Interested In Booking A Cheap Business Or First Class Ticket To Sydney?
Sydney is known for its history, architecture, culture, fashion, food, and beaches. As the most cosmopolitan city in Australia, it is one of the world's most attractive and livable cities. Sydney is home to two of the most iconic structures in the world, the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge. This major global city is a financial and cultural hub, and continues to host large international events year-round. Outdoor enthusiasts flock to Sydney for its ideal location surrounded by nature and coastline. Book cheap international flights to Sydney Airport (SYD) via major airlines, such as Qantas Airways, Virgin Australia Airlines, Delta Air Lines, American Airlines, and United Airlines.
Facts About Sydney
- Sydney is the largest city in Australia, and it is the state capital of New South Wales.
- Locals are called “Sydneysiders.”
- Sydney is the oldest city in Australia.
- Before it was shortened, Sydney’s original name was Sydney Cove.
- Sydney is also known as the Harbour City.
- The iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge opened in 1932 and is the world’s tallest steel arch bridge at 440 feet.
- Sydney hosted the Summer Olympics in 2000.
Top Attractions in Sydney
Travel to Sydney for the best attractions in all of Australia. It’s a good idea to get some shuteye during your long-haul international flight to Sydney, so you’re ready to explore the city as soon as you arrive at Sydney Airport (SYD). Settle in at your luxury hotel, then ask your hotel concierge for cheap deals on top Sydney attractions.
- Sydney Harbour Bridge – As the world's tallest steel arch bridge, this Sydney icon connects Sydney’s northern suburbs with the city center. Over 200,000 cars travel on it every day. Since 1998, BridgeClimb Sydney has let visitors climb to the top while learning the bridge’s history. Some tourists opt for a scenic helicopter tour, kayak tour, chartered cruise, or ferry ride to see the bridge. You can also experience the harbour by walking across the bridge. Contact your hotel concierge for more information.
- Sydney Opera House - This iconic hub of art, culture, history, architecture, and design attracts millions of visitors from around the world annually. During your visit, you can take a guided tour, watch a show, enjoy cocktails at the Opera Bar, and a meal at the upscale restaurant Bennelong, along with spectacular harbor views. Walk through the Royal Botanic Garden to soak up the sun.
- Bondi Beach – This famous Sydney beach features surf and sand, beachfront dining, farmers’ markets, boutiques, scenic running paths, and accommodations. As one of Sydney’s busiest beaches, it is a popular destination for locals and tourists. Walk along the main promenade to catch some rays, and immerse yourself in Bondi’s beach culture by taking surfing lessons. This oceanfront hotspot is always crowded year-round.
- Darling Harbour - Located in the heart of Sydney, this is one of the city’s largest shopping, dining, and entertainment destinations. You can expect trendy wine bars, bistros, and nightclubs, along with year-round events and fabulous shops. King Street Wharf offers stylish dining and nightlife options, such as Cargo Bar, Bungalow 8, and The Loft. Look for the fireworks show over Cockle Bay on Saturday nights. During the day, visit popular Sydney attractions SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium, WILDLIFE Sydney Zoo, and the Chinese Garden of Friendship, all located here.
- The Rocks – Learn about Sydney when you explore the cobblestone streets, heritage buildings, small cafés, and oldest pubs in Australia here. This historic district blends the city’s past with modern Sydney, offering great hotel accommodations, restaurants, shops, and events. Visit on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays for a taste of Sydney at the farmers’ markets. Stop by the Museum of Contemporary Art, Argyle Gallery, and The Rocks Discovery Museum for a bit of culture.
- Sydney Tower Eye & Skywalk – Reach the highest point above Sydney via the Sydney Tower Eye for stunning city views. On the Observation Deck, you can learn interesting facts about Sydney’s famous landmarks. Your ticket also includes a 4D cinema experience. Skywalk gives you the feeling of walking on air with just a glass floor separating you from the vibrant city below. Skywalk is the highest open air attraction in Sydney. Bring your camera!
- Taronga Zoo - This award-winning zoo houses over 4,000 animals, including native Australian wildlife and endangered species. You can get here from the city center in about 10 minutes via ferry. It is open year-round, so whenever you travel to Sydney, make sure Taronga Zoo is on your itinerary. Your ticket includes shows and access to cable car Sky Safari.
