A Traveler's Must-Know Tip For The Most Affordable Transportation In Sydney

Strewth, mate! Sydney is notorious for being expensive. According to Budget Your Trip, you'll likely spend well over $100 per day on travel expenses in Australia's gorgeous harbour city. One way to help keep costs down is by taking public transportation and using a tap-on tap-off Opal card to pay your fares. Opal cards can be used for all forms of public transportation, including trains, light rail, buses, and ferries, and can get you to and from the picturesque Blue Mountains, the gorgeous coastline at Bondi Beach, and even to Manly Beach for an epic surf session. (And yes, you can bring your board!)

Foreign tourists in Sydney can generally use two types of Opal cards: Adult (which requires a minimum of $20 top-up when purchased) or youth (a discounted card for children aged four to 15, which requires a minimum $10 top-up). Cards are available for purchase from many newsstands, convenience stores, Woolworths supermarkets, and transportation centers (Central Station, Circular Quay). Children under four ride free. You can also purchase an Opal card at the airport, however, new cards require a $35 top-up.

Opal cards charge each user based on a few factors, notably the time of day, the distance, and the type of transportation used. However, there are a few exceptions you should take advantage of when you visit. Each adult card has a daily travel cap of $18.70 per day and $50 per week, not including Sydney airport stations. Outside of peak times, transportation fares are 30% lower, making the maximum daily fare $9.35 for adults and $4.65 for children on Fridays, weekends, and public holidays. Sydney's public transport system also accepts Visa, Mastercard, and Amex, as well as Apple Pay and Google Wallet instead of an Opal card — and a journey costs the same.

Even though Sydney is a great spot for a winter vacation, travelers visiting the city would miss out on some of Australia's best and most beautiful tourist attractions by only using an Opal card in the city. The public transport network stretches from the city of Newcastle to slower-paced Kiama, making it perfect for day trips or weekend excursions. You're spoiled for choice of where to recharge after a few days in busy Sydney where you'll see a different side of New South Wales.

Australia is highly renowned for producing a variety of delicious wines. The Hunter Valley, just a few hours from Sydney off the Central Coast of New South Wales, is home to Australia's first vineyards and some of the country's best whites. Just hop on a local city train then take an intercity train from Sydney up north. Also, take advantage of a local secret: You've got up to an hour to make your transfer, so feel free to grab a coffee for the next part of the ride.

Your Opal card can get you to some of Australia's best outdoor scenery in many of the National Parks surrounding Sydney. One of Australia's hidden gems, Blue Mountains National Park is full of hiking and bushwalking trails, picnic areas, and camping spots. The picturesque small town of Katoomba is accessible from Sydney Central for the perfect day trip when you're tired of the hustle and bustle. Take advantage of the free one-hour transfer to grab a bite or a beverage before using a public bus to go further into the Blue Mountains or to the iconic Echo Point Lookout and the accessible Three Sisters Walk. Best of all, a trip won't cost more than $20 for an adult on a weekend!

Even though Sydney is expensive, the city still makes for an unforgettable bucket list trip, even on a budget. Entertainment at many of the city's most well-known tourist attractions is free or costs very little thanks to the local government's strong support for busking. Don't be surprised to see some of Sydney's best street dancers in Dancer's Alley, just off Darling Harbour. Up by The Rocks, the Opera House, and Circular Quay, local street musicians strum and sing their hearts out and Aboriginal artists showcase their talents. All areas offer great walks, but for a one-of-a-kind view of the city skyline, walk across Sydney Harbour Bridge to Bradfield Park, just north of the Opera House. Once you've soaked in the city, just hop on a ferry and pay with your Opal card.

Food costs are also expensive due to taxes and higher employment costs. That being said, you shouldn't be stuck eating ramen for three meals a day as good meals are affordable in different parts of the city. Being a global city, Sydney boasts food from all corners of the world. Much of it is inexpensive when compared to restaurants and pubs around Darling Harbour and The Rocks. Whether you're looking for Chinese, Korean, a classic burger–or anything in between, use your Opal card to cross the city as you unleash your inner foodie. And, if you're looking for classic Aussie food, head to a pub on a weekday. Many have trivia as well as food and drink specials to keep you and your wallet full.

For budget accommodation, the city has many hostels in the city center and the Kings Cross neighborhood east of the city center. However, after personally having two of my worst travel experiences at hostels in Sydney, do your research and don't jeopardize your safety to save a few bucks.