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LET us SHOW YOU THE BEST THINGS TO DO IN Sydney

Hi, we are Paula and Charles; we created this independent Sydney travel guide because we want you to have the best time discovering all the places we think make Sydney great!

We cover everything from scenic walks to new bars and restaurants, the best sites on the harbour and in the mountains. Whether you are looking to plan a day out on a budget or splurge for a special occasion, you will find ideas here to help.

Since 2010, we have been sharing our first-hand experience of things to see and do across the city and the state of NSW. We’re here to help you find fun things to do in Sydney, whether you are a local or a visitor.

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Home » Oceania » Australia » Sydney

INSIDER SYDNEY ITINERARY for (2024)

Australia’s largest city, famous for its grand harbour front, Sydney Opera House, and being Nemo’s ever-elusive destination. It’s the perfect place to spend your holidays! With so much to offer, a massive harbour with plenty of waterside activities, historical buildings, and a multitude of fascinating tours to choose from, your Sydney itinerary is sure to be bursting with creative adventures!

Indigenous Australians are thought to have inhabited the Sydney area for at least 30,000 years, this means that there’s an overwhelming amount to learn about your destination of choice.

Whether you’re spending 2 days in Sydney, 3 days, or even a week in Sydney, we’ve got your activities covered for the trip. Here’s what we like to think is the best Sydney itinerary!

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3 Day Sydney Itinerary Overview

• Day 1: Bronte Baths | Sydney Opera House | Walking Tour | Wendy’s Secret Garden | Golden Age Cinema
• Day 2: Bondi Icebergs Pool | Bondi Beach | Bondi to Coogee Coastal Path | Lansdowne Hotel
• Day 3: Sydney Harbour Bridge | Royal Botanic Gardens | Luna Park Sydney

Where To Stay In Sydney

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You’ve booked your flights, now you’ve got the task of deciding where to stay in Sydney so you can begin planning your Sydney itinerary. There are so many things to do in Sydney you want to place yourself in a location where you can take advantage of the time you have.

Here are two of our favourite places to stay in Sydney!

Bondi Beach is probably one you’ve heard of before as it’s become famous all around the world. This neighbourhood stretches out along the coastline and has a kilometre of beach just waiting to be explored. Bondi Beach is full of health clubs, lifestyle events, and some very elegant dining options.

The locals in this area tend to be very active, go-getter types, so if you enjoy living life to the fullest, Bondi Beach just might be the perfect place for you. You’ll also find a lot of homestays and most of the best hostels in this neighbourhood, which makes it ideal for backpackers in Sydney .

Balmain is a neighbourhood in Sydney just 6 kilometres from the city centre. It’s home to the largest Italian population in the city, and you can see the Italian influence on every street corner. Italian architecture is sprinkled generously around the neighbourhood and little terraces jut out from almost every building.

As you can imagine, pizza and pasta joints are the main dishes served up in the area, and you’ll find cafes on almost every street.

Now that you know how to get around, here’s what you should be up to during your time in Sydney .

There’s a lot to do in this incredible city, from hitting the beaches to exploring then harbour and discovering the vast histories of this city and country. Sydney is easy to get around and a pleasant and sunny city to discover.

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Best Hostel in Sydney – Mad Monkey Backpackers on Broadway

The Mad Monkey Hostel on Broadway offers really affordable accommodation in the most convenient place: just a few minutes walk from Central Station! You can expect a clean interior with modern decor. Hot breakfast is served every morning, so you’re in for a treat if you’re on a budget!

Best Airbnb in Sydney: The Barn on Prince Alfred Park – Central Station

There is no cooler place to stay in Sydney than this 19th century converted barn in Surry Hills. In fact, it’s one of the best Airbnbs in Sydney . Enjoy high ceilings, spacious rooms, and modern amenities all in Sydney’s coolest neighbourhood.

Just a short walk to Surry Hills’ trendy bars, restaurants, and clubs, you won’t find a more ideally located flat in the city.

Best Budget Hotel in Sydney – Wyndham Sydney Suites

Close to all the best tourist attractions in Sydney, you honestly couldn’t ask for a better location than the Wyndham. Each room is modern with a clean finish, and they’re equipped with their own small kitchen and cosy balcony. If you’re someone who enjoys privacy and value for money, this is a great spot for you!

Best Luxury Hotel in Sydney – Astral Tower and Residences at The Star

This modern hotel is the picture of elegance at its finest! Located in Darling Harbour, you simply could not imagine a better view! Luxury is hidden around every corner of this hotel and the facilities are nothing less than world-class.

Want to save money on accommodation?

We got you. For reals.

Your first day in Sydney will see you enjoying the beautiful natural surrounds that Sydney has to offer and immersing yourself in unique cultural experiences.

8:00 AM – Take a Swim at Bronte Baths

Join the early-risers in Sydney for a few salty laps of the Bronte Baths tidal pool. This full-size tidal pool is the perfect place to get your exercise in before the day has even started.

Waking up to an ocean swim is a truly Australian way to start your day! However, tourists often find that the water at Bronte Beach is a little too violent and volatile for swimming, so this is the perfect way to enjoy a beautiful saltwater swim without worrying about the tides. Blow off the cobwebs from your journey over to Sydney, especially if you’ve got jetlag, and dive right into the azure Aussie waters!

Enjoy the sounds and views of waves crashing over the edge of the tidal pool, knowing you’re safe inside its sheltered walls. Be sure to take your camera along for the trip, as the sunrise from Bronte Baths is nothing less than an Instagrammable sight.

Insider Tip: Try getting to the baths before 7 am, as watching the sunrise on the horizon is absolutely gorgeous from this perfect viewing spot. Check out this detailed guide to Bronte Baths for more information.

Cost – Free! Getting there – Catch the train/bus to Bondi Junction and switch to the 379 local bus. How long should you stay – 1.5 hr

11:00 AM – Take a Walking Tour

Taking a walking tour of the city helps you to come to a deeper understanding of the sights you see around you. Learning the history of these sights allows you to take a lot more value away from the experience.

There are 3 tours that take place every day, which makes the rest of your day a lot more flexible and allows you to revisit some of your favourite sights for a more in-depth tour.

Taking a walking tour is a great way to get your bearings and on a limited trip, it’s the best way to take in all the main sights in a short amount of time. Heading off with a local guide you’ll also get to see some of the more off the beaten track areas you might not have otherwise known about. You’ll also get an insider’s perspective on the history and culture of this city.

Cost – $50 Getting there – Take the 379 bus to Bondi Junction, then take the train to Martin Place Station. How long should you stay – 2 hrs

1:30 PM – Take a Tour of the Sydney Opera House

Sydney Opera House was put on the map by its ability to host performing arts on a continuous basis. The building hosts over 1600 events every year, making it one of the busiest performing arts centres in the whole world!

Your guide will lead you under the famed sails of the Sydney Opera House as they tell you the tales and secrets that the building has become famous for over the years.

Don’t just see this iconic building from the outside, head inside and learn more about one of the world’s most famous buildings!

Cost – $30 Getting there – Take the train to Martin Place Station or walk. How long should you stay – 1 hr

3:00 PM – Visit Wendy’s Secret Garden

The wife of famed artist, Brett Whiteley, poured her creative energy into designing a gorgeous secret garden when her husband passed away. Her name was Wendy, and that’s how the garden got its name. The garden is half public and half private property, but the owners don’t mind visitors popping by to explore the garden and enjoy a picnic.

The garden overlooks Sydney Harbour and is the perfect place to snap a pic of the beautiful bay. The garden has been taken care of by Wendy and two gardeners over the past 25 years. They’ve planted many gorgeous plants and created intricate pathways that run through the grounds. This makes it the perfect garden to explore before settling down for a picnic.

The garden is filled with birdbaths and benches, which makes it a great spot to relax and do some bird watching if you’re feeling up for it.

Being an artist’s wife, Wendy needed to add an artistic touch to the garden. For this reason, she has placed bronze sculptures throughout the garden. It can be loads of fun trying to find them all. Most of these statues were donated by local artists in the Sydney area.

Cost – Free! Getting there – Take the train to Milsons Point or North Sydney stations. You can also take a ferry to Milsons Point. How long should you stay – 1 hr

5:00 PM – Catch a Screening at the Golden Age Cinema

The building was constructed in 1940, intended to be used as offices for Paramount Pictures. It was used for just that for many years, but in 2013 the building reopened as the Golden Age cinema. The cinema contains an old basement theatre that is now being used to showcase old films as well as new Indie films.

Enjoying this old theatre experience is a must during your stay in Sydney. Its old-timey feel sends you straight back to the mid-1900s!

The cinema contains an adjoining bar, where you can purchase movie snacks before the screening. Here you won’t find just your regular popcorn and coke, but there are a few fancy extras thrown in.

If you’re in the mood for a full-on meal, chefs can prepare your meal and serve it to you during the movie. It really is a great experience. If you’re in the mood for a light snack, opt for a sundae. They’re known to be the best sundaes in town.

Cost – Around $15 Getting there – Take the train to Museum or Central and walk for 2 mins. How long should you stay – With there being a bar onsite and food available, you can stay for quite some time!

Wanna know how to pack like a pro? Well for a start you need the right gear….

These are packing cubes for the globetrotters and compression sacks for the  real adventurers – these babies are a traveller’s best kept secret. They organise yo’ packing and minimise volume too so you can pack MORE.

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Your day 2 Sydney itinerary will see you spending plenty of time by the ocean and enjoying some wholesome musical entertainment!

9:00 AM – Swim in Bondi Icebergs Pool

Bondi Icebergs Pool has become an all-year-round landmark for Bondi Beach. A dip into the seawater is the most refreshing way to start the morning, no matter what time of year you’re visiting Sydney. It may take a brave soul to venture into the water during winter, although the locals enjoy it just fine! Perhaps they’re a little more accustomed to the beach lifestyle?

The Bondi Icebergs Pool is an ocean pool that is by far the most photographed pool in all of Australia! It was built to look like a normal swimming pool but is filled to the brim with seawater, much like any other tidal pool.

Be sure to bring your camera along to this lovely pool as the turquoise blue water is something you’ll want to capture!

It’s a great way to start another day packed full of adventures by diving into this iconic beachside pool for a refreshing dip!

Cost – $7 Getting there – Take the train to Bondi Junction and either walk or get on the 380, 381, 382 or 333 bus for a 15-minute ride to the beach. How long should you stay – 1.5 hrs

11:00 AM – Take a Surfing Lesson at Bondi Beach

There’s nothing more truly Aussie than hanging ten on a wave at Bondi Beach. Learning to surf at one of the most popular surf destinations in the world is an absolute privilege that should not be missed while you’re staying in Sydney.

Each surfing lesson for beginners starts on the sand, so you don’t need to worry about being thrown in the deep end. Although each surfer requires taking a leap of faith to stand up on the board for the first time.

You’ll get the opportunity to feel the rush of riding your first wave, with the help of your very well-trained surf coach. Hopefully, you’ll be catching waves by yourself in no time.

During your lessons you’ll learn to ride a long-board, these are surfboards used to catch even the smaller waves, so riding a wave shouldn’t be a problem! Your lesson will include a wetsuit that you’ll be very appreciative of in the winter months. During summer, the water is warm and you may not require a wetsuit but the option is still there.

Cost – $85 Getting there – Walk to the beach from Icebergs How long should you stay – 2 hrs.

2:00 PM – Walk Along the Bondi to Coogee Coastal Path

After spending the morning in the water, now it’s time to dry off and take a walk along the stunning coast of Sydney. The Bondi to Coogee walk is one of the most famous of the many walks you can take along the coast here and it’s one of the best!

The path will lead you past Waverley Cemetery, where it can get a little windy. This part of the walk takes place on a suspended walkway, so be careful during this section of the journey. You’ll then pass Clovelly Bowls Club and head towards Gordons Bay. Gordons Bay is a secluded bay that is the perfect stop off for a picnic or just a breather.

This is a beautiful way to take yourself on a self-guided tour of the coastline. Not many tourists experience Sydney this way, so it’s a ‘must’ to add to your Sydney itinerary.

This coastal walkway will lead you along 6-kilometres of the gorgeous coastline while taking in some spectacular views! You’ll then reach Coogee where you should stop off for a refreshment or a bite to eat before heading back to Bondi Beach or the city.

You can spend as much time as you want on this trail, it usually takes around 2 hours if you don’t have many breaks. However, there are heaps of beaches and inlets along the way where you might want to take a dip or just enjoy the view.

Cost – Free! Getting there – Starts behind Icebergs. Take the bus back from Coogee back to Central. How long should you stay – 2 hrs plus

9:00 PM – Listen to Live Music at the Lansdowne Hotel

Support the local live music scene at the Lansdowne Hotel! The hotel pub has become a local favourite for those who appreciate some quality live music.

You’ll be happy to know that an over-the-counter meal will only cost you $10, so you’ll have plenty of extra cash for the night.

Gain access to live music in the upstairs section for only a few dollars. This amount changes depending on who’s playing but is never anything too extravagant.

Sit back and relax in a candle-lit room while listening to the best the live local music scene has to offer. Rugs line the couches giving the place a cosy feel that encourages guests to sit back and relax. However, if you like to get up and boogie, there’s always plenty of space to do that.

The venue can hold around 250 people, so don’t worry about not being able to get in. There’s generally enough space to arrive late and still find a space.

Cost – A few dollars. The amount is dependent on who’s playing. Getting there – Take the train to Central and walk. How long should you stay – As long as you like… but don’t overdo it, we’ve got another great day planned for tomorrow!

Mad Monkey Backpackers on Broadway

The Mad Monkey Hostel on Broadway offers really affordable accommodation in the most convenient place: just a few minute walk from Central Station! If you prefer to stay in hostels, this is one of the best hostels in Australia.

Stash your cash safely with this money belt. It will keep your valuables safely concealed, no matter where you go.

It looks exactly like a normal belt  except for a SECRET interior pocket perfectly designed to hide a wad of cash, a passport photocopy or anything else you may wish to hide. Never get caught with your pants down again! (Unless you want to…)

If you’re spending more than 2 days in Sydney, you’re going to need a few extra activities to add to your Sydney trip! Here are a few of the best places in Sydney we think you should be adding to your itinerary:

9:00 AM – Climb Sydney Harbour Bridge

Over 4 million visitors have climbed Sydney Harbour Bridge! Experienced guides will talk you through the activity before your climb and lead you every step of the way up the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

The bridge towers 134m over the water, which makes the view from the top nothing less than magnificent! Tours are held throughout the day, from dawn until dusk, and the views change continuously throughout the day. We recommend going early in the morning to catch the sunrise or late at dusk to catch the sunset.

The Sydney Harbour Bridge has become one of the most photographed parts of the city, and there’s no secret as to why. This gorgeous bridge stands tall over one of the most beautiful natural harbours in the world and now shapes the city skyline.

Don’t miss the opportunity to take part in an experience completely unique to Sydney. This is one activity you have to add to your Sydney itinerary if you plan on staying for more than 2 days in Sydney.

Before the climb, you will be equipped with everything you need to make the climb. All that you’ll need to bring with you are a pair of sunglasses and comfortable shoes.

Climbing the Sydney Harbour bridge was voted the number one traveller’s choice experience in all of Australia!

If you have extra time and want to spice things up a bit, you can even charter your own yacht to take you around the harbour. It might be the top end of your budget, but split between six to eight people, you can find an affordable option that still gives a memorable experience.

Cost – Between $140 and $280 depending on which package you decide to take. Getting there – Catch a ferry, bus or train to Circular Quay. How long should you stay – 2.5 – 3.5 hrs

1:30 AM – Visit the Royal Botanic Gardens

After the excitement of the morning, take some time to wander these beautiful gardens to get your breath before the next thrilling adventure!

The Royal Botanic Gardens are an impressive 74 acres and is home to a variety of events throughout the year. The Gardens are a scientific institution and one of the most important botanic scientific institutions in the world!

These gardens were established in 1816, which makes them the oldest botanic gardens in Australia!

The gardens are open every day of the week and access is completely free! This makes it the perfect place to stroll around in search of some of Australia’s most beautiful plants. Plant and birdlife are abundant in the gardens, so be sure to take your camera along for the trip!

From the gardens, it’s a short walk to Sydney Opera House if you feel like exploring a little further. These famed gardens are a must-visit during your time in Sydney, so be sure to add them to your Sydney itinerary!

Cost – Free Getting there – Take the train to either Martin Place, St James or Circular Quay or walk from Central. How long should you stay – 1 hr

3:00 PM – Let your Inner Child Free at Luna Park Sydney

Sydney’s Luna Park is now listed on the NSW heritage registry! Apart from just being an amusement park, the park holds history tours that show you the ins and outs of running an old amusement park. Although it has undergone major restorations in the past, constant maintenance is required to keep it functioning at its best.

The park underwent serious restoration during the 90s allowing it to run safely and efficiently into the 21st century. Luna Park Sydney has a rich history. Starting in 1935, this rare surviving amusement park features fantasy architecture and the art deco style of the 30s.

The famous ‘face’ entranceway to Luna Park has been photographed many times, and is what the park has become most famous for all over the world!

You’ll be given a park map when you enter that will help you decide which rides and attractions you’d like to visit most! On the map, you’ll also find interesting facts about the park. You can enthral yourself with roller coasters or scare yourself at the haunted Mystery Manor.

This historic amusement park is a great way to spice up your Sydney itinerary and end your time in the city with a bang!

Cost – $37 for the day. Getting there – Take the train to Milsons Point station or the ferry to Milsons Point Wharf. How long should you stay – As long as you like!

The best time to visit Sydney is widely up for debate. While there’s no wrong time to visit this gorgeous city, you should make an informed decision when deciding what time of year you’d like to go.

January is the hottest month of the year in Sydney, as it’s just after the summer solstice. In February and March, Sydney tends to get its highest rainfall.

During April and May, the city starts cooling down considerably as Sydney heads into winter.

During the months of June, July, and August, temperatures drop quite low in Sydney which marks mid-winter. In September, October, and November the temperatures start to rise again-  during this time Sydney is at its busiest. Since it’s at the start of the season, however, we still think it’s a great September destination , especially for those in the Northern Hemisphere escaping fall.

December is the driest month of the year in Sydney and marks the end of the tourist season. This is a great time to book yourself into one of the cool Sydney hostels as prices begin to drop significantly.

Knowing how you’re going to navigate the city is one of the most important parts of your Sydney itinerary. In many cities, public transport can cause challenges to travellers, but luckily for you, Sydney is not one of those cities. In fact, their transport system is one of the best in the world!

Most of the locals in Sydney rely heavily on public transport. This means that it’s efficient and well organised!

It’s important to note that in order to make use of public transport in Sydney, you will need an Opal Card. This can be bought at a post office or a supermarket, so they’re really not hard to come by.

The train routes run a loop around the city, which is a great way to get from one side of the city to the other. If you’re looking for transport within the city, you can make use of the light rail, buses, or taxis.

Being on the coast, ferries are also a great way to get across the harbour and to other areas like Manley, when you take the ferry from Circular Quay you also get great views of the city and the Opera House too!

Sydney as a city is considered a very safe place , especially for tourists. The little crime that Sydney does have generally affects the locals and not visitors to the city. This being said, it’s important to be careful, no matter where you’re travelling. Like your mother probably told you, it’s better to be safe than sorry!

Here are a few things we suggest you watch out for during your vacation in Sydney.

It’s advised that you stay away from higher crime neighbourhoods in Sydney, mainly during the night. These include Kings Cross, Fairfield, Redfern, Cabramatta, Campbelltown, Blacktown, Liverpool, and Penrith. This is not to say that these areas are extremely dangerous, but they’re at higher risk than other neighbourhoods.

When visiting the beaches in Sydney, be aware of strong undertows that can easily take you out to sea. They have caused many drownings in the Sydney area.

Sydney has many dangerous animals that could bite or sting you. If you get bitten or stung by something poisonous, it’s important to call the emergency number immediately, 000. These animals include dangerous insects, spiders, snakes, and marine life.

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing .

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

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Find out what people want to know when planning their Sydney itinerary.

Are 7 days in Sydney too long?

A seven day Sydney itinerary is probably the ideal time to see the city in full detail, without any stress or rushing. That gives you enough freedom to have an afternoon to yourself to rewind and give your feet a break.

How many days minimum should I spend in Sydney?

Sydney is MASSIVE. So 3-4 full days is the absolute minimum to get a good grasp of the city. Having even more time would be recommended.

What should I definitely add to my Sydney itinerary?

Sport fans should definitely add the Bondi Iceberg Pool to their itinerary. Swim some laps, enjoy the cool water and then head straight to the famous Bondi Beach to chill on for the rest of the day.

What can I do with three days in Sydney?

Three days in Sydney allow you to see quite a few things in the city. Make sure you include Bondi Beach, a river cruise that’ll give you great views of the Opera House and a climb up the Sydney Harbor Bridge.

Sydney is an absolutely beautiful city! With so much to do, this city makes the perfect holiday destination all year round! Be sure to pack your camera for this trip, because you’re sure to be surrounded by exquisite views all trip long!

Sydney has a rich cultural history that is sure to knock your socks off, so be sure to learn as much as you can during your trip! It’s important to stay mindful of the incredible city you’re visiting.

If you haven’t already, be sure to add some of our great activities to your Sydney itinerary and pack your bags for Australia . It’s sure to be one for the books!

Made it this far? You get 15% OFF to book a place to stay ! Offer valid exclusively for Broke Backpackers 😉

Alexandria Zboyovski

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7 DAYS IN SYDNEY ITINERARY: A PERFECT ONE WEEK PLAN FOR FIRST TIME VISITORS! (2024 UPDATED)

LOOKING TO PLAN THE ULTIMATE 7 DAYS IN SYDNEY?

Based on our personal experience spending a week in the dazzling metropolis of Sydney, check out our blog post below for our epic 7 days in Sydney itinerary (2024)! It includes the full 7 days in Sydney guide, the best things to do in Sydney, more of the best tours in Sydney to chose from, where to stay in Sydney and much more!

7 DAYS IN SYDNEY: THE ULTIMATE ITINERARY!

For our 7 days in Sydney itinerary, we begin exploring all the gems of the city, including Circular Quay and The Rocks districts and icons such as the Sydney Opera House.

We then head out on some key experiences such as Taronga Zoo, the Sydney BridgeClimb and catching a ferry to Manly before heading to the Bondi coast.

DAY 1: BOTANICAL GARDENS, SYDNEY OPERA HOUSE, INNER CITY & SYDNEY TOWER EYE

MORNING: ROYAL BOTANICAL GARDENS Lose yourself in Sydney’s idyllic Royal Botanical Gardens, 30 hectares of blooming flower beds, inland pathways, green spaces, glistening lakes and wildlife for a spot of escapism set in the centre of Sydney’s bustling city.

Wander to the most picturesque spot,  Lawn 39 , and sit on the benches along the waters edge for a wonderful view of the Sydney Opera House and glittering ocean.

Top tip: Take a look at the official map of the Royal Botanical Gardens to make sure you don’t miss out on anything!

MORNING: SYDNEY OPERA HOUSE No Sydney itinerary would be complete without of course visiting the most iconic building in the world – The Sydney Opera House! Try to visit relatively early to appreciate the calm before this bustling hub comes to life with people.

Before you arrive in Sydney, check the  Events Page  of the Opera House website to see what’s on during your stay to experience the infamous Concert Hall.

Or! If you want to see every nook and cranny of this epic World heritage listed building in all its glory, book an official guided walking tour of the Sydney Opera House !

Fun Fact : The predicted cost to build the Opera House was $7 million. In the end, it totalled to $102 million!

Fun Fact : The Opera House is cooled using seawater taken directly from the harbour! It powers both the heating and air conditioning throughout.

AFTERNOON: CIRCULAR QUAY & THE ROCKS DISTRICTS Uncover hidden gems as you stroll past Circular Quay, Sydney’s bustling harbour and hub of activity! Take note, as this is where the majority of ferries leave from to explore further afield around Sydney!

Carry on for 9 minutes round past pop-up street performances down to Campbell Cove, an idyllic port with distinctive nautical buildings and docked ships.

While you’re in the area, venture slightly inland to ‘The Rocks’, a quirky district distinctive by its cobbled pathways and vibrantly unique shops and cafes. A great stretch to see is Playfair Street .

AFTERNOON: BARANGAROO RESERVE Walk underneath the colossal Sydney Harbour Bridge and continue on, passing the vibrant piers of Walsh Bay before finally reaching Barangaroo Reserve .

Once a decommissioned container port, Barangaroo Reserve is now Sydney’s newest and waterfront park.

Landscaped to perfection, the Reserve offers extensive scenic Harbour views, walking and cycling paths, idyllic coves and beautiful parks perfect for a picnic!

Fun Fact : The Barangaroo Reserve Landscape is set on gently sloped levels, the highest level being aptly named the ‘Stargazer Lawn’. It also hosts frequent outdoor pop-up performances and community festivals.

Top Tip : There are free public toilets just before you enter the reserve.

EVENING: SYDNEY TOWER EYE Book your ticket onto the Sydney Tower Eye viewing platform to witness 360 views of Sydney’s incredible cityscape from above. Ideally arrive 1 hour before sunset to 3 views for the price of 1 – daytime, dusk and night!

The Sydney Tower Eye also offers a thrilling SkyWalk experience , known as Sydney’s ‘highest outdoor adventure’!

SPOTTED WILDLIFE!

A tree-dwelling marsupial, the common Brush tail Possum can be found  green city spaces and even back gardens in Sydney Australia! It forages in leaves, using its powerful tail for support, to eat eucalyptus leaves, fruit and flowers. We spotted to just  2-minutes walk  away from the Opera House at dusk. 

DAY 2: TARONGA ZOO, SYDNEY BRIDGE CLIMB & LUNA PARK

MORNING: TARONGA ZOO One of the most unique things to do during your 7 days in Sydney is to visit Taronga Zoo – an idyllic zoo set on the Sydney Harbour with the most epic views of Sydney’s cityscape!

Taronga Zoo, open between 9.30am – 5pm daily, is not only home to 5000 animals. There is also so much to do during your visit including amazing animal encounters, reptile shows, keeper talks and even a ride on a ‘sky safari’ cable car!

You can either make your own way there and enter with a standard general admission ticket, or book this ticket with return ferry transfers included across from Circular Quay !

AFTERNOON: SYDNEY HARBOUR BRIDGE CLIMB Think you have seen Sydney in all its glory? If you haven’t done the  BridgeClimb , you haven’t seen anything yet! Embark on an exhilarating ascent to the Harbour Bridge summit, surveying breathtaking 360 views of Sydneys harbour and city as far as the eye can see.

Head to the main office, where the friendly team will get you briefed, harnessed and guide you to the climb of your life!

Chose either a Dawn Day, Twilight or Night climb depending on what you want to see. We chose the ‘Twilight climb’ in Winter (July) as it was cheapest, and experienced daylight, dusk and nighttime all in one sitting! The experience is a bit pricey, but truly worth it.

One of the best things to do during your 7 days in Sydney!

Top Tip : No heavy drinking the night before! You are breathalysed before you climb and must have a reading of below 0.1%, or you may be refused to climb!

Fun Fact : An incredible amount of celebrities have done the BridgeClimb – Hugh Jackman, Kylie Minogue, Oprah, Will Ferrell, Steve Irwin, Daniel Radcliffe, Katy Perry, Will Smith and Richard Branson to name a few!

EVENING: LUNA PARK Head like a moth to a flame towards the dazzling beacon of lights across the Harbour Bridge – Luna Park! An iconic heritage listed amusement park packed full of super fun fair rides, open until 10pm only on Friday and Saturday nights!

Luna Park is free to enter and walk around, however if you did want to partake in the fair rides or attractions you will need a pre-booked day pass ticket. As soon as you know what day you’re visiting, book your ticket as early as possible for discount.

Luna Park tickets purchased on the day are $75 for an adult, $65 for a child. The ticket includes unlimited access to rides and attractions all day.

DAY 3: CATCH THE FERRY TO MANLY

FULL DAY: CATCH THE FERRY TO MANLY Catch the fast ferry to Manly from Circular Quay for a beach-filled day out from the city! The fast ferry leaves every 20 minutes (to and from Manly).

It is a scenic 8 minute ferry ride across Sydney Harbour to Manly, and there is no need to pre-book.

On arrival, go directly straight and cut through the high street to reach the beautiful stretch of Manly Beach’s golden sands.

Take your shoes off and relax, or trail the idyllic 15 minutes coastal trail round to Shelley Beach, a beautiful little cove beach worth walking that extra mile! Sit back, relax, book a guided snorkel tour , rent a bike or even hire a kayak .

DAY 4: A DAY OF OPTIONS!

FULL DAY: INNER CITY EXPLORING OR GUIDED TOUR! The world is your oyster today on how to spend your 4th day on your Sydney itinerary! Either take the opportunity to slow the pace today with a plan free, leisurely day in the city with no plan at all.

Potentially hit the shops at Pitt Street or Westfield, visit the Museum of Contemporary Art or even buy unique treasures at The Rocks markets (weekends only).

Or! Grab the day by the horns and head out on an epic full day tour. As wildlife lovers, we would suggest this epic and highly rated wild wombat and kangaroo tour from Sydney !

DAY 5: BLUE MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK

FULL DAY: BLUE MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK TOUR Embark on this jam-packed 11 hour day tour of the beautiful Blue Mountains region. Soar above the jaw-dropping Blue Mountains on Katoomba Scenic World skyway and drive to all scenic lookouts including the ‘Three Sisters’.

