A Digital Nomad Guide to Sydney

Sydney Visa

All visitors, except New Zealand residents & citizens, require a visa to enter Australia. The first visa choice of many nomads is the Tourist Visa – allowing you to 3 to 6 months in the country. The tourist visa is recommended to enter Australia and work out if it will apply to your lifestyle. Legally, you are not allowed to work in Australia on a Tourist Visa. It also can’t be used before setting up a residency.

The easiest visa to obtain in Australia is the working holiday. It is available for most passports, between the ages of 18 to 30 inclusive. If you’re lucky to be from Ireland, Canada or France, you can apply for a visa up to the age of 35. The first working holiday visa lasts 12 months.

If you end up loving Australia and wish to stay for a second year, you can obtain your second-year visa whilst in the country. The visa has the same requirements and costs as the first-year visa, however, you need to complete 3 months of farm work to be eligible. Nomads travel to the outback, spending their three months either working the fields or in rural hospitality venues. The owner of these establishments is responsible for your paperwork; once completed, you are eligible to stay another 12 months.

There are many other options for Australian visas, with varying requirements and financial costs. Australia also features a skill shortage list, where many tech and manufacturing nomads will be eligible for. To find out more information about your visa options, check with your consulate or on www.australia.com

Culture and Food in Sydney

Sydney’s culture and cuisine revolve around good weather. The city boasts some of the best weather in the country and being by the water, you are spoilt for choice on outdoor places to enjoy it.

On a nice day, Sydneysiders like to rise early and exercise. Normally this is in the form of a beach walk or gym class.  If it’s a weekend, cafes are full to the brim of active Australians, enjoying a healthy breakfast and a coffee. During the day, the beach is the most common place to socialise. Every beach is patrolled by a lifeguard and as long as you follow the rules, they are safe. Spend the day splashing in the sea, lounging on the sand, or playing beach sports. If you’re lucky, your beach will have a free public BBQ. Buy your ingredients from a supermarket and you can cook your own food. Too tired for that? Order a takeaway fish and chips. Eat it wherever you like – just remember to throw away the rubbish and keep an eye out for seagulls!

If you enjoy sport and want to play, Sydney is the right place. Sydneysiders love sport, their favourites being Rugby, Football, Cricket, Basketball & Netball. All sports in Sydney are similar – they all involve a ball, and they all are played outside. Sydney held the Olympics in 2000, and you’ll find many courts and fields scattered around the city. These places are always thriving on the weekend and some nights during the week, where the teams train. You can watch most junior league games for free, or even join up a group! Playing sport is one of the best ways to make friends in Sydney.

If you’re not a sports fan, don’t worry. Sydney has a thriving cultural community that features music, theatre, art and tourism. Entry into most museums and art galleries are around $10 – $20, with extra charges on special exhibitions. If you want to experience the amazing Opera House, you can attend an opera performance, theatre show or musical. Prices to attend these shows can be around $50 – $200 a ticket, depending on the popularity of the session and your seat choice.

Finally, if big gatherings are more of your thing, Sydney holds many diverse festivals over the year. For small films, there’s Tropfest. For the LGBT community, there’s the Mardi Gras parade. Also on the list is the Sydney festival with its many free events and talks, and larger-scale music festivals like Big Day Out and Stereosonic.

Socialising and culture here revolve around meeting up during the day. Since 2014, there has been a lockout curfew to combat nightlife violence. The last time for any place of entry is 1:30 am. In some establishments, expect to not be given attendance after 11 pm. You are welcome to stay within a venue until 3 am, after which it is ‘last call’ and you are asked to leave.

Sydney Nightlife

Sydney’s nightlife took a nosedive in the past 6 years, after the introduction of the night lockout laws. After two incidents occurred in the infamous Kings Cross nightlife spot, the NSW Premier three important rules: no alcohol sold after 10 pm, no entry to any nightlife venue after 1:30 am, and all places must close at 3 am. This was a huge change in the Sydney nightlife scene, and as a result, many iconic places closed.

In 2020, this law was revoked, however, it will take Sydney a while to adjust again. This change, plus COVID has affected hospitality even more. Many new places are afraid to open.

Many people from Sydney choose to party during the day, called ‘day sessions.’ Bars and restaurants hold live music events from 3 pm – 10 pm to battle with the time laws. At night, the areas of the Inner West like Newtown and Surry Hills are more popular. In the past, you could wander the nightclub suburb of Kings Cross, or stumble the LGBT clubs of Oxford Street into the early hours of the morning. However, with smaller suburbs now the main nightlife areas – the venues are smaller, and the nights are different.

