Sydney is a booming coastal metropolis with gorgeous beaches, fun nightlife, and beautiful weather! With yearly temperatures rarely creeping higher than 90 degrees Fahrenheit or dipping lower than the mid-forties, this city offers a relatively moderate climate that allows visitors to get out and enjoy all that it has to offer at any time of the year.
Below you will find a list of our packing recommendations for Sydney, as well as what to wear and what NOT to bring on your trip as well!
From your passport to your vaccination card, this organizer makes keeping all of your documents and cards in one place easier than ever. Instead of having to rummage around your bags every time you need your ID or credit card, this hanging neck wallet allows you to quickly and easily access anything that you could need on the fly. It is available in six different colors and allows for easy organization while you explore Sydney.
Sydney is a fantastic walking city and it can also be very warm! A backpack or large purse is not always the ideal setup because of this. Instead we recommend a small day pack that fits your essentials in order to keep things light and easy to access. This one is available in 12 awesome colors and is perfect for a walk along the harbor.
Every country has its own power plug and coming prepared for this will save you time and hassle when you need to charge your electronic devices in a new country. This Universal Adapter is an awesome one-time investment for not only your charging needs in Sydney but also on any future trips you may take to New Zealand as well.
When you find yourself on the beaches of Sydney, which you inevitably will because they are everywhere, it is important to not only be able to capture memories there, but to protect your phone from the ocean water as well! Check out this waterproof phone case as a great option to let your friends know what you are up to without getting sand in your phone.
One of the best parts about Sydney is that it is located right on some of the best beaches in the world. From Narrabeen to Bondi it is easy to throw a couple hours of swimming into the middle of your day without missing a beat. This quick-dry towel is an essential to have on hand so that you can dry off easily and keep the things in your bag from getting damp from the ocean water.
This floating wrist strap is great if you are trying to get some underwater shots. Many of the beaches surrounding Sydney have fantastic snorkeling with lots of underwater sea life you will want to capture. This floating wrist strap will ensure that there are no phone casualties while you do it!
Nothing is worse than arriving at your destination with a pile of disorganized and wrinkled clothes. Use these packing cubes to help you keep your suitcase nice and organized so that finding all of the things you need is easy and painless. These cubes are great for keeping socks, underwear, and other clothing items easy to find. They also are an awesome place to throw your dirties to keep them from stinking up your other clothes!
Toiletries are an essential part of life and a must have for trips of all kinds. The best way to not only stay organized as you travel, but once you get to your destination as well, is by using a hanging toiletry bag. This allows you to keep your bathroom space clean and also have everything you could need in one spot.
Australia is far away from well, almost everywhere! The flight is very long, especially from the United States and at some point you are very likely to sleep on it. A travel pillow, sleeping mask, and ear plugs will help you to do this comfortably even if you are stuck in economy!
Sydney is best seen on foot and by bus and there are very few chances to charge your phone once you are out and about. By bringing a portable charger with you it will help you to be able to stay in touch with your group and record the best moments of your trip without worrying about conserving your battery.
Australians love to kick back, take it easy, and have a good time. With beaches abound there will be many opportunities for a nice picnic by the beach or swim in a lagoon. Bring a portable speaker to help set the mood of your happy day at the beach. These are also fantastic when you are at your hotel or Airbnb and want to get pumped for your day on the town.
Unfortunately, accidents happen, luggage gets lost, and sometimes flights get delayed and you have to reschedule your trip entirely. This can cost thousands of dollars if you are not prepared. By getting travel insurance for your trip you can rest easy knowing that any bumps you may encounter will be reimbursed or taken care of for you. We use TravelInsurance.com to compare policies from the top companies and find one that best fits our family and travel plans.
Some things we simply don’t want to get wet. Whether that is your nice camera, your purse, your phone, or your change of clothes, having a dry and waterproof space to store your essentials in is a must-have for any trip to Sydney. As we have said before, you are bound to find yourself in the water at some point on your trip, and protecting the things that are important is a must. We recommend this awesome dry bag for just that!
