Set along the east coast of Australia, Sydney pulsates with energy, both on water and land. The city's harbor buzzes with activity, as ships sail under massive bridges and weekend adventurers turn the waterway into a personal playground. Book a Sydney vacation rental and spend your days and nights exploring a lively downtown, where countless restaurants, bars, and shops sit alongside skyscrapers. Parks, aquariums, and zoos help you connect with nature in the heart of this major metropolis, while sandy beaches give you the chance to work on your tan.
Dominating the city's skyline, the iconic Sydney Opera House is an arts center that stages operas, plays, music and dance, as well as offers guided tours. If you're looking for a big thrill, walk across the Sydney Harbour Bridge or climb its enormous arch. If you're staying in a Sydney vacation rental with kids, they'll love the Royal Botanic Garden, which features rose gardens and a dinosaur-themed children's garden. The Taronga Zoo, home to 340 animals, and Sea Life Sydney Aquarium, where more than 13,000 fish and sea creatures swim, are also nearby.
Take just 1 step from your Sydney vacation rental and you'll discover a host of activities. Featuring white sand shores, Australia's beloved Bondi Beach offers excellent conditions for sunbathing and surfing the waves. It's also home to a waterfront public pool. Back on land, walkers and joggers can explore cliffside trails that offer sweeping panoramas of the landscape. Darling Harbour is Sydney's popular waterfront district, home to shopping centers, restaurants, bars, and casinos. The area also hosts farmers' markets, festivals, and concerts throughout the year.
Despite its reputation as a beach city with year-round sunshine, Sydney receives a lot of rain, averaging close to 50 inches each year. If you're visiting Sydney in February or April, the city's wettest months, make sure you bring an umbrella and galoshes. Winter (June through August) and fall (March through May) feature mild daytime temperatures in the 60s. Things warm up into the low 70s in the spring, which is September through November. By summer, December through February, the city nears the 80s and becomes very humid.
Water plays a big role in Sydney's landscape. Not only is the city surrounded by the world's largest natural harbor, the Sydney Harbor, but the Tasmanian Sea lies just to east. If you have time, book a boat ride in the harbor, and take in the sweeping views of the city's skyline. Blue Mountains National Park, 2.5-hours west of the city, is home to rugged mountains, towering waterfalls, narrow canyons, and craggy rocks. The mountains and foothills are also home to some of Australia's most famous residents—kangaroos, koalas, and dingoes.
Fly into Sydney Airport (SYD), the closest airport, located 5.3 mi (8.6 km) from the city center. If you're unable to find a flight that fits your schedule, you might consider flying into Shellharbour, NSW (WOL), which is 53.5 mi (86.1 km) away.
If you're traveling by train, Sydney Circular Quay Station, Exhibition Centre Station and Sydney Central Station are the main stations in the area. It's easy to get around Sydney by jumping on the metro at Martin Place Station, Wynyard Station or St. James Station.
Whether you're in search of a cozy escape for you and your special someone or somewhere roomy to fit family and friends, you'll find some top vacation rentals in and around Sydney. Here are a couple to get your inspiration flowing:
For even more great options, use the search bar at the top of the page to find the perfect Sydney vacation rental for you.
You need only take a look inside Vrbo's tiny house vacation rentals in Sydney to figure out that great things really do come in tiny packages. Smartly designed to maximize space, these pint-sized pads deliver a big vacation experience:
Take a rain check on those household chores, because weekends were made for fun. Make your way to one of these weekend getaways in and around Sydney and experience all the awesome things to do close by:
Studio apartments may be small, but they sure do pack a punch when it comes to convenience and location. Put your bags down at one of these welcoming studio apartments in and around Sydney:
Whether you're chasing a cozy cabin or a house with room enough for the whole family, you'll find the ideal place on Vrbo. Enjoy a mini break at one of these favorite picks in or near Sydney:
Forget roses and chocolates. Sometimes all you need is to get away for the weekend, just you and your sweetheart. At Vrbo, we've got romantic getaways in and around Sydney that would make even old Cupid swoon. Here are some we think you'll fall in love with:
Share your trip and have even more fun. Whether you're planning an active escape with buddies or a family reunion, you'll have your choice of large group vacation rentals in and near Sydney:
From time to time you just want to get away from it all … with, say, 30 or so of your favorite people. Whether you're after someplace to stay with the extended fam or you're organizing a big bash, we have large vacation rentals in and around Sydney that'll fit your whole party:
A pool is often a must-have when deciding where to stay on vacation, particularly if you've got kids in tow. Browse these houses with a pool in or near Sydney and fill your days with laughter and fun:
Don't know how to pack your bags for your Sydney getaway? This impressive destination has a humid subtropical climate. In the summertime, expect average temperatures ranging from 65 ºF to 80 ºF. Browse our range of Sydney vacation rentals by using the search bar at the top of the page. Simply adjust the filters to get more inspiration on where to stay.
Comfort, privacy and space are all key ingredients for a great family getaway, and Vrbo's range of large family vacation rentals in and around Sydney offer the ideal solution. Check out these to get you started: