Summer (December – February)

During summer, average temperatures range from 18.6 - 25.8°C (65.5 - 78.4°F), and average humidity spikes to 65%. This is the best time to enjoy the beaches in Sydney when water temperatures rise to 21.9 - 23.7°C (71.4 - 74.7°F). Autumn (March – May)

Autumn is the mildest time of year in Sydney when the humidity drops and average temperatures fall between 14.6 - 22.2°C (58.3 - 72°F). The crisp air and softer light is great for bushwalking and coastal walks where you might spot humpback whales, which migrate north from May to August.

Winter (June – August)

Other parts of the world might not consider Sydney's winter as actually winter! Sydney’s coolest months are June to August when average temperatures drop between 8.8 - 17°C (47.8 - 62.6°F). Sydney’s rainfall is generally highest in June, with an average of 132 mm (5.2”), while July is the coolest month when average daytime temperatures reach just 13°C (55°F).

Spring (September – November)

Spring is a beautiful time of year in Sydney with the warmer weather and less humidity than summer. Average daily temperatures range from 11 - 23°C (51.8 - 73.4°F).

To travel on trains, ferries and buses in Sydney you will need to purchase and Opal card and tap on and off each time you travel. You can top up your card at selected newsagents, convenient stores and at the railway stations.

Taxis are plentiful except for changeover at 2.00pm - 3.00pm otherwise you can go for UBER but be prepared for surges at busy times.

Unfortunately Sydney is not like New York or London so it's hard to find late night dining. You would probably want to aim at ordering dinner by 9.30 as most restaurants will close the kitchen around that time.

In the CBD shops open at 10.00 am until 7pm at the latest, and everywhere else they close at around 5 or 6pm expect for Thursday late night shopping where most shops close at 9.00pm. You may find longer hours at the more boutique areas such as Double Bay, Paddington and Bondi.

Or you might like to head out to the shopping outlets such as Birkenhead Point or DFO at Homebush.

Sydney to Birkenhead Shopping Tour

Taxis in Sydney shifts change at 2pm and 2am and it can be difficult to get a cab during the changeover hour unless you are lucky enough to get a driver on their way back home. Drivers can be really friendly and chatty or grumpy as! Some of them don't even know the streets of Sydney so make sure you inform yourself prior to getting in a cab the route you want to take if you are not familar with the city.

You can go for the cheaper option of Uber or GoCatch. Uber have a reputation of put the prices up on busy times so be aware of that.

Many Australian cities have smoke-free zones. Smoking isn't permitted anywhere food is served, on public transport or at bus and train stations, children's playgrounds, at sporting grounds and close to any building entrance. Pitt Street mall is now completely smoke-free. Smoking rules are becoming stricter. Please be mindful if you are a smoker and dispose of your butt thoughtfully.

The Museum of Contemporary Art and the Art Gallery of New South Wales are free to enter with both gallieries hosting ticketed exhibitions.

Check out events at the relevant website

The Museum of Contemporary Art

Art Gallery of NSW

Privately owned art galleries are plentiful in Sydney as well.

The Rocks is Sydney's historical convict precinct with cobbled laneways situated near Sydney Harbour Bridge. In 1788 the British began colonising Sydney in this area by the harbour. With picturesque views, cobblestone laneways, workman's cottages, historical buildings made of sandstone The Rocks offers plenty to fascinate visitors to Sydney.

You will discover Sydney's oldest pubs, vibrant weekend markets, theatres, cafés and bars, as well as several of the city’s best hotels and restaurants. The Rocks offers fantastic photo opportunities too.

Book a guided tour of The Rocks

Positioned next to the Harbour, The Royal Botanic Garden is an oasis of 30 hectares of lucious plants and ponds. Wrapped around Farm Cove, from the Sydney Opera House to Woollomoolooo, the Royal Botanic Garden offers Sydney's most spectacular views, walks and is home to an outstanding collection of plants from Australia and overseas.

Established1816, the Sydney Royal Botancial Gardens is the CBD's sancturay. As well as the gardens you can dine at the restaurant or cafe and purchase delightful gifts from the garden shop.

Book an Aboriginal Heritage Tour of the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney

The best way to explore Sydney is to use the Hop on Hop off Buses. Your ticket lets you travel on two different routes, with over 30 stops. Visit Sydney's famous landmarks and attractions on our City Tour, or change to the Bondi Tour to experience the beauty of iconic Bondi Beach. The beauty with the Hop on Hop off is you can stay on the bus for the whole circuit or you might prefer to hop off do some exploring of the area then jump back on again on another bus.

Enjoy unobstructed views and recorded onboard commentary as you travel between 34 stops, including top destinations like Sydney Harbour Bridge, Sydney Opera House, Darling Harbour and Bondi Beach.

Tickets valid for 24 or 48 hours.

Book tickets here.

Due to the tragic deaths of two young men in 2012 and 2013 as a result of drunken violence (one-punch), the Premier at the time, Barry O'Farrell imposed curfews on venues that served alcohol in Kings Cross, Elizabeth Bay, Darlinghurst, Surry Hills and the entire city centre.

Stricter identification checks were imposed at clubs and pubs after 9pm with patrons needing to line up before entry which are still enforced.

Bottle shops stopped selling alcohol at 10pm. Entry into licensed premises was prohibited after 1.30am, with last drinks served at 3am. In 2016 bottle shop trading hours were extended to 11.00 pm.

Since the introduction of the lock out laws, there has been a significant decrease in violence-related injuries.

Many clubs in the Kings Cross area have since closed their doors due to the lock out laws. Naturally, many business owners and patrons of night clubs have voiced their disaproval.

If you are visiting Sydney then you might be in for a shock compared to other cities of our strict lock out laws.

For backpackers we have put a comprehensive guide together for you including where to stay, visas, eating and much more.