Best Times to Visit Sydney
Any time of year is ideal for travel to Sydney, Australia. Summer is the best time to enjoy the beaches, but keep in mind that high temperatures sometimes make outside activity somewhat uncomfortable. If you travel to Sydney in the summer, remember to pack a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen, or you can always purchase those items at your hotel. Sydney enjoys over 300 days of sunshine annually, making it a year-round city. If you don’t plan to visit the beach, and you can’t tolerate the heat, winter is the best time to visit. During the winter, Sydney does not get any snow, and temperatures are pleasant. Many would agree that autumn is the best time for visiting attractions and cruising around the harbor via ferry without the summer crowds. No matter when you visit Sydney, there are plenty of activities and amenities for you and your travel companions to enjoy.
Weather in Sydney
- Summer in Sydney is from December to February. Temperatures range from 80°F to 105°F. Expect humidity and dry winds during the day, and cooler temperatures at night with occasional rainstorms.
- Autumn begins in March and lasts through May in Sydney. Expect warm daytime temperatures, and mild temperatures at night. Good beach weather may occur in March.
- Sydney winter occurs from June to August. Daytime temperatures range from 57°F to 63°F. Nighttime temperatures stay around 50°F and sometimes below. Expect only 2 to 3 weeks of rain during winter.
- The spring season starts in September and continues through November in Sydney. With pleasant temperatures and less crowds, spring days are ideal for exploring Sydney attractions and enjoying the outdoors.
Sydney Tour Options
- Sydney Scenic Flights – See Sydney Harbour from the air when you book scenic flights via Red Baron Adventures. Flights operate most days of the year when the weather cooperates. If you’re feeling adventurous, ask about their aerobatic flights. Scenic flights last 45 minutes to 80 minutes, depending which flights you book.
- Sydney Opera House Tour - Take a guided, behind-the-scenes tour of this Sydney landmark. You will learn the history of the building, and explore the theatre spaces where more than 1,500 performances take place annually. This tour runs daily for approximately 1 hour. You can also take the 2-hour Backstage Tour to discover secrets and mysteries about the most iconic theatre in Australia.
- Sydney Explorer Bus Tour – Travel to 26 places of interest via this bus tour, including the Sydney Opera House, Royal Botanic Gardens, State Library, Art Gallery of New South Wales, Kings Cross, Sydney Tower, Chinatown, Darling Harbour, and The Rocks. Feel free to hop on or off the bus at any stop along the route. Bus service begins at Circular Quay at 8:30am and returns at 7:30pm with 20-minute intervals between stops.
- Bondi Explorer Bus Tour – Every day, this bus tour makes 11 stops, including Chinatown, Sydney Tower, Bondi Beach, North Bondi, and Paddington’s Oxford Street. Expect 30-minute intervals between each stop, giving enough time to hop on and off and explore. The bus leaves from Central Station at 9:30am. If you stay on the bus, the full tour route takes about 90 minutes.
Transportation in Sydney
- Bus – It’s fairly easy to find a Sydney bus that will take you where you need to go. Many buses travel throughout Sydney and its surrounding areas, and they are usually reliable. Get a cheap rate for 10 bus rides when you purchase a Mybus ticket ahead, or buy single tickets on board. During the week, Sydney buses run from 4:30am to midnight. Some buses that travel to the suburbs run throughout the night. Bus service is less frequent on weekends and holidays.
- Ferry – Board a ferry to experience the city in the best way possible. Circular Quay is the main ferry terminal. Within the inner harbor, one-way trips are cheap, and children under 4 years old travel free. Ferry service is available from 6am to midnight. For more detailed ferry information, visit your hotel concierge.
- Train – Train travel can be a cheap and efficient way to travel throughout the city, but the Sydney rail system is limited. Popular tourist areas like Manly, Bondi Beach, and Darling Harbour are not linked to the train network. The train schedule is often unreliable, and most trains are not air-conditioned. However, one-way tickets within the city center are cheap. Round-trip tickets cost double, but are still relatively cheap.
- Tram – The Metro Light Rail system of trams travel a route between Central Station and Wentworth Park. Trams are a good travel option if you are going to Chinatown, Paddy’s Markets, Sydney Fish Markets, Darling Harbour, or Star City Casino. Trams run every 10 minutes. Tickets and day passes are cheap.
- Taxi – All Sydney taxis are metered. It costs extra to cross the Harbour Bridge or go through the Harbour Tunnel. If you pay by credit card, expect a 10% surcharge. Look for taxi stands near Circular Quay and Central Station, in front of hotels, and elsewhere throughout Sydney. It’s often difficult to get a taxi on weekday afternoons around 2pm and on Friday and Saturday nights.
