Sydney, Australia Destination Guide
Section 1: Intro to the Destination
The oldest and largest city in Australia, Sydney boasts a laid-back, outdoor lifestyle. This “Harbour City” has numerous iconic sights and golden beaches peppered along the coast that will surely keep you movin’. Although you need at least a week just to see this city, it also serves as a perfect gateway to the rest of Australia.
Which of the Following Phrases Best Describes this Destination? (You can select more than one)
Outdoorsy, Energetic & Active, Modern
What’s the Destination Known For?
Beautiful harbour, “heaps” of shopping, incredible surfing
Getting There
Airports:
(SYD) Kingsford Smith International Airport
Located just 5 miles south of Sydney city centre, Kingsford Smith serves as Sydney’s primary airport. This is a primary hub for Qantas and serves numerous other airlines including American Airlines, Virgin Australia, Delta Airlines and United Airlines.
Local Etiquette
If your restaurant includes a service charge, no need to tip. Otherwise, 0-10% is common for waitstaff.
Shaking hands is a formal greeting.
It’s common to ride in the front seat in taxis and car service.
Be ready to be called “mate” by everyone, whether you know them or not.
Weather
Temperatures
Summer (December - February):
High: 79F / 26C
Low: 64F / 18C
Fall (March - May):
High: 77F / 25C
Low: 68F / 20C
Winter (June - August):
High: 64F / 18C
Low: 46F / 8C
Spring (September - November):
High: 75F / 24C
Low: 54F / 12C
Fall and spring are the best times to visit Sydney, as the temperatures are comfortable and you are able to avoid the over-touristy summer.
62 ft / 19 m
Getting Around
In City Transportation…
Metro - As the cheapest way to get from one side of town to the other, the metro is a great option for getting around. Make sure to buy an Opal card, which tops out at about $11 a day ($5.50 for children) and $44.50 a week ($22.25 for children)
Walking - Sydney is a fairly large city so walking everywhere would be wasting good time. Taking the metro to an area for the day and walking everywhere from there is a great combo though.
Uber - Although Lyft doesn’t exist here, Uber is a quick way to get around town and a rideshare will save you some $$$.
Taxi - These can be pretty expensive in Sydney, especially if it’s just for one person. If you have a group of four people and want to get somewhere quick though, it might be worth it.
Bike - Download one of the many bike-share apps, including oBike, ofo and Reddy Go, to be able to grab a bike and go. Helmets are required by law.
Section 2: What to See, Do, and Eat
Breakfast (aka Brekkie)
$-tier
Playfair Cafe
French Cafe
Dress is casual
The eggs benedict with avo is a must-try. Vegetarian-friendly cafe
$$-tier
The Fine Food Store
Contemporary Australian Cafe
Dress is casual
Healthy but really yummy food!
$$$-tier
Bambini Cafe Bar
Italian Cafe
Dress is casual
This sophisticated venue is a great option for any meal. Rumor has it the eggs are to die for.
Brunch
$-tier
Bar Cycle Walsh Bay
Cafe
Dress is casual
“Your friendly cafe & bike shop”
$$-tier
Basket Brothers
Australian Cafe
184 Elizabeth St, Surry Hills, Sydney, NSW 2000, Australia
Dress is casual
Try to conquer the “Brother’s Burger” if you’re hungry...
$$$-tier
Social Brew Cafe
International Cuisine
Dress is casual
This fantastic neighborhood gem is definitely worth a try!
Lunch
$-tier
Friggitoria
Italian Street Food
12 Bayswater Rd, Shop 6, Potts Point, Sydney, NSW 2011 Australia
Dress is casual
PASTA GALORE
$$-tier
Kepos Street Kitchen
Modern Middle Eastern Food
Dress is casual
“You’ll enjoy Modern Mediterranean and Middle Eastern classics reinvented with a punch of bold new flavours. One of our most popular dishes are the falafels.”
$$$-tier
Cafe Sydney
Australian Cuisine
Sydney Customs House 31 Alfred St, 5th Floor, Customs House, Sydney, NSW 2000 Australia
Dress is casual
“Cafe Sydney captures the essence of Sydney from its amazing location on the rooftop of Customs House with spectacular harbour views, delicious food, an outdoor terrace, cocktail lounge and a relaxed, contemporary interior.”
Dinner
$-tier
Betty’s Burgers & Concrete Co
American Fast Food
14 Darling Dr, Shop E-04, International Convention Centre, Sydney, NSW 2000, Australia
Dress is casual
Casual atmosphere & unique burgers
$$-tier
The General - Eatery and Supplies
Type of food (BBQ, French cuisine, Thai, etc.)
Dress is casual
“This place has the feel of a local homely cafe but serves fresh tasty food with a unique twist.”
$$$-tier
Mr. Wong
Asian Cuisine
Dress is casual
Very family-friendly restaurant with a lot of options. Make sure to book in advance as it is a popular spot.
Other (Food Trucks, Late Night Bites, Ice Cream Shops, etc.)
Food Trucks
Mama Linh’s
Vietnamese Street Food
“Mama Linh's have usual Tuesday to Friday spots at Wynyard Park in the CBD and Metcalfe Park in Pyrmont, and on weekends you'll find the truck across the inner-west brewery circuit, including Wayward, Batch, Willie the Boatman and Young Henrys. To find out where they'll be next, check their Facebook page.”
Dress is casual
What to order: Beef pho banh mi
Eat Art Truck
American Street Food
“The Eat Art Truck roams the city, and is a fixture at many big events around town. Follow their Facebook page to find out where to catch them next.”
Dress is casual
One side of the truck is dedicated as a canvas for artists to showcase their talents while the other, of course, is for ordering food.
