←Australia travel guide
New South Wales, Australia
Sydney
Harbour views, golden beaches, and a world-famous Opera House
ArchitectureBeachesFood & DrinkNightlife
Sydney is Australia's largest city, set around a vast natural harbour spanned by the Harbour Bridge and home to the sail-shaped Opera House. It pairs urban beaches such as Bondi and Manly with a lively dining, arts and nightlife scene, making it a common gateway to the country.
Check Australia visa requirements →
Best time to visit
September to November and March to May
Region
New South Wales
Main airport
Sydney SYD (SYD)
Discover
Top Things to Do in Sydney
UNESCO World HeritageCulture
Sydney Opera House
One of the 20th century's most distinctive buildings, this multi-venue performing arts centre sits dramatically on Bennelong Point in Sydney Harbour.
City
Bondi Beach
Arguably Australia's most famous beach, Bondi is a vibrant stretch of golden sand just 7 km from Sydney's CBD, backed by excellent cafés, bars, and the iconic coastal walk.
Beyond the City
Day Trips from Sydney
UNESCO World HeritageNature
Greater Blue Mountains Area
A rugged expanse of sandstone plateaus, deep gorges and eucalypt forest just west of Sydney. Named for the blue haze cast by the gum trees, it offers dramatic lookouts such as the Three Sisters at Katoomba and protects an extraordinary diversity of eucalypt species.
UNESCO World Heritage
Wise
Your bank marks up every USD you spend in Australia. Wise doesn't.
- No foreign transaction fees
- Free ATM withdrawals up to your limit
- Pay in local currency at the real rate
4.8 ★ App Store·4.8 ★ Google Play
Airalo eSIM
Your phone plan was built for home. This one was built for Australia.
- No SIM swapping
- No data roaming charges
- Active in minutes
4.7 ★ App Store·4.6 ★ Google Play
Plan Your Trip
Getting Around Sydney
Tours, stays, transfers, and flights — curated partner options are on the way.
Tours & Activities
Skip-the-line tickets, guided tours, and day experiences — curated partner options are on the way.
Coming soonWhere to Stay
Hotels, apartments, and guesthouses across every neighbourhood — booking options are on the way.
Coming soonAirport Transfers
Private and shared rides between the airport and the city centre — partner options are on the way.
Coming soonFlights
Compare fares from hundreds of airlines to find the best route in — search options are on the way.
Coming soonTravel Guide
Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Australia
Most visitors require either an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA, subclass 601), an eVisitor visa (subclass 651), or a Tourist visa (subclass 600) before travelling to Australia. Citizens of many countries can apply for an ETA or eVisitor online within minutes. Check your specific passport nationality using the Yoogo visa checker.
The ETA and eVisitor visas allow stays of up to 3 months per visit, while a Tourist visa can grant up to 12 months. Most travellers on standard visitor authorisations are admitted for 3 months.
You need a valid passport with at least 6 months' validity, a valid Australian visa or ETA, a completed Incoming Passenger Card (provided on the flight), and evidence of sufficient funds and a return or onward ticket.
Australia is one of the safest countries in the world for tourists. Crime rates are low by international standards. The main hazards are natural — extreme heat, UV radiation, jellyfish, and some venomous wildlife. Standard travel precautions apply.
The Australian Dollar (AUD, symbol A$) is the official currency. ATMs are widely available in cities and tourist areas. Credit and debit cards are accepted almost everywhere, including contactless tap payments.
English is the official and dominant language of Australia. A small number of indigenous languages are also spoken. Australian English has its own distinctive accent and slang.
Australia is a large continent with varied climates. Generally, September to November (spring) and March to May (autumn) offer comfortable temperatures across most regions. Avoid the tropical north during the wet season (November–April). Sydney and Melbourne are best in summer (December–February).
Snorkel or dive the Great Barrier Reef, watch the sunrise at Uluru, walk the Bondi to Coogee coastal path, explore the Daintree Rainforest, take the scenic Great Ocean Road drive, visit Sydney Opera House, spot kangaroos and koalas in the wild, and explore Melbourne's world-famous laneways.
Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport (SYD) handles the most international traffic. Melbourne Airport (MEL), Brisbane Airport (BNE), and Perth Airport (PER) are also major international gateways.
Travel insurance is strongly recommended. Australia has high medical costs for non-residents, and many adventure activities require specific cover. The Australian government cannot pay your medical bills overseas, and Medicare is not available to most tourists.