travel blog sydney australia

• Meet the Team
• Work with Us
• Czech Republic
• Netherlands
• Switzerland
• Scandinavia
• Philippines
• South Korea
• New Zealand
• South Africa
• Budget Travel
• Work & Travel
• The Broke Backpacker Manifesto
• Travel Resources
• How to Travel on $10/day

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!

With a Sydney City Pass , you can experience the best of Sydney at the CHEAPEST prices. Discounts, attractions, tickets, and even public transport are all standards in any good city pass – be sure invest now and save them $$$ when you arrive!

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

Day 1 itinerary in sydney, day 2 itinerary in sydney, day 3 itinerary in sydney, best time to visit sydney, get around sydney, staying safe in sydney, faq on sydney itinerary.

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 Broke Backpacker is supported by you . Clicking through our links may earn us a small affiliate commission, and that's what allows us to keep producing free content 🙂 Learn more .

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.

Unlock Our GREATEST Travel Secrets!

Sign up for our newsletter and get the best travel tips delivered right to your inbox.

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.

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.

Or, y’know… you can stick to just chucking it all in your backpack…

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.

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.

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!

Alexandria Zboyovski

Share or save this post

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Notify me of followup comments via e-mail.

Anna Sherchand

Solo Female Travel Blog

Sydney Australia Travel Blog 2023

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!
• ← Perth to Esperance Road Trip 2023
• From Krakow to Warsaw by train →

You May Also Like

10 Exciting weekend getaways from Sydney

Where to eat in Sydney for budget-conscious

28 Sydney Bucketlist that you can’t miss

40 thoughts on “ sydney australia travel blog 2023 ”.

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 ♡

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

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

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.)

Trackbacks & Pingbacks

[…] The Ultimate Sydney Itinerary | How to Spend 4-7 Days Exploring Sydney […]

[…] The Ultimate SYDNEY Itinerary | How to Spend 4-7 Days in Sydney […]

[…] The Ultimate SYDNEY Itinerary | How to Spend 4-7 Days Exploring Sydney […]

[…] enormous country attracts 14 million visitors from interstate and abroad every year. And with one visit to Sydney, you won’t question […]

[…] year, the city welcomes 12 million domestic and international visitors and is rapidly overtaking Sydney as the must-see Australian […]

Leave a Reply

Leave a reply cancel reply.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Photography Gear

Work With Me

Privacy Policy

Destinations

Music Festivals

Travel Itineraries

Inspiration

Travel Gifts

Southeast Asia

Love this post? Give it a share!

7 DAYS IN SYDNEY 2024: THE ULTIMATE ITINERARY & BEST THINGS TO DO FOR FIRST TIME VISITORS!

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) 🤝🏻 The Pacific House Sydney (Well designed hostel in great location, private room options)

HIGH-END ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS

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

💎 The Fullerton Hotel Sydney (Luxury hotel rooms, 15 minute walk to Circular Quay)

💎 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

LOOKING TO BOOK YOUR NEXT TRIP? CHECK OUT OUR FAVOURITE SUPPLIERS BELOW:

Share this:

• Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on X (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)

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.

Nomadic Matt's Travel Site

Travel Better, Cheaper, Longer

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

Get my best stuff sent straight to you, pin it on pinterest.

• Where To Stay
• Transportation
• Booking Resources
• Related Blogs

• South Africa
• Afghanistan
• North Korea
• Adventure + Outdoors
• Amusement Parks
• Backpacking Trips
• Boating + Cruises
• Budget Travel
• Bus + Train Travel
• Coasts + Islands
• Country Trips
• Fall Vacations
• Family Vacations
• Green Travel
• Heritage + History
• Honeymoons + Romance
• Inspiration + Guide
• Landmarks + Attractions
• LGBT Travel
• Markets + Bazaars
• National Parks + Reserves
• Nature + Wildlife
• Parks + Gardens
• Pets + Animals
• Photography
• Airlines + Airports
• Budgeting + Currency
• Business Travel
• Celebrity Travel
• Customs + Immigration
• Deals + Rewards
• Family Travel
• Hotels + Resorts
• Luggage + Packing Tips
• Offbeat News
• Photography Tips
• Responsible Travel
• Solo Travel
• Tech + Gear
• Travel Etiquette
• Travel Warnings
• Bars + Clubs
• Celebrity Chefs
• Restaurants + Cafés
• Wine + Vineyards
• Beach Hotels
• Boutique Hotels
• Hotel Openings
• Hotel Reviews
• Luxury Hotels
• Mountain + Ski Resorts
• Spa Resorts
• Vacation Rentals
• Asia Cruises
• European Cruises
• Festivals + Events
• Museums + Galleries
• Style + Design
• Travel’s Best
• Hotel with Agoda.com
• Hotel with Booking.com

Hyatt Regency Danang Resort and Spa reviews. The resort is highly…

+7 luxury resorts you must stay in Danang, Vietnam

Where to eat in Nha Trang? — 27+ budget, best places…

What to eat in Singapore? — 10+ must-eat & best street…

Where to go & what to do in Varanasi? — 15+…

What to buy in Indonesia? — Top +9 famous gifts, souvenirs…

What to buy in Kyoto? — 31+ must-buy Kyoto souvenirs, gifts…

What to buy in India? — 29+ best gifts from India…

How to prepare for trekking in Nepal? — 10+ Nepal trekking…

India trip tips — 9+ things to know before going to…

All about tips in Nepal — How much to tip in…

Cambodia travel tips — 15+ what to know & things to…

Must eat in Nha Trang — 45+ best street food in…

Must eat in Hong Kong — 7+ must eat & must…

Top hotels in Siem Reap — 8+ best places to stay…

Top hotels in shanghai — 15+ best hotels in Shanghai

10 must-know things for your best first time European river cruise

Top 3 best luxury cruises in Halong Bay, Vietnam

Cherry blossom festival Korea 2024 — Top 5 cherry blossom festivals…

Ghibli museum blog — The fullest Ghibli museum guide for first-timers

Kyoto festival — Top 10 best events & most famous festivals…

National Palace Museum Taipei blog — What to see in National…

Japanese waterfall — Top 10 most beautiful waterfalls in Japan in…

19+ most beautiful towns in Europe every tourist need to visit…

Georgia travel photos — 20+ captivating photos show Georgia is heaven…

Explore Damnoen Floating Market — The oldest floating market of Thailand

Visiting Fenghuang Ancient Town — One of the most charming ancient…

Mekong Delta travel blog — Beyond rivers of Southwestern Vietnam

14 reasons why you should travel when you are young

Shigaraki Tanuki – An animal symbol of good luck in Japan

Living in the charms of cave houses in Andalucia, Southern Spain

20+ jaw-dropping tiny homes around the world

Sydney travel blog — the fullest sydney city guide blog for a great trip to sydney for the first-timers.

Sydney, the capital of New South Wales, is Australia’s oldest city. Although it is not the capital of Australia, it is always famous for its prosperity and civilization. Sydney has been voted as one of the best and most beautiful tourist cities in the world for many years. Visiting Sydney, you will be admired the famous architectural buildings in the world such as Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge. Not only that, you can also immerse yourself in the beautiful natural scenery here, especially are the sunny, brilliant and charming beaches. Now, let’s check it out our Sydney travel blog (Sydney Australia travel blog, Sydney Blog) — The fullest Sydney city guide and Sydney travel guide blog for a great trip to Sydney from how to get to Sydney, when is the best time to visit Sydney to best places to visit and top things to do in Sydney for the first-time below.

• Top beaches in Sydney — 5 most beautiful beaches in Sydney & best beach in Sydney for swimming
• Where should I go in Sydney? — 23 most famous, must go & best places to visit in Sydney
• Sydney must eat — Top 9 must eat food in Sydney you definitely have to try
• What to buy in Australia? — 21+ top gifts & best things to buy in Australia
• What to buy in Sydney? — Top 17+ must-buy gifts & best things to buy in Sydney

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 Australia 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.

Continued reading…

Related articles

RELATED ARTICLES MORE FROM AUTHOR

Where to go & what to do in varanasi — 15+ places to visit & best things to do in varanasi, what to buy in indonesia — top +9 famous gifts, souvenirs & best things to buy in indonesia, what to buy in kyoto — 31+ must-buy kyoto souvenirs, gifts & best things to buy in kyoto, what to buy in india — 29+ best gifts from india & best things to buy in india.

What to buy in Korea? — Top +23 cheap, famous & best things to buy in Korea

What to buy in USA? — 17+ must buy in USA & best things to buy in USA

What to buy in Italy? — 19+ top souvenirs & best things to buy in Italy

What to buy in Guangzhou? — 11+ best things to buy in Guangzhou & best shopping places in Guangzhou

What to buy in Tibet? — Top 9+ tibet souvenirs, gifts & best things to buy in Tibet

Editor picks.

Hyatt Regency Danang Resort and Spa reviews. The resort is highly...

Where to eat in Nha Trang? — 27+ budget, best places...

Popular posts.

