On the east coast of Australia, next to the magnificent Pacific Ocean, lies the capital city of New South Wales, Sydney. Initially intended as a penal colony under the British empire during the 17th Century, today, Sydney has grown into a global center for trade and tourism.
Sydney welcomes more than 7 million visitors each year from around the world, as it has something to offer to everyone. A city steeped in natural and cultural history, Sydney has become a starting point for exploring Australia. During April, in the midst of autumn, the city experiences warm weather with low humidity, ideal for a visit. Whether you’re looking to go skydiving, explore the heart of the city or just indulge in local delicaces, there’s something for everyone in Sydney. Here is your in-depth guide to visiting Sydney in April.
What makes Sydney in April special?
The pleasant weather during April allows you to explore all of Sydney’s popular attractions. From its pristine coastline to its awe-inspiring skyline, Sydney is a modern-day cornucopia for tourists. One can spend days exploring Sydney’s Victorian Architecture, museums, and wildlife sanctuaries. The more adventurous spirits can take a trip to the Blue Mountains or experience a thrilling skydiving session over Sydney. April also brings a multitude of popular events that are a must-visit, like the ANZAC Day Dawn ceremony parade or the Royal Easter Show carnival. Sydney in April also brings a lot of holidays, perfect for exploring the nooks and crannies of the city. So, if you want to go on a culinary tour or indulge in an evening dedicated to the performing arts, Sydney in April always has something brewing.
Sydney in April: Weather
If you are planning to visit Sydney during April, prepare to experience a pleasant autumn season. This means cooler temperatures ranging from 15°C to 23°C, with an average of 19°C and chances of rain. The weather is pleasant with low humidity and about eight hours of sunshine during the day which ensures that you get plenty of time for sightseeing and outdoor activities. You can comfortably explore the beautiful Sydney beaches, as the temperature around the sea is approximately 22°C.
Sydney in April: Things to do
1
Sydney Opera House
Located next to the scenic Sydney Harbour, the Sydney Opera House is often considered as a wonder of the Modern World. The performing arts center hosts numerous performances annually, making it the jewel of Sydney’s cultural treasure trove. The shell-shape design of the Sydney Opera House is iconic and recognized all over the world - making it one of the most popular tourist attractions in Australia. It has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site and it’s vast history and significance in Australian culture can be fully understood through a guided tour.
April timings
Daily from 10am to 5pm
Bennelong Point, Sydney NSW 2000,
Australia
Getting There ›
2
Skydive Sydney
This is one of the most electrifying experiences that Sydney offers. The excitement of free falling from 15,000ft, over Sydney's stunning landscapes is a lifetime memory. Sydney has many professional operators offering this thrilling adventure. Sunny days of April is a great time for skydiving.
April timings
Newcastle Beach:
Monday to Friday from 7am to 9am | Saturday & Sunday from 7am to 10am
Wollongong:
Monday to Friday from 7am to 2pm | Saturday & Sunday from 7am to 1pm
Sydney NSW,
Australia
Getting There ›
3
Sydney Harbour cruises
Hop on a Sydney Harbour cruise and take a luxurious ride along the city’s scenic coastline. You can catch a glimpse of famous landmarks in Sydney, including the Opera House, Botanical Gardens, Government House and many more! Your guided tour not only educates you about the history and cultural trivia of Sydney and its attractions, but will also include fun activities and great food.
April timings
Depends on the chosen cruise.
Circular Quay Wharf No.6, Sydney Harbour, Sydney
Getting There ›
4
SEA LIFE Aquarium
Sydney's exhilarating experience - SEA LIFE Aquarium is a must-visit on your trip to Sydney in April. The exhibits in the aquarium feature recreated habitats of more than 700 species of marine life, spread over 14 themed zones including Jurassic Seas, Discovery Rockpool, Shark Walk, and the world's largest Great Barrier Reef display. It's a visit that can be enjoyed by both kids and adults.
April timings
Daily from 10am to 5pm
1-5 Wheat Rd, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia
Getting There ›
5
Sydney Opera House shows
The iconic Sydney Opera House hosts more than 40 shows a week. From classic entertainment like cabaret, magic, music, and dance to large productions like operas, this center for performing arts always has something in store for you. This April, watch Hamlet, La Traviata, Anna Karenina and more at the Sydney Opera House.
April timings
Depends on the chosen show
Bennelong Point, Sydney NSW 2000,
Australia
Getting There ›
6
Madame Tussauds
The famed museum has a branch in Sydney, where you can get up-close and personal with life-like wax statues of your favorite celebrities. Click a photo with Jackie Chan and Obama or stroll through the Marvel and Justice League section to get snapped with popular superheroes! Madame Tussauds attracts both youngsters and adults. It is divided into eight sections, ranging from TV and films to world history. To avoid waiting in line, book your Madame Tussauds tickets in advance.
April timings
April 2-12, 29 & 30 from 10am to 5pm (last entry at 4pm)
April 1, 13-28 from 9:30am to 5pm (last entry at 4pm)
1-5 Wheat Rd, Sydney NSW 2000,
Australia
Getting There ›
7
Hop on Hop off tours
Hop-on Hop-off bus tours are a great way to explore Sydney’s top tourist attractions at a leisurely pace. During the 60-90 minute tours, you can ride in a comfortable bus and listen to guided commentary on the historical significance of various passing-by attractions. You can also disembark and explore at your pace and then hop onto the next bus that comes by, their frequency being every 20-30 minutes. For those wishing to explore the vibrant city of Sydney in a limited time, the Hop-on Hop-off bus tours are a comfortable and economical option.
