Climate
Sydney’s climate is pleasantly moderate - it is rarely too hot or too cold.
Average temperature chart
Month Celsius Fahrenheit
January 19-26 66-79
February 19-26 66-79
March 17-24 63-76
April 14-22 58-72
May 11-19 52-67
June 9-16 49-61
July 9-16 49-61
August 9-17 49-63
September 11-19 52-66
October 13-19 56-72
November 16-24 61-75
December 17-25 63-77
Time zones
Australia is just to the west of the International Date Line, where the day "begins". This means that the sun rises earlier in Sydney than in most other parts of the world.
When you are in Sydney:
New York is - 15 hours behind
London is - 10 hours behind
Paris is - 9 hours behind
Moscow is 7 hours behind
Bangkok is 3 hours behind
Hong Kong is - 2 hours behind
Tokyo is - 1 hour behind
Sydney is located within Eastern Standard Time (EST), one of three time zones in Australia. EST operates in New South Wales, Australian Capital Territory and Queensland, Central Standard Time (CST) in South Australia and Northern Territory and Western Standard Time (WST) in Western Australia. CST is half an hour behind EST and WST is two hours behind EST.
Daylight saving operates during summer in New South Wales, Australian Capital Territory, Victoria and South Australia (from the end of October to the end of March) and in Tasmania (from the beginning of October to the end of March).
Please note: In 2000 Daylight saving will begin on Sunday 27 August, earlier than normal because of the Olympic Games.
Tipping Tipping is not the general custom in Australia, with the exception of fine dining restaurants where it is usual to tip food and drink waiters up to 10 per cent of the bill for good
Get your bearings
Take the lift up the 300m Centrepoint Tower for magnificent 360 degree birds-eye views of the City and beyond. Return to earth and explore the shops in the Centrepoint complex and nearby retail precincts. You’ll find everything from the latest in fashionwear and shoes to books and music. In all, this should take about half a day.
Historical hijinks
Start at Customs House, near Circular Quay, Sydney's new centre for indigenous and cultural activities, then drop into the Justice and Police Museum to find out about Sydney’s most spectacular and famous crimes. Make your way along Phillip Street to the Museum of Sydney, where you can learn about Sydney’s colonial history and Aboriginality. Next stop is Parliament House, known as the "Rum Hospital" because it was built on profits from the colonial liquor trade. A little further along Macquarie Street, you’ll find the Hyde Park Barracks where you can discover how Sydney’s convicts lived. If your time is limited select a few off this list instead.
Kids stuff
Kids and adults will love the fun hands-on exhibits at the Powerhouse Museum. Science, technology and the decorative arts are explained through fun interactive displays. Head for Darling Harbour for fish and chips or hamburgers along the promenade. While at Darling Harbour you can experience all the colour and magic of Australia’s Great Barrier Reef at the Sydney Aquarium. This remarkable collection of aquatic species includes beautiful live coral and tropical fish, enormous sharks and fearsome crocodiles, delicate fairy penguins and the rarely seen Australian platypus.
Shopping walk
Sydney City offers shopping of a world-class standard, from designer labels to great bargains. The shopping precinct encompasses Elizabeth, Castlereagh, Pitt, George, King and Hunter Streets including Pitt Street Mall. From designer labels to bargains and more, why not take our shopping walk to explore the best shopping Sydney has to offer.
Virtual fun
Visit the past, present and future at Sega World - Australia’s first indoor theme park. Try the latest in high-tech interactive games, take a virtually reality ride and revisit old favourites such as the roller coaster and haunted house. Head to the amazing IMAX theatre for the ultimate film experience. From the comfort of your seat, take in special three dimensional (3-D) films on the world’s biggest movie screen.
Explore The Rocks
Wander through The Rocks, the site of Sydney’s first settlement. Explore the maze of cobbled lanes and beautifully restored buildings and stop of for refreshments along the way. Finish the day by climbing one of the world’s great icons, the Sydney Harbour Bridge.
Food with a view
Head to Circular Quay or the Rocks for the quintessential Sydney experience - a leisurely meal with spectacular harbour views. Walk off the calories with a stroll around the Opera House promenade and on to the Royal Botanic Gardens.
Wet weather plan
Catch up on culture at some of Sydney’s unique museums and galleries. The Australian Museum, the Art Gallery of New South Wales and the Museum of Sydney - all within easy walking distance of each other - are filled with changing and permanent exhibitions that will keep you thoroughly entertained. Rest your legs and regain your energy with a snack at one of the museum or gallery cafes.
A night out in style
Start the evening in style at one of the City’s cocktail bars. Take in an opera, ballet or a play then enjoy supper at one of the many fine dining restaurants located around Circular Quay and the Rocks.
A night out on the town
Sydney’s historical precinct, the Rocks features some of the oldest pubs in the country. Meet up with friends for drinks for a great kick start to your evening. Time for dinner? You can either stay in the Rocks for pub grub or pizza or head to Chinatown for some terrific taste sensations. Late in the evening why not check out some of the City’s nightclubs and bars or even the casino.
Sydney City is a great place to dine. From intimate cafes to fine dining restaurants that compete with the world's finest, you will find a feast of culinary delights, both authentically Australian and from all around the globe.
There's plenty of choice at Grace Bros: Cantinetta, an Italian-style café; Newsbar a licensed bistro; Bitter Sweet for snacks and pastries and fine dining with a full à la carte menu at the licensed Grace restaurant.
Under Grace Bros at Sydney Central Plaza you will find the ever popular international food court Cornucopia.
At David Jones, the fully licensed Park Terrace Restaurant in the Elizabeth Street Store serves morning teas and à la carte lunches. In the Market Street Store gourmet Food Hall you will find the Oyster Bar and Coffee Bar.
In the Queen Victoria Building, enjoy coffees, lunches, snacks and drinks in the many cafes; or try the lower ground level for a wide range of tantalising takeaways.
Chifley Plaza has an array of cafés and well as award winning fine dining restaurants Forty One and Matsukaze Japanese Restaurant.
MLC Centre is renowned for its al fresco dining and range of food. With cafés, a bar, food court and the Criterion and Martini restaurants, there's something for everyone.
Visit the Piccadilly food court or Salad Bar with unlimited lunch for $10. La Picadelle Café on the ground floor serves breakfasts, lunches and dinners.
Enjoy a drink or meal under the skylight in Skygarden at Moonshadow Restaurant or visit the many cafes such as Illi Caffe and Caffe Zucconi.
Mid City Centre's food court offers all kinds of food, while the cafes such as Amico Café and Palms Restaurant offer lunches, snacks and coffees.
The Strand Arcade has some really great espresso bars and an increasingly popular Japanese restaurant Ichi Ban Boshi.
Centrepoint has an unlimited choice of great food and intimate cafés.
At Gowings Wynyard Store, visit one of Sydney's best kept secrets and enjoy rooftop dining at the Boomerang Restaurant which serves a modern Australian menu throughout the day.
McDonalds restaurants can be found at 12 city locations
Darling Harbour
A short walk from the city centre, this popular waterfront tourist attraction is great fun for people of all ages.