What to buy in USA? — 17+ must buy in USA...

What to buy in Korea? — Top +23 cheap, famous &...

Must buy souvenir in Taiwan — Top 17+ most famous, cheap...

Popular category.

• Inspiration + Guide 1462
• Trip Inspiration 468
• Food + Drink 211
• Thailand 209
• Coasts + Islands 193
• Vietnam 169
• South Korea 168
• Travel Photos 144
• Work for Us
• Terms & Conditions
• Privacy Policy

The World on my Necklace

A Travel Blog by Katie Chavez

The Ultimate 5 Days in Sydney Itinerary

This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through an affiliate link, I will earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks for your support.

Beautiful Sydney, Australia. You could spend weeks in Sydney and not see everything worth seeing so 5 days in Sydney will never be enough time – although you can cover some of the highlights if that is all you have to work with. 

With its iconic opera house, world-class dining, stunning city beaches, and pockets of National Park, Sydney gives any city around the world a run for its money in the best city stakes.

It is absolutely one of the most beautiful cities in the world, but it’s not just beautiful, it has substance too.

Sydney is the oldest city in Australia, and there are a number of historic sandstone buildings that are still standing today. There are parts of Sydney that will make you feel like you have stepped back in time, and they sit right next to modern skyscrapers.

It’s this juxtaposition of old and new that makes Sydney a fascinating, and beautiful city.

Sydney draws over ten million tourists per year and is one of the top tourist destinations in Australia – Sydney tourism is booming.

It’s not hard to find a Sydney Itinerary online, but it can be overwhelming trying to figure out what to do in Sydney.

There are so many places to visit in Sydney!

I lived in this gorgeous city two different times, for three years in total. I always knew that I wasn’t going to live in Sydney forever, so I made it my mission to explore as many Sydney attractions as possible during my time there.

I now consider myself a Sydney Expert – especially when it comes to the best Sydney walks .

So if you are wondering what to do for 5 days in Sydney – I’ve got you. If you have even less time, this 2 day itinerary is a good one.

I created this 5 days in Sydney Itinerary based on the best Sydney sightseeing, as well as the things that I enjoy the most about the city – the hiking, the beaches, and the food.

I could have literally put together an itinerary for one month in Sydney and still had more things to add, so this is really cut down. 

In fact, it was so hard to choose what things to see in Sydney, that I ended up adding a long list of bonus suggestions for things to do in Sydney at the end – just in case you do end up spending a month or more there.

So, without further ado, here is my ultimate five days in Sydney Itinerary to help you plan your Sydney trip.

The Ultimate Sydney Itinerary: 5 Days

Check out my interactive map for the best things to do, see, eat, drink, and where to stay in Sydney.

Day One – City and Surrounding Suburbs

Day one will get you familiar with the city center and the surroundings, and some of the more well-known Sydney tourist attractions.

Morning – Paddington

Start the first day of your Sydney Itinerary in the lovely city suburb of Paddington, firstly grabbing breakfast at Paddington Markets if you are visiting on a Saturday, otherwise try Ampersand – a cafe/bookstore with great coffee.

Paddington is one of the best places in Sydney to shop with many independent boutiques. If the market is on, make sure to browse the excellent stalls there too which include locally made jewelry, clothing, homeware, books, and more.

William Street is home to an array of small and interesting stores so make sure you check it out too.

Paddington Reservoir Gardens, which used to be one of the city’s reservoirs from 1866 to 1899, is now a peaceful sunken garden that is a great place to chill out.

If you are visiting Sydney in spring, you will love all of the purple jacarandas that bloom along Oxford Street in Paddington.

Afternoon – Hyde Park, Opera House, and Botanic Garden

Day one is the only day I haven’t added a hike in, so if you want the exercise, I highly recommend walking from Paddington, along Oxford Street past the bars of Darlinghurst, to Hyde Park. Alternatively, you can take the bus.

Grab lunch somewhere along the way – Arthur’s Pizza in Paddington is a great choice.

At Hyde Park, make sure to check out the Art Deco ANZAC War Memorial and the small, free museum underneath it, if it’s open. St Mary’s Cathedral on the edge of the park is a stunning sight – it will make you feel like you are in a European Capital, not Australia’s largest city.

Spend the rest of the afternoon wandering the gorgeous waterside Royal Botanic Garden, and around the Sydney Opera House.

If you are a history lover, be sure to check out the sandstone buildings of Macquarie Street too, and if you have time – the Hyde Park Barracks Museum is worth a visit.

Evening – The Rocks

After freshening up back at your hotel, head down to The Rocks Sydney – the oldest European settlement in Australia – which is full of historic sandstone and brick buildings and small laneways where you can get pleasantly lost.

In The Rocks, don’t miss a drink at one of the oldest pubs in Sydney – The Hero of Waterloo and The Lord Nelson Brewery Hotel are great choices, as well as checking out the view of the Opera House from Hickson Road Reserve, and exploring the piers of Dawes Point.

If you have enough time and still have energy, walk over Sydney Harbour Bridge to Kirribilli – the view over the harbor and the Opera House is fantastic, and it’s free (unlike the ridiculously overpriced Bridge Climb).

You can then take the ferry back to Circular Quay. If you decide to have dinner in Kirribilli, I recommend The Botanist – it offers creative cocktails and a fantastic food menu.

For dinner in the Rocks, I recommend Lotus Dumpling Bar for dumplings and cocktails in a historic warehouse or Munich Brauhaus for German cuisine and beer in a lively atmosphere. If you have room for dessert – head to a local institution: Pancakes on the Rocks. They are open 24 hours.

If you’re not too tired, head for a nightcap at Opera Bar, right next to the Opera House – the views of the Harbour Bridge are fantastic.

Day Two – Bondi to Coogee Walk

Day Two is all about getting up close and personal with some of Sydney’s most iconic beaches – by doing the 10km Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk! It’s absolutely one of the top things to do in Sydney.

Morning – Bondi Beach

Start off the morning in Bondi Beach, one of the most famous beaches in the world, where you can grab breakfast to fuel yourself up for the hike ahead – I love Gertrude & Alice Book Shop and Cafe.

After checking out Bondi Beach, head south along the coast to pretty Tamarama Beach, before getting to the halfway point of your hike – Bronte Beach.

Bronte Beach is home to both a natural and a manmade rock pool – and I highly recommend taking a dip here to cool down before continuing on your hike.

The next beach along from Bronte is narrow Clovelly Beach, which also has an ocean pool, then the last stop before Coogee is Gordon’s Bay, which doesn’t really have a beach as such, but it is a fantastic place to swim off the rocks.

Your last stop is beautiful Coogee Beach, which is one of my favorite beaches in Sydney – I was lucky enough to live there for a couple of months during summer. Grab lunch at an iconic Sydney chain – Charcoal Charlie’s, which has delicious rotisserie chickens, salads, and fries.

Afternoon – Coogee

For the afternoon, I recommend just relaxing on the beach and at Giles Baths – a stunning natural rock pool at the northern end of the beach. There are two other paid ocean pools in Coogee to choose from too including the excellent McIver Ladies Baths.

There is a small but interesting shrine to the Virgin Mary upon the headland above Coogee (by the entrance arch that leads to Giles Baths) where a local woman saw an apparition of the Virgin Mary on a fence.

Evening – Chinatown and Darling Harbour

After relaxing back at your hotel for a bit, head out to Chinatown for dinner – I’m a big fan of the dumplings and bao at Old Town Hong Kong, or for cheaper eats, hit up one of the food courts.

There is also a branch of the Taiwanese restaurant chain that does incredible dumplings – Din Tai Fung – in Chinatown.

Any visit to Chinatown should finish with Emperor’s puffs – you will probably notice the long line at their otherwise blink and you’ll miss it dessert window, part of Emperor’s Garden Restaurant. These little pillows of fluffy dough stuffed with hot and creamy vanilla custard should not be missed.

Finish the night by wandering Darling Harbour and admiring how pretty it is when it’s all lit up, or grab a drink a bit further north in the flashy inner-city suburb of Barangaroo.

Day Three – Manly and Sydney Harbour

Day Three involves seeing more of the harbor and exploring one of my favorite beach suburbs in Sydney – Manly. A Sydney must-see.

Morning – Ferry to Manly

Take a morning ferry over to magical Manly, a beach suburb that was my home for a year. Visiting Manly is one of the best things to do in Sydney.

The ferry ride takes half an hour. Make sure to get a seat outside so you can admire the views along the way – it’s a lot cheaper than doing a harbor cruise and just as nice.

If you are really lucky, you might even see dolphins frolicking beside the ferry. Taking a ferry is one of the best and cheapest Sydney activities.

If you haven’t eaten yet, treat yourself to breakfast at Belgrave Cartel or In Situ which both have lovely gardens to enjoy the sun. For something quick and light, grab some Swedish pastries and coffee from Fika Swedish Kitchen. Shout out to Barefoot Coffee Traders too – they do some of the best coffee in Sydney.

