°µÍø½ûÇø

Menu
°µÍø½ûÇø
Search
Magazine
Search

Living in Sydney

Discovering Sydney
shutterstock.com
Updated byDebi McLeodon 10 August 2025

Every year, thousands of °µÍø½ûÇøriates arrive in Sydney to start a new adventure. Australia's biggest city and largest economy is a vibrant, bustling metropolis with a strong emphasis on outdoor living and offers a diverse range of job opportunities across various industries.

The capital of New South Wales is not only rich in beautiful scenery, but it's also blessed with a pleasant climate. Known worldwide for its high standard of living and quality of life, not to mention its academic excellence thanks to the presence of prestigious schools and , Sydney offers a lifestyle that is hard to beat. And if you have a good command of English, you'll find it relatively easy to mingle with the locals, too.

The Rocks is the oldest part of Sydney and became Australia's first town center after the first colonial fleet arrived in 1788

Sydney is located on the southeastern coast of Australia. One of the world's most beautiful cities, Sydney, is situated on Sydney Harbour, with its famous drawcards, the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Sydney Opera House. The city's east coast is lined by sandy beaches, including popular Bondi, Coogee, and Manly beaches. The city's waterways include the Parramatta River, which feeds into the harbor, and the nearby Hawkesbury and Georges Rivers, which contribute to the city's rugged natural beauty. Sydney's surrounding national parks contribute to the city's celebrated outdoor lifestyle, as well.

Sydney is one of Australias' most diverse cities

There are and more than 275 different languages.

Just ahead of Melbourne in terms of population, . The 2021 Census revealed that outside of Australia were England, India, China, the Philippines, and New Zealand. And when it comes to which languages other than English were spoken at home, the top contenders were Mandarin, Arabic, Vietnamese, Cantonese, and Punjabi. The census also counted 90,939 Indigenous and/or Torres Strait Islander people living in Greater Sydney, which was 1.7% of the Greater Sydney population.

Sydney's temperate climate encourages you to get outside and enjoy the great outdoors

So be prepared to get active, whether it's a walk and a coffee with a mate, a beach yoga class, or a weekend coastal hike to get your blood pumping.

Sydney enjoys a mild climate for most of the year, but the weather can fluctuate at any time. Summertime in Sydney is typically December, January, and February, when the average temperature ranges between 18.6 °C and 25.8°C (65.5°F and 78.4°F), and the water temperature is perfect for taking advantage of Sydney's golden beaches. Winter runs from June to August, with the heaviest rainfall in June and the coldest temperatures in July, ranging between 8.8 °C and 17°C (47.8°F and 62.6°F).

Sydney is one of the most expensive cities in Australia

A cosmopolitan city fringed by world-class beaches, this bustling multicultural metropolis also takes top spot for the most expensive city in the country. Sydney life is also now a very expensive life. According to the , Australia's best-known city was the second least affordable place to buy a house in the English-speaking world behind Hong Kong. It also has the most expensive property prices in Australia.

, with Sydney being 6% more expensive than Melbourne, 11% more expensive than Perth, and 39% more expensive than Darwin! Sydney is the most expensive city in the country for buying a house, renting a house or apartment, public transport, petrol, and groceries. So, if you're considering a move to this stunning location, be sure to do your research and crunch those numbers so you're not in for a nasty surprise.

Make use of the NSW Government's app to find the cheapest petrol in Sydney.

Social life: Sydney is one of the first cities in the world to bring in New Year's Day with a next-level fireworks display

There are plenty of vantage spots around the harbor for a bird's-eye view, but you'll need to be prepared and get there early!

Sydney is home to over five million people, so making new friends and building a social circle will take some time. However, if you're enrolled in a university degree or have been hired by a company, it shouldn't take long to make connections. And if you know how to speak English, regardless of whether you have an accent, getting around will be easy. Australians are generally easy to get along with and are often willing to help, so don't hesitate to ask for directions or seek advice if you need assistance.

Despite Sydney being a fast-paced, modern city, Sydneysiders are still laid-back. Small talk is common, so you might find yourself discussing the weather, the rugby, the cricket, or the AFL with absolute strangers. Be polite, say hello, remember you 'pleases' and 'thank yous,' and always try to be on time. Australians also appreciate their personal space, so they avoid getting too close and crowding people they don't know. Australians also queue up in an orderly fashion, so don't be that person and try to cut in. Aussies queue in cafes, at the post office, or at the supermarket, for the bus, or at the footy. Never push in. Being polite and friendly will get you a long way.

And when it comes to meeting new people, a smile and a simple hello are the best way to go. A handshake is also a standard greeting for men and women, so reserve hugs and kisses for your friends and family. Australians also love a sense of humor and enjoy joking around, and don't be alarmed when you discover your local mates dropping swear words into your conversations.

