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Australia & South Pacific

Sydney Tours, Vacation Packages & Travel Experiences

  • The Sydney Opera house with the harbour bridge at night are life long memories of any Australia vacation.
  • Sunset view of Darling Harbour, New South Wales
  • The world famous Bondi Beach - a most certain inclusion on all Australia tours
  • A view across the harbour at sunset is always a popular inclusion on all Sydney tours.
  • A beautiful Sydney sunrise
  • Walking through Hyde Park
  • Manly Cove
Sydney

Take a trip to Sydney on your Austrailia Vacation

Sydney is located on the east coast of the country in the state of New South Wales. It is Australia’s biggest and most cosmopolitan city and an essential stop on any traveller’s Australia vacation. Surrounding the city is a wonderland of national parks, forests, mountains, river valleys and historic riverside towns. The first while settlers arrived in 1788 came here to create a penal colony, finding the world’s largest natural harbour, and 70 beaches along the coast within a reasonable distance of the city. In more recent times, Sydney also hosted the 2000 Olympic Games.

When is the best time to visit Sydney?

Sydney and the coastal areas have a moderate or temperate climate. Summers are subtropical in nature and you can experience a certain amount of humidity. You can expect temperatures to be around 25 or 26 Celsius / 77 to 79 Fahrenheit. Winter is mild but it can rain, and you will need a light jacket for the evenings, when temperatures can often drop to around 8 Celsius / 45 Fahrenheit. According to the Sydney Morning Herald, the last time it snowed in Sydney was in 1836! The best time to visit Sydney could be the fall as it is the mildest time of the year with very little humidity. Daytime temperatures average 24 Celsius / 75 Fahrenheit. Spring is also a good time with warm days and little humidity with similar temperatures to the fall. 

Must see attractions in and around Downtown Sydney

Sydney Harbour

Sydney Harbour is surrounded not only by the downtown core of the city but also by miles of shoreline which includes a number of Sydney’s suburbs. One way to explore the harbour is to enjoy a short cruise or to take one of the many ferries heading to multiple destinations from Circular Quay in the downtown area. 

Sydney Harbor Bridge and the Sydney Opera House

Two iconic landmarks dominate Sydney Harbour. There is the Sydney Harbour Bridge known also as “The Coat Hanger” which defines the city skyline and connects the central part of the city with the northern suburbs. It is, in fact, the world’s largest steel arch bridge. One activity involving this landmark is the Bridge Climb (walking to the top of the bridge with a guide) which is a unique way to enjoy panoramic views of Sydney. 

The other landmark is the Sydney Opera House. Opened in 1973, it is not only unique and unforgettable in design but is also a thriving venue for the arts, music, opera and culture generally.

The Domain

Close to downtown Sydney is The Domain, a beautiful green parkland in which you will find the resplendent Government House, the Royal Botanical Gardens and the Art Gallery of New South Wales. At the bottom of The Domain, on the waterfront, is Mrs. Macquarie’s Chair, an exposed sandstone rock cut into the shape of a bench hand carved by convicts from sandstone in 1810 for Governor Macquarie's wife, Elizabeth.

Sydney Tower

Another landmark is the Sydney Tower, the city’s tallest free-standing structure and the tallest observation tower in the Southern Hemisphere. It is twice the height of the Harbour Bridge. The golden turret at the top of the tower contains two levels of restaurants, three plant levels, two telecommunication transmission levels, and an observation deck to view stunning panoramas of the city.

The Rocks District

Also located downtown is The Rocks District. It is Sydney’s most historic precinct with its many sandstone buildings, cobblestone streets and monuments marking moments in history which allow you to gain an appreciation of Sydney's foundation as a convict built settlement. It was the first part of Sydney to be settled. The Rocks offers some of Sydney's finest dining and entertainment. 

Darling Harbour

Darling Harbour, within easy walking distance from the heart of the city has good shopping and dining facilities and is home to the Sydney Aquarium, Wildlife World and the National Maritime Museum. Tourists visiting Darling Harbour can also enjoy a sunset cruise along the harbour, or perhaps visit one of the many museums, parks and playgrounds.

