Backpacking Sydney

Sydney Highlights

About Sydney

Population 4.5 million

Sydney, it's spectacular, it's exciting, it's fast-paced, it's vibrant and is definitely one of the most beautiful cities in the world.

Sydney is Australia's largest city and is the Capital of the State of New South Wales. The city is the gateway for most people visiting the country, including several hundred thousand backpackers who come here each year.

Sydney has some of the world's most famous landmarks, like the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Opera House. It also has one of the most spectacular and beautiful harbours and some of the most stunning and famous beaches anywhere on this planet.

The city has so much else to offer. It has a fantastic cafe scene, including some of the best coffee you will ever find. There is such a diversity of food available, where you can experience the taste of literally every country on this planet, in places ranging from small family owned eateries, to the most award winning restaurants in the world.

If you like to shop, there are so many opportunities for you. There are unique markets, major shopping centres, pedestrian malls and shopping strips scattered right throughout the city. You will find amazing fashions, the finest local produce and fairly much anything else you could desire.

Sydney is also known as the party capital of Australia, with many great nightclubs, bars, pubs, dance parties, live music venues and major music festivals worth visiting or attending. In addition to this, there are always plenty of cultural activities, major events and other festivals occurring right throughout the year. You never need to spend a night at home, unless you want to.

Sydney is a very culturally diverse place and you can find pockets of so many nationalities scattered around the city. Some of the most popular areas include China Town in Haymarket, or Little Italy in Leichhardt.

Although this is a fairly young city in world standards (just over 200 years old), it still has a fascinating history and exploring The Rocks area is one of the best places to gain an understanding about this.

The year 2000 was a monumentus year for Sydney, as it was the host to one of the most successful Olympic Games ever. You can head out to the former Olympics site at Homebush Bay, and see where it all happened.

If you want to escape the city for a moment, you don't need to go too far. There are several beautiful and spectacular national parks scattered throughout the city, even as close as on the shores of Sydney Harbour. Sydney also has some of the loveliest parks and gardens you will find anywhere and most are located right in the heart of the city and along the foreshore of Sydney Harbour and adjoining waterways.

There is no shortage of things to do here. You can partake in some full-on adrenaline activities like skydiving, jet boating, stunt driving courses, climbing the massive Sydney Harbour Bridge, surfing at some of the best surfing spots in Australia, or go diving with sharks. You could also go on a whale watching cruise, sea kayak around the beautiful harbour, learn to surf, see some of our local wildlife, take a self guided walk to explore the city, or learn about Sydney's culture and heritage in one of the many museums and galleries. There is so much to do and see you could spend weeks trying to cover it all.

The people also make Sydney what it is; Sydneysiders are very friendly people and are renowned for their open mindedness. So come and see what it is all about for yourself, you won't be disappointed.

For a comprehensive listing of sights and activities to do in and around Sydney, visit the Sydney things to do section of this website. If you are looking for somewhere to stay, check out the Sydney backpacker hostels and budget accommodation section. You can even book your accommodation online for most of these places.

Popular regions of Sydney