You have a couple of choices from here, you could either tackle the 10km Manly to Spit Bridge walk , which will take you past some gorgeous harbor beaches, through pockets of National Park with views over the coast and to some aboriginal rock art.

The second choice is to do a loop hike from Manly Beach around to Shelly Beach – a great beach for swimming and snorkeling, and then up and over the headland to Collins Flat Beach and Little Manly Beach, before ending at Manly Wharf.

You can add a couple of extra kilometers on and hike to Quarantine Beach too, which is home to Quarantine Station – one of the most haunted places in the world.

Quarantine Station was where immigrants coming into Sydney who were exposed to diseases were quarantined – hundreds of people died here so it wouldn’t be surprising if it is haunted.

You can spend a night here if you dare – it is now a hotel – and there are also ghost tours offered in the evenings.

Afternoon – Manly or Brookvale

After grabbing lunch – Banana Blossom does amazing Asian salads or head to 4 Pines Brewery for delicious craft beer and gourmet pub food – chill out on one of the many beaches around Manly: Shelly Beach and Fairlight Beach, which has an ocean pool, are two of my favorites.

If you have had enough of beaches, head to nearby Brookvale to do a self-guided brewery crawl – 7th Day Brewery, Nomad Brewing Co., and 4 Pines Truck Bar are all great and close enough to walk between.

Evening – Manly or Surry Hills

If you want to stay longer in Manly (believe me, you probably will), you can catch a ferry back to Circular Quay till as late as midnight. There is a little penguin colony that lives under the wharf and if you are lucky, you can see them around sunset from around May till February.

I was a Penguin Warden for around six months and I loved being around these loud and gregarious little birds – the smallest but loudest penguin in the world.

For dinner in Manly, I recommend Hemingway’s, which has a delicious French menu and inventive cocktails.

If you do decide to head back to the city early, head out to the chic inner-city suburb of Surry Hills for dinner and drinks. For cheap and cheerful pub grub, you can’t go wrong with local institutions Forrester’s or The Clock.

Make sure to leave room for the famous gelato at Gelato Messina – which very well may be the best gelato you have ever tasted.

Day Four – Watsons Bay and Newtown

Day Four will be a mix of old and new – you will be visiting a historic fishing village and hiking to a lighthouse, then in the afternoon you will be checking out Sydney’s alternative side in Newtown.

Morning – Watsons Bay and Hornby Lighthouse

After grabbing breakfast from La Renaissance Bakery and Cafe in The Rocks – which has authentic French pastries, sandwiches, and tarts – take the ferry to Watsons Bay from Circular Quay.

On arrival in pretty Watsons Bay, start the short 4km return hike to Hornby Lighthouse via Laings Point and Camp Cove Beach. Pop into Lady Bay Beach too if you don’t mind a bit of nudity.

Hornby Lighthouse is a historic candy cane lighthouse – one of my absolute favorite lighthouses – that was built in 1858 and sits in a prime position overlooking Sydney Harbour, North Head, and out to sea. It is a great spot for whale watching during the winter months.

Back at Watson’s Bay, reward yourself with a classic fish and chips lunch at the iconic Doyle’s on the Beach, Australia’s first seafood restaurant – it was opened in 1885.

After a swim, take the ferry back to Circular Quay then the train to Newtown, in the Inner West.

Afternoon – Newtown

Newtown, and the Inner West in general, is the cultural heart of Sydney, the alternative compass point, and one of the best places for food and coffee in the city.

I lived in Newtown for a year back in 2005, and although there have been changes in the past 18 years, it still has the same alternative vibe that it always has.

Sydney can feel quite chichi at times, but Newtown is the antithesis of this – and that’s why I always feel so at home here. You can wear anything and be anyone here, and no one will bat an eyelid.

Newtown is one of my favorite places to shop with so many alternative boutiques and eclectic shops, so I recommend spending some time doing just that. Newtown is also a street art mecca so you could easily spend a couple of hours hunting out the best of it.

Also, if you love craft beer – then Newtown and the Inner West are great for that too. Sample the beer at Young Henry’s then walk to nearby Marrickville to try the eclectic and delicious beer at The Grifter Brewing Co. 

Evening – Newtown

When you have had your fill of the shops and street art, head to one of Newtown’s excellent restaurants like The Stinking Bishops which specializes in fine cheeses, Golden Lotus for vegan Vietnamese, Pastizzi Cafe for Maltese, and Bella Brutta for excellent Neopolitan style pizza.

Grab some American-style sweet pie from The Pie Tin or gelato from Messina or Cow & the Moon for dessert, then grab a drink at a Newtown pub – Courthouse Hotel and The Marlborough Hotel are both good. 

I hope you enjoyed Newtown as much as I do – I think it is one of the best places to go in Sydney.

Day Five – Northern Beaches

Day Five will be about really getting out of the city: Rent some wheels and head to the Northern Beaches! In my opinion – this is a must-do in Sydney.

Morning – Balmoral Beach and Palm Beach

The best way to really explore the Northern Beaches of Sydney is to hire a car for the day – check out Kayak  for the best deals.

After you have picked up your car, start driving north, stopping first at beautiful Balmoral Beach for breakfast.

Balmoral Beach isn’t technically the Northern Beaches, but it’s one of my favorite beaches in Sydney, with some of the whitest sand – and it’s on the way. Make sure to walk out to the little island which is connected to the beach by a small bridge.

The Boathouse in Balmoral is an excellent choice for breakfast and the deck has great views of the beach. The coffee here is outstanding too.

Once you have had breakfast and checked out the beach it is time to hit the road again, this time for the Northern Beaches proper.

Sydney’s Northern Beaches stretch from bustling Manly in the south all the way north to Palm Beach, where the popular Australian TV Show ‘Home and Away’ is filmed. You will notice that the sand is dark orange on the Northern Beaches, quite different from anywhere else in Sydney.

There are multiple places that you can stop on the drive up, but I do recommend that you drive all the way up to Palm Beach, and do the easy 3km return trail to Barrenjoey Lighthouse – which overlooks the Pittwater (a large estuary) and the beach.

Follow the hike with a swim at Palm Beach and lunch at Dunes Palm Beach.

Afternoon – Take your Pick!

The world is your oyster in the afternoon – well, the Northern Beaches are. My recommended Sydney Northern Beaches stops include:

• Taking the ferry from Palm Beach across the Pittwater to the Basin in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, where you will hopefully be lucky enough to see Kangaroos
• Check out the shops and beach at hippie Avalon
• Hit up one of the less developed beaches in the Northern Beaches for a swim and a sunbathe – North Curl Curl is my favorite but Whale Beach, Bungan Beach, and Bilgola Beach are also very nice
• Walk some or all of the 7km one-way coastal track from Dee Why to Manly
• Walk around the lagoon in Narrabeen for something a bit different – it is a 7.5km loop
• Drive around the Pittwater side of the Northern Beaches to lovely Clareville and Church Point
• Take the ferry over to Scotland Island – there’s not a lot there but it’s a nice place for a wander
• Stop for a couple of drinks in the sunshine at The Newport, which has incredible views over the Pittwater

Evening – Sydney City Centre

Drop off the rental car, freshen up, then head out for your last dinner in Sydney. If you are feeling a bit fancy, have dinner at Mr Wong for delicious dim sum and mud crab.

There are a number of speakeasy-style bars in Sydney and now is the time to check them out – make sure to make it to at least one. The best are Palmer & Co, Shady Pines Saloon, The Baxter Inn, Grandma’s Bar, Ramblin Rascal Tavern, and The Lobo.

As well as hitting up a speakeasy, don’t miss Blu Bar on 36 in the Shangri-La Hotel – the cocktails are divine and the views are even better.

So there you have it, the Ultimate Guide to 5 days in Sydney – written by a Sydney lover and former local. I hope you find it helpful.

