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0207 001 4504Holiday in Sydney from November to February for summer sun and high temperatures
Don’t miss Sydney Harbour Bridge, Sydney Opera House and Bondi Beach
Energetic Sydney is the city for surfing, whale-watching and bridge-climbing
The capital of New South Wales, Sydney is Australia’s largest city and undoubtedly the best known. The fact that it’s not the capital of the entire country doesn’t dent its confidence one bit.
It’s best not to pack any preconceptions for your Sydney holiday. For a start, it’s a lot more dazzling in reality than even its most extravagant New Year firework displays. The famous Harbour alone is enough to make you gasp – and, if you really want to put that to the test, stay at the InterContinental Sydney and watch the sun rise over Circular Quay. Then there’s the Opera House, which needs no introduction. Or, if beaches are what you crave, take your pick from the Pacific’s finest, or just go straight for world greats like Bondi, only a 30-minute drive from the city centre.
Modern Sydney also lets you discover unimaginably ancient – yet very much alive – Aboriginal culture on cultural tours within the city and fascinating walking trails through Royal National Park, just 40 minutes' South of the city. If you’re interested in colonial heritage, trace the footsteps of convicts round The Rocks’ cobbled alleys, or take a ferry to Paramatta for a tour of Old Government House. But holidays to Sydney offer plenty of modern-day culture, too. Stroll around Inner Sydney to see remarkable Art Deco architecture, catch a theatrical show, or discover fresh new restaurants at Potts Point.
Like to shop? So does Sydney. The city gives you endless opportunities to indulge, from bustling Pitt Street Mall and Strand Arcade in the city centre, to colourful markets dotted across Inner Sydney, Redfern and Bondi. With glorious summers and mild winters, it’s no surprise to find street cafés are as plentiful here as shops. If you can’t get enough of the waterfront, you’ll be pleased to know that eating with a view on the side is very much a thing here, and a must-do on any trip to Sydney.
Sydney is home to some of Australia’s best beaches and, in summer, the city seems to live by the sea because the weather’s wonderful. Sail to Manly Beach by ferry from Circular Quay and you’ll be strolling along the pretty beachfront promenade in just 30 minutes. One of the world’s great surfing beaches, Manly hosts the Australian Surfing Open in February, and even everyday surfers here put on a thrilling show.
But if you go to only one beach, make it Bondi. Less than 30-minutes from the city it’s an easy day out. But it’s also worth hanging around until evening, as the area’s restaurants are also excellent. Try Icebergs Dining Room and admire its remarkable swimming pool or, if you want to make more like a local, go for fish and chips on the beach. Don’t miss Bondi Farmers Markets at the weekend. And for cafés and bars any time, take a stroll along Campbell Parade – its oceanfront views are endless.
From Bondi you can embark upon the six kilometre Bondi to Coogee coastal walk, a local's favourite, taking you past some spectacular beaches including Bronte, Tamarama and Clovelley.
You don’t have to travel far from Sydney to run into wine country. The legendary Hunter Valley is a doable day out, though it’s worth spending a night or two in Australia’s oldest wine region to really make the most of it. Most wineries are open year-round for sociable and fascinating tasting tours – you can even take a class at the Hunter Valley Wine School.
Proving great wine goes with even better food, Sydney’s also home to a number of Australia’s top restaurants. Stay at the Holiday Inn Darling Harbour and you’ll be surrounded by gourmet greats – there are three impressive restaurants in the Opera House alone. For atmosphere and rising-star chefs, head to Potts Point in Inner Sydney, or wander along the waterfront where historic wharfs now house plenty interesting places to eat. Barangaroo is Sydney’s newest waterfront precinct and foodie hot spot, and it's well worth a visit for lunch or dinner. Nowhere does beach cafés and bars quite like Bondi and Manly, especially weekend brunch. And, when you want to snack or put together a picnic, Carriageworks Farmers Markets in Redfern is the place to be on Saturdays.
There’s enough to see and do in Sydney to fill several holidays. The trick is to pace yourself and balance iconic sights with meandering round intriguing city neighbourhoods. Consider taking a Harbour Cruise to look at the city from the sea or, if you’re feeling bold, you could even scale the Sydney Harbour Bridge. The climb is daring, but worth it for a brilliant bird’s-eye view of the Sydney Opera House.
Discover The Rocks, Sydney’s oldest district, where history’s interwoven with lovely galleries and shops. The Rendezvous Hotel Sydney The Rocks and Rydges Sydney Harbour are also in this area, so it makes a good base. For a different mix of old and new, head to Inner Sydney. This lively neighbourhood has markets and theatres, elegant Victorian architecture, the Royal Botanic Gardens, and interesting restaurants on Woolloomooloo Wharf.
