LandmarkSydney Opera House
Take a tour or catch a show under its famous sails.
Cheap flights to Sydney
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Sydney at a glance
- Country
- Australia
- Airports
- Sydney Kingsford Smith (SYD)
- Search code
SYD- Money
- Australian dollar (AUD)
Discover Sydney
A sparkling harbor, golden beaches and the world's most famous opera house. Sydney mixes city life with ocean swims and coastal walks.
What it's called
- Harbour Cityfor its famous harbour
- Warranean Aboriginal name for Sydney Cove
- Emerald Citya popular nickname
Things to do in Sydney
Landmark
ViewsHarbour Bridge
Climb the arch, or walk across for free.
NatureBondi to Coogee walk
A 6 km clifftop path past beaches and ocean pools.
ViewsManly ferry
A cheap harbor cruise to a surf beach.
HistoryThe Rocks
Sydney's oldest streets, with weekend markets.
Day tripBlue Mountains
Eucalyptus forests and the Three Sisters, about two hours away.
About Australia
Australia is a country that is also a continent, roughly the size of the mainland United States, and most people live along the coast. Inside is the red Outback; around the edges, reefs, rainforests and some of the world's best beaches.
- CapitalCanberra
- MoneyAustralian dollar (AUD)
- LanguageEnglish
Economy
A wealthy economy that went almost 30 years without a recession. Mining of iron ore, coal, gold and lithium, farming, education for international students and tourism keep it strong.
Culture
Relaxed and outdoorsy: beach life, barbecues, surfing and lots of sport, from cricket to Aussie rules football. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have cultures that go back tens of thousands of years, among the oldest living cultures on earth.
Places to visit
- Great Barrier Reefthe world's biggest coral reef system
- Uluruthe giant red rock in the desert
- Melbournelaneways, coffee and street art
- Great Ocean Roadcliffs and the Twelve Apostles
- Tasmaniawild mountains and fresh food
- Whitsunday Islandswhite sand and sailing
Why Australia is worth it for you
- Wildlife you won't see elsewhereKangaroos, koalas, wombats and platypus.
- Work while you travelMany young travelers can get a working holiday visa.
- Safe and English-speakingEasy to plan and get around.
- Summer at ChristmasSeasons are reversed, so escape your winter on a beach.
Travel more of Australia
Places worth adding to your trip, from Sydney or on another visit.
NatureGreat Barrier Reef
The world's largest coral reef system, off Queensland.
CultureUluru
A sacred red monolith in the outback.
FoodMelbourne
Laneway cafés, street art and live sport.
NatureGreat Ocean Road
Coastal drive to the Twelve Apostles rock stacks.
NatureTasmania
Wild national parks and fresh seafood.
Eat like a local
- Meat pieAn Aussie classic.
- BarramundiLocal fish, grilled or battered.
- PavlovaMeringue with cream and fruit.
The story of Sydney
Aboriginal peoples have lived around the harbour for tens of thousands of years. The British First Fleet arrived at Sydney Cove in 1788. The Opera House opened in 1973, and the city hosted the Olympics in 2000.
Australia through history
- 65,000+ years
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples live across the continent.
- 1770
James Cook maps the east coast.
- 1788
The First Fleet arrives at Sydney Cove.
- 1901
The colonies unite as Australia.
- 1973
The Sydney Opera House opens.
- 2000
Sydney hosts the Olympics.
Good to know
- Best time to go
- September to November and March to May; summer (December to February) is beach season.
- Getting around
- Trains, ferries and light rail; tap a bank card on the Opal readers.
- Language
- English
Ready to see Sydney for yourself?
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Flights to Sydney
Flights from Sydney
Tips for flying to Sydney
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- You book with the airline or travel agency directly, so check their name and change rules before you pay.
When you land in Sydney
Places to stay, things to do and getting around, from trusted travel brands.
Questions about Sydney
Which airports serve Sydney?
Sydney Kingsford Smith (SYD). Search code: SYD.
What currency is used in Sydney?
Australian dollar (AUD).
How do I find cheap flights to Sydney?
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