Stepping foot into Sydney for the first time can be rather overwhelming. Being the largest city in Australia with a population of over 5 million, there are a plethora of possible things one can do in this generous harbour city of Sydney. Here’s a guide to what you can expect during your trip and some of the must-do activities on your first visit to Sydney.
When to Visit
Sydney experiences all four seasons, making it an ideal holiday location with a variety of activities for the eager traveller to indulge in all year round.
Summer (December to February)
A period familiar with beach enthusiasts. The days are long and perfect for all things outdoors such as day picnics, surfing or coastal walks. However, summer is also prone to bushfires, so it’s important to check for fire hazard warnings during this time.
Autumn (March to May)
Most international visitors plan their trip during these months. Autumn leaves pave the grounds and the scenery changes to calm hues of amber. The weather is lovely — breezy, but warm enough such that thick clothing layers are not needed. Students also return to school, so there’s the added bonus of reduced crowds, especially in downtown areas.
Winter (June to August)
Temperatures cool into winter. Despite that, Sydney still boasts of clear and relatively sunny days. The attractions still remain open, beachgoers although little, still visit famous beaches such as Bondi Beach for sunshine in a cool climate. While Sydney’s CBD doesn’t experience snow, a rare yet possible sighting of snowfall would be at the Snowy Mountains about six hours south of Sydney, or a closer alternative can be found at the Blue Mountains - an hour and a half’s drive west of the city centre for your dose of snowfall.
Spring (September to November)
As the weather gradually gets warmer in spring, September to November are when the flowers bloom brightest, making it great for Instagram worthy pictures at one of Sydney’s many parks. Rainfall is scarce and days are cool, making it the best season for walking tours. Daylight hours are also longer - all the more reason to visit a park or take your time wandering Sydney’s landscapes. The cool weather during the spring months also means you won’t break a sweat!
Where to Stay
If you’re visiting Sydney for the first time, the two best areas to dock are at Darling Harbour or the Central Business District (CBD). Both neighbourhoods are tourist hotspots and for good reason. In the CBD, apart from being surrounded by main attractions such as the Opera House and Sydney Harbour, you are also close to a network of available public transportation that will bring you to most places in the city. Thus, if you have only a couple of days in Sydney, it’ll cut down a decent amount of time spent travelling from one attraction to the next.
Alternatively, Darling Harbour is a quieter area within the city centre well-known for its abundance of museums, entertainment facilities and cafés. It’s the perfect pick for avid shoppers, art lovers and also families. Right at its heart are Wild Life Sydney Zoo and Sea Life Sydney Aquarium — a child’s paradise.
Getting Around
If you’re planning to make use of Sydney’s extensive network of public transport services, then you should definitely get yourself an Opal card. As a visitor, fares for buses and trains can add up while you’re traipsing around the city sightseeing. The contactless smart card ensures you get discounted rides (as long as one remembers to tap on and off at every leg of their journey) and even comes with maximum daily and weekly charges. Once you’ve hit it, you won’t have to pay for subsequent rides. The bonus: Sundays have a price cap of AUD $2.70 — that’ll save you a lot.
Being an integrated payment method, usage of the Opal extends beyond buses and trains, it can also be used on ferries and the Light Rail. It’s fuss-free to use, bring around and can be easily reloaded at all train stations as well as convenience stores. Should one feel like hailing a taxi, do take note that shift changes usually happen at 3 pm and 3 am, which may make it more challenging to flag down a cab. A workaround during these times would be to use Uber.
Respect the Wildlife
As a city in a country renowned for its wildlife, Sydney has an urban ecology strategic action plan deployed, which prioritizes making the city a liveable habitat for all local species. Fauna in Australia is diverse and boasts a fascinating make-up of the world’s species - over 80% of mammals, around 90% of reptiles and fish, as well as over 90% of amphibians.
The people of Sydney treat their wildlife with respect and care. In turn, the animals are always ready to return the favour with love. Drop by one of the many zoos in the city, the most popular choices being Taronga Zoo and Featherdale Wildlife Park. Visitors will get to interact with the animals and even feed them, making it an especially thrilling activity for families and children.
Must-Visit Places in Sydney
For the first-timer, there are a few activities that cannot be missed when you’re visiting Sydney. The city has one of the world’s most impressive harbours, thus it’s imperative that visiting the beach should be a priority on one’s agenda. Bondi Beach is an Australian Heritage Listed site, so be sure to swing by at least once. While you’re there, take a dip in the Bondi Icebergs, a saltwater pool offering a stunning view of the deep blue ocean.
Perhaps you’re feeling peckish after a walk along the shore? Pop by any of the city’s many cafés and treat yourself to some brunch. The day has barely begun, so spend the afternoon in one of the city’s parks - Hyde Park is Sydney’s oldest, and nestled within its grounds are both a beautiful fountain and a heritage-listed war monument.
Should you happen to be visiting Sydney over the weekend, you’re in luck — it’s when local markets like Paddington Markets usually operate and where you can find the best food, bargains and vintage items.
To end off your day, find yourself a spot on the Monumental Steps to watch the Badu Gili (“water light” in the Gadigal language), a 7-minute long projection reflecting off the sail of the Sydney Opera House. Alternatively, indulge in a quiet stroll along Darling Harbour, the city’s most popular entertainment precinct, complete with unrivalled harbourside views and an abundance of bars.
With its beautiful coasts, luscious greenery and buzzing downtown, Sydney’s sure to anchor itself into one’s heart for a long time to come. The city will love you, and you’ll love it right back.
