Sydney is one of the most visited cities in the southern hemisphere. Although many may think this is the capital city of Australia, it is actually not, Sydney is the coastal modern city full of skyscrapers but also equally full of jaw-dropping nature. More on that below.

I have updated this Sydney Australia travel blog with everything you need to know before you come here. From where to stay, where to eat, the points of interest in Sydney, visa, Sim cards, and more. This is the ultimate Sydney travel guide right here. What to know about Sydney before traveling? This is all you need my friends!

Sydney Australia Blog

Sydney Australia travel blog with a girl sitting in front of opera house
What to know in Sydney? Everything you need to know about Sydney Australia travel blog is right here!

How to get around Sydney?

Whether you are heading to the most instagrammable places in Sydney or secret Sydney walks, don’t worry. Sydney is well serviced by public transport across buses, trains, ferries, and light rail. Public transport inquiries number is 13 15 00 or transportnsw.info

If you are using public transportation, I recommend buying an Opal card which is the ticket to ride the train, ferry, light rail, and bus services around Sydney and in the neighboring areas of the blue mountains, the central coast, and the hunter, and the Illawarra. You can buy an Opal card from retailers including news agencies, 7/11, supermarkets, and some pharmacies. Just load dollar amounts onto the Opal card and tap on and off at Opal card readers.

Buses
Bus routes service most of Sydney. Check the website or your google map for convenient and current routes.

Trains
Rail lines service much of the city plus inner and out suburbs. The airport line train is the most convenient method of transport between Sydney Airport and the CBD.

Taxis, cars, and Rideshare
Taxi ranks are available around the city and at the airport. Ride-share service Uber operates in Sydney, with a designated pickup area at the airport. Car hire is available at the airport and points around the city from companies including Avis, Budget, Thrifty, and Hertz.

Use code k7zapn for $10 off your first Uber ride and use code WT7BSQD2 for a $20 Didi discount which is a rivalry to Uber.

If you are still wondering about the capital city of Australia. You may like to read a solo itinerary to Canberra, enjoy!

Which visa to apply for Sydney, Australia?

There are many options to choose from when it comes to visas. Australia wants the world to come and enjoy our great weather and beautiful sights:)

It could be just a holiday visa, working holiday, students, partner, joining a family, starting a business, investing, and more types of visas are available. You can use this official Australian Immigration website to find out which visas fit you best and how to apply.  This is a brand new government site that they are testing at the moment (Sep 2018) and you can provide feedback as well.

If you wish to use the old and trusted website, go here.

As most of my readers are from the USA –  Most U.S. passport holders traveling to Australia for tourism or business purposes for less than 90 days can obtain an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA). Apply on the Australian government’s official website here.

Remember while on the tourist visa, working isn’t legal in Australia unless you have a working holiday visa. 

Note

The visa application fee is non-refundable, so make sure that your information is entered correctly the first time and that your photo meets the specifications.

Is WIFI any good in Australia? What about the local sim?

Compared to international standards, WIFI is a little slow here in Australia but it does the job. Most cafes would give you a password once you order your coffee. For free WIFI head to the nearest library.

In regards to the local sim, if you have an unlocked phone that is compatible with Australian GSM technology, then all you will need is a SIM card and a prepaid plan. Having said that, there are other options available too. For example Package deals, data deals, capped inclusions, and contract options. I suggest comparing either one of the following 4 major cell phone carriers in Australia and buying what suits you best.

1 Telstra – Australia’s leading provider of mobile phones, mobile devices, home phones, and broadband internet, 2. Optus – second in the area covered behind Telstra; about 30 personal plans + 8 business plans; 3. Vodaphone – the smaller of the 3 major providers and covers mostly metropolitan and larger regional areas); about 38 plans; and 4. Virgin Mobile – uses the Optus network; with about 27 plans.

What cell phone/plan is good?

Well, that depends on what you are after. If you are like me a social media fanatic then perhaps best to get a data plan but if you are into talking and texting a lot then getting a call and msg plan would suit you. There can be many considerations like how much data you might need, what network coverage is available, and whether you should enter into a contract or go prepaid. But if you are here for a short amount of time, I wouldn’t worry too much, and just get a prepaid plan that you can cancel anytime.

However, if you are planning to travel or live in Australia for over 3 months, then spend some time researching beforehand as many options are available. Weigh up prepaid vs entering a contract.

How to book cheap flights to Sydney?

Here is one of the pro tips not only for this Sydney Australia travel blog but anywhere you would like to book cheap flights. The secret is to be in a private or incognito mode for searching or clear your browser’s cache after searching to avoid price increases! I recommend using these two websites Skyscanner and Momodo.

Skyscanner lets you search “everywhere” to see where is cheaper to fly to and from! It also lets you search full month if you are flexible with dates. Momodo lets you filter by airline alliance, which is also helpful when trying to earn frequent flyer miles in a particular loyalty program. It also displays an overview of information about your route and the factors that affect the price.

Read the most wanted travel resource here.