Cocktail Bars, Themed Bars, Restaurant Bars are all common in the Inner West. On occasions, you will stumble across a large pub or student bar, sometimes with reduced prices and themed nights. Drink prices vary – local beer is around $6 for a Schooner (425ml – about 75% of a pint). Glasses of house wine are priced the same, and bottles start at $25. Mixer drinks and cocktails can cost anywhere from $8 – $18.

Getting into nightlife spots in Sydney is tricky. Despite the Sydney culture being very free and beachy during the day, at night, the rules become stricter. Check dress codes and be wary of the shoes you’re allowed to wear indoors. Many places ban hats, flip-flops, shorts on men, plus many other particular rules – like no activewear. Most places you visit in Sydney are free to enter – but if you’re watching live music or a DJ, expect a cover charge of $10 – $25.

With the curfew, as well as the clothing restrictions, many Sydneysiders start their socialising in the afternoon. If you’re meeting up with new friends in the city, you may get an invite to meet at around 4pm, when the day starts cooling down. If it’s not specified, you will simply be going to a bar. Clarify if a restaurant will be visited, otherwise, you’ll be eating a street kebab after the night ends!

Things to do in Sydney

Sydney is all about getting up and making the most of your day! With good weather most of the year, and a wide range of outdoor and indoor activities available, there’s something for every budget and every nomad.

Some free activities include:

• Go for a Walk

  With many different areas in Sydney, there’s always a walk to be found. If you prefer coastal walks, take the Bondi to Bronte or Manly Beach to Shelley Beach. If you’d like to spend some time in Sydney City, you can wander the streets of the Rocks neighbourhood and Circular Quay areas. You can even walk the harbour right up to the Opera House or walk across the lower path of the Harbour Bridge!

• Go for a Swim

  Sydney has over 100 beaches! Whenever you are, you normally have direct access to one either via buses, car or walking. Hit up some of the famous beaches like Bondi or Manly, wander to some smaller beaches, or even go for a bushwalk to find the hidden gems – like Forty Baskets in Neutral Bay. If you’re spending the day finding beaches, make sure to pack plenty of sunscreen and water. The Australian sun is no joke!

• Visit the Botanical Gardens

  The Sydney Botanical Gardens has over 30 hectares of natural fauna from Australia. It’s located in the Domain of Sydney and has views of the harbour and Opera House. Visiting the Botanical Gardens is free, as well as wandering around the floral displays. You can bring your food and enjoy a picnic or visit one of the scattered cafés around the area. The Botanical Gardens are used often for major events in Sydney – like Music Festivals and Outdoor Cinema theatres. If any events are held on the day you choose to visit, you will need to pay an admission fee.

• Check out a Museum

  Sydney has a few museums and art galleries that are free to enter! You can enjoy the Art Gallery of NSW, The National Maritime Museum or The Museum for Contemporary Art, any day of the week, totally free. Wander around the pieces on display in a day or an afternoon, enjoying some of Australia’s best local artists as well as international pieces. If a special exhibition is on, expect to pay a small entrance fee to that section of the museum or art gallery.

• Hit up the Markets

  Whatever you like, they’ll be a market for it. Sydney has a famous fish market, vintage clothes markets, food markets, and even a permanent market in Paddington. Admission into most markets is free, and you can view all items on sale easily. If you’re visiting a clothes market, many stallholders will have a change room so you can try on pieces before buying. If you’re a fish fan, the Sydney Fish Market in Glebe is an awesome place to get a fresh fish and chip dinner, plus your fish for the week!

Some mid-range activities include:

• Take a Manly Ferry

  The Manly Ferry is one of the most popular ferry rides in Sydney, for good reason. The trip goes between Circular Quay and Manly Beach from 5 am – 11 pm, with a limited timetable on Sundays & Public Holidays. You can pay for the $8 Adult One-Way Ticket using your Opal Card or with cash at the terminal. The trip takes around 45 minutes, snaking through the harbour past the Bridge and Opera House, with amazing views from all angles. After arriving in Manly, you can spend the day at the beach, grab an ice cream, even a sunset drink at the rooftop bars, before taking the Ferry back to your accommodation.