Additional Things To Do in Sydney 

• Head out to the cool suburb of Balmain which is a lovely place to walk around. Relax in one of the waterside parks, swim at Dawn Fraser Baths, and eat at one of the many restaurants along Darling Street.
• Head further into the Inner West – hit up the Marrickville Farmers Market and have some of the best Vietnamese food in Sydney, soak up the brunch culture – my favorite brunch spot is Corelli’s in Newtown, and hit the shops. 
• There are loads of interesting museums in Sydney and if you have the time and inclination – you should definitely squeeze in a visit to at least one. The excellent Powerhouse Museum Sydney is the obvious choice, but I also love the Australian National Maritime Museum, the Australian Museum Sydney, the Museum of Sydney, and the Hyde Park Barracks Museum. If you’re an art lover – don’t miss the Museum of Contemporary Art and the Art Gallery of NSW. Sydney weather can be unpredictable so visiting museums are a great wet weather alternative.
• This itinerary doesn’t even touch on the Eastern Harbour Beaches of Sydney and they are definitely worth a visit. Check out lovely Rose Bay, quiet Milk Beach, and beautiful Shark Beach.
• I have mentioned a few Sydney Walks in this itinerary, but there are so many more to choose from. Check out my post for all the Sydney Walks you can do.
• As well as the pockets of Sydney Harbour National Park that are around the city, if you have the time, you should also check out Royal National Park, just south of Sydney, and Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, north of the city. There are gorgeous beaches and scenic hiking trails.
• There are 13 Sydney Harbour Islands and you can visit around half of them. Cockatoo Island is the most popular choice, and you can even camp there! Fort Dennison is also a great choice if you are into history – it was used as a convict prison during the early days of settlement.
• There are loads of Weekend Markets in Sydney including Bondi, Marrickville, Kirribilli, Glebe, Rozelle, and Paddington. They are usually held on a Saturday or Sunday morning.
• Leafy Woollahra is a quiet suburb that is home to beautiful Victorian-style homes and great cafe culture. Make sure to check out Centennial Park when you are in the area too – there are a number of short trails past the many lakes and majestic trees, and it’s a good spot to check out some of Australia’s native birds. Stick around till sunset to see a whole lot of giant bats flying overhead – it’s a nightly occurrence.
• Redfern used to be a down-and-out part of Sydney when I first lived in the city back in 2005, but it has been largely gentrified since then and now has some of the best eating options in the city.
• If you want a big night out during your Sydney trip, head to the bars along Oxford Street in Darlinghurst. This is the center of Sydney’s LGBTQ scene and it is high energy and so much fun. There is always something going on on Oxford Street!
• A short detour from the Sydney Botanical Gardens is Wooloomooloo, a ritzy part of Sydney with a wharf lined with fine dining restaurants and a stunning harbourside pool – the Andrew (Boy) Charlton Pool. If you want a cheaper option for food – grab a pie with mash and mushy peas from the famous Harry’s Cafe de Wheels.
• Head south to visit chilled-out Cronulla beach and town center. Cronulla has one of the most relaxed vibes of Sydney’s beaches and is a great place to spend a day.
• If you are visiting Sydney in the summer – book tickets to see a movie at an open-air theatre. There are numerous options but I would recommend going to the Westpac OpenAir Cinema in the Botanical Gardens because you have a view over the harbor and opera house.
• There are so many short trips from Sydney too – the Blue Mountains for cute villages and hiking, the Hunter Valley for wine tasting, the Central Coast for chilled-out beaches with no crowds… the list goes on. You can even take organized Blue Mountains and Hunter Valley day tours from Sydney if you want to just sit back and let someone else take control. There are so many cool places to visit near Sydney!
• Check if there are any concerts at the Sydney Opera House while you are visiting Sydney. As well as being one of the most famous Sydney sights, it is an amazing venue and the acoustics are fantastic. Alternatively, you can take a Sydney Opera House tour if you want to see inside.
• Take a look to see what Sydney events coincide with your visit – the What’s on Sydney website is a great resource for this. Vivid Festival of Lights is a great one if you are visiting in spring.

These are just some of the extra fun things to do in Sydney – I could go on for pages more!

Plan Your 5 Days in Sydney Itinerary

How to get around in sydney.

The first thing you should do when arriving in Sydney is to get yourself an Opal Card – you can buy and load money onto them at most train stations and Newsagents.

The Opal Card will cover all public transport in Sydney including the airport train, buses, ferries (except private ones), and trains. You pay as you go and swipe on and off. There are loads of benefits for getting an Opal card. 

I recommend hiring a car if you want to go to multiple places outside the city or the far-reaching corners of the city in one day – it is pretty spread out.

Where To Stay in Sydney

Although it is so nice to stay by the beach, I would recommend you stay close to downtown – particularly The Rocks and Circular Quay – as it is the best base to get around from.

Some great hotel choices include the East Sydney Hotel in Woolloomooloo, Great Southern Hotel Sydney in the CBD, The Ultimo in the CBD, and The Woolstore 1888 by Ovolo in Pyrmont.

If you really want to splurge, I highly recommend the Four Seasons in Circular Quay or the Park Hyatt in the Rocks – they both have pools and are handy for trains, buses, and ferries.

There are a number of hostels around Sydney but I have heard really good things about one in particular –   the Sydney Harbour YHA Hostel in The Rocks . The location is perfection and there is even a harbor-view rooftop.

Alternatively, look for vacation rentals in Paddington, Darlinghurst, Pyrmont, CBD, Surry Hills areas – as these are all pretty central. Here are my picks for the most affordable, centrally located, and highly rated rentals:

• Inner City Old Dairy Loft
• Studio Garden Cottage in Balmain
• Quiet Studio Close to Beach in Mosman
• Two Bedroom Suite in Historic Heritage Building in Heart of CBD
• Bright and Sunny Paddington Apartment

Here is an excellent list of luxury Airbnbs in Sydney if you want to treat yourself.

If you really want to be by the beach, go for Bondi or Coogee – these have the best transport links of the beaches, with a train line at Bondi Junction, as well as regular buses.

My favorite place to stay in the area on a budget is the PodBed Coogee Beachside which is very affordable for a pod in a dorm or for a private room and has an excellent location on Coogee Bay Road.

For a budget option in Bondi, stay at Wake Up! Bondi Beach – it has great reviews and is right on the beach. The best hotels and bed and breakfasts in Bondi are Bondi Beach House Bed & Breakfast , and QT Bondi Condo Hotel .

The best vacation rentals in Bondi and nearby Coogee are:

• One-Bedroom Apartment With Lap Pool Near Coogee
• Contemporary Secluded Studio in North Bondi
• Tiny House Studio Apartment With Sea Views
• Sunny Bondi Studio  With Garage, Balcony and Pool

The Best Insurance for Your Sydney Trip

Make sure you get travel and health insurance before your trip.  Safety Wing is my go-to and they are cheap and easy to claim with – it auto-renews every month unless you turn it off so you don’t have to think about it for longer trips

Safety Wing also allows you to sign up when you are already traveling, unlike a lot of other travel insurance providers.

So, have I convinced you to visit Sydney? Have you got any other places in Sydney to add to my 5 days in Sydney Itinerary?

Check out my other Sydney posts for more Sydney inspiration!

• The Best Walks in Sydney
• Ultimate Bucket List for a Summer in Sydney
• Sydney Walks: Manly to Spit Walk
• A Beach Bum’s Guide to the Eastern Suburbs Beaches in Sydney
• 30 Reasons Why I Love Sydney
• The Best Long Weekend Blue Mountains Itinerary
• What It’s Like to be a Penguin Warden in Sydney

13 Comments on The Ultimate 5 Days in Sydney Itinerary

You didn’t talk bout the zoos. I know there are 2. Would you recommend one over the other, or go to both if time allows. We have been in Sydney before and did checkout the beaches so don’t need to do that again,

Hi Jan, I personally don’t think zoos are ethical so I didn’t include the zoo in Sydney in my itinerary.

Thank you, a great guide!

Thanks for the very nice write-up about Sydney. We will be traveling to Sydney in November. Staying for 6 days. Variation in age is large from 1 year 6 months to 75 years. Long walks or museum visits are not possible. We will be staying in Bundeena in an Airbnb. My list is Sydney harbor/ferry trip, Sydney zoo, and the Blue Mountains. I will highly appreciate it if you suggest some more places. We will rent a car.

Definitely check out the Botanic Gardens, the opera house and the Rocks. You should visit one or more of the Sydney beaches too – Coogee, Balmoral and Manly are my favorites and take the ferry to Watsons Bay to eat fish and chips at Doyle’s.

Great sydney itinerary! Thanks for sharing

Thanks very much, I love that city.

Just had a read of your blog. It is a good wrap up of Sydney. I liked the bit about the penguins under the wharf. I would probably add something about the other animals that can be seen in Sydney. There are wildlife sanctuaries as well as small enclaves with wild animals.

Thanks Bruce, I never went to any wildlife sanctuaries in Sydney but I did see wild kangaroos at the Basin. I will have to look into visiting some next time I am there.

With this guide, everyone planning to visit Sydney will definitely enjoy their vacation to the fullest.

Thanks Faye! I spent a lot of time researching it (17 months in fact) 🙂

I am fired up and excited after reading your suggested itinerary in Sydney and thereabouts. Just looking at your photos makes me even more enthusiastic about this bucket list trip down under. They are beautiful! You did a great job of laying it all out—location, transportation, costs, etc. I could follow this itinerary like a map! Can’t wait to put it all into action!! Thanks!

Thanks very much Sandra! Sydney is one of my favorite cities and somewhere I spent a lot of time exploring so I really hope you enjoy your time there.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Wanderlust Travel & Photos

Seeing the world one trip at a time.

• Work With Me
• Travel Journal
• Privacy Policy
• Browse by Continent
• Thailand Travel
• Australia Travel
• Peru Travel
• Browse by Region
• East North Central
• East South Central
• Mid-Atlantic
• New England
• South Atlantic
• West North Central
• West South Central
• Central America
• North America
• South America
• Travel Vlog
• Instagram Photos

The Ultimate Sydney, Australia Travel Guide

LAST UPDATED – 2/16/24 – Sydney, Australia Travel Guide

Established in 1842, and now the capital city of the Australian state of New South Wales, Sydney is the largest city in Australia by both population and size.  While its size is impressive, the city is as busy as it is big, with roughly 10 million domestic visitors and 4 million international visitors coming to Sydney each year. 

