13 essential insights before visiting Sydney

The residents of Sydney, like many Australians, are truly welcoming and want visitors to enjoy themselves and leave with wonderful memories. However, there are important aspects to consider when exploring this fascinating city.

Before Australia was known as Australia, this land was inhabited by around 500 distinct First Nations; Sydney is situated on the ancestral lands of the Gadigal people of the Eora nation. Ideally, plan for at least four days in the city, though a week allows for a deeper exploration of this beautifully located and vibrant metropolis.

Here are some helpful tips to enhance your experience in Sydney, covering everything from what to pack to planning your itinerary and understanding local customs.

1. There's no need to pack excessively

In Sydney, you can dress up or down without feeling out of place. Sydneysiders have a fashionable flair but lean towards a laid-back style, as if they’ve just come from a yacht party on their way to the opera.

Winters can be cool, but you won’t need heavy coats—just a warm sweater or light jacket should do unless an unexpected cold snap hits. Visitors from colder climates might find indoor temperatures a bit chilly, so a pair of cozy slippers could be useful. Summers are hot and humid, so be sure to pack an umbrella regardless of the season: rain is common in this subtropical coastal city. Ideally, avoid bringing a plain black umbrella (we'll explain why later).

2. Make reservations for top spots ahead of time

Your plans in Sydney will largely hinge on the weather, so over-scheduling may lead to last-minute changes in your itinerary. For instance, you likely won’t be kayaking from Manly to a hidden beach during high winds, and enjoying rooftop drinks is much less appealing in heavy rain.

That said, if there are any must-visit restaurants, like Quay or Oncore by Clare Smyth, make sure to book several months in advance. The most sought-after accommodations fill up quickly, especially during peak season (December to February), so be sure to arrange that early on.

3. Locals are genuinely welcoming

While Sydney ranks alongside London, New York, and Paris as a major metropolis, the combination of sunshine, spaciousness, and a vibrant waterside lifestyle seems to create a generally cheerful and friendly atmosphere among Sydneysiders. Be ready for personal questions, whether you’re waiting for a bus or grabbing essentials at a local shop. If you're from a place where people keep to themselves, it might take a few days to adjust, but soon you'll find yourself smiling at passersby on the Bondi to Bronte walk or curiously asking a stranger, 'What’s in that bag?'

4. Advice for navigating public transport, including ferries

Always let passengers disembark before you try to board a ferry, including those lingering at the exit, as the gangways can be narrow. Feel free to take photos and explore the outside deck, but remember that for locals, this is part of their daily commute, and maneuvering around them for the perfect shot may be frustrating.

Have your Opal or contactless bank card ready to tap at train station gates or when boarding and exiting buses. Generally, locals prefer not to have conversations on mobile phones while using public transport, so it's best to stick to texting.

5. Please don't litter... seriously!

If you want to earn the ire of locals, littering at the beach, in the streets, or in nature is the way to go. Australia has been running the anti-litter campaign, Keep Australia Beautiful, since 1968, and it remains highly active. If you smoke, be sure to take your butts with you. Trash bins are designated for recycling or general waste, so be sure to “do the right thing.”

6. The honesty system is highly valued

Australia has a strong tradition of honesty. If it’s raining and you bring your quality umbrella into a local bar, you can safely leave it in the umbrella bucket (or on the floor if it’s full), and it will be waiting for you when you leave a couple of hours later. However, since plain black umbrellas often look identical, opt for something colorful and unique.

7. Swearing isn’t meant to offend

While swearing might be frowned upon in many English-speaking nations, it’s relatively commonplace in Australia. Even members of the Australian parliament are known to drop a colorful expletive now and then. However, the “So where the bloody hell are you?” tourism campaign from the Sydney office of M&C Saatchi Group sparked some controversy when it debuted in 2006.

8. Yes, tap water is safe to drink

Drinking tap water in Sydney is completely safe. If there's ever a risk of contamination, you can expect to hear about it—such news would make headlines nationwide.

9. Natural disasters and extreme weather are real concerns

Australia is at the forefront of climate change (see what I did there?) and experiences extreme weather events, even if the reasons behind them are still debated in some circles.

In the summer months, wildfires pose a significant threat, and with the various forested areas in and around Sydney, your visit could be affected either by the immediate danger of fires or by smoke in the air. During the 2019 and 2020 Australian bushfire season, 42 million acres of forest across southeastern Australia were engulfed in flames, leaving glaciers in New Zealand coated in ash.

A renowned poem – 'My Country' by Dorothea Mackellar – depicts Australia as a land of “drought and flooding rains.” Sydney has certainly experienced its share of the latter, with 2022 being the wettest year on record, leading to flash floods in the city.

10. Safeguard yourself from the sun and heat

Always apply sunscreen, even during winter months. The sun’s rays are more intense in Australia. Wearing a sunhat is highly recommended during the sweltering summer, and carry plenty of water if you’re out and about. Familiarize yourself with the signs (and treatment) of heatstroke, as prompt action is crucial if someone feels unwell in the sun.

11. Swim wisely and avoid taking unnecessary risks

Never enter any body of water alone, whether it’s surf beaches with dangerous rip currents that can pull you out to sea, or rivers, lakes, and ponds that may have hidden hazards. Always swim between the red-and-yellow flags at a surf beach, as this indicates that lifeguards are present. These flags mark the safest swimming areas.

In 2021, Australia recorded 294 drownings out of nearly 1000 total “drowning incidents” (including non-fatal but still alarming cases), marking a considerable rise from the previous year. Understand your swimming abilities and prioritize safety.

And yes, there are jellyfish. If you get stung, rinse the area with water or vinegar (usually available at surf lifesaving clubs).

12. A note on scams, theft, and pickpockets

As previously noted, Sydneysiders are incredibly friendly, which can sometimes lead travelers to let their guard down too much. While there’s no need to be overly paranoid, it’s wise to stay cautious and aware when engaging with strangers, especially those who approach you.

Like in any major city, avoid flaunting valuables and never leave your phone or bags unattended. Overall, though, Sydney is quite safe.

If you receive text messages containing links to websites, no matter how convincing they seem (such as requests for credit card verification), never click on the link. Online scams are highly sophisticated, particularly when you’re jet-lagged or in an unfamiliar environment. Remember, your bank will never send you a text with a link.

13. In case of an emergency, dial 000

When you call “000,” you’ll be asked which service you require—police, ambulance, or fire. Additionally, Lifeline’s telephone crisis support can be reached at 13 11 14, available 24/7.