I have now updated this Sydney Australia travel blog with everything you need to know before you come here. From where to stay, where to eat, the point of interest in Sydney, visa, Sim cards, and more. This is the ultimate Sydney travel guide right here. What to know in Sydney 2021? This is all you need my friends!

What to know in Sydney
Contents
- What to know in Sydney
- How to apply visa for Australia?
- Note
- Is WIFI any good? What about the local sim?
- What cell phone/plan is good?
- How to book the cheap flights to Sydney?
- Note
- Read the most wanted travel resource here.
- How to get around in Sydney?
- Handy Info
- Best Sydney Travel Guide
- What are the best walks in and around Sydney?
- What are Sydney’s top attractions?
- Where to stay in Sydney?
- What about the best beaches that Sydney is famous for?
- Any hidden bays and secret beaches?
- Where to get the coffee and cafe fix?
- Recommendations on where to eat in Sydney?
- Where are the most Instagrammable places in Sydney, Australia?
- Let me know in the comments if you
How to apply visa for Australia?
There are many options to choose from when it comes to Visa. 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 nonrefundable, so make sure that your information is entered correctly the first time and that your photo meets the specifications.
Is WIFI any good? What about the local sim?
Compared to international standard, 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 buy 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; 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. 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 the cheap flights to Sydney?
I swear by 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.
Note
Remember to use an incognito window for searching or clear your browser’s cache after searching to avoid price increases! But if you are using Skyscanner mobile app there is no need for incognito mode.
Read the most wanted travel resource here.
After years of full-time travelling, 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 to you.
How to get around in Sydney?
Here’s is all you need to know about getting around Sydney.
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 Opal card which is the ticket to ride the train, ferry, light rail, and bus services around Sydney and in the neighbouring areas of the blue mountains, the central coast, 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. Airport lin 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 a $10 off your first Uber ride and use code WT7BSQD2 for a $20 Didi discount which is a rivalry to Uber.
Handy Info
Currency = Australian Dollars
Hello = Good Day, G’day!
Bye = See you later!
Capital City = Canberra
Main cities and 6 states = (Sydney -New South Wales, Melbourne -Victoria, Adelaide -South Australia, Perth -Western Australia, Brisbane -Queensland, Hobart -Tasmania) and 2 territories (Canberra -Australian Capital Territory and Alice Springs -Northern Territory)
Best Sydney Travel Guide
Must do and must-see in Sydney
Here is the extensive list of must-do things in Sydney. How many of these AMAZING activities can you tick off?
If you click the photo above, it is show you the best way to see it all in 5 days in Sydney. It is literally the best sydeny itinerary for 5 days! Enjoy
What are the best walks in and around Sydney?
Sydney has great weather all around. So here I have put together the best walks in and around Sydney.
What are Sydney’s top attractions?
I took the time to go to many places in Sydney and came out with some awesome and different experiences. Enjoy this list of Sydney’s top attractions.
Where to stay in Sydney?
Another addition to what to know in Sydney is where to stay! Did you know Sydney is made up of 658 suburbs and residents of Sydney are known as “Sydney Siders”? Well, I have crafted a blog post answering this very question. 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.
On a side note, if you aren’t camping, the easy alternative is to stay at Airbnb. You would be spoilt for choice on some of the best neighbourhoods.
For my readers, here is a $76 discount for your first booking with Airbnb. Open a new account with a new email and enjoy the discount on your first booking!
What about the best beaches that Sydney is famous for?
Here I have handpicked the 9 best beaches in Sydney, Australia for families (for a change:)
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.
Where to get the coffee and cafe fix?
I covered that question too 🙂 You can find the guide to cool cafes in Sydney, Australia here.
Recommendations on 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. So, they are on the list after a long and hard trial! 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.
I have written a blog post dedicated to where to eat in Sydney.
Where are the most Instagrammable places in Sydney, Australia?
As a lover of beautiful places, I seek and find Insta worthy places in all the countries I travel to. The time has finally arrived to share my favourite Insta worthy places in my own backyard. See the most Instagrammable places in Sydney, Australia
I hope this what to know in Sydney piece helped plan your travels.
Camera kits I used to take these photos:
Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark II Digital Camera
This has been my favorite Camera so far. I love how my pictures come out crisp and colorful. It also has a screen which is useful when vblogging. You can check out what I meant on my Instagram which is here.
Accessories For Canon GX7 Mark || Check it out here
This is the good old Go pro that I take with me everywhere. I recommend it because it is small, lightweight and waterproof. I have had made many memories with this trusted item and looking forward to more.
Accessories For Go Pro Hero 4 Check it out here
I have been using SanDisk since my first camera which was back in 2009. They build quality memory cards. I recommend getting at least two, just in case something happens to one of them.
Do you think it’s a hassle of plugging your camera into your computer? This memory card reader will fit cards of all sizes and make an easy transfer to your computer. The reader supports all popular SD memory card formats, including SD™/SDHC™/SDXC™ memory cards, UHS-I SDHC/SDXC memory cards, and microSDHC™/microSDXC™ memory cards. It is also compatible with the latest UDMA 7-enabled CompactFlash cards.
Let me know in the comments if you
- have any other questions about what to know in Sydney
- Sydney itinerary 5 days here.
- Read about dinner cruise Sydney
- 99% of readers found must see on the east coast of Australia helpful.
- Check out how you can explore Adelaide South Australia the best way.
- Heading to iconic Alice Springs for that unique Uluru trip?
- Here I share must do in Darwin, Australia.
- Solo travel guide to Brisbane (Insta worthy places included!)
- Heading to Melbourne next, check out Melbourne travel guide for first timers.
- Heading to Perth? read Perth solo itinerary
- Next Stop? check out the most beautiful places in New Zealand South Island.
- Going to Vietnam after Australia? Check out the 7 days Hanoi travel guide.
- If you need to book accommodations for your next travels, get $76 discount with Airbnb here.
- Alternatively, you can check hotel prices and book it through trusted Agoda, or Booking.com
- Read the most wanted travel resource here.
- If you like this article, follow my adventures on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, and Pinterest, but most importantly sign up to my e-mail list to keep up with updates and travel posts!
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 🙂
Hope you get to visit and use this guide soon Alex! Thanks for dropping by 🙂
I never really thought about going to Sydney before, it looks beautiful though. May need to add it to my want to do list.
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!
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.
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!
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.
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!
I have never been to Sydney, so these recommendations are great when I plan my travel out there. I did love Melbourne.
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!
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!
I would love to get down to Australia sometime. It has always captured my attention whenever anything about it is on tv.
I need to save up for my Australia trip! 🙂
Do you know that Telstra customer service hub is in the Philippines?
Ahhh Sydney is on my bucket list! Love your tips. I hadn’t even thought about the Visa needs until just now!
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!
If I ever plan a trip to Sydney this is the post I am using!!
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.
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
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.
wow, it seems stunning in your picturesQ made me wanting to go
I am adding Australia to my bucket list. Thanks for this very comprehensive post
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!
this is such a great guide! its so easy to follow. thanks for posting
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 ♡
Great guide 🙂 We just visited Sydney during our two month travel trip 🙂
“Live life with no excuses, travel with no regret” – Oscar Wilde
Amazing city. Been there twice and fell completely in love with it.
Sydney is a world-famous tourist destination, I love this city and you have mentioned great famous places in Sydney. Thanks for this blog.
Really an awesome article, love reading this as it was very attractive and helpful. Please keep posting such articles.