• Sydney Sights Tour

  This tour is free; however, the tour guides are only paid via tips. Therefore, it is in good nature to tip at the end of this fantastic 90-minute tour of Sydney. These tours run every day from St Andrews Cathedral at 10:30 am and 2:30 pm. Find your tour guide in a bright green t-shirt and be ready to see The Rocks, Circular Quay and some hidden gems. Wear good walking shoes and make sure you bring some water!

• Taronga Zoo

  If you’re an animal lover, Sydney’s own Taronga Zoo is an awesome day out. Situated on the waterside location of Mosman, the zoo is laid out on a hill. You can catch a ferry to the bottom or a bus to the top and make your way up or down. There’s also a cable car to take you up and down the exhibitions. The entry fee to the zoo is $40 and includes all shows and enclosures. Check out some of Australia’s famous wildlife – like Koalas, Kangaroos and even creepy crawlies. For more information on the zoo, check out https://taronga.org.au/sydney-zoo

If you want to splash out, some high-ranged activities include:

• Eat Dinner at the Sydney Tower

  The tallest building in the Sydney Skyline, the Sydney Tower Eye has 360-degree views of the entire city. Entry to the tower is only $26, but if you want to experience luxury you can enjoy a full experience for $150. The $150 ticket includes unlimited food, prime window seats, and even a SkyWalk if you’re brave enough! For more information on these tickets, check out https://www.sydneytowereye.com.au/tickets-passes/tickets/sydney-tower-vip-experience/ 

• Climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge

  Walking the low path of the Harbour Bridge is free, but if you want to climb the famous landmark, you can! There are four different climbs to choose from, including sunrise and sunset climbs, express climbs and an ultimate all in one package. On the climb, expect many stairs and it to be a workout! It’s best to contact the organisational company to find out what climb is best for you. Prices start at $198 and you can find out more information here: https://www.bridgeclimb.com/

Best Time to Visit Sydney

Sydney weather is described as ‘humid subtropical. It has no extreme seasonal differences, thanks to it being surrounded by the ocean. In Summer, expect the average temperature to reach 28 degrees, with peak days in January the sun beaming at 38 degrees. Often a period of consecutive sunny days will trigger a thunderstorm, which can last for up to 7 days at a time.

Rainfall, in general, is common in the first half of the year, including many weeks where the rain does not stop, causing flooded roads and traffic congestion. As it’s still warm until around March, this rain is common with general humidity in most parts of the city.

In Winter, the temperature drops, and the cold rains increase. Compared to many other Winters around the world, Sydney’s temperatures are mild at best but feel colder thanks to the winds blowing up water from the ocean. On average, expect a winter day to reach around 13 degrees Celsius.  There is no snowfall in Sydney.

One of the more unique weather patterns of Sydney is its ocean winds. Due to the city being almost surrounded by water, Ocean winds are common and can make it feel a little cooler in summer, and A LOT cooler in winter! On the weather reports, you will learn the most common directions of the wind and how it may affect your day. The most common is a north-easterly wind, however, you can experience north-west, south-west and southerly winds, all with different elements and temperatures.

Sydney for Families

Sydney is a wonderful place to live and raise a family. It has great weather most of the year and plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy together. Sydney also has a fantastic cultural scene with arts, music and theatre to enjoy. However, it is important to consider that Sydney is one of the most expensive cities in the world, and it may be difficult to provide for a large family on a smaller salary.

For a family of four, with two incomes and one car, the average monthly expenses are around $6000. This does not include school or daycare costs. Childcare in Sydney is one of the most expensive in the country, with full-time costs of one child around $30,000 a year. Once your children are old enough, public schools are around $6000 a year. Private schools can cost around $10,000 – $25,000 a year.

Of course, if costs aren’t your concern, a child can have a very active and fun-filled life growing up in Sydney. Many activities are free to do, and there are even more than we have not included on this list – including outdoor parks and gyms for them to play any day of the week.

For group activities and events to attend, Sydney is the home of the year-round amusement Luna Park, an adventure trapeze wonderland at the Olympic Park, a wildlife park and an aquarium. Once a year, the Easter Show visits, and you can take the kids to meet all farm animals & play in the carnival. For more information on kids in Sydney, check out www.sydney.com

Living in Sydney

Sydney, being very waterlogged, offers a relaxed life with the perks of a first world country. Many Sydney-siders enjoy spending time outdoors, keeping themselves healthy, and swimming in the oceans.

