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Who doesn't think of Sydney when it comes to the country of kangaroos and koalas? This coastal and cosmopolitan metropolis has no less than five million urban dwellers, 1 million more than its rival Melbourne. A popular destination for surfers, with the famous Opera House as its emblem overlooking the tranquil bay, it is often confused with the capital of this state-continent, Canberra. The British navigator James Cook was the first settler of this Aboriginal land, and in 1770 he laid the first stones of an Australian city then called Port Jackson, making it a penal colony reserved for English convicts. In more than two centuries of existence, Sydney has changed a lot, and it is a young and modern city that visitors will discover. Sydney's tour guide will take you from the beautiful Harbour Bridge to the steep streets of The Rocks or Paddys Market, from Martin Place to George Street or the heavenly beaches of Bondi, from Chinatown to Kings Cross. Stretching between the Pacific sea spray and the beautiful Blue Mountains, the capital of New South Wales is not limited to its urban planning, escapades to the natural parks and large Australian spaces that surround it are even highly recommended to enjoy the exceptional fauna and flora. Follow the guide!

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What to visit Sydney?

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What to do Sydney?

guide de voyage, - © Andy Tam - Shutterstock.com

Sydney's must-see attractions

Although the city is very young, a little over 200 years old, Sydney is simply remarkable. A kind of general harmony emerges from it. With the sweat of their brow, the settlers built one of the most cosmopolitan cities of our century: everything mixes in Sydney. The mythical Opera House and its bay prove to us that natural resources and human architectural audacity can be in osmosis. Punctuated by many large parks with impressive fauna and ...

Suggested addresses Sydney

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When to go to Sydney?

When to go to Sydney? The city can be visited all year round. The tourist pressure is therefore sustained. To save money, it is advisable to avoid the Christmas and New Year period, which includes both end-of-year festivities and summer holidays. It should be borne in mind that while the northern part of Australia has only two seasons (the dry season and the wet season), in the south, the four seasons are reversed compared to our latitudes. The school holiday calendar in New South Wales (the region to which Sydney belongs) is generally divided as follows: 15 days in the second half of April, 15 days in the first half of July, 15 days at the end of September in early October, and one month from Christmas to the end of January. February, which is the end of summer, may be the best time to travel to Sydney. Late spring, November, can also be a good time to consider when to go to Sydney.

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Weather all year round

Located on the ocean shore, the city enjoys a temperate climate and has, on average, more than 300 days of sunshine per year. However, Sydney's weather, depending on the season, can occasionally be rainy, especially in March and April. In winter (June to August), mercury ranges from 9 to 16°C and the Blues Mountains are snow-covered, while summer temperatures in Sydney easily reach 30°C.

Jan.: 18°C; 26°C

Feb.: 18°C; 26°C

Mar.: 17°C; 24°C

Apr.: 14°C; 22°C

May: 11°C; 19°C

June: 9°C; 16°C

July: 8°C; 16°C

Aug.: 9°C; 17°C

Sept.: 11°C; 19°C

Oct.: 13°C; 22°C

Nov.: 16°C; 23°C

Dec.: 17°C; 25°C

Budget

The cost of living in Australia is higher than in Europe. Even if car rentals remain attractive and there are many forms of low-cost accommodation (backpackers and inns), you will need to be prepared for a few concessions if your budget is limited. Also, while fuel prices remain low, many vehicles consume more than 10 litres per 100 km. For those who stay several months, know that everything is paid by the week (salary, accommodation...)

Procedures

To enter Australia, you will need either an e-Visitor visa, an ETA (Electronic Travel Authority) or a specific visa.

Australian visa applications (such as citizenship applications) are no longer processed at the Australian Embassy in Paris. Indeed, for those residing in France, visa applications must be made electronically online through the "e-visa" service, or through the visa offices in Australia, or through the immigration office of the Australian Embassy in Madrid, Spain.

To obtain an e-Visitor or ETA easily and by yourself, simply follow the link from the Australian Embassy to www.border.gov.au or type directly www.border.gov.au/Trav/Visi/Visi (choose Visitor Visas once the page is displayed).

Health

Sydney does not present any major health risks. However, make sure that your vaccinations mandatory in France are up to date before you leave.

Sun. The solar radiation here is particularly strong because we are close to the equator and the hole in the ozone layer. It is imperative to use a sunscreen with a high index to avoid sunburn

Water. The tap is drinkable in Sydney as in all major Australian cities. In rural areas, on the other hand, its quality may be poor. If in doubt, prefer bottled water.

Mosquitoes and sandflies. Use a repellent for exposed skin areas and wear protective clothing, especially in the evening. For your room, choose a good insecticide and/or mosquito net. The same measures should be applied to protect against sandflies (or biting midges), tiny insects whose bites are very irritating.

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How to go to Sydney? Our advice & tips

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Tourism is not a new phenomenon in Sydney and there are many specialists in the city and its region. Most of them have standard itineraries including flight, accommodation and access to the main tourist sites, but it is also easy to find agencies that can tailor a trip for you, off the beaten track. If you have plenty of time, it is possible to include Sydney in a wider itinerary in Australia.

Discover our selection of travel agencies for this destination

The prices of a return flight from France generally range from €850 to €1,350, depending on the season and your anticipation. Living in Sydney is not a problem in itself, but you have to put a price on it because they have gone up in recent years. Youth hostels or guest rooms are the cheapest options. Access to museums, transport and food are not given either, but with a little trickery, we can get by quite well

To travel throughout Sydney, pending the inauguration of the metro in 2019, the bus remains the most popular means of transport, as it is economical and works very well. Taxis are also widely used, and if you want to rent a vehicle, you should know that you have the right to ask for an international driving licence. Don't forget that we drive on the left in Australia! Finally, cycling may be an option to consider.

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