Sydney for backpackers: stay, work and play

Where to stay

• Kings Cross / Potts Point — the classic backpacker strip, close to the city and nightlife.
• Bondi and Coogee — beach life, longer bus rides to the CBD.
• Glebe and Newtown — cheaper, artsy, good for share houses.
• CBD / Central — handy for transport and your first few nights.

Finding work

Hospitality is the fastest way in — bars, cafés and restaurants hire constantly, especially before summer (October–December). Get your NSW RSA and RCG before you start handing out resumes.

Construction and labour-hire work pays well; you’ll need a White Card. Sydney work doesn’t count toward your 88 days.

Getting around

Trains, buses, ferries and light rail all use Opal — tap on and off with an Opal card or your contactless bank card or phone. There’s a daily and weekly fare cap, so heavy travel days get cheaper.

Free and cheap

• Bondi to Coogee coastal walk (about 6 km).
• Manly ferry from Circular Quay for harbour views at a public transport price.
• Royal Botanic Garden and Mrs Macquarie’s Chair at sunset.
• Blue Mountains day trip by train.