Sydney

In Sydney, everything feels amplified. The light is brighter, the sun is warmer and the rain falls harder. The trees are bigger, the birds more colourful and the beaches more dazzling. While Sydney is great at first impressions, its nuances are numerous and its appeal runs deep, with world-renowned dining, a dynamic cultural scene, fascinating social history and much more to be uncovered.

Australia’s oldest city – which grew haphazardly out of a historic neighbourhood known as “The Rocks” on the traditional lands of the Gadigal people – has many layers that range from the glossy to the gritty. A city composed of village-like suburbs – each with its own distinct personality – these layers are best peeled back one at a time.

When to go:
Mild autumns (March to May) and warm springs (September to November) provide ample opportunities for getting out and about; hot and humid summers spell prime beach weather; and cooler months bring the warmth of Vivid Sydney, the world-renowned festival of light, music and ideas.

How to get around:
Sydney’s public transport network is well serviced by train, light rail, bus and ferry (the latter in particular is a great way to explore Sydney Harbour at low cost). Its individual suburbs are easily navigable by foot.