New to Sydney?
Find all the information you need for preparing to arrive in a new city here. Simply follow the steps!
About Sydney
Explore one of the world’s Best Student Cities*
Thanks to Sydney’s large, diverse, and inclusive student community, Sydney ranks in the top 10 Best Student Cities in the world.*
As Australia’s most populous city, Sydney is always a bustling hive of activity and action. With over 300 days of sunshine every year, you can count on Sydney’s weather to make life feel easy.
There are so many things to see and do across Sydney that the hardest part is knowing where to start.
Some of Sydney’s top attractions include:
- Sydney Opera House
- Sydney Harbour Bridge
- Iconic beaches including Bondi, Manly and Coogee
- Art Gallery of New South Wales
- Museum of Contemporary Art
- The Rocks historical district
- Darling Harbour
- Sydney Tower Eye
- Taronga Zoo
Getting around
Public transport will get you where you need to go
Public transport will not only allow you to get to and from campus, but also help you explore the city and its surrounds. An extensive network of buses, trains, metro rail, light rail and ferries cover the city, with some transport running 24 hours a day.
To get started, you’ll need to purchase an Opal card - a reusable, prepaid card that is accepted on all forms of public transport. You can buy an Opal card at participating retailers including newsagents, convenience stores and supermarkets. There are also top-up machines at some train stations, light rail stops and ferry wharves.
Dining
Discover Sydney's impressive food scene
Australians love their daily coffee – and there’s no shortage of great coffee in Sydney. From urban hipster hole-in-the-walls to beautiful beachside cafes, you’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to taking a break (or a breakfast).
Beyond the cafes, Sydney’s dining scene is multicultural and equally exciting. From fine dining in the city, to trendy meals looking out onto the harbour, or simple fish and chips on the beach, there’s something for everyone.
Arts and culture
Sydney is famous for its lively arts and culture scene
The lively art and culture scene captivates both residents and visitors alike. Sydney is home to a rich tapestry of museums, galleries, theatres and music venues. From the iconic Sydney Opera House, which hosts world-class performances, to the bustling street art scene in neighbourhoods like Newtown and Surry Hills, there is something to inspire everyone.
Celebrating the cities multicultural heritage, Sydney hosts numerous cultural festivals throughout the year including Chinese New Year and Sydney Festival.
Sports and recreation
Whether you’re spectating or participating, Sydney offers an exciting array of sport and recreation opportunities.
Aussies love their sport - both playing and watching it. Sydney boasts world-class facilities for popular sports like cricket, soccer, tennis and rugby. Its iconic beaches provide the perfect backdrop for water-based activities like surfing, swimming and beach volleyball. Sydney’s picturesque parks and trails scattered throughout the city offer excellent opportunities for bushwalking, jogging, cycling and exploring nature.
At any time of year, you will always have sports to watch and play in Sydney. Sports and recreational activities are a perfect way to meet people and get involved with local culture.
Climate
Make the most of the great outdoors with warm summers and mild winters
Another great thing about Sydney - the weather!
Sydney has four seasons – summer (December to February), autumn (March to May), winter (June to August) and spring (September to November). Average temperatures range from 8°C (46°F) in winter to 26°C (79°F) in summer.