Get up close to Australia’s native wildlife at Featherdale Wildlife Park – from Dingoes, birdlife, Echnidas, Kangaroos, and our favourite – Southern Hairy-Nosed Wombats.

Finish the tour with a scenic boat cruise down Parramata River, sailing below the Harbour Bridge and back to Circular Quay.

Top Tip : If you have the option, make your own way and experience the Blue Mountains slower potentially over a few days, i.e. explore the walks and trails. Nonetheless, the group tour however is a great, pre-organised experience to see it all in one day.

Top Tip : The group size will be larger in peak Summer (January) to meet high demand. For a more intimate experience, book in Winter.

Fun Fact : You will experience the world’s steepest cable way at Katoomba Scenic World – set at a sharp 52 degrees. Hold on tight and don’t try and hold your phone (like me) – turns out you need two hands!

Click to book this Blue Mountains National Park tour! 🏔️🏔️🚡

DAY 6: TRANSFER TO BONDI BEACH & BONDI TO COOGEE COASTAL TRAIL

MORNING: TRANSFER TO BONDI BEACH Trade the bustling inner city for the chilled vibes of Bondi Beach. Settle into your new accommodation this morning.

AFTERNOON: BONDI TO COOGEE COASTAL TRAIL An absolute must in the afternoon is a leisurely 2 hour trail along the  Bondi to Coogee coastal trail . Marvel at the infamous Bondi beach, its quirky street art and pass the iconic Bondi Icebergs swimming pool to begin your journey to Coogee beach.

Stroll the coastline, stopping off at Tamarama beach, Bronte beach, Clovelly beach, Gordons Bay and finally Coogee beach.

Once you reach Coogee, treat yourself to the best beachside fish & chips from ‘ JP McCafferry ‘ before catching the bus back.

Top Tip : Tamarama and Bronte beach are worth spending time at, they are beautiful. Tamarama has a small food & drink kiosk, public toilets and a cute little park. Bronte Beach has a very large park and shore-side salt water swimming pool, ‘Bronte Baths’.

Top Tip : If required, there is free public Wifi to use at Coogee, ‘Randwick Council Wifi’.

Top Tip : Use the  NSW Transport Trip Planner  to plan your 20 minute bus journey back to Bondi Beach. 

The Yellow-Tailed Black Cockatoo Spotted between Bronte and Clovelly during the Bondi to Coogee coastal walk! A large cockatoo species (55-65cm in height), recognisable by its jet black feathers and distinguishable yellow cheek patch. Easily camouflaged, yet given away by their loud squawks! Their main diet is seeds of native trees and plants, however do sometimes eat insects also.  

Australian White Ibis Native to Australia, spot these protected bird species by their distinct long black beaks, white feathered bodies and pink legs. They are essential for natural pest management of small insects and grubs, but have earned the nick-name “Bin Chicken” due to their lust for food scraps from public urban areas or waste bins.

DAY 7: SURFING LESSONS, RELAX AT BONDI BEACH & SWIM AT BONDI ICEBERGS POOLS

MORNING: SURFING LESSON & CHILLING ON THE BEACH Up bright and early to start your morning right! Ride the waves during an epic surfing lesson , before chilling on the golden sands of the infamous Bondi Beach today.

AFTERNOON: SWIM AT BONDI ICEBERGS POOL In the late afternoon, take a swim in the infamous Bondi Icebergs pools for an unforgettable sunset experience over Bondi Beach as the wild waves crash up the cliffs.

Top Tip : The general pool admission for Bondi Icebergs pool is just $9! This includes use of other facilities such as the sauna. Locker hire is $3, towel hire is $4.

Top Tip : The Bondi Iceberg pools are open daily 6.30am – 6pm, apart from Thursdays. On Thursdays, the Bondi Iceberg pools are closed for a weekly deep clean.

SYDNEY TOURS & ACTIVITIES

• 5* Wildlife Waterfalls and Wine Day Tour from Sydney 🍷🐨

• Sydney Whale-Watching by Speed Boat (May to November only) 🐋

• Hunter Valley Wine and Cheese Tasting tour 🍷

• Tandem skydive at Wollongong! 🪂

• Thrilling jet boat ride at Sydney Harbour 🚤💨

• Dinner cruise from Sydney Harbour 🛥️🥂🍝

WHERE TO STAY IN SYDNEY

Between Day 1 to Day 5 on our 7 days in Sydney itinerary, we would suggest staying in the centre of Sydney to ensure you are within easy walking distance from most of the sights, attractions and experiences.

Check out our top accommodation picks below:

BUDGET ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS:

💰 IBIS budget Sydney East (Affordable budget hotel, some rooms with Harbour views! 7 minute walk from Kings Cross station)

MID-RANGE ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS:

🤝🏻 Hotel Challis Potts Point (Well-priced and located boutique hotel)

HIGH-END ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS

💎 Ovolo Woolloomooloo (Waterfront premium hotel, unique & quirky interior design)

💎 Pullman Quay Grand (Large, luxury apartments with harbour view option. 5 minute walk to the Sydney Opera House!)

WHERE TO STAY IN BONDI

On the last 2 days of our Sydney travel guide, we would suggest re-locating to the area around Bondi beach to be closer to the activities, plus for a refreshing change of scenery from city to chilled beach vibes!

BUDGET ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS

💰 Wake Up! Bondi Beach (Affordable beachfront hostel, shared rooms)

MID-RANGE ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS

🤝🏻 Bondi Beach House (Wonderful boho-designed suites. 4 minute walk from Bondi beach!)

💎 Hotel Ravesis (Large, premium boho-designed apartments. 4 minute walk from Bondi beach!)

💎 QT Bondi (Premium, quirky and fun rooms. 5 minute walk from Bondi beach!)

GETTING TO SYDNEY

Getting to sydney by air: 🛫.

If you are looking to get to Sydney directly from another major Australian city, or from an International country, the most convenient method for you is to fly. Most major cities in Australia fly directly into Sydney International (SYD) in just a few hours, including Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide and Cairns. There is a great choice of operating airlines (Qantas, Virgin Australia, Jetstar, Alliance for example) to choose from. Check Skyscanner for the best deals on your dates .

GETTING TO SYDNEY CITY FROM SYDNEY INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

From Sydney International airport (SYD), you can reach the city either by taxi, train or bus. The most convenient option is taking a taxi (approx. $45-$50), from directly outside the airport.

Or, for a cheaper travel alternative you can catch a bus or catch the City Circle train link,  plan your route here . You can ‘tap in’ and pay via a contactless debit or credit card.

GETTING TO SYDNEY BY TRAIN: 🚉

It is possible to also catch an intercity train service from Melbourne to Sydney, with a duration of approximately 10 hours. They also provide a ‘sleep-friendly’ night service, where you can sleep overnight throughout the majority of the journey. Check out Australia Trains for their prices and timetable here .

GETTING TO SYDNEY BY BUS: 🚌

From another city in australia:.

The Greyhound Australia bus is the best way to get to Sydney for anyone travelling or backpacking Australia. Greyhound Australia offers a flexible and affordable hop-on, hop off ticket covering all major stops across the country.

GETTING TO SYDNEY BY CAR: 🚙

For those who want to stop and see the scenery up the around Sydney in their own time, a popular option is rent a car for multiple days. Click here to check for the best rental car deals available for your dates!

HOW TO GET AROUND SYDNEY

How to get around sydney city: on foot 🚶🏻‍♀️.

Sydney city in its entirety is a deceivingly large, however the majority of its key attractions (Sydney Opera House, Circular Quay, Darling Harbour, etc) are all located in a similar area.

Therefore, as long as you stay in Sydney near the centre, everything you’ll want to see in the immediate centre of Sydney is accessible on foot.

HOW TO GET AROUND SYDNEY: PUBLIC TRANSPORT 🚃🚍⛴️

One of the best ways to get around Sydney is by using the excellent public transport system, which includes the metro, train, buses and ferry. The best and most convenient way to pay for Sydney’s public transport is via contactless payment.

Many people also use an Opal card , which is a travel card requiring credit top up.

While Opal cards are a potentially a good option for long-term visitors in Sydney, we believe for anyone visiting Sydney for one week or less, it’s not worth the hassle arranging for an Opal card.

HOW TO GET AROUND SYDNEY: BY CAR 🚗

Another option is to rent a car for one or multiple days to fully explore the rest of Sydney and surrounding area freely with no restraints on your Sydney itinerary. This is a great option if you have even more than 7 days in Sydney.

VISIT SYDNEY: “KNOW BEFORE YOU GO” FAQ’S

Why is sydney australia so popular why should you visit.

Sydney (one of Australia’s largest cities and the capital of New South Wales) is so popular to visit for so many reasons. The obvious is of course for its famous landmark of the Sydney Opera House, however there is never-ending things to do in this bustling, electric metropolis! After exploring the inner city, hit the coast for epic beaches, jump on a ferry to explore further afield or even venture out to the rural National Parks of New South Wales!

WHAT IS THE BEST TIME OF YEAR TO VISIT SYDNEY?

To increase your chances of having pleasant weather during your stay, we would suggest the two shoulder seasons of late Spring (September – November) or early Autumn (March-April) are the best months to visit Sydney. In the Winter months (June – August), Sydney’s South-Eastern location in Australia means it can get pretty cold here, though it is worth noting that because of this, Winter is the cheapest time to visit Sydney.

HOW MANY DAYS IS ENOUGH FOR SYDNEY?

If you were simply staying in the inner city, we would suggest 7 days would be enough to visit Sydney. However, we believe to get the best out of your Sydney itinerary, you need at least a few more days to venture out and explore the incredible areas surrounding Sydney city, including Blue Mountains National Park. Therefore for the best Sydney itinerary, we would say 7 days in Sydney is the perfect amount of time to visit!

CONCLUSION: 7 DAYS IN SYDNEY

To conclude, 7 days in Sydney is perfect amount to time to explore this epic and iconic Australian city!

This eclectic city has something for everyone, from a bustling harbour and CDB, quirky shopping destinations, famous icons such as the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge plus nearby idyllic National Parks.

We hope you have the best time following our Sydney travel guide, and make memories that will last a lifetime!

This blog post was written by… Jordie Flain! Founder of TheFlainsTravel.com, Travel Itinerary Creator & Wildlife Enthusiast

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Jordie Flain is the owner and author of The Flains Travel, a travel blog with emphasis on ethical wildlife experiences, "seen to be believed" natural beauty and "real magic" phenomena, such as the northern lights. Jordie crafts every itinerary and post to perfection for travellers to follow and get the very most out of their time in a destination.

Anna Sherchand

Solo Female Travel Blog

Sydney Australia Travel Blog 2025

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Sydney is one of the most visited cities in the southern hemisphere. Although many may think this is the capital city of Australia, it is actually not, Sydney is the coastal modern city full of skyscrapers but also equally full of jaw-dropping nature. More on that below.

I have updated this Sydney Australia travel blog with everything you need to know before you come here. From where to stay, where to eat, the points of interest in Sydney, visa, Sim cards, and more . This is the ultimate Sydney travel guide right here. What to know about Sydney before traveling? This is all you need my friends!

• Sydney Australia Blog
• How to get around Sydney?

Which visa to apply for Sydney, Australia?

Is wifi any good in australia what about the local sim, what cell phone/plan is good, how to book cheap flights to sydney.

• Read the most wanted travel resource here.

Sydney Australia travel blog

What are the best walks in and around sydney, what are sydney’s top attractions, where to stay in sydney, any hidden bays and secret beaches in sydney, best beaches for solo or group, where are the most instagrammable cafes in sydney, recommendations on where to eat in sydney, most instagrammable places in sydney, australia, let me know in the comments.

How to get around Sydney ?

Whether you are heading to the most instagrammable places in Sydney or secret Sydney walks , don’t worry. Sydney is well serviced by public transport across buses, trains, ferries, and light rail. Public transport inquiries number is 13 15 00 or transportnsw.info

If you are using public transportation, I recommend buying an Opal card which is the ticket to ride the train, ferry, light rail, and bus services around Sydney and in the neighboring areas of the blue mountains, the central coast, and the hunter, and the Illawarra. You can buy an Opal card from retailers including news agencies, 7/11, supermarkets, and some pharmacies. Just load dollar amounts onto the Opal card and tap on and off at Opal card readers.

Buses Bus routes service most of Sydney. Check the website or your google map for convenient and current routes.

Trains Rail lines service much of the city plus inner and out suburbs. The airport line train is the most convenient method of transport between Sydney Airport and the CBD.

Taxis, cars, and Rideshare Taxi ranks are available around the city and at the airport. Ride-share service Uber operates in Sydney, with a designated pickup area at the airport. Car hire is available at the airport and points around the city from companies including Avis, Budget, Thrifty, and Hertz.

Use code k7zapn for $10 off your first Uber ride and use code WT7BSQD2 for a $20 Didi discount which is a rivalry to Uber.

If you are still wondering about the capital city of Australia. You may like to read a solo itinerary to Canberra , enjoy!

There are many options to choose from when it comes to visas. Australia wants the world to come and enjoy our great weather and beautiful sights:)

It could be just a holiday visa, working holiday, students, partner, joining a family, starting a business, investing, and more types of visas are available. You can use this official  Australian Immigration website to find out which visas fit you best and how to apply.  This is a brand new government site that they are testing at the moment (Sep 2018) and you can provide feedback as well.

If you wish to use the old and trusted website, go here.

As most of my readers are from the USA –  Most U.S. passport holders traveling to  Australia  for tourism or business purposes for less than 90 days can obtain an Electronic  Travel  Authority (ETA). Apply on the Australian government’s official website  here.

Remember while on the tourist visa, working isn’t legal in Australia unless you have a working holiday visa. 

The visa application fee is non-refundable, so make sure that your information is entered correctly the first time and that your photo meets the specifications.

Compared to international standards, WIFI is a little slow here in Australia but it does the job. Most cafes would give you a password once you order your coffee. For free WIFI head to the nearest library.

In regards to the local sim, if you have an unlocked phone that is compatible with Australian GSM technology, then all you will need is a SIM card and a prepaid plan. Having said that, there are other options available too. For example Package deals, data deals, capped inclusions, and contract options. I suggest comparing either one of the following 4 major cell phone carriers in Australia and buying what suits you best.

1 Telstra – Australia’s leading provider of mobile phones, mobile devices, home phones, and broadband internet, 2. Optus – second in the area covered behind Telstra; about 30 personal plans + 8 business plans; 3. Vodaphone – the smaller of the 3 major providers and covers mostly metropolitan and larger regional areas); about 38 plans; and 4. Virgin Mobile – uses the Optus network; with about 27 plans.

Well, that depends on what you are after. If you are like me a social media fanatic then perhaps best to get a data plan but if you are into talking and texting a lot then getting a call and msg plan would suit you. There can be many considerations like how much data you might need, what network coverage is available, and whether you should enter into a contract or go prepaid. But if you are here for a short amount of time, I wouldn’t worry too much, and just get a prepaid plan that you can cancel anytime.

However, if you are planning to travel or live in Australia for over 3 months, then spend some time researching beforehand as many options are available. Weigh up prepaid vs entering a contract.

Here is one of the pro tips not only for this Sydney Australia travel blog but anywhere you would like to book cheap flights. The secret is to be in a private or incognito mode for searching or clear your browser’s cache after searching to avoid price increases! I recommend using these two websites Skyscanner  and  Momodo.

Skyscanner lets you search “everywhere” to see where is cheaper to fly to and from! It also lets you search full month if you are flexible with dates. Momodo lets you filter by airline alliance, which is also helpful when trying to earn frequent flyer miles in a particular loyalty program. It also displays an overview of information about your route and the factors that affect the price.

Read the most wanted  travel resource  here.

After years of full-time traveling, I’ve spent hours trying to figure out how to travel cheaper and better. This is a collection of the best travel resources when it comes to flights, accommodation, gear, travel insurance, and more. I have personally used all of those items listed and recommend them to you.

Currency = Australian Dollars Hello = Good Day, G’day! Bye = See you later! Capital City = Canberra ( Sydney -New South Wales, Melbourne -Victoria, Adelaide -South Australia, Perth -Western Australia, Brisbane -Queensland, Hobart – Tasmania ) and 2 territories ( Canberra -Australian Capital Territory and Darwin – Northern Territory )

Let me start by sharing the extensive list of Sydney bucketlist things . How many of these AMAZING activities can you tick off?

If you click the photo above, you can find the best way to see it all in 5 days in Sydney. It is literally the best sydney itinerary for 5 days !

Here are my top 24 best walks in and around Sydney, secret sydney walks with pictures included also. Sydney has great weather all around so hope you enjoy that by heading outdoors.

Although I am local, I am not usually home because I am away traveling the world. So when I am home I make sure to visit many places in Sydney and have some awesome and different experiences. Here’s the list of top Sydney attractions also known as the best places to take photos in Sydney .

 Did you know Sydney is made up of 658 suburbs  and residents of Sydney are known as “Sydney Siders”? If you want to pick the best place in town or to find out the options that are available, you will find this where to stay in Sydney post helpful.

There are 3000+ hotels & hundreds of hostels available in Sydney. In 2021 Hostel price starts at $14 AUD & Hotel Prices start at $70 AUD per night for 2 adults 1 room! Check out trusted booking.com to see all the properties and find one that suits you best. Alternatively,  Agoda offers various accommodation options also.

Since I am local, I have been to many hidden gems in Sydney. Here I am sharing my hidden beaches and bays  just for you guys.

Any Sydney Australia travel blog wouldn’t be complete without including the beach. Here I have handpicked the 9  best beaches in Sydney, Australia  for families and it is equally good for solo also.

Backpacking in Melbourne Travel Guide 2022 Everthing you need to know

I covered that question too 🙂 You can find the guide to most instagrammable cafes in Sydney here.

As you can imagine, there are thousands of dining places to choose from. This guide comes from my personal experience of eating at many restaurants in Sydney multiple times.  They won’t break your bank either, prices are reasonably standard except for the Japanese one as it’s a fine dine. This straight-to-the-point guide will help you uncover different cuisines and restaurants not to miss in Sydney, Australia.

Here is a blog post dedicated to where to eat in Sydney . 

As a lover of beautiful places, I seek and find Insta worthy places in all the countries I travel to no matter home or abroad. Here are my favorite Insta worthy places in my own backyard. See the 31 most Instagrammable places in Sydney, Australia (updated)

I hope this Sydney Australia Travel Blog gave you an insight into what to expect during your travel to Sydney.

If you want more places to visit in Sydney, New South Wales or NSW; check out my Sydney Australia blog

• if you have any other questions on the Sydney Australia travel blog
• 99% of readers found must see on the east coast of Australia helpful.
• Heading to Melbourne next, check out backpacking in Melbourne
• Things to do in Melbourne when raining
• Check out how you can explore Adelaide  South Australia the best way.
• Heading to iconic Alice Springs for that unique Uluru trip ?
• Here I share must do in Darwin , Australia.
• Solo travel guide to Brisbane (Insta-worthy places included!)
• Heading to Perth?  read Perth solo itinerary
• Most beautiful places in New Zealand North Island
• Next Stop? check out the most beautiful places in New Zealand South Island
• Going to Vietnam after Australia? Check out the 7 days Hanoi travel guide. How about Colombia? Check out how to get from Medellin to guatape Check out where to stay in Medellin , Colombia
• Check hotel prices and book it through trusted Agoda , or  booking.com
• Read the most wanted  travel resource here.
• If you like this article, follow my adventures on Instagram ,  Facebook ,  YouTube , Twitter , and Pinterest , but most importantly   sign up to my e-mail list  to keep up with updates and travel posts!
• ← Discover 16 best places to visit in Lahore Pakistan
• How to plan a trip to Antarctica →

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43 thoughts on “ sydney australia travel blog 2025 ”.

It has been a few years since I was last in Sydney, so I am due to return. I will definitely keep in mind all of your recommendations. Thank you so much for sharing 🙂

Hope you get to visit and use this guide soon Alex! Thanks for dropping by 🙂

I never really thought about going to Sydney before, it looks beautiful though. May need to add it to my want to do list.

Oh my goodness I have always wanted to got to Australia! You’re pictures make it look so beautiful 🙂 This is such a great post with so much helpful information… thank you!

I am dying to visit Australia, it has been on bucket list for year, hopefully one day soon I will see all these beautiful places.

Thank you for sharing! Australia is one of the number one countries on my bucket list right now and I’m hoping to go as a celebratory trip once I graduate from my masters program. This guide will come in handy for the planning!

One day when I’m not running Coombe Mill I going to travel. Long haul like this would be wonderful, what a handy guide you have here.

This is a perfect post for me, as I’ve yet to visit Sydney. It looks like such a great city to see, and I love your photos too. I’m inspired to finally visit!

I have never been to Sydney, so these recommendations are great when I plan my travel out there. I did love Melbourne.

Thanks for this, have saved it as a reference. I have so many friends and family in Australia these days, and I can see us making the trip next time we’re in the Far East. Daily blogging, eh, good luck with that!

I’ve never been in Sidney before! but your travel guide is amazing, you really cover every detail I should know before travelling there! I love it!

I would love to get down to Australia sometime. It has always captured my attention whenever anything about it is on tv.

I need to save up for my Australia trip! 🙂 Do you know that Telstra customer service hub is in the Philippines?

Ahhh Sydney is on my bucket list! Love your tips. I hadn’t even thought about the Visa needs until just now!

I would love to visit Sydney someday. Any kind of international trip like that would take planning and a careful packing check list. Thanks for your ideas of where to visit!

If I ever plan a trip to Sydney this is the post I am using!!

I’m glad you were honest about cell phone service in Australia. We just came back from Paris and was surprised to find how bad our cell service was. We had ordered the enhanced plan and everything and it was still not good enough that we could rely on it to use for GPS. This looks like an awesome place to visit. Thanks for sharing.

Australia always is my bucket list. but just have some problem with the visa. but will figure it out soon since i read you beautiful guide post now. thank you

ThIs is all I need to travel to Australia. It has been on my bucket list for years, but I’m tying to gather up the courage for the long haul flight (we are in Florida). One of these days. Thank you for this thorough post that includes everything.

wow, it seems stunning in your picturesQ made me wanting to go

I am adding Australia to my bucket list. Thanks for this very comprehensive post

Sydney is such a great place to visit, and it’s always helpful to have tips of what to see and where to eat. Thank you for sharing this guide, I’m sure it will help those travelling to this exciting city!

this is such a great guide! its so easy to follow. thanks for posting

I would absolutely love to visit Australia! It’s on my bucket list. Thank you so much for this wonderful guide. Saving this for the day that I get to go on my Australia adventure ♡

Nice article. Don’t forget to visit sydney.

Great guide 🙂 We just visited Sydney during our two month travel trip 🙂

“Live life with no excuses, travel with no regret” – Oscar Wilde

Amazing city. Been there twice and fell completely in love with it.

Sydney is a world-famous tourist destination, I love this city and you have mentioned great famous places in Sydney. Thanks for this blog.

Really an awesome article, love reading this as it was very attractive and helpful. Please keep posting such articles.

This was really helpful, we used it to find a lot of great places on our last trip to Sydney.

Glad to read it was useful Chris, hope you’ll revisit again!

Thank you for the valuable information in your blog.

thankyou for sharing this trip, this is really helpful, wish i can visit sydney very soon 🙂

Glad it was useful 🙂

I have never visited Australia, but have heard and read so many interesting things. And Sydney definitely sounds like a wonderful place to explore. Thanks for taking me on a virtual journey

Hi Priya, Glad it was handy! Hope you make it in person soon

It is the most beautiful city especially for tourist.

is there public transportation available for traveling to outskirts like the cliffs? Ps: thanks for your blog, it helped me a lot so far

Hi Roy, which cliff do you mean? In general, Sydney has pretty extensive public transport available.

Sydney is a diverse city, and you can see that in its colorful neighborhoods. V useful guide, thanks

Thanks to your blog. It was helpful during my Sydney trip and now I’m 100% convinced that Sydney is the best city in the world and you can’t change my mind!

What an incredible blog post! Your descriptions of Sydney in 2025 make me even more excited to visit. The vibrant cultural scene, stunning beaches, and the innovative new attractions you mentioned sound amazing. I particularly enjoyed reading about the hidden gems and local spots that only a true insider would know about. Thanks for sharing such valuable tips and insights. Can’t wait to explore Sydney with these recommendations in mind!

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The Best Sydney Itinerary | How To Spend 4-7 Days Exploring Sydney

Looking for the best Sydney itinerary? Well, you’ve come to the right place. I lived in Sydney for a full year while on the incredible working holiday Visa program, and it instantly became one of my favorite cities worldwide.

While I, unfortunately, don’t live there anymore, Sydney will always be a second home to me. Sydney really does have it all. Amazing beaches, delicious food, fantastic atmosphere, iconic landmarks, and super friendly locals.

I really believe there is no better place to start your Australian vacation than in this remarkable city. And I hope this Sydney itinerary will help you figure out how to spend your time in the city.

The Ultimate Sydney Itinerary for Trip Planning!

Whether you’ve only got two, three, four, five, or a full 7 days in Sydney – this itinerary and travel guide will go over the best things to do in Sydney, places to visit, and helpful travel tips .

So without further adieu, let’s dive into my thoroughly detailed itinerary for your Sydney trip planning needs!

Sydney Itinerary Day 1: Explore Bondi Beach & Coastal Walk

There’s simply no better place to start your vacation in Sydney than the world-famous and iconic suburb of Bondi Beach. Filled with trendy cafes, shopping malls, and gorgeous people – you will surely fall in love with Bondi.

In fact, you could easily spend a full week here alone, trying all the amazing breakfast hotspots, relaxing on the beach, and catching some waves.

Tip: Bondi Beach is a top-notch location for people trying to learn how to surf.

THE BEST THINGS TO DO IN BONDI BEACH:

• Watch the sunrise
• Go swimming
• Relax on the beach
• Learn how to surf
• Visit Bondi Icebergs Club
• Explore Bondi Pavilion
• Stroll through Bondi Markets
• Eat breakfast at Chapter One | Café & Wine Room
• Stop for lunch at Bondi Tony’s Burger Joint
• Head to Bondi Junction for some shopping

If you’re looking for surf lessons, I recommend checking out “ Let’s Go Surfing ”. While I haven’t personally used them before, they really are the best in the business.

“The golden sands and crystal waters of Bondi Beach continue to capture hearts all around the world. As Bondi’s only officially licensed surf school on Australia’s most famous beach , our team of passionate and experienced Surf Instructors has been changing lives one wave at a time since 1995. Home to Australia’s oldest surf lifesaving club, funky beach bars, restaurants, urban-style shops, and hip markets Let’s Go Surfing and Bondi is an experience not to be missed. Australia’s greatest surf experience on Australia’s Greatest Beaches.”

THE FAMOUS BONDI BEACH TO COOGEE COASTAL WALK

No visit to Sydney would be complete without strolling along the unbelievably scenic path between Bondi and Coogee Beach. It’s one of the best tourist attractions in the city, and I’ll honestly never forget my first time doing this trek.

I don’t care if you have only 2 days in Sydney or a full week – this is a must-do when visiting Sydney. The path is super easy to follow and will lead you around to all of the best beaches in Sydney’s eastern suburbs, from Bondi, Tamarama, Bronte, Waverly, Clovelly, Gordons Bay, and ending in Coogee Beach.

Bondi → Bronte Beach  = 2.5 km (1.55 miles)

Bronte → Coogee Beach  = 3.5 km (2.18 miles)

In total, the distance is about 6 km (3.7 miles), and you really should spend around 4 – 5 hours completing the Bondi to Coogee walk. There are many photo opportunities along the way, things to do, and spots to relax.

I love the great atmosphere along the path, and you’ll learn how much of an outdoors-focused and active city Sydney is. Locals use this path as their daily exercise route, and I can’t imagine a better place to burn some calories each day.

Coogee Beach Pavilion

At this point of the day, you’re probably going to be ready for a big meal and cocktail, and there’s no better place to do that than the rooftop bar at Coogee Pavillion . When I lived in Sydney, I would come to this spot every Sunday, and it’s one of my favorite restaurants/bars in the city.

“A beautifully styled oasis overlooking Coogee Beach, featuring four bars and a sweeping balcony. Our rooftop is all about breezy good vibes. Depending on the size of your event, you can commandeer the whole floor or one of four eclectic indoor bars. Sample Mediterranean-inspired food, amongst eccentrically styled surrounds. The beachside location and outlook over Wedding Cake Island are spectacular. And who doesn’t love a rooftop party?”

Sydney Itinerary Day 2: Sydney Harbour Bridge, The Rocks, and Opera House

What would you say are the most iconic buildings in the world? The Colosseum, the Eiffel Tower, the Great Wall of China, and of course, the Sydney Opera House. Visiting one of the most famous Sydney sights and getting up close and personal is a must-do. And there’s so much to do around this part of the city.

Here are a few ideas of how to best spend your time exploring the Sydney Harbour:

On my first day in Sydney, my mate Troy brought me to this bar. We chatted about how excited I was to move to Sydney as we drank beers and started out at the massive Sydney Harbour Bridge. It was one of the most surreal settings and a fantastic way to spend a couple of hours.

“Situated right by the water’s edge, Opera Bar is often described as the best beer garden in the world. Be swept away by the panoramic views of the Sydney Opera House, Harbour Bridge, CBD, and the beautiful harbor. Whether it’s breakfast, a lazy lunch, a pre-show dinner date, or simply a cocktail; Opera Bar is truly perfect for any occasion .”