After years of full-time traveling, I’ve spent hours trying to figure out how to travel cheaper and better. This is a collection of the best travel resources when it comes to flights, accommodation, gear, travel insurance, and more. I have personally used all of those items listed and recommend them to you.

Handy Info

Currency = Australian Dollars
Hello = Good Day, G’day!
Bye = See you later!
Capital City = Canberra
(Sydney -New South Wales, Melbourne -Victoria, Adelaide -South Australia, Perth -Western Australia, Brisbane -Queensland, Hobart –Tasmania) and 2 territories (Canberra -Australian Capital Territory and DarwinNorthern Territory)

Sydney Australia travel blog

Sydney Australia travel blog

Let me start by sharing the extensive list of Sydney bucketlist things. How many of these AMAZING activities can you tick off?

Sydney Australia travel blog

If you click the photo above, you can find the best way to see it all in 5 days in Sydney. It is literally the best sydney itinerary for 5 days!

What are the best walks in and around Sydney?

secret sydney walks

Here are my top 24 best walks in and around Sydney, secret sydney walks with pictures included also. Sydney has great weather all around so hope you enjoy that by heading outdoors.

What are Sydney’s top attractions?

Best places to take photos in sydney

Although I am local, I am not usually home because I am away traveling the world. So when I am home I make sure to visit many places in Sydney and have some awesome and different experiences. Here’s the list of top Sydney attractions also known as the best places to take photos in Sydney.

Where to stay in Sydney?

Sydney suburbs for travellers

 Did you know Sydney is made up of 658 suburbs and residents of Sydney are known as “Sydney Siders”? If you want to pick the best place in town or to find out the options that are available, you will find this where to stay in Sydney post helpful.

There are 3000+ hotels & hundreds of hostels available in Sydney. In 2021 Hostel price starts at $14 AUD & Hotel Prices start at $70 AUD per night for 2 adults 1 room! Check out trusted booking.com to see all the properties and find one that suits you best. Alternatively, Agoda offers various accommodation options also.

Any hidden bays and secret beaches in Sydney?

best hidden beach and bays in sydney

Since I am local, I have been to many hidden gems in Sydney. Here I am sharing my hidden beaches and bays just for you guys.

Best beaches for solo or group?

Sydney Australia blog

Any Sydney Australia travel blog wouldn’t be complete without including the beach. Here I have handpicked the 9 best beaches in Sydney, Australia for families and it is equally good for solo also.

Backpacking in Melbourne Travel Guide 2022

Everthing you need to know

Where are the most instagrammable cafes in Sydney?

Sydney Australia travel blog

I covered that question too 🙂 You can find the guide to most instagrammable cafes in Sydney here.

Recommendations on where to eat in Sydney?

where to eat in sydney

As you can imagine, there are thousands of dining places to choose from. This guide comes from my personal experience of eating at many restaurants in Sydney multiple times. They won’t break your bank either, prices are reasonably standard except for the Japanese one as it’s a fine dine. This straight-to-the-point guide will help you uncover different cuisines and restaurants not to miss in Sydney, Australia.

Here is a blog post dedicated to where to eat in Sydney

Most Instagrammable places in Sydney, Australia?

Sydney Australia travel blog

As a lover of beautiful places, I seek and find Insta worthy places in all the countries I travel to no matter home or abroad. Here are my favorite Insta worthy places in my own backyard. See the 31 most Instagrammable places in Sydney, Australia (updated)

I hope this Sydney Australia Travel Blog gave you an insight into what to expect during your travel to Sydney.

If you want more places to visit in Sydney, New South Wales or NSW; check out my Sydney Australia blog

Let me know in the comments

Sydney Australia Travel Blog 2023
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39 thoughts on “Sydney Australia Travel Blog 2023

  • September 25, 2018 at 2:15 pm
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    It has been a few years since I was last in Sydney, so I am due to return. I will definitely keep in mind all of your recommendations. Thank you so much for sharing 🙂

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    • September 25, 2018 at 4:40 pm
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      Hope you get to visit and use this guide soon Alex! Thanks for dropping by 🙂

      Reply
  • September 25, 2018 at 7:04 pm
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    I never really thought about going to Sydney before, it looks beautiful though. May need to add it to my want to do list.

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  • September 25, 2018 at 9:37 pm
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    Oh my goodness I have always wanted to got to Australia! You’re pictures make it look so beautiful 🙂 This is such a great post with so much helpful information… thank you!

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  • September 26, 2018 at 12:27 am
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    I am dying to visit Australia, it has been on bucket list for year, hopefully one day soon I will see all these beautiful places.

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  • September 26, 2018 at 3:10 am
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    Thank you for sharing! Australia is one of the number one countries on my bucket list right now and I’m hoping to go as a celebratory trip once I graduate from my masters program. This guide will come in handy for the planning!

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  • September 26, 2018 at 3:23 am
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    One day when I’m not running Coombe Mill I going to travel. Long haul like this would be wonderful, what a handy guide you have here.

