Sydney is a haven for Backpackers.
There will never be a dull moment with Sydney’s variety of culture, nightlife, and scenery, whatever your budget.
Sydney’s consistently good weather, fabulous surf on Bondi and Manly and the beautiful Harbour to explore.
It is easy to see why backpackers come here and why they stay.
The central point of Sydney, Circular Quay, is the perfect spot to begin your travels around the city.
Circular Quay is where the city’s attractions meet the Harbour’s beauty.
Sydney has loads of places that will, in time, become the highlights of your stay.
We are starting with the pristine views of the Harbour from Circular Quay. You could sit in one of the many harbourside cafés and watch the day slowly turn into night.
But you would, of course, be missing out.
A short 400m walk to the east around the Quay is an incredible architectural monument, a must-see for all backpackers,
The Sydney Opera House.
Tours around the building offer insight and appreciation into how incredible a feat this building is if you’re a fan of the performing arts with over 40 live shows a week.
Add Vivid Sydney as a highlight from 27 May to 28 June 2022, not to be missed.
Royal Botanical Gardens
A continued trek to the east around the Harbour’s edge leads you to the Royal Botanic Gardens.
A place full of incredible flora and fauna, a walk through the Gardens is as good as any in Sydney.
On a beautiful sunny day, locals and travellers alike will take in the sun amongst the ancient trees and, yes, soak in the views of the Harbour.
Sydney is a must-do while in Australia.
Bars
Keen for a refreshment after the long walks? Or a little parched from relaxing in the sun?
Why not head over to The Rocks, Sydney’s famed area full of old colonial buildings, great laneways, markets and some of the best pubs in Sydney.
From the Hero of Waterloo to Lord Nelson and the Australian Heritage Hotel, a 95-year-old pub, you will find the pub, food and of course, the beer that is right for you.
Pub Crawl, anybody?
But there is just one more thing you have to do before continuing your night of drinking on the town and the inevitable trip to the Kings Cross area.
Then you must check out the Sydney Harbour Bridge at dusk, right as the sun falls beyond the horizon.
Whether the entire hike to the top of the famed bridge is within your drinking backpacker budget or not, there are many ways to view the Harbour from its spiritual centre.
Things to do
Next, walking across the bridge is free and offers some incredible panoramic views of the Harbour.
But to have the whole experience, one must make the trek to its highest point to take in views into the far off waters of the Pacific and down the river to Parramatta.
It is priceless at any time of the day, but when the sun falls and the horizon turns into a mix of bright orange and red, it is a fantastic experience.
Ok, so you’ve just completed the Harbour Bridge climb, and you’re a little excited and ready to put that pent up adrenalin to good use and hit the nightlife.
Kings Cross
There are plenty of choices, you could even head back to ‘The Rocks’, but no, the real party is at Potts Point and Kings Cross.
Highlighted by Soho Bar, Hugo’s Lounge and Arq, well known on the gay scene, there is a massive array of options that will leave your legs heavy and you craving a greasy late-night cheeseburger.
Hangover’s suck, I know, but that is just the backpackers’ way and the best way to cure it and have an excellent time is not to curl up and drink heaps of water. Check out the plethora of beaches that cover the coast outside the CBD.
Life’s a beach
Bondi Beach is only fifteen minutes from the city, a beach with fantastic surf and an even better atmosphere.
The Bondi to Coogee Beach coastal walk is a great way to spend the afternoon if you’re up for it.
One other beach that provides both the obvious in fantastic surf and a great party scene as the evening comes around is Manly Beach,
Next, hop on a ferry from Circular Quay to Manly and soak in the harbour views.
Then walk along the Manly Corso on your way to the beach. Keep an eye out for the Steyne Hotel, a great place to check out as the beach quiets down and day turns to night.
Attractions
Fantastic attractions include the Sydney Aquarium, Taronga Zoo and The Tower Sky Walk.
Most things are within walking distance or a fun ferry ride away. Making ticking stuff off your Sydney Bucket List will be a breeze.
Just out of town is the Hunter Valley, one of the best wine regions in Australia.
After head to the Blue Mountains for great day trips to recharge.
Next, head to Brisbane and Cairns to see the Great Barrier Reef.