{{This post might contain affiliate links. If you use any of these links to buy a product, I will earn a small commission at no additional cost to you}}. Read my full disclosure for more details.

 

The Ultimate Sydney Travel Guide: Australia on a Budget is all you need to plan your first budget travel to this beautiful city. I always wanted to visit it as I learned about this amazing city from the school books, but since it is so far away it seemed like an unreachable destination to me. But, all dreams should come true, so I decided this was the time to go since they lifted all Covid restrictions and it was my birthday month. I thought why don’t I make it such a great gift to myself?!

 

If you have never been to this city yet, you need to be aware of the high ticket prices which are less likely to ever go down. But, you can still see Sydney on a budget if you follow the tips I mentioned above.

The cheapest price I could find was $1000 from LA with Fiji Airlines with a layover in Nada. I got so excited as I was saving $300-400 for my tickets. So tickets were bought and I was ready to fly soon, but I learned a couple of days before that they still had some COVID restrictions and I was not qualified for flying, so I had to figure out another plan and buy new tickets 2 days before my trip, which cost me a bit more, but it was worth it. I bought new tickets with United and this time was finally ready for my trip.

 

So do not forget to triple-check the country requirements you are flying to or if you have a layover somewhere else.

 

Read more about the cost of travel to Sydney, Australia, the best Sydney tips, and more.

 

What to Do Before Going to Sydney

1. Book all activities in advance (such as tours, opera performances, etc) as everything is sold out very quickly
2. Bring sunscreen with a high SPF coverage
3. Bring the adapter
4. Bring the lock for your lockers if you are staying in a hostel
5. Bring a wireless CC card so you can use it on the transport instead of buying the transport Opal card
6. Bring a hat and sunglasses
7. Buy travel insurance

Did you know that they drive on the left side and not the right side of the road as you used to? :).

The Ultimate Sydney Travel Guide: Australia on a Budget

How to Navigate Around Sydney

Sydney has a good transportation system and you can use a bus, tram, metro, or ferry to almost any destination you need to travel to. Learn more about the prices for each type here.

Read more about public transport in Sydney, here.

Where to Stay in Sydney

Here is the list of the best neighborhoods in Sydney

City Center (CBD): Sydney CBD is a very popular area in Sydney where you can find a lot of restaurants, cafes, stores, and more. The center is also very walkable, but if you need to use transport you can easily find it there as well.

 

Paddington: Paddington is a pretty suburb where you can see the jacaranda trees’ purple flowers bloom if you visit in October or November. Paddington also offers a perfect choice of boutiques, shops, cafes, and bars. Oxford Street offers the best shopping. Don’t skip the Paddington Markets on Saturday mornings where you can find various products from locals!

 

Darling Harbour: Just within a short walking distance from the center you can have the water dining experience, explore scenic views, have a cultural experience, the aquarium, Madam Tussauds, and more. It has all to offer for every taste and budget.

 

The Rocks: Home to the amazing Sydney Harbour Bridge, the Rocks can’t be missed. The Rocks is the oldest surviving neighborhood in Sydney. At the Rocks, you can find cute old pubs and cafes, weekend markets, enjoy contemporary art, and cute narrow streets, and buildings.

 

Kings Cross: Known as a “Red Light District”, offers a host of activities and attractions, including lively bars, restaurants, clubs, and cafes.

 

For budget travelers the best option is hostels. They tend to be a bit cheaper and more fun actually. There are many hostels in Sydney located in good neighborhoods that offer good perks, but they need to be booked in advance. I stayed at Wake Up Sydney. This hostel is located in a nice area that is very safe and walkable. Lots of places to eat near, grocery stores, etc. So my stay was pretty good.

 

Some other hostel options for you are:

1.The Pacific House

2.Sydney Harbour YHA

3.The Downing Hostel

 

Prefer to stay in Hotels, here are some recommendations as well:

1. Radisson Blue Plaza Sydney

2. A by Adina Sydney

3. Little national hotel

Best Things to Do in Sydney

1. Explore the CBD area

Central Sydney is the main commercial hub and a very historic place where are a lot going on in the city. This is the part of Sydney where you can find lots of cafes, restaurants, shopping, sightseeing, and more.

2. Go See a Sydney Opera Performance and/or Take an Opera Tour

3. Walk on the Sydney Harbour Bridge

Enjoy the  1.5 km walk that offers panoramic views of Sydney Harbour, Circular Quay, the Opera House, and Kirribilli. Keep in mind that the wind can be very strong and the car noise pretty loud, but this should not stop you. On the way back you can take a ferry back to the Bay which is a quick 10-15 min ride.

4. Join a Free Walking Tour in Sydney

5. Wander Around the Queen Victoria Building and Check the Mall Itself

It occupies an entire block on Sydney’s George Street and is a five-level boutique shopping center in the heart of Sydney’s CBD.