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  • September 26, 2018 at 3:43 am
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    This is a perfect post for me, as I’ve yet to visit Sydney. It looks like such a great city to see, and I love your photos too. I’m inspired to finally visit!

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  • September 26, 2018 at 4:29 am
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    I have never been to Sydney, so these recommendations are great when I plan my travel out there. I did love Melbourne.

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  • September 26, 2018 at 7:34 am
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    Thanks for this, have saved it as a reference. I have so many friends and family in Australia these days, and I can see us making the trip next time we’re in the Far East. Daily blogging, eh, good luck with that!

    Reply
  • September 26, 2018 at 9:20 am
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    I’ve never been in Sidney before! but your travel guide is amazing, you really cover every detail I should know before travelling there! I love it!

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  • September 26, 2018 at 10:43 am
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    I would love to get down to Australia sometime. It has always captured my attention whenever anything about it is on tv.

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  • September 26, 2018 at 10:45 am
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    I need to save up for my Australia trip! 🙂
    Do you know that Telstra customer service hub is in the Philippines?

    Reply
  • September 26, 2018 at 12:12 pm
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    Ahhh Sydney is on my bucket list! Love your tips. I hadn’t even thought about the Visa needs until just now!

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  • September 26, 2018 at 4:02 pm
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    I would love to visit Sydney someday. Any kind of international trip like that would take planning and a careful packing check list. Thanks for your ideas of where to visit!

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  • September 27, 2018 at 1:03 am
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    If I ever plan a trip to Sydney this is the post I am using!!

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  • September 27, 2018 at 7:16 pm
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    I’m glad you were honest about cell phone service in Australia. We just came back from Paris and was surprised to find how bad our cell service was. We had ordered the enhanced plan and everything and it was still not good enough that we could rely on it to use for GPS. This looks like an awesome place to visit. Thanks for sharing.

    Reply
  • September 27, 2018 at 8:16 pm
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    Australia always is my bucket list. but just have some problem with the visa. but will figure it out soon since i read you beautiful guide post now. thank you

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  • September 27, 2018 at 8:29 pm
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    ThIs is all I need to travel to Australia. It has been on my bucket list for years, but I’m tying to gather up the courage for the long haul flight (we are in Florida). One of these days. Thank you for this thorough post that includes everything.

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  • October 1, 2018 at 9:31 am
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    wow, it seems stunning in your picturesQ made me wanting to go

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  • October 2, 2018 at 7:14 am
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    I am adding Australia to my bucket list. Thanks for this very comprehensive post

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  • November 21, 2018 at 4:19 am
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    Sydney is such a great place to visit, and it’s always helpful to have tips of what to see and where to eat. Thank you for sharing this guide, I’m sure it will help those travelling to this exciting city!

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  • November 21, 2018 at 8:21 am
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    this is such a great guide! its so easy to follow. thanks for posting

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  • November 21, 2018 at 2:29 pm
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    I would absolutely love to visit Australia! It’s on my bucket list. Thank you so much for this wonderful guide. Saving this for the day that I get to go on my Australia adventure ♡

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  • November 21, 2018 at 6:57 pm
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    Great guide 🙂 We just visited Sydney during our two month travel trip 🙂

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  • January 10, 2019 at 9:29 pm
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    “Live life with no excuses, travel with no regret” – Oscar Wilde

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  • November 15, 2019 at 6:55 pm
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    Amazing city. Been there twice and fell completely in love with it.

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  • February 17, 2020 at 10:26 pm
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    Sydney is a world-famous tourist destination, I love this city and you have mentioned great famous places in Sydney. Thanks for this blog.

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  • October 27, 2020 at 6:22 pm
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    Really an awesome article, love reading this as it was very attractive and helpful. Please keep posting such articles.

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  • May 4, 2021 at 7:52 pm
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    This was really helpful, we used it to find a lot of great places on our last trip to Sydney.

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    • May 6, 2021 at 10:34 pm
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      Glad to read it was useful Chris, hope you’ll revisit again!

      Reply
  • May 19, 2021 at 4:14 am
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    Thank you for the valuable information in your blog.

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  • April 8, 2022 at 4:34 pm
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    thankyou for sharing this trip, this is really helpful, wish i can visit sydney very soon 🙂

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  • August 17, 2022 at 1:49 am
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    I have never visited Australia, but have heard and read so many interesting things. And Sydney definitely sounds like a wonderful place to explore. Thanks for taking me on a virtual journey

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    • August 24, 2022 at 11:39 pm
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      Hi Priya, Glad it was handy! Hope you make it in person soon

      Reply
  • February 25, 2023 at 7:28 pm
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    It is the most beautiful city especially for tourist.

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  • April 10, 2023 at 10:23 pm
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    is there public transportation available for traveling to outskirts like the cliffs? Ps: thanks for your blog, it helped me a lot so far

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    • April 15, 2023 at 3:50 pm
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      Hi Roy,
      which cliff do you mean? In general, Sydney has pretty extensive public transport available.

      Reply

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