Sydney is many au pairs' dream destination — and it is easy to see why. Australia's biggest city pairs world-famous beaches with a stunning harbour, a buzzing food scene and a genuinely outdoor lifestyle. Here is what makes it special, and what to know before you go.
Beaches and the great outdoors
Few cities put the beach so close to daily life. On your days off you can swim, surf or simply soak up the sun, and the coastal walks are spectacular. A few favourites:
- Bondi Beach and the Bondi-to-Coogee coastal walk.
- Manly, a short, scenic ferry ride from the city.
- The harbour beaches and national parks on Sydney's doorstep.
An iconic harbour city
The Opera House, the Harbour Bridge and Darling Harbour are right there to enjoy, and taking a ferry across the harbour never gets old. With the kids, there is no shortage of family-friendly outings — Taronga Zoo, the Royal Botanic Garden and the museums are all winners.
Getting around
Sydney has an extensive public transport network of trains, buses, light rail and ferries. Grab an Opal card (or tap on with a contactless card) and you can reach most places without a car — handy on your days off, and reassuring for the school run if you will be driving the family car.
A vibrant, multicultural city
Sydney is wonderfully diverse, which means incredible food from every corner of the world and a packed calendar of festivals and markets. If you are missing home, you will usually find a community, a restaurant or a grocery store that brings a taste of it back.
The cost of living
It is worth being realistic: Sydney is one of Australia's most expensive cities, so your pocket money will not stretch quite as far as it might elsewhere. The good news is that your accommodation and meals are covered as an au pair, and plenty of the best things to do — the beaches, coastal walks and harbour views — are free. Budget a little for transport and outings and you will be fine.
Things to do on your days off
- Take the ferry to Manly or Watsons Bay.
- Walk the coast from Bondi to Coogee.
- Explore the markets in Paddington or the Rocks.
- Day-trip to the Blue Mountains for a complete change of scene.
Between the beaches, the harbour and the buzz of a big global city, Sydney offers an au pair year you will never forget. Register as an au pair and find your host family in Sydney.