Sydney

Sydney is the starting or ending point for many travellers on their Australian road trip. With iconic attractions such as the Sydney Opera House, the Harbour Bridge and Bondi Beach, it's a city you really shouldn't skip.

Despite being Australia's largest city, Sydney feels surprisingly relaxed. Within a short time you swap the impressive skyline for beautiful beaches, green parks and charming neighbourhoods. It's precisely that combination that makes Sydney one of Australia's most enjoyable cities for me.

I recommend spending at least three nights in Sydney before collecting or after dropping off your Campervan. This way you can explore the city at a relaxed pace without worrying about parking or traffic.

What makes Sydney special?

Sydney is much more than just the world-famous Opera House or the Harbour Bridge. The city sits on one of the most beautiful natural harbours in the world and combines nature, beach and city life like no other global city.

Where you might take a morning walk along spectacular cliffs or have a surf lesson at Bondi Beach, you'll enjoy lunch by the harbour in the afternoon and finish the day with a drink at a rooftop bar or a cosy restaurant in The Rocks. Thanks to the many parks, beaches and ferries, Sydney also feels surprisingly spacious and relaxed, despite being Australia's largest city.

It's precisely this variety that makes Sydney so special. Whether you love culture, great food, beaches, walking or vibrant city life, Sydney brings it all together. That makes it not only an ideal place to start or finish your Campervan trip, but also a destination where you can easily stay a few days longer.

The highlights of Sydney

Sydney Opera House & Circular Quay

The Sydney Opera House is without a doubt Australia's most famous building. Whether you're attending a performance or simply strolling along the harbour, this is a place you absolutely must see.

Right next to it is Circular Quay, where the ferries depart and street musicians create a lively atmosphere. From here you also have a magnificent view of both the Opera House and the Harbour Bridge.

Sydney Harbour Bridge

The Sydney Harbour Bridge is at least as iconic as the Opera House.

You can walk across the bridge for free to enjoy stunning views over the harbour. Looking for more adventure? Then you can take part in the famous BridgeClimb, where you climb all the way to the top of the bridge with a guide. This option is quite pricey, though.

From the Opera House, you have a magnificent view of the entire Sydney Harbour Bridge. This makes it one of the best spots to photograph the bridge in its entirety, completely free of charge.

Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk

One of the most beautiful walks in Australia is the Bondi to Coogee Walk.

This coastal walk of approximately 6 kilometres takes you along cliffs, beaches and various bays. Along the way you'll pass Bondi Beach, Tamarama Beach, Bronte Beach and Coogee Beach.

Bring your swimwear, as there are plenty of spots along the way to take a refreshing dip.

Royal Botanic Garden

Right next to the Opera House is the Royal Botanic Garden. The garden is divided into separate zones offering a mix of native and exotic plant collections, ancient trees and native wildlife.

This large city park is ideal for escaping the crowds for a while. From Mrs Macquarie's Chair you'll have perhaps the finest view of Sydney's skyline.

Alongside the impressive nature, this is also a wonderful place to spend a few hours. Walk along the well-maintained paths, learn more about the Aboriginal history of the area and finish your visit with a cup of coffee or lunch at one of the cosy cafés or restaurants.

Manly Beach

Take the ferry from Circular Quay to Manly. The crossing takes about 20 minutes and is in itself one of Sydney's most beautiful boat trips.

Once you arrive, you'll find a charming centre, beautiful beaches and a relaxed atmosphere that's completely different from the city centre. For many, Manly is Sydney's favourite area. The beach here is slightly less busy than Bondi Beach, for example, but just as enjoyable.

Surfing in Sydney

Sydney is a great place to learn to surf.

For beginners, Bondi Beach is the most popular location. Here you'll find multiple surf schools offering daily lessons. A group lesson of approximately two hours costs on average $70 to $100 AUD, including surfboard and wetsuit.

Do you already have surfing experience? Then Manly Beach, Freshwater Beach and Maroubra Beach are also popular surf spots.

Staying overnight without a Campervan in Sydney

Since most travellers pick up their Campervan later or have already dropped it off, I recommend staying in the city centre or around Darling Harbour. In a city like Sydney you'll naturally find many different types of accommodation and have plenty of choice. Below are a few recommendations:

All these accommodations are centrally located and from here you can easily reach virtually all attractions by public transport or on foot.

Overnight Parking with a Campervan in Sydney

Are you already travelling with a Campervan? Then Lane Cove River Tourist Park is without a doubt the best choice.

This campsite is located in the middle of a national park, about 20 minutes' drive from the city centre. From the campsite you can easily travel by bus and metro to Circular Quay, so you don't have to drive your Campervan through the busy city traffic.

Travelling in the summer months? Make sure you book in time so you're guaranteed a spot.

Best time to visit Sydney

Sydney is a great destination year-round thanks to its subtropical climate. Summers here are warm and winters mild. The coastal location means the weather is moderated by the ocean and extreme temperatures are less common.

Personally, I find the period from September to November and March to May the most pleasant. The temperatures are comfortable, the crowds are smaller and the weather is ideal for exploring the city.

Even in the Australian summer, Sydney is a fantastic destination. Although the beaches and most famous attractions are busier then, there's a particularly vibrant atmosphere. Terraces are packed, plenty of events are organised and the city buzzes from early morning until late at night.

How much time do you need in Sydney?

Due to the size and many attractions and activities in the city, a period of 3 nights is recommended.

This gives you enough time to visit the main highlights, walk the Bondi to Coogee Walk, take a ferry to Manly and enjoy the city at a relaxed pace.

Starting your road trip in Sydney? Then three days is ideal to recover from the long flight and adjust to the time difference. If your road trip ends in Sydney, this is the perfect place to spend a few more days relaxing before flying home.