6. Go for a Walk on Bondi Beach

 

Walk on the beach line to explore the nearest beaches. Get some sun tan. All the beaches in Sydney are easily accessed via public transportation or car and there are tons of restaurants and shops near. There’s also a coastal walk connecting the beaches. During the weekend expect to see plenty of people on the beach, so to avoid a crowd it is always better to visit during the week. Some of the most popular beaches are Coogee, Bondi (the most popular), Dee Why, Manly, Bronte, and Palm.

7. Enjoy Night Views in Circular Quay on the bench by the Opera house or have a drink at the Opera bar,  listen to live music and DJs most nights.

8. Like Attractions? Check Sydney Lunapark

Lunaprk is located on the water near the Harbour Bridge and is considered the most iconic amusement park & tourist destination. It is easily accessible by ferry as the station is located right there.

9. Take a Ferry Ride and Enjoy the Water Views

You can take a ferry to almost any destination. From the main hub of Circular Quay to west up the Parramatta River, north to Manly, and far east to Watsons Bay. A one-way ticket will cost you a minimum of $7, depending on the distance.

10. Want to See the Best View of Sydney From Up High? Have a drink at the famous highest bar 83 located in Sydney Tower Eye.

11. Take a Swim at Bronte Baths

Don’t miss the opportunity to swim in the famous Bronte baths located on Bronte Beach. The entrance is free, making it popular and crowded during the day.

12. Go to the Sydney Observatory Hill to See a Beautiful View of the Harbor

Perfect spot for selfies, for a couple, to have some alone time and watch the sunset or have a picnic, or just for everyone to simply enjoy the beautiful city views.

13. Want to Eat Fresh Fruits and Vegetables? or buy local crafts?

Sydney offers a vast variety of fresh fruits and vegetables. Find the farmer’s markets, get some delicious natural sweets, and get the best deals on the items you like.

14. See the Blue Mountains

Which is known for breathtaking scenery, cliffs, beautiful eucalyptus forests, waterfalls, and more. You can find many weekend markets that are full of fresh food, flowers, vegetables, and local craft items. Some of the famous markets are the Carriage Farmers Market, the Kirribilli Art, design, and Fashion Market, the Rocks Market, and the Paddington Market.

15. Visit the Rocks

Enjoy a beautiful walk in the historic Sydney neighborhood where you have the best shopping and dining experience and enjoy the beautiful scenery along the way.

 

Read more about FREE things to do in Sydney, here.

What to Eat in Sydney on a Budget

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

If you go to restaurants, the food prices can be insane, but there are many alternatives. For example, I discovered the sushi hub spots which are located around the city. The sushi is very fresh and costs almost nothing. For $7 I was able to get 3 different sets of sushi which at least would cost me $20 in the US with tips. Not bad right?

 

Want something sweet? Sure. Instead of spending a big buck on the restaurant dessert, buy various Japanese macaroons at the grocery stores. I never ate such delicious macaroons in my life, so I definitely recommend you try them if you have a sweet tooth. Or try the plain chocolate timtam or donuts. They are also yummy.

 

On a hot day, it is very nice to cool down with some tasty ice cream or frozen yogurt which you can also find around the city. So based on your taste and preferences, buy a scoop or two, sit, and enjoy your time there.

 

Sydney Trip Cost (4-days)

1. Round-trip tickets from LA to Sydney – Melbourne to LA -$1441 with United Airlines
2. Trip from Chicago to LA and from LA to Chicago (in case you are from Chicago) – $200
3. Sydney hostel for 4 days – $222
4. SIM card-$20
5. Transport ~$20
6. Food ~100

Total: ~$2000

Best Sydney Tips

1. Never forget to tap OFF once you get off public transport. Otherwise, you will be charged the maximum for the trip.
2. Make sure to wear sunscreen with the highest SPF protection and re-apply every 2 hours as the sun in Sydney is very hot.
3. They take CC on the markets, so don’t worry if you have no cash.
4. Do not buy a SIM card at the airport. Instead, buy it in the local grocery store as the price will be cheaper, and all in all, you get a better deal.
5. Take a bus from the airport. It will get you to the city center.
6. You might be asked to enter the phone number to use WI-FI at the airport. Just Google it if you do not have one. They won’t be sending the confirmation code, so it will work in any case.

Final Thoughts

Sydney is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Australia and a destination you will remember forever. Despite being an expensive city overall, it is not overpriced.  You can easily enjoy Sydney on a budget and still have a great experience without breaking the bank.  There are many free and cheap things to do that you can try. Sydney (New South Wales)  has it all for you from beautiful beaches, great activities, sights, things to see, and more for all of the visitors to Sydney.  

 

I hope this Ultimate Sydney Travel Guide will help you to plan your trip. Thank you for stopping by and happy travel.

 

Pin it for later