Try to get involved as best as you can by making an effort to meet new people. Join local neighborhood groups to meet fellow residents — local Facebook groups are an excellent resource for this. You can also join a hobby or an interest group as a way to meet like-minded people. And don't forget about the °µÍø½ûÇø networking groups in Sydney as well.

And when you encounter problems, remember that living abroad is challenging, and it is normal to feel overwhelmed. If you start to feel this way, think back to the reasons why you wanted to come to Sydney in the first place. Be sure to acknowledge the positive experiences and opportunities you've had since your arrival, as they can also boost your spirits.

Sydney boasts a vibrant arts and culture scene with a diverse calendar of major events and festivals throughout the year, so you'll find plenty of opportunities to get out amongst new people. You'll never get bored or struggle to find something to see or do in Sydney. Whether you're exploring the historic sandstone buildings and stone-paved laneways of , browsing world-class art galleries and museums, catching one of the latest musicals, or dining at one of the city's award-winning restaurants, there is always something to keep you entertained.

If you're finding it too hot in summer, Sydney has more than 100 beaches where you can cool off!

With its glistening harbor and dazzling coastline, Sydney is arguably one of the most picturesque cities in the world. But its natural beauty extends beyond the allure of its enticing waterways, with the city's parks and gardens offering locals sanctuary from the hustle and bustle of inner-city life. Winding around the edges of Sydney Harbour, the is the perfect spot for a picnic with incredible water views. Sydneysiders also flock to the urban oasis that is the 189-hectare (467 acres) in the inner east for all of their sport and recreational needs — horse riding included!

Thanks to Sydney's temperate climate, coastal walks are a popular pastime for Sydneysiders and tourists alike. Hands down, the most famous trail is the iconic . Make sure to start at Ben Buckler Point in North Bondi so that you get to experience the full length of Sydney's world-renowned Bondi Beach, and you can even extend your walk a further two kilometers (1.2 miles) south to the seaside town of Coogee. Other popular coastal walks include the Heritage Foreshore Walk, North Head, and on Sydney's North Shore. With its temperate climate and dramatic scenery, Sydney is a nature lover's playground.

Adjusting to the local culture in Sydney can take some time

Moving to Australia can be a daunting experience if you're not adequately prepared. Culture shock is a regular part of the process, and you may even feel homesick during your first few months in Sydney. There will, of course, be differences in the way people communicate and dress. There will also be differences in eating habits, interaction styles, and the way certain things are done compared to your home country. This can be disconcerting at first and takes some time to adjust to. Here are some tips to help you settle in.

Overcoming culture shock in Sydney

It's normal for it to take some time to settle into a new country, and finding your way in Sydney will be no different. It's all part of the °µÍø½ûÇø experience. Initially, °µÍø½ûÇøriates find it challenging to adapt to the local culture because they miss their family and friends back home. It's common to feel shy when meeting new people, and you might try to avoid going out and making new friends, even though you're lonely. You might also struggle with mood swings, anxiety, inability to sleep, loss of appetite, and feeling lost or depressed. But these feelings can be a natural response to being out of your comfort zone and feeling out of control. So, once you are settled in Sydney, try to acclimatize yourself and remember that you are not the only person on the °µÍø½ûÇø journey. There are many ways to avoid homesickness and adapt to the local culture. And there will be plenty of °µÍø½ûÇøs in your new city for you to meet who are all in the same situation as you!

Observe your surroundings in Sydney

Adapting to another culture and way of life, especially in a city like Sydney, takes time. Keep your eyes and mind open, take note of things that bother you, and do not hesitate to ask questions of those around you. Observe locals and watch how things are done. Be polite and friendly to those you meet and try to strike up a conversation. And if there are things you don't understand or need help with, don't hesitate to ask. This will lessen the chances of you getting confused or lost or making a faux pas, and Sydneysiders are generally a friendly, helpful bunch.

Home comforts

Continue some of the practices and customs you enjoy in your home country, such as special foods, or certain types of tea or wine. Another way to celebrate your home and culture, and a great way to stave off homesickness, is by seeking out community groups and celebrating your country's National Day with members of your community.

Stay connected with friends and family

Make sure to stay in regular contact with your loved ones back home, too. Regularly talking to them about your new life in Sydney will help to maintain the connection and make them feel part of your experience. Sharing your highs and lows will also help with your mental health. If you find yourself struggling, just knowing there's a shoulder to cry on and a friendly face at the other end of the phone will provide immense reassurance.

We do our best to provide accurate and up to date information. However, if you have noticed any inaccuracies in this article, please let us know in the comments section below.

About

I am a former journalist who has worked as a communications and public relations consultant across a range of industries. I have lived in Melbourne, Sydney, and London and I have also enjoyed a diverse career in the not-for-profit sector, where I worked on projects across Australia, Asia, and the Pacific.

Comments

Discover more