With over 200 beautiful beaches, ranging from a few feet in size to several kilometers long, it is no wonder that Sydney attracts so many people from around Australia and the rest of the world.   In addition to the beautiful beaches, the amazing Sydney Harbour Bridge and Sydney Opera House are a few of the other popular tourist draws in the city. 

In case you aren’t familiar with the Sydney Harbour Bridge, it is the tallest steel arch bridge and the widest long-span bridge in the entire world.  Truly, it is spectacular to see in person and even more breathtaking if you take the time to climb it.  As for the Sydney Opera House, although it was estimated to cost $7 million to build, the actual cost of construction ran closer to $102 million when the building was completed. 

Sydney is One of the World’s Top Tourist Destinations

Today, it hosts over 3,000 events each year, and over 200,000 visitors to the city tour its beautiful theatres.  If you love to eat when you travel, then you will also not be disappointed when you visit Sydney.  The city has some of the best cuisines in Australia and its fish market is the third largest in the world.  Whatever attracts you to this amazing city, there is a wonderful adventure in store for you when you get there.

In this Sydney, Australia travel guide, I am going to give you all of the information you need to plan a successful trip to Sydney, Australia.  I cover the best times to visit and the best ways to get there so that you can maximize what you can see and do on your trip.  In addition, I outline the top things to see and do while you are there and where the best places to stay and eat are.  With this information in hand, you can be confident that your trip to Sydney will be one that you remember for the rest of your life.

Sydney, Australia Guide Navigation Menu

At a glance.

Before you start making any travel plans, you need to be sure you meet the country’s entrance requirements. This includes all of the passport, VISA, and immunization requirements for Australia. 

In addition, you need to make sure you have a clear understanding of what languages they speak in Australia. This way, you can plan any translation needs you may have. Not only that, but you will need to know what currency they use in Australia. Knowing this, you can plan to exchange currency before your trip if necessary.

I have included some of this key information in my Sydney, Australia travel guide below for you to review as you start to make your travel plans.

Passport, VISA, and Immunization Requirements

Before you start planning your trip to Australia, you need to make sure that you have all of the entrance requirements covered.  To help make sure you are prepared to travel to Australia, I have included a link to my Australian Passport, VISA, Customs, and Immunization Requirements Guide below for you to review.  Once you have all of these requirements taken care of, then you can start to make your travel arrangements.

Packing Tips

Outside of knowing the entry and immunization requirements, there is no pre-travel task more important than packing. Don’t worry, I am here to make sure you are packed and prepared for your trip. I have included links to my packing resources in my Sydney, Australia travel guide below for you to review.

Top Things to See and Do in Sydney, Australia

One thing that the city of Sydney is definitely not in short supply of is fun and amazing things to see and do.  Whether you are looking to spend the day at the beach, tour some of the city’s infamous structures, get your adrenaline pumping on a bridge climb or at an amusement park, or are just looking to take a nice relaxing cruise around Darling Harbour, there is something to interest travelers of all types. 

If you are starting to put together your itinerary and would like some suggestions on what to see and do, I have included a list of my top things to see and do in Sydney for you to review in my Sydney, Australia travel guide below.

View Larger Map

See a show at the Sydney Opera House

One of the top tourist attractions in the city of Sydney is undoubtedly the Sydney Opera House .  If you are near Darling Harbor, it is really hard to miss.  The beautifully shaped building is one of the most famous opera houses in the world.  Over 200 million visitors a year take a tour of the opera house to get a behind-the-scenes look at this amazing structure. 

If you are visiting Sydney and have the time, I would absolutely recommend taking a tour.  Even better, if you have the time and can afford it, I would recommend catching a show at the opera house.  The experience is something that you will never forget!

Visit Bondi Beach

With over 100 beaches around the city of Sydney, it is safe to say that the residents of Sydney (and Australians in general) really love their beaches.  While there are a lot of great beaches for visitors to choose from, one of the most infamous beaches in Sydney is undoubtedly Bondi Beach. 

In addition to being one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, it is also a fantastic place for surfing and other water sports.  Every day, you will see plenty of people in the crystal blue water enjoying themselves.  In between catching some sun and surfing, there is also a wide array of restaurants and shops near Bondi Beach for you to enjoy.

One of my favorite things to do around Bondi Beach is to enjoy the Bondi to Coogee Beach Walk.  This cliff-top coastal walk provides you with some spectacular views of beaches, rock pools, and ocean-side cliffs. 

The entire walk is roughly 3.7 miles (or 6 kilometers) long and takes roughly 2 hours for the average walker to complete.  On a beautiful sunny day, I cannot think of a better way to relax and enjoy the beauty of the coastline around Sydney.

Climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge

Nicknamed “the Coat Hanger” by locals, the Sydney Harbour Bridge is the tallest steel arch bridge and the widest long-span bridge in the entire world.  In addition to being one of the largest bridges in the world, it is also one of the world’s prettiest bridges.  However, what many people don’t know is that the grey color chosen to paint the bridge wasn’t exactly chosen by choice. 

In actuality, it was the only color of paint that the designers could acquire in enough volume to paint the bridge, which is why the color was chosen.  Regardless of how it was chosen, the bridge has become an iconic landmark in Sydney and something that you absolutely must experience when you visit.

The Bridge Climb is a Great Way to See the Bridge and the City

If you are up for the challenge, one of the best ways to experience the bridge is to climb it.  The Sydney Bridge Climb Experience is one of Sydney’s top adventure excursions, not only because of the thrill of getting to climb this iconic landmark but because the views of Sydney from the top of the bridge are out of this world. 

On the tour, you will be strapped into a safety cable and led up a combination of stairs and ladders until you get to the top of the bridge.  In all, you will climb 1332 stairs on your way to the top of the bridge, which is an amazing workout.

If you aren’t up for climbing the bridge but would still like to experience the beauty of the bridge and get some fantastic photographs of Sydney, I would recommend visiting the Sydney Harbour Bridge Pylon Lookout .  You will need to pay a small fee to climb to the top of the pylon, but the views from the top are wonderful. 

Not only will you get some great views of Sydney, but you get some great views of the bridge itself.  In case you are looking for the Sydney Bridge Climb headquarters or the Pylon Lookout during your visit to Sydney, I have included a map for you to review below.

Walk Through the Royal Botanical Gardens

One of the prettier areas near Darling Harbour is the Royal Botanical Gardens.  Not only are the gardens situated in one of the most beautiful areas around the harbor, with breathtaking views of the Sydney Opera House, the Sydney Harbour Bridge, and the downtown area, but the beautiful canopies, stunning flower arrangements, and peaceful expanses of green lawn in the gardens make the views even more beautiful. 

The gardens showcase a breathtaking array of oriental gardens, exotic plants, lovely flowers, and native and exotic trees.  One of my favorite spots in the gardens is Mrs. Macquarie’s Chair, which is a big rock carved into the shape of a seat.  It marks the spot where it is rumored that the governor’s wife would sit to watch the ships come into the harbor. 

Today it is one of the best places to take pictures of the opera house and the bridge. If you would like to visit this spot, I have marked it on the map in my Sydney, Australia travel guide below for you to reference.

Get Some Thrills at Luna Park

If you look across to the other side of Darling Harbor from the Sydney Opera House, you might notice a large, spooky face with its mouth wide open.  Don’t fear, it’s not the set of an 80’s horror film, it is Sydney’s beloved theme park, Luna Park. 

Located right on the water across from Darling Harbor, and with some of the most breathtaking views of the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge, Luna Park is a great place to go when you are looking for some fun and excitement in between city tours, a show at the Opera House, and restaurant reservations. 

Inside the park, you will find plenty of fun rides and games such as a Ferris wheel and the Tango Train for both kids and adults to enjoy.  The park is open year-round, so it is a great addition to your itinerary no matter when you decide to visit Sydney.

Take a Circular Quay and Darling Harbour Cruise

While the views of Darling Harbour and Circular Quay are beautiful from the shoreline, they are even more pretty from out on the water.  If you want to get a better look at Sydney and are looking for a unique way to explore the iconic city, then I would suggest booking a harbor cruise.  From lunch and dinner cruises, and coffee and dessert cruises, to simple sight-seeing-only cruises, there are a variety of harbor cruises for you to choose from. 

Typically, the boat rides take you out of Darling Harbour and out towards Manly Beach and then back.  Not only do you get wonderful views of the Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge, but you are also able to see some of Sydney’s most iconic beaches from out on the water.  This was definitely one of my favorite experiences in Sydney and something I would recommend for all travelers to the city.

Check Out the SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium

The city of Sydney has the deepest natural harbor in the entire world with 504,000 megaliters of water filling the space.  To put that into perspective, one mega liter is equal to roughly 264,172 US gallons.  That is a lot of water.  In that water is some of the most amazing wildlife that you will see in the world. 

