About the ride from Canberra to Sydney
While Canberra is best known as Australia's political hub, many people are pleasantly surprised by its beautiful green spaces, dynamic restaurant scene and nearby wineries.
Once you have spent some time exploring, you may be craving the sea, so why not take the plane, bus, or train to Sydney?
Renowned for its stunning harbor and beaches, Sydney offers a more dynamic and vibrant contrast to Canberra, with a population of over 5.1 million versus Canberra's 478,000.
Whichever transport option you choose, the journey between these two cities will take you anywhere from one to four hours, making a quick and easy transition between the two.
Things to do in Sydney
No matter how many days you spend in this harborside city, Sydney is brimming with iconic landmarks as well as local favorites. With its stunning location by the sea, it's no surprise that some of the best experiences are outdoors.
Whether you are seeking adventure, world-class dining or relaxation, below is a list of some of the top things to include on your itinerary:
Climb the Harbour Bridge: For some of the most picturesque views over Sydney, be sure to book this experience well in advance. While it will be a splurge, you can see everything from the Opera House, Sydney Tower Eye and Barangaroo.
Take the ferry from Circular Quay to Manly: As Sydney is surrounded by water, taking the ferry is a pleasant way to travel from point A to point B. One of the most popular routes is from Circular Quay to Manly, where you can spend a few hours relaxing on the famous beach.
Do the Bondi to Bronte walk: This is one of the most iconic coastal walks with stunning ocean views, rockpools and cafes at the beginning and end of the pathway.
Have lunch at the fish markets: For a scrumptious seafood meal, head to the famous Sydney fish markets. There are a number of shop fronts to choose from, but rest assured, it will be some of the freshest seafood you have ever tasted.
Book a once-in-a-lifetime dinner at Bennelong in the Opera House: If you happen to be celebrating a special occasion, book a table at Bennelong. Located within the Opera House, you'll devour a special set menu with unbeatable views. For a more laid-back experience, head to the nearby Opera Bar.
How do I get from Canberra to Sydney?
Below, we get into the nitty-gritty of all three transportation options, starting with the most expensive.
Option one: Flight
Prices start from $146
For those looking for the fastest and most convenient travel option, traveling by plane between Canberra Airport (CBR) and Sydney Airport (SYD) only takes one hour.
There are two Australian aircraft carriers operating these flights, Qantas and Virgin Australia Airlines, with several daily departure times.
Check the baggage restrictions carefully when booking. Does the ticket include hand luggage only or check-in luggage? You can always add extra kilograms before departure but try to avoid doing this at the airport as the prices will be higher.
For domestic flights in Australia, the check-in desk closes 30 minutes prior to departure. However, it is recommended that you arrive at least an hour before boarding.
Option two: Bus
Prices start from $33
The bus from Canberra Bus Station to Sydney Central Station, operated by Greyhound Australia, takes 3.5 hours.
Some of the features on board include reclining seats, air conditioning, a restroom and free WiFi.
Of course, if you happen to score a window seat, you'll have the bonus of large glass windows with views of the journey.
There are three ticketing tiers: early bird, advantage and flexible. Prices vary depending on how early you secure your ticket.
Regardless of the tier, all tickets are non-refundable, and changes are not permitted.
Option three: Train
Prices start at $28
Taking the train between Canberra Station and Sydney Central Station with NSW TrainLink is a popular option, and the journey time is around four hours.
No matter which day you choose to travel, there is more than one departure daily.
When it's time to book, you will notice two ticketing classes, economy and first class.
With economy class, you are entitled to bring one large piece of luggage and one small hand luggage. The seats will recline slightly, and the cabin has air conditioning.
In comparison, the first class tickets are best suited to those with more luggage as you can bring two pieces of larger luggage and one piece of hand luggage. The seats also recline slightly further back, providing more comfort for the journey.
Details about the journey from Canberra to Sydney
While your experience will vary depending on whether you take a plane, bus, or train, one thing that will be similar is the scenery.
From the plane, you will have a bird's eye view. However, across all methods of transportation, you will notice the vast, open countryside. It will quickly become clear to you how expansive Australia truly is.
Along the way, keep an eye out for farm animals such as cows and sheep, as well as Lake George, a well-known body of water just outside of Canberra.
As you approach Sydney, the number of high-rise buildings increases. From the plane, you'll hopefully be lucky enough to spot The Harbour Bridge and Opera House in the distance.
The best time to visit Sydney
Sydney is a beautiful city to visit year-round, so no matter which month you choose, you will find yourself enjoying picturesque coastal walks, harbor cruises and dining at waterfront restaurants.
The summer months are between December and February. Expect temperatures to average between 18-26°C (64.4-78.8°F) with little rainfall. Be sure to plan a relaxed schedule so you can spend some days at Sydney's most popular beaches — Bondi Beach or Manly Beach.
While the temperatures during the winter months (June to August) are most certainly chillier, you won't need to pack any super heavy jackets with temperatures averaging around 9-17°C (48.2-62.6°F). These months coincide with the rainy season. However, there are still a number of days when the skies are blue and the sun is shining.
The shoulder months of March to May (autumn) and September to December (spring) are considered some of the most enjoyable. With clear skies and a refreshing breeze, you can really enjoy the city's culture and beauty.
Where to go after Sydney
Once you have enjoyed a couple of days in the harborside city, why not travel from Sydney to Melbourne? Home to a vibrant arts scene, dynamic food offerings and lively laneways, there is always something happening in this city.
If you happen to be visiting when a cricket or AFL match is taking place at the famous Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), be sure to book tickets in advance. The atmosphere is electric!