New South Wales
Northern Territory
Queensland
South Australia
Tasmania
Victoria
Western Australia
North Island
South Island

What to expect from Sydney in May

Lucy Pascual
May 17, 2024
the rocks sydney

Sydney in May is sublime, with cooler temperatures ranging from 12°c to 21°c and a cosy autumn vibe. The cool, refreshing air and clear skies make this month a great time to explore some of the city’s most iconic landmarks for some gorgeous views or to learn about the city's cultural heritage.

Sydney’s Icons

If you’re visiting Sydney in May, you absolutely have to explore the world-famous Sydney Harbour Bridge and Sydney Opera House. The Opera House – with its famous white sails and the blue harbour sparkling behind it – is so much more than just an iconic building. It’s an artistic and cultural wonder and May’s mild weather is perfect for a guided tour of this architectural marvel.

Opera House tours – like the one available with the awesome Go City Sydney Attraction Pass – give you a behind-the-scenes look at the history and design of this UNESCO World Heritage site.

As you walk through the beautiful halls and theatres, the knowledgeable and friendly guides will share fascinating stories about its construction and many famous performances. You’ll also get the opportunity to see areas that are usually off-limits to the public, which makes the tour more exciting than a self-guided visit.

Another must-do activity during May in Sydney is the Harbour Bridge climb. The cooler temperatures make it comfortable to climb the iconic arches of Australia’s most famous bridge for breathtaking panoramic views of the city and its surroundings. The climb is guided, safe and suitable for anyone with a moderate level of fitness.

For those who prefer to stay closer to the ground, a Sydney Harbour cruise tour is a nice, relaxing way to enjoy the views. As you sail, you'll see the Opera House, the sparkling harbour and the bustling city banks, all framed by the bridge’s iconic steel structure.

Vivid Sydney

For maximum views, a harbour cruise during Vivid Sydney (which starts this month and runs into June) is an awe-inspiring way to see the city’s main attractions and many other buildings bathed in a colourful display of 2D and 3D lights. Vivid also brightens up the city with art installations, live music, street performances and amazing foods. Visit our Things to Do in Sydney page for more activities.

Travelling during another month? Check out what to expect from Sydney in January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December.

AUTHOR PROFILE
Lucy Pascual
Lucy is a true-blue Aussie living in Far North Queensland. When she's not writing, she spends her time travelling to Australia's top destinations, aiming to see as much of the country as possible so she can share its best locations with her readers.

Related Posts

Visiting Melbourne? Here Are the 5 Restaurants You Must Try

Melbourne is brimming with amazing dining spots, from the cheap and cheerful to the prix fixe fine dining destinations and everything in between.  The dining scene in Melbourne is great for two main reasons:   1. The city is a cultural melting pot, meaning the restaurant options reflect these cultures and   2. We take our food […]

Top 7 Travel Destinations for Couples

With Valentine’s Day right around the corner, the idea of a romantic getaway may be on your mind. But before booking a trip with your sweetie, it’s important to know which spots are best for couples traveling together. Whether you prefer the city, beach, mountains or country, there’s sure to be something on this list […]

Where to find the best international food in Melbourne

Who says you have to travel overseas to find authentic pho or munch on pizza just like in Naples? Sure, there’s no beating the original, but Melbourne sure has some spots that get pretty close! Here are 5 places where you’ll find some seriously tasty food from all around the world. And the best thing […]

Ultimate Tasmania Travel Guide

Known for its rugged beauty, stunning scenery and tasty produce, Tasmania is a feast for the senses. Everywhere you go you’ll find something to amaze you, from gorgeous beaches and unique wildlife to World Heritage mountain areas and historical centres. Oh - and don't forget the fresh fruit and produce you’ll find at every stop! […]

Cómo planificar tu viaje al Top End

¿Quieres explorar el Top End (extremo superior) de Australia? Si buscas cascadas, flora, fauna y unas vistas realmente maravillosas (que realmente te dejarán sin aliento), entonces el Top End es el lugar al que debes ir. Desde la bulliciosa ciudad de Darwin hasta los impresionantes Parques Nacionales de Kakadu y Litchfield y el famoso cañón […]

How to plan your Top End trip

Want to take on the Top End? If you’re after waterfalls, wildlife and some seriously wonderful view (really, they’ll take your breath away), then the Top End is the place to go. From bustling Darwin to the stunning Kakadu and Litchfield National Parks and the famous Katherine Gorge, there’s a ton of great places to […]

Social Media

Accepted Payments

Members of

chevron-down