Sydney has always been a backpackers favourite and the selection of budget accommodation reflects this. If you want a step up from a hostel but don’t want to pay the big prices then you could do worse than the Woolbrokers Hotel. Right next to Darling Harbour this hotel has a great location. The attractive building has clean comfortable but basic rooms for an excellent price.

At the other end of the scale is the impressive Park Hyatt Sydney, this amazing five star building faces Sydney Harbour with views out across to the the Opera House. The cost is worth it for the views alone, but you also get fantastic service and all the luxury you would associate with a hotel of this standard. Recent refurbishments have created a modern Asian feel that looks and makes you feel like a million dollars.

Sydney is a modern cosmopolitan city and the cuisine reflects this, the choice of modern international restaurants is immense. There are some more traditional eateries though. For good hearty Australian fare try one of the many quality steakhouses such as Ribs ‘n’ Rump or Hogs Breath. Well known throughout the city they sell large tasty dishes at good prices.

Sydney is of course a harbour so you should try at least one of the cities great seafood restaurants. Nicks Seafood at Darling Harbour is a young vibrant and noisy restaurant with a feel good factor. Well cooked seafood and fish dominate the well thought out menu.Japanese food is popular in Sydney with Japanese restaurants plentiful. For tranquillity head to Ju Ju Japanese Tavern at Kings Cross, the city outside may be busy and loud but inside is a haven of peace and calm. The menu is understated with the food once ordered arriving with the look of a piece of art with an exquisite taste to match.

Sydney is a city of unexpected culture, spend time discovering the fascinating history of one of the worlds oldest societies. Australia Museum holds amazing Aboriginal artefacts that are as interesting as they are rare. Visit the Botanical gardens and take a guided tour with a native tour guide. Your Aboriginal guide will explain to you how the native plants were used as food or medicines by their ancient ancestors.

Head out of the city into the wide open spaces, marvel at the rugged landscapes, the amazing wildlife and the beautiful flora. The Royal national Park to the south of the city is perfect for a hike or even for the braver a night camping out.

No visit to Sydney is complete without a visit to the Sydney Opera House, instantly recognisable, this building is a designated world heritage site. Tours are available during the day and with a full program of performances planned throughout the year there is always an evening show that will appeal.

Winter in the northern hemisphere is the summertime in Sydney making this a popular destination during this peak travel period. The feeling of festivity around Christmas time and New Year is exciting and the result of this is an increase in pricing.

With 340 days of sun a year, your travel options are not limited to the Australian summer period, travel in spring or autumn when prices have dropped but the weather is still glorious. Even the Australian winter at it’s height in July rarely has temperatures that fall below 41F. Snow has been unheard of since 1836 making Sydney the right place to visit at any time of year.