What I love about the Opera Bar is that it’s an awesome experience at any time of the day.  Whether you want to stop here for a midday drink or meal, watch the sunset, or keep the party going until night – there aren’t many bars in Sydney with this stunning view.

Self-Guided Walking Tour through “The Rocks”

“This walk explores The Rocks , the oldest part of Sydney situated on the western shores of Sydney Cove, an area steeped in history. The Rocks were the first European settlement in Australia, established by Captain Arthur Phillip of England in 1788 as a penal colony. The original buildings were built using blocks of local sandstone – hence the name The Rocks.”

To make the most of your walk, you should have at least half a day. Although the walk can be done in a much quicker time.

But if you want to continue on to the steps that lead up to the pedestrian walkway on the Harbour Bridge to leisurely walk across the bridge and return by ferry, allow a full day.

The Harbour Bridge part of the walk involves steep areas and steps, so if you have a mobility problem, you might prefer to end your walk in The Rocks.

Walk Across the Sydney Harbour Bridge | Pylon Lookout

Walking across this magnificent beast is easily one of the best free things to do in Sydney, and I’d say is a must for everyone coming to Australia. The views you get on both sides of the bridge are completely stunning, and you’ll also get some really epic photos of the Sydney Harbour. It doesn’t take long at all and is just overall a really simple yet fantastic experience. 

Trust me – just do it!

This is also where you’ll find one of the best views and popular Instagram spots in the city – the Pylon Lookout . While you do have to pay to enter (see entrance rates below), it really is worth it.

It’s also an amazing exhibition where you’ll learn all about the history of the bridge, which I personally think is fascinating.

“Come and see the fantastic views of the city, the harbor, and the world-famous icon – the Sydney Harbour Bridge. There are 200 stairs to the Pylon Lookout, 87 meters above mean sea level, but on the way up there are 3 levels of exhibits where you will discover the history and construction of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, the men who built it, and the vision of JJC Bradfield, chief engineer.”

Milson’s Point & Luna Park

If you do walk across the Harbour Bridge (from The Rocks), you’ll end up in the charming suburb of Milson’s Point. This is one of my favorite areas in Sydney (mainly for photography purposes), and I’ve spent countless hours here wandering around, looking for different vantage points.

Take a photographic stroll through Bradfield Park, ride one of the rides at the famous Luna Park, and enjoy some scenic views of Sydney Harbour from the parks above Lavender Bay.  It’s simply a fantastic area to visit during the day and at night, and I know it’ll make you fall in love with Sydney as much as I have.

You can also take the ferry from Milsons Point back to Circular Quay after you finish.

The Sydney Opera House Tour

https://www.sydneyoperahouse.com/visit-us/tours-and-experiences.html

Why come all the way to Sydney without learning a thing or two about its most iconic landmark? This quick tour is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the city and is really a great way to learn all about the Opera House.

Duration : 1 Hour

Price : $20.78+ U.S.D ( Read Reviews )

“Delight in an in-depth tour to the Sydney Opera House , and learn the history and stories behind this UNESCO World Heritage-listed landmark.

Join your informative tour guide as you wander through elegant foyers and performance halls. Take an audience seat on custom-made birch chairs, and imagine the thousands of concerts, operas, and ballet performances held on the grand stage.

Listen to the inspiring yet challenging 15-year journey of architect Jorn Utzon as you visit areas normally closed off to the general public. Admire the Opera House’s ceramic exterior, evoking yacht sails along the Sydney Harbour.

Upgrade your tour and enjoy a delicious meal set from the Portside Sydney Opera House. Feast on roasted salmon and chicken sliders, and mini cream puffs as you gaze at the skyline along Sydney Harbour.”

Royal Botanic Gardens | Sunset at Mrs. Macquarie’s Chair

“The Royal Botanic Garden is a verdant oasis in the heart of Sydney’s CBD.”

To wrap up your time exploring Sydney Harbour, you’ll want to spend at least an hour or so walking through the beautiful Royal Botanic Gardens. It’s a relaxing place to take a stroll, have a picnic, and enjoy stunning views of the entire harbor.

It’s also home to some of the best music festivals in Australia , and there’s pretty much always something fun going on in this massive park.

One of the best spots in the park is the iconic Mrs. Macquarie’s Chair, which is easily one of my favorite places in the entire city. Every night during sunset, you’ll see tons of locals and tourists admiring the view of the sun slowly dipping beneath the city in the distance.

The way the sky lights up in different shades of pink and orange really makes the Opera House and Sydney Harbour really pop. This is one of the best photography places in the city, and you’ll definitely spot at least one or two different photographers with tripods taking photos every night.

Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb

“Absorb a 360-degree panorama of Sydney as you journey to the summit on our original Climb experience. Like an exposed spine, the outer rim delivers you to the peak, as the sky remains just beyond your outstretched fingertips.”

If you’re afraid of heights, then this activity probably isn’t for you, but for all the adrenaline junkies planning a trip to Sydney – this should definitely be at the top of your list. In fact, this was actually voted as the #1 Traveller’s Choice in Australia and #4 Globally, so you know it’s pretty much loved by everyone who’s conquered it.

I haven’t done this yet, but I’ve already promised myself that I wouldn’t go back to Sydney without doing it.

Price:  $268 ( Read Reviews )

• 3 ½ hours long, max. 14 people per group.
• 1,332 steps (that’s around 500 calories or 2,100 kilojoules for those tracking)
• Ideal if you want to soak up the moment and take the upper arch.
• Perfect if you’re a bit nervous and would like more support from our Climb Leaders.
• You can do this climb at dawn (limited departures), twilight, or night.

Sydney Itinerary Day 3: Watson’s Bay, Beaches & South Head Heritage Trail

Sydney has a wide variety of different neighborhoods and suburbs to explore, but I think Watson’s Bay is one of the best. I’ve been here two different times now, and on each visit, I’ve found something new to appreciate about it.

Getting to Watsons Bay is super easy. It requires you to take a ferry from Circular Quay to Watson’s Bay – this is super scenic and only takes 27 minutes. Hopping on this ferry is reason enough to make your way out there, but you’ve got lots to explore once you arrive.

The Gap Park Lookout

This place is absolutely stunning, and there’s a cool walking trail that will lead you up to different vantage points of the sandstone cliffs. While this is actually a stop along the South Head Heritage Trail, I actually always just went straight here after getting off the ferry.

The view out to sea from the various lookouts is magnificent, but I can’t help thinking briefly about the negative aspects of The Gap – which is a known suicide spot.

Luckily, an emergency phone to Lifeline (13 11 14) is prominently placed near the steps to prevent this from happening.

Soon, the beauty of my surroundings, the sun sparkling on the water, and the hope of spotting a whale distract me.

“When international director and closet ghoul Alfred Hitchcock visited Sydney in the sixties, this was his infamous point of reference. Locals know, and tourists do not, that this is the last stop for the desperate few, it’s also a beautiful location for a spectacular scenic cliff top walk that begins at The Gap Park .”

South Head Heritage Trail

You could actually spend all day just enjoying all the different stops along this walk. While it isn’t very time-consuming, it is loaded with historical importance, pristine beaches, nude beaches (Lady Bay), epic views, lighthouses, and so much more.

“The short South Head Heritage Trail offers something for everyone: incredible beach and harbor views, a glimpse into the history and excellent whale-watching opportunities.

Starting at Camp Cove Beach in Watsons Bay, this short walk takes you on a stroll along a 1870s cobblestone road past Lady Bay Beach. Before reaching the historic Hornby Lighthouse with its distinctive red and white stripes.

Take some time to explore the gun emplacements and keep your eyes open if you’re there during whale watching season.

The spectacular views of Sydney are sure to astound you. With the Sydney Harbour to the west, Middle and North Head to the north, and the expansive Pacific Ocean to the east, the scenery will leave you wanting to explore more of Sydney Harbour National Park.

I feel like most tourists skip this place when visiting Sydney, and I think that’s a complete shame.

Watson’s Bay Boutique Hotel

You simply can’t come to Watsons Bay without getting at least a drink or a meal at this hotel.

Side Note : Did you know that Australians use the word “hotel” for a bar? I had no idea until I got to Australia, and I thought it was so weird. Why, you may be wondering?

Well, “a pub, short for Public House, is an establishment whose main function is to serve alcohol, mostly beer. It’s also known as an Alehouse or Tavern. The reason for this is that until recently, in Australia (the late 1980s), pubs were forced, by the liquor laws, to provide accommodation and so were accurately called hotels.” 

Thanks to Midland Hotel for that quick little history lesson!

“Grounded on the sandy shoreline of one of Sydney’s most iconic harbor beaches, Watson’s Bay Boutique Hotel is the perfect destination for those pursuing sun, fresh seafood platters, seasonal fare, and icy cold refreshments while overlooking Sydney’s spectacular harbor.”

Sounds pretty great, hey?

After a long day of exploring and photographing the gorgeous coastlines and walking trails in Watsons Bay, make sure you pop in here for a beer or a sunset and even book a night’s accommodation at the hotel if you want.

It’s one of Sydney sider’s favorite hotels and has won awards like “Hotel of the Year”, “Best Social Media”, and “2020 Traveller’s Choice Award” from TripAdvisor in the past. 

Trust me – you want to visit this place. You also can’t really miss it, because it’s the first place you’ll see when you get off the ferry.

Photo via Watsons Bay

Sydney Itinerary Day 4: Sydney CBD & Suburbs

After spending 4 days in Sydney, you’ll realize that it is a pretty massive city, and I feel like people always forget that. While the main downtown area or Central Business District (CBD for short) is small compared to cities like New York or London – Sydney is just a massive county with many different areas to explore.

A few of my favorites include: 

Newtown : If you’re looking for the cultural hub or artistic district in Sydney, then this is where you need to go. It can be difficult to explain, but it’s easily the most unique suburb in the city.  It’s filled with live-music venues, gay bars, graffiti walls, street singers, a huge dog-friendly park, and an amazing variety of food options.

If you only come to Newtown for one meal, then you’ve got to visit the ever-so-popular Mary’s Bar . 

I think this video below perfectly encapsulates Mary’s and the vibe you’ll find in Newtown

Surry Hills : This is another extremely trendy and hip suburb in Sydney, and you could easily forget you’re actually in Sydney while walking up and down its hilly roads. It’s got amazing food, top-notch art, an excellent nightlife, and is centrally located, making it easy to get to.

“On the southern fringe of Sydney’s CBD, you’ll stumble across the suburb of Surry Hills – a gritty, creative, and foodie-filled enclave. It’s arguably the creative heart of Sydney and a mandatory pop-in for anyone visiting the harbor city.

The Polly Pocket-sized suburb is home to fashion designers, creative agencies, and tech start-ups, along with professionals, young hipsters, the drug-addicted and homeless.”

Check out this amazing article about “ 10 of the best things to do in Surry Hills ”, which will definitely keep you busy if you decide to take a visit. All the food recommendations are 100% worth it, especially trying out Sydney’s favorite Gelato Messina.

Photo via Eat Play Love Travel

Crows Nest – “Crowie” for short (because Australians shorten every word they can) is a small suburb in the North Shore and one of my favorite areas to go pub/hotel hopping. There always seem to be great deals, amazing meals, and delicious craft beers. It’s also been named “the most livable Suburb in Sydney” and goes by the motto – The Nest is the Best.   

“Getting its name thanks to its elevated position – it’s one of the highest points of all of the northern suburbs. Crows Nest is home to a strip of family-owned, mid-range restaurants, with a bunch of Vietnamese, Thai, and Japanese joints dotted along the Pacific Highway and tucked up behind the major arterial road.”  – Time Out Crows Nest Guide

If you’re free at night, then I’d definitely recommend making your way to Crows Nest for a night out. Not sure where to start? Just make your way to The Hayberry Bar & Diner for burgers, booze, Blues, and Rock ‘n’ Roll.

Sydney Itinerary Day 5: Sydney Day Trip

If you’ve got one week in Sydney, then I think you should spend at least one day outside the city exploring one of the best day trips. There are some really amazing options to choose from, but here are my top 3 recommendations:

Blue Mountains Full-Day Trip with Cruise

Price : $124.10

Duration : Full-Day

https://www.getyourguide.com/sydney-l200/blue-mountains-3-rides-no-lunch-day-tour-t68335/

The scenic Blue Mountains National Park is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site, and for a good reason. This explosion of biodiversity boasts incredible views of the Jamison Valley and the Three Sisters – a colossal sandstone formation and sacred Aboriginal site.

“Discover the natural beauty of the Blue Mountains on a full-day tour that takes you to Featherdale Wildlife Park. See various native Australian animals, stop at Echo Point for panoramic views, and enjoy 3 different rides at Scenic World.”

Read Reviews & Check Availability

Photo via GetYourGuide

Jervis Bay Sydney Day Trip

Want to visit some of the whitest sand beaches in the world? Then you need to make your way down to Jervis Bay, which is one of Australia’s most popular seaside destinations. While this seaside oasis has a low swell and is not the best for surfing, it is known as a great beach for families.

And although ideally, I think you should spend more than one day down there (as it is quite far from the city), it is a truly stunning place that I think is worth visiting.

Read my article titled “ The Perfect Weekend Getaway Exploring the New South Wales Coast ” to get a better understanding of what to expect.

In fact, if you have the time, I’d definitely recommend renting a car and driving down the coast for a two or three-day road trip like I did.

Hunter Valley Wine Tasting

Who else loves wine? Well, you may not know this, but Australia is home to some of the best vineyards and wineries in the entire world. I actually did my first-ever wine tasting in the Yarra Valley, and it was one of my favorite experiences I’ve had in Australia.

Located just a couple hours’ drive from downtown Sydney, the Hunter Valley would be an amazing destination for a full day of wine tasting.

Price : $137.20

Duration : 11 Hours

From Sydney: Hunter Valley Wine/Spirit Tasting Tour & Lunch – “Get ready for a diverse tour exploring the Hunter Valley wine region, tasting some of Australia’s best wine, food, cheese, chocolate, beer, and distilled spirits.”

Sydney Itinerary Day 6: Manly Beach

With its gorgeous beaches, scenic coastal walks, and stunning snorkeling spots — Manly should be on everyone’s Sydney itinerary.

I spent two full days around Manly Beach, and now I’m a strong advocate that it’s easily one of the best suburbs in Sydney. If you get the chance, definitely make it out this way for more than just a day trip.   

With that being said, if you get to Manly Beach earlier on in the day, you can squeeze in quite a lot.

I’ve actually written a destination itinerary before, so take a read through this article: How to Spend Two Days Exploring Manly Beach, Sydney . 

This will go over some really amazing food options, activities, and much more to keep you busy during your day while exploring Manly.

Manly Beach to Spit Bridge Coastal Walk

If you’re not too tired out already from a busy 5 days in Sydney, then I think the Manly Beach to Spit Bridge Coastal Walk is a fantastic way to spend your day. But only if it’s sunny and warm outside. Just a fair warning though – this trek is around 10 km (6.2 miles) and really does require a chunk of the day.

The views you get of Sydney Harbour are truly magnificent, though. And I think it leads you around to some of the most famous beaches in the entire city. I haven’t done this hike in many years, but it definitely left a solid impression.

Whenever I return to Sydney, I know I will make it a priority to complete this Manly to Spit Bridge coastal trek again.

Sydney Itinerary Day 7: Endless Options

The truth is completing everything I’ve mentioned in this 7-day Sydney itinerary will be quite challenging in such a short amount of time. That’s why I’m going to leave this final day a little bit more open and flexible.

There really is no shortage of amazing things to do in Sydney, and I’m sure you’ll want some free time to just go with the flow and see what happens.

With that being said, here are a few more things that I think could be an awesome addition to your time in Sydney and that you could easily fit into your last day.

Taronga Zoo

Taronga Zoo : Want to see gorgeous giraffes with the Sydney Opera House in the background? Well, you can totally do that. While I haven’t been here personally, I think this is a Sydney must-do for anyone traveling with kids.

“Enjoy a fun-filled day at Sydney’s Taronga Zoo. Start your day off with a cruise along the Sydney Harbour. See impressive landmarks such as the iconic Sydney Opera House. Arrive at Taronga Zoo, home to over 350 different animal species with eight unique environments to explore. The zoo offers abundant activities, from animal encounters to daily educational talks.”  

Adults = $35.18 USD

Children = $19.98 USD

The Taronga Zoo is easily reachable by ferry, and tickets are cheaper when you purchase them online.

Darling Harbour : I can’t believe I made it to the last day of this Sydney 7-day itinerary without mentioning Darling Harbour. This place is 100% a must-visit in the city, and I think you must come here at night. This place really comes alive every evening. The promenade is loaded with amazing restaurants, bars, and nightclubs.

It’s also the location of some of Sydney’s best tourist attractions, like the Sea Life Sydney Aquarium, Madame Tussauds, the Wildlife Zoo, the Chinese Garden, and much more.

“There’s really nowhere in the world quite like Darling Harbour . From first light to starry nights, there’s always something going on here. Coffee machines froth, water laps, children play, friends chat, steaks sear, glasses clink, and bass thumps. Infectious sounds travel on harbor breezes as text messages and online updates share snapshots of good times. If you’re a local, chances are you really do come here often. If you’re new in town, there’s no question you’ll have this sparkling harbor on your Sydney bucket list.”

Sydney Tower Eye Rotating Buffet / Bar

If you’re looking for the highest view in the city, then there’s no question you must go to the 305-meter-tall Sydney Tower Eye . I’ve been up here once for sunset, and the views truly are magnificent. When I went up there (on a date, actually), I only went for drinks, but I’ve heard the food is absolutely amazing as well.

Want to visit the observation deck instead ?

Price : $89.00 Adult – $64.00 Child ( Read Reviews )

“Skip the big queue and enjoy faster entry by going straight to the prepaid voucher queue. Then stand on the Sydney Tower Eye Observation Deck, 820 feet (250 meters) above the street, and be rewarded with 360-degree panoramic views as far as 48 miles (80 kilometers) into the distance. The 60-minute experience includes a fully guided SKYWALK tour around the outside of the top of Sydney Tower. Access to the indoor Observation Deck before and after your SKYWALK tour.”

Nestled at the highest point of the city, the Observation Deck offers the ultimate view of Sydney’s beaches and neighborhoods, with vistas as far as the Blue Mountains.

Offering both day and night viewing slots, the state-of-the-art multilingual touchscreens provide an interactive introduction to some of the city’s famous landmarks. And the high-powered binoculars give you an even closer look.

Where To Stay in Sydney — Best Places

First things first, you’re going to need somewhere to sleep while taking on your Sydney, Australia itinerary. Now obviously, this depends on your budget and travel style, but I think below would be my top recommendations:

Sydney Harbour YHA –  My Favorite Hostel in Sydney

Looking for the best hostel in Sydney? Then I’d definitely recommend staying here at YHA The Rocks . I stayed here for nearly a full week at the end of my last trip to the city, and it ended up being one of my favorite hostels. The rooms are comfortable, the social backpacker vibe is great, and there is an absolutely stunning rooftop terrace overlooking Sydney Harbour.

Check Rates & Availability here

The Fullerton Hotel Sydney (Luxury Hotel)

In the past couple of years, I’ve had the pleasure of staying at a few different Westin properties, and I’m officially obsessed with the brand.   is truly a luxurious gem and will definitely provide a super comfortable stay in the city.

It’s perfectly located in the downtown city center, has incredible amenities, and you’re guaranteed to get a good night’s sleep thanks to their signature “heavenly beds”.

Also, give a quick read through my experience at The Westin Maldives: Heavenly Luxurious in Every Way , which is now the best resort I’ve ever stayed at.

GETTING AROUND SYDNEY | OPAL CARD

While some may disagree, I personally think that the Sydney public transportation system works really well, and you’ll definitely want to get used to using it. The system will be able to take you all over the city, especially to the destinations mentioned in this Sydney 1-week itinerary.

Just make sure you get yourself an “ OPAL card ”. You can register online for free.

This is the public transportation payment system, and it will save you a lot of time and money utilizing it.

Fun Fact – I actually used to work at the OPAL card call center while I was living in Sydney, and think it’s a really fantastic product.

If you lose your OPAL card, you can call them and get it blocked so no one else can use it. Then you just need to get a new card and transfer the old balance to the new card.

Hopefully, you won’t lose your card, but it’s better to know you won’t lose the money that you’ve loaded onto it. 

STAYING CONNECTED IN SYDNEY

Wondering what is the best tourist SIM card for Sydney? If you’re landing at Sydney International Airport, once you get through customs and immigration, you will see five to six different phone stores, all offering a variety of phone plans for tourists.

My personal recommendation would be to go for Optus. They’ve got amazing tourist SIM card packages, and the coverage is top-notch. When I lived in Sydney, I actually used Vodafone, which I really loved, up until I left Sydney and had basically zero reception. 

Note: Vodafone is only good if you stay in the city.

PLANNING A TRIP TO AUSTRALIA?

I’ve spent a lot of time traveling around the country, so make sure you check out a few of my other articles about my time in Australia to help plan your time there.

• Greyhound Bus Pass Hop-On / Hop-Off: Cairns to Sydney Route Bus Itinerary
• The Perfect Weekend Getaway Exploring the New South Wales Coast
• Two Days on Magnetic Island: The Bungalow Bay Experience
• The Ultimate Guide for Moving to Sydney on a Working Holiday Visa
• The 20 Best Music Festivals in Brisbane
• 14 Words You’ll Start Saying When You Move to Australia
• The 15 Best Music Festivals in Sydney, Australia

DON’T FORGET TRAVEL INSURANCE

Whether you are heading to Sydney for just a few days or embarking on a lengthy trip around Australia, travel insurance is absolutely essential.

Have you seen some of the crazy animals they have Downunder, or indeed, how expensive some things (including medical care) can be in Australia? Getting sick or having items stolen while traveling is rare, but when it does happen, it can be an absolute nightmare.

Having insurance (which is essential for Visas in some countries) will give you the peace of mind that if anything terrible does happen, you are covered.

I highly recommend HeyMondo due to its extensive range of cover for all situations and trip lengths, its fair pricing and its handy app. The app allows you to manage any claims within the app.

But it also has access to free assistance online, so you don’t need to rack up an expensive phone bill while abroad. So, whether you need a single trip cover or an affordable annual cover for multiple trips worldwide, be sure to buy your travel insurance before you travel. And then you’ll relax during your trip, knowing that HeyMondo has your back.

Nowadays, I would never travel without insurance again, especially after hearing so many (expensive and dangerous) horror stories from other travelers I’ve met.

Are you still planning your trip? You can always just get a no-commitment travel insurance quote now, so you have an idea of how much extra to budget for your vacation.

FINAL THOUGHTS ON YOUR ULTIMATE SYDNEY ITINERARY, 7 DAYS

Every time I visit Sydney, I find a new favorite thing to do or see. That’s just how loaded with natural and cultural attractions Sydney is. From the world-renowned Sydney Opera House to the Bondi to Coogee Walk, the northern beaches, and the Botanic Gardens, you’re sure to have an amazing experience in Sydney.

And to top it all off, you can also enjoy top Sydney attractions like the scenic views at Blue Mountains National Park. Enjoy sun lounging along the white sands of Camp Cove Beach, stroll through the Australian National Maritime Museum, or walk along Darling Harbour – you can do it all when you visit Sydney.

So, which of these incredible sights in Sydney, Australia, are you most excited about exploring?

Thanks for reading my Sydney Itinerary!!

If you’re not already, be sure to follow along on my Facebook & Instagram for more of my international adventures!  As always, feel free to shoot me an email or reach out to me on social-media with any questions you have about Sydney!  I’m a huge fan of Australia, and am always happy to help readers plan their trips down under!  Who knows, maybe I’ll be in town and we can grab a beer!  Until then, SAFE TRAVELS MATES!

Share this Sydney Itinerary with your Australia travel crew!

Thanks for the great info. When was this article written? How up to date is the info? I don’t believe it is possible to pet Koalas in Sydney in 2019??

Such a great and useful article! I will be visiting from New York and your pictures of Sydney and the things to do are gorgeous. Really appreciate your page.

Great post! Really helpful thank you so much!

Wow. Your photo skills are fantastic! I really love the long exposure photos of Sydney Harbour Bridge, especially the one showing Luna Park lit up at night with the Opera House compressed in the background! And your Bondi photos are incredible too! So inspiring thanks for sharing! :)

Great shots. I’ve bookmarked this post to have in mind before visiting Sydney next time (hopefully). My last visit was 2 years ago. A business trip and meeting in Four Seasons Hotels in Sydney, The Rocks area. Its near the center but was too expensive for me and I’ve stayed in Harbour Rocks Hotel instead. It is not on the main streets but close enough to walk to.

Really an awesome Sydney Itinerary, love reading this as it was very attractive and helpful. Please keep posting such articles.

That is such a comprehensive itinerary. I am bookmarking it for later.

thankyou for providing this useful information

This itinerary for Sydney is great. Looks like so much fun stuff to do. I’ll be cherry picking some of the options here for myself.

For Taronga Park, I strongly recommend that you ad that it’s the best zoo for OZ marsupials on the planet. They have wombats! (Yes, I know San Diego has them too, but not housed so well.)

I love Manly I’ve been to Sydney a couple of times and it’s my favourite.

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A Sydney 4-day itinerary for first time visitors

• July 25, 2023
• curious goose

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What to do in Sydney - A 4 day itinerary for first-time visitors

Located on Australia’s popular East Coast, Sydney is one of the most visited cities in Australia and it’s not hard to see why. From its famous landmarks like the iconic Opera house and Sydney Harbour bridge to the gorgeous sandy beaches of Bondi and Manly, Sydney attracts tourists from all over the world.

With so much to see and do in Sydney it can be overwhelming, especially if you are visiting for the first time and only have a few days. So if you’re asking yourself questions like, ‘How long do I need in Sydney?’, ‘What is there to do in Sydney’ and ‘Where are the best places to visit in and around Sydney?’ , don’t worry, I’ve got you covered. In this short handy guide, I’ll share the best things to see and do in Sydney (even if you only have a few days!), neatly packaged into a handy 4 day itinerary that you can follow.

Looking for another great Australian city to visit? Check out all the best things to see and do in Melbourne, Victoria

Table of Contents

How many days do you need in sydney, australia.

There are so many great things to see and do in Sydney, it is a big city and there’s something for everyone. However, I would say that 3-5 days is a good amount of time to spend in Sydney as a first-timer. This will allow you to see the “highlights” without feeling like you are zooming around in a rush. Of course, if you are tight on time you could spend just 2 days here by just staying in Sydney’s CBD (Central Business District), and taking the Hop on, Hop off bus to travel around the main sights in the city. Personally, I feel that you would be missing out on some of the great things Sydney has to offer with just two days. We stayed for 4 days (5 nights) and felt that it was a good amount of time.

Sydney is also a great place to start your east coast road trip. Make sure that you visit the popular backpacking town of Byron Bay and stop by the Koala hospital in Port Macquarie !

What are the best things to see and do in Sydney, Australia?

In this post I am sharing my full itinerary for how we spent 4 days in Sydney, which will cover all my top things to see and do in Sydney within those 4 days, including how we spent each day in the different areas of Sydney. If you would prefer to see a list with just the top places to visit, so that you can incorporate it into your own itinerary, I have written a separate blog covering 15 great things to see and do in Sydney which will give you a run down of the best places to visit.

How to spend 4 days in Sydney - a full itinerary

Day 1 - wander around darling quarter and darling harbour - two of the best areas to visit in sydney's cbd.

The iconic landmarks of the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge have made Circular Quay one of the most visited spots in Sydney, however I much preferred the area around Darling Quarter and the Harbour there. For me, Darling Harbour had a much nicer atmosphere than Circular Quay and it was far less industrial (as it is not the main ferry/cruise port). There are bars and restaurants all around the edge of the harbour, and you’ll also find the Australian National Maritime museum and Sea life aquarium here too.

Just set back from the harbour is Tumbalong Park, which is a great spot to sit on the grass, cool your feet in the water feature and watch the world go by. After spending some time at the park and harbour, make sure you visit Darling Square, in the heart of Darling Quarter. There are some great shops in this area and it has a really nice vibe to it.

We spent the afternoon just wandering around Darling Quarter and Darling Harbour and enjoying the sun in the park with an ice cream. In the evening, we headed to the Harbourside shopping complex, which has a decent sized foot court, perfect for grabbing something to eat if you’re on a budget! After picking up some food, we took it outside to sit on the water’s edge overlooking the harbour. Who needs fancy restaurants anyway?!

You could easily spend a full, leisurely day around Darling Quarter and Darling Harbour, visiting all the shops and enjoying a long lunch, but if you prefer things at a faster pace, or you’re short on time, then it’s a great place to spend the morning or late afternoon and you could easily combine sightseeing here with a visit to Circular Quay. Whatever you choose, just make sure to visit! In my opinion Darling Quarter and Darling Harbour are two of the best places to visit in Sydney.

Day 2 - Visiting Sydney’s most iconic landmarks - the Opera House and Harbour Bridge

By now, you’re probably itching to visit Sydney’s most famous sights – the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Opera House! Located in Circular Quay, these iconic landmarks are what Sydney is most famous for, so make sure to soak up the atmosphere and spend the day exploring this area of the city.