Sharks, sea lions, and an incredible array of fish and other marine plants and animals.  If you would like to see some of the wildlife that is native to the Sydney area, a great way to do so is to visit the SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium . 

Here, you can see and learn about some of the breathtaking wildlife that is found in the waters of Australia.  It is a great way to spend an afternoon in Sydney with kids and one of the best things to do in the city if the weather is bad.

Visit the Famous Taronga Zoo

If you are an animal lover, then you are not going to want to miss a visit to the infamous Taronga Zoo while you are visiting Sydney.  Located in Mosman across Darling Harbour from the Sydney Opera House, not only is the zoo located in one of the most beautiful locations you could possibly imagine for a zoo, but the zoo itself offers a breathtaking diversity of wildlife for visitors to see. 

The zoo is constantly enhancing its animal exhibits to improve the welfare of the animals and enhance the viewing experience of visitors.  In addition to being the location of Australia’s first live elephant birth and home to some of the few remaining Sumatran tigers, you will also find a wide variety of wildlife that is native to Australia in the zoo. 

In fact, the zoo’s kangaroos and wallabies are allowed to roam the zoo freely, so there is no telling when you will bump into them.  If you are traveling with kids, visiting the zoo is a must as they will love it.  However, even if you aren’t with kids, a stop at the Taronga Zoo is a great addition to any Sydney travel itinerary.

Grab a Bite to Eat in the Rocks Neighborhood

When you are ready for a break from sightseeing in Sydney, I would strongly suggest taking a stroll through one of Sydney’s oldest and most beautiful neighborhoods to do a little shopping and get a bite to eat. 

With pretty cobblestone streets, plenty of history, and a countless number of delightful restaurants, cafes, and shops, the Rocks neighborhood of Sydney is one of the most popular locations in the city for both tourists and locals.  If you visit on the weekend, you will also find fun artisan markets in the neighborhood to explore as well. 

However, one of my favorite things about the Rocks neighborhood is all of the amazing restaurants, bars, and cafes to enjoy. If you are looking for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, there are plenty of top-notch restaurants in the Rocks to enjoy.  If you are looking for some restaurant recommendations, I have included several highly recommended options for you to review in the Where to Eat in Sydney, Australia section in my Sydney, Australia travel guide below.

Check Out Manly Beach

Despite having a reputation for being too far away from the city to fit into most traveler’s action-packed vacation itineraries, Manly Beach is actually only a 30-minute ferry ride away from downtown Sydney.  Located on the northern edge of Sydney, Manly Beach isn’t typically as busy as beaches closer to the city center like Bondi and Coogee Beaches. 

This is one of the things that is most attractive about Manly Beach because you aren’t dealing with the large crowds that you might encounter at the other beaches.  Many would say that the laid-back surf vibe of Manly Beach is much closer to the authentic Australian beach experience for that very reason. 

In addition to the 10 beaches in the area, there are also plenty of walking trails and water activities to enjoy.  These include snorkeling, surfing, boating, and even cliff jumping if you are up for it.  So, if you want to get away from the hustle-and-bustle of Sydney for a day, I can think of few better ways than a day trip to Manly Beach.

Enjoy the Grounds of Alexandria Markets

If you are looking for an interesting and memorable shopping experience while in Sydney, then the Grounds of Alexandria Markets are exactly what you are looking for.  In addition to having several interesting shops that you can browse through; the grounds are set up with many interesting and beautiful areas that have become famous Instagram photo spots (like the one you see above).  You will find everything from old cars, and holiday displays with lights, to fountains to look at, photograph, and enjoy.

Photograph Sydney’s Rainbow Crossing

When the original rainbow crossing at Oxford Street was painted over in the middle of the night (allegedly for safety reasons), it sparked quite a bit of community protest.  In early 2019, a new Rainbow Crossing (which is pictured above) was painted at the intersection of Bourke and Campbell Streets in Surry Hills. 

This symbol of equality attracts quite a few tourists who visit Sydney each year and is a popular Instagram photo spot for visitors.  When the new rainbow intersection was painted in early 2019 it was said that its long-term future would be evaluated after 6 months.  So far it is still there, but I would check to ensure it hasn’t moved again before you visit Sydney.

Snap Some Photographs from Observatory Hill

As a travel photographer, I am always looking for amazing photography locations when I travel.  When I was doing my research for photo spots in Sydney , one of the locations that I was most excited about photographing was Observatory Hill.

How to Get to Sydney, Australia

Much like the United States, the country of Australia is incredibly large.  Unless you have a whole lot of time to explore, it will take you quite some time to drive from one part of the country to another.  If you have the time to do that on your trip, that is fantastic.  Taking a long road trip across Australia would be an absolutely epic adventure! 

However, chances are that you have a limited amount of time to explore this beautiful country.  If you are visiting Sydney from outside Australia or from another location within the country, the easiest way to get to Sydney is by airplane.  If you are visiting from elsewhere in Australia or plan to travel elsewhere in the country after you visit Sydney, I have included a map below with the airports and flight times for other destinations in Australia for you to review in my Sydney, Australia travel guide below.

The Sydney International Airport (SYD) is conveniently located near the city and there are plenty of transportation options that you can take advantage of to get you to your hotel from there.  When we visited, we booked a round-trip shuttle service that couldn’t have been more convenient.  They dropped us off at our hotel and we were able to schedule our return trip to the airport in advance, so we knew exactly where to be and when well in advance.

Best Times to Visit Sydney, Australia

Average Temperature (°F)

If you are planning on visiting Sydney to see some of the city’s amazing beaches and you are looking for the warmest weather when you visit, then you will definitely want to target the summer months of December through February. 

However, these also tend to be the busiest tourism months in Sydney, so you will most likely have to contend with crowded beaches and higher hotel and hostel rates.  Instead, I would target the shoulder months of November and March when the weather is still quite warm, but the crowds aren’t so large, and the accommodations aren’t so pricey.

Average Precipitation (Inches)

If you are hoping to enjoy a lot of sunshine when you visit Sydney, then you will undoubtedly want to target the spring and early summer months of August through December.  These tend to be the driest months in the city with the lowest average rainfall. 

On the contrary, the autumn and winter months of March through July tend to be the wettest in Sydney, so be prepared to deal with some rain if you plan your trip during these months.  March through May are especially wet in Sydney, with the highest average rainfall occurring during these months of the year.

Where to Stay in Sydney, Australia

An important decision you need to make when planning your trip to Sydney is where you will stay.  When you travel, the accommodations you choose are oftentimes amongst the biggest expenditures for your trip. 

So, not only do you need to be comfortable, but you need to be able to afford to stay there.  Finding the right accommodations for your trip involves looking at the amenities, the location, and most importantly, the price. 

If you are starting to plan your trip to Sydney, you may be looking for some hotel and hostel suggestions. I included some great options at different price points in my Sydney, Australia travel guide below. As always, don’t be afraid to expand your search to room-sharing sites such as  Airbnb  or  VRBO  if you aren’t finding a hotel or hostel that meets your needs.

Where to Eat in Sydney, Australia

When most people plan a trip, the primary focus is on how to get there, where to stay, and what is on the list of things to see and do. What many travelers neglect to plan, is where to eat when you are there.

Granted, it is sometimes fun to be spontaneous when choosing a restaurant while traveling, and it is always smart to get recommendations when you arrive. However, it can also be advantageous to have some ideas of restaurants you would like to try during your trip written down beforehand as well.

This way you can be assured that you won’t miss out on a highly recommended culinary experience that you will regret. To help you decide on some restaurants in Sydney to add to your list, I have included a list of some highly recommended options for you to review in my Sydney, Australia travel guide below.

Recommended Tours in Sydney, Australia

There is an abundance of amazing things to see and do in the Sydney area and one of the best ways to experience those things is on a tour.  If you are looking for fun tours and excursions to fill out your trip, I have included some category links to recommended tours and excursions you can review in my Sydney, Australia travel guide below.

Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb Tour Website

Sydney, Australia Photo Gallery

Sydney is an absolutely breathtaking city with a wealth of amazing things to see and photograph.  If you would like to see some of the fantastic photos that I was able to take during my visit, I have included a gallery for you to review in my Sydney, Australia travel guide below.

If you would like to see more of my travel photography, I would also encourage you to give me a follow on Instagram . Putting this blog together to pass on my free guides, itineraries, and travel photography tips is a lot of work and your support in the form of a follow-on Instagram would be so very much appreciated!

Don’t Forget to Subscribe to My Adventures!

Type your email…

Let Me Help You Save On Your Next Adventure!

‘start exploring today’ merchandise available now.

Published by Josh Hewitt

Avid traveler and photographer who loves to see new places, meet new people, and experience new things. There is so much this world can teach us, we just need to explore! View all posts by Josh Hewitt

Related Articles

My Brazil, Argentina, and Uruguay Trip Planning: An Early Look

Brazil Entrance Requirements: What to Know Before Traveling

Plan Your Perfect Trip with this Zaragoza, Spain Travel Guide

8 comments ›.