April timings
Depends on the tour you choose
Sydney, Australia
Getting There ›
8
Day trips from Sydney
While Sydney is a historical and cultural hub in Australia, the surrounding regions in New South Wales are also great for tourists to explore. You can choose from a variety of day tours from Sydney, like visiting Bondi Beach or a winery tour through Hunter Valley. These full-day tours are specially curated for visitors looking to get the whole Sydney experience.
April timings
Depends on the chosen tour
Sydney NSW,
Australia
Getting There ›
9
Taronga Zoo
Taronga Zoo is located in the heart of the city, at Darling Harbour. Home to thousands of wild animals native to Australia, the zoo offers an interactive experience to its visitors. The guided tour of the precincts are highly informative and you can also click pictures with the koalas!
April timings
Daily from 9:30am to 4:30pm
Bradleys Head Rd, Mosman NSW 2088,
Australia
Getting There ›
Sydney in April: Events to look out for
ANZAC Day march
April 25, 2024
On this day every year, Australians and New Zealanders honor their armed forces. ANZAC day is dedicated to those who have served Australia’s defence force in armed conflicts around the world, since WWI and WWII. The parade and commemoration service at Sydney’s Hyde Park is spectacular to behold.
La Traviata- Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour
March 22 - April 21, 2024
Performed on a floating stage at the Sydney Harbour adjoining the Opera House, this ethereal performance is counted as once in a lifetime experience. Complete with pop-up restaurant bars, dance and fireworks across the Sydney night sky, enjoy the world’s most popular opera, La Traviata.
Sydney Royal Easter Show
March 22 - April 2, 2024
This annual Easter Show has been a celebrated Sydney tradition since 1823. It includes an agricultural show and an amusement carnival and fair. The Royal Easter Show has been a longstanding representation of Australian culture and heritage. From shopping to participating in hundreds of fun activities, this is a bucket-list priority for Sydney’s visitors and locals alike.
Sydney Comedy Festival
April 22 - May 19, 2024
Sydney’s biggest comedy festival is one gala event that no one should miss out on. Stretched over a period of four weeks, this festival sees performances from some of the best artists in the world. From stand-up and satire to theatre and magic, the Sydney Comedy Festival is held at different venues all over the city, attracting a crowd of thousands annually.
Sydney in April: Essentials
Where to stay in Sydney in April?
The sprawling city of Sydney caters to the needs of every tourist. Since April is not peak tourist season yet, you can find accommodation at reasonable prices, according to your budget. Here are some recommendations of where to stay in Sydney in April:
What to pack for Sydney in April?
Sydney is an easy-going city, and most places allow entry in casual attire. Keeping the weather in mind, pack a pair of jeans, some t-shirts, shorts and you are good to go. Don’t forget your beachwear and sunglasses, along with a pair of comfortable walking shoes. The temperature drops to 15°C at night, so carry a light jacket, in case you want to step out to explore Sydney’s nightlife.
Getting around in Sydney in April
1. With a vast array of suburbs and attractions, Sydney is fairly easy to get around. It has a large network of buses, trains, ferries, light rails and taxi services that connect every part of the city.
2. I highly recommend that you purchase an Opal card, which is an economical and hassle-free option to use public transport in Sydney. You can recharge it at convenience stores, train stations or post offices and you are good to go. Taxi services can be expensive, so plan your itinerary in advance for Sydney.
3. Bus Tours are also an economical way of covering popular tourist attractions. Many of Sydney’s attractions are accessible by people with disabilities, like the Sydney Tower Eye, SEA LIFE Aquarium and the Sydney Opera House.
Sydney in April: Seasonal delicacies
The crown jewel in the world of desserts, the Snow Egg of Quay is a prized culinary dish at Quay. Described as a heavenly dessert, Gilmore’s Snow Eggs have gained worldwide recognition from the hit show, Masterchef Australia. Get it at Quay.
These tarts of puff pastry and custard with a hint of cinnamon will become your staple dessert when in Sydney. Available for just a few dollars, these simple yet savory treats are sure to be a culinary highlight of your visit to Sydney. Get it at Sweet Belem.
The quintessential Australian fish, it has a mild flavor which is savored by the locals. Also known as Asian sea bass, this makes for a highly nutritious and delicious meal, easily available in restaurants all over Sydney. Get it at the Searock Grill.
This sweet local delicacy is so highly regarded that it is often enthusiastically considered as Australia’s national cake. Lamington cake is a square of sponge cake dipped in chocolate sauce. Many variants with interesting twists to the original recipe can be found at local bakeries. Get it at Flour and Stone.
This dish comprises egg noodles, twice-fried chicken and lettuce in a bowl and is consumed with Vietnamese sauces. This is the simple, yet delicious recipe of Criskin Chicken. Get it at Tan Viet Noodle House.
Sydney in April: Visiting tips
- Carry an umbrella while going out, as Sydney sees some rainfall in the month of April.
- Keep a pair of sunglasses and wear comfortable walking shoes, as the expansive city has a large number of outdoor attractions. The April weather will tempt you to take an impromptu trip to the Blue Mountains or explore the Sydney Harbour Bridge climb.
- Be careful with your belongings when venturing into crowded places or carnivals. Although Sydney is a safe city, petty crimes do take place.
- Check out the weather forecast before venturing out for the day. You don’t want to be stuck on a beach while it’s raining heavily. There are plenty of indoor options like SEA LIFE Aquarium or Madame Tussauds to engage your traveler spirit when the weather is unfavorable.
- Keep your schedule flexible to visit Sydney’s annual festivals like ANZAC Day parade or the Royal Easter Show which occur in April. You will gain a new perspective on Australia’s culture.
Explore Sydney through the year