Vacation rentals in Sydney

Australia’s oldest and biggest city, Sydney spreads out from the shores of a beautiful deep-water harbour. The city center is dominated by the world-famous Sydney Opera House, which sits across from the striking Sydney Harbour Bridge at the edge of the financial district. To the east, affluent neighborhoods stretch along the inner harbor to a coastline studded with pretty beaches, including iconic Bondi Beach. There’s plenty to discover wherever you go in the city, from the hip neighborhoods of Surry Hills and Darlinghurst, on the fringe of the city center, to the fashionable enclaves of Paddington and Woollahra further east and the lively Inner West. Venture out of the inner city to explore diverse neighborhoods across the Greater Sydney area, which stretches to the foothills of the Blue Mountains to the west, north to the Hawkesbury River, and south to the Royal National Park.

In the summer months, locals and visitors on holiday alike flock to cafe courtyards, rooftop restaurants, and beer gardens. And of course they head to the beach in droves. The Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras parade on the first Saturday in March marks the end of summer and a drop in humidity. Cooler temperatures make autumn ideal for booking one of the city’s apartments and exploring the stunning coastline, with humpback whales migrating north from May to August. Sydney is bathed in sunlight almost all year round, so winters are relatively mild, but it can be rainy, especially in June and July. Spring is a great time to visit, with warm days and crisp nights from September.

Sydney Harbour cruise

Sydney’s blue-water harbour dominates the city, with lively neighborhoods, leafy parks, and marinas lining the waterfront. Take the 30-minute public ferry ride from Circular Quay, next to Sydney Opera House in the city center, to Manly for a great introduction to the harbour. Join a cruise, charter a skippered motor boat to explore hidden beaches, or flit in a water taxi between waterside restaurants and attractions.

Find a perfect beach

Just as spectacular as the harbour, Sydney’s northern and eastern coastlines are lined with sandy beaches and charming neighborhoods. In the east, Bondi is the most famous of Sydney’s city beaches, with a thriving wellness scene, while neighboring Bronte and Coogee have smaller stretches of sand and a more laid-back vibe. From the harbor’s North Head, a string of surf beaches and coastal hiking trails run north from Manly to Palm Beach.

Visit the Inner West neighborhoods

Discover Sydney’s eclectic side in the Inner West, a series of neighborhoods within a 20-minute drive of the city center that are popular with students, hipsters, and the LGBTQ+ community. Browse vintage and upcycled fashion before choosing from global cuisines in Newtown and neighboring Enmore; check out the craft breweries and Vietnamese and Greek restaurants of Marrickville; or browse the Saturday flea market in Glebe.