Try as one might, the sun in Australia is STRONG. There is a very likely chance that even with good sunscreen you will end up a little crispier than you intended. Having Aloe Vera on hand is a great way to plan ahead in case this happens. We recommend a travel size one so that you can make it through TSA easily in the case it ends up in your carry-on.
Every country is allowed different access to different content and websites around the world. By having your own VPN you are able to access anything from anywhere without restrictions or difficulty. This also protects your personal information from anyone who may try to access your personal information via a public and unprotected network.
Protecting yourself from unpredictable elements is an essential part of traveling. Whether the wind kicks up or the sun is beating down more than you planned, this travel umbrella is a great portable way to help shield you from anything unexpected. It is small and lightweight so that it doesn’t add unnecessary bulk to your packing.
Sydney is a city of sun! The temperature in Sydney ranges from mild warm winters to very hot and sunny summers. With the constant sun and heat it is great to have a cooling resource when you find yourself exploring the city instead of relaxing on the beach. This cooling towel helps you to find heat relief anywhere you are and is lightweight and portable.
Because of this, you will want to plan for an overall warmer vacation with lighter-weight clothing and materials that are breathable and lightweight. Linen pants, lighter tops, and a good sun hat are great for the city and will protect you from the hot Australian sun.
The general dress code for the city is casual because so many people are going to and from the beach and then back into the city to do other things. This makes beachwear with coverups acceptable for a daily outfit around town.
The evenings can cool off some and a nice light jacket or pair of loose-fitting pants can be a good option once nightfall comes.
Below is a sample women’s clothing list.(All items link to Amazon.com for your convenience).
The best women’s clothing for Sydney is going to be anything that is light and comfortable. As mentioned before, this is a great walking city and so you will want to wear things that are light and breathable as the city tends to remain on the warmer side. We suggest a sundress or some nice linen pants with a tank top, coupled with some comfortable sandals. The best accessories for this sunny city will be sunglasses and a sun hat.
Below is a sample men’s clothing list.(All items link to Amazon.com for your convenience).
For men’s packing, we suggest going on the lighter side as well. Lighter shorts and a t-shirt or a two-piece linen set are great options for a trip to Sydney. A lighter backpack for essentials like a water bottle, camera, or maybe a spontaneous swimsuit, are also a smart option to bring along with you. Don’t forget a nice hat and sunglasses to complete this look!
Fall is considered to be the mildest time of the year. There is much less humidity and the temperatures are more crisp and enjoyable for a day out and about. The evening may call for a jacket or some lighter-weight pants as temperatures are known to dip down into the 50’s.
Spring is when temperatures will start to rise again but will not be quite as warm and humid as they get in the summer. This is a great time to visit if you are wanting warmer weather but less of the sticky humid heat. Packing for this time should be more along the lines of a summer wardrobe with a light jacket or wrap for the evenings. Average temperatures of this time are generally low 50’s to high 70’s Fahrenheit.
Exploring the City: Sydney is really cool because not only is it an awesome walking city, but many parts of town are reached by an awesome boat transportation system that they have in place. Take a jaunt across the harbor to explore a new neighborhood or get incredible views of the famous Sydney Opera House and Skyline. The best way to dress for a day like this is some light pants, comfortable shoes, and a good hat to protect you from the sun.
Taking a Boat Ride or Tour: There are many fun boat tours that leave out of Sydney and the surrounding area. Whether you want to booze cruise or whale watch, there is something for everyone. Depending on the time of year will determine how you dress for this one. If it is warmer, then summer clothes and a swimsuit will be in order, and if it is a cooler time of year it’s smart to bring along a jacket in case the wind kicks up.