When I visit a new place, I love devising my own walking tour. Personally I feel that strolling around on foot is the best way to see all the sights, it also just happens to be one of the best things to do in Sydney (or any city) for free! The walking tour I created took us to some of Sydney’s most popular must-see spots including the Sydney Botanical Gardens, Circular Quay – stopping at the Opera House and Harbour Bridge, then onto Barangaroo Reserve, the Sydney Observatory and finally to the area of The Rocks. Here’s the full details of the route we took:

Sydney DIY walking tour

Arriving at Circular Quay, we walked past the Opera House and headed straight to the botanical gardens , enjoying a picnic on the beautiful lawns, with a view across the harbour. We then continued walking around the gardens, to the other side until we reached Mrs Macquarie’s chair – a viewing point which offers fabulous views across the bay of both the Harbour Bridge and the Opera House. This is one of the best places to snap a photo of the Sydney Opera House.

Leaving Mrs Macquarie’s Chair viewpoint, we re-traced our steps back through the botanical gardens to the Opera House. After wandering around the outside of the Opera House and taking some photos, we followed the harbour round to the other side, to Hickson Road reserve – a small green area just underneath the Harbour Bridge. The Opera House and Harbour Bridge are the most popular sights in Sydney, so, as you can imagine, it does get busy around this area but these are both absolute must-see spots when you are in Sydney!

This is a great opportunity to try one of the many activities around Sydney Harbour. Take on the Sydney Harbour bridge climb, kayak under the bridge or opt for something much more relaxed with a cruise. 

Continuing the DIY walking tour from Hickson Road Reserve, follow the road underneath the bridge and walk along Walsh Bay Promenade to Barangaroo Reserve. This is a really lovely walk along the water’s edge and there’s several cafes along the way if you fancy a drink or get peckish.

From Barangaroo Reserve, follow Argyle Street and walk up to the Sydney Observatory for great views of the Harbour Bridge and across the water towards Luna park (an old fashioned theme park) in North Sydney. The Observatory Hill Park has one of the best viewpoints over Sydney Harbour and is especially beautiful at sunset.

To finish the day, head back down towards Circular Quay to explore the fashionable area of The Rocks . The Rocks is one of the best areas to explore in Sydney, especially if you’ve only got a couple of days in the city. This area is full of small lanes with cafes, restaurants, independent shops and boutiques. At the weekend, there is also a craft market here. 

Sydney Harbour at night

In the evening, the Opera House and Harbour bridge are illuminated and look really beautiful, especially as the lights reflect off the water. When we visited, there was a light art installation at the Opera House, where patterns where projected onto the Opera House sails. So we watched this for a bit, before having a drink in the bar in front of the Opera House, looking across to the Harbour Bridge.

This was a pretty full-on day, with lots of walking, but we got to see A LOT! If you don’t want to walk as far as we did, then I would say skip the section between the Harbour Bridge and Barangaroo reserve and just head straight to The Rocks instead.

Day 3 - A day trip to Manly - one of Sydney’s most popular suburbs and surfing spots

On your third day in Sydney, head out of the city and take the public ferry from Circular Quay across to Manly, a beach-side suburb in North Sydney. There are two ferry’s that take you across to Manly, a 30 minute ferry and a slightly more expensive but 10 minute shorter ‘fast ferry’. 

The ferry trip itself is one of the best activities you can do in Sydney because you’ll get gorgeous harbour views from the boat and some amazing photo opportunities!

Australia’s East Coast has many great surfing spots, including the nearby town of Newcastle . But Manly is one of Sydney’s best surf spots. It is famous for holding the world’s first surfing competition, back in 1964. Annual surf competitions are still held in Manly and surfers flock to this beach every year, making the now iconic Manly beach one of Australia’s most famous beaches.

One of the best things to do in Manly – apart from visiting the beach – is to walk the scenic coastal path from Manly wharf to North head.

This is a lovely coastal walk, which passes several small beaches along the way, including Collins beach with its secluded cove and waterfall. From North Head, the path takes you back towards Manly beach through Patrick’s estate – a prestigious international business college houses in an English castle-like building.

Back in the centre of Manly – take your time to stroll round the surf shops and enjoy lunch in one of the many cafes. There’s a really nice laid-back atmosphere to Manly, and in my opinion, it is one of the best places to visit in Sydney. 

Day 4 - Visiting Sydney’s iconic Bondi Beach

You can’t visit Sydney without spending the day at its most iconic beach – Bondi beach! Bondi beach is one of Australia’s most famous beaches thanks to its pristine white sand, plentiful restaurants, bars and proximity to Sydney’s CBD (which is just a short bus ride away).

One of the best things to do at Bondi beach (and in Sydney!), is the Bondi-Coogee coastal walk. The 6km walk follows the coastline from Bondi to Coogee and usually takes around 2-3 hours, but it depends how often you stop at the various swimming spots and suburbs along the way!

The coastal walk is beautiful and it is definitely up there as one of the best things to do in Sydney, rivalling the Port Macquarie coastal path.

After your walk, spend the afternoon lazing on Bondi beach, or take a dip in one of Australia’s oldest swimming pools – the iconic Bondi Iceberg, located at the southern end of the beach.

This wraps up my 4 day itinerary of Sydney – As first-timers to Sydney, we wanted to cover the main spots in and around the city without feeling rushed and I think 4 days was perfect for that. Of course, you could easily spend more time here by taking it even slower than we did, or by visiting even more of the attractions in and around Sydney.

If you want to get out in nature and do some hiking, then the Blue Mountains are only a 2 hour train ride from the city and are one of the most popular day trips from Sydney. Personally, I would recommend having several days to explore the area. The Blue Mountains are so beautiful and we really enjoyed the few   days we spent there hiking. However, if you’re short on time, or want the convenience of someone else to plan your trip, there are lots of tours to the Blue Mountains from Sydney to choose from. 

What is a good area to stay in Sydney, Australia?

I’ve been to Sydney twice. The first time, we stayed in the Great Southern hotel , which was just a few minutes walk from the central bus and train station, at the end of George Street. George Street is the main street running through this part of the city, linking the central station to Circular Quay, where the Opera House and Harbour bridge are located. There is a tram which runs frequently running the full length of George Street which is really handy!

The second time we visited Sydney, we stayed at the Darlo Bar in Darlinghurst .  This was another great budget option, in a central location.

Sydney is a big city, but basing ourselves in these areas, we found it really easy to get to all the main sights and also hop easily on a bus, tram and boat to go further afield. I would say the closer to the centre, the better, especially if you only have a couple of days here as you don’t want to spend long travelling in and out each day.

Is Sydney expensive?

As with any destination, there are luxury options and budget options. We were visiting Sydney as part of our Australian East Coast road trip and were backpacking, though I would say we had a moderate budget for a backpacking trip – setting ourselves a limit of £70 per person (including accommodation and transport). With that we were able to stay in a 3 star hotel and had enough left to cover food and drink and anything else we wanted to do.

When researching accommodation, I found that many of the hostels were actually more expensive than hotels for a private room, so my advice would be if there’s two or three of you travelling and you want a private room, definitely check out hotel prices before booking a hostel under the assumption that it would be the cheapest option.

Most of the activities we did in Sydney were essentially free – there’s so many places you can walk in Sydney and see something different that you don’t actually need a big budget. We also saved money on food and drink by having picnics or getting takeaways and eating them alongside the harbour or in one of the parks on a couple of evenings or for lunch. The main thing we paid extra for was the tram, the ferry to Manly and the bus to Bondi beach, but again, these were all relatively low cost items.

For tips for travelling on a budget and to download my free budget template, check out my post on how to budget for full time travel, here.

Related Posts

A guide for visiting the Blue Mountains, New South Wales, Australia

The Grampians and The Great Ocean Road – a 4 day self drive itinerary

How to spend 4 days in Melbourne – what to see and do

2 Days in Sydney: The Perfect Itinerary

Planning to visit Sydney soon? If you have 48 hours in Sydney or less, I have put together the perfect itinerary to make the most of your short visit. Read on for the best things to do if you only have 2 days in Sydney.

Getting There and Around

Flights into Sydney arrive at Sydney Airport which is conveniently located 8 km (5 miles) from the city center. The most economical way to get to Sydney from the airport is the Airport Link (Sydney’s Airport Train) with a travel time of approximately 15 minutes. If you have more time and enjoy long road trips, another option is to fly into Melbourne or Brisbane and do an Australian road trip to Sydney. To save money on flights to Australia, you can search for flights here .

Sydney is an easy city to get around. It is very walkable but for longer distances there are many public transportation options including trains, buses and ferries. Click here to see all the public transportation options and look up timetables.

Another great way to get around is an open top hop on hop off bus tour .

If your time is short and you enjoy guided tours, there are several half and full day tours that can provide you with an overview of Sydney, including this bike tour and this half day tour .

Sydney 2 Day Itinerary (2024)

This is a fairly packed 2 day Sydney itinerary so if you don’t have two full days to explore Sydney or enjoy exploring at a more relaxed pace check out my one day in Sydney itinerary .

Sydney Itinerary – Day 1

Royal botanic gardens.

Wake up early morning to explore the beautiful and free Royal Botanic Gardens . In addition to enjoying the beautiful plants and flowers, the gardens have great views. Walk to Mrs Macquarie’s Chair for some of the best distant views of the Harbour Bridge.

Sydney Opera House / Circular Quay / Harbour Bridge

From the Royal Botanic Gardens walk to the Sydney Opera House. While you can see the Sydney Opera House from outside there are also tours available if you want to explore the inside. Make sure to stop by the Opera Bar located at the base level of the Opera House for a meal or drink while enjoying the great views. My favorite time for a drink here is the evening so you might want to come back later at night.

Circular Quay is located between the Opera House and the Harbour Bridge and has fantastic views of both attractions. This is a great spot for people watching and there are also plenty of restaurants if you want to grab a bite to eat. Circular Quay is a major transportation hub with access to buses, trains, and ferries so it is always crowded with tourists and locals.

There are 3 options if you want to enjoy panoramic views from Harbour Bridge. If you have time and money and are feeling adventurous, you can climb to the top of the bridge but make sure to reserve in advance. A cheaper option ($15 for adults) is to climb 200 stairs to the Pylon Lookout . You can also walk across the pedestrian path of the bridge for free to enjoy views from the lower level.

Ferry to Manly

From Circular Quay you can hop on a short ferry (approximately 30 minutes) to Manly. The ferry ride has great views of the Sydney Harbour as well as the Opera House and Bridge from the water.

In Manly you can enjoy some beach time, take a surfing lesson, walk down the main strip or have lunch at one of the beachfront restaurants. If possible take the ferry back to Circular Quay before sunset to take beautiful photos of the Harbour Bridge and Opera House.

From Circular Quay, it is a short walk to The Rocks which is the city’s most historic neighborhood. There are many cafes, restaurants and bars here so this is a good neighborhood for dinner and drinks. The Glenmore Hotel is a good spot to dine if you want to enjoy excellent harbour views.

Sydney Itinerary – Day 2

Bondi beach.

Spend a few hours at Bondi Beach , the most famous beach in Australia. Even if the temperature too cold to swim, there are many shops, cafes and restaurants here so this is great spot to have a bite or drink while enjoying a view of the water.

Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk

The Bondi to Coogee coastal walk is one of the most beautiful and scenic walks in Sydney and is popular with both locals and tourists. The walk is 6 km long and takes approximately 2 hours depending on how often and long you stop – there are beaches as well as places to sit and eat along the way.

Central Business District (CBD) and Darling Harbour

Head back to the Central Business District (CBD) and explore some of its major attractions including Town Hall Square, Hyde Park Barracks, St Mary’s Cathedral, Queen Victoria Building and Hyde Park.

Head to the beautiful Darling Harbour for dinner at one of its many restaurants. If you have a few hours before dinner, there are tons of things to do and see at Darling Harbour including the Sydney Aquarium and the Chinese Garden of Friendship.

Where to Stay in Sydney

If you are spending the night in Sydney, I recommend basing yourself in the CBD or The Rocks so that you can be close to the major attractions and public transportation.

Here are some of my top picks for the best places to stay in Sydney:

Park Hyatt Sydney. If you are looking for a luxury hotel experience and are willing to splurge or have hotel points to use, you can’t go wrong with this 5 star hotel. It is centrally located in The Rocks area and some rooms have spectacular views of the Opera House. Amenities include a restaurant, bar, spa, free wi-fi and a rooftop pool. Click here to see the latest prices .

Other recommended luxury hotel options: Four Seasons Hotel Sydney , Shangri-La Hotel Sydney , InterContinental Sydney , Sydney Harbour Marriott Hotel at Circular Quay and Primus Hotel Sydney .

Vibe Hotel Sydney. This modern hotel is conveniently located in the center of CBD. Amenities include a rooftop pool, a sauna, 24-hour room service, meeting rooms, a coffee bar and a convention center. Click here to see the latest prices .

Other recommended midprice hotel options: Novotel Sydney Central , Holiday Inn Old Sydney , Travelodge Hotel Sydney Martin Place , Veriu Broadway and Park Regis City Centre .

Sydney Harbour YHA. This hostel has both private and dormitory rooms and is conveniently located in the heart of the Rocks district with great rooftop views of the Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour. Amenities include a 24/7 reception desk, TV lounge, free WiFi in the lounge area, fully equipped communal kitchen andguest laundry. Click here to see the latest prices .

Have you visited Sydney? If so what would you recommend first time visitors see and do if they only have two days in Sydney ?

Related Posts

savvyglobetrotter

There is no doubt that exploring Sydney is on our bucket list. I would love to ride the ferry to Manly to see the amazing Opera House and other sites from the water. But your day 2 itinerary may be my favorite as I am a beach bum by nature so a Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk sounds like heaven to me!

I’ve always wanted to go to Sydney although never knew how long I should spend there. Look like you can see a lot in two days! Good to know.

I’ll definitely go to Bondi Beach!! 48 hours seem short – I guess I would really stay for more!

I doubt I’ll ever visit Sydney, but Bondi Beach looks like fun. I would like to visit Australia though more for the natural beauty than cityscapes.

Absolutely have to visit Australia and definitely Sydney!

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A Complete Guide To Sydney, Australia

Updated On 28th February, 2024

Sydney is one of  the  most popular and  the  most beautiful cities in the world to visit and it’s really not hard to see why. In this Sydney travel guide, I am going to take you through everything you need to know before visiting, to help you with planning your adventure down under. From the best places to visit in Sydney to the best things to do in Sydney, you’ll be fully prepared for visiting Sydney while backpacking Australia in 2022 by the time you reach the end of the post.

If you’ve never been to Sydney before, you’re in for a  treat.  Sydney is no ordinary city. Why? In my eyes, it’s the immersion of beach culture and outdoor living (with over 100 beaches) that it so elegantly offers on the side of its thriving CBD. Sydney is an absolute vibe and when it comes to city living. If you thrive on city living, Sydney is up there delivering the best kind. Visiting Sydney is up there with some of the  best things to do in Australia !

Sydney is the capital of New South Wales (NSW) located on the Southeastern coast of  Australia  and is the gateway destination for a lot of people entering Australia. Sydney is also a popular city to end an adventure down under… with a bang (NYE fireworks to be specific). It’s one of the best  places to visit on the East Coast  for a whole host of reasons.

For most, a trip to Australia is a once in a lifetime opportunity and so checking off everything on your bucket list is a must whilst you’re here. Sydney holds a number of attractions/events that show up on most peoples bucket lists including the Sydney Opera House, Sydney Harbour Bridge, Bondi Beach and most definitely the NYE firework spectacle in the harbour. And that’s without mentioning the countless  day trips from Sydney  that are on offer, such as the  Blue Mountains  or the  Hunter Valley ! So it’s a destination to get a little prepared for when you’re backpacking Australia, hence this Sydney travel guide.

I have personally been to Sydney on 5 separate occasions and so I feel ready to help you plan your time in Sydney and to share with you this complete Sydney guide.

Question is, are  you  ready?

Other posts that may help you plan your trip to Australia:

• Farm work in Australia: How to find work, top tips and advice
• A complete guide to Australia
• A complete guide to Sydney
• A complete guide to solo travel in Australia
• A guide to budgeting for backpacking Australia
• Planning your transport in Australia

EXPLORE ALL OUR SYDNEY TRAVEL GUIDES HERE

Australia Google Map Legend

Get lifetime access to my endless hours of research and time spent on the ground finding the best places to eat, drink, relax and explore in the area. You simply open the Google Map on your device and all my pins are at the touch of your fingertips.

A complete guide to Sydney, Australia

Getting from sydney airport to the city centre.

Sydney airport isn’t far from the CBD, around a 25-minute drive in fact. The best / easiest mode of transport totally depends on where you’re staying, how much luggage you have and how much patience you have haha.

From the airport you have a few options:

• Taxi  from the airport
• Uber  from the airport
• The cheapest option  is the  train  which runs every 10 minutes from the airport terminals into the CBD.

Top tip: Check out the flight deals on  Skyscanner here.

See my complete guide to planning your transport and travel in Australia  here.

Budgeting for Sydney…

Cities always tend to present a higher cost of living than out in the suburbs and beyond. Sydney is no different. It can be an expensive destination while you’re backpacking Australia but it’s worth every penny. You’ve got your boujee hotels and swanky restaurants for sure but you’ve also got backpacker hostels and happy hours dotted everywhere. There are  free walks , so much sightseeing and plenty of ways to soak up Sydney’s beauty without denting your wallet too much.

In my eyes, there’s always a deal to be found, even in the most expensive cities in the world. It lies in your willingness to find it.

Example prices in Sydney:

• $20 City Airport Train to Circular Quay from airport using Opal card
• $6-10 for a spirit or mixer (look for happy hours!)
• $8-14 for a meal out in a cafe.  Check out places for brunch in Sydney here.
• $65 2 hour surfing lesson
• $200-250 Sydney Bridge Climb
• $19 Sydney Pylon lookout (cheaper version of the Bridge climb)
• FREE –  Coogee to Bondi Beach walk
• $12-18 cocktail at the Sydney Opera House bar

Find out more about budgeting for backpacking Australia here. 

On a backpacker budget? Here are  25 top tips for saving money and travelling on a budget!

Accommodation in Sydney: Where to stay in Sydney…

Before you choose your accommodation in Sydney, consider what your priorities are when exploring Sydney and what kind of vibe you’re looking for…

Are you looking to stay by the beach with a few trips into the city?  Consider looking at  Manly Beach , Bondi Beach or Coogee Beach.

Looking for a real city bustle feel to your trip?  Consider staying in Darling Harbour, in Wooloomooloo or push the boat out with a hotel overlooking the Sydney Opera House!

Do you want to be within walking distance of the city but not right in the centre of it all?  Consider Double Bay,  Surry Hills .  See my guide to Surry Hills  here.

Looking to party, party, party?  Consider Bondi, Bondi Junction or Kings Cross.

Sydney is huge and super diverse so have a little think about what you really want outside your doorstep. I’d suggest making your Sydney bucket list and reading this Sydney travel guide first, then you’ll have more of an idea of where you want to be!  See more of the best things to do in Sydney here.

See my guide to hostels in Sydney  here.

If you’ve never stayed in a hostel before, check out  this blog post for all my hostel top tips and hostel packing essentials.

Getting around Sydney…

Sydney covers a large area (12,368 km²) and has a pretty complex transport system to navigate it. There’s no  best way  to get around. It totally depends on where you’re staying, where you’re looking to get to and which of the best things to do in Sydney you want to tick off your bucket list. For example if you live on the northern beach of Manly, getting the express ferry across to the city is much quicker than driving across the bridge which can take over an hour with likely traffic.

Transport options for exploring Sydney include:

• Sydney trains
• Sydney Metro (underground system)

To use public transport in Sydney you will need to purchase an Opal transport card (very much like the Oyster card in London) which you’ll then be able to use to tap in and tap out. You can purchase from the train stations or from local shops (look out for the sticker in the window).

See more information about  Opal cards and fees here.

Top tip: If you’d prefer to take public transport instead of walking, CityMapper is a great app that helps you get from A to B in Sydney.  Check out other useful travel apps in this blog post.

Places to eat and drink whilst in Sydney…

Places to eat:.

• It’s obviously a little pricey because of the views, but if you get a chance, eat at the Sydney Opera Bar or at one of the restaurants on the harbour. They all boast that view and it’s priceless. Get your cameras at the ready!
• HOME, a Thai restaurant near Chinatown. Super reasonably priced and v.v. yummy! The massaman curry is my favourite!!!
• Nudefish Poké in Bondi is another favourite of mine
• The Bucket List in Bondi too. It’s the place to be for cocktails and live DJ after a day on the beach.
• Ice cream at N2 (China Town) or Messina ( Surry Hills )
• Altitude Restaurant. Located 36 floors up, at the top of the Shangri-la hotel, is a restaurant with unrivalled panoramic views over Sydney. An unforgettable experience.  See website here .

Places to drink:

• You cannot visit Sydney without a sunset beverage at the Opera House Bar. Make sure you do it and watch the sunset go down with your favourite cocktail/mocktail!
• Kings Cross is one of the many places that come alive in the evenings in Sydney and is where you’ll find a lot of lively bars and live music!
• Darling Harbour is home to a few night clubs and a lot of restaurants along the river… a real nice ‘put your dress on and feel like you’re on holiday’ vibe
• Watson’s Bay Hotel is another gorgeous place to explore and spend the day with a few drinks and food.
• The Ivy for some trendy poolside drinking in the city
• The Butler is one of my favourites. A gorgeous bar, amazing cocktails and skyline views of Sydney including the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge

See my favourite coffee and brunch spots in Sydney  here.

These are my  favourite health cafes in Australia.

Example itineraries in Sydney…

See my 3-day itinerary for exploring Sydney  here in this guide.

See my 4-day itinerary for exploring Sydney  here in this guide.

Top things to do in Sydney, Australia…

1. go on one of the many incredible walks in sydney..

Not only is walking a stunning and incredible way to explore Sydney, but it’s also one of the best free things to do in Sydney!  Check out the best walks in Sydney in this blog post.

See my favourite 6 walks to go on in Sydney  here.

2. Catch sunrise or sunset from Mrs Macquarie’s Point.

Walk past the Opera House and continue along the waterfront until you reach this point, where you will get a view like no other of the sun over the Opera House and the Harbour Bridge. This is one of the best places to watch the sunset in Sydney, or the sunrise if you’re an early bird!

For an epic Melbourne to Sydney road trip itinerary,  check out this post .

3. Climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

Climbing Sydney Harbour Bridge is one of the most popular things to do in Sydney, and I’m not surprised with the views you can get across the city from the top! For more information, click  here .

If the official Sydney Harbour Bridge climb is a little out of your budget, consider heading up to the Pylon Lookout for similar views for just $19 Adult.  See more here.

For advice on how to get your working holiday visa,  check out this post!

4. Have sunset dinner & drinks at the Opera Bar.

Located just beside the Opera House itself with incredible views over the landmark, one of the best things to do in Sydney is to grab your favourite cocktail or glass of bubbles and toast to the incredible adventure you are on! Check out their website  here .

5. Get all the tourist snaps!

You know the ones… Bondi Beach in ya swimmers, Bondi Icebergs swimming pool, Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge selfies! Don’t pretend getting the snaps for the ‘gram wasn’t already top of your Sydney bucket list…

Check out how to improve your travel photography for those all important Sydney photos  here.

6. Take on the Coogee Beach to Bondi Beach walk.

I know I already mentioned  walks in Sydney , but this coastal experience is one you cannot miss and so you must make sure you do it!  This walk  is one of my favourite things to do in Sydney; I absolutely love getting in the fresh air and seeing the city from the ground. Coogee Beach and Bondi are both beautiful so you can take a dip in the water both sides!

See my Coogee to Bondi coastal walk guide  here. 

7. Explore the Blue Mountains (Greater Sydney region).

The Blue Mountains National Park, a short train ride out of Sydney, is one of my favourite places to visit in Sydney. It’s amazing to get out of the city and be at one with nature, marvel at the rock formations, hike through the forest, and chill out in the waterfalls.

Click  here  to see my post about my self-guided experience – the cheapest way of doing it. 

To see how I did my self-guided Blue Mountains trip, which is the cheapest way of exploring this beautiful area in Sydney,  check out this post.

For my take on a group tour to the Blue Mountains,  check out this post.

8. Head over to Taronga Zoo, ‘the zoo with a view’.

Head down to Circular Quay and hop on a 12-minute ferry to Taronga where you can view over 4,000 animals including Kangaroos & Koalas! Tickets start at $42.30 for an adult day pass and can be purchased on the website  here .

For the ultimate East Coast Australia bucket list,  check out this post.

9. Meander through The Rocks.

Wander around one of the oldest parts of Sydney, located just beside Sydney Harbour Bridge. It’s one of the best places to visit in Sydney. Look around the boutique shops, stroll through the markets (Paddy’s is my favourite) and pick up souvenirs, grab lunch in one of the gorgeous cafes, or grab a smoothie on the go.

Make sure you grab some food in the Rocks and take it for a picnic under the Harbour Bridge with views of the Sydney Opera House!

If you’re worried about making friends while you’re solo travelling,  here are all my top tips!

10. Go on a Hunter Valley wine tour.

If you’re a wine lover, HELLO you need to do this day trip. Visit a handful of wineries just north of Sydney and get the full experience. The Hunter Valley is the perfect place for your  Sydney day trip  and I can’t wait to go back again. If you’re not into wine, don’t worry; there’s also a brewery, cheese and chocolate factory, and a wildlife park.

See  my full Hunter Valley experience  here . Highly recommend!

If you’re backpacking Australia solo and feeling a little apprehensive, here’s my guide to  solo travel in Australia!

11. Explore Manly for the day.

My favourite of the places to visit in Sydney! Take the ferry over and in 15 minutes you’ll arrive at this super laid back, beachy, surfy town that will have you head over heels. See  my complete guide to Manly  here .

Check out the best 20 day trips from Sydney in this post.

12. Explore some of Sydney’s beaches!

Of all the top things to do in Sydney, you cannot miss the beach! There are SO many to explore here are just a few to consider:

• Bondi Beach
• Coogee Beach
• Manly Beach
• Bronte Beach
• Watson’s Bay

Consider a day trip in the car down to Hyams Beach, one of the whitest sand beaches in the world! See my trip  here.

Check out our complete list of the  25 best things to do in Sydney here!

EXPLORE ALL OUR AUSTRALIA TRAVEL GUIDES HERE

Have you been to Sydney?

What were your favourite things to do in Sydney? Anything you’d add to this Sydney travel guide?

Love as always and happy adventuring,

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I’M MOLLIE AND I STARTED THIS BLOG BACK IN 2013 WHEN I HEADED OUT ON MY FIRST BACKPACKING ADVENTURE. 

I’D LOVE TO SHARE THE JOURNEY WITH YOU, WE’VE GROWN A LOT SINCE THEN!

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Sydney Travel Guide

Last Updated: May 3, 2023

Besides being Australia’s largest city (over 5 million people live here, almost 20% of the entire country), Sydney is also its most visited. Though, contrary to popular belief, not the country’s capital.

Few visitors to Australia skip the city — and why would they?

With an incredible variety of attractions, beaches, restaurants, and sights to see, it’s easy to see why people come here and stay a while! There’s so much to do here (try to stay at least a week if you can). Be sure to also spend some time on the lesser-visited North Shore beaches. They’re gorgeous!

I’ve been visiting Sydney for over a decade and still love spending time here. It’s a fun, lively destination with something for everyone.

This Sydney travel guide will help you plan your trip, save money, and make the most of your time in this incredible city!

Table of Contents

• Things to See and Do
• Typical Costs
• Suggested Budget
• Money-Saving Tips
• Where to Stay
• How to Get Around
• How to Stay Safe
• Best Places to Book Your Trip
• Related Blogs on Sydney

Top 5 Things to See and Do in Sydney

1. Hang out at the beaches

From Palm Beach and Manly in the north to the famous Bondi and Coogee in the south, Sydney has a beach for everyone. All the beaches are easy to get to via public transportation or car and there are tons of restaurants and surf shops lining them all. There’s also a coastal walk connecting the beaches together. The beaches get crowded on the weekends so try to visit during the week if you can. Some of the most popular beaches are Manly (wide and beautiful), Bronte (small and quiet), Coogee (fun), Bondi (the most popular), Palm (chill), and Dee Why (surfing).

2. See the Blue Mountains

Over millennia, the ancient sandstone of this national park has been weathered into gorges lined by steep cliffs and separated by narrow ridges. The area is free to visit and you can get there by train, which takes around two hours. Spend the day admiring the magnificent rock formation of the Three Sisters (particularly stunning at sunset and under evening floodlights) and hiking along the paths that offer excellent views of the valley, sheer rock walls, tumbling waterfalls, and magnificent forests. Some suggested hikes are the Grand Canyon Track (2.5 hours), Katoomba Falls (1 hour), and Six Foot Track (3 days). For a guided tour, Get Your Guide offers full-day wildlife-spotting tours for 155 AUD.

3. Learn to surf

Sydney is often the place travelers bite the bullet and learn the art of Australia’s famous national pastime. There are many companies here that offer lessons. While Bondi is the most popular beach, Manly on the north shore of Sydney has better waves (though you can find good waves up and down the coast!). Surfboard rentals start at 20 AUD per hour while two-hour group lessons cost around 99 AUD.