- Water Taxi - Water taxis provide fast, convenient access to waterfront eateries, harbor attractions, and select suburbs. The more people travel via water taxi, the cheaper the fare is per person. You can also charter a private water taxi for cruises.
- Car – Getting around in the city center via car is often frustrating because of limited parking and traffic jams. Rent a car if you plan to travel to the suburbs or take a day trip to another destination in New South Wales.
Sydney Travel Safety Tips
- If you need emergency assistance, dial 000.
- Be on the lookout for pickpockets in crowded tourist areas, and always keep your valuables safe and out of sight.
- Beware of criminal activity around Kings Cross, The Rocks, Oxford Street, and George Street near Central Station late at night on Fridays and Saturdays.
- Late at night, avoid Redfern station. Change trains at Central instead.
- Railway stations and surrounding areas are often hangouts for juvenile gangs, especially on weekend nights. Ignore them, and they usually won’t bother you.
- Taxis only wait at major stations, so don’t expect a taxi to be waiting for you at a small suburban station unless your make prior arrangements.
- In every train station, look for the orange emergency help point near the center of the platform in case you need immediate assistance.
- When swimming at any Sydney beach, remember to stay between the yellow and red flags because this is the safest area.
- Sydney beaches have shark mesh nets that are monitored by air. If a shark is spotted, an alarm will go off for you to get out of the water.
Sydney Airport Tips
- Sydney Airport (SYD) is located in Sydney suburb Mascot.
- SYD is the busiest airport in Australia, the main hub for Qantas Airways, and a secondary hub for Virgin Australia Airlines and Jetstar Airways.
- SYD provides service to more than 45 domestic and over 40 international destinations.
- There are 3 passenger terminals at SYD.
- Terminal 1 is separate from Terminals 2 and 3, so connecting passengers will have additional transfer times.
- Terminal 1 has 8 lounges hosted by popular airlines: 2 for Qantas Airways, and 1 each for Etihad Airways, Air New Zealand, Singapore Airlines, Emirates, American Express, and SkyTeam.
- Terminal 2 serves Virgin Australia Airlines, Jetstar, Tigerair Australia, and Regional Express Airlines, and includes lounges for Virgin Australia Airlines and Regional Express Airlines.
- Terminal 3 manages Qantas domestic flights.
- SYD has an array of retail and dining options in Terminals 1 and 2.
- Free Wi-Fi is available throughout SYD Terminals 1 and 2.
- Travelex offers over 30 multi-currency ATMs throughout SYD. For other currency exchange services, look for the ANZ Bank branches located in Terminal 1.
- Each SYD terminal has its own train station, car rental desks, bus and shuttle services, limo services, and taxi rank.
Best Restaurants in Sydney
Flights to Sydney lead to some of the best dining options in the world. You can expect delightful waterfront restaurants overlooking the magnificent Sydney Harbour, offering a stunning setting for dining out in Sydney. Sample topnotch Australian cuisine and delectable international delicacies during your culinary exploration of Sydney. With outstanding food, wine, and ambience, it’s no wonder Sydney is one of the world’s top dining destinations and a must-visit for foodies. In addition to fine dining, there are also many budget friendly options that will wow you as well. Book cheap luxury flights to Sydney for a truly memorable dining experience.
Fine Dining in Sydney
- Quay – This fine dining restaurant is located above Sydney Harbour and offers excellent views. As one of the most respected restaurants in Australia, the focus here is on nature and using that inspiration to create exquisite cuisine. Since 1988, Quay has been honored by the culinary community, making it the most awarded restaurant in Australia.
- The Bridge Room – The European-inspired menu at this unique Sydney restaurant continues to attract locals and tourists throughout the year. Located in an Art Deco building near Circular Quay, this restaurant also offers an extensive wine list featuring the best French and Australian wines.
- Rockpool – Try this Sydney gem for modern Australian cuisine served in an Art Deco building in the CBD. Beef and seafood are the most popular menu items here. Choose a beverage from the award-winning wine list to accompany your meal.
- Sepia – The prestigious Darling Park location is just the beginning of the luxury this award-winning restaurant exudes. The menu features contemporary Japanese-inspired cuisine served in an exquisite dining room. Pair your meal with an international wine.
