Sydney holidays and package deals

Sydney transport

Public transport in Sydney consists of a comprehensive network of buses, trains and ferries. Trains are a fast and reliable way of getting around the city, while many buses run all through the night to a number of different suburbs. For the quintessential Sydney experience however, travel by ferry whenever possible - it's the best way to soak in city and harbour views at the same time as getting to your destination efficiently.

Tap on with your credit card or pick up a free Opal Card and top it up for quick and easy travel across all modes of transport. Plan your route using the NSW Trip Planner or dial 131500 for round-the-clock help with trip planning.

Read our guide to getting around Sydney here.

When is the best time to visit Sydney?

Sydney shines all year round, so there's always a good time to plan a holiday. Summer (December to February) is one of the most popular times to visit, with warm weather and a packed calendar of events, festivals and outdoor activities. It's also an ideal time to make the most of Sydney's famous beaches, harbour and coastal walks.

If a sizzling summer isn't your thing, plan your Sydney holiday for autumn (March to May), when temperatures begin to cool and the city can be quieter. Winter (June to August) brings milder days and plenty of indoor attractions, while spring (September to November) is a great time to explore the city and outdoors.

For a combination of pleasant weather and fewer crowds, the best time to visit Sydney is generally from September to November or March to May.

For more in-depth information on Sydney's weather by season and month, read our Sydney climate and weather guide.

What to pack for your trip to Sydney?

Packing for your trip to Sydney all depends on what you're planning to do on your holiday and the time of year you're travelling. Sydney is generally warm year-round with some cooler temperatures throughout the shoulder seasons, and surprisingly cool winters.

Sydney is generally a fairly casual city, so be sure to pack your favourite pieces that you can mix and match, a comfortable pair of walking shoes for day trips, and additional layers depending on the season. If you're planning on taking in a musical or special night out, add some heels and a favourite dress or suit - or even better accidentally leave it at home and splurge on some shopping.

What are Sydney's top attractions?

Sydney's attractions are a cut above the rest, and the harbour city offers so much to do and see - from art and culture, attractions, family-friendly fun, unique wildlife and must-do experiences. Sydney has plenty of things to do for every type of traveller. Here are a few of the top activities and attractions to add to your Sydney itinerary

The Art Gallery of NSW

Considered Sydney's most important public gallery, the Art Gallery of NSW presents both Australian and international works. Don't miss the dedicated Aboriginal art gallery space, special exhibitions, and even the rooftop bar!

The Museum of Sydney

A Sydney Living Museum, the Museum of Sydney is a modern museum built over and around the remains of Australia's first Government House, celebrating the people and events that have shaped the character and soul of this city. With interactive exhibits and special events taking place year-round, the Museum of Sydney is a fun way for the whole family to learn about Australia's largest colony.

MCA Sydney

Located at a prime waterfront position, the Museum of Contemporary Art is Australia's home of ground-breaking exhibitions and innovative modern artworks. Locals love visiting MCA Sydney, not just for the art, but also for the rooftop bar, which boasts striking views of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera House. /p>

Sydney Opera House

An absolute must-do on your trip to Sydney, each and every visit. However, there's a lot more to do here than take a few photos for Insta. With over 40 events and festivals per week - covering everything from burlesque circus shows, concerts, musicals, opera and TEDx talks - it's worth looking at what lies beneath that distinctive sail exterior. It's also home to fabulous restaurants and the oh-so-iconic views from Opera Bar.

SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium

Displaying more than 700 species comprising more than 13,000 individual fish and other sea creatures, SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium offers a range underwater zones, from the Great Barrier Reef to Sydney Harbour. Get up close with some of Australia's most fabled predators in Shark Valley, or for the ultimate and unique reef experience try the Aquarium Private Dining.

WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo

Located adjacent to its sister Aquarium, WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo is home to both cute and creepy critters from all over Australia. Meet wombats, koalas, wallabies, snakes and even a giant five-metre crocodile called Rex. Don't forget to meet Frankie too, the rescue numbat who's helping to raise awareness of this endangered species. Grab a Sydney attractions pass deal to save money on entry to multiple attractions including WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo and SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium.

Taronga Zoo

There are few zoos that can boast first-rate views across one of the world's most beautiful harbours. But Taronga Zoo can. See over 4,000 animals in the lush surrounds of Sydney's most famous, and Australia's largest zoo - including gorillas, kangaroos, koalas, giraffes and elephants - all set against the backdrop of the city skyline. Why not experience the ultimate overnight stay at one of Taronga's unique accommodation experiences from tranquil eco-lodges, African-style safari, glamping to camping (Wildlife Retreat at Roar and Snore) - or make a trip to Dubbo to experience a stay in a Zoofari Lodge, Savannah Cabins, or Billabong Camp.

BridgeClimb Sydney

For a unique way to take in an aerial view of Sydney city, harbour and beyond, don't miss out on the experience of BridgeClimb Sydney. Offering dawn, day, dusk, night and special experience climbs the leaders will help to keep you safe and entertained with their fascinating stories. An experience to not miss, and one you'll never forget.

For more, make sure to read our guide on the best things to do in Sydney as well as the top free things to do in Sydney (when you want to save a few dollars!)

Where to find the best beaches in Sydney?

Heading to the beach is a big part of Sydney life. From colossal waves to calm bays, bustling beachfronts to hidden harbour swimming spots, there's over 100 beaches to choose from in Sydney - so you're sure to find a patch of sand to call your own. Our guide on where to stay in Sydney can also help you plan the best area to book your accommodation to be as close to the beach as possible.

