Cityscape of Sydney, Australia with Harbour Bridge and Sydney skyline during a clear sunny day.

Sydney holidays

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Holidays in Sydney

A holiday to Sydney is, for many, a once-in-a-lifetime trip. From your first glimpse of the iconic harbour to seeing surfers at Bondi Beach to experiencing the city’s friendly cosmopolitan vibe, you’re in for a jaw-dropping ride you’ll never forget.

With more than 100 beaches across the city, having sand between your toes is a big part of life in Sydney. Bondi is one of the best known, where surfing and strutting go hand in hand with healthy eating cafes and yoga. While safety signs and lifeguards warn about the notorious rip currents here, there are also more secluded child-friendly beaches with calmer seas to choose from, such as Clovelly in the southeast.

Away from the coast, the city centre is packed with museums, galleries and gardens that are essential stops for your itinerary. Seek out aboriginal art at the Art Gallery of NSW, taste bush foods on a Royal Botanical Gardens guided tour, and imagine life at sea at the Maritime Museum.

More of a night owl? Sydney’s nightlife scene is buzzing with cocktail bars, craft beer pubs and fashionable drinking holes, so no two nights need be the same. Evenings are also memorable for foodies and music lovers – think waterfront dining and concerts at the Sydney Opera House, which is as impressive inside as it is out.

While there's more than enough to keep you busy in Sydney, the surrounding countryside is irresistible too. Take a day trip to the beautiful UNESCO World Heritage-listed Blue Mountains for hiking or head to Hunter Valley to taste some of Australia’s finest wines. To the north, the Ku-ring-gai Chase National park is crammed with indigenous culture, or go southbound to walk the beautiful trails and coastal paths of the Royal National Park.

What to do in Sydney

From gorgeous beaches and charming parks to scenic ferry rides, you’ll want to be outside more than in on a holiday to Sydney. Even when the weather turns, there's plenty of indoor action to experience at its many museums and galleries.

Sydney Opera House

Sydney holidays aren’t complete without a photograph outside the iconic Opera House. Stand on the entrance steps by the harbour or hop on a boat cruise to pose for a picture from the water.

In terms of what to expect when you get inside – in short, plenty. The venue plays host to a range of performances, from opera and dance to theatre and comedy. Even if you don't get tickets to a show, seeing the sail-like building close-up is an experience in itself.

Sydney Harbour Bridge

If there’s one attraction that gives the Opera House a run for its money, it’s the Sydney Harbour Bridge another of the city’s top and most iconic attractions. From the ground level, its enormous steel arches are another essential photography stop on your trip.

A stroll or cycle across the walkway is one way to see the stunning city and the harbour. Alternatively, if your stomach can handle heights, take the exhilarating climb right to the top of the tallest arch.

Royal Botanic Gardens

Just by the harbour, the Royal Botanic Gardens is one of the city’s most remarkable green spaces. First opened in 1816, it’s home to a colourful array of plants from around the world, including a fernery, an oriental garden and a rose garden.

Take one of the daily tours to learn more about its history. The Aboriginal Heritage Tour is recommended for its introduction to the Cadigal people, the traditional owners of the land.

Art Gallery of NSW

If you’re wondering which museum or gallery to visit in Sydney, the Art Gallery of NSW is a great place to start. Its collections include works by artists from around the world – including greats like Cézanne and Vincent Van Gogh – as well as works by indigenous artists and Australian greats such as Tom Roberts and WC Piguenit.

On most Wednesdays, the gallery stays open until late as part of its popular Art After Hours programme. Keep an eye out for special talks, shows and events.

Bondi Beach

One of Sydney’s famous beaches, Bondi is in a laid-back neighbourhood where life centres on the coastline. Surf the waves, laze on the sand or relax in a seaside bar.

Hankering for a culture fix? Visit in March when the Sculpture by the Sea art exhibition runs alongside part of the coastal trail between Bondi and Coogee. Complete the full walk to see more of the city’s best beaches, as well as spectacular cliffside views.

When to go to Sydney

There’s always something going on in Sydney, Australia's largest and most energetic city, making it a wonderful year-round destination.

December to February is a great time to head Down Under for the incredible beaches and outdoor lifestyle. Summer here sees temperatures of at least 23C, and there’s a festive atmosphere over the Christmas and New Year period. Be warned though: this is high season and prices are at their peak.

The shoulder months – March to May and September to November – are a better bet if you’re looking for a cheap holiday to Sydney. The weather stays warm, with averages that don’t dip below 16C – and you'll be able to bag some better deals on hotels and flights.

Spring in Sydney is gorgeous when the jacaranda trees are in bloom. Or book a holiday in autumn when festivals, such as Vivid Sydney (May–June) and the Sydney Film Festival (June), are sure to keep you busy.

Where to stay in Sydney

For families

Stay in the centre of Sydney to be close to the aquarium, the Royal Botanic Gardens and the harbour for boats to Taronga Zoo and Manly Beach; there are a range of hotels within walking distance that cater to families. Alternatively, search in Paddington for a quieter vibe, plus picnics and playgrounds in Centennial Park.

There are a few family-friendly hotels in the eastern suburbs, which are great if you fancy some time by the beach. Strong swimmers may enjoy the waves at Bondi, but if you have younger kids, head closer to Clovelly Beach or Coogee where the shallow waters are better for snorkelling.

For travellers on a budget

Despite its pricey reputation, Sydney is well-equipped with cheap hotels and free things to do. If you don’t mind a dorm bed, Potts Point and Kings Cross are a good place to start for hostels, and are an easy journey to the harbour. Further out, around Chinatown and beyond, there are bargains to be found. Backpacker digs also abound.

To be by the sea, Bondi and Coogee have some affordable places to stay, all of which are good for coastal walks. Or you could do something completely different and go camping on Cockatoo Island.

For food and drink

Sydney’s foodie scene is flourishing, so there are lots of options when deciding where to stay. Surry Hills is a trendy eating and drinking hub, with restaurants serving food from around the world. You’ll find plenty of hotels here. Potts Point also has several new up-and-coming eateries.

If gourmet dining is your thing, head to the Central Business District or to the Rocks and Circular Quay, where the hotels are suitably upmarket too. Elsewhere, Bondi is crammed with healthy food joints and laid-back cafes that cater well for the surf and yoga crowd.

For nightlife

Surry Hills and Darlinghurst are the places to be seen in Sydney. Some of the best bars, restaurants and LGBT-friendly nightlife can be found here, so expect everything from creative cocktails, craft beers and late-night dancing spots. Conveniently, the area around Central Station is packed with hotels, which are a short stumble or taxi ride away.

For an alternative evening, the Circular Quay and the Rocks also have a lively atmosphere after dark. Before catching a show at the Sydney Opera House, sip wine with spectacular views of the harbour from the area’s waterfront bars and stylish hotels.

For culture

If you’re short on time, the centre of Sydney is your best bet to be close to the main cultural attractions. Pick a hotel by the harbour to have the Art Gallery of NSW, the Royal Botanic Gardens and the Opera House all on your doorstep.

An extended trip, meanwhile, allows for more time to seek out the area’s national parks and indigenous heritage. Hire a car and stay on the north shore to be nearer Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, where you can see aboriginal rock art (guided tours are available).