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

5 Reasons NOT To Visit Australia

1. Beaches will no longer impress you via GIPHY Australia is brimming with beautiful beaches including Bondi, Whitehaven and drum roll please... world recordbreaker for the 'whitest sand' Hyams Beach. No other beach will EVER compare. 2. You'll become a fan of big rocks via GIPHY One thing that Australia does well is big rocks. […]

10 FREE ways to experience Melbourne

Marvellous Melbourne was voted the world's most liveable city not just once - but SIX times you guys! That's pretty good going. But for me what makes a place liveable is the stuff you can do without blowing your hard earned cash. Here are our top 10 FREE things to do while you're in Melbourne. […]

HOW TO ESCAPE MELBOURNE'S COLD WINTER?

I never imagined Australia could get THAT cold in winter, next time I move to another country I will definitely research the weather before packing! Something else I never imagined as a European, was that I would have to go NORTH to find the warmth. Well, we are Down Under after all. On the 1st of […]

A breathtaking day hike through the picturesque hinterland of the Gold Coast

After two months of city life, I wanted a break, a real break. I really needed to escape the hustle and bustle of Melbourne. My little holiday to the Gold Coast was already a big step in the right direction, but after some good time on the beach, huge parties and a scenic sunset kayak […]

The 5 best kept secret beaches of Australia!

Bondi Beach is undoubtedly the most famous beach in Australia. This stretch of sand is located 7km east of Sydney and tops the list of popular tourist destinations. While Bondi is beautiful and a lot of fun - it’s also crowded with tourists and not at all what you would call a peaceful getaway. Bondi […]

The water maze of the Gold Coast; Exploring the inland waterways in a kayak

  Born and raised in the Netherlands I basically breathe water. So what do you do when you get the opportunity to join in on a kayak tour? Ow yes count me in please! And what if this tour includes delicious wine, beautiful sunsets and (my all-time favourite) tasty cheese! Then you got me hooked. […]

Social Media

Accepted Payments

Members of

chevron-down