Sydney’s seasons are the opposite of the UK – our winter is their summer, and vice versa. But it’s very much a year-round city, thanks to the temperate winters. Even in June, July and August, locals brave the Pacific Ocean at Bondi and other legendary surfing beaches – wearing wetsuits, of course. If you book your Sydney holiday for winter, you might prefer to stay out of the sea, but with temperatures as high as 17°C, Sydney’s great outdoors is still very much open for exploring at this time of year.
Spring – September to November – is warm and dry with temperatures up to 23°C. Autumn – March to May – is another mild, low-humidity season. Winter – May to November – is the best time to visit for whale watching. Vivid Sydney is another reason to go in winter, this festival of light, music and ideas takes place from the end of May – mid June. But if you want sun-soaked days and plenty of beach time, choose summer. Between December and February, daily temperatures average 26°C, while sea temperatures rise as high as 24°C. It is fairly humid in high summer, but that’s just the perfect excuse to explore more of Sydney’s dramatic Pacific coast.
Sydney is home to some of Australia’s best beaches and, in summer, the city seems to live by the sea because the weather’s wonderful. Sail to Manly Beach by ferry from Circular Quay and you’ll be strolling along the pretty beachfront promenade in just 30 minutes. One of the world’s great surfing beaches, Manly hosts the Australian Surfing Open in February, and even everyday surfers here put on a thrilling show.
But if you go to only one beach, make it Bondi. Less than 30-minutes from the city it’s an easy day out. But it’s also worth hanging around until evening, as the area’s restaurants are also excellent. Try Icebergs Dining Room and admire its remarkable swimming pool or, if you want to make more like a local, go for fish and chips on the beach. Don’t miss Bondi Farmers Markets at the weekend. And for cafés and bars any time, take a stroll along Campbell Parade – its oceanfront views are endless.
From Bondi you can embark upon the six kilometre Bondi to Coogee coastal walk, a local's favourite, taking you past some spectacular beaches including Bronte, Tamarama and Clovelley.
You don’t have to travel far from Sydney to run into wine country. The legendary Hunter Valley is a doable day out, though it’s worth spending a night or two in Australia’s oldest wine region to really make the most of it. Most wineries are open year-round for sociable and fascinating tasting tours – you can even take a class at the Hunter Valley Wine School.
Proving great wine goes with even better food, Sydney’s also home to a number of Australia’s top restaurants. Stay at the Holiday Inn Darling Harbour and you’ll be surrounded by gourmet greats – there are three impressive restaurants in the Opera House alone. For atmosphere and rising-star chefs, head to Potts Point in Inner Sydney, or wander along the waterfront where historic wharfs now house plenty interesting places to eat. Barangaroo is Sydney’s newest waterfront precinct and foodie hot spot, and it's well worth a visit for lunch or dinner. Nowhere does beach cafés and bars quite like Bondi and Manly, especially weekend brunch. And, when you want to snack or put together a picnic, Carriageworks Farmers Markets in Redfern is the place to be on Saturdays.
There’s enough to see and do in Sydney to fill several holidays. The trick is to pace yourself and balance iconic sights with meandering round intriguing city neighbourhoods. Consider taking a Harbour Cruise to look at the city from the sea or, if you’re feeling bold, you could even scale the Sydney Harbour Bridge. The climb is daring, but worth it for a brilliant bird’s-eye view of the Sydney Opera House.
Discover The Rocks, Sydney’s oldest district, where history’s interwoven with lovely galleries and shops. The Rendezvous Hotel Sydney The Rocks and Rydges Sydney Harbour are also in this area, so it makes a good base. For a different mix of old and new, head to Inner Sydney. This lively neighbourhood has markets and theatres, elegant Victorian architecture, the Royal Botanic Gardens, and interesting restaurants on Woolloomooloo Wharf.
Sydney’s seasons are the opposite of the UK – our winter is their summer, and vice versa. But it’s very much a year-round city, thanks to the temperate winters. Even in June, July and August, locals brave the Pacific Ocean at Bondi and other legendary surfing beaches – wearing wetsuits, of course. If you book your Sydney holiday for winter, you might prefer to stay out of the sea, but with temperatures as high as 17°C, Sydney’s great outdoors is still very much open for exploring at this time of year.
Spring – September to November – is warm and dry with temperatures up to 23°C. Autumn – March to May – is another mild, low-humidity season. Winter – May to November – is the best time to visit for whale watching. Vivid Sydney is another reason to go in winter, this festival of light, music and ideas takes place from the end of May – mid June. But if you want sun-soaked days and plenty of beach time, choose summer. Between December and February, daily temperatures average 26°C, while sea temperatures rise as high as 24°C. It is fairly humid in high summer, but that’s just the perfect excuse to explore more of Sydney’s dramatic Pacific coast.
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Between them, our travel specialists have years of holiday expertise.
Our tailor-made holiday packages make it easy for you to discover more of the world.
Whether you're looking for luxury or simplicity, we've got the perfect holiday for you.
Travelbag is fully protected by ATOL, so your booking is completely secure.