Top things to See and Do
Sydney Opera House
If you only have time to see one thing while you’re here, this classic Sydney landmark is it. We recommend snapping a pic across the water from West Circular Bay.
Here are the deets you need to know before visiting…
Tours run daily between 9AM - 5PM
Standard tickets start at $30
Sydney Harbour Bridge
Get the best view of the famous city and harbour from the top of Sydney Harbour Bridge mid-day or even late at night. If you’re afraid of heights, don’t worry you can always walk or bike across the bridge.
Here are the deets you need to know before visiting…
Bridge Climbs start at $125 and go up to $300 depending on time of day and length of climb
Bondi Beach
Big waves for you surf fanatics... “The sweeping white-sand crescent of Bondi is one of Australia’s most iconic beaches. Reliable waves draw surfers while, nearby, hardy locals swim in the Icebergs ocean pool year-round.”
Here are the deets you need to know before visiting…
There’s more to Bondi than its beach! We recommend spending a whole day here. When you want a break from the beach, check out the colorful surrounding restaurants and shops and maybe even pop-in to the Bondi Farmers Market.
Darling Harbour
Just a 10 minute walk from the city center, Darling Harbour is your one stop for shopping, boat-watching and dining along Cockle Bay Wharf.
Here are the deets you need to know before visiting…
If you’re feeling fancy, catch a scenic cruise along the harbour.
Taronga Zoo Sydney
“There’s always plenty happening at Taronga Zoo. With over 4,000 animals to see, over 20 keeper talks and shows a day, tours, events & concerts, there’s always a new reason to visit Taronga Zoo.”
Here are the deets you need to know before visiting…
Open daily 9:30AM - 4:30PM
Just 12 minutes from the city by ferry
Tickets range from $31 for a single adult ticket to $88 for a family of 4
For Sydney’s ultimate sleepover, camp in safari style tents in Australia’s most famous zoo.
Sydney Harbour National Park
“Sydney Harbour National Park protects a number of islands and foreshore areas around one of the world's most famous harbours. The park is home to superb swimming spots, bushwalking tracks and picnic areas, which offer a huge range of activities that will have you coming back again and again.”
Here are the deets you need to know before visiting…
This National Park covers over 1.5 square miles. It is not just one specific coastal area, but rather protects various islands and foreshores on the coast of Sydney.
Cockatoo Island
This UNESCO World Heritage Site in the middle of Sydney Harbour is great spot for learning more about Sydney’s history. Until 1869, it served as an island for prisoners who rarely escaped, as none of them could swim. Today you can camp, picnic or tour old prison buildings on the island.
Here are the deets you need to know before visiting…
The best way to get there is to hop on a ferry.
No admission charge
Museum of Contemporary Art Australia
This museum is worth popping in, even if you aren’t an art fanatic, as entry is free.
Here are the deets you need to know before visiting…
Open Thursday - Tuesday 10AM - 5PM & Wednesday 10AM - 9PM
The cafe on the 4th floor has great views of circular quay.
Hyde Park
This slice of green in central Sydney is very picturesque and worth a walkthrough. It is a peaceful spot that draws both locals and tourists.
Here are the deets you need to know before visiting…
Open 24 hours a day
Free entry
Royal National Park
“Sandwiched between the cities of Sydney and Wollongong is the Royal National Park, home to great surf beaches, family-friendly waterholes and long and short bushwalks.”
Here are the deets you need to know before visiting…
Open daily 7AM-8:30PM
Park entry fees: $9 per vehicle per day
Check out 7 reasons to visit
Festivals/Parades
This three-day musical festival just 80 minutes from Sydney involves camping, good eats and even better music. Skip the fireworks this New Year’s Eve and head to Lost Paradise.
“Sydney Festival is a major arts festival in Australia's largest city, Sydney that runs for three weeks every January, since it was established in 1977. The festival program features in excess of 100 events from local and international artists and includes contemporary and classical music, dance, circus, drama, visual arts and artist talks.”
January 26 marks the day that Britain’s First Fleet landed in Sydney Cove in 1788. This Australian public holiday celebrates both the diversity and success of Australia. The city of Sydney does not take this day lightly and you will find Aussies celebrating by enjoying Sydney’s famous attractions or partaking in the Yabun Festival, which celebrates the survival of Aboriginal culture.
Nightlife
Where to go and hang once the sun sets – bars, nightclubs, etc. Try and find BOTH places where the locals hang AND places where the tourists hang. For each location, record the name, address, website, and anything interesting it might be known for (e.g. live Tango demonstration by professional dancers every Thursday night at 9PM.)
The Star
80 Pyrmont Street, Pyrmont NSW NSW 2009, Australia
“High-end casino resort with dining, theatres & nightclubs, plus and outdoor pool & harbour views”
Newtown Hotel
174 King Street Newtown, NSW 2042, Australia
Revamped Indie Pub
Oxford Art Factory
38-46 Oxford St, Darlinghurst NSW 2010, Australia
Best for: Live music and dancing
Darlinghurst Road
Darlinghurst Rd, NSW
“The marvelously seedy eye of the storm and is conveniently placed near to the rash of hostels on Victoria Street – ideal for an early morning stumble home after a long night of dancing”
Hidden Gems
A garden created out of love for her late husband, Wendy Whiteley began to re-build this garden in 1992 and today it is a peaceful spot in Lavender Bay.
P. Sherman 42 Wallaby Way, Sydney
Yes this is an actual address… and we think it’s worth trying to find
Read about a man who discovered the dental office with this address
“Sappho Books, Café & Wine Bar is Glebe’s most hidden gem. Tucked away in the back lanes of a rustic bookstore, this café offers a special vibe with its graffiti walls and street-art features in the courtyard. At night, this space is transformed into a wine and tapas bar, accompanied by live acoustic music and the occasional poetry recitals!”
