sandy stretch of Manly Beach or slip away from the crowds to do some snorkelling at nearby Shelly Beach.

Away from Manly, the Northern Beaches offer plenty of sandy spots to explore. Hug the coastline all the way up to Palm Beach, an idyllic peninsula of golden sand and native bushland. Otherwise known as Summer Bay to fans of television show 'Home and Away', Palm Beach is an hour from the city centre, but a world away from city life.

Where to eat in Sydney?

Thanks to its multicultural population Sydney's foodie scene literally takes you across the globe. You'll discover ethnic street eats across the city (from Italian in East Sydney to Chinese in Chatswood) to tapas bars, the seafood renowned Flying Fish, unbelievable patisseries, inner-city cool cafes, through to world-class degustation restaurants. When it comes to Sydney's smorgasbord of options, you'll find yourself happily overwhelmed with choice.

Where to find the best Cafes?

Whether you're after the perfect breakfast bowl, award-winning interior design or just a Sunday morning seaside view, Sydney is home to a truckload of Instagrammable brunch spots. For a bit of beach luxe head to The Boathouse, located in several locations (the signature at Balmoral Beach); for a farm-to-fork experience try The Botanica Vaucluse in the Eastern suburbs; for rooftop vistas and cool wallpaper dine at The Butler in Potts Point. Cool cafes are literally littered across the city, from the CBD to Manly, Surry Hills, Alexandria, to Chippendale.

Where to find the best fine dining?

Fine dining and degustation restaurants are trickled all over Sydney's CBD, inner-city and beyond. From Bea, Matt Moran's restaurant in Barangaroo; to dining at Peter Gilmore's luxurious Quay housed in the Overseas Passenger Terminal; to the Sydney classic Icebergs Dining Room and Bar in Bondi - you're ridiculously spoilt for fine dining choice in Sydney.

Where to find a good burger?

In the mood for comfort food? Sydney is constantly in the midst of a burger war, and for good reason - delicious new burger joints seem to pop up almost every week. Ask any meat-eating Sydneysider where to find the best burgers in town and they're sure to have a strong opinion. Our pick? The Mary's burger from Mary's in Newtown, the Blame Canada from BL Burgers on Oxford Street or the Bronx from Five Points Burgers in North Sydney. If you like your buns and meat in a high-class setting, seek out Neil Perry's famous Wagyu burger from Rockpool Bar and Grill - widely considered to be the best burger in Australia.

Where to find the best food markets?

From hand-craft cakes to charcuterie and chocolate Sydney offers a huge range of food markets. Our top picks are Addison Road: The Street Food Markets, Bondi Farmers Markets, Chinatown Night Market, Kings Cross Organic Markets, Orange Grove Market (Lilyfield), Brewery Yard Markets (CBD), and Paddy's Night Food Markets (Chinatown).

Where to find the best cheap eats?

If you've shopped up a storm and you're feeling a bit broke and hangry, Sydney has your back. Feast for under $10 at one of the many affordable food safaris in Sydney - from dumplings in Haymarket, to a slab of chicken at Hot Star, to a Bacon and Egg roll at Harvey's Hot Sandwiches - it's easy to find a cheap and tasty treat.

Where to shop in Sydney?

Sydney is the perfect place to find designer fashion, local labels, shoemakers and homewares. From multi-storey shopping centres to hidden boutiques, eclectic markets, and historic arcades - there's plenty of ways to indulge in a spot of shopping.

For bargain hunters

Sydney boasts brilliant bargain shopping with its many outlet shopping 'destinations' - DFO Homebush, Birkenhead Point Outlet Centre (once shipping, now a shopping spot), Market City in Chinatown's Paddy's Market, to the many outlets in Alexandria (think Morrisey and Marcs for starters).

For fashionistas

Get your credit cards cleared, you're about to head into a shopping vortex. Brimming with Australian designers The Intersection Paddington is all about high-end labels like Alice McCall to Zimmermann; head to the precinct of Barangaroo for everything from the David Jones concept store to The Waiting Room; or for a serious labels fix hit Military Road in Mosman.

For the lovers of vintage!

From rare vinyl, antique décor and 70s fashion - treasures can be found in vintage shops around Newtown, Alexandria, Surry Hills - even tucked away in the CBD and Manly. Glebe Markets is particularly known as one of Sydney's top vintage markets and is a regular stop off for shoppers looking for retro clothing and accessories. On Crown Street, Surry Hills, you'll discover stores selling unique vintage clothing finds stand side-by-side with shops dedicated to unexpected offerings. U-Turn Recycled Fashion, Cream on Crown and Miss Brown Vintage all stock what second-hand addicts can't get enough of.

For everything in between

For all your other retail needs discover the abundance of stores in Sydney CBD, from Strand Arcade, to Queen Victoria Building, and dare we say it, Westfield Centre on Pitt Street. For the more conservative budget Zara and H&M equally offer excellent fun fashion. You'll find everything you need, and everything you didn't know you needed, in Sydney.