The unofficial capital of Aussie {did you know its not?!}, Sydney is an unreal city with A LOT to offer, we love Sydney for its iconic landmarks {hello Opera House}, its city vibes and beachy escapes. The perfect place to start or end your east coast adventure you’ll have plenty to do in Sydney whether its checking out the galleries and museums, hitting up the foodie spots, enjoying the nightlife of the city or just cruising around and city sites. You can easily get to the legendary Bondi Beach, Manly Beach or Coogee from the Sydney which are awesome to visit for the day!
Where is it?
New South Wales
Get these ON your bucketlist...
Learn to surf at Bondi Beach
See the iconic Opera House and Harbour Bridge
Explore the city on a free walking tour
Check out Darling Harbour
Hit up all the beaches around the city – Manly, Shelly, Watsons bay
Darling Harbour is home to lots of epic restaurants which do really good deals. Theres an epic thai place here too
Baby Coffee – a super cute instafamous cafe where everything is pink and beautiful {a sophie reco there not a sammy boi one haha}
The grounds of Alexandria
Spice Alley
Hit the town...
Darling Harbour – hit up home {you can get free entry tickets from your hostel} or pontoon
Candy club – if you like reggaeton and latino vibes head here on a saturday night {but try not to break your shoes like sophie!}
Kings Cross – a backpacker hub with loads of good bars, check out world bar for teapot cocktails and silent disco!
Photo Spots...
Of the Opera House
On the steps of the opera house
To the right of the opera house viewing from the botanical gardens
The other side of circular quay (by the harbour bridge)
Pylon Lookout, an epic panoramic view point (note you do have to pay to go up here!)
Other epic spots:
Mrs Macquaries Chair/Point
Harbour Bridge
Bondi Icebergs
Darling Harbour
Top tips for Sydney..
Sydney is an epic place to explore as a backpacker, get out into the city and get walking! Check out our tips below to make the most of the city:
Get yourself an opal card and properly explore, on Sunday all travel is capped at around $2 so make the most of it and jump on one of the ferries, my fave is Watson’s Bay!
Most international flights land/depart from here making it the perfect spot to begin or finish
RatPacker Sophie recommends: take a wander around the rocks and don’t miss the market on a saturday & sunday {gals – theres a couple here that make beautiful rings for such a good price!}
If you are planning to visit here for Christmas or New Years, BOOK IN ADVANCE, check out our blog here.
Our Top Tips
Accommodation
Sydney Harbour YHA
Sydney Central YHA
Bounce Hostel
Day Tours
Blue Mountains
Skydive
Bondi Beach
Bars
Pontoon Bar
Home Club
Side Bar
Restaurants
El Camino Cantina
Milky Lane
Beach Burrito
Hidden Gems
Spice Alley
The Rocks
Watsons Bay
Hikes
Bondi to Coogee Beach Walk
Seven Sisters in the Blue Mountains
Manly to Spit Walk
Quick Visit:
1-3 Days
If you are only in Sydney for a few days we recommend staying in a hostel thats central and head straight for the opera house and circular quay. Get around by train or bus and book a day trip out to Blue Mountains and head via train/bus to Bondi Beach for a beach day!
A Longer stay
4 Days +
If you’ve planned to stay in Sydney for longer than 4 days we recommend staying for half your time in the centre of the city and go on a walking tour, chill in the Botanic Gardens, head out to the Blue Mountains, eat and drink your way around, enjoy happy hour at Darling Harbour. And the other half of your time visit the beaches, each one could take a day, staying in Bondi is epic, the hostels are right on the beach and enjoy the Bondi vibe before heading to your next spot.
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