When I first arrived, Sydney took my breath away. We were very lucky as our plane flew into the airport from a rarely used direction, which means we got to fly over the Sydney Opera House. The view was magnificent! Seeing it made me so excited to explore Sydney and discover all the amazing places in it.
Unfortunately, coming from Lanzarote it was quite a long trip with many flights to get there . We had to go from Lanzarote, to Madrid, to Hong Kong, to Japan (where we visited The Crazy World of Tokyo), to Cairns and then we decided to stop off in Adelaide which then led onto Sydney! Crazy right?! The best thing about it is that I managed to hack the jet lag. How you may ask? Learn my top 6 hacks to beat jet lag.
Man-made things to do
Lunar park
One of the biggest highlights of my trip was Lunar Park. It’s open all year round which I find super cool, it’s suitable for all ages and is also a lot bigger than it looks. It’s full of fun rides for all ages. You have to pay on entrance, but then every ride is free once you’re inside and you can go on them however any times that you want.
The most expensive price for a ticket comes to 48 AUD for an adult in peak season. Although it is a bit pricy, I definitely recommend doing it at least once! The best time to go is around sunset so that you can go on the ferris wheel as the sun goes down and enjoy all of the gorgeous lights once it’s dark.
Taronga zoo
Make sure to not get this mixed up with Sydney zoo as Taronga zoo is a lot better! It was my first stop when I got to Sydney. I was so intrigued to see all the animals that you don’t get to see in other parts of the world- but trust me the one thing I definitely wasn’t excited to see were the massive spiders (I’m terrified of them!). It was a lovely day out, with more than plenty to see and to do.
Reasons why Taronga zoo is better than Sydney zoo;
- Awesome open air animal sanctuaries (it’s safe, don’t worry!),
- Ferry ride to the zoo across Sydney harbour,
- Cable car ride to the zoo which has spectacular views,
- Good food,
- It’s larger,
- Huge monkey climbing tree-top course,
- 20 daily keeper talks and shows included in entry price,
- Non stop daily shows (live and movies),
- You can become a animal keeper for a day,
- Astonishing views throughout the zoo too,
- Play grounds for younger children,
- Major events (depends on the time of year),
- And the list goes on!
Overall it’s an incredible experience for visitors of all ages.
Sydney Opera House
I mean of course this is a must- see, it is awesome, and costs nothing! Sydney Opera House is an architectural masterpiece in and out. Who wouldn’t want to say that they’ve visited this iconic building?
We were extremely lucky when we went as it was not at all busy, we could walk right up to it with no need to budge anyone out of the way. You can choose to have a guided tour of the building or to roam around by yourself and you can enjoy the food in the Sydney Opera House restaurant (this truly is a magnificent restaurant). I would recommend going around sunset time so that you can see how gorgeous the light looks when reflecting off of the building. I wouldn’t say it is suitable for younger children as they may not find it interesting, however that depends on the child of course!
Sydney Harbour Bridge Tour
If you are afraid of heights, don’t do this! I wouldn’t recommend this for young children or people with restricted movement either. However it is so worth it if you do not fall in those categories, the view is spectacular and it is an absolutely amazing experience. The only downside is that it is very expensive, and might not be top of the list if you’re on a budget. You also shouldn’t expect it to be very long as it is just a 20 min walk one way (unless you are stopping for photos). Like I said though, if you can, you should!
Natural things to do
Whale watching
This is very hit or miss adventure. Unfortunately, when I was there it wasn’t the best experience as we only saw the fluke (tail) of the whales. It felt like a very long experience with not much reward. However, if you do get luckier with it then it would be incredible! I believe that if you are a serial whale watcher then this is a must-do. If you aren’t and maybe have a shorter stay, then I believe there are better ways to spend your time there. Although, it was still a nice boat ride and the staff were very friendly.
East Manly Cove Beach
This gorgeous beach isn’t actually in Sydney, but it isn’t far. I would say it is definitely worth a visit as the area itself is also gorgeous. Great shops, yummy restaurants and an amazing ice cream stand with every ice cream you can think of on the peer after you get off of the ferry. It has clean changing rooms and bathrooms for when you come off of the beach, shallow areas to paddle in the sea and the waves are amazing. Of course, the sea is cold but we can’t help that!
