Is Sydney safe? What you should know

Posted Dec 3, 2024

Sydney is the perfect mashup of city buzz and seaside chill! With the iconic Opera House, golden beaches, and world-class coffee, it’s a place where life feels just a bit brighter! Whether you're exploring historic lanes in The Rocks or catching waves at Bondi Beach, there’s always something to do and someone friendly to share a “G’day” with.

But let’s talk about keeping things smooth and safe. Sydney is the harbour city of Western Australia and is generally very safe. But if you know a few tips, they can make your visit even better! You’ll learn how to enjoy its culture, make the most of its natural wonders without stepping on a jellyfish, and handle any healthcare needs. Hopefully nothing more dramatic than a band-aid for a stubbed toe!

From sun-smart beach days to mastering the public transport system (hello, Opal card), Sydney’s waiting for you to explore it! Whether you’re climbing the Harbour Bridge or just relaxing with a flat white, we’ve got the tips to keep your Sydney adventure as chill as the locals! That includes reminding you not to call flip-flops anything but “thongs.” Seriously, it’s a thing!

Safety tips to keep in mind during your time in Sydney

Sydney is one of the world's safest cities according to crime statistics. Its safety index is 65.8, and you can check it for almost every city around the world. It's useful if you're worried about safety in a major city! If you want more info, you can check out the NSW Bureau and iron out any final doubts!

Getting from the airport to Sydney city centre

Looking for the easiest way to get to the city centre from Sydney Airport (Kingsford Smith International Airport)? It'll take you about half an hour if you grab the T8 train. The Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera House are just a few blocks away, but you should take a nice stroll through the Botanic Gardens of Sydney that you won't regret!

Tips to stay safe when you first arrive in Sydney

Yep, scams are everywhere. You can't avoid them no matter where you go. So, here are a few common ones in Sydney that you should look out for:

Price tags: You might come across a weird convenience store while looking for a quick snack or drink. What's weird about it? Nothing has price labels! And what does that tell you? That's right, astronomically high prices! Save your money and skip these stores.
Drop bear hoax: There's a rather funny tourist scam in Australia that features a legend about drop bears. They're supposedly aggressive and man-eating versions of koalas, totally made up to sell spray repellants to tourists. If someone tries to convince you about these mini man-eating bears and the special repellants, just give them a friendly laugh and move on!

Is tap water in Sydney safe to drink?

Yes, it's completely safe! They do rigorous tests to make sure it's always top-notch, so no worries! You could get bottled water, but some brands get it from the same source that tap comes from. Some would even call it... a scam!

Safe accommodation options in Sydney

Looking for the safest areas to stay in Sydney? Check these out:

Ku-ring-gai is a green haven for nature lovers thanks to the nearby Chase National Park. It's got a suburban vibe perfect for a stay with family! The Charrington Hotel reflects the area with its home-like rooms and cozy vibes! It's about 180 AUD per night.
Willoughby East is ironically on the Northern shore and has tree-lined streets, nice cafes, and little shops. You can stay at the Sebel Sydney Chatswood Hotel for about 250 AUD a night. It's got a modern design and spacious rooms for family stays!
Lane Cove also has a leafy, calm, and residential vibe, along with great safety! It's known for its parks meant for nice family strolls. You can crash at the Comfort Inn North Shor for a comfortable 140 AUD a night!

Pro tip: If you're a surf aficionado or a scuba enthusiast, you probably brought your own gear. Sydney isn't all about the ocean (though it’s a big part). So, you'll probably need to stash that heavy gear while you roam around the city. Leave your wet suits, surfboards, and air tanks with Bounce while you explore the rest of Sydney! That pro gear can be expensive, which is why you're covered with our $10,000 protection plan!

Cultural callouts & things to keep an eye out for

If you want to know about Aussie culture, here are some callouts for things to keep an eye out for:

AU language is English, but just like the Brits, they like their slang! So, here are some common slang words and phrases to keep you in the loop: arvo (afternoon); brekky (breakfast); barbie (barbecue, rarely used in the same sentence as shrimp); bathers (swimsuit); bottle-o (bottle shop).
Aussies dress very casually, especially because of beach culture and the extreme weather conditions. No one would be caught dead in something with long sleeves when it's 50 degrees C outside!
The locals are very inclusive, accepting, and welcoming! Don't worry about anyone judging you here!

Keeping safe when navigating the city

Keeping safe in Sydney is a breeze! Just follow these tips:

Public transport is generally safe even at night.
You can use buses, trains, and ferries with an Opal Card, which is super convenient.
It's left-hand driving in Sydney, so be careful if you aren’t used to it!
Watch out for wildlife when you're driving in the outskirts. Hitting them causes a lot of emotional damage. Oh, and the car damage too!
Biking is very fun at the coast, but helmets are mandatory! You can rent both regular and e-bikes in Syndey.

Nature and Sydney: Tips to keep in mind

Sydney is brimming with swimmable spots, outdoor adventures, and lush nature escapes. Here's how to dive in safely:

Looking for the best beaches near Sydney? Bondi, Manly, and Parsley Bay are all great options for sandy shores, sunbathing, and surfing!
Gordons Bay has Sydney's only underwater nature trail for snorkeling!
Watch out for jellyfish when you're swimming, especially in summer. Lifeguards will warn you if they spot jellyfish. Fun fact: the Irukandji jellyfish's sting causes a sense of impending doom (we've all had exes like that)!
Sharks are rare in popular swimming spots. You can take courses on how to act around sharks if one approaches you.
Look out for flags in the water, they indicate danger levels. Here are the meanings: Red - no swimming; yellow - caution required; red and yellow flags - swim between the flags; black and white flags - evacuate the water.
The Blue Mountains, The Horn, or Mt. York are great for hiking and climbing at various levels.
Watch out for snakes and spiders, this is Australia after all! If something bites you, make sure to get a good look at it or capture it! When you check yourself into a local clinic, which you should immediately do, you can describe it or show it to get instant help.
Sydney has a temperate climate, but temps can get dangerously high in this coastal area. It's not recommended to leave the house if this happens.

Last tips in the case of an emergency

Here are tips about health and emergency services:

Make sure to get travel insurance before you head out.
Vendors and restaurants go through regular safety inspections, so you won’t have any problems with street food!
000 is the general number for an ambulance, fire department, and local police station.
1800 022 222 is for medical advice like if any insect, jellyfish, or snake bites you.

So, is Sydney safe?

Yes, Sydney is definitively a safe city for travelers with very few criminal incidents in general. Just follow the tips you got here and keep the possible dangers in mind! And if you ever need to stash some gear, just download the Bounce app in a few clicks and find a storage location that suits your needs!