Sydney Neighborhoods

There are a number of Sydney neighbourhoods which are well worth a visit on an Australian vacation. Darlinghurst is a lively district offering a wide range of nightlife, dining opportunities, bars and pubs, plus boutique shopping, bookshops, art galleries and cafes. Paddington is a trendy neighbourhood with rows of attractive Victorian terrace houses. There is excellent shopping in its designer stores and small boutiques. 

Attractions Across the Bridge

Just across the bridge is Taronga Zoo. This city zoo features one of the largest ranges of native and exotic animals in New South Wales with its over 2600 animals including Sumatran tigers, Kodiak bears and many other unusual species. Also just over the bridge is Luna Park, Sydney's premier amusement park. Offering fun and games for the entire family, this is in some ways Australia’s Coney Island.

Museums and Galleries

For the culturally inclined, Sydney offers a host of museums and galleries. The best known include the Australian Museum, the oldest museum in Australia, featuring natural science and cultural artifacts, the Museum of Sydney with its history of the city from aboriginal times to the present day, the Art Gallery of New South Wales with its extensive collection of Australian and International art and the Museum of Contemporary Art which houses works by many new artists.

Sydney’s Beaches, Nature and Wildlife

Bondi Beach

Australia’s most famous beach is Bondi Beach, located just 7 kilometres/4 miles from the centre. Not only is it a beach for swimming and surfing, it is also a pleasant place to linger with its numerous cafes, seafood restaurants, bars & clubs. 

Manly Beach

Another popular beach location is Manly Beach. Reached by ferry from Circular Quay, this beach sits on a beautiful peninsula surrounded on three sides by the sparkling Pacific Ocean and Sydney Harbour. Again, a good place to swim and surf but one can also enjoy scenic walks along the coastal paths. Plus it is a locale with good shopping and dining opportunities. 

Royal National Park

Not far from Sydney is the Royal National Park, a very large coastal parkland along Australia’s eastern coastline which includes coastal cliffs, rainforest, secluded beaches and open woodlands. Again, it is a good place to swim and surf but also to go bushwalking. There are two main trails within the park; one trail leads hikers to Bungoona Lookout which has stunning views of the Hacking River, and the other trail takes hikers past Uloola Falls.

Blue Mountains

An essential day trip from Sydney, the Blue Mountains are found about 2 hours from the city. They offer remarkable scenery and are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. These unique formations of dramatic scenery encompass steep cliffs, eucalyptus forests, waterfalls and small villages. They include the Three Sisters, awe-inspiring pinnacled peaks with a fascinating Aboriginal Dreamtime story. There are 140 kilometres/75 miles of walking trails as well as a cable railway which is purported to be the steepest anywhere. Should one wish to stay overnight here, many options can be found in and around Katoomba, a small town offering arty boutique shops.

For more information on the Blue Mountains, click here

Hunter Valley Wine Country

Also worth visiting on trips to Australia is the acclaimed wine country of Hunter Valley, Australia’s oldest wine producing area, 120 kilometers/75 miles north of Sydney. You can sample fine wines while enjoying the locally grown food in the many restaurants here, and enjoy the ambiance of the area. Non-tasting activities include taking a cruise on the Hunter River or Lake Macquarie, or a ride on a steam train at the Richmond Vale Railway Museum.

For more information on Hunter Valley, click here

It's almost impossible to not include at least one of our Sydney tours on an Australia vacation. It is one of the most desirable cities in the world to live and typically used as the starting point for any trip to Australia. Book one of our Australia vacations today and start exploring!

"Globetrotting with Goway" blog articles

For some additional reading, the following articles are from our blog “Globetrotting with Goway”….. a great source of information for those people who are, or who want to be, world travellers!

Australia's Iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge

Sydney Opera House - Australia's Architectural Wonder

Plan Your Perfect Australia Escape

So Much to See in Sydney’s Taronga Zoo

Top 10 Things to Do in Sydney, Australia

Australia Travel Information

At Goway we believe that a well-informed traveller is a safer traveller. With this in mind, we have compiled an easy to navigate travel information section dedicated to Australia vacations. 