4. Admire the Sydney Opera House

The Opera House, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is famous for its white-shelled roof. It’s an architectural delight and feat of engineering as getting the roof to stay up took the creation of a complex support system. Not only is it the most iconic building in Australia, it’s also a masterpiece of 20th-century architecture in general. Guided tours of the Opera House cost 43 AUD and last one hour, providing tons of insight into how this iconic building came to be.

5. Walk the Sydney Harbour Bridge

The Sydney Harbour Bridge was built in 1932 as a government employment project during the Great Depression. The project took almost 10 years to complete, and at the time it was the world’s largest steel arch bridge. These days, it’s the 8th-longest spanning-arch bridge in the world. Stretching 1,149 meters over the water, it’s also the world’s tallest steel arch bridge, making it an impressive architectural accomplishment. To quote the famous travel writer Bill Bryson, “This is a great bridge.” If you’re feeling adventurous, tours that climb the bridge cost 250 AUD.

Other Things to See and Do in Sydney

1. visit the rocks.

The Rocks is the oldest part of Sydney. With its narrow lanes, colonial buildings, sandstone churches, and Australia’s oldest pubs, this neighborhood is where Sydney started when the British first landed. It was almost torn down in the 1970s for modern high-rises, but, luckily, citizen action got it preserved instead. The Rocks’ weekend markets, art museums, street entertainment, delicious (and sometimes overpriced) restaurants, and beautiful views of the harbor, Opera House, and bridge make this one of the coolest areas of the city. I love heading up to the Sydney Observatory Hill Park for a good view of the city, wandering the harbor promenade, and hitting the bars at night. You can take a detailed walking tour around the neighborhood with The Rocks Walking Tours for 35 AUD.

2. Relax in the Botanic Gardens

You’ll find Australia’s first vegetable garden and a treasure trove of trees, ferns, flowers, and gardens at the Royal Botanic Gardens. On a sunny day, you’ll find locals sprawled out all over the lawns soaking up the sun. You can also see Mrs. Macquarie’s Chair, a seat carved into a stone cliff, where you can sit and gaze out at the harbor. There are also free one-hour volunteer-guided tours of the garden, too! Admission is free but tours needed to be confirmed in advance.

3. Ferry to Manly Beach

The ferry ride to Manly offers sweeping views of the harbor, Sydney Harbour Bridge, and the world-famous Opera House. It’s a picturesque 20-minute ride each way that puts you in one of the coolest parts of the north end of the city. Manly is famous for its wide beach, giant waves, surfing, and kick-ass nightlife. Ferry tickets are 9.90 AUD.

4. Admire the Town Hall

Built from 1869-1889, Sydney’s beautiful Town Hall is a picturesque Victorian building inspired by the iconic Hôtel de Ville in Paris. Part of it was actually built on a cemetery, where over 2,000 people were buried. Guided tours are currently not offered, however, self-guided tours are available. You can scan codes around the building to learn more about its history and construction. Tours need to be booked in advance online.

5. Tour the museums

Like most cities, Sydney has a wide variety of museums. And, luckily, thanks to Australia’s Commonwealth past, all the public museums in the city are free, making it a great and inexpensive activity in an otherwise expensive city. My favorite museum in Sydney is the Hyde Park Barracks. Set in the old convict barracks from the 18th century, it does an amazing and detailed job of chronicling colonial life in Sydney, using the stories of the early settlers, historical information, artifacts, and historical recreations. It’s well worth the 12 AUD entrance fee. Few people visit, making it one of the best non-touristy things to do in the city!

Other museums in Sydney worth visiting are the Art Gallery of New South Wales (modern art), the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia at The Rocks (contemporary art), the Australian National Maritime Museum (maritime history), the White Rabbit Gallery (contemporary Chinese art), and the Museum of Sydney (local history).

6. Visit the Hunter Valley

North of town is one of Australia’s premier wine regions. The Hunter Valley is home to amazing wineries that produce luscious reds. While it’s not as easy on the budget, it is an excuse to get out of the city and see the countryside. Day tours with Colorful Trips that visit three wineries cost 199 AUD. It’s best to stay for at least a night out in the valley to get the full experience.

If you have a car, you can base yourself in Newcastle or Cessnock, but you’d have a more unique experience if you booked a secluded cabin or home on Airbnb as there are plenty in the area, including some that are also vineyards. If you need a vehicle, use Discover Cars to find the best rental prices.

7. Take the Tower Sky Walk

At 286 meters (938 feet), the Sydney Tower Skywalk is as tall as the Eiffel Tower and twice as high as the Harbour Bridge. It offers amazing panoramic views of the city from its Skywalk at the top. I’m not a fan of heights but even I was impressed by the view! At 82 AUD, it’s cheaper and easier than climbing the bridge itself (and the views are actually better).

8. Do a coastal walk

There are a number of stunning coastal walks that allow you to take in the breathtaking natural beauty of Sydney Harbor. While tons of people follow the two-hour Coogee-to-Bondi walk (skip the weekends when it’s overly crowded), I found both the shorter walk in Watson’s Bay and the Split-to-Manly walk quieter and more breathtaking.

9. Attend a cultural event

Since Sydney has a complex about Melbourne being called the cultural capital of Australia, it tries to outdo its rival by hosting over tons of official festivals and events each year. It offers art gallery nights, concerts, festivals, and much more. It wants to be seen as more than a beach destination so matter what time of the year you visit, you will find something going on in the city! Most of the events are free and a list of what’s going on soon can be found on the Sydney tourism website . It will give you dates, prices, times, and everything in between.

10. Party in King’s Cross

If you’re looking to go out and get wild on the cheap, then go to King’s Cross. This is where the beer is inexpensive and the backpackers (and locals) party late. For a less traveler-centric time, head to Manly, The Rocks, or the CBD (Central Business District) where there are more locals and fewer travelers (but more expensive drinks).

11. Explore the Markets

Sydney has many amazing markets to explore. At Paddington Markets, the Fish Market, Bondi Farmers Market, the Flower Market, and a whole lot more seasonal markets, it’s really easy to spend a lot of time wandering and shopping. I love Paddington Markets and the Farmers Market the best — they draw an eclectic crowd and the farmers market makes me want to cook nonstop. Other markets worth checking out are Glebe Market (vintage clothes, eclectic local handicrafts, delicious food stalls), Rozelle Collectors Market (antiques, clothing, DVDs), and Orange Grove Organic (produce and food stalls).

For more information on other cities in Australia, check out these guides:

• Alice Springs Travel Guide
• Brisbane Travel Guide
• Broome Travel Guide
• Cairns Travel Guide
• Fraser Island Travel Guide
• Gold Coast Travel Guide
• Melbourne Travel Guide
• Perth Travel Guide
• Whitsunday Islands Travel Guide

Sydney Travel Costs

Hostel prices – Dorms with 8-10 beds start at 30-40 AUD per night. Private rooms start at 100 AUD per night but are usually between 120-180 AUD. Free Wi-Fi is standard and most hostels have self-catering facilities. Only a couple of hostels in the city include free breakfast.

For those traveling with a tent, camping is available outside the city for 15-20 AUD per night for a basic plot without electricity. Wild camping on the beaches is illegal.

Budget hotel prices – Budget hotels begin at 100 AUD per night. Expect to pay upwards of double that for a more central hotel with better amenities. Wi-Fi, TV, and AC are all standard.

Airbnb is widely available around the city with private rooms starting at 60 AUD but averaging double that. For an entire home or apartment, prices start at 130 AUD but average closer to 250-350 AUD. Be sure to book in advance to find the cheapest places.

Food – While you can find cuisine of all types in Sydney, popular traditional choices include BBQ meat (especially sausages), meat pies, fish and chips, seafood, chicken parmigiana (chicken schnitzel topped with tomato sauce, ham, and melted cheese), and of course the infamous vegemite on toast.

A meal out at a cheap local restaurant costs around 23-25 AUD. A fast-food combo from somewhere like McDonald’s costs 14 AUD while a pizza costs around 18 AUD. Chinese food is 12-22 AUD for a main dish.

If you want to splash out, a three-course meal starts at 60 AUD.

A beer is around 8 AUD, a latte or cappuccino costs around 5 AUD and, for a bottle of water, expect to pay almost 3 AUD.

If you cook your own meals, expect to pay around 75-95 AUD per week for groceries. This gets you basic staples like pasta, rice, produce, and some meat.

Backpacking Sydney Suggested Budgets

On a backpacker budget of 70 AUD per day, you can stay in a hostel dorm, cook all of your meals, use public transportation to get around, limit your drinking, and do mostly free activities like visit free museums and hang out on the beach. If you plan on drinking, add 10-20 AUD more to your daily budget.

On a mid-range budget of 200 AUD per day, you can stay in a budget Airbnb, eat out for a few meals, enjoy a few drinks, take the occasional taxi, and enjoy more expensive activities like a tour of the Opera House or surf lessons.

On a “luxury” budget of 430 AUD or more per day, you can stay at a hotel, eat out for all your meals, drink more, take more taxis, and do whatever tours and activities you want. This is just the ground floor for luxury though. The sky is the limit!

You can use the chart below to get some idea of how much you need to budget daily, depending on your travel style. Keep in mind these are daily averages – some days you’ll spend more, some days you’ll spend less (you might spend less every day). We just want to give you a general idea of how to make your budget. Prices are in AUD.

Sydney Travel Guide: Money-Saving Tips

Sydney is one of the most visited cities in Australia so the prices here are steep. Even the day to day cost of living here is high. But that doesn’t mean there aren’t ways to save money when you visit! Here are ways to spend less in Sydney:

• Attend free local events – What’s On Sydney has a list of free and cheap current events. Check it out for the most up-to-date details. The local tourism office can also help with this.
• Stay with a local – Accommodation in Sydney is pricey. If you plan ahead, you can usually find a Couchsurfing host who can host you for free. This way, you not only have a place to stay, but you’ll have a local host that can share their insider tips and advice.
• Work for your room – Many hostels offer travelers the chance to work for their accommodation. In exchange for a few hours a day of cleaning, you get a free bed. Commitments vary but most hostels ask you to stay for at least a week.
• Get an Opal card – This metro card is free – you just need to load it with money (minimum 20 AUD). It offers cheaper tickets as well as fare caps so you can save money as you explore.
• Free walking tours – I’m Free runs a free daily tour of the city center and The Rocks, Sydney’s original settlement. Additionally, you can use Sydney Greeters (advanced booking required), which is a free service that connects you with a local who will show you around their neighborhood!
• Visit the markets – Sydney has many amazing markets to explore. At Paddington Markets, the fish market, Bondi Farmers Market, the flower market, and a whole lot more seasonal markets, it’s really easy to spend a lot of time wandering and shopping. I love Paddington Markets the best!
• Explore the free museums – Australia has a lot of expensive museums, but it also has a ton of free ones. Some free museums worth checking out in Sydney are the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia, Australian National Maritime Museum, The Rocks Discovery Museum, Justice and Police Museum, White Rabbit Gallery, and the Australian Museum.
• Drink goon (box wine) – Goon is infamous on the Australian backpacker trail. This cheap box of wine is the best way to drink, get a buzz, and save a lot of money at the same time.
• Cook your own meals – The best way to reduce your costs is to cook as many meals as possible. It’s not glamorous, but it will save you a ton of money!
• Bring a reusable water bottle – The tap water in Sydney is safe to drink so bring a reusable water bottle with you to save money and lower your plastic use. LifeStraw makes a bottle with a built-in filter to ensure your water is always clean and safe.

Where to Stay in Sydney

Some of my favorite hostels in the world are in Sydney! Here are some of my favorite hostels to stay at:

• Hump Backpackers

For more hostel suggestions, check out my complete list of the best hostels in Sydney .

How to Get Around Sydney

You have to get an Opal card (or an Opal single-use card) to use the system. With an Opal card, you’ll never pay more than 16.80 AUD per day, 50 AUD per week, and 8.40 AUD per day on weekends.

The City Circle is Sydney’s mostly-underground rail line that runs in a loop, stopping at all the main stations. It’s the best way to get around the city center. Like the bus, you can use Opal to pay for your ride.

Sydney also has a light rail that goes from Central Station to Dulwich Hill and is good to use when you want to check out Chinatown or Darling Harbour. A single fare starts at 5 AUD for on-peak travel and 2.25 AUD for off-peak travel. The airport express train is 18.50 AUD.

Ferry – Ferries run around Sydney Harbour from Circular Quay to a handful of destinations, including Manly, the Olympic Park, and Taronga Zoo. You can use your Opal card for ferry services (just the public ones), and fares start at 6.45 AUD. Otherwise, you can purchase tickets from the wharf.

Bike rental – Sydney is easy to explore on bike and bike rentals can be found for around 30 AUD for a half-day rental.

Car rental – You can find a small car to rent in Sydney starting from about 60 AUD per day. You don’t need a car to explore the city though so I’d only rent one if you’re heading out for some day trips. For the best deals, use Discover Cars

Taxi – Taxis are easy to flag down but expensive, starting at 4.80 AUD and costing almost 3 AUD per kilometer. Skip them if you can!

When to Go to Sydney

September to the end of November and March to May are the best months to visit Sydney. These are the shoulder seasons, when temperatures are pleasant and you don’t have to contend with the huge tourist crowds. Airfare is also cheaper during this time.

September-November is right before peak season, so there will be some crowded places. The temperatures hover between 11-24°C (52-75°F). Fall (March-May) is much the same, so you’ll want to pack a light jacket for those chillier days.

The high season in Sydney is December through February, which is Australia’s summer. Temperatures are often in the high 20s°C (high 70s°F) each day, so people flock here to take advantage of the heat. This makes it a very expensive time to visit as this is when most tourists visit. But it’s also when the city is at its liveliest, with tons of events going on.

How to Stay Safe in Sydney

Sydney is a safe place to visit, even if you’re traveling solo (and even as a solo female traveler). People are quite friendly and helpful and you’re unlikely to get into trouble. Violent crime here is rare. Petty theft is also rare, but keep your valuables secure when out and about just to be safe.

Most incidents tend to occur because visitors are not used to Sydney’s climate. Be sure you have plenty of sunscreen and stay as hydrated as possible. If you’re venturing out of the city, be mindful of wildlife, especially snakes and spiders. If you’re bitten, seek immediate care.

Furthermore, if you’re swimming, heed the red and yellow flags. Yellow flags indicate swimming conditions may be dangerous; red flags mean the beach is closed. If you’re swimming in the ocean between November to May, only swim where there is a beach stinger net otherwise you risk getting stung by jellyfish.

Solo female travelers are generally feel safe here. However, the standard precautions apply (never leave your drink unattended at the bar, never walk home alone at night intoxicated, etc.). For more information, check out one of the many solo female travel blogs on the web that can help more!

If you’re worried about travel scams, you can read about common travel scams to avoid here . There aren’t many in Australia though.

If you experience an emergency, dial 000 for assistance.

The most important piece of safety advice I can offer is to purchase good travel insurance. Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. You can use the widget below to find the policy right for you:

Sydney Travel Guide: The Best Booking Resources

These are my favorite companies to use when I travel. They consistently have the best deals, offer world-class customer service and great value, and overall, are better than their competitors. They are the companies I use the most and are always the starting point in my search for travel deals.

• Skyscanner – Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine. They search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites tend to miss. They are hands down the number one place to start.
• Hostelworld – This is the best hostel accommodation site out there with the largest inventory, best search interface, and widest availability.
• Booking.com – The best all around booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. In all my tests, they’ve always had the cheapest rates out of all the booking websites.
• Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions. They have tons of tour options available in cities all around the world, including everything from cooking classes, walking tours, street art lessons, and more!
• Rome2Rio – This website allows you to see how to get from point A to point B the best and cheapest way possible. Just enter your departure and arrival destinations and it will give you all the bus, train, plane, or boat routes that can get you there as well as how much they cost. It’s one of the best transportation websites out there!
• SafetyWing – Safety Wing offers convenient and affordable plans tailored to digital nomads and long-term travelers. They have cheap monthly plans, great customer service, and an easy-to-use claims process that makes it perfect for those on the road.
• LifeStraw – My go-to company for reusable water bottles with built-in filters so you can ensure your drinking water is always clean and safe.
• Unbound Merino – They make lightweight, durable, easy-to-clean travel clothing.
• Top Travel Credit Cards – Points are the best way to cut down travel expenses. Here’s my favorite point earning credit cards so you can get free travel!

Australia Travel Guide: Related Articles

Want more info? Check out all the articles I’ve written on Australia travel and continue planning your trip:

The 7 Best Hotels in Sydney

Where to Stay in Brisbane: The Best Neighborhoods for Your Visit

The 6 Best Hotels in Brisbane

The Best Walking Tours in Melbourne

The Best Walking Tours in Sydney

Where to Stay in Melbourne: The Best Neighborhoods for Your Visit

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• Where To Stay
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The Perfect Sydney Itinerary for 3-5 Days

• Last Updated: February 5, 2024

If you have more than a few days to spend in Sydney, Australia you can find plenty to do! In this post, we’ve put together your best 3-5 day Sydney itinerary!

Sydney is a city that many people dream about travelling here. They see images of the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Opera House in magazines or on television and put this destination on their bucket list.

If you want stunning white sanded beaches and beautiful nature where you can go on great walks, Sydney has it. And if you want great historical buildings, galleries and museums to learn about, Sydney has that too. Whatsmore, if you want to have a drink and dine with great views, again Sydney has it.

We’ve only just scratched the surface and it only gets better!!

You could easily spend up to 5 days exploring just the CBD to the outer suburbs of Sydney. There is so much to do in this city and we’re going to take you there in this Sydney itinerary!

Table of Contents

Getting around Sydney

Cahill walkway, sydney opera house, royal botanic gardens, queen victoria building, sydney tower eye, climb or walk across the sydney harbour bridge, get a ferry to manly, walk along the north styne and the corso, go snorkelling at shelly beach and at cabbage tree bay, observatory hill for sunset, walk from circular quay to darling harbour, australia national maritime museum, lunch on king street right on darling harbour, jump on a harbour cruise, check out the chinese garden of friendship, visit chinatown in the evening to get some great food, taronga zoo, south head heritage trail, hornby lighthouse, paddington markets, bondi beach, bondi beach to coogee beach coastal walk, mrs macquarie’s chair for sunset, the ultimate 3 – 5 day sydney itinerary.

Before we get started on the itinerary for Sydney, let’s cover how to get around the city.

Spending only 3 days in Sydney will be tough. And even with 5 days in Sydney, you’re going to need to understand the best transportation methods and routes so you can make the most of your time there!

This is totally up to you. But our personal favourite option is using public transportation. You do NOT need to rent a car if you are exploring Sydney and the surround suburbs.

Getting around Sydney to your destinations by public transport is easy. Plan your trip on the Transport NSW website here . It is easy to use and the website will tell you what bus/train/ferry to get and how to to do so.

The best thing is to get yourself an Opal Card. This will make everything to do with public transport easier.

There is no charge for an Opal card. But when you first get your card, you will have to put some money on it. For the first top-up, you have to put a minimum value of $20 for an adult card and $10 for a child or concession card.

You can top it up at retailers who have the Opal Card logo on their shop doors/windows or when using top-up machines. You can find a retailer in on the Transport NSW website here .

If you forget your Opal Card, don’t panic! You do not have to buy another one to get on the transport. You can also use your credit card like the opal card to get on the bus/train/ferry now.

You can also get a taxi around Sydney and it is easy to book. The local taxi companies have apps now or you can book a DiDi or Uber on their apps. If there are a few of you it may work out cheaper than public transport.

You can rent a car if you would like. But city parking is a nightmare and can be costly. If you going on a day trip from Sydney to the Blue Mountains or other nearby attractions, then renting a car might be a great option for you.

If you are choosing to do this check out the car rental deals here .

Day 1 – City and Surrounding

Welcome to Sydney! You may have flown in during the morning or afternoon so on day one of your five days in Sydney just take it easy and explore close.

This day is about exploring near to the hotel or Airbnb. So put on your walking shoes. If you get tired, your hotel is right there if you are staying downtown.

First up on Day 1 is the area called The Rocks. The Rocks is a hidden neighbourhood of Sydney that features historic laneways, street food markets and shopping. This is a great place to explore during the day and at night.

The Rocks is where European settlers stepped ashore in 1788, making it the birthplace of modern Sydney. Discover its colonial history that has transformed from a British colony into an entertainment precinct by spectacular Sydney Harbour.

To discover the magic of The Rocks, go on a self-guided tour or join one of their walking tours.

Explore by foot and visit markets, museums and galleries tucked into little laneways. Take a free walking tour that starts at 6 pm (Tuesdays, Thursdays & Saturdays) outside Cadmans Cottage .

By going on this walk you learn so much about the area from a local and you can get some tips on the best places to dine or go for a drink. Amble along cobbled laneways, enjoy a great coffee from the number of cafes or a cold drink at some of Australia’s oldest pubs.

It’s also home to the Museum of Contemporary Art for local artists as well as foreign exhibits. If you are into artwork definitely check this place out. They have different exhibitions monthly.

On the weekend is when The Rocks really come alive. There is The Rocks Markets on Saturdays and Sundays from 10 am – 5 pm with lots of stalls selling a variety of products, food trucks and cafes to enjoy.

You can even go on The Rocks Ghost Tour , which will bring you a whole other view and knowledge about this ancient suburb.

On the weekends, pubs and cafes in the area have live music while you dine and enjoy some food or drinks. If you want something a little fancier, check out the upscale restaurants with harbour views.

The Cahill Walk is one of the best lookouts in Sydney, and it’s a pity that so few people know about this incredible place.

The Cahill Walk offers some truly stunning views over iconic landmarks which makes it well worth checking out even with only a few days in Sydney!

It is a great viewpoint during the day and at night if you are into photography.

There are three ways to access it:

1. Royal Botanic Garden- located on the northern end of the Royal Botanic Garden along Macquarie Street.

2. Lift at Circular Quay – by a lift in the eastern section of Circular Quay. This is the best entry point for wheelchair access to the Cahill Expressway Lookout.

3. Bridge Stairs in The Rocks: this entrance is at the Bridge Stairs in The Rocks, which is also the starting point of the Sydney Harbour Bridge Walk heading in the opposite direction.

The Sydney Opera House is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and famous icon of 20th Century architecture.

It’s known for its beautiful location on the harbour, innovative design & construction, state-of-the-art engineering achievements as well as world-class performances in opera music and ballet to contemporary dance theatre.

Get an inside look into this iconic building with daily tours that are available in multiple languages!

If you are interested in booking any of the shows that are at the Sydney Opera House, you will need to book in advance.

• Address – Bennelong Point, Sydney
• Price – Free to walk around the outside. $42 for an adult and $22 for children.
• Opening Hours – Monday to Saturday 9am – 8.30pm and Sunday 9am – 5pm 

The Royal Botanic Gardens is a favourite of ours and should be on any Sydney travel plan. It is located only 5 minutes from the CBD and you will walk into this lush oasis.

The beautiful 30 hectares of garden wraps around the Sydney Harbour and offers so many great viewpoints of the iconic Sydney Opera House, Bridge and the skyline.

The garden was established in 1816 and is home to an amazing collection of plants from Australia and overseas. These are located in the garden’s glasshouses. This place has over 2.400 plants from various countries. It’s definitely worth going in if you are a plant lover.

If you want to explore the whole garden, it will take you about 2.5 hours. There are cafes in the gardens where you can grab a bite and sit and enjoy your snack by the harbour water.

The garden offers a number of tours including the Aboriginal Heritage Tour , a free guided walk and bespoke heritage tours. If you are interested, see their website for details.

You can check out the map on the Royal Botanic Gardens website here . They update the website with events and exhibitions that are going in the garden so keep an eye out.

This garden is a beautiful way to have some nice peace and quiet and get away from the city’s hustle-bustle.

• Address – Mrs Macquaries Rd, Sydney
• Price – Free / Glasshouse – $19.50 per adult
• Opening Hours – 7 days a week from 7am to 5pm

READ MORE – Check out our article on Free Things to do in Sydney

Australia’s oldest park, Hyde Park is divided by Park Street. The southern section of the park contains the ANZAC Memorial building and the visitor centre if you have any questions or need a map.

The iconic Archibald Fountain in the northern end of the park has theme gardens of Nagoya Gardens replete with public artworks and water features.

Hyde Park is a historic place with around 580 mature exotic and native trees including Hill’s Figs, which line the central pedestrian avenue from Macquarie Street to the ANZAC Memorial Building. It is really beautiful to see during the day or at night.

If you follow Hyde Park down the north end where the fountain is, you will see St Mary’s Cathedral. It is hard to miss with its two large towers.

It took a total of 60 years to build this church, starting in 1865, as it was completed in three stages – the northern section in 1882, the central tower in 1900 and the Nave in 1928. It is free to go in if you like and is open from 10 am – 5 pm weekly and hours reduce on the weekends.

If you are interested, there is the Australian Museum located right near the park also. The Australian Museum is one of the oldest museums in the world.

It has a global reputation for its natural history and anthropology collections, with an international standing that surpasses many other institutions across Australia.

The museum is free to enter to visit the permanent exhaustion but if there are any special ones there may be a small fee. It is located on William St and is also open from 10 am to 5 pm.

• Address – Elizabeth St, Sydney
• Price – Free to enter the park, church and museum
• Opening Hours – Park is open all hours. Church and Museum – 10am – 5pm

As you walk through the CBD, make your way down to the Queen Victoria Building . Also known as the QVB, the stunning piece of architecture was built in 1897 to show respect to Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee.

This beautiful historical building is lined with department stores and big-name brands. This pedestrian area is nice even just for window shopping if you don’t have the money to spend.

Whether or not are looking to shop, turn into Strand Arcade , a historic arcade from the 19th century that’s also listed as a heritage site. This building is definitely worth a pop in for a look.

• Address – Pitt St, Sydney
• Opening Hours – Mon-Wed, Fri-Sat: 9am-6pm, Thu: 9am-9pm, Sun:10am-5pm

At 309m tall with amazing 360 degrees views of the city and surroundings, the Sydney Eye Tower is the tallest building in Sydney and should be automatically added to your Sydney itinerary.

The Observation Deck lets you gaze 250 meters above ground level from a glass floor and an outdoor platform called Skywalk that makes it easy to get vertigo. You can head up here for sunset and get a beautiful view. Stay a bit longer and check the city out at night.

You can even check out the skywalk at about 268m and walk out into the open air and take in the breathtaking views for 60 minutes. The ticket for this also gives you access to the Observation deck before and after the skywalk.

• Address – Level 5/108 Market St, Sydney
• Price – General Admission to the Observation Deck – $24.80 per adult / Skywalk Admission – $59.80 per adult
• Opening Hours – 10am – 8pm. Closed Tuesday and Wednesday
• If you want to plan ahead and skip the line?

Day 2 – Sydney Harbour Bridge and Manly

Day 2 starts by getting up early and watching the sunrise over Sydney. Grab your flip flops and head to the beach and learn to surf or go snorkelling!

Why not get up before sunrise and watch the city light up on top of the Sydney Harbour Bridge. You can do this tour or wait until later in the day if you want.

The bridge is one of several iconic symbols that represent Sydney. Climbing the Sydney Harbour Bridge is one attraction that many tourists add to their Sydney itinerary.

The Bridge is the largest steel arch bridge in the world and spans one of the finest natural harbours – it’s also known as The Coathanger because of its unique design.

It is possible to explore the bridge in several ways. You can walk or cycle across it or you can climb up it, with a harness, of course, and get stunning views from above Sydney Harbour!

A trip to Sydney is not complete without an excursion to the famous suburb of Manly in Northern Beaches.

Over 8 million visitors per year head to Manly, some on the iconic green and yellow ferries which travel from Circular Quay to Manly Harbour. The ferry service started in 1855 and now there are many iconic ferries that take you to different locations.

Two of the ferries go from both ways – the Manly Fast Ferries and the famous iconic ferry which takes a little longer. The famous icon ferry is a 30 minute trip across the harbour, past the opening for the harbour and onto Manly. And the Fast Ferry takes about 18-20 minutes.

Visitors come from all over Australia and around the world because Manly is a gateway for natural attractions like beaches, restaurants, shops and cultural events.

• Price – Iconic Ferry: $7.76 per adult per way, Fast Ferry: $9.90 per adult per way
• Opening Hours – Operates 7 days a week from 6:15am until 9:25pm on weekdays and from 9:45am until 9:00pm on weekends and public holidays.
• Transport – Catch the F1 ferry to Manly from Circular Quay Wharf. The ferry goes every half an hour.

One of the best things you can do visiting Sydney in 3 days is to spend a morning exploring the iconic beach of Manly. This place is a tourist attraction and there are so many reasons why.

If you are there on the weekend the Corso will be full over markets with people selling unique products. It is very lively with a relaxed beach feel.

You can grab a coffee and walk up and down the Noth Styne walkway people-watching or watch the volleyball players if a game is on. This pedestrian walkway gets busy with cyclists, skateboarders, friends walking, people running and families going for a stroll.

Grab breakfast or lunch at one of the many cafes with beachfront views or get a takeaway and sit by the water.

Next on your Sydney itinerary is some swimming and snorkelling. Head to Shelly Beach in Manly, a beautiful spot for snorkelling around Sydney!

In this perfect little bay, you may see an eastern blue grouper or a Port Jackson shark. They feel safe here and are seen regularly as the bay is protected and has been for more than 15 years.

Be sure to explore the whole bay, which is well protected on the north side by a barrier of rocks. Cabbage Tree Bay Aquatic Reserve is located between Manly Beach and Shelly Beach. So don’t forget to stop off here on your way back.