Great post some great info

Thank you so much for the kind words!! 😀

Thank you!! 😄

A sure lot seems to be happening around that harbour and I’m a big fan of the Sydney Opera House. First, it has an interesting tale of how the initial designer abandoned the project and second, it’s an awesome prop for movies staged in the area. Love it, love it, love it!

Absolutely!!! I am a huge fan of the opera house too!!!

Ooh. Free-roaming kangaroos. That’s my kind of zoo! I hope to be able to put this excellent information to use some day!

Pretty amazing!! We got to feed some kangaroos and they are amazing animals!! 😀👍

My pleasure Josh.

Thanks so much for the kind words Carl!! Glad you found it helpful!!

Thanks so much for the kind words John! I am glad you found it helpful!!

Thank you so much for the kind words!

Discover more from Wanderlust Travel & Photos

Subscribe now to keep reading and get access to the full archive.

Continue reading

Subscribe To My Adventures!

No products in the basket.

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,

Did you find this post helpful? I’d love you to share it for me.

I can’t do this without you.

Pin and save this blog post for later…

IT’S LOVELY TO MEET YOU

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!

Shop the google map legends

Search by adventure type, active travel, backpacking, budget travel, love and relationships, once in a lifetime, packing tips, solo travel, weekend getaways, where's mollie newsletter, travel shop, search by destination, other posts that you may like....

Sailing The Whitsundays On Board The Condor

The best places to visit in Northern Ireland

Backpacking Thailand – Tips, Tricks and Planning Your Trip… | VIDEO

WMGT Shropshire: The Christmas Getaway

A 2-week Norway road trip itinerary

RECIPE: Thai sweet potato and carrot soup

A weekend skiing in La Plagne, France

A guide to Sanur, Bali

10 essential vehicle checks before a road trip

Privacy overview.

The Ultimate Travel Guide to Sydney, Australia

THIS POST MAY CONTAIN COMPENSATED LINKS. FIND MORE INFO IN MY DISCLAIMER.

Home » The Ultimate Travel Guide to Sydney, Australia

So you finally took the plunge and decided to make the trek to the land down under, and chances are you’ve flown into beautiful Sydney.

At five million residents, Sydney is Australia’s largest city so no doubt you’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to where to stay, what to eat, how to travel, and what things to do!

Don’t worry though this quick and easy travel guide to Sydney will take you through my recommendations!

Travel Guide To Sydney, Australia

Where to Stay in Sydney

Sydney CBD is best for those who want to be in the middle of the city, and don’t mind the flocks of men and women in suits rushing around during peak hours.

Probably reserved for people visiting on business, the Sydney CBD is also within walking distance of various landmarks like the Opera House, Pitt Street Mall, and the Rocks.

You will find plenty of beautiful and luxurious hotels in the CBD.  Click here to see some stunning 5-star luxurious hotels in Sydney .

The Rocks are best for those that want to be very close to the harbour and have a picture-perfect view of Sydney Harbour, the Opera House, and the Harbour Bridge. You’ll be very close to all the main city attractions in Sydney.

You can check out the best hotels near the Sydney Opera House here.

In the Rocks, you’ll find that hotels are on the pricier and nicer side.  Click here to see our favourite hotels in the Rocks district .

Central Station is best for those looking for the convenience of travel.

As the name suggests, Central Station is pretty much the transport epicentre of Sydney, with all train lines passing through it, making it very easy to travel to and from the city and beyond.

You’ll find accommodation from backpackers’ hostels to mid-range hotels in this area.  Click here to see popular hotels in the Circular Quay area .

Newtown is one of the more lively parts of Sydney to stay in, with boutique shops, a wide array of eateries, and craft breweries.

If you’re looking for a suburb with fun and colourful characters, no shortage of places to eat and drink, and loud streets, Newtown is the best pick for you.

How to Travel in Sydney

The best way to travel around Sydney is via the public transport system.

Sydney is very easily connected by train lines and bus routes, so you’ll find that it’s far easier to catch public transport than to hire a car.

Additionally, hiring a car is relatively expensive in Sydney, and timed parking is expensive and limited in touristy areas like Bondi Beach, and Circular Quay.

If you’re planning to go anywhere via public transport I would recommend using Transport NSW’s Trip Planner .

Took the train from the airport to The Rocks – Easy!

However, if you’re planning to go beyond the city and do a day trip to the Northern Beaches, the Blue Mountains, or even Sydney to Melbourne, hiring a car is definitely best for you! Rather than fly or take public transport, why not take in the stunning views of New South Wales with a road trip ?

Where to Eat in Sydney City

If you’ve done any research on what Australians like to drink, the top of the list is undoubtedly COFFEE, Sydneysiders love their coffee and know how to damn well make a fantastic coffee. If you fancy yourself a bit of a coffee enthusiast I would recommend stopping by Single O in Surry Hills.

The café house roasts its coffee and features exotic blends. If you’re looking for the Australian experience, order the Aussie favourite – a flat white. Also lucky you, Single O is located in Surry Hills, one of Sydney’s best brunch areas .

There is no shortage of fun cafes in Sydney, Speedo’s is a photogenic spot for brunch on Bondi Beach. Celsius is another, based on a ferry wharf that overlooks the harbor. Both feature on the most Instagrammable cafes in Sydney list.

After a long day of exploring the city no doubt, you’ll want to dig into a fantastic dinner. Chippendale’s Spice Alley features 7 cuisines from South East Asia and offers street food vibes with stalls for each cuisine, and lanterns hung above the alleyway.

If you’re looking for a dinner with a view, travel up to 360 Bar and Dining where you’ll be 300 meters high, eating fantastic contemporary Australian cuisine, with panoramic views of Sydney.

If you’re looking for suburbs with great food, try Surry Hills, Newtown, Barangaroo, Rushcutters Bay, and Chinatown.

What to do in Sydney

Sydney is well known for 3 main landmarks; the Sydney Harbour Bridge, the Opera House and the historic The Rocks district .

There is no doubt that the Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb is a stunning and once-in-a-lifetime experience, but for most this is a pricey activity costing around $300AUD.

However, not many people know that you can actually walk across the harbour bridge via the pedestrian walkway. You’ll still be able to get a stunning view of Sydney Harbour, and at no cost!

Also, make sure you enjoy a stroll to get up close to the Opera House.

If you want to get on Sydney’s waters, but don’t have the funds to hire a boat for the day, take the ferry from Circular Quay!

This 30-minute ferry ride is beautifully scenic and takes you to the beautiful beach of Manly known for its chilled vibes and bustling promenade.  Makes sure to also grab a ferry and visit Darling Harbour , which is especially fabulous when you have kids in tow!

If you’re an art fanatic, you’ll definitely want to check out Sydney’s various museums and galleries. For a contemporary look at Australia, try the Museum of Contemporary Art .

For historical paintings from Colonial Australia, Aboriginal art, and contemporary art visit the Art Gallery of New South Wales .

And last but not least, visit the beaches! I know Sydney (and maybe even Australia) is known for the infamous Bondi Beach, but there are so many more that are just as beautiful but don’t draw the same big tourist crowds.

If you want the beach views check out the Bondi to Coogee Walk , and stop by Bronte Beach for brunch.

Other beaches you’ll want to check out our Milk Beach, Watson’s Bay, and Manly Beach. Click here to read about the best beaches to visit in NSW .

Of course, you can’t miss out on visiting the sensational Blue Mountains on a day trip .

There are plenty of tour companies that will take you out to the mountains or alternatively, you can simply catch the train that takes you from Sydney city to the mountains and explore it at your own pace.

Where to find a great working space in Sydney?

Are you are looking to make a move to Sydney and wanting to find a suitable place to set up your business?

Do you want to work in one of the most culturally active cities in Australia and in the heart of the city’s CBD, then you came to the right place.

Whether you are searching for new office space in a shared building or if you are after a more private setup, you will be able to find it all at the Coworking Space Sydney.

So there you have it, an Australian’s guide to Sydney. You’ll get to travel Australia just like a true local, eating what we eat, and hanging out where we hang out! If you have a bit more time, take the time to check out what else NSW has got to offer, there is so much more to this beautiful state than just Sydney!

Jolene Ejmont

7 thoughts on “the ultimate travel guide to sydney, australia”.

Great article! We decided to fly Australia two years ago and we don not regret. It was the best decision in our life. We can practice our English language, visit new places and have much more sun then in Poland 🙂 .

Yes, Andrzej is from Poland and he loves it here because the weather is so great!! 🙂 We are visiting Poland in a few months though, can’t wait! Thanks for your comment.

great article, I am going Australia in next year. i heard one of the most beautiful place. I will be going there is Vivid Sydney Festival

Hi Thakur, you will definitely love it!

Fantastic guide! I have had plenty of trips to Sydney and stayed at Rydges World Square Hotel a couple of times and that was really good. Great location. Just wish I had a guide like this prior to heading there! Better late than never so well done!