Learn about the history and culture of Australia, the must-try food and drink, and what to pack in your suitcase. Read about Australia's nature and wildlife, weather and geography, along with 'Country Quickfacts' compiled by our travel experts. Our globetrotting tips, as well as our visa and health information will help ensure you're properly prepared for a safe and enjoyable trip. The only way you could possibly learn more is by embarking on your journey and discovering Australia for yourself. Start exploring...book one of our Australia vacations today!

Extend Your Stay

Consider an additional stopover to your Australia vacation at one of Goway's South Pacific destinations. You can choose from  our selection of New Zealand vacation packages, Tahiti vacation packages or stay at one of our Fiji resorts or perhaps take a Cook Island vacation. This can be done stopping over en route to or from Australia.

 

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Sydney, Australia

  • Australia and New Zealand Combo

    Explore the two most popular cities of Australia and New Zealand on this air-land combo tour. Start in Sydney, where you'll tour the Sydney Opera House, cruise across the famous harbour, and see koalas and kangaroos at Taronga Zoo. Then head on to Auckland where you'll explore the twin harbours, learn about Maori traditions, and enjoy unbeatable views of the landscape.
    Duration:
    11 Days
    Prices From:
    US$ 1,869
    Trip Type:
    Bucket List Travel Ideas, Multi Country Vacation Ideas, Vacation Packages with Airfare
    Australia See Trip Details

  • Sydney and Great Barrier Reef Explorer

    An ideal Australia trip for first timers. This Australia vacation hits two of the country’s most popular destinations, Sydney and the Great Barrier Reef. Enjoy lots of time to see the sights your way (with an attractions pass in hand) and take an unforgettable cruise on the Great Barrier Reef.
    Duration:
    11 Days
    Prices From:
    US$ 1,539
    Trip Type:
    Vacation Packages with Airfare
    Australia See Trip Details

  • Melbourne, Sydney & Great Barrier Reef Explorer

    Escape to Australia with a brilliant combination of urban highlights and natural icons. On this Australia vacation, you’ll see the Sydney Opera House, snorkel and dive through the Great Barrier Reef in northern Queensland, and enjoy the trendy bars and restaurants of the world’s most livable city, Melbourne.
    Duration:
    15 Days
    Prices From:
    US$ 1,689
    Trip Type:
    Vacation Packages with Airfare
    Australia See Trip Details

  • Australia, New Zealand and Fiji Combo Vacation

    Escape to three of the South Pacific’s most iconic destinations on this 14-day Australia vacation package. Begin in Australia’s iconic Sydney before travelling across the Tasman Sea to Auckland, New Zealand’s largest city. Finish your tour with three relaxing nights at a resort in Fiji.
    Duration:
    14 Days
    Prices From:
    US$ 2,259
    Trip Type:
    Bucket List Travel Ideas, Multi Country Vacation Ideas, Vacation Packages with Airfare
    Australia See Trip Details

  • Classic Sydney and Great Barrier Reef

    Visit the two of the most popular parts of Australia, particularly for first time visitors. Cairns, gateway to the Great Barrier Reef and harbourside Sydney. See the Sydney Opera House, Harbour Bridge and more, snorkel on the Great Barrier Reef, then get to know the secrets of the rainforest.
    Duration:
    9 Days
    Prices From:
    US$ 1,047
    Trip Type:
    Classics (Bestsellers)
    Australia See Trip Details

  • Classic Australia 15 Day

    Enjoy Australia’s most famous sites from Sydney’s Opera House to an Aboriginal “Dreamtime” walk in Kuranda with stops at the Great Barrier Reef, Ayers Rock and Darwin in between.
    Duration:
    15 Days
    Prices From:
    US$ 3,097
    Trip Type:
    Bucket List Travel Ideas, Classics (Bestsellers)
    Australia See Trip Details

  • Classic Golden Triangle: Melbourne to Sydney

    Visit the Classic Golden Triangle of Melbourne, Cairns and Sydney. See the penguins of Phillip Island, swim in the Great Barrier Reef then get to know the historic side of Sydney.
    Duration:
    9 Days
    Prices From:
    US$ 1,313
    Trip Type:
    Bucket List Travel Ideas, Classics (Bestsellers)
    Australia See Trip Details

