14 things to know before you go to Sydney

Sydneysiders, like most Australians, are pretty friendly people – they genuinely want travelers to have a good time and take fond memories home with them. That said, this is arguably Australia's biggest, busiest and most cosmopolitan city so you need to be prepared.

Ideally you'll visit for at least three to four days, depending on the length of your Australia trip and what else you hope to experience. Of course the longer you stay, the more you’ll get to see and do.

From packing lists to logistics and local etiquette, here are some tips to help you make the most of your time in Sydney. 

1. Australia's history is complicated

Before it became Australia, this continent was home to around 500 separate lands; Sydney is on the traditional lands on the Gadigal people of the Eora nation. Many years of political activism is changing Australia's relationship with its colonial history. The celebration of Australia's Aboriginal continuing cultures is relatively new from a tourism perspective. If you're keen to learn more, there are a raft of ways to experience Sydney through the lens of indigenous knowledges. Seek out Aboriginal Australian-led tours and deepen your perspective. 

2. There's no need to overpack

You won’t be embarrassed if you dress up or dress down in Sydney. Sydneysiders are stylish, but they prefer to keep it casual, like they’ve stepped off a yacht on the way to the opera.

It does get cool in winter – but not heavy coats kind of chilly, a warm pullover or light jacket will be fine unless there’s an unusually cold snap. That said, visitors from cold-weather countries that are used to insulation and central heating may find it cold indoors in the winter. A pair of slippers won't go astray. Summer is hot and humid. Pack an umbrella no matter what time of year you visit: rain is a given in this subtropical coastal city. Ideally, don't bring a plain black one (we explain why later).

3. Booked the best dining and accommodation in advance

Much of what you will do in Sydney will depend on the weather, so too much pre-planning may result in last-minute itinerary changes anyway. You probably won’t go kayaking from Manly to a secret beach in high winds, and those rooftop sundowners are less fun in a heavy downpour.

However, if there are any destination restaurants you really want to go to such as Bennelong, Saint Peter or Oncore by Clare Smyth, book ahead especially for weekends. The best value accommodation will also get snapped up in the high season (the Australian summer months of December to February) or when major events are on, so get that sorted as soon as possible too.

4. People are friendly

Sydney may be on a par with London, New York and Paris when it comes to big cities with big reputations. However, it seems that the combination of sunshine, space and an outdoorsy waterside lifestyle has made Sydneysiders generally happy and friendly – most of the time. Be prepared to be asked all manner of personal questions whether you're waiting for a bus or picking up some supplies at the local store. If you're used to living somewhere where people mind their own business, it may take you a few days to thaw out but you'll soon find yourself smiling at everyone you pass on the Bondi to Bronte walk, or asking a stranger "what's in the bag?" like a local.

5. Follow these tips for public transport

Let everyone off before you attempt to board a ferry, including the inevitable stragglers, as the gangways are slim. If you want to take photos and wander around the outside deck on the ferry, go for it – but be mindful that for locals, this is their normal daily commute and travelers clambering over them will be considered annoying.

Make sure you have your Opal or contactless bank card ready to tap at train station gates or when boarding and alighting from buses. In general, locals aren't too keen on people talking on mobile phones on public transport. Stick to texting.

6. Do not drop litter... seriously!

If you want to be hated by the locals, drop some litter at the beach, on the street or in nature. Australia launched an anti-litter campaign, Keep Australia Beautiful, in 1968 that is still going strong. If you smoke cigarettes, take your butt with you. Bins are sorted into recycling or general waste, so “do the right thing.”

7. Respect local honesty systems

Honesty systems work well in Australia. If it’s raining and you take that quality umbrella to a local bar, you can dump it in the umbrella bucket (or on the floor nearby if that’s overflowing), and it will still be there when you leave the bar two hours later.

However, plain black umbrellas do tend to all look the same, so pack something bright and distinctive.

8. Swearing is not intended to offend

It might be considered uncouth or rude to swear in many English-speaking countries, but in Australia, it’s fairly normal. Even Australian parliamentarians are known to drop a swear bomb. That said, the “So where the bloody hell are you?” tourism campaign by the Sydney office of M&C Saatchi Group caused some controversy when it launched in 2006.

9. Swim sensibly and don't take risks

Don’t get into any body of water alone, from surf beaches with rip currents that can drag you out to sea, to rivers, lakes and ponds that can have currents or obscured obstructions. Always swim between the red-and-yellow flags at a surf beach, which signifies lifeguards are on duty. They’ll place these in the safest area of a beach.

In 2021, 294 people drowned in Australia, out of a total of almost 1000 “drowning incidents” (in other words, non-fatal but still harmful and scary), which was a significant increase from the year before. Know your skill level and play it safe.

Oh, and there are jellyfish. If you get stung, rinse with water or vinegar (the latter is usually available at a surf lifesaving club).

10. Natural disasters and extreme weather are a genuine concern

Australia is at the coalface of climate change (see what I did there?) and extreme weather events, even if the reason why is still open to debate for some Australians.

In summer, there’s a risk of wildfires, and with its many pockets of forest in and around the city of Sydney, your trip could be impacted by the direct danger of fires or by smoke particles in the air. During the 2019 and 2020 Australian bushfire season, 42 million acres of forest across southeastern Australia burned and even turned glaciers in New Zealand grey from the falling ash.

A famous poem – My Country by Dorothea Mackellar – describes Australia as a land of “drought and flooding rains." Sydney has had its fair share of the latter – 2022 was the wettest year on record, with flash flooding affecting the city.

11. Protect yourself from the sun and the heat

Use sunscreen, even in winter. The sun is hotter and sharper down under. A sunhat is an even better idea in the scorching summer heat, and take plenty of water if you’re walking anywhere. Look up the symptoms (and treatment) of heatstroke if someone you know is feeling unwell in the sun: quick action is essential.

12. Yes, you can drink the tap water

It’s fine to drink tap water in Sydney. If there’s any danger of contamination, you’ll hear about it: it’ll be a major national news story.

13. A word on scams, theft and pickpockets

As mentioned, Sydneysiders are super friendly which can also lead travelers to let their guard down too easily. There’s no need to be paranoid, but remain cautious when interacting with strangers, especially ones who approach you.

As in any big city, don’t wander around with valuables on display and don’t leave your phone or bags unattended. Generally, though, it’s pretty safe here.

If you receive text messages with links to a website, no matter how convincing (i.e., your credit card needs verification) never click on the link. Online scams are very sophisticated, especially when you’re jet-lagged or simply in unfamiliar terrain. Your bank would never send you a text with a link.

14. In case of emergency, dial 000

Call “000” and you’ll be asked what service you need – police, ambulance or fire. Lifeline’s telephone crisis support is available on 13 11 14 (24 hours a day, seven days a week).