Everything you need to know about the WHV in Sydney

Sydney is certainly the best known Australian city, famous around the world for its Opera House, New Year fireworks and Bondi Beach. It is the capital of New South Wales.

The city was founded in the 1700s, initially as a territory where British prisoners were sent. Free settlers decided to start living in Sydney in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. By the 1920s, the city had more than one million residents.

Sydney is regularly voted one of the most enjoyable cities to live in. Its climate is pleasant, with more than 300 days of sunshine per year, which is ideal for enjoying an active lifestyle and Sydney’s many beaches. Winters are enjoyable, with average temperatures of 15 °C.

Although Sydney is a busy economic hub, residents are laidback, making Sydney a nice blend between fast-paced city life and classic Aussie relaxation.

Population in Sydney

Sydney is Australia’s largest city. As of 2022, it has a population of almost 5.3 million people. About 66% of NSW’s population is estimated to reside in Sydney. NSW is home to a third of Australia’s under-26 population, the majority of whom live in Sydney.

NSW has the largest population of the country’s young Aboriginal people, many of whom live in Blacktown (not far from Sydney). In Sydney, there are also immigrant communities from various European and Asian countries.

More than 200,000 backpackers pass through Sydney each year on their WHV.

Pros and cons of starting your WHV in Sydney

Pros

• The best of both worlds: a mix of dynamic city life with plenty of access to parks, beaches and nature
• Lots of other backpackers around, so making friends is easier than in more remote locations
• Finding work in Sydney is easier than most Australian cities; there are many vacancies across a multitude of sectors

Cons

• The cost of living is high in Sydney
• It is not easy to find accommodation with a good quality/price ratio
• Sydney remains a very popular city for WHV-makers from all over the world, meaning competition for jobs and housing is tough