  • Classic Golden Triangle: Sydney to Melbourne

    Explore the unforgettable Golden Triangle of Sydney, Cairns, and Melbourne. Get to know Sydney’s historic side and its breathtaking landmarks, swim through the waters of the Great Barrier Reef, and see the penguins of Phillip Island after indulging in world-class culture.
    Duration:
    9 Days
    Prices From:
    US$ 1,363
    Trip Type:
    Bucket List Travel Ideas, Classics (Bestsellers)
    Australia See Trip Details

  • Three Capitals Classic

    Take the opportunity to experience three of Australia’s capital cities. See the sights of Sydney before heading to Canberra, the national capital, then visit the highlights of Melbourne.
    Duration:
    7 Days
    Prices From:
    US$ 1,165
    Trip Type:
    Classics (Bestsellers)
    Australia See Trip Details

  • Sydney, Rock and Reef With Air

    Flying with award-winning Virgin Australia, head to Australia to visit three of its greatest landmarks. Start in Sydney and see the Sydney Opera House and the beautiful harbour before watching the sunset over Uluru/Ayers Rock and cruising the Great Barrier Reef off Cairns.
    Duration:
    10 Days
    Prices From:
    US$ 2,769
    Trip Type:
    Vacation Packages with Airfare
    Australia See Trip Details

  • Classic Downunder: Auckland to Melbourne

    Get to know the true Downunder by experiencing the best of both Australia and New Zealand. Journey through New Zealand’s incredible islands before embarking on a tour of Australia.
    Duration:
    19 Days
    Prices From:
    US$ 3,485
    Trip Type:
    Classics (Bestsellers), Multi Country Vacation Ideas
    New Zealand See Trip Details

  • Classic Downunder: Melbourne to Auckland

    Get to know the true Downunder by experiencing the best of both Australia and New Zealand. Visit Australia's iconic sites and cities before commencing a journey through New Zealand’s incredible islands.
    Duration:
    19 Days
    Prices From:
    US$ 3,727
    Trip Type:
    Classics (Bestsellers), Multi Country Vacation Ideas
    Australia See Trip Details

  • Classic South Pacific: Nadi to Cairns

    Enjoy the Classic South Pacific by encountering Fijian, Maori and Aboriginal cultures. Travel from Fiji to New Zealand to Australia taking in fantastic sights and experiences on route.
    Duration:
    14 Days
    Prices From:
    US$ 2,568
    Trip Type:
    Classics (Bestsellers), Multi Country Vacation Ideas
    Australia See Trip Details

  • Ultimate Downunder

    Travel in style experiencing all that Auckland, Queenstown, Sydney and Hamilton Island Qualia Resort have to offer while enjoying world-renowned properties that are truly the best of the best.
    Duration:
    12 Days
    Prices From:
    US$ 4,448
    Trip Type:
    Bucket List Travel Ideas, Luxury and Beyond, Multi Country Vacation Ideas, Stays of Distinction
    Australia See Trip Details

  • Sydney and Melbourne Explorer

    This Australia vacation showcases the beauty and glamour of the nation’s top two cities. Taking in Sydney and Melbourne, you’ll see incredible sights like the Sydney Opera House, enjoy world-class food and culture, and have the chance to enjoy iconic experiences like the Little Penguin Parade on Phillip Island.
    Duration:
    10 Days
    Prices From:
    US$ 1,399
    Trip Type:
    Bucket List Travel Ideas, Vacation Packages with Airfare
    Australia See Trip Details

  • Highlights & Wildlife

    Experience the historic side of Sydney before exploring the wildlife of Kangaroo Island. Visit Australia’s world renowned wineries followed by stops at Cairns and the Great Barrier Reef.
    Duration:
    12 Days
    Prices From:
    US$ 2,261
    Trip Type:
    Classics (Bestsellers)
    Australia See Trip Details