Bondi Beach
Personally, I did not have the best experience here because my expectations were so high for such an iconic beach, but the reality is that it’s quite run down now and a shadow of its former self. I still feel you should visit it, because of its worldwide reputation, but it just isn’t as incredible as I had expected. It would’ve been a much better experience if I had been prepared to find it as it now is, so I hope my honest review will prepare you for that!
I would recommend going, especially if you are a surfer as the waves and overall surfer atmosphere is amazing. The best time to go is sunset (unless you want to sunbathe or surf) as the colours in the sky were magnificent when I visited.
The sunset over Bondi Beach definitely saved the experience for me. Although it wasn’t what I expected, I can say that was quite a magical moment. It was awesome seeing skateboarders going in and out a huge bowl which was previously a pool, there was a cool ferris wheel which was worthwhile, some lovely restaurants, a cute beach bar with great vibes and the sand doesn’t stick to you which is a huge plus!
Sydney park
This park is super cool to visit if you have lots of time, but I wouldn’t put it on your must-see list unless you do. It is great for all ages, beautiful to walk through, has a small cafe, play areas for younger children, awesome structures and overall is a lovely experience.
Must do
Lunar park, ferry ride over Sydney harbour, Taronga zoo, Sydney Opera house, Bondi beach (as it is iconic!) and Sydney park as long as you have time to spare.
Suitable age range for Sydney
Sydney is super safe and has options for all ages.
Fun fact - Sydney is the 5th safest city in the world!
Walking along the street as a young woman was perfectly fine. I did not feel uncomfortable or unsafe at any point, so I would recommend Sydney as suitable for all ages! It is jam-packed with things to do and places to see for visitors of any age.
Dining experience
- Yellow, Potts Point- This is an insanely good vegetarian restaurant offering 3 different tasting menu options; the meals in the tasting menus are the same, but the drinks change: ‘Classic Wine Paring’ being the middle priced, ‘Premium Wine Pairing’ being the most expensive and ‘Non-Alcoholic Pairing’ being the least expensive. Expect to pay above 45 EUR (70 AUD) per person. For me it is totally worth it, to be able to go to a gem like this and experience the service along with the amazing flavours is incredible!
- Sails on Lavender Bay- I have been told by locals that this is the perfect place to go if you are looking for a classy dinner for a slightly lower price than the restaurant above. The views are spectacular and the decoration of the restaurant matches it well. I have also been told that the staff are very good there, they are an excellent place for things such as birthdays, proposals, anniversaries etc… Although they do not cater for vegans/vegetarians, therefore I unfortunately can’t experience this restaurant myself.
- Next Door Restaurant & Bar, York lane, CBD- Inexpensive Italian restaurant with delicious, fresh food, big portions and a cute restaurant. The staff are very friendly and it is an overall lovely atmosphere.
Where to stay
Below budget
- Ibis Budget St Peters- This place hasn’t got large rooms, however it is modern and clean. It’s close to both the airport and central Sydney. Rooms are around 50 AUD a night, depending on time of year and choice of room
- Siesta Sydney- A hostel with separate male and female washrooms. Basic facilities and rooms but great community and clean. It’s in a great location making it easy to pop out whenever you want. Stay is around 50 AUD a night.
- Springfield Lodge- It looks like a boutique hotel. It has gorgeous decoration, rooms are clean but small, close to city centre (great location in Kings Cross) and friendly staff. Rooms are around 60 AUD a night.
Within budget
- Four Seasons Hotel Sydney- wherever you go, four seasons hotels are always amazing. This one is clean, gorgeous pool area, perfect location, rooms with astonishing views, great sized rooms and a beautiful bar. Prices range a lot with the time that you stay for, the time of the year and the room that you choose.
- QT Sydney- Great location as it is very close to city centre, super funky decoration, cool rooms, restaurant that can accommodate a wide rang food restrictions and a bar. Prices range a lot with the time that you stay for, the time of the year and the room that you choose.
- Meriton Suites Kent Street, Sydney- gorgeous views over the city, amazing location in city centre, clean and tidy rooms, there is a Fitness Centre, an Indoor Pool & Spa and a Sauna. Prices range a lot with the time that you stay for, the time of the year and the room that you choose.
No expense spared
- The Langham, Sydney- marvellous hotel design, high-class, top service, amazing food, clean rooms with great facilities, spa (where you can get treatments), indoor pool, a spa tub and an outdoor tennis court. Prices range a lot with the time that you stay for, the time of the year and the room that you choose.
