Book cheap flights to Sydney

To avoid crowds of tourists, high hotel rates and get decent weather conditions, visit Sydney between September and November (spring), and between March and May (autumn). These two periods are the shoulder seasons. Spring gives you the chance to enjoy Sydney’s attractions at your own pace, but since they sit just ahead of the peak tourist season of the summer (December – February), you may consider planning your visit around September and October. Events that you can look forward to during this time include the Sydney Fringe Festival (September) and Stereosonic (November). The autumn season sees the capital of New South Wales a little less populated. Temperatures during this time are descending as the winter (June – August) approaches, reaching as low as 12°C in May. Major celebrations leading into and taking place during this period include the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Festival (February – March) and the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Australia (May). The summer is the peak tourist season. With temperatures reaching the high 20s, visitors flock to this Australian destination, meaning higher accommodation and airfare costs. If you travel during this period, you can take part in exciting events such as New Year’s Eve (December) and Australia Day (January). The winter is low season in Sydney, guaranteeing you the best hotel prices and the cheapest flight tickets. If you take advantage of the deals during this period, make sure to catch highly anticipated events such as the Sydney Film Festival (June) and the Australian International Music Festival (July).

You will need a visa to enter Australia. As processing can take time, make sure you have applied and received your visa before your departure date.

See this guide on how to apply for your Australian visa.

The nearest South African High Commission is in the capital of Australia, Canberra.

Address: State Circle, Yarralumla, Canberra, ACT 2600

Phone: 61262727300

Fax: 61262733203

Get all the routine vaccinations before you depart for Australia. You may need additional vaccines and medication but that depends on what you do and where you go, when in Sydney. Diseases to watch out for include:

• Hepatitis A – Spread through contaminated food and water

• Hepatitis B – Spread through sexual contact, contaminated needles and blood products

• Japanese encephalitis – Spread through mosquito bites

• Rabies – Spread through the bites of infected animals (including bats and dogs)

There is no risk of yellow fever in the country, but the government does require proof of yellow fever vaccination if you have come from a country that has the risk of this disease.

While exploring Sydney during the day, it is relatively safe, however, be careful during the evenings. Follow these tips to ensure you have a trouble-free time in this Australian destination:

• Always lock your car.

• Keep any valuables out of sight.

• Stay alert when visiting pubs and nightclubs, as fights are known to break out.

• As some parking areas outside pubs and nightclubs are crime hotspots, make sure to get local advice before visiting.

• At night, avoid areas like King Cross, Oxford Street, George Street Cinema District and Redfern station.

• Areas around train stations in Western Sydney are usually hang-outs for youth gangs. Simply avoid engaging them, and you will be fine.

One of the best areas that provide a base for sightseeing is The Rocks, which is Sydney’s historic district, where you can enjoy wonderful harbour views, architecture, museums, galleries, stores and charming cafés. The Rocks is within walking distance of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, The Sydney Opera House and the Royal Botanic Garden. The cost of renting accommodation with one of the establishments in this area ranges from $500 to over $860.

You will have a convenient time exploring every part of Sydney, with a comprehensive public transport system that includes the bus, rail, light rail and ferry.

Taxis are available, but make sure you and the driver have agreed to a price before getting in, as most taxis do not use a meter.