How Many Tourists Visit Sydney Each Year? [Sydney Tourism Statistics]

Sydney is Australia’s iconic harbour city — known for its Opera House, Harbour Bridge, Bondi Beach, world-class events and gateway status.

In recent data, Sydney drew around 14.87 million visitors in the year ending December 2024, including approximately 3.53 million international visitors and 11.34 million domestic travellers.

The city’s appeal continues to rebound strongly in the post-pandemic era.

Key stats: Sydney Tourism

• ~3.6 million international visitors in the year ending June 2025 — a strong recovery sign for Sydney’s global draw.
• Those visitors stayed a massive 84.5 million nights, showing deep engagement not just quick stop-overs.
• International visitor spending alone hit around AUD $12.2 billion, underlining international tourism’s big economic role.
• For year ending December 2024, Sydney welcomed ≈ 14.9 million visitors in total, with domestic trips (~11.3 million) dominating the mix.
• Total visitor spending in that year was about AUD $23.1 billion – domestic + international combined.
• Yet, international visit numbers remain roughly 14% below 2019 pre-pandemic levels, showing there’s still ground to cover.
• The wider state (NSW) posted 3.9 million international visitors and AUD $13.9 billion spending in the year to June 2025, of which Sydney is the major hub.
• In just the June quarter 2025, Sydney region had 16.3 million visitors and AUD $7.0 billion in expenditure, illustrating strong short-term momentum.
• Domestic tourism is key: in 2024 domestic visitors numbered ~11.3 million in Sydney.
• Sydney remains Australia’s leading tourism city, consistently attracting over 14 million visitors annually in recent years.

How Many Tourists Visit Sydney Each Year?

In the year ending December 2024, Sydney attracted ~14.87 million visitors (3.53 million international + 11.34 million domestic).

• 2019 (pre-pandemic): international ~4.11 million, total higher.
• International visitor numbers still sit ~14% below 2019 levels.
• Domestic visitation continues its upward trend.

How Many Tourists Visit Sydney Each Day?

With ~14.87 million annual visitors, Sydney averages roughly ~40,700 visitors per day (14,870,000 ÷ 365).
On major event days (e.g., New Year’s Eve, major sporting finals) this number can rise substantially.

How Much Do Visitors Spend in Sydney?

In the year ending December 2024, visitors to Sydney spent approximately AUD 23.09 billion, with domestic visitor spend ~AUD 12.19 billion and international spend ~AUD 10.90 billion.

This demonstrates a strong economic impact and rising average spend per visitor.

Which Countries Visit Sydney the Most?

Top international source markets for Sydney in recent data include China, the United States, New Zealand, the United Kingdom and South Korea.

What Are the Most Visited Attractions in Sydney?

Sydney offers a mix of iconic landmarks, beach culture and event arenas:

Note: Estimates drawn from tourism & transport profiles; actual numbers vary by source.

When Is the Best Time to Visit Sydney?

Sydney is appealing year-round, but peaks align with summer, major events, and holidays.

What Are the Biggest Events Attracting Tourists to Sydney?

Major events play a significant role in driving tourism to Sydney:

• Vivid Sydney (May–June): lights, music, food & culture.
• New Year’s Eve Harbour Fireworks: globally recognised spectacle.
• International sports events (e.g., rugby tours, Olympics bid, major tennis).
• Business events / conventions (NSW lead in business-events visitors)
  These events boost hotel occupancy, restaurant demand and overall city visitation.

How Much Money Does Sydney Make From Tourism?

Tourism is a critical economic pillar for Sydney and New South Wales (NSW):

• In the year ending June 2025, NSW recorded 3.9 million international visitors, staying 101.8 million nights and spending AUD 13.9 billion.
• For Sydney specifically, visitor spend in 2024 was ~AUD 23.09 billion.
• Accommodation occupancy: In November 2024, Sydney’s occupancy reached ~87%.

Which Areas of Sydney Are Most Popular With Tourists?

Tourists tend to spread across the city’s varied precincts:

• Sydney CBD & Circular Quay – Iconic views, Opera House, harbour ferries.
• Bondi & Eastern Suburbs – Beaches, lifestyle, cafés.
• Darling Harbour & Pyrmont – Family-friendly attractions, dining.
• The Rocks & Barangaroo – Heritage, dining, nightlife.
• Manly / Northern Beaches – Day trips, surfing, seaside escapes.
• Western Sydney & Parramatta – Emerging tourism precincts, multicultural draws.

FAQ – Sydney Tourism Insights

Sources

1. Camper Champ — Sydney Tourism Statistics – year ending Dec 2024
2. Destination NSW — Sydney statistics (year ended March 2025) – international & domestic data
3. Destination NSW – International Statistics — International visitation to NSW (year ended June 2025)
4. News.com.au — Record-breaking year for NSW visitor economy (Mar 2024)
5. NSW Government Ministerial Release — Accommodation occupancy & visitor economy data (Nov 2024)