- Sheraton Grand Sydney Hyde Park- excellent location, beautiful interior design, great service, cozy bedrooms, lovely food from their restaurant and pretty bar. Prices range a lot with the time that you stay for, the time of the year and the room that you choose.
- Park Hyatt Sydney- this is the best location out of all of the previous hotels I have mentioned. The views are incredible as it is so close to the Sydney Opera House (also making this hotel expensive). The design is astonishing, rooms are gorgeous, there is an outdoor pool which overlooks the Sydney Harbour, cozy bar, indoor gym, lovely restaurant, a spa and it provides great service. Prices range a lot with the time that you stay for, the time of the year and the room that you choose.
Transport
I feel like this is one of the easiest places I have been to for transport. There are many different ways to get around: trains, busses, taxi, rental cars (which you do not need at all! Save your money!) and my favourite, the ferries.
The public transport in Sydney was not busy at all. I recommend getting an Opal card (children can get these too) which you will be able to use on metro/trains, busses, ferries or light rail services. This is where you put a certain amount of money on and use it up within those transports (you can refill money). You wont have to faff about with getting money out or finding the right change when you have one of those cards which makes your travels a lot easier.
The times of public transport are also very frequent so you don’t have to worry if you just miss one as there will be another one shortly after! They are clean and well kept.
My favourite are the ferries as the views never let you down. I am the type of person to get boat sick but I never had a problem on those boats. However this won’t apply to everyone, so still make sure to take something before you give it a go!
Key things to pack
Summer time suitcase:
- Warm clothes! Summer and winter are the other way around in Australia.
- Comfortable shoes- you are in Sydney so you will be doing a lot of walking!
- A warm coat but also a thinner coat just incase it isn’t too cold; I went end of July and it was around 13 degrees which is pretty cold for me, however I still didn’t need a thick coat.
- A scarf, you need to keep your chest and neck warm so that you don’t get poorly.
- Allergy pills, just incase you are allergic to animals or if you get hay fever.
- Motion sickness pills for when you want to go on boats or buses!
- Universal adapter, you want to be sure you have the right adapter to charge your devices.
- Swimming stuff if your hotel has a spa/pool.
- A speaker, you need to have a party in your hotel room every night of course!
- Oh and if your ears tend to get cold then take a beanie.
Winter time suitcase (their summer):
- Hats,
- Sunglasses,
- Swimming stuff,
- A thin jacket just in case it gets cold during the nights,
- Suncream unless you want to buy it there, comfortable shoes- you are in a city so you will be doing a lot of walking!
- Allergy pills, just incase you are allergic to animals or if you get hay fever.
- Motion sickness pills for when you want to go on boats or buses!
- Universal adapter, you want to be sure you have the right adapter to charge your devices.
- A speaker, you need to have a party in your hotel room every night of course!
Need to know before you go
Australia is expensive compared to Europe. I don’t mean just the clothes or souvenirs, but also the food and every day items. Be prepared to spend a good budget when you are there, even on basic needs.
Don’t be alarmed at some of the words they say, their English is a bit different to the widely spoken English. For example; Thongs= flip-flops, togs= bathing suit.
Depending on where you are staying, flush the toilet before you use it. You don’t want any snakes or spiders in there when you are sat on it, I know that for a fact!
You don’t have to go overboard with your tips, it is nice to be nice but the average workers get a high salary compared to everywhere else in the world. They do not expect large tips.
Watch out for the sun! You can get very easily burnt there, keep reapplying suncream and drink lots of water.
Summer and winter are the other way around. The rest of the world’s summer is June, July and August, but over there that is there winter and therefore their coldest months too.
It is illegal to not wear a helmet whilst riding a bike, so make sure do that if you are riding around!
You can be fined for jaywalking or going over a crossing before the little man goes green, watch yourself!
Opal cards are quite helpful if you are choosing to use public transport!
Don’t be too afraid of the animals, yes there are dangerous ones but there is no point in being paranoid about it when staying in a city. You should take more care when you are in the outskirts but you will be safe in Sydney.
Now you should be prepared with everything you need to book your trip to Sydney! I thoroughly enjoyed every part of it. Sydney is full of a huge range of activities for all age ranges, it is beautiful, transport is so easy and the food is just amazing! People over there are so friendly as well, there was not a moment I felt unsafe – even at night.
If you weren’t already planning on going, I bet you are now! It is worth a long flight if you are far from it and you will only need to go to Sydney once for the full experience.