There’s an active fish life around the rocks, even a resident cattle fish at the right time of year. You can hire snorkelling gear across the road from Cabbage Tree Bay or downtown Manly starting from $25 for the day.

Cabbage Tree Bay is a No Take Aquatic Reserve. Please take nothing and only leave footprints. Thank you. This area has become famous among divers and snorkelers due to its high visibility allowing them to see marine life up close.

If snorkelling is not your thing or you have more time to explore, why don’t you hire a kayak or a stand-up paddleboard for a couple of hours and explore the coastline?

• Address – Bower Ln, Manly. The beach is located along Marine Parade Pedestrian Walkway
• Price – $25 per rental set. Free to snorkel
• Opening Hours – All day and ever day

After the day on the beach sunbathing, snorkelling or learning to surf grab some food and relax and watch the sunset over the city.

Observatory Hill is a great spot in the city CBD to watch the sunset. Bring along some cheese and crackers and watch the sun go down over Sydney.

The Observatory Hill grounds are open and free to walk around in. Pick a spot on the lawn and enjoy. This is a great way to end the day.

There is an observatory heritage-listed building on Observatory Hill with panoramic views over the harbour. It boasts beautiful gardens, which recreate historical 1880s garden designs.

This place has a central role in the history of timekeeping, meteorology and astronomy and is one of the most significant sites in Australia’s scientific history.

Daytime tours explore the southern sky via telescope while at night you can learn about some celestial objects from the guide! If you are keen, definitely book beforehand.

Day 3 – Darling Harbour and Chinatown

Day 3 is another walking day on your Sydney itinerary so put on comfortable shoes. You will be going on a ferry and seeing the city from another point of view.

Take an easy morning and head out on a walk to Darling Harbour. You can walk this trail by following the harbour. The path will curve around the foreshore towards the bridge.

After going under the bridge you will walk past a row of former warehouses which were built in 1839, called Campbell’s Stores .

These buildings are now the home to a row of trendy waterfront restaurants and behind them, you can see the Metcalf Bond Stores (constructed much later between 1912-1916), which were converted into offices and shops in 1972.

You will hit Barangaroo Reserve , which is a beautiful spot. The reserve was named after a Cammeraygal woman called Barangaroo who was a powerful voice in the early days of colonial Sydney. The reserve is rich in Aboriginal and cultural history. This area is a favourite of ours.

Continuing the walk, this will take you to Darling Harbour.

Once you have walked over to the Darling Harbour, you will see the Australia National Maritime Museum across the harbour. You can’t miss the boat.

While you’re walking around to the museum, make sure to take in the views of the harbour. Darling Harbour is home to a number of attractions that will provide visitors with an immersive experience.

An attraction to check out is the Australia National Maritime Museum, which is located right on the harbour. The museum has over 2 million objects with everything relating to Britain’s naval history.

The exhibits include artefacts, maps and maritime memorabilia that cover famous battles in the sea as well as shipbuilding and even Napoleon. Don’t forget to check out the tall ship there also!

Each month the exhibitions change so check their website out for more information.

There is a number of dining options along King Street on the harbour. Each restaurant has beautiful views of the harbour. After dinner, you can go for a walk and take in all the light and the reflections on the water.

• Address – 2 Murray St, Darling Harbour
• Price – $25 per adult
• Opening Hours – 9:30am to 5pm Daily

Want to plan ahead and skip the line?

There is a number of restaurants along King Street looking over Darling Harbour. King Street Wharf is a fantastic place for foodies to eat, drink and with great views.

The area offers international cuisine, cocktails with live music or DJs all in one strip!

Make sure to walk along the wharf first and check out each restaurant. They usually display specials for the day on a board. You can definitely pick up some great lunch (and dinner) deals here.

Address – King Street Wharf

After spending the morning walking around the markets and eating a delicious lunch, why not relax on the water?

Next on your Sydney itinerary is to hop on a Harbour Cruise from King Street Wharf where you can explore the area for 90 mins by water. The boats go every hour and a ticket can be booked online beforehand.

Sail through Sydney Harbour on a 90-minute cruise and see the iconic city skyline, enjoy tasty tapas and cocktails from the bar lounge while listening to live music. You can purchase beverages and food onboard if you like.

Enjoy 360° waterfront views sailing past popular sites such as The Opera House, Royal Botanical Garden & the bridge.

Start your journey by departing from the King Street Wharf with options to choose where you want to end up once completed – whether that be Circular Quay or right back where you started!

This is a great way to see the city from the water. You can get off the cruise at either King Street Wharf or at Circular Quay.

• Address – King St Wharf 1, Darling Harbour, Sydney
• Price – From $25 per adult

The Chinese Garden of Friendship is a quiet escape nestled in the heart of Sydney. Take some time to read and relax here, as it offers an idyllic place for you to recharge your batteries after a day of exploring the Darling Harbour area and before you explore Chinatown at night nearby.

The garden features waterfalls, lakes with lotus plants and fish lagoons that make this spot truly unique! Entering the garden, you will be stepping back in the time with the quiet solitude that ancient architecture brings about with its relationship to nature.

There are a number of elements in the garden such as water, plants, stone and architecture for a tranquil atmosphere where you can sit back and relax.

The garden is under towering willow trees with lagoons filled with lotus flowers surrounded by colourful fish. With features including waterfalls, lakes, pavilions and sculptures, this spot really stands out amongst other parks around Sydney.

• Address – Pier Street, Cnr Harbour St, Darling Harbour 
• Price – $8 adult, $4 child (under 12)
• Open Hours – Daily 9:30am-5pm. Closed Christmas and Good Friday

A vibrant, culturally diverse area of Sydney, Chinatown is buzzing with delicious food and unique culture and is worth adding to your Sydney itinerary.

Named for its first settlers in the 1850s – Chinese gold miners looking to seek their fortune – it has expanded into a much larger space since then.

Visitors can explore both the historical and cultural side by trying many different dishes and stopping off at one of the many stalls selling all sorts of things.

Make sure to check out the 4A Centre for Contemporary Asian Art , which is a hidden gem in the middle of Chinatown. It offers rotating art exhibits that explore relationships between Australia and Asia, which provides an interesting perspective on the culture of both regions.

If you are here around late January and early February, check out the Sydney Lunar Festival, Sydney Lunar Festival Dragon Boat Races and the festivities of the Chinese New Year which all happen every year.

You can explore Chinatown on your own or on a 3-hour food tour, which is available on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays from 6-9 pm. You will try a lot of dishes on the tour and learn about the area.

Day 4 – Taronga Zoo, Watson Bay, Hornby Lighthouse

This day of your itinerary in Sydney includes another day with those walking shoes! But on Day 4 you will go from seeing animals with a harbour view in the background to climbing up to a lighthouse and looking back on beautiful beach views.

The Sydney Taronga Zoo is home to over 1,000 animals, including a wide range of exotic and native animals.

One of the best things you can do is to admire the zoo’s various areas breaking the zoo up into areas like the Rainforest Trail, the African Savannah, the Free Flight Bird Area, Reptile and Nocturnal House. In these areas, you are able to come face-to-face with some fascinating animals.

The great thing about his zoo is that it does a lot of conservation work. Taronga zoo is committed to the conservation of native species and is actively involved in breed-and-release programs.

They have habitat recovery initiatives and wildlife rehabilitation for injured or orphaned animals before releasing them back into their natural habitats. And the zoo does a lot of good for the animals in general.

On the other end, they also have a lot of information to learn about the animals and bring up issues and threats these animals have to face in the wild. They have a section about ocean rubbish and climate change and what we can do to do our part.

• Address – Bradleys Head Rd, Mosman
• Price – $49 per adult. If it is your birthday and you have ID to prove it, it is free.
• Opening Hours – 10am to 4 pm, Thursday to Monday. Closed Tuesday and Wednesday
• Transport – From Circular Quay you can take a ferry across to the zoo. Take the F2 Taronga Zoo ferry. They start running from 9am and go every half an hour.

For other ways of transport, you can check out the Taronga Zoo Page here .

After you have spent the morning at the zoo, take the ferry out to the Watson Bay area and walk up to Hornby Lighthouse . You will have to get the ferry back to Circular Quay and take another ferry to Watson Bay.

You can go for a dip in Watson Bay Beach or Camp Cove Beach. Camp Cove Beach, a beautiful little bay, is the better out of both options. The beach is nestled on the harbour side of South Head.

This delightful beach boasts millionaire views that are hard to miss. From swimming and snorkelling in calm waters, it is a beautiful bay to relax and break up the day.

Check out our post on Camp Cove Beach and other great beaches in Sydney .

If you are not up for a long walk but would like to see a nice lookout, you can make the 5-minute walk through Robertson Park and over to The Gap.

The Gap lookout is a rocky cliff in Watsons Bay where you can see the sandstone end abruptly and high, near-vertical cliffs that jumble of broken boulders along with pounding surf about 40 meters below. The lookout offers great views out along the rocky coastline and over the water.

Transport – Take the Ferry from Circular Quay to Watson Bay Wharf- F9 Watson Bay

The South Head Heritage Trail leads visitors through historically significant and majestic sections of Sydney Harbour’s tip, including The Gap and Hornby Lighthouse.

You can see where Europeans landed in Australia for the first time and explore military defense systems that were used by Australian soldiers during WWII to protect their country from invasion.

There are a few opportunities along this trail to grab something delicious to eat or sip on some coffee while taking it all in. This walk starts at Camp Cove in Watsons Bay, where you can walk along a cobblestone road that was built during the 1870s.

You can follow the map here if you are interested.

The iconic red and white striped tower sits on the clifftops surrounded by amazing views of the Sydney Harbour, Middle Head, North Head and, of course, the Pacific Ocean.

It’s a great spot for whale watching in winter if you are there at that time of the year. Or if you are an early riser, this is a great spot for sunrise and should easily make your Sydney itinerary.

The lighthouse was built in 1858 following the wrecking of The Dunbar at South Heads footings. It was designed by colonial architect Alexander Dawson Hornby and the Lighthouse was the third lit-up building on NSW soil.

Take some time exploring the gun emplacements before enjoying spectacular views of Sydney city. On your right, you will see be Middle Head while ahead lies beautiful Lady Bay Beach.

Once you get off the ferry, you will take Marina Parade along the Watson Bay Beach up to Camp Cove Beach and take the South Head Heritage Trail.

This trail leads up to the lighthouse. From the ferry station, it will take about 20 minutes to walk or you can take a taxi for about $9.

Day 5 – Bondi to Coogee Beach

On this day in your Sydney itinerary, you will be exploring the markets before heading out to the beach. Bring your walking shoes, swimsuit, hat and a towel!

If you plan Sydney trip details to arrive in the city on a Saturday, the Paddington Markets is the best place to look for a bargain! Every Saturday, more than 200 vendors set up stalls where you can buy all sorts of products, from homemade goods to authentic items.

Located on Oxford Street, the atmosphere in this market is vibrant. There is live acoustic music as well an international food court, which makes it a great place to spend the morning.

Grab some breakfast and a coffee and enjoy the area. Parking may be difficult so best to take public transport or taxis.

• Address – Paddington Uniting Church, 395 Oxford Street, Paddington
• Price – Free to enter
• Opening House – Every Saturday from 10am – 4pm
• Transport – Take the B333 from Circular Quay to the nearest stop near Paddington Uniting Church. Just ask the bus driver to let you know when to hop off.

You can not come to Sydney without seeing the city’s most famous beach – Bondi Beach.

You will be surprised how many people are out swimming or surfing at this time of the morning. If you arrive early enough you can watch the lifesavers set up the flags and their gear for the day.

Relax on the beach and take it all in. Or book some surf lessons and get some tips from the pros.

By midday, the beach will be packed. So the earlier you come the better. If you do decide to go for a swim, do swim between the flags as this beach can be dangerous with strong currents and rip tides.

If your itinerary in Sydney permits you to be there on a Saturday or Sunday, the markets will be on. Head to Campbell Parade to check out the stalls.

On Saturday you will find the Bondi Farmers Markets which is on from 9 am – 1 pm selling fresh produce, gourmet food and some other stalls.

On Sunday from 10 am – 4 pm is another market called the Bondi Market which will also have lots of stalls with loads of goodies, food trucks and maybe even some live music. Both markets are in the same location.

This iconic stretch is one of the most popular walks in Sydney. This 6 km (2-3 hr) walk along the beautiful cliffs has amazing views and is one thing you should not miss on your Sydney itinerary.

Highlights on this coastal walk are Bondi Beach, Bondi Icebergs, Tamarama Beach, Bronte Beach, Clovelly, Coogee Beach and a 2,000-year-old Aboriginal rock carving.

This walk passes through places with history, beautiful landscapes and dreamy beaches. It is a great way to get away from the city hustle and bustle. And in the winter, this is a great place to spot humpback whales also.

There are toilets, drinking fountains, restaurants, cafes and BBQs along the way. But this is a long walk, so be prepared with a backpack, snacks and a water bottle.

Here are some suggested stops for you along the way:

Stops – Bondi Beach, Monument to Black Sunday, Mackenzies Point, Aboriginal engraving site, Tamarama, Bronte SLSC, Bronte Beach, Waverley Cemetery, Clovelly, Gordons Bay Underwater Nature Trail, Gordons Bay, Dunningham Reserve Sandstone Cliffs, Bali Memorial, Shrine to Virgin Mary, Coogee Beach.

In spring for 3 weeks, there is an exhibition on every year called the Sculptures by the Sea which has over 100 sculptures displayed outside with beautiful backgrounds. It is located in the Bondi to Tamarama section of the Coastal Walk.

Whether you come here on your last day in Sydney or on another evening on your trip, this is a great spot to get the iconic photo of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Opera House with the sun setting over the city.

Head to Mrs Macquarie’s Chair. This is a beautiful location to look at the sun setting behind the Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

As you can see there are so many things to do in Sydney. Every corner of Sydney offers something different.

We hope our Sydney itinerary helps you will plan your trip here!

READ MORE: Want to see more around Sydney? check out our article on Day Trips from Sydney you can do.

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Alesha and Jarryd

Hi, We’re Alesha and Jarryd!

We’ve been traveling the world together since 2008, searching for the planet’s best destinations and adventures.

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The Ultimate Sydney Itinerary (5 to 7 Days)

Heading to Sydney? Well here’s how to make the most of it with my ultimate Sydney Itinerary – inc where to stay and the top things to do!

Trying to put together your perfect Sydney itinerary and not sure where to start?

Well this iconic Aussie city is packed full of things to see and do – from world famous beaches to postcard perfect views and some awesome day trips too.

So to help you piece together your dream Sydney itinerary here’s a rundown of everything you’ll need to know and how to fit in all the best bits!

The Ultimate Sydney Itinerary – Everything You Need To Know

Getting to sydney.

Sydney is one of the top destinations for any trip to Australia . It’s only a short flight away from most of the major Australian cities too, making it easy to fit into your trip and also for Aussies looking to explore their home country too.

Flight Time To Sydney

• Perth to Sydney =  4 hours 5 mins
• Darwin to Sydney = 4 hours 20 mins
• Cairns to Sydney = 4 hours 25 mins
• Melbourne to Sydney = 1 hour 25 mins
• Brisbane to Sydney = 1 hour 25 mins

With each trip being less than five hours, you will have plenty of time to explore the wonderful city of Sydney.

And of course if you don’t want to fly, you could choose to drive as part of an Aussie road trip. From Melbourne it’s around 9 hours or from Brisbane, you will have an almost 10-hour road trip.  

However you choose to travel to Sydney it’s well worth the trip and whether you’re travelling solo, with friends or even with the family in tow this beautiful city won’t disappoint. From the Sydney Opera House to the Skywalk, there are plenty of adventures to be had while you are in Sydney.  

Top Free Things To Do

Like any city, Sydney can get pretty pricey, pretty quickly! Luckily though there are plenty of free things to pack into your Sydney itinerary to keep you busy without breaking the bank!

Explore The Botanical Gardens  

For visitors that want to see some of the natural wonders of the area and beyond, you can take a short trip to the Royal Botanical Garden. This stunning garden is located East of the business district, just a short walk along from the Opera House, and contains 74 acres of land filled with beautiful flowers, plants and wildlife too. Head around to Mrs Macquarie’s Chair for come incredible views – including that iconic shot of the harbour, Opera House and bridge.

Grab A Pic Of The Sydney Opera House  

One of the most beautiful structures in Sydney is undeniably the Opera House – which is the Australian icon all over the world! The sail-like structure is a must do for any Sydney itinerary and is free as long as you decide to take a tour of the exterior and not the interior! A great spot for sunset, the adjoining bars are the perfect spot for a cold beer or wine whilst soaking in the views.

Stroll Around Darling Harbour

Whilst you’re at the Opera House you can always extend your walk to take in Darling Harbour too. This vibrant part of the city if filled with amazing bars and restaurants so it’s the perfect stop of to refuel and soak in the city vibes!

Coogee to Bondi Beach Walk  

The famous Bondi Beach offers amazing views of the coast and the Coogee to Bondi Beach Walk is a great addition to any stay in Sydney. The beach walk trail is a 3-km walkway that takes you along the coast of Bondi Beach all the way to Coogee – or you could also do it in reverse too!

A beautiful scenic walk, make sure you pencil in a few hours to complete it so you can stop off and enjoy many of the secluded bays along the way.

Best Day Trips From Sydney  

As beautiful as the city of Sydney is, it’s also well worth including some days trips outside of the city as part of your Sydney itinerary. Escape the big smoke and explore some spots around Sydney – including epic landscapes and gorgeous beaches.

Blue Mountains National Park  

One of the most popular day trips from Sydney, The Blu Mountains got their name from the blue hue that the eucalyptus leaves lay over the entire park and is a spot that all visitors will love. With the fresh scent from the leaves to the to magnificent waterfalls and view point this is a firm favourite for anyone

Manly Beach 

Although the name might make you think of a beach with a gym on it, that couldn’t be farther from the truth! This beach is reached by taking a ferry ride across the harbour from the Opera House – the boat trip alone is worth packing your camera for! Chill on the sprawling sands, learn to surf or visit the wildlife sanctuary to see fish and turtles for even more photo opportunities.  

Port Stephens  

This Port is one of the greenest in the area because of the many plants and bushes that line the border. With the towering trees surrounding the water, you are able to swim, snorkel, or go kayaking in the waters here. On route make sure you stop off and tackle the Port Stephens Sandboarding excursion for a bit of adrenaline fuelled fun!

Another super popular day trip from Sydney, Jervis Bay is full of natural beauty and this stretch of coastline is home to lots of dolphins too, so keep a watchful eye out for them.

Tobruk Sheep Station  

For the animal lovers that want to see some adorable creatures while in Sydney, they can take a day trip to the Tobruk Sheep Station where they can get a chance to see shearing demonstration. This is a family-friendly trip that children and adults will both love.  

Hunter Valley

If you love a good tipple or two then a trip to the Hunter Valley region is a must do during your stay in Sydney! With a huge range of award winning vineyards and breweries to explore jumping on a Hunter Valley day trip will help you make the most of this stunning area and sample some of the best wines and beers in Australia.

Best Places To Eat In Sydney  

Honestly there is a ridiculous amount of incredible restaurants and food vendors to eat your way through whilst exploring Sydney – but here are some of the highlights!

Tetsuya’s  

This restaurant is for those who want a new experience while eating, and not just some great food. The chefs here are known for their multi-course meals that include both Japanese and French inspired dishes that you will not get anywhere else. This place is made for those with a sophisticated palette, so best to leave the kids out of this one!

Ester  

If you want a more casual option, then Ester will give you a contemporary twist on classic Australian dishes with lots of focus on fresh fish. There are also vegetarian dishes that will allow those on restrictive diets to have something great to eat as well. They also serve amazing desserts, so you might want to leave some room for them, or take one to-go….or maybe two!

Mr Wong  

This Cantonese restaurant is a treasure of the area with its industrial décor and comfortable environment. The delicious offerings from duck pancake rolls to dim sum, you can try a different flavor every time you come in.  Sydney has plenty of incredible Asian cuisine to choose from and Mr Wong is one of the top places to hit up.

Just a short walk from Sydney Central Station, the cities China Town is well worth a visit if you’re looking for a tasty, budget friendly spot to eat. With plenty of food vendors and restaurants to choose from you’ll find a huge range of tasty food to keep your belly happy.

Cow and the Moon  

This café and ice cream parlor is a hip corner spot that will give you lots of decadent creations with desserts that are breaking your diet for. They also serve coffee so you can have a bit of something hot with your cold dessert for the perfect afternoon snack.  

Lox Stock and Barrel  

A top choice for many visitors on a budget that want to get a taste of Australian history. From the corned-beef to the eggplant meals, you will find mouth-watering dishes that celebrate the Jewish history of the area while giving you a wonderful hot meal.    

Best Beaches Around Sydney  

Despite being a huge, sprawling city, Sydney is fringed by some incredibly beaches, that are easily reached from the city centre and some serious beach time is something you should add into your Sydney itinerary for sure!

Milk Beach  

If you don’t want to feel like a tourist, then head to Milk Beach with its view of the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge. This beach is close to Bondi Beach, which is always packed full of tourists, but this small beach is usually pretty scarce and gives you much more room to relax.

Shelly Beach  

A great snorkelling spot, Shelly Beach is filled with sewed gardens and heaps of marine life. Make sure you put on plenty of sunscreen though, that Aussie sun isn’t very forgiving!

Bondi Beach  

A trip to Sydney would’ve be complete without a visit to the world famous Bondi Beach and this area is one of the top places that you should visit when staying in Australia. Famous for its bright blue waters, bustling nightlife and of course the lifeguards – Bondi Beach is perfect for sunbathing and surfing too.

Key Events & Festivals in Sydney  

Xmas and new year.

One of the biggest dates of the year for Sydney has to be the period from xmas to New Year – with hundreds of thousands of travellers descending on the city to enjoy an Aussie celebration! When it comes to xmas Bondi Beach is the place to head but you’ll have to get there early to nab your spot on the sand! Coogee is a greta alternative if you want to escape the backpacker crowds though.

When it comes to New Year Sydneys Botanical Garden is one of the best free locations to head for epic views of the midnight firework display. If you want to treat yourself though a ticket to one of the Opera House bars or boat cruises will give you a more exclusive view of the nights events.

Top tip though – if you’re heading to Sydney for xmas and/or new year make sure you book well in advance as accomodation books out and many have minimum stays of 7 nights, so be organised!

Sydney Fringe Festival  

The Sydney Fringe Festival is one event that you can’t miss. This festival uses music and art to create a wonderful preview of all the different people and things going on in Sydney. This is an open festival that you can spend all day at finding new bands and artists to see and listen to, which also helps support local music and art.  

Vivid Sydney

Another highlight of the Sydney calendar is the famous Vivid Sydney festival  – where the city comes alive with colour as light installations and performances pop up across the city. Of course the most famous of all is the light show projected onto the Opera House which is one you shouldn’t miss out on!

Chand Raat Festival  

The Chand Raat Festival is one of the biggest multi cultural celebrations in Australia. The festival brings forth all of the best parts of Middle Eastern culture and arts with performances from traditional dancers, henna tattoos, and face painting for the kids. You can also get a taste of food and treats with Middle Eastern spices and dishes that will tickle your taste buds.  

Yulefest in the Blue Mountains  

During the colder months of the year, you can find something fun to do at the Yulefest in the Blue Mountains. There are lots of Christmas events that will get you in the spirit of the season, including the appearance of a fully-suited Santa Claus. Many places in the area offer special events, but the times may vary, so check ahead.    

What’s The Best Time to Visit Sydney?

Shoulder season – september through november  .

If you want to see what Sydney has to offer but don’t want to deal with hundreds of crowds around the city, then you will want to go sometime in September November. This shoulder season means good deals on flights and accomodation – so more bang for your buck! The temperature is most moderate and comfortable throughout the entire day, making it ideal for wandering around the city and coastal paths.

Peak Season – November Through February

If you want the best of the weather and hit all the top events and festivals that dot Sydneys calendar then peak season is the way to go. Be warned though, temperatures can soar and it’s also the busiest time of year – so you’ll be paying top dollar for flights and accommodation and will need to book well in advance.

March Through May  

Many of the same shoulder season perks apply to this time of year with flight prices and event tickets being lower, but it’s a cooler season that is perfect for those who want to see Sydney before the cold winter months begin.    

Best Accommodation in Sydney  

As with the rest of Australia, there are many AirBnB locations across the city. Often close to many of the most popular areas of Sydney so you won’t have to travel far once you are here – these also allow you to feel more at home within the city than staying at a hotel and are great for groups too.

The TreeHouse

Click here for more info and to book

Penthouse Suite

This luxurious suite is one way to stay in the lap of luxury on a budget. This suite has one bedroom with two beds and a private bathroom. This place is located in the center of the CBD and is near all the things to do in the city. With a great view of the city below, you will also love just sitting next to the window and looking out around the town.

Studio with Courtyard

This small studio apartment is a budget option that still looks like the perfect spot to stay. The studio is small but will hold everything you need for your trip and comes with a courtyard on the balcony so you don’t feel cramped. This AirBnB is a private apartment and allows you to have all the privacy you need, and it is close to the downtown area where the action happens.

Click here for more info and to book  

Hostels  

If you’re a backpacker or looking for the best value accomodation throughout Australia then staying at a hostel is the way to go. Sydney has a huge range of hostels to suit every budget, ranging from cheap and cheerful to full flashpacker style setups.

WakeUp! Sydney

Situated right across from Sydney Central Station, WakeUp! is one of the most popular hostels in Sydney and is where I stayed when I first arrived in Australia – in fact I’ve stayed there many times since! The location makes it a great base for walking around the city or jump on a bus or train if you want to go further afield. With free wifi, great facilities and even an in-house bar it’s the perfect place for travellers wanting to meet new travel buddies.

YHA The Rocks

A full flashpacker style hostel YHA The Rocks has won a whole heap of awards. The main draw here are the million dollar views of Sydney Harbour and the Opera House – with many private rooms offering views of them!

And if you’re not lucky enough to score a room with a view the rooftop BBQ areas has some spectacular panoramic views of the whole Harbour!

Base Sydney

Base Sydney boasts a central location that allows access to the best parts of the city by foot and is another great option for budget travellers. An easy walk down the main shopping streets of Sydney it’s about a 15 mins walk down to Darling Harbour and the Oper House.

Mid-Range Hotels  

Not keen on hostel life and want to ease and comfort of a hotel? Well Sydney has an array of mid range hotels that have all the creature comforts of home for an affordable price…

Mercure Hotel Parramatta

This mid-range option is a great choice for young couples that want to see the nightlight of Sydney within a budget. The rooms are spacious and parking is on-site for those with a rented vehicle. This location is nearby shopping centres and gardens so you have plenty of things to do.

Rydges Sydney Harbour

With an incredible location and rooftop pool overlooking Sydney Harbour this is an awesome choice for a mid range hotel in Sydney. Walking distance to all the icons of the city and the train station for those trips further afield it comes with all the amenities you’d expect from a good Sydney hotel.

Luxury Hotels  

If you would rather spend your time enjoying the finer things in life, then booking a luxury hotel will give you what you want! These hotels boast room service, top-notch spas and gyms, and many have in house dinning options for guests. Kick back in the lap of luxury after a day of traveling and walking around the city.  

Four Seasons Hotel Sydney  

This luxurious option is a choice that comes with fantastic views and modern décor and furniture. The rooms are larger than others in the area, and although the price is higher, you get what you pay for! This includes a bar, fitness centre, restaurant, and pool and of course INCREDIBLE views!

Swissotel Sydney

Another great option right in the centre of the CBD, Swissotel Sydney oozes style, elegance and class! Walking distance from pretty much everything there’s a range of luxurious rooms for singles, couples and families and the on site facilities even include a day spa.

Meriton Suites Kent Street  

These suites are located close enough to the harbor that you can walk to it and nearby a shopping center for some souvenirs.   The rooms come with free Wifi, flat screens, and air conditioning for the hotter months of the year for your comfort as well as a fitness centre to help you stay in shape on your vacation.  

The Perfect Sydney Itinerary

Whether you’re putting together a Sydney itinerary for 5 days or a longer or shorter stay, you will want to tick off all of the best things to do during your stay. So to help make the most of what the city has to offer here’s how I’d recommend spending your time in Sydney…and of course you can tailor it to fit your own style and budget!

Day 1  – Beach Vibes At Bondi

After traveling to Sydney, you don’t want to jump into the action right away, so why not spend a relaxing day at Bondi Beach? This area does get busy, but you can feed off the energy of the other people and splash around in the water after laying out in the sun. There are also lots of shops and cafés nearby so you can get a hot latte or cold smoothie whenever you need it.  

After refuelling, you will be ready to head out on the town. Time to to tackle the Bondi to Coggee Beach Walk that leads you all the way to Coogee Beach – giving yourself plenty of time  to stop off en route.

Time to tick off one of Sydneys top attractions – the Sydney Opera House! Grab the bus or train down to the Harbour in time for some incredible sunset views – including the Opera House, Harbour and Bridge. A great way to wrap up your first day in Sydney.

Day 2  – The Blue Mountains

After a chilled day exploring the beaches and settling into your time in Sydney it’s time to bounce out of the hustle and bustle for the day and explore the Blue Mountains.

You could opt to hire a care and self drive out there but honestly the easiest and most popular option is to book onto a Blue Mountains Tour. With pickups and drop offs across the city its ideal for all styles of traveller.

