Sydney Overview
Sydney is the capital of New South Wales and the most populous city in Australia with over 4 million habitants.
Sydney is a city of contrasts. Beaches, lush national parks, the beautiful harbour and a modern cosmopolitan city are all in close proximity. The city is also ideal to base yourself if you plan to visit The Hunter Valley, The Blue Mountains or The Southern Highlands.
To find your bearings before exploring the city, why not consider a harbour cruise or a visit to the observation deck of the 250 metre high Sydney Tower?
sydney accommodation
Sydney has an extensive choice of Hotels and Accommodation of all types. Click here for an interactive map showing location of hotels in Sydney.
Darling Harbour
Darling Harbour is a strikingly modern harbour side development which is the perfect compliment and contrast to the heritage listed Rocks. Sydney relaxes at Darling Harbour 's restaurants, cafes, bars, night clubs and shops. There are also some hotels whose modern facade contributes to the character of Darling Harbour. more...
The Rocks
The Rocks are perched on Sydney Harbour with superb views of the Opera House and Harbour Bridge. The Rocks was the location of the first European settlement in Australia and this heritage listed area is a favourite and sure not to disappoint. more...
Manly
Manly is only a pleasurable 30 minute ferry ride away from Circular Quay in Sydney but seems a world away with its relaxed beach holiday resort atmosphere. Situated on the neck of the promontory separating Sydney Harbour from the Pacific Ocean, Manly has almost an island feel reinforced by both inland water and ocean frontages. more...
sydney opera house
Sydney is probably most famous for its iconic Opera House and Harbour Bridge.
In July 2007 the Sydney Opera House was declared a World Heritage Site and a masterpiece of Twentieth Century architecture. It's in the illustrious company of the Acropolis, the Pyramids and the Taj Mahal. In addition the Opera House is the youngest on the list and Danish architect, Jorn Utzon is only the second living architect to have a design honoured in this way..
Sydney Opera House has a year-round programme of events and guided tours. Opera Quays is a welcome addition as this is precinct of boutique shops, cafes, bars and restaurants set beneath luxurious apartments and leads from Circular Quay to the Opera House.
Circular quay
Circular Quay always seems to be busy with people waiting to catch ferries, harbour tours, watching the street entertainers, strolling or just relaxing at one of the eateries. more...
royal botanic gardens
Sydney can be thankful for The Royal Botanic Gardens and the Domain as their size and location provides the perfect respite from the busy city. . more...
ku ring gai chase national park
Ku ring gai Chase National Park covers a vast area of over 15000 hectares and is loacted adjacent to Sydney's northern suburbs, only 25 km from the CBD. A prominent feature of the area is the myriad of waterways which stretch like tendrils through the reserve. more...
st leonards
St Leonards is located on The Pacific Highway close to Crows Nest, a few km north of Sydney. Both St Leonards and Crows Nest are primarily residential and business districts but they do have a selection of good restaurants. more...
sydney maps
See our Map which shows Central Sydney. There are 16 linked maps which cover the Greater Metro Area including the North, South and West Sydney
harbour bridge climb
The Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb operates throughout the year from morning until night. Enjoy the experience of walking up and over the Sydney Harbour Bridge. As well as taking in the fabulous panoramic views you will learn about the history and construction of this famous bridge.
Location
The city is located on the eastern coast of New South Wales and has a Latitude of 33.2°S and a Longitude of 151.2° E.
Driving To Sydney
Some approximate driving times to Sydney are:
20Hrs From Adelaide(1400Km)
12Hrs From Brisbane (950Km)
31Hrs From Cairns (2500Km)
3.5Hrs From Canberra(300Km)
45Hrs From Darwin (4000Km)
12Hrs From Melbourne (950Km)
42Hrs From Perth (4000Km)
Driving through the Outback and remote or isolated areas of Australia is not recommended for the unprepared or inexperienced.
See Route and Distance Calculator for more accurate driving times and routes from additional locations.
Flying To Sydney
Sydney Airport (Kingsford Smith), has both international and domestic terminals and is around 10km (6 miles) south of the city on Botany Bay (see map). By car, the journey into the city should take approximately 20-30 minutes depending on traffic conditions. Taxis, hire cars airport buses, hotel shuttle buses and a direct train link to Sydney are available.
As a guide, some approximate flying time from Sydney are:
Perth is 5 hours
Melbourne 1.5 hours
Brisbane 1.5 hours
Cairns 3 hours.
Times do not include travel time to and from airports and adequate time prior to check in etc.
Sydney Climate
These figures are for guidance only:
Max Average Temperature
Deg C/ Deg F
Winter(June-Aug):17 / 63
Spring(Sep-Nov):22 / 72
Summer(Dec-Feb):26 / 79
Autumn(Mar-May):23 / 73
Average Monthly Rainfall - mm
Winter(June-Aug): 104
Spring(Sep-Nov): 78
Summer(Dec-Feb): 97
Autumn(Mar-May): 128
Further Sydney Climate information
Sydney's Beaches
Sydney is fringed by its famous golden beaches which stretch from Cronulla in the south to Palm Beach in the north, many within 40 minutes or so from the city centre.
Some, but by no means al,l of these beaches include:
Bondi Beach is only 10Km west of the Sydney CBD and is on most visitors 'must see' lists. If you are staying in Sydney itself, Bondi is easily and quickly accessible. more...
Dee Why Beach over the last few years has been tastefully redeveloped with a new promenade (or Corso), apartment blocks and a good selection of restaurants and cafes on the beachfront strip. more....
Balmoral, near the desirable suburb of Mosman, is a little gem on Middle Harbour ( which branches off Sydney harbour ), a favourite with the locals and not on the obvious tourist trails. more...
Palm Beach is the most northerly of Sydney's beaches and is perhaps most famous for being the location of the Australian TV soap opera "Home and Away". more..
The Rocks
The Rocks are perched on Sydney Harbour with superb views of the Opera House and Harbour Bridge. The Rocks was the location of the first European settlement in Australia and this heritage listed area is a favourite and sure not to disappoint. more...
Olympic park
Sydney Olympic Park was constructed to host the 2000 Olympic games, is becoming established as a thriving centre for sport, entertainment, tourism and commerce. more...
chatswood
Chatswood, situated on the North Shore, is a one of Sydney's significant business and shopping districts. Driving from Sydney, Chatswood is located on the Pacific Highway, a few miles north from the Harbour Bridge or if you take a train, it is a 5-10 minute trip via the Northern Line. more... .