Bondi Beach and the Eastern Suburbs

It may be Sydney's most famous stretch of sand, but Bondi Beach is still a favourite retreat for locals, tourists, surfers and sunbathers alike.

Tackle the Coogee to Bondi coastal walk - one of the best walks in Sydney - taking in beaches and clifftop views on the way, before finishing at Bondi's lively strip of cafes, bars and shops. Alternatively, cool off with a dip or drink at Bondi Icebergs. This iconic saltwater pool is perched on the edge of the ocean, with the adjacent bar and restaurant offering some of the best oceanfront dining in Sydney.

Once you've explored all the trappings of Bondi (and sampled one of Australia's best ice creams at Gelato Messina), escape the tourist trail and head for some of the hidden gems of the Eastern Suburbs. Camp Cove in Watsons Bay and Milk Beach in Vaucluse offer secluded sands and city views, while Redleaf Beach in Double Bay is the perfect place for a relaxing dip in a netted harbour pool.

Manly and the Northern Beaches

Catch the ferry from Circular Quay to Manly, a laid-back beach suburb with a different vibe from its famous eastern counterpart. Look out over the surf from one of the beachfront bars, find a shady spot under a tree for some fresh fish and chips or browse the surf shops of the The Corso. Alternatively, just kick back on the long, sandy stretch of Manly Beach or slip away from the crowds to do some snorkelling at nearby Shelly Beach.

Away from Manly, the Northern Beaches offer plenty of sandy spots to explore. Hug the coastline all the way up to Palm Beach, an idyllic peninsula of golden sand and native bushland. Otherwise known as Summer Bay to fans of television show 'Home and Away', Palm Beach is an hour from the city centre, but a world away from city life.

Where to eat in Sydney?

Thanks to its multicultural population Sydney's foodie scene literally takes you across the globe. You'll discover ethnic street eats across the city (from Italian in East Sydney to Chinese in Chatswood) to tapas bars, the renowned Sydney Fish Markets, unbelievable patisseries, inner-city cool cafes, through to world-class degustation restaurants. When it comes to Sydney's smorgasbord of options, you'll find yourself happily overwhelmed with choice.

Where to find the best cafes ?

Whether you're after the perfect breakfast bowl, award-winning interior design or just a Sunday morning seaside view, Sydney is home to a truckload of Instagrammable brunch spots. For a bit of beach luxe head to The Boathouse, located in several locations (the signature at Balmoral Beach); for a farm-to-fork experience try The Botanica Vaucluse in the Eastern suburbs; for rooftop vistas and cool wallpaper dine at The Butler in Potts Point. Cool cafes are literally littered across the city, from the CBD to Manly, Surry Hills, Alexandria, to Chippendale.

Where to find the best fine dining?

Fine dining and degustation restaurants are trickled all over Sydney's CBD, inner-city and beyond. From Cafe Sydney, the iconic restaurant with Sydney's best veiws; to dining at Peter Gilmore's luxurious Quay housed in the Overseas Passenger Terminal; to the Sydney classic Icebergs Dining Room and Bar in Bondi - you're ridiculously spoilt for fine dining choice in Sydney.

Where to find a good burger?

In the mood for comfort food? Sydney is constantly in the midst of a burger war, and for good reason - delicious new burger joints seem to pop up almost every week. Ask any meat-eating Sydneysider where to find the best burgers in town and they're sure to have a strong opinion. Our pick? The Mary's burger from Mary's in Newtown, the Blame Canada from Bar Luca in the city or the Bronx from Five Points Burgers at various locations. If you like your buns and meat in a high-class setting, seek out Neil Perry's famous Wagyu burger from Margaret in Double Bay - widely considered to be the best burger in Australia.

Where to find the best food markets?

From hand-craft cakes to charcuterie and chocolate Sydney offers a huge range of food markets. Our top picks are Addison Road: The Street Food Markets, Bondi Farmers Markets, Chinatown Night Market, Kings Cross Organic Markets, Orange Grove Market (Lilyfield), Brewery Yard Markets (CBD), and Paddy's Night Food Markets (Chinatown).

Where is the best area to stay in Sydney?

The best area to stay in Sydney depends on the type of holiday you're planning. From harbourfront hotels close to Sydney's most famous attractions to beachside stays and neighbourhoods known for dining and nightlife, there's accommodation to suit every kind of Sydney getaway

Sydney CBD and Circular Quay

Stay in the heart of Sydney for easy access to major attractions including the Sydney Opera House, Sydney Harbour Bridge, The Rocks and Royal Botanic Garden. The CBD and Circular Quay are a convenient choice for first-time visitors and travellers who want to be close to the city's biggest sights.

Darling Harbour

Darling Harbour puts waterfront dining, entertainment and family-friendly attractions within easy reach. Its central location also makes it a convenient base for exploring more of Sydney.

Bondi and the Eastern Suburbs

For a beachside Sydney holiday, consider staying around Bondi and the Eastern Suburbs. Spend your days by the ocean, explore the Bondi to Coogee coastal walk and make the most of the area's cafes, restaurants and bars.

Manly and the Northern Beaches

Stay in Manly for a more relaxed beach holiday while remaining connected to central Sydney by ferry. Manly Beach, Shelly Beach, restaurants and coastal walks are all close by.

For more inspiration, read our guide to where to stay in Sydney.