Depending on the tour your choose you’ll explore stunning waterfalls, stop off at the popular Wildlife Park for your chance to feed kangaroos and get a pic with a Koala, chow down on an Aussie BBQ and of course soak up those famous views of the 3 Sisters and the landscape that makes the Blue Mountains so famous.

Heading back into Sydney in the late afternoon grab a bite to eat at one fo the many restaurants around Sydney or head straight to Darling Harbour for a cheeky cocktail and fancy meal out!

Day 3 – City Strolls

After a day of adventure out in the Blue Mountains is time to tie up those shoes and get ready for a day strolling around the city.

Or if you fancy taking even more of what the city has to offer the the City Bus Pass is a great option – allowing you to hop on and off at all the major stops and attractions around the City. The on board commentary gives you an insight into the city you might otherwise miss so it’s well worth it.

Nip into China Town for some lunch time snacks or boot up TripAdvisor and find your favourite cuisine – Sydney has it all!

Finish off your day at the Sydney Sky Tower, which is an incredible spot for sunset and the in house dinning is certainly and extravagance you can easily justify!  

Day 4 – Jervis Bay

Time for another day trip!

You’ll hit up the beach with the whitest sand in the world at Hyams Beach – so get ready for some pics and world class sunbathing! Keep that camera handy too as there are some stunning lookout points all along this stretch of coastline and you can even jump on a dolphin watching cruise too.

And of course if Jervis Bay doesn’t take your fancy Port Stephens is another awesome option to slot in here if you fancy some sand boarding action!

Day 7 – Across To Manly & The Botanical Gardens

Round off your Sydney itinerary with a final day of relaxation across and Manly Beach. Not only will you get to take in those fabulous views of the Opera House on the boat ride over, but this alternative side to Sydney is perfect for beach lovers, surfers and foodies.

Stroll along the coast, grab a coffee with an epic view and enjoy your final day in Sydney before grabbing the ferry back to the city and taking a walk through the Botanical Gardens.

Not only are they home to heaps of awesome flora and fauna but you’ll get more incredible views of the Opera House and Bridge too…and the perfect excuse for another sunset beer there!

Got Longer?

And of course if you’re putting together a 7 day Sydney itinerary (or longer) there’s more than enough to keep you busy – from Taronga Zoo and the Aquarium to live music, incredible food and of course even more beaches!

What awesome things are you adding into your Sydney itinerary?

Add them in the comment below, related posts.

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Thanks for the info and recommended tour. :) I must also say- the TreeHouse seems amazing!

Fantastic article about Sydney and the prominent places to see is the Opera house most marvelous though…

Can’t wait until it’s safe to travel again? Amazing tips and story. How have you been adjusting to the pandemic so far?

very nice thanks so much for sharing

Amazing place for spend a week.

Thank you so much for sharing this. Is there any news when we could travel to sydney? Because a lot of trips were cancelled due to COVID-19. What do you think?

I was planning my new year trip and couldn’t decide the destination but I’m glad that I came by your post. Now I’m heading to Sydney with my girlfriend and Jeep Wrangler. Thank you for sharing this itinerary and helping me decide the perfect spot.

Glad it helped you out Johnny, have an awesome time!

Hey Chris, thanks for the itinerary! I can attest that most of the recommendations here are absolutely epic, and I had a blast there. I didn’t know about Shelly beach though, will make sure to check it out next time!

Top Things to Do in Sydney: A Three-Day Itinerary

Samantha Vanderhorst

https://www.foratravel.com/guides/GKBYLZ/top-things-to-do-in-sydney-a-three-day-itinerary-samantha-vanderhorst

Adventure Travel

City Travel

Food & Wine

Sightseeing

Curator’s statement

I moved to Sydney, Australia about six months ago and have spent many weeks exploring and trying to find all the best spots. Sydney offers a mix of city life in the Central Business District and beach life in the eastern and northern suburbs. Whether you're taking a scenic boat ride by the Opera House and Harbor Bridge, eating at the best restaurants, swimming, snorkeling or enjoying beautiful coastal walks, Sydney has it all. Here’s my ultimate three-day itinerary if I only had a couple of days to see the city.

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Day 1: Arrival and Sydney Harbour

Arrive in Sydney and check into your accommodation. If I were traveling to Sydney from America, I personally prefer to arrive early in the morning and to power through the day to help beat the jet lag. Once you’re settled in your hotel, I’d recommend walking to your nearest cafe and grabbing a coffee. I confirm the coffee is so much better in Australia and will help be a crutch as you battle through the jet lag.

Next, head to Circular Quay to see Sydney’s iconic Opera House and Harbor Bridge. If you feel like you need another coffee or want to sit and take in the views, stop at MCA Cafe. You can see the Museum of Contemporary Art and views of the Opera House. If you feel like exploring the city side of Sydney, check out the botanical gardens, which are conveniently located right next to the Opera House. Then take a stroll in the Central Business District to see Sydney’s vibrant city life. If you’re looking to check out some shops in the CBD, stop by Queen Victoria’s Building. QVB was built in the 1800s to replace the original Sydney markets and has since then been remodeled and filled with shops and restaurants.

If you end up walking around QVB, stop by Manon Brasserie if you are looking for an afternoon drink or snack. Once you’ve taken your time exploring the well-known city views, head over to Darling Harbor to grab lunch at Pumphouse Bar & Restaurant or anywhere on the Harbor to enjoy more waterfront views.

If you can power through the jet leg and want to treat yourself to a delicious dinner on your first night in Sydney, I’d recommend Mr. Wongs or Ragazzi. For an exceptional Asian fusion experience, Mr. Wong's is a must-visit. Order their pork BBQ buns, pak choi, and kung pao chicken—you won’t be disappointed. If you’re craving top-notch Italian food, head to Raggazi. The Ragazzi Sample Menu, consisting of 3-5 dishes updated daily, allows you to try a variety of the restaurant's best dishes.

If you’re looking for a nightcap after, grab a drink at Centro 86, a speakeasy tequila bar across the street. Looking to take in the stunning city views? Check out Blu Bar on 36 for sunset at the Shangri-La Sydney. The views from this bar are just as good as the Sydney Tower Eye and you can get a drink and a view, instead of just paying for the view.

Day 2: Bondi Beach Day

Bondi Beach is the quintessential Australian experience as a visitor. You must visit Bondi Beach and spend a day enjoying the beach and checking out the stunning coastal walks. Bondi has a big fitness and coffee culture. I highly recommend going to a fitness class or hanging out in a cafe if that interests you.

If you like pilates or want to try out a breathing class, I’d recommend Body by Berner. This studio is extremely luxurious and trendy and all of the instructors are very personable. If you’re not interested in pilates but want to get your daily steps in, check out the Bondi to Coogee Cliff walk to take in all the gorgeous coastal views. Along the walk, you can stop at any of the beaches (Tamarama, Bronte, Clovelly or Coogee) or jump in the waterside pools.

For breakfast (or brekkie, as the Aussies call it), head to Depot, Harrys or D. Bowl, all located in North Bondi. Grab a coffee and some avocado toast (or smashed avo) or the famous crookie at Depot. Grab a strawberry matcha and the North Bondi Bae at Harrys. If you’re looking for the best açaí bowls in Bondi, head to D. Bowls.

After having breakfast and exploring, it’s time to take a break by the beach and to enjoy the sun. If you’re interested in trying out surfing, there are a bunch of places you can take a surf lesson at in Bondi. If you’d like to swim in the icebergs (picture featured above) or jump in a steam room, you can access the facility for only $10/ day. If you’re looking for a relaxing and more upscale health and wellness experience, go to Slow House Bondi to sit in their steam rooms or to take an ice bath. If you feel like checking out some clothing stores, you can head to Gould Street, located close to the beach.

Once you’ve had your time at the beach, stop to grab a drink at the Bondi Icebergs to see some of the best public views of Bondi. If you’re looking to grab dinner in Bondi, Tottis is the hot spot. Make sure to try the antipasti and the pappardelle beef ragu dish. If you’d like incredible sushi and to stay close to the ocean, go to Raw Bar (you won’t go wrong with anything on the menu). Then head back to your hotel room, feeling like you got a nice bronze and took in all the views of Bondi.

Day 3: The Northern Beaches (Manly Beach)

The northern suburbs, located across the Sydney Harbor Bridge, have some of the most stunning suburbs in Sydney that are worth exploring. Each suburb in the north has a unique vibe and a variety of restaurant options. One of the most popular northern suburbs is Manly Beach, easily accessible by a scenic ferry ride from Circular Quay.

Once you arrive in Manly, you can walk around the corso full of shops and cafes. Then walk to Manly Beach to relax and take in the sun.. If you’re looking to learn how to surf, Manly is a better beach to take beginner surf lessons compared to Bondi as the waves are a little more flat. If you’re looking to explore more, head to Shelly Beach, which is named after its shell-filled beaches. In my opinion, it is one of the cutest beaches on the northern shores. You can snorkel at Shelly Beach and will see so many fish and even seahorses. Afterwards, you can grab lunch at The Boathouse, which is located right by the water.

Spend your day relaxing by the beach, or if you’re up for a long walk, check out the Manly to Spit Bridge Coastal Walk. The trail offers stunning lookout views of the city and ancient Aboriginal sites, providing some insight into the history of Sydney. For a refreshing drink, stop at Little Pearl along Manly Beach or at the Wharf Bar before you head back to the Central Business District on the ferry. If you prefer eating a delicious dinner with a view, visit Manly Pavilion for modern Australian cuisine and beautiful waterfront scenery.

Additional days

Day trips from Sydney:

The Blue Mountains: Visit Featherdale Sydney Wildlife Park, a stop at Leura for lunch (I ate at Leura Gourmet), a visit to Scenic World to ride the Cableway, Skyway and Railway for unbeatable aerial views of the Jamison Valley and Katoomba Falls and lastly, a stop at The Three Sisters viewpoint.

Palm Beach: Located only an hour drive from Sydney, this gorgeous and luxurious beach town is worth the visit. This is where movies like Anyone but You and other well-known Australian shows/ movies such as Home and Away have been filmed.

Bowral: If you’re looking to stop by some cute wineries close to Sydney, stop by Bowral. When driving around town, you will feel as if you’re in the English countryside. If you’re a Bridgerton fan, the new season was recently filmed here.

Need to know

This is a full packed itinerary if you only have limited time in Sydney. If you are looking for additional recommendations, please feel free to email me below. You can check out views of Sydney in my TikTok HERE .

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This itinerary is part of our ongoing series on travel to Sydney . Looking for more travel inspiration? Check out my itinerary, Byron Bay: Your Wellness Weekend by the Water .

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So, is Sydney worth visiting, how to visit Sydney, what to do in Sydney and how to plan a budget trip to Sydney for the first-time perfectly? Let’s check out our Sydney travel blog (Sydney blog) with the fullest Sydney travel guide (guide to Sydney, Sydney tourist guide, Sydney city guide, Sydney guide) from how to get to Sydney, best places to visit, best time to come, what to eat as well as top things to do in Sydney to help you maximize your trip as follows!

Sydney travel blog: When is the best time to visit Sydney?

You can visiting Sydney at any time of the year. One thing to note is that the city is located in the Southern Hemisphere, which will have a different season compared to other countries in the Northern Hemisphere like Vietnam. If you come in the spring, from September to November, you will be immersed in colorful flowers. In summer, from December to February, when the Northern Hemisphere is sinking in the cold winter, Sydney has bright yellow sunshine and is suitable for sea tourism activities. If you travel to Sydney in the fall, from March to May, you can see the yellow and red leaves of the city. Although snow is rare, but the winter in this port city, from June to August, is also great for you to experience and explore.

Sydney travel blog: How to get to Sydney from Vietnam?

Currently, from Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City you can fly directly to Sydney with reputable airlines such as Vietnam Airlines, Cathay Pacific, Thai Airways, Jetstar Airlines, Qantas …

If you depart from Hanoi, it will take you about 12 hours to reach Sydney and the reference price is about $301.48 to $473.75. If you depart from Ho Chi Minh City, it only takes 8 hours and the reference price for Ho Chi Minh City – Sydney flight is from $258.48 – $495.41.

Sydney travel guide blog: Getting around Sydney

In Sydney, you should travel by metro or bus because these two vehicles have detailed instructions in English that are easy to understand. In addition, you can also refer to the “hop on hop off” tour bus with an unlimited number of up and down times, as long as the ticket is in the time package you purchased. With Sydney’s Hop-On / Off Bus, you can visit 30 major tourist attractions in Sydney for AU$35 (US$25.15).

Bus: The bus system in Sydney is very developed, there are many firms and many different routes. This vehicle will be very suitable if you intend to tour around the city, the cost is also very cheap.

With the bus, only “multiple times” tickets (10 times) are magnetic cards, one-time tickets (cheaper than 1/2 train tickets) are only small pieces of paper that cannot be reused. Bus stops at many points, easy to get stuck in traffic.

Note: The FireFly Express Coach station in Sydney is located near the train station (downtown), just walking 5 minutes is to the ticket counter, from there you can catch the subway to Sydney airport (pretty fast, 20 minutes ) or anywhere you want.

Train: The train network here is very dense, connecting the points of city and towns together, if visitors want to explore places far away geographically, this will be a best means. The train tickets are quite expensive, divided into different types for each distance away from different regions. Do not take a “pirated” train because you may be fined AU$200 (US$143.71).

If you use public transport, you should buy a My Zone Multi Passes by week, month, quarter or year to save costs when traveling in Sydney. These passes allows you to use unlimited buses, trains and ferries in the city and suburbs. Or you can buy your own My Zone Multi Passes for buses or trains, even ferries. These passes are charged according to place you come and go. To find out the destinations and passes you can visit http://www.transportnsw.info .

In addition, there are some other passes:

Blue Mountains Explorer Link – A type of ticket that includes trains to Katoomba railway station and a Hop on hop off line for Explorer bus, which has tickets for 1 to 3 days. The Blue Mountains Explorer Link is very flexible, more cost-effective than tour rental or hiring self-driving car. The bus will take you to 29 attractive tourist attractions around the Blue Mountains. Find out more at:

Family Funday Sunday Pass for $2.50 per person, family you can enjoy unlimited travel all Sundays in Sydney to the Blue Mountains, the Central Coast, Hunter and the Illawarra region. Going around in the city you just need the Mymulti 1 or Mymulti 2 card to be Ok.

Free bus (blue): Sydney has a free shuttle bus in Sydney CBD central, Parramatta and Wollongong (Number of Sydney CBD shuttle routes are 555) that run every 10 minutes on a round trip from Central Station to Circular Quay to Elizabeth and George Street.

Operating from Monday-Wednesday from 9am-3:30pm; Thursday-Sunday from 9:30am to 6pm.

Note: The entire tickets are automatic tickets that you can buy them at the automatic machines at ticket counters. In addition, if you go in a group, you can hire a self-driving car at a cost not too high to conveniently move and be proactive in time, and rent a bicycle with tourist destinations with short distances.

In addition, when traveling to islands and seas, ferries and boats will be the necessary means for you to explore. If you have good financial health, you can take taxis, rent cars, motorcycles, or bicycles to getting around Sydney.

Cheap routes for those who want to save money:  http://www.traveller.com.au/secret-routes-the-cheapest-ways-to-get-to-airports-in-australia-10oqnj

Sydney travel blog: Where to stay in Sydney?

Most of hotels in Sydney are very beautiful, even if it is a dorm or a cheap hostel, it has the most basic facilities such as air conditioner, TV, Wifi, hot and cold water, private kitchen if you want to self cooking, cafe room ….

And the price depends on the type of accommodation you choose, usually the room rate per night of a high-class hotel will range from $150.83 – $215.48; The mid range hotel is from $34.69 – $64.64 and the budget hotel is from $17.24 – $25.86.

The following is a list of some quality hotels in Sydney.

Zara Tower – Luxury Suites and Apartments

This is a luxury hotel in Sydney, located in a prime location to feel Sydney and beautiful places around this area. The hotel has an delicate and elegant design that creates a great sense of relaxation for those who enjoy it. In addition, the hotel also has famous chefs processing many delicious European-Asian style dishes. Perfectly services, room rates range from $373 – $562. (Check rates and reviews on Agoda.com or Booking.com ).

Address: 61-65 Wentworth Ave, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia Phone: +61 2 8228 7659

Four Seasons Hotel Sydney

Another luxury hotel in Sydney located right in the city center, convenient for moving to beautiful tourist destinations in Sydney. The hotel has more than 500 rooms with many different prices, room rates from $248, rooms with beautiful design, delicate, and modern furniture are arranged neatly, bringing relaxing moments interesting for visitors. (Check rates and reviews on Agoda.com or Booking.com ).

Address: 199 George St, The Rocks NSW 2000, Australia Phone: +61 2 9250 3100

Sofitel Sydney Wentworth Hotel

The hotel is conveniently located for moving around the city as well as the famous tourist attractions here. The room rates ranging from $233 – $322, is considered the paradise of leisure in Sydney, the hotel services serving 24/7, with professional service, beautiful rooms, quality, the views of the city quite unique, attractive. (Check rates and reviews on Agoda.com or Booking.com ).

Address: 61-101 Phillip St, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia Phone: +61 2 9228 9188

Amora Hotel Jamison Sydney

From the hotel you can walk to Philip Church, Austrian Consulate General, Wynyard Park easily, because the hotel is located on a favorable street. The rooms here are beautifully arranged, neat and scientific, the room price is only from $220. Food in the hotel is quite good, reasonable price, you can rest assured to eat at the hotel. (Check rates and reviews on Agoda.com or Booking.com ).

Address: 11 Jamison St, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia Phone: +61 2 9696 2500

Meriton Serviced Apartments Pitt Street

A high quality hotel in Sydney, with room rates from $200, is a hotel with beautiful furniture, modern, unique architecture and delicate. The staff in the hotel is enthusiastic, friendly, the food here is also very delicious and suits for many guests’ tastes. (Check rates and reviews on Agoda.com or Booking.com ).

Address: 329 Pitt St, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia Phone: +61 2 9277 1125

Below are some best cheap, budget, mid-range and upscale hotels with good ratings and reviews you can refer to.

• Jolly Swagman Backpackers: (Address: 27 Orwell St, Potts Point NSW 2011, Australia / Phone: +61 1800 805 870). Room rates from $18.97 / night. (Check rates and reviews on Agoda.com or Booking.com ).
• Westend Backpackers: (Address: 412 Pitt St, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia / Phone: +61 2 9211 4588). Room rate is about $24.14 / night. (Check rates and reviews on Agoda.com or Booking.com ).
• The Village Bondi Beach (Formerly Lamrock Lodge Backpackers on Bondi Beach):  (Address: 19 Lamrock Ave, Bondi Beach NSW 2026, Australia / Phone: +61 2 9130 5063). Room rate is about $21.55 / night. (Check rates and reviews on Agoda.com or Booking.com ).
• Shangri-La Hotel Sydney (Address: 176 Cumberland St, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia / Phone: +61 2 9250 6000), a 5-star hotel with room rates from $144/night. (Check rates and reviews on Agoda.com or Booking.com ).
• Cambridge Hotel Sydney (Address: 212 Riley St, Surry Hills NSW 2010, Australia / Phone: +61 2 9212 1111), a 4-star hotel with room rates from $69/night. (Check rates and reviews on Agoda.com or Booking.com ).
• The Grace Hotel Sydney (Address: 77 York St, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia / Phone: +61 2 9272 6888), a 5-star hotel with room rates from $113/night. (Check rates and reviews on Agoda.com or Booking.com ).
• Holiday Inn Old Sydney (Address: 55 George St, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia / Phone: +61 2 9255 1800), a 5-star hotel with room rates from $118/night. (Check rates and reviews on Agoda.com or Booking.com ).
• Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel Sydney (Address: 27 O’Connell St, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia / Phone: +61 2 8214 0000), a 5-star hotel with room rates from $114/night. (Check rates and reviews on Agoda.com or Booking.com ).
• Sydney Harbour Marriott Hotel at Circular Quay (Address: 30 Pitt St, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia / Phone: +61 2 9259 7000), a 5-star hotel with room rates from $131/night. (Check rates and reviews on Agoda.com or Booking.com ).

Sydney travel blog: Best places to visit and top things to do in Sydney

Sydney opera house.

Visitors traveling to Sydney definitely cannot ignore the famous Sydney Opera House. With a extremely unique shape, this place is the pride not only of this port city but also of Australia. Looking at the outstanding architecture of the theater, many people will immediately think of the oysters that are stacked on top of each other or the white sails that wind up to the sea. The Sydney Opera House is a complex building consisting of 5 theater zones, 5 rehearsal studios, 2 main halls and 4 restaurants, 6 bars and some of souvenir shops. Since it was built in 1959, it still regularly hosts performances, prestigious concerts and welcomes millions of visitors each year.

Of course you can only tour around the theater. If you want to go inside or enjoy performances or admire artworks, it will be very expensive.

Address: Bennelong Point, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia Tel: +61 2 9250 7111 Hours: Monday to Friday, 9am-5pm AEST Url: https://www.sydneyoperahouse.com/

Sydney Harbour Bridge

Established in 1932, Sydney Harbour Bridge has a dome design and is one of the largest steel bridges in the world. This bridge connects the center and the northern area of the city, has railroads for trains and lanes for cars, bicycles and pedestrians. In addition, this bridge is also listed in the list of the most romantic bridges on the planet because it is a testament to many marriage proposals and weddings of lovers.

Address: Sydney Harbour Bridge, Sydney NSW, Australia Construction started: July 28, 1923 Opened: March 19, 1932 Total length: 1,149 m

Darling Harbour

Darling Harbour is a harbor adjacent to Sydney city center. This area was built from an old railway station platform and an abandoned dock in 1988. Currently, this is a bustling harbor combined with the most famous commercial, entertainment, and dining areas in Sydney. There are many options to explore, such as the zoo, the aquarium, the Madame Tussauds museum and the cafes and restaurants.

On sunny days, you can walk through the one-kilometer Pyrmont Bridge and take in the view of all the surrounding high-rise buildings or commercial activities taking place in the port.

One of the free attractions is the Australian National Marine Museum, which is rated as one of the 10 most interesting museums in the world. Visiting this museum, you should spend about one to two hours to visit and learn about Australian history, marine resources, military activities on the sea and the relationship between Australia and the United States. Moreover, you can buy tickets to visit the three ships outside the wharf. Especially, when arrival Sydney city airport, do not forget to take the Sydney tourist guide book which is distributed for free, because behind has the coupon 20% discount for many attractions include: three ships outside the port and Sydney Tower Eye, where you can see the whole city from above.

Address: Sydney NSW 2000, Australia Tel: +61 2 9240 8500 Url: https://darlingharbour.com/

The Rocks is a neighborhood with many historical values with ancient houses built entirely of sandstone since the 18th century, still preserved intact. Since the 1930s, it is planned to become one of the highlights that must be visited whenever traveling to Sydney.

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Visiting Sydney? Explore with this handy Sydney travel guide

Things to do in Sydney Sydney Travel Guide

Landlocked by sea and boasting unbelievably ornate attractions, Sydney is the most modern of cities. Spend your precious vacation at sun-kissed beaches, vast exotic zoos under the scarlet sunsets of Sydney.

A City With Sails The coastal metropolis and the largest city in all of Australia , Sydney is enclosed by the gaping Sydney Harbour. Seated on a basin by the Pacific Ocean and home to an extensive fauna, Sydney is the oldest city of the continent. It attracts more than 10.5 million visitors every year and is the gateway to New South Wales. Packed with iconic destinations such as Sydney Opera House, Sydney Harbour Bridge, Sydney Mardi Gras, Royal Botanical Gardens, Taronga Zoo and the tranquil sandy beaches, Sydney is most tops the bucket list. The House of Art One of the unarguable masterpieces of human creativity, the Sydney Opera House is situated on the tip of the Sydney Harbour. The house presents more than 2000 performances every year by First Nation showcasing arts, culture, talks, ideas, theatre, dance and musical shows. The Sydney Opera House has been a vision to the people of Australia and is a UNESCO World Heritage site for its modern design and architectural inspiration. A Rare Carnival Vivid Sydney is a festival like no other featuring music, light, fun and the extraordinary illumination of the Sydney Opera House. The multi-award winning festival hosts performances by local and international musicians, talk shows by global thinkers and creators. Don’t miss out on this one of a kind celebration and the chance to view Sydney as a 21st-century dance ball! The Prettiest Natural Harbour The Sydney Harbour is surrounded by a long shoreline, iconic sites, wildlife parks and serves as a visible symbol of Australia. The prominent Sydney Harbour Bridge spans across the Sydney Harbour which hands you the dramatic views of the city. Spend an evening dining on a cruise, take a walk along the shore or ride a ferry to Taronga zoo passing by the world famous landmarks to experience this magnificent and capacious beauty.

Sydney Travel Guide?

Sandy beaches, yacht vacations, sunny harbours, and noble entertainments have made Sydney a holiday destination. It is rewarded with many names such as ‘The Harbour City’ and ‘The Emerald City’ for being a coastal metropolis. Sydney Harbour Bridge, Sydney Opera House , Sydney Tower Eye and the city’s many museums have created high regard in the minds of people from the nook and corners of the world of the city. With contemporary architecture, love for art, palatable seafood, courteous hospitality, and culture so hip that you want to party every day, Sydney is a city that offers you so much to see and do. This Sydney travel guide is a summary of everything from things to do, what to eat, where to stay, to day trips, budget and culture tips for helping you plan the ultimate vacation.

Why Visit Sydney?

The once colony of British exiles, Sydney has become the vibrant city it was destined to be over the past century. Travellers have a fun time exploring the harbour city’s major attractions such as the Sydney Opera House, the various wildlife parks, gigantic aquariums, and esoteric art galleries. Whether you are travelling alone or with your family, Sydney has got you covered for all sorts of entertainment. The city is both a backpacker’s and a spendthrift’s dream come true. Viewing sunrises from Bondi Beach, strolling around the Rocks Market, and evenings with a view of the Sydney skyline from the Harbour Bridge are soul-healing affairs. Those who don’t mind spending money take a trip to the Hunter Valley and sip on the most extravagant wine. The megacity is humble with its visitors yet offers them a glimpse of a perfect tomorrow’s world.

Top 10 Things To Do in Sydney

Sydney Essentials

Language English & Mandarin

Time zone GMT+10

Country Code +61

Socket Type I

Currency Australian dollars (AUD)

Sydney Trip Planner

Things to keep in mind while packing for your trip to Sydney.

When to visit

Travel tips, weather in sydney.

Sydney is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world since the weather is always pleasant, thanks to its tropically balanced climate. However, if you want to know before you go, this is how the seasons in Sydney look.

Sydney in Spring

During spring, the temperature is mild and comfortable giving you just the right amount of sunshine that you need to explore the busy city. Look around to find beautiful lush green gardens and Jacaranda trees blooming on every single street. Alternatively, you can enjoy walks over the clear white sand beaches and explore the local street markets. Keep your eyes open as the city also offers an exciting array of activities and events during this season that is definitely worth checking out.

Sydney in Summer

Summers in Sydney can change rapidly from warm to hot so prepare by carrying lots of sunscreen, hats and sunglasses while packing for your vacation. Sydney is known for hosting a wide range of outdoor activities during this period including swimming, surfing, concerts and festivals. Christmas also comes towards the beginning of summer holidays, making it best weather to visit Sydney.

Sydney in Autumn

Autumn in Sydney is a good time for walking tours and day trips from the city. Discover the city’s top landmarks from the Sydney Opera House , the Royal Botanic Gardens to Hyde Park, Chinatown and Hunter Valley Gardens to experience the Aussie land during this season. It is the best time to visit Sydney if you wish to experience a fine balance between hot and cold weather.

Sydney in Winter

Unlike other destinations, Sydney winters are pleasant. It is a magical time in the city, where you can find plenty of activities to be a part of like whale-watching, hiking and even visiting the aquariums. Don't miss out on Vivid Sydney - a spectacular annual festival for light and music that has proved to give a memorable visual experience for all during winter.

Best Time of the Year to Visit Sydney

The best time to visit Sydney is from September to November, and February to May when the weather is pleasant and not as crowded. If you are travelling with a tight budget, June to August is considered to be the cheapest time to visit Sydney due to the city's winter season. Sydney enjoys a pleasant weather condition, so, if you can handle a temperature drop between 10°C to 13°C, take a budget trip and make the most of your experience.

Pleasant time to visit Sydney - September to November and February to May Cheapest time to visit Sydney - June to August

Best Time To Visit Sydney For Different Kinds Of Travelers

Best Time for Staying Outdoors in Sydney : December - February Best Time for Sightseeing & Museum Hopping : October, November, March, and April Best Time for Honeymooners : Late spring (October and November) and early autumn (March and April) Best Time for Budget Travelers : June - August Best Time for Shopaholics : December - March

Sydney in January

Sydney in February

Sydney in March

Sydney in April

Sydney in May

Sydney in August

Sydney in November

Sydney in December

Daily Budget For Sydney

Average Daily Budget: $180

• Budget Traveler: $150
• Mid-Range Traveler: $200
• Luxury Traveler: $250

Budget Your Trip here .

Visa Requirements

Getting a visa to Australia is relatively easy when compared to other countries. People planning to travel as a tourist can apply for the Australian Visitor visa (Subclass 600) as a business visitor or to visit family. The visa is valid for a temporary stay of 3 – 12 months which leaves ample time to explore the city.

