I vividly remember my first time setting foot in Australia last summer. The fresh air, the crystal-clear beaches, and especially the feeling of standing in front of the Sydney Opera House as the sun set – truly indescribable. But this trip wasn't just about the sights; it taught me how to save money and avoid tourist traps. Let me tell you all about it.
Quick Facts
- Best time to visit: December – February (Australian summer), but if you want to avoid crowds, go in March or October.
- Suggested duration: 7-10 days for both Sydney and the Great Barrier Reef.
- Estimated budget: Around 2,500 – 3,500 AUD per person (including flights, hotels, meals, and tours).
- Getting around: In Sydney, the metro and buses are the most convenient. Get an Opal card to save money. From Sydney to Cairns (gateway to the Great Barrier Reef), it's a 3-hour flight, with round-trip tickets from 200 AUD.
- Connectivity: Don't forget to buy an eSIM from SimNha before you go. I used a 10-day, 10GB plan for 15 AUD – it took 2 minutes to set up, had strong signal, and I never worried about losing connection when checking in or booking a Grab.
Sydney: The Opera House and Things Few People Know
How to Get to the Sydney Opera House
You can take the metro to Circular Quay, then walk for 5 minutes. Or take a ferry from Darling Harbour – you get to enjoy the bay views and arrive directly at the Opera House. I prefer the ferry because the views are stunning, it only takes 10 minutes, and costs 6 AUD.
Is the Guided Tour Worth It?
A guided tour inside costs 42 AUD per person (about 650,000 VND). The tour lasts 1 hour, taking you into the concert halls and showing you the unique architecture of the roof. Personally, I found it quite interesting, but if you're not into architecture, just taking photos outside is enough.
💡 Tip: Book your tickets online at least a week in advance, especially if you're going in summer. Tours sell out quickly. Choose early morning or late afternoon to avoid the harsh sun.
Where to Eat Near the Opera House
The Circular Quay area has many restaurants but they're pricey. I recommend walking 10 minutes to The Rocks district, which has a weekend market with delicious and affordable street food. Try a meat pie for 8 AUD, or fish & chips for 15 AUD.
Great Barrier Reef: Snorkeling Among Coral and Avoiding Sunburn
Choosing a Snorkeling Tour – Hard-Earned Advice
There are two main types of tours: day trips from Cairns (around 200-250 AUD per person) and overnight island trips (from 500 AUD). I chose a day trip because of my tight budget. The destination was the Outer Reef, farther from shore but with pristine coral.
| Tour Type | Price (AUD) | Duration | Includes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Day trip | 200-250 | 8 hours | Lunch, snorkeling gear, guide |
| Overnight trip | 500-700 | 2 days 1 night | Accommodation on boat, multiple dive sites, full board |
⚠️ Note: If you get seasick easily, take motion sickness medication 1 hour before. I didn't, and I almost threw up as soon as the boat left the dock. Also, reef-safe sunscreen is mandatory – you can buy it at stores in Cairns for 15 AUD.
Snorkeling vs. Scuba Diving
- Snorkeling: Free with the tour, just need a mask and snorkel. You can see coral and fish from the surface. Suitable for non-swimmers (life jackets are provided).
- Scuba diving: Additional 100-150 AUD. I tried it once and got to see sea turtles and clownfish up close. It was amazing, but if you're afraid of water pressure, you might want to skip it.
Food and Accommodation Costs in Cairns
Cairns is a small city where walking is the main mode of transport. Budget hotels cost 80-120 AUD per night. For food, a restaurant meal is about 20-30 AUD, but I often bought food at the Night Market – fresh seafood at just 10-15 AUD. In particular, try the grilled barramundi (Australian sea bass) – unforgettable.
Internet Connectivity – Don't Get Disconnected Mid-Trip
I once bought a physical SIM at Sydney Airport for 30 AUD for 7 days, but the signal was weak in remote areas. This time I used a SimNha eSIM – it took just 2 minutes to set up before my flight, no need to swap SIMs, and I had 4G/5G signal everywhere. Especially in Cairns, I could video call home without any lag.
📌 Note: If you're visiting both cities, the 15-day, 20GB plan for 25 AUD is the best value. Compared to international roaming from Viettel (around 50 AUD for 5GB), the eSIM is much cheaper.
Conclusion
My summer trip to Australia was one of the most memorable experiences of my life. The Great Barrier Reef showed me the beauty of the ocean, while the Sydney Opera House left me in awe of human architecture. If you're planning a trip, budget carefully and don't forget to bring a SimNha eSIM – it kept me connected so I could share beautiful moments with family and friends.