- ARIA – Enjoy views of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Sydney Opera House while you dine at this high-end locale. The celebrated, modern cuisine is often enjoyed by local and international foodies and celebrities. Since 1999, ARIA has established its spot among the best restaurants in Sydney and worldwide.
Mid-Range Restaurants in Sydney
- Cho Cho San – Located in prestigious suburb Potts Point, this Japanese restaurant is a beloved addition to the neighborhood. Get a taste of Tokyo in Sydney when you dine here. The menu focuses on fresh, seasonal Japanese ingredients with an emphasis on healthy eating. Be sure to consider the exceptional sake menu, featuring the best Japanese rice wine.
- Ume – For another Japanese dining option in Sydney, try this modern eatery near Crown Street. The cuisine is made from the freshest ingredients and prepared according to Japanese tradition. The casual vibe provides a great way to unwind after a day of sightseeing.
- Efendy – For reasonably priced Lebanese and Turkish food, try this award-winning restaurant in Balmain. Head to the corner of Darling and Elliot Streets to find this eatery in a restored Victorian mansion. The vibrant atmosphere and great food has made this one of the most popular restaurants in the area.
Cheap Eats in Sydney
- Harry’s Café de Wheels – This iconic food cart café has been serving its signature pies for decades. With over 10 locations across Sydney, this is a must-try Sydney dining experience. Do as the locals do and enjoy a pie when you’re out late at night.
- The Soda Factory - Travel to Surry Hills for this popular American-style diner serving burgers, hotdogs, fried chicken, milkshakes, and old-fashioned cocktails at cheap prices. Enjoy live music or DJs while you dine on American comfort food.
- Bourke Street Bakery – This wildly popular bakery is always packed with locals. Go to this Sydney institution for freshly baked breads and pastries. Everything is made by hand with high-quality ingredients. Locations include Alexandria, Banksmeadow, Barangaroo, Kirrawee, Marrickville, Neutral Bay, North Sydney, Parramatta, Potts Point, and Surry Hills.
Best Luxury Hotels in Sydney
Air travel to Sydney in style aboard cheap luxury flights via top airlines, and continue to enjoy upscale amenities at a high-end Sydney hotel. Whether you’re an international visitor, or traveling to Sydney from another city in Australia like Melbourne, you deserve the best accommodations during your stay in Sydney. After you arrive at Sydney Airport (SYD), travel to your posh hotel to settle in before exploring the city. Expect friendly, attentive 5-star service from hotel staff to make your Sydney trip even more comfortable. Take a look at the following luxury Sydney hotels, and ask your travel guru about cheap hotel deals when you book cheap premium flights to Sydney.
- Amora Hotel Jamison Sydney - Located in the heart of Sydney, this award-winning hotel provides luxury accommodations and excellent perks for business and leisure travelers. Stay in one of the 415 chic guestrooms and suites while enjoying topnotch in-room amenities, as well as the hotel day spa, pool, and gym. Two restaurants and bars offer a wide variety of cuisine, impressive city views, and friendly service.
- InterContinental Sydney – Often considered one of the best hotels in the world, this 5-star property is within walking distance of the Sydney Opera House, Royal Botanic Gardens, Circular Quay, and upscale boutiques. Every guestroom offers remarkable city views. Upgraded guests can enjoy the rooftop lounge. Other outstanding amenities include an indoor pool, gym, and 3 eateries.
- Pullman Quay Grand Sydney Harbour - Located east of Circular Quay, this upscale hotel offers all-suite accommodations with impressive views of Sydney Harbour Bridge, Sydney Opera House, and other top Sydney attractions. Expect 5-star amenities and service from check-in to check-out.
- Pullman Sydney Hyde Park – For stylish accommodations near Sydney’s iconic Hyde Park, stay at this posh hotel in an ideal location within walking distance of Sydney Tower, Oxford Street boutiques, Paddington, and Surry Hills. Over 200 luxurious guestrooms feature stunning views of Hyde Park and Sydney Central Business District (CBD). Dine and socialize at 2 restaurants and a bar.
- Sofitel Sydney Wentworth - This iconic Sydney hotel features an elegant French design, and provides guests with impeccable service. Art enthusiasts will enjoy the in-house exhibits and displays. As the first luxury hotel in Sydney, this historic property is also the first international hotel in Australia. During your stay, take some time to enjoy the elevated garden courtyard, and visit the 2 upscale restaurants.
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