Everything Canadians Need to Know About Travelling to Sydney, Australia

December 3rd, 2018

Sydney, Australia, is a popular destination for Canadian travellers. Often mistaken as Australia’s capital (which is actually Canberra!) the vibrant cosmopolitan hub is a beautiful city of contrast. The bustling CBD built right on the natural harbour and surrounded by stunning beaches and forested hills is stunning, no matter which way you look at it.

Featuring some of the best shopping and food in the country, and offering an abundance of attractions and entertainment, it’s little wonder that Sydney catches the eye of many tourists and seasoned travellers. If you’re a Canadian travelling to Australia, along with having your itinerary organised, you need to make sure you’re familiar with the entry requirements and accompanying documents you’ll need.

1. Visas

Canadian citizens who are using a Canadian passport require a visa to enter Australia. You’ll need to apply for an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) in order to visit Australia for the purpose of business and tourism, and you can apply for an ETA online. The process will take about 10 minutes and will cost AUD$20. You must answer all questions truthfully, as the purpose of the ETA is to assess if someone is a potential security risk or may breach entry and visa conditions.

There are five different types of visas for entering Australia, but the typical ones for overseas tourists include:

  • Visitor visa: The Visitor Visa (subclass 600) allows you to travel to Australia for a holiday or to visit family or friends for up to three months. It also allows you to visit Australia to study for up to three months, and allows you to engage in business visitor activities, provided you don’t work or sell goods.
  • Electronic Travel Authority: The ETA (subclass 601) allows you to enter Australia as many times as you want, provided your stay doesn’t exceed three months at a time. It’s valid for 12 months and is granted if you’re a tourist wanting to visit Australia or travelling for business visitor purposes.

For more information on travelling to Sydney, Australia from Canada, visit Visa Services Canada.

2. Flights

If you’re travelling to Sydney from Canada, expect a long flight with a stopover. Don’t let that put you off though, as there are some great airlines offering comfortable travel and affordable prices, especially during sale times.

The biggest airlines flying from Canada to Sydney include Air Canada, Qantas, and United Airlines. If you’re flying from Toronto, the average flight time to Sydney is 22 hours, and depending on what airline you take, you can expect one stopover at either San Francisco, Chicago, or Los Angeles.

Qantas is Australia’s flag-carrier airline and most popular airline to travel with. Qantas offers all-inclusive food, drinks, and entertainment, and you can choose from economy, premium economy, business, and first-class travel classes. To compare airlines and find the cheapest alternative, use a website such as Skyscanner. The website compares millions of flights, hotels, and car rentals to find you the best deal.

3. Weather

Maze - Make Your Sydney Holiday Unforgettable (7)

Sydney’s weather is temperate, meaning you can expect the summer months to be hotter and the winter months to be cooler, with mild temperatures in between.

Compared to Canada, the weather in Sydney is a lot more consistent in the sense that while Canada, especially cities like Toronto, experience harsher winters with snow, Sydney’s lowest average temperature is between 8.8-17°C (47.8-62.6°F) and snow can only be found inland in the Snowy Mountains. Summers in Sydney can get very hot with high humidity. It has been known to reach up to 50°C (122°F), but average temperatures over summer are generally around 23°C (73°F).

Sydney’s weather is consistent with the outdoors lifestyle the city is known for, so you can expect to be comfortable year-round. Be sure to pack a swimsuit, as Sydney is home to many famous beaches and ocean pools and bath-houses. Also include warmer clothes like a jacket and pants, as it can get cool in the evenings. The best time to visit Sydney is from September through to November and from March to May. These months bypass the high-low seasons which can include the possibilities of hail storms and bushfires. Flight prices generally fall during these times too, making it more affordable for travel.

4. Accommodation

Maze Backpackers, located in the Sydney CBD, is a great location to stay if you’re travelling from Canada to Sydney. Guests are treated to friendly and helpful staff, along with amenities including a 24-hour reception desk, airport shuttle bus, free weekly meal deals, and it’s only a few minutes’ walk away from all of Sydney’s best attractions. Rooms can accommodate singles through to groups, so you can be comfortable knowing you have your own space and privacy.

If you’re travelling from Canada and looking for great value budget accommodation in Sydney, Maze Backpackers is the place to book. Contact Maze Backpackers today.