Backpackers Guide To Sydney, Australia
Sydney, Australia is located on the east coast of the country, right by the Tasman Sea. It is the most populated city in Australia, and offers a variety of things to do and see for backpackers who want to explore this beautiful city. The temperate climate and friendly people make Sydney a wonderful place to dig into. For backpackers, Sydney accommodation is plentiful, and there is a range of prices for every budget level.
One beauty that Sydney offers is the deep inlets and bays that create a natural boundary between country and water. As the main port for international travelers, Sydney is bustling, and spectacular. For those looking for cheaper options than taking a cruise, consider inexpensive ferry rides that can give backpackers a great view of the harbor and famous landmarks, such as the Sydney Opera House. Speak to the friendly locals and get a taste of how Sydney works. Unlike many big, metropolitan cities, visitors will find that the people of Sydney are happy to help out with directions and advice on where to eat, visit, and stay.
Backpackers who want to spend the day wandering around Sydney with other tourists can step into the Sydney Aquarium. The aquarium houses sea creatures that are found around Australia. Get a close-up view of sea turtles, reef animals, and sharks. If a backpacker really wants a close-up view of sharks, visit one of the many beaches around Sydney, and they might see a real life shark, with no glass barrier between them. The beaches are a main attraction to backpackers, surfers, locals, and tourists alike.
Finding Sydney accommodation as a backpacker is easy. There are several hostels around the city that allow visitors to spend several nights for just a few dollars a day. These hostels have more than one bed per room, and is a good place for those traveling with friends. There are also plenty of hotels that cater to backpackers who prefer a single room and bed, but still want a good deal. Backpackers planning to stay longer than just a few nights, can look to local ads placed by people who are willing to rent out their apartments for a few weeks at a time, and usually at a very good price.
Sydney’s natural open spaces, waterways, and parks make it a wonderful place to roam around and enjoy the attractions. There are many interesting buildings and architecture, for those who like to view a city’s design. Because Sydney is so close to Asia, there is a diverse culture that influences the way of life, especially the cuisine. Backpackers will love this city for all it has to offer, and for the inexpensive accommodations it offers.
Holiday in Sydney
There are many reasons why Sydney is considered a wonderful holiday destination. Being the largest city in Australia, Sydney offers countless activities for every type of holiday maker. Whether you are a family, a couple or simply on your own, you will always find something to do.Sydney is a beautiful city which will allow you to experience both urban and rural lifestyle, culture and nature. It is also a year-round destination with warm summers and cool winters.
Prefer the bush to the sea? Sydney is surrounded by stunning national parks; try visiting the Royal Botanical Gardens and the Royal National Park for some trulybreath taking natural beauty and wildlife. Alternatively, Sydney’s Wildlife World can get you up close and personal with some of Australia’s native animals.You can visit Sydney’s gorgeous Blue Mountains just a couple of hours outside of the city for a magical experience.
For some really memorable sightseeing you can ride the ferry across the harbour to Manly to see the ever famous Sydney Opera House from another angle, or if you are up for an adventure then go kayaking under the Sydney Harbour Bridge and try surfing at Bondi Beach.
There is an excellent night life in Sydney; the most popular spots being Oxford Street and The Rocks. Both of these locations are also teaming with markets and fashion boutiques during the day or you can visit Woollahra for antique shops and art galleries. If art galleries are your thing then the Art Gallery of New South Wales and the Museum of Contemporary Art are both excellent places to spend some time on your holiday.
Discover Sydney’s history in the harbour side quarter; hear stories of hangings and haunting on the ghost tour or find historic buildings and Sydney’s liveliest and oldest pubs.
For the beach bums among you there are more than 70 sparkling beaches within reach of Sydney for those who just want some fun in the sun will be more than satisfied.
Sydney my destination unlike any other offering glittering views, many fine restaurants serving fabulous food and non-stop fun throughout the day and night.
How To Get To Some of Australia’s Top Attractions from Sydney
Sydney has so much to explore. There are plenty of golden sandy beaches and Sydney’s must sees include the Opera House, Sydney Harbour Bridge, Sydney Tower (highest tower in the continent) and Sydney Aquarium at Darling Harbour. But how do you get to Australia’s other top attractions? And what are the distances and driving times involved?
In Sydney you’re never too far from a glorious sandy beach, of which Bondi Beach is the most famous. And Sydney Harbour Bridge is one of the most recognised landmarks in the country.
To fully enjoy the scenic beauty of Sydney Harbour, take a trip on a ferry trip the best place to start is at Circular Quay, and you can get a trip to Manly and its wonderful beach, and take in the breathtaking scenery of the Sydney coastline.
To get to Circular Quay (for the ferry) follow the George Street Road North, take a right at Bridge Street and veer left at Phillip Street.
For a short trip outside the city, The Blue Mountains and Kanangra National Park are a three-hour drive west of Sydney on the Great Western Highway and well worth exploring.
If you want to travel further afield just get yourself a car hire and hit the open road. The following is a list of places well worth checking out.
Distances from Sydney to Australia’s top attractions
Sunshine Coast. The Sunshine Coast is home to many fabulous attractions including Underwater World, the Big Pineapple (Pineapple Plantation), Australia Zoo, Queensland Air Museum, and of course several golden beaches with plenty of opportunities for watersports and relaxation!
From Sydney, the driving distance to Queensland is over 2,000km and driving time is over 24 hours, so make sure to break up the journey!
The Northern Tropics The Great Barrier Reef is located in Northern Queensland and is a must visit! Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park, Atherton Tablelands, and plenty of adventure sports are well worth undertaking here, along with visits to the local National Park.
Cairns is the capital of the Northern Tropics, and the Northern Tropics area is around 2,400 km from Sydney. Driving time is probably a day and a half.
The Gold Coast At the core of the Gold Coast is its wonderful beaches. Springbrook Observatory and Currumbin Sanctuary are also well worth a visit, and there are plenty of watersports to enjoy along the majestic seafront.
Byron Bay is another historical landmark that you can visit. Driving time from Sydney to the Gold Coast is approximately 12 hours, a distance of nearly 900km. Brisbane is the principal city on the Gold Coast of Australia.
Melbourne Attractions there is so much to do and see in this city. The most popular attractions to visit are Federation Square, the Aquarium and Museum, Melbourne Zoo, National Gallery of Victoria, Queen Victoria Markets, the MCG (Melbourne Cricket Grounds) and the Australian Gallery of Sport. Melbourne is around 885km from Sydney, roughly a 10-hour drive.
Canberra Attractions – From Sydney, it’s almost a 4-hour drive, with a total driving distance of 287km. The most popular attractions to visit in Canberra are the National Gallery of Australia, Australian Institute of Sport, National Zoo and Aquarium and Cockington Green – a miniature model village.
Perth Attractions Perth is 4,000km away from Sydney but has plenty of attractions to entice the visitor. Northbridge and the Art Gallery of Western Australia, The Western Australia Museum, Kings Park and Perth Observatory are well worth a visit.
Adelaide Attractions Adelaide is over 1,300km from Sydney, but the attractions there are many. The Art Gallery of South Australia, Tandanya – the National Aboriginal Cultural Institute, South Australian Maritime Museum are all well worth a visit.
Alice Springs – Alice Springs is the capital of the Australian Outback! Close to the actual geographic centre of Australia, it has many national parks (Alice Springs Desert Park the biggest) and botanic gardens for you to explore. The Simpson Desert, with its strange rock formations and gigantic red sand dunes is worth a visit!
The Alice Springs area is almost 2,800km from Sydney, and it would take nearly two days to drive there. Your best bet is to get onto the Stuart Highway and enter the Northern Territory.
Make sure you book your car hire well in advance.