Australia, New Zealand & the South Pacific - Sydney

I saw an advertisement here on Flyertalk for a United Vacations Package from SFO-SYD with 5 nights hotel and transfers to and from the airport. I would like to go in a few weeks time and I know that winter is around the corner.

Am I nuts to visit Sydney in the winter since I want to see the sights? I don't mind the rain and if I don't get to the beach that is fine although Bondi Beach would be nice.

I just want a vacation out of the country considering the high gas prices etc. What would you do for 5 nights in Sydney? I would like to go to the opera, see Darling Harbour and the 1997 Olympic area.

Any good museums that you might suggest? Would a guided tour to the Blue Mountains in winter work?

Anything I should be aware regarding the weather? Will it be freezing?

and the 1997 Olympic area.


I'd suggest you start by doing just a tad more research on your own.^

I'd suggest you start by doing just a tad more research on your own.^

:D:D

Hi Danielonn,
Winter in Sydney is wamer than summer in San Francisco, EVERY Australian who has been to the Bay will tell you this. :D

Really, winter is just something truly experienced a fair distance from the coast.
Destinations of interest aside from the Blue Mountains will not approach the weather of even a US 'fall' season.

The local weather reporting is here at www.bom.gov.au and you will find daily and long-term forecasts as well as historical temperatures.

If you have more specific questions, I'd happily help, but in summary, Sydney is a very, very eclectic destination which can be seen with all levels of luxury or on a backpacker budget.

Just have a look around at some of the earlier discussions here, think about your budget for accommodation and what you'd like to see.

As you are considering a UA vacation, if you have any questions about the hotel options, you might get some bites if you have questions about which Holiday Inn, which Marriott, which Starwood etc etc.

Just in case you are unaware, there is a huge event happening in Sydney for a week in July and you had better plan around it - or visit at this time if you are a religious traveller. ;)

Don't forget to look at the sticky at the top of the forum, courtesy of Guy Betsy (^) if UA doesn't arrange your e-visa - which should be done free by UA anyway.

There's a bit of info here on aspects of travel to and around Sydney. ;)

I'd suggest you start by doing just a tad more research on your own.^

Sydney held the Olympics in 2000. Its not a great site (http://www.sydneyolympicpark.com.au/) to visit unless there is a sports game on you can go and see. There may be a Rugby League game on that you could go see.

There is plenty to see and do. A few things to do would be:
- Ferry ride from Circular Quay to Taronga Zoo (http://www.zoo.nsw.gov.au/taronga-zoo.aspx)
- Maritime Museum (http://www.anmm.gov.au/site/page.cfm), Darling harbor
- Powerhouse Museum (http://www.powerhousemuseum.com/)
- Trip to Blue Mountains
- ferry trip to Manly (http://www.manlyaustralia.com.au/)
- Bus tour around Sydney (http://www.sydneypass.info/sydneyexplorer/)

It will be cold but not nearly as cold as San Fran. I am sure you will have a fantastic time.

I *love* Sydney in the winter. Perhaps you can't swim at the beach, but going to Bondi, Coogee, or Manly and just hanging out and having a coffee is great. The sky over the harbour is just sooo beautiful, and there's nothing nicer than the ferry to Watsons Bay for lunch.

I *love* Sydney in the winter. Perhaps you can't swim at the beach, but going to Bondi, Coogee, or Manly and just hanging out and having a coffee is great. The sky over the harbour is just sooo beautiful, and there's nothing nicer than the ferry to Watsons Bay for lunch.

Agree Ferry to Watsons Bay (my home port) is a fantastic option. Lunch or Breakfast at swell in Bronte would be great.

Since I'll be in SYD again in August I've started perusing these forums again. Nice to know that the weather will be a little more temperate that it was back in December/January when I was there last. I never did get to go to Bondi or Manly, so I'm looking forward to grabbing a few meals there.

It's up to you but my friend who visited in August was pretty disappointed with the weather (cold and rainy). It was one of those sad "I told you so" moments.

Certainly you will find plenty of things to do in Sydney any time of year. As is true here in SF.

Are seriously considering travelling from the US to Australia for a 5-day excursion (non-mileage run)? It takes 2 days just to get across the dateline. I'd strongly recommend extending your time ...

Since I'll be in SYD again in August I've started perusing these forums again. Nice to know that the weather will be a little more temperate that it was back in December/January when I was there last. I never did get to go to Bondi or Manly, so I'm looking forward to grabbing a few meals there.

This past December/January was one of the mildest (read not so hot) summers for years ... so not sure what kind of weather you're hoping for in August!

