Digital Nomad Guide to Sydney
Coworking spaces, beach cafes, WiFi, visas, and costs for remote workers
⚡ Quick Summary
Sydney is expensive ($3,500-5,000 USD/month) but offers stunning quality of life, fast internet, excellent coworking culture, and incredible work-life balance. Best for: beach lovers, APAC time zone workers, and those who can afford premium pricing.
Let's be honest: Sydney is one of the most expensive cities in the world. But it's also one of the most livable. Where else can you finish work, hit a world-class beach in 20 minutes, and still make your evening yoga class by the harbour?
The digital nomad scene here is strong but different from Bali or Lisbon — it's more professionals working remotely for global companies than scrappy startups. The cafe culture is incredible, WiFi is reliable everywhere, and the timezone makes it perfect for APAC-focused work.
🏢 Best Coworking Spaces
WeWork (Multiple Locations)
Professional, reliable, multiple CBD locations. Hot desk: $550-650 AUD/month
Best for: Corporate remote workers
Fishburners
Startup-focused, great community. From $350 AUD/month. Sydney CBD location.
Best for: Entrepreneurs, tech workers
The Commons (Bondi)
Beach vibes! 5 min from Bondi Beach. Casual atmosphere. Day passes available.
Best for: Beach lovers, casual work
Tank Stream Labs
Premium space in CBD. Events and networking. From $600 AUD/month.
Best for: Serious professionals
☕ Best Cafes for Remote Work
Single O (Surry Hills)
Large tables, excellent coffee, WiFi, power outlets. Gets busy 11 AM-2 PM.
The Grounds of Alexandria
Huge space, WiFi, beautiful setting. Weekend brunch crowds, weekdays quieter.
Bread & Butter (Bondi)
Beachside work spot. Ocean views, good WiFi. Best in off-peak hours.
💡 Cafe etiquette: In Sydney, it's expected you'll buy something every 1-2 hours if working from a cafe. Unlike some countries, camping all day on one coffee is frowned upon.
💰 Cost of Living (Monthly)
| Item | Budget | Comfortable | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | $1,800-2,400 | $2,500-3,500 | $4,000+ |
| Food & Dining | $600-800 | $900-1,200 | $1,500+ |
| Transport | $150-200 | $200-300 | $400+ |
| Coworking | $0 (cafes) | $400-600 | $700+ |
| Misc/Entertainment | $300-400 | $500-700 | $1,000+ |
| Total (AUD) | $2,850-3,800 | $4,500-6,300 | $7,600+ |
| Total (USD) | ~$1,900-2,500 | ~$3,000-4,200 | ~$5,000+ |
🛂 Visa Options
Tourist Visa / Visitor Visa (subclass 600)
Duration: 3-12 months
Work allowed: No (technically). Many digital nomads use this but it's a grey area.
Cost: $145-365 AUD depending on duration
Working Holiday Visa (subclass 417/462)
Duration: 12 months (extendable)
Work allowed: Yes! Can work for any employer
Age limit: 18-30 (or 18-35 for some countries)
Cost: $635 AUD
Temporary Skill Shortage Visa (subclass 482)
Duration: 2-4 years
Work allowed: Yes, sponsored by Australian employer
Best for: Professionals with in-demand skills
⚠️ Important: Working remotely for a foreign company while on a tourist visa is technically not allowed, though enforcement is rare. For legal certainty, get a working visa. Consult an immigration lawyer for your specific situation.
📶 Internet & Connectivity
Home Internet
- • Providers: Telstra, Optus, TPG
- • Speed: 50-100 Mbps typical
- • Cost: $70-120 AUD/month
- • NBN: National broadband (most areas)
Mobile Data
- • Prepaid SIM: $30-50 AUD/month
- • Data: 40-80 GB typical
- • Coverage: Excellent in cities
- • 5G: Available in CBD and suburbs