It’s easy to fall in step with Sydney’s sunny temperament once you’ve arrived, but distance and cost are enough to keep many from ever attempting the trip. Both are reasonable concerns. Flight times are some of the longest, and Australia’s Harbour City is consistently ranked as one of the world’s most expensive cities. Booking a flight to Sydney is a lesson in getting what you pay for, and it’s hard to beat Qantas in any category other than price. Typically, you’ll find the lowest fares to Sydney are on Chinese carriers and involve lengthy connections in Shanghai or Beijing. This is either a grueling hassle to be endured or a chance to explore another city, depending on your perspective. If you side with the latter, Air New Zealand regularly discounts fares to Australia, which also allows for a choice of stopover in Auckland or the Cook Islands. Fares are generally at their lowest for travel during Australia’s winter, from June through August, with the Christmas holiday period being the most expensive. If you’re hoping to swap out a few weeks of brutal winter for Australian summer, try searching in February or March when fares drop a bit. On the low end, fares can range anywhere from $850 to $1,600 round-trip. Peak fares can be much higher. Once you've arrived, it's easy to stretch your dollar with a little foresight and planning. Some of the best ways to spend the day require spending little to no cash at all. Here’s how to best plan your trip down under without going over budget.

Featuring: Mercado, Bennelong Restaurant Sydney, Yellow, Bar Brosé, The Paddington, Billy Kwong, Porteno, The Apollo, The Grounds of Alexandria, The Pie Tin, Gumshara Restaurant, Opera Bar, Continental Deli Bar Bistro, Porch and Parlour, The Botanist, The Boathouse Balmoral Beach

Featuring: 360 Bar and Dining, Portside Sydney Opera House, Esquire Drink + Dine, Sydney Seaplanes, Captain Cook Cruises, Taste Tours, Ultimately Sydney, Sydney Opera House, Urban Winery Sydney, Dave's Brewery Tours, Sydney Seafood School, Splendour Tailored Tours, Sydney Harbour Boat Tours, Sydney Brewery