Sydney Transportation

Unfortunately, Sydney’s transportation is one of the only things that let this major city down. Despite it being one of the most expensive cities in the world, and highly visited by tourists, getting around is difficult without a car. On the plus side, payment for any public transit is done using the Opal Card.

The Opal Card was set up in 2014 and is a ‘tap-on, tap-off’ design. An Opal card is free and can be obtained at certified outlets, train stations & online. After you receive one, you must register it to your name online, and top it up. A minimum top-up for an adult is $20. You can pay this online via card or in person at an outlet with cash. As you tap on and off, you will be updated with the funds remaining on the card. If you choose to pay online, you can check an ‘auto top-up’ option, and the card will immediately top up when you need it.

If you prefer to not use an Opal Card, you can use a contactless credit or debit card. No cash is accepted on any public transit. To plan your trip and get the estimated cost, you can use the online site https://transportnsw.info/ or download the free app ‘TripView’.

The most common public transit in Sydney city is the bus network. The State Transit Authority runs the public buses, and they’re often blue. The buses here are well maintained but vary in levels of cleanliness – depending on the time and route that is taken. You can sit or stand on the buses, and many new fleets are air-conditioned.

The commuter rail is the next common transit choice. The rail network is owned by Sydney Trains or CityRail. They are a government-run system, and most lines are located in the CBD and Western Areas. The Northern Beaches and the Eastern Suburbs both do not have a train line. The train lines run from 4 am to 1 am most days of the week, with a 24hr ‘Night Ride’ bus running when the trains are not.

The final two public transport systems in Sydney are the Light Rail and the Ferries. The Light Rail has two lines in Sydney City, operating between the CBD, Pyrmont and Circular Quay areas. They are not a common choice for weekday commuters, as they run through the ‘tourist’ areas of the city and are quite slow. Ferries, on the other hand, are used quite often by Sydney siders living across the water.

Voted as one of the ‘Best Ferry Journeys in the World’, the Manly Ferry is one of the most popular rides in the network. It runs between Circular Quay and Manly Beach. The other commutes include Circular Quay to Paramatta, Taronga Zoo, Cockatoo Island, and Watsons Bay. Ferries are a very pleasant way to get around Sydney, however, costs on these rides are higher than all others on our list. They are also one of the slowest journeys. If you enjoy taking a boat to work, you can also enquire at one of the private ferry options and achieve faster rides, with a price tag to match.

Fitness and Health

Sydney is very health focused. Being by the water, with great weather most of the year, a good fitness regime is important to any resident. Expect to see lots of great bodies of all genders and ages wherever you look!

Sydneysiders enjoy outdoor exercising, especially when the sun is out. Some outdoor physical activities you will see people doing include coastal walks, bush walks, outdoor gyms, yoga classes, surfing, stand up paddle-boarding, kayaking, swimming, cycling and sailing. The weekend is the most common time for people to be doing exercise, however, it’s not unusual to see residents keeping fit 7 days a week – morning, noon or afternoon.

Alongside the outdoor activities, Sydney has a wide range of gyms you can join. The most common gym membership is with Fitness First – this gym chain has over 150 locations in Sydney, of varying sizes. They have group fitness classes and some even have indoor pools to enjoy.

If you’re wanting something a little more basic, Anytime Fitness is a flexible cheap option gym. Open 24 hours, membership here includes a key fob, giving you access no matter your schedule. You will see all the standard weight and cardio machines, including showers and changing room facilities. However, Anytime Fitness does not have group classes.

With fitness being such a strong part of Sydneysiders life, the food available is often healthier than most. Sydney has many salad bars, fresh food options and lighter calorie meals. Some common items on most menus include Smoothie Bowls, Grilled Chicken Salads and Baked Salmon. Expect to eat very well in Sydney! 

Sydney People

Sydney was popularised by the indigenous population before the landing of Captain Cook in 1770. This date is often referred to as the day Australia was discovered, despite it being discovered many years earlier. For the last 250 years, the indigenous population has been moved inland into the outback. Eventually, the white Australian population began forming from British and Irish prisoners. The origin story of the White Australian population is a controversial one, and within your time in Sydney, it is recommended to visit museums and learn about how Australia came to be.