There are 5 subcategories of this visa: Tourist Stream, Sponsored Family Stream, Business Visitor Stream, Approved Destination Status Stream and Frequent Traveller Stream. You can read more about them here .

Install the local taxi app More often than not people around the world don’t always use uber, since there are better options. As does Sydney. Here are a few uber-like applications you can use in Sydney.

Look out for no smoking signs Sydney has the strictest rules when it comes to smoking in public places. You are not allowed to smoke in most places, especially school zones or will be fined. Watch out for no smoking signs before you like a cigarette.

Step into free art galleries Many free art galleries are held in the city which you should not miss walking into. It showcases talent from the local and international artists and encourages more young minds to take up art. These galleries also exhibit the most interesting and vehement art which are underrated.

Hop on a ferry Don’t shy away from taking a ferry ride when available. The locals here love their water rides and rightfully so. The salty breeze stroking your face, the wonderful view of the city horizon from the waters, and the sun shining warm over you are a thing to experience.

Sydney Itinerary

Located on Australia's east coast, Sydney boasts sunny beaches, serene parks, contemporary architecture and plenty of outdoor adventure opportunities. Hitting the sweet spot between easygoing and exciting, this dynamic city is the most visited by tourists from across the world. Sydney is a true-blue metropolitan city of the 21st Century, with a heady blend of different cultures and places. You could be walking down the lively streets of Paddington one moment and enjoying a meal at the Vietnam-inspired Cabramatta just 10 minutes later. There are plenty of things to see and do, and no time seems enough to cover all of them. Hence, we bring you out curated itineraries list that offers the best picks and mix of things to do in Sydney over two days time .

How to Save Money in Sydney

Here are some fun ways of saving money while in Sydney.

Stay over in a Hostel Choose to stay over at a hostel rather than a luxury hotel. Yes, hotels offer that privacy and service to your doorstep, but hotels help you save a large margin on your travel budget while offering you to explore the city further. You will also get to spend more on food, cruises, shopping, and attractions. There are many like Sydney Harbour YHA , that offer you a room for as little as $30 a night.

Purchase the Opal card Transportation can swallow a large portion of your travel budget. Fortunately, Sydney has a solution. The city has efficient connectivity by public transport and the Opal card offers amazing discounts on every ride you take. You can learn how to purchase the Opal card here .

Score the Sydney Multi-attraction Pass Sydney is a popular tourist destination and it could be frustrating to queue up at every venue to buy tickets. Thankfully, the Sydney Multi-attraction Pass lets you access 4 prime landmarks in the city with one pass - Wild LIFE Sydney Zoo , Madame Tussauds Sydney, Sydney Sea Life Aquarium , and Sydney Tower Eye . Here is how you can get your hands on the Sydney Multi-attraction Pass .

Explore the streets with free walking tours Sydney’s streets are amusing as its major attractions and free walking tours are one way to traverse them. Free Tours Sydney and I’m Free Walking Tours are two of the most popular free walking tours to discover the city centre, Circular Quay and The Rocks.

Sydney Opera House

Sydney Opera House is one of the world’s leading performance spaces, located on the banks of the gorgeous Sydney Harbour. Opened in 1973, the venue is home to six performance theatres, which together host more than 30 shows a week and 2000 events a year. The unique architecture depicts huge shells or billowing sails, thereby attracts visitors from all over the globe.

Here is a guide to Sydney Opera House Tickets to know all about scoring the best tickets and seats before your visit.

Listed below are the top shows that you should not miss!

Day Trips from Sydney

Visit the many attractions in and around Sydney with these spectacular day tours.

Sydney Harbour Cruises

Tranquil blue waters, a breathtaking skyline, and most importantly welcoming locals make Sydney a beautiful city in every sense. A trip to Sydney can be something truly special given you know where you're headed and what you're doing. While there are many experiences, one we would recommend not to skip is the Sydney Harbour cruise. A majestic boat will take you on a leisurely trip over the magical waters of Sydney Harbour as you marvel at the beautiful sights the city has to offer. A cruise works double duty by not only giving you a tour of the harbour but also introduces you to the city's iconic landmarks. Read on to know everything there is about Sydney Harbour cruise and how to pick the best one.

SYDNEY SIGHTSEEING CRUISE

Love exploring a city from the waters? Discover the refreshing vivacity of Sydney Harbour. Learn all about the harbour and the many people, places, and events that come together to make the harbour the exciting and lively place it is, from your guided commentary onboard.

SYDNEY DINNER CRUISE

Sydney City Passes

Sydney is flooded with tourists all year round. No matter where you come from, you will feel like this party is meant for you. But don't let that fool you. Sydney is as glamorous as any other cosmopolitan. If you are visiting Sydney, you need to experience all of these facets. A Sydney Multi-attraction Pass is your best bet in that respect. From skipping the long waiting lines to the most prominent attractions to saving a few bucks this pass is a lottery for those wanting to see the city fast and at a reasonable cost.

Here is our guide to know all about the Sydney Multi-attraction Pass .

Hotels in Sydney

Hotel stays offer a luxurious experience. The sea side windows, elegant suites, and tranquil swimming pools will only make your stay in Sydney more memorable. On average a 3-star hotel costs AUD 109 per night. You can explore hotels in Sydney here .

AUD 78 - AUD 157 per night

• Novotel Sydney Parramatta
• Oaks Sydney Castlereagh Suites
• CKS Sydney Airport Hotel
• Urban St Leonards
• Travelodge Hotel Macquarie North Ryde

5 star hotels

• Hilton Sydney
• Swissotel Sydney
• Larmont Sydney by Lancemore
• Hyatt Regency Sydney
• Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour

AUD 157 - AUD 235 per night

• Avoca Randwick
• Holiday Inn Darling Harbour, an IHG Hotel
• Novotel Sydney Darling Square
• Citadines Connect
• Veriu Green Square

Boutique Hotels

• Ovolo Woolloomooloo
• The Fullerton Hotel Sydney
• Meriton Suites World Tower
• Four Seasons Hotel Sydney

Dining in Sydney

Must-try Food in Sydney While there is a wide assortment of dishes and desserts, here are some firm favourites.

• Sydney rock oyster
• Australian prawns
• Avocado on toast
• Bacon and egg roll
• Lamington cake
• Potato cake
• Yellowfin tuna

Top Recommended 2022

• Lankan Filling Station
• Saint Peter
• Momofuku Seiobo

Best of Australian Cuisine

• Bentley Restaurant and Bar

Valentine’s Day in Sydney

Valentine’s Day is that time of the year to celebrate love, affection, and romance, and make your partner feel special. With the balmy sun, azure waters, lofty skyscrapers, and lush parks, Sydney is the perfect place for every romantic. If you’re thinking of how to celebrate Valentine’s Day in Sydney , we’ve curated a list of the top ten experiences in the city to do especially with your valentine. Look through for something that suits you and your partner, and make the day memorable!

Festivals in Sydney

Sydney has a year long calendar of festivals - some cultural, some religious, some patriotic, a few music festivals and so on. Here are the top recurring festivals that you should know of:

• Sydney Film Festival: June
• Mardi Gras: March
• Australian Open of Surfing: March
• Sydney Festival: January
• Sydney Harbour Regatta: March
• Vivid Sydney: May-June

Sydney Culture Tips

You are not obliged to tip a hefty amount while in Sydney. There is no rule for tipping. Nevertheless, you can tip up to 10% of your total bill or what your budget allows you.

Keep the legal age in mind

The legal age in Australia is 18. People under the age of 18 cannot smoke, drink or enter pubs. It’s best to leave your kids at your hotel if you want to have a drink or two.

If you get invited to a BBQ or a cookout, don’t show up empty-handed. This is an untold rule in Sydney. It’s best to bring a bottle of wine or a home-baked snack to the party as a sign of gratitude.

Bring a ton of sunscreen

This goes without saying. Sydney receives the sun most of the year and you cannot avoid a fun time at Bondi Beach. If you are someone who gets tanned easily, you should apply ample sunscreen before going anywhere.

What is the best time of year to visit Sydney?

The best time of year to visit Sydney really depends on what you want to do while you're here. If you're looking to spend time outdoors and enjoy the city's many beaches, then late spring or early summer (September-November) is a great time to visit. However, if you're interested in attending one of Sydney's many festivals or events, then you'll want to plan your trip around the city's calendar. For example, if you're keen on catching the Sydney New Year's Eve fireworks display, then you'll need to be in town between December 31 and January 1.

What is the best way to get around Sydney?

The best way to get around Sydney really depends on your budget and where you'll be staying. If you're staying in the city center, then walking or taking public transportation is usually the easiest and most affordable option. However, if you're planning on doing a lot of exploring outside of the city, then you may want to consider renting a car. Just be sure to budget for parking, as it can be quite expensive in Sydney.

What are some must-see attractions in Sydney?

Some of the must-see attractions in Sydney include the Sydney Opera House, the Sydney Harbour Bridge, and Bondi Beach. Of course, there are many other great things to see and do in the city, but these are definitely some of the highlights.

What are some tips for saving money while visiting Sydney?

There are a few ways to save money while visiting Sydney. First, consider staying in a hostel or Airbnb instead of a hotel. This can be a great way to save on accommodations. Second, take advantage of the many free attractions and activities that the city has to offer. And finally, make sure to cook some meals at your accommodation instead of eating out all the time – this will help you save on food costs.

What are some things to know before visiting Sydney?

Some things to know before visiting Sydney include the fact that it is a very large and multicultural city. As such, it's important to be respectful of other cultures and religions while you're here. Additionally, Sydney can be quite expensive, so it's important to budget accordingly. Finally, the city is known for its beaches, so be sure to pack your swimsuit!

What are some of the rules one must follow in Sydney?

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お久しぶりのSydney Day2 オシャカフェに大感激

2024/08/05 - 2024/08/10

3204位(同エリア3337件中)

• # グラウンズオブアレキサンドリア

旅行記グループ お久しぶりSydney

• umenomi さんTOP
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久しぶりにSydneyに行こう！ 何をするのか考えても考えてもやりたい事は特に無い。 何故なら元Sydneyの現地ガイド。 観光はほぼやり尽くしているどころか、何十回、何百回も行っていたりするから飽きている。 そんな中唯一行きたかったのが The Grounds of Alexandria というカフェ。 私が住んでいた時には無かったオシャカフェ。 お友達が行っているのをインスタで見て、行ってみたいと思っていたカフェ。 シドニー・カフェで調べると必ず出てくる シドニーっ子なら誰でも知ってるカフェ。 すっかり気に入ってcity店と併せて4日の滞在で4回行くのでした。 そんなカフェしか出てこない旅行記です。 day1のタイトルに 「面白くないからday2から見てね。」 と書いたけど、結果、day2以降も特に面白くないので読まなくていいやつです。

Sydney空港までお友達がお迎えに来てくれ、Grounds はランチに行こうと言う事で、まだ少し早いのでBrighton beachに来ました。 何気にBrightonは初めてかもしれない。 Bondi beachを見慣れているので、本当に地元の人のbeachだなぁ、という感じ。

飛行機が離陸するのも見えてボーッとするのに最適。 冬だけど暖かくて心地いい。 ヒートテック、薄手のタートル、薄めのアウターで丁度いい。

この写真では分からないけど、遠くにSydney Towerも見えてSydneyに帰ってきたー！ って感じがして嬉しい。 お友達のお友達が散歩していて立ち話したり、 旅行と言うより住んでいた時の感覚。

まだlunchには早いのでbeach散歩の後はカフェでお茶します。

私の高級靴、砂だらけ。笑 マルジェラでbeach散策する人。

カフェラテ奢ってもらって

Sydneyはワンちゃん天国で、見た事ない犬種のワンちゃんがいっぱいお散歩してる。 ネコ派の私ですが、犬も好きなので見ているだけで楽しい。 ところで、このワンちゃん、何犬？

カフェラテこぼしちゃって飲み物無くなったので The Grounds of Alexandriaへ。 cityからは電車と駅から15分歩いて合計30分程、または電車とバスで30分程。 なので友達に車で連れて来てもらえたのは本当にラッキーだった。 平日は空いているし、お店の駐車場も空いていたけど、土日は1時間待ち当たり前で、駐車場もいっぱいで路駐になるらしい。 めちゃくちゃ広いカフェなのに1時間待ちとかどれだけ人気なんだ。 私もSydneyでこんなカフェやりたかったな… ここから広大なカフェの紹介が続きます。

森のように植物いっぱいのカフェ

こんな素敵なテーブルで家族でbrunchとかしてたらオシャレよね～、と思う。

何故か鳥もいる。 コンゴウインコ。 日本で買うと50万位するらしい。 ちなみに、旅行記最後の方に出てくる コッカトゥーは野生で嫌と言うほど飛んでいるのに 日本では1羽100万位するらしい。 2～3羽とっ捕まえて日本で売りたいわ。 (もちろん違法なので良い子はやらないでね。 悪い子もやらないでね。)

外には山羊が3頭いる。 カフェなのに、街中なのに山羊がいる。

お酒好きにはこんな素敵スペースも。

同じカフェと思えない、色んな顔があるカフェ。

今のテーマはサーカスらしい。 定期的に変わるそう。

これまた同じカフェとは思えない。 ってか、どんだけ広いんだ。

半屋外のこのスペースも素敵。

シャンデリアのエリアも良き。

スイーツカフェスペースもとっても可愛い。

ケーキも美味しいらしい。 でもお腹いっぱいで食べられない。 残念。

スイーツカフェエリアもカウンター挟んで左右あり、 ちょっと雰囲気違っているけど どちらも好き。 ここで半日過ごせるんじゃ無いかと言うほどの広さのカフェだった。 近くにあったら通っちゃうなぁ。 でも、来るのに18時間ぐらいかかるから年1が限界かなぁ。

で、こちらで何を食べたかと言うとこの3品。

ブラッターチーズとトマトとサワドゥーパン カラマリフライ スーパーフード(何だったか忘れた)とベイクドペアーと胡桃、ゴートチーズソースのサラダ これがまあ、全部美味しいの！！ オーストラリアはご飯が美味しくない、なんて言われる事あるけど、嘘。 そもそも移民が多いから本格的で美味しい物は昔から多かったけど、レベル上がってる！！ 本当に毎日来たいくらい全部美味しかった。 農業大国なので、乳製品、特にヨーグルトとチーズが美味しくて、このブラッターチーズもなめらかで、トマトと合わせてサワドゥーブレットにのせて食べると、もういくらでも食べられる。 カラマリ(イカフライ)もカリッカリで、イカの味もしっかりしていて本当に美味しい。 私はイカフライ食べてればご機嫌な人だから、本当にご機嫌最高潮。 サラダもベイクドペアーなんて初めてだけど、これまた美味しい。ゴートチーズ苦手なお友達も、これは美味しい！と大絶賛。スーパーフードで身体にも良さそうなのに本当に美味しい。 あー、大満足！ お値段もそれなりにですが(多分90ドル前後) オーストラリアは現在物価も高いし、円安なので仕方ない。 払う事に悔い無し！の満足ミール。 とか言って、お友達がwelcome mealだから、と奢ってくれました。 ありがとうございます♪ 美味しくて、楽しくて お友達が「年1行事にしよ！」と。 いや、私、来るのに18時間かかるから。笑

楽しくて美味しいカフェandランチの後は お友達にウォーライクリークの駅まで送ってもらって、電車で1本、ホテルに向かいます。

着いたのはセント・ジェームス駅。 cityのハイドパーク脇、Sydney Tower直ぐのレトロ可愛い駅です。

住んでいる時は2回位しか利用した事無かったけど 可愛い駅。

どこでも絵になる駅です。

Sydney Tower方面に1分程歩くと

本日の宿泊予定のQT Sydneyの入り口があります。 ステートシアターの横だな、とは地図を見て思ったけど、相変わらずよく見てない、調べないので 左右どっちの横か忘れて、全然違うマンション？の呼び鈴を鳴らしてしまうというミスを犯す。笑 呼び鈴で出てくれた人に、「QT Sydney探してる。」と言ったら「隣の隣だよ。」と教えてくれた。 親切な人で良かった。

ロビー。 もう、めっちゃタイプのホテル！ エレベーター開いてこのロビー見た瞬間 「好きー！！」ってテンション爆上がり。 私が自分大好き女子だったら、ここで小一時間自分大好き写真大会をするんだけど、残念ながら私はただのアジア人のおばさん。 そんな事しても映えないからさっさとチェックイン済ませて部屋に行きます。 なんせ飛行機で3時間しか寝てないから、まぁまぁ疲れてる。

スタッフさんもイケメンand可愛い女子だし、親切でフレンドリー。

部屋に行く廊下も広くて素敵。

廊下のデザインも階毎に違うらしい。 自分の階とロビーしかエレベーター止まらないから見れないのが残念。 また次回も泊まって確かめたい。

こういう絵のセンスも好きよ。

部屋番号。 キモ可愛くて、もうすべてがドンピシャ好みのホテル。 今回の目的はQTに泊まる事も1つあったんだけど、 コロナ禍前にホテル調べていて、絶対次にシドニー行く時はここに泊まる！ と決めていた。

だから値段も見てなかったし、5つ星だという事も知らなかった。爆。 旅行途中で、一体いくらなんだろう？と調べて 一泊4万～5万と知った時は ……… となったけど、 そもそもSydneyである程度のホテルに泊まろうと思ったらそれなりだし、この為に来てるし、 たった3泊だし、テンションの上がり具合考えれば惜しくない。 しかもcityのど真ん中。 治安もいいし、めちゃくちゃ便利な場所。

ベットも広くて寝心地も抜群。

お部屋は予約時よりグレードアップしてくれていた。 ラッキー。

使わないけどカクテルのセットも。

コーヒーはネスプレッソ。紅茶はT2。(オーストラリアで人気の紅茶屋さん。お土産にするのも良し。) さすが5つ星ホテル。 冷蔵庫は中身を移動させても大丈夫なタイプなので、 中身を一旦出しておいて自分の物入れられます。

お部屋にアイロンもあるので、洋服シワシワで持ってきても安心。

バスルームのトイレの間に仕切りはありません。

シャワーの前にトイレがある。 これが3日目に大変な事になる。 やっぱり、仕切りは必要。

バスタブも素敵な形状。 バスタブが置き型だとテンション上がる人。

お部屋はQVB ビュー。 カーテン閉まってるからほぼ見えないけど、とにかく便利な場所、って事です。

1階はカフェ。 斬新なインテリア。

奥のテーブル、脚が人間の脚になってる。 キモ可愛。 ここも滞在中に行こ！と思っていたのに、常にお腹いっぱいで行く機会が無かった。 残念。 次の旅行では絶対に行く。

さて、お出かけしますか。 まだ17時前なので、折角なので眠いですがもう少しお出かけします。

日本未上陸の大好きなブランドがあり、昔よく来ていたストランドアーケード。 QVBもいいけど、私はこっちの雰囲気が好き。 カフェもあり、この通路にテーブルが出ている。 今回は時間が無かったので次回はここでもゆっくりお茶する！ 好きなブランドやパン屋さんは残念ながら無くなっていました。

レトロな階段など、細部まで見ていると1時間位は経ってしまう。

昔働いていたビルがめっちゃ綺麗になっていた！ 今回の旅では 変わらず懐かしい物 変わっていて新しい発見 が半々位で、懐かしさと新鮮さのバランスがとても良かった。

はい、オペラハウス。 何百回も見た事あるから感動しないと思ったけど、懐かしさで泣きそうになった。 楽しい事や辛い事、沢山あった事が甦ってきた。 今の日本の生活も楽しくて十分満足しているけど、 あのキラキラしていたSydney時代はもう戻ってこないんだな、と。 あの時代があるから今の私がいて、 本当に大切な日々。

オペラハウスと言えばセットでハーバーブリッジもだよね。

暇なのでロックス散策します。 ロックスはシドニー発祥の地。 週末はマーケットが行われて賑やかです。 免税店もある地域。 その端の方に囚人が掘ったトンネル。 アーガイル・カットがあります。 ノミとハンマーを渡され、24年間かけて掘らされたらしい。

ロックス散策中にライオン発見！！

と思ったらチャウチャウだった。 可愛い～。 声かけて触らしてもらおうと思ったけど、私の前を歩いている半ズボンの男性(日本人)が先に声をかけて触らせてもらっていて、声をかけられず… 海外に来ると日本人と関わりたくなく、無視してしまう癖があるので、その癖出ちゃった。

甘そうなケーキを見ながらロックス散策。 スイーツはやっぱり日本が一番だなぁ。

ロックス散策は早々に終了し、 マーティンプレイスを通過して

妹に頼まれたショーメのブレスレットを買いに行きました。 日本ではsold outで、次に入荷するのは来年の3月だとか。 日本より+2万ぐらいだったら買ってきて、と言われて来てみてら、日本より−2万円位だった。 少し円高に傾いたのが功を奏したらしい。 本当にいるのか、色をどうするか等LINEで妹に連絡取りつつ購入。 便利な時代になったし、時差が無いって素晴らしいな、と思った瞬間だった。 購入後、妹が 「ダイヤは3つあったか」問題で (ダイヤ1つの安いデザインもあるがネット限定らしい。) オーストラリア物価が高いのに日本より安いのはおかしいんじゃ無いか？と慌てていたけど、ちゃんとダイヤが3つ入ったブレスを購入出来ました。 この妹の買い物がこの旅一番面倒だった。 お店に行く。 妹とやり取りして買う。 妹は黒のストリングがいいが、店舗でセットされているのはネイビーなので、翌日取りに来ないといけない。 妹からダイヤが3つか確認が入り調べる。 翌日取りに行く。 まだセットが終わってないと言われ出直し。 翌日再度取りに行く。 TRSのアプリを入れて入力。 空港で申請。 私の貴重な時間を結構使った。 まぁ、買いに行った時と、取りに行った時と2回 高級マカロン出てきたからいいけど。 フランス製マカロンで、QVBにマカロンのお店ありました。

ピットストリート ショーメの直ぐ近くにLEGO SHOPが。 レゴのオペラハウス。 デンマークのレゴランドに行って以来レゴ好き。 ただし、一度すごく簡単な物を作ろうとチャレンジしたけど5段くらいしか作れなかった不器用。 なのか？ バカなのか… なので、作れる人に憧れます。 1人でゴールデンウィークにレゴランド・ジャパンに行き、家族連れ、カップルばかりのレゴランドで1人ライドに乗り、それを知ったお友達から「強メンタル」と言われてしまうレゴ好き。 デンマークで売っていた世界の街シリーズのSydneyを買っておけば良かったと未だに後悔。 (作れないけど。)

その国、その街らしいディスプレイがされているのもレゴランドの好きなところ。

「晩御飯どうするの？」とショーメのお姉さんに聞かれ、アルコにも載っていたヘイマーケットにある人気のタイ料理屋に行こうと思っていたので 「タイ料理食べようと思う。」と言うと、 「ウエストフィールドの6階に美味しいタイ料理あっておすすめよ！」と教えてくれたので、疲れていてヘイマーケットに行くのも面倒だし、人気で並ぶの必須って書いてあったから、ウエストフィールドのタイ料理に行く事にしました。 で、後でアルコ見たら同じ店の支店違いだった事が発覚。笑。 CHAT THAI というお店です。 ヘイマーケットまで行かなくて良かったし、 ちょうど並ばず入れたし、 綺麗だしでラッキーでした。 で、注文したのはこちら。 名前は分からないけど、ヌードル系。海老。 これが、めーーーーっちゃ美味しかった！ 一口食べて美味ーー！ 毎日食べたい！ めっちゃ美味しい！ となり、 3口目で めっちゃ辛い！ もう無理！ となりました。笑 確かにショーメのお姉さんにも「辛いの大丈夫？」と聞かれたわ。 パッタイ注文するつもりだったから、辛くないし大丈夫、と思っていたけど、これは辛かった。 パッシーウーみたいな名前のやつは辛くないので、辛くないヌードルが食べたい方にはおすすめ。 辛いけど美味しい。 食べたいけど水ないと無理。 出してくれた水が水道水で不味すぎて飲めないので無理。 と言う事で、doggy bag(持ち帰り)にしてもらいました。 料理出て5分で帰る人。 ホテルのお部屋で大量のお水と美味しくいただきました。

予定より早く晩御飯が終了してしまったので、タウンホール前のウールワースでお土産探し。 お土産は本当に、本当に買う物がないのがオーストラリア。 別途お土産編やりますが、本当に買う物ない。 最後はもう買う物ないからブーメランでも買っちゃおうかな、って気になってくる。 冬なので暗くなるのは早く、18時過ぎるとこの位の暗さになります。

QVBの中を通ってホテルに戻ります。 レトロなエレベーターが可愛い。

晩御飯が思いのほか早く終わった為、また暇になり、 カフェラテ飲みにグラウンズのシティ店へ。 QVBの道渡った向かの通路にあります。

アレキサンドリアの店舗とは雰囲気も規模も違うけどここも素敵。

1人なのでBARへ。 オシャレなBARに アジア人のBBAが1人。

カフェラテを飲みに来たのに、このメニューを見て急遽変更。 なんじゃ、このオシャレアフォガード。 こんな感じで出てくるのー？ 素敵ー！ と思って注文。

絵よりオシャンな感じで出てきた。 そしてこれが美味しかったーー！ アイスがバニラではなくコーヒーアイスでこれが美味しい。少しコーヒー豆のクラッシュが入っているのか、カカオニブのような感じで食感もあり良き。 コーヒーをかけて食べる。 コーヒー感が強すぎる物は苦手なんだけど、これは絶妙。量もタップリなのに全然飽きる事無くペロリと食べ切った。 あー、幸せ。 Sydney1日目を締めるのに相応しいスイーツでした。 また絶対に食べたい。 ちなみにこちら朝7時から夜9時までやっており、カフェが閉まるのが早いシドニーにおいて、スイーツ好きには大変有り難いお店でもあります。

ホテルに戻り、ようやくお風呂に入って寝る準備。 空港で買ったバスボムから出てきたのはツタンカーメン。 やった！ で、これ、どうすればいいんだろうね？笑

就寝前にやらかした事に気がついた。 私は毎回旅行には自宅からレプロナイザー (ドライヤー)を持っていく。 今回も勿論スーツケースにかさばる大きなドライヤーを入れてきた。 が、久しぶりの海外過ぎて変圧器を忘れてきた… 最初、変圧器が必要な事自体忘れていて レプロナイザー を差し込んでスイッチを入れると いつもより風量が多い。 と言うより、暴風警報。 え？と思って一回切ってもう一回スイッチオン。 で、また暴風&焦げ臭い。 あー！そうだ！電圧ちがうじゃないかー！！ と慌ててスイッチを切って途方に暮れる。 私、髪の毛切ってきちゃったから、ドライヤーないと明日の朝髪の毛爆発しちゃってどうしようもなくなる… 泣きそう… と思い、ホテルのドライヤーを探すも見つからない。 はて？どこだ？ と鏡の横の棚を見ると何やら素敵な箱が。 なんだこれ？ と開けたら あるじゃないのー！Dysonの素敵なドライヤーが！！ 歓喜して小躍りして髪の毛乾かしてようやく床についたのでした。 そして、うとうとしてハッと気がついた。 変圧器が無いからヘアアイロン使えないじゃないか！ ドライヤー、ヘアアイロン、ただの邪魔… モバイルバッテリーも充電出来ないのではなかろうか… あー、やっちまったー！ と思いながら睡魔に襲われ眠りにつくのでした。

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お久しぶりSydney

お久しぶりのSydney 出発。　面白く無いからday2から見てね

2024/08/05～

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今日も２万歩近く、よく歩いたあ！ シドニー着いて初めて日本人と話した！ CETRAL〜MUSIAM駅付近を案内してもらったり色々教えてもらって本当に助かった（ ;  ; ） CETRAL初めて降りたけどめっちゃ都会！乗り換えたくさんあって東京駅みたいなイメージ。

オーストラリアはご飯が美味しい。何食べても美味しいいいい 友達曰く、オーストラリアはイタリアンが一番美味しいらしい！ ご飯と気候が良いって最高以外の何者でもない。

街並みも相変わらず最高！

Suicaの機能を果たすOpalを買ったんだけど、普通にカードで電車乗れるらしいww

日本食材店とスーパーで食材調達した！スーパーはすごい高いわけではなかったから、自炊していけば生きていけそうだ！

銀行口座を教えてもらおうと思ったんだけど、住所ないと色々きついみたいなので、まずは１ヶ月くらい滞在できるホームステイを探すことに。 見つかったら、銀行口座開設&タックスファイルナンバーを申請（１ヶ月くらいかかるので）、その後やっと職探しができるとのこと。 それまではメルボルンなんかを見てみるのもありかもということで！ でもメルボルン旅行の間家賃もったいなくね？ということと、来週は直近すぎてシドニーの宿見つけるのなかなかキツい。ってことで、来週今の宿を出るとともに先にメルボルン旅行するかも！

メルボルンは国内線になるので、往復１万ちょいとかで行けるらしい！！！ 東京〜大阪より安いやんけ！！

家帰ったら再びeSIM、、w 楽天の切り替えはできたんだのに、何故かネットが繋がらない！！もういやダァぁぁ amaysimもまだ開通しないし、もう他のeSIM申し込むしかないかも。

１ヶ月くらいは確実に働けないことが確定したので、お金が不安すぎるでぇえ。。大丈夫か私。頑張れ私。

• #オーストラリアワーホリ

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