I’ve just returned from a trip to Australia, and I’d like to share with you some of my little tips for backpacking in Sydney
Getting a SIM Card and Opal Card in Sydney
- SIM Card: Upon arrival at the airport, I purchased a Lebara SIM card designed for tourists, which came with 20GB of data at a promotional price of AUD 10 instead of the usual AUD 25.
- Opal Card: To travel around Sydney using public transport (including metro, trains, buses, the Light Rail Train – LRT, and ferries), you will need an Opal Card. From the airport, you can also use your Opal Card to reach the city centre, which is far cheaper than taking a taxi. The card is available almost everywhere – supermarkets, 7-Eleven stores, or convenience shops at train stations. The card itself is free, but you must top it up with at least AUD 10 each time. It’s very cost-effective for frequent travellers, as there’s a daily cap of AUD 16.10, a weekly cap of AUD 50, and only AUD 2.80 on Sundays. Remember to tap your card both when entering and exiting, as failing to do so could result in heavy fines if checked.
- Single-Trip Opal Card: Alternatively, you can buy a single-trip ticket, but this requires queueing each time you travel.
Where to Stay in Sydney
We stayed at Nesuto Chippendale – just a 7-minute walk from Redfern Station. The location is extremely convenient, with trains, the light rail, and the metro all stopping here. It’s only one stop from Central Station and four stops from Circular Quay. Nearby, you’ll find supermarkets, shopping malls, a swimming pool, and both hot and cold water facilities.
The room was clean and quiet. We booked a one-bedroom apartment with a sofa bed, living room, kitchen, washing machine, and dryer. The only downside was that the building felt slightly dated, and housekeeping was provided only once a week, so we had to clean up ourselves.
What to Eat in Sydney
Vietnamese cuisine in Australia is incredibly diverse and delicious. During my stay, I took the opportunity to enjoy many Vietnamese dishes, especially those I couldn’t prepare in New Zealand. The only time I had an Australian dish was when I tried a mouth-watering steak with mashed potatoes for just AUD 9 at The Chippo Hotel (87-91 Abercrombie St Myrtle, Chippendale).
For Vietnamese food lovers, I highly recommend An Viet (370 Anderson St, Chatswood NSW 2067) for its fresh noodles and generous portions of meat. Even though I ordered a small bowl of phở, I couldn’t finish it.
Another must-try is bún riêu in Sydney’s Chinatown – rich in flavour and authentic in taste.
Top Places to Visit in Sydney
Sydney Harbour Bridge, Sydney Opera House, and the Royal Botanic Garden
These three landmarks are located close to each other. Simply take a train to Circular Quay, and you’ll find them right there. The Royal Botanic Garden is next to the Opera House and offers electric tram rides with guided commentary for those who prefer not to walk. Tickets cost AUD 10 per person, with departures every 30 minutes.
Bondi Beach
Famous for its stunning shoreline and perfect waves for surfing, Bondi Beach is Sydney’s most iconic beach. Unfortunately, when I visited, it wasn’t summer yet – the wind speed was around 50 km/h, and the temperature was only 13°C, so I couldn’t swim or surf.
How to get there: Take the train to Circular Quay or Bondi Junction, then catch bus 333 to the final stop.
Manly Beach
Recommended by a friend from New Zealand, Manly Beach is a must-visit in Sydney. To get there, take a ferry from Circular Quay Wharf 3 for about AUD 10 return. You can use your Opal Card, and each trip takes around 30 minutes, with departures every half hour. I had lunch at a Vietnamese restaurant here, but the food wasn’t to my taste and was a bit overpriced.
Tip: If you visit in winter, wear warm clothes – the wind on the ferry can be very chilly.
Paddy’s Market
This bustling market sells everything from fresh produce at bargain prices to clothing and souvenirs. My friend bought four T-shirts for just AUD 20. After exploring the market, walk across to Chinatown, then head to the nearby Aquarium, and continue to City Hall if you like.
From there, we returned to Wharf 3 to catch the ferry back to Circular Quay. Make sure to double-check your route – we thought we were heading back, but our ferry stopped at Cockatoo Island instead. We decided to explore it, and it turned out to be an interesting detour.
Clifton Gardens Beach
If you prefer tranquillity and fewer crowds, Clifton Gardens Beach is a hidden gem with beautiful, peaceful waters and almost no tourists.
Chowder Bay
From Wynyard Station (Carrington St, Stand A), take bus 244 to the final stop at Chowder Bay. Buses run every 1–1.5 hours. From here, you can walk to Sydney Zoo and Sydney Harbour National Park via the right-hand path from Clifton Beach, then catch a ferry back to the city – faster than taking the bus.
Extra Attractions
If you have more time, you might also visit Sydney Museum and Hyde Park, both accessible by ferry. Sydney is vast and full of attractions, and we couldn’t cover everything in five days. If you have a longer stay, you’ll have plenty more to discover.
Wishing you an amazing backpacking trip to Sydney! If you need more details, feel free to leave a comment below.
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