Visiting the Blue Mountains: A day trip to the incredible Blue Mountains is a must. This can be done by taking the train, renting a car, or using the public transportation system in Sydney. It can be a bit cooler out here, even in the summer, because the elevation is higher. We suggest bringing a light jacket on this trip, but in general, the appropriate clothing for the season you are visiting should be comfortable.
Although Sydney is considered to be a safer city, it is still a city. To avoid any petty theft or loss of things that are important to you, bring copies of your passport and leave your actual passport locked up at the hotel. Avoid any expensive watches or jewelry that could make you a target.
Snorkeling and diving gear are bulky and cumbersome. Lugging either of these all the way down to Australia will be much more trouble than it is worth. Rentals will be available in all beachy and diving areas.
Even at its coldest, Sydney is still pretty warm. Heavy winter coats or shoes will pretty much never be needed and just take up space in your luggage.
Towels are bulky and take up a lot of space in your suitcase. We suggest a lighter alternative such as a quick dry travel towel. Anywhere you stay will provide you with towels so it is only necessary to have one for the beach.
Sandals and good outdoor and water shoes are your best option for a trip to Sydney. Anything big or clunky will not only be too hot but will be a pain to lug around.
Sydney is generally a warmer place and a few lighter material outfits that are versatile are really all you need. The general fashion here is casual and so tons of expensive or bulky clothes aren’t needed.
This depends on what you are looking for. If you want a hotter vacation that is centered around spending time on the beach then you should visit between December and February to enjoy the hottest summer temperatures. The next best would be spring, which lands between September to November and offers warm but less humid weather.
Sydney has a bustling nightlife filled with lots of fun bars and restaurants, live music venues, dance clubs, and events going on constantly. The majority of these are going to be located downtown by the harbor. King Street Wharf and The Rocks are where the more upscale of these is located. King’s Cross is considered the “red light” district of this area, and Oxford Street is the hub for all things LGBTQ+.
Sydney has some of the most famous beaches in the world. These include Bondi, Manly, Shelly, Bronte, Palm, Coogee, and Freshwater beaches. Each offers a unique experience, beautiful blue water, white sand, and many memories to be had. Beware the crowds and try to visit out of peak season! If you can only go during peak season, try to go early in the morning or later in the evening when the crowds are thinner.
Visiting the Blue Mountains is a must-do when you are in Sydney. Offering gorgeous views and hikes, this area of Australia gives you a little bit of a taste of what bush life looks like without having to wander too far from the city. It’s a great way to see wild kangaroos and dingos as well.
Some great excursions to do are the Sydney walking tour, whale watching tours, a day tour to the Blue Mountains, take a tour of the famous Sydney Opera House or the Sydney Harbor Bridge, a sunset dinner cruise on the harbor, snag a Hop-On Hop-Off bus, or visit an Australian wildlife refuge. There is no shortage of exciting and unique activities in Sydney.
City Center
The center of Sydney offers a fantastic launch pad to just about any major tourist destination you would want to get to in Sydney. It is close to the harbor and is really walkable, offering access to Darling Harbor, the Botanical Gardens, The Rocks, and the ferry terminal that allows you to quickly get all over the city.
Manly
This area of town offers great beaches and a more laid-back vibe that is fantastic for a family beach trip. Out of the throng of the city, but still close enough for a daily scenic ride past the iconic opera house and harbor bridge, this area is fantastic for walking around and seeing the more suburban area of Sydney. There are awesome restaurants and great shopping located in this area as well.
North Sydney
North Sydney takes you out of the city for a quieter area that feels almost like its own little communal part of town. With fun nightlife and restaurants of its own, there is still plenty to do here. You will enjoy fantastic views of the city skyline and easy access to downtown if you want to spend time there.
This is a fantastic walking city with a great public transport system. The public transport covers not only a city-wide bus system but also a city-wide boat system that allows people to travel from one side of the city to the other by going across the harbor. Both are clean, safe, and reliable ways to see Sydney, not to mention affordable too.