  • Southern Australia Explorer

    Take in Sydney’s sights before venturing to the spectacular Blue Mountains. Drive from Hobart to the Cradle Mountains, and then get to know the Phillip Island penguins and Melbourne.
    Duration:
    12 Days
    Prices From:
    US$ 1,989
    Trip Type:
    Classics (Bestsellers)
    Australia See Trip Details

  • Trans Continental Classic

    Travel from the Pacific Ocean to the Indian Ocean (or vice versa). Visit Sydney and Canberra, spend time aboard the ‘Indian Pacific’ train, and explore Adelaide and Kangaroo Island.
    Duration:
    13 Days
    Prices From:
    US$ 2,993
    Trip Type:
    Classics (Bestsellers), Rail Travel Ideas
    Australia See Trip Details

  • Waltzing Matilda: Holiday of a Lifetime

    Embark on an unforgettable journey across Australia and New Zealand with the Waltzing Matilda Holiday of a Lifetime. As one of Goway’s premier tours, Waltzing Matilda showcases the icons of two remarkable nations, taking you from the twin harbours of Auckland to the Outback and Uluru/Ayers Rock to the Great Barrier Reef and finally to cosmopolitan Sydney.
    Duration:
    20 Days
    Prices From:
    US$ 9,199
    Trip Type:
    Bucket List Travel Ideas, Escorted Coach Touring, Holidays of a Lifetime, Multi Country Vacation Ideas
    Australia See Trip Details

  • Best of Australia: Holiday of a Lifetime

    See the highlights of Australia in under two weeks on our fully-escort Best of Australia Holiday of a Lifetime. On this unforgettable tour, you’ll see Australia’s major urban centres like Sydney, Melbourne, and Adelaide, view unforgettable icons like the Sydney Opera House, get into the heart of the Outback with visits to Uluru/Ayers Rock and Alice Springs, and enjoy the natural beauty of the Great Barrier Reef.
    Duration:
    13 Days
    Prices From:
    US$ 5,999
    Trip Type:
    Bucket List Travel Ideas, Escorted Coach Touring, Holidays of a Lifetime, Single Friendly
    Australia See Trip Details

  • Active Sydney & Surrounds

    Get to the heart of Australia’s most famous city as you hike, bike, and venture to some of Sydney’s most iconic sites. Climb Sydney Harbour Bridge, hike through the Blue Mountains, enjoy a wine tasting in the Hunter Valley, and surf at Bondi Beach for an Australian vacation you’ll never forget.
    Duration:
    8 Days
    Prices From:
    US$ 1,342
    Trip Type:
    Active & Adventurous, Stopovers/City Breaks, Tailor-made Travel Ideas
    Australia See Trip Details

  • Aussie Adventure

    Explore the best of Australia combining the excitement of snorkeling on the Great Barrier Reef with visits to the Crocodile Hunter’s Australia Zoo and the amazing Blue Mountains. An ideal family vacation.
    Duration:
    11 Days
    Prices:
    On request
    Trip Type:
    Family Vacations
    Australia See Trip Details

  • Aussie Kiwi Explorer

    An adventure to keep the kids amused while the grown-ups enjoy the ultimate Downunder holiday.
    Duration:
    11 Days
    Prices:
    On request
    Trip Type:
    Classics (Bestsellers), Family Vacations
    New Zealand See Trip Details

  • Aussie Sampler

    With kids in mind, this introduction to Australia visits historic Sydney and the Gold Coast. It even includes a trip to the Crocodile Hunter’s Australia Zoo.
    Duration:
    9 Days
    Prices:
    On request
    Trip Type:
    Family Vacations
    Australia See Trip Details

  • Aussie Sampler with Red Centre Highlights

    Discover the natural magic of Australia’s Red Centre in between visits to three of the country’s most popular cities. Start in Sydney, where you can see the Sydney Opera House, before connecting to the Red Centre to tour Uluru/Ayers Rock. Cap off your trip with visits to Adelaide and Melbourne.
    Duration:
    14 Days
    Prices From:
    US$ 3,049
    Trip Type:
    Vacation Packages with Airfare
    Australia See Trip Details
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