This past December/January was one of the mildest (read not so hot) summers for years ... so not sure what kind of weather you're hoping for in August!

We were there over NYE and I would have to agree that the weather was stellar (perfect for daytime at the beach and for nightime fireworks).

Perhaps they were thinking of the record temps for NYE in Melbourne, or the heinous cyclones off Queensland that wiped out our visit to the Reef.

Climb the Bridge (http://www.bridgeclimb.com/).

One definitely should do..Will be back in Feb.09 My Fourth (4) climb.Great challenge and satisfaction.Done daytime and Nightime.

Since I'll be in SYD again in August I've started perusing these forums again. Nice to know that the weather will be a little more temperate that it was back in December/January when I was there last. I never did get to go to Bondi or Manly, so I'm looking forward to grabbing a few meals there.

Yeah, don't do what I did and only take shorts and short sleeves. I went in August of '05 and the highs were in the low 60s. I also made the mistake of going up to the Blue Mountains, while absolutely gorgeous, I froze my **** off because it was in the 30s and snowing. But farther up north, Darwin, Cairns and the like were beautiful at that time. I hear Cairns can get pretty nasty in the summer.

SYD in August is nice, but I wouldn't exactly call it warm. It's a bit like early fall/early spring here in the US.

Yeah, don't do what I did and only take shorts and short sleeves. I went in August of '05 and the highs were in the low 60s. I also made the mistake of going up to the Blue Mountains, while absolutely gorgeous, I froze my **** off because it was in the 30s and snowing. But farther up north, Darwin, Cairns and the like were beautiful at that time. I hear Cairns can get pretty nasty in the summer.

SYD in August is nice, but I wouldn't exactly call it warm. It's a bit like early fall/early spring here in the US.

Thanks for the advice. I'm spending 3 weeks mostly in South East Asia and Japan, but I'll be in Sydney for 4 days as well. Should be interesting trying to pack for all that in a carry on.

Yeah, don't do what I did and only take shorts and short sleeves. I went in August of '05 and the highs were in the low 60s. I also made the mistake of going up to the Blue Mountains, while absolutely gorgeous, I froze my **** off because it was in the 30s and snowing. OI! I live in Katoomba (see my sig) and it is WONDERFUL up here in the Blue Mountains at this time of year. (Just make sure you rug up!)

Dave

I was in Sydney last week for 4 days, I flew down to visit my sister. I took advantage of the DEQM's that United was offering. The weather was fine, it rained on 1 day but the other days were fine, in fact on my last day there we did a 2 hour walk along the beaches and stopped for a coffee in a lovely little beachside cafe. I am also flying down in August to Melbourne, which I do every year, and compared to San Francisco the weather is pretty mild.

Yeah, don't do what I did and only take shorts and short sleeves. I went in August of '05 and the highs were in the low 60s. I also made the mistake of going up to the Blue Mountains, while absolutely gorgeous, I froze my **** off because it was in the 30s and snowing. But farther up north, Darwin, Cairns and the like were beautiful at that time. I hear Cairns can get pretty nasty in the summer.

SYD in August is nice, but I wouldn't exactly call it warm. It's a bit like early fall/early spring here in the US.

I'm going to Sydney in late August and also am booking a trip to the Blue Mountains - the Breakfast with Kangaroos tour. Wondering if we should call that part of the trip off? Is it common to snow in the Blue Mountains during that time of the year and is it still a good trip if it's snowing and you're dressed accordingly?

Thanks!

I'm going to Sydney in late August and also am booking a trip to the Blue Mountains - the Breakfast with Kangaroos tour. Wondering if we should call that part of the trip off? Is it common to snow in the Blue Mountains during that time of the year and is it still a good trip if it's snowing and you're dressed accordingly?

Thanks!

Well, it was flurrying and there wasn't any accumulation. I wouldn't worry about it, long pants and a jacket and you'll be fine. It's well worth any chill you'll endure.

I'm going to Sydney in late August and also am booking a trip to the Blue Mountains - the Breakfast with Kangaroos tour. Wondering if we should call that part of the trip off? Is it common to snow in the Blue Mountains during that time of the year and is it still a good trip if it's snowing and you're dressed accordingly? You'll be fine - it does snow up here, but not enough to worry about. Just dress accordingly.

Dave

Thanks for the advice. I'm really looking forward to the Blue Mountains tour -the only downside is having to pack a heavier jacket for the one day!

Look at the www.bom.gov.au website for find historical temperatures for whatever month you visit.

Instead of bringing a large heavy jacket, you could always buy a touristy fleece top from Paddys Markets next to Chinatown for under $20. :)