First Time Visiting Sydney: 10 Small Things Tourists Love To Argue About

"You won't be so happy to be here when this guy wakes you up at 5:00am!"

Discover the Unexpected in Sydney

Planning your first trip to Sydney? You’re probably dreaming of koalas, beaches, and the Harbour Bridge. But here’s the twist — what really gets visitors talking are the little things. The everyday Aussie quirks that hit harder than jet lag.

From how we drink our coffee to why we don’t tip much, Sydney is full of surprises that visitors love to debate. If you’re wondering what to expect (and what might catch you off guard), here’s your no-filter guide to the surprisingly controversial quirks of visiting Sydney for the first time.

1. The Sunscreen Is Built for Survival, Not Fashion

You’ll complain it’s thick. You’ll say it smells funny. But two days into our sun—which has the UV rating of a death ray—and you’ll be slathering that SPF50 on like it’s liquid gold. And yes, it is meant to be that strong. This ain’t Vermont, sweetheart.

2. Sydney’s Coffee Culture Will Ruin You for Life

No, we don’t do bottomless filter coffee. Yes, we take our flat whites very seriously. The first sip will change your life. The second will make you wonder why Starbucks still exists.

3. Our Showers Are a Puzzle from 1953

You’ll spend five minutes trying to get the temperature right. Our plumbing’s a roll of the dice. Some places still have the separate hot and cold taps like it’s 1953. Good luck getting the water to “just right” before third-degree burns or Antarctic shock set in. It builds character.

4. Vegemite: A National Treasure or an Edible Dare?

Every visitor tries it. Most get it wrong (thick like Nutella — don’t!). But a whisper-thin smear on buttery toast? That’s when you cross over into true Aussie territory. We force it on you like it’s a sacred rite. Because it is.

“Bondi: Half ‘Meh,’ Half ‘Magic’

5. Bondi Beach: Worth It, or Just Hype?

People come expecting Fiji. They get crowds, cold water, and a lifeguard telling them where to swim. Half say “Is this it?” The other half say “Best beach ever.” Both are right. That’s Bondi Beach.

6. Tipping Confusion Is Real

American tourists especially panic. “Do I tip the barista? The cab driver? The wildlife guide?” Relax. It’s optional. We pay our staff a living wage. Round up if you want to — no drama if you don’t.

7. Where’s the Ice in the Water?

You’ll ask for water at a café. You’ll get it warm. No lemon wedge. No frosty glass. Just water. We don’t do water theatre here. You're here to hydrate, not attend a spa.

8. Shops Close When?!

Why is everything shut by 5pm? Because we’ve knocked off. It’s not laziness — it’s priorities. You’ll find late-night shopping, but don’t count on it. Welcome to a city that doesn’t run on late-night chaos — unless you're near a kebab shop or Kings Cross.

9. No Kangaroos in the CBD

You won’t find koalas at the Opera House or ‘roos hopping down George Street. What you will find are squawking cockatoos and evil-eyed bin chickens that want your chips.

10. $24 Avocado Toast… and You’ll Love It

“Twenty-four bucks later and you’ll be licking that plate like it’s your birthday cake.”

It’s just avo on toast, right? Wrong. It’s smashed avo, on locally baked sourdough, sprinkled with fancy feta that comes from a goat named Steve in Gippsland.

You’ll hate the price. Then you’ll lick the plate. It's a Sydney brunch rite of passage.

11. Embrace the Local Flavors

Sydney isn’t just about the sights. It’s about the tastes, too. From fresh seafood to multicultural cuisine, every meal can be an adventure. So, don’t just stick to the tourist traps. Explore the hidden gems. Try the local markets. You’ll find flavors that will make your taste buds dance.

12. Nature Awaits Beyond the City

Sure, the Harbour Bridge and Bondi make great postcards. But what makes you fall in love with Sydney? It’s the quirks. The strong coffee. The weird plumbing. The cockatoos yelling at tradies.

So don’t just tick off the sights — lean into the local weirdness. And if you want the real Australia — the kind with quiet beaches, wild birds, waterfalls, and stories the guidebooks miss — come out bush with me.

Explore Sydney the Local Way — Especially if It’s Your First Time Visiting Sydney

If it’s your first time visiting Sydney, don’t just follow the guidebooks — follow a local who actually knows where the wild things are.

Book a private nature and wildlife tour with Sydney Guided Tours — and turn your first trip into a proper adventure.

Sydney Guided Tours. I don’t do boring.