These days, Sydneysiders are just as ruthless and strong-willed as their ancestors. Due to such a high cost of living, many work very hard, usually at a few different jobs to make ends meet. You will meet two different types of people in Sydney – the professionals and the tradespeople. The professionals are likely in finance or Real Estate, working long hours and socialising midweek, usually with their colleagues. Tradespeople are often blessed with an early finish time and are normally the first ones on the beach in the afternoon.

Over the past few years, census results have told us that the population has slowly been taken over by immigrants. Since 1971, more than 2 million Sydney born Australians have left the city. The most common moved location is regional and coastal NSW, where property prices are significantly more affordable. Almost 71% of all interviewed state the high cost of living as the main reason for leaving.

Alongside the high cost of living, property prices have continued to soar, with many Sydneysiders spending more than two-thirds of their income on rent. To move further out of the CBD into affordable accommodation is always an option, however, this brings up commute times and the lack of an efficient public transport system.

Apart from the negative connotations around Sydney, you’ll find they are often the happiest people you’ve ever met. With a strong focus on outdoor activities and a fitness regime, they are fit, happy and healthy. Many retail and hospitality employees are referred to as the friendliest in the world – making you feel right at home.

To make friends in Sydney, find activities you like to do and meet people there. Expats find their closest friends come from their extra-curricular activities, rather than a spontaneous interaction. You can expect Sydneysiders to be polite and friendly, however, they are often stressed with limited time for interactions. The fast-paced nature of the city, as well as the high cost of living, usually means that work and income come first.

Enjoy the multicultural and arts scene of Sydney whilst you are based here. Chinatown is a huge area, as well as the middle eastern areas of the outer west. In the centre of the city, you will find your arts and theatre people. Towards the beach, you will find your beachside friends.

Sydney Insurance and Medical Care

Before applying for your working holiday visa, you will be required to complete a medical examination. You will need to be checked for Tuberculosis, HIV and Hepatitis, Yellow fever, Polio and Ebola. To be allowed access into Australia, you must be cleared of all of these diseases and deemed to be no threat to Australian communities.

Once you are granted your visa and have arrived – Australia has a national government-funded public health system called ‘Medicare’. Medicare is designed to provide free or heavily discounted costs of health care for citizens, residents and visa holders.  You will need to apply for a Medicare card after arriving in Sydney.

Once you have a Medicare card, you can access a wide range of services for your health needs. The most common healthcare available is your local GP, often situated in a ‘medical centre’. Appointments should be free or heavily discounted, depending on your country of origin.

Specialists are available throughout the city, as well as public and private hospitals. You will also be able to find plenty of pharmacies that stock most medications. As a nomad, you are covered by the Australian Charter of Healthcare Rights. This means you have the right to ask for an interpreter, or for a doctor to be of a particular gender.

For your insurance, usually, you will need to have this organised in your home country before a visa is granted. Your insurance should cover you for your entire visit to Australia.

Make sure you are fully covered by reading our full Digital Nomad Travel Insurance guide.

Jobs in Sydney

Getting a job in Sydney is relatively easy, thanks to its fast-moving high economy. The unemployment rate in Sydney is a low 3.9%, and in January 2019 there were almost 50,000 new jobs created.

The best sites to consult on your job search is www.seek.com.au and www.indeed.com.au. If you have LinkedIn, try to develop your profile and send out connections. A personal touch is a huge difference in Sydney, where it’s often said it’s not about what you know, but who you know. The major industries in Sydney are finance, insurance, professional services and healthcare. The most common area to find a job in Sydney is the CBD, followed closely by the Greater Western areas.

When applying for jobs, mention you are on a visa. Check the spellings of the details in your CV and change any words you can to AUS English (similar to UK English spelling). In general, many recruiters and HR professionals will not know all international employers’ information or exactly what your previous roles may be. Don’t be afraid to elaborate and give more detail to help your application.

For school experience, in Australia, a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Science degree is three years in university, not four, like many other countries. Employers focus more on your skillset and software experience; rather than your school history, as it is so drastically different.

After you get yourself a job, congratulations! There are three major employment options in Australia. Part-time, full time or casual zero-hour contracts. Within Australian employment contracts, you are eligible for paid sick days, paid annual leave and are given clear information on how to leave it, should you come to that. Payment for work done is usually done monthly into your bank account; including a contribution to a Superannuation retirement fund, should you decide to stay in Australia. If you leave the country this is paid back to you.

Check out our Digital Nomads Jobs Postings to find the best jobs available for Digital Nomads.