Hi David, Thank you for the comment, glad you like what we do.

Thanks Tooba!

Comments are closed.

2024 - Wanderlust Storytellers. All Rights Reserved.

About Us  |  Contact Us  | Work with Us  |  Privacy Policy  |  Disclaimer

* Disclaimer: Wanderluststorytellers.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com and other Amazon sites.

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!

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Currently you have JavaScript disabled. In order to post comments, please make sure JavaScript and Cookies are enabled, and reload the page. Click here for instructions on how to enable JavaScript in your browser.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

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?

Some of the main rules to follow in Sydney include being respectful of other cultures, not littering, and not smoking in public places. Additionally, it's important to be aware of your surroundings and not leave your belongings unguarded in busy areas. Finally, make sure to follow all posted signs and obey any other rules that may be in place in specific locations.

What are the best places to eat in Sydney?

The best places to eat at in Sydney really depend on your budget and what you're in the mood for. If you're looking for cheap eats, then there are plenty of great options available. However, if you're willing to spend a bit more, then you'll be able to find some truly amazing restaurants. Some of our personal favorites include Mister Gee Burger Truck, Momofuku Seiobo, and Sepia.

All Sydney Guides

Experiences

Taronga Zoo Sydney

SEA Life Sydney Aquarium

Vivid Sydney

Sydney Harbour BridgeClimb

Sydney Skydive

Sydney Tower Eye

WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo

Whale Watching In Sydney

Featherdale Wildlife Park

Opera House Shows

West Side Story

La Traviata

Best Sydney Opera House Shows

Sydney Opera House Tour

Sydney Opera House Seating Plan

Joan Sutherland Seating Plan

Concert Hall Seating Plan

Drama Theatre Seating Plan

Playhouse Seating Plan

Sydney Cruises

Sydney Harbour Dinner Cruises

Hunter Valley Tour

Hunter Valley Gardens

Blue Mountains

Bondi Beach Tours

Sydney Itineraries

2-Day in Sydney Itinerary

Sydney Toolkit

Sydney New Year's Eve Guide

Sydney Travel Restrictions

Best Time to Visit

Sydney Fireworks

Sydney Through the Year

See more Sydney. Save more money.

Save AU$10 on your first booking with Headout when you use promo code GOAUS

EXPLORE NOW

Born and brought up in Bengaluru, Preetha is an introvert living amidst the toil of the metro, chasing her dreams. She is a movie buff, a bibliophile and is fond of old school music. She has an eye for aesthetics and can draw and paint as good as a ten-year-old. She has been passionate about writing since her teen years and is currently exploring herself and the world, one word at a time.

Be a smart traveler

The first to know about trending destinations, travel deals, tips and all things travel.

5-Day Sydney, Australia Itinerary: First-Time Guide

Plan a Trip to Sydney: Sydney Itinerary for First Timer’s

Australia is a beautiful country that must be added to your bucket list. During your first trip to this fascinating country, you must add 5 days in Sydney to your itinerary!

Located in the state of New South Wales , a lot of people confuse Sydney as being the capital of Australia, but it isn’t. It’s actually Canberra! Sydney is the country’s largest city and holds Australia’s most iconic landmarks and buildings. It’s also famous for its beautiful beaches, which include Bondi Beach, Manly Beach and over 100 other coastal spots.

Sydney is also one of the most popular places to visit in Australia due to its large international airport hub, world-famous harbour, thriving art scene and culture, renowned dining spots and access to the Blue Mountains and Hunter Valley Wine Region.

I traveled to Australia for a month, from mid-March to mid-April in 2023. I started and ended my Australia trip in Sydney, New South Wales . Discover the best 5-day itinerary for a first-time visit in this Sydney travel blog .

**Please note that this blog post uses affiliate links meaning that if you make a purchase via my affiliate link, I receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. I only promote and talk about products and services that I have used and like. While in Sydney, Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel Sydney  hosted me for three nights.

Pin the Below Image to Keep Handy

Traveling to Sydney, Australia for the First Time:

Even though it’s a long journey due to being a secluded country on the opposite side of the world, Sydney, Australia is easy to get to. Most large international airports have direct flights to Sydney International Airport .

Please note that most direct flights to Sydney are expensive, so be open to having a flight with a layover. I flew from Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey to Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport with a layover in Vancouver, Canada. You can find affordable flights through Skyscanner .

I did my monthlong Australia trip solo and chose to stick with public transportation to get around via affordable flights through Jetstar and by the Greyhound Bus . If you decide to rent a car in Australia, please note that all vehicles and road rules are opposite to the USA. Since I’ve never driven on the opposite side of the road, I didn’t feel comfortable trying it alone.

What’s great about visiting Sydney is that there’s an efficient public transit network run by Opal . Whether you take the train/tram, bus or ferry to get around the city, buying an Opal card and loading it with money to travel to different neighborhoods in Sydney is best. It’s most useful to do it when you arrive at the airport so that you can take the train from there to downtown.

Other ways to get around Sydney are by taxi, rideshare ( Uber runs in Australia), bike and foot.

*Please note that you will need a visa to travel to Australia from the USA. I recommend doing this at least a month before your trip, just in case of mishaps. The tourist visa is valid for 90 days, which is around three months and can be used anytime for up to a year.

It’s easy to apply for an Australian Visa! You must download the Australian ETA app and fill out the application. Visa processing usually takes around 24 hours, but I got mine within 10 minutes.

You can apply for a working, study, family, etc. visa if you plan to stay in Australia longer. Learn more about the different Australian visa options .

Where to Stay for 5 Days in Sydney:

The best hotel to stay at during your first time in Sydney, Australia is Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel in the heart of Sydney’s CBD (Central Business District). It’s a five-star hotel situated in a heritage-listed building. In fact, it looks like NYC’s iconic Flatiron building!

Before becoming a hotel, the building that Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel Sydney is situated in was once home to the Fairfax Newspaper and Bank of New South Wales . This luxury, five-star hotel is excellent for business travelers, vacationers and families.

Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel Sydney is not far from Sydney’s Light Rail , Sydney Harbour Bridge , Sydney Opera House , The Rocks, the Royal Botanic Gardens of Sydney , the Queen Victoria Building , Darling Harbour and many of Sydney’s best restaurants.

Below is why you should book Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel Sydney during your 5-day Sydney itinerary:

Staying at Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel Sydney :

Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel Sydney has 338 rooms and 26 suites, including blue and gray tones for a soothing vibe, marble bathrooms and modern amenities.

During my stay at Radisson Blu Sydney , I enjoyed the Superior Room, which included a comfortable king bed, high ceilings, full-length windows for natural lighting and a spacious bathroom. I loved the views of the city, cozy bathrobes, high-speed WiFi and bath products.

The other rooms and suites you can book at Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel Sydney are the Standard Room – Atrium View, Superior Twin Room, High Floor Deluxe Room – Balcony, High Floor Deluxe King Room – Street View, Business Class Room, Studio Spa Suite, One Bedroom Spa Suite and Executive Suite.

Amenities at Radisson Blu Sydney :

In addition to the beautiful rooms at Radisson Blu , there are also excellent restaurants to enjoy at this luxurious hotel.

One of my favorite ways to start the day was by enjoying a mouthwatering buffet breakfast at The Lady Fairfax Room . Everything was tasty, from the flaky croissants to the smoked salmon and the fresh fruit to the coffee. This space also hosts afternoon high tea on Mondays to Wednesdays from 12 pm to 4 pm and Thursdays to Sundays from 1:30 pm to 3 pm upon reservation.

You could also experience fine dining with modern Australian dishes made by Chef Brent Savage with renowned wines guided by sommelier Nick Hildebrandt at Bentley Restaurant & Bar .

Lastly, enjoy morning coffee to late-night cocktails at The Fax Bar on the main floor. This was one of my favorite areas of Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel in Sydney. It was a relaxing area where you could unwind, get work done and enjoy your favorite drink; I loved the espresso martini!

Another reason Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel is the best hotel in Sydney is that there is also a fitness center, indoor pool and hot tub, spa and meeting centers. It’s also a wonderful hotel to have a wedding.

I stayed at the Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel Sydney for three nights. During my last two nights, I booked an Airbnb in the Bohemian neighborhood of Newtown, which is a bit south of the heart of Sydney. It’s near many great restaurants, art galleries, shops, the airport and the famous Grounds of Alexandria .

5-Day Sydney Itinerary: Best Things to Do in Sydney, Australia

Day 1: Arrive in Sydney and Explore Sydney Harbour

After arriving in Sydney, you’ll most likely be jet-lagged from your long flight. The best thing to do is to check into your hotel, enjoy a well-needed nap and take it easy.

In this 5-day Sydney itinerary , you could do the below on your first day or the second if you choose not to do the BridgeClimb .

Have Lunch at Mr. Wong in Sydney CBD:

You’ll be hungry after a long travel journey, so grabbing food at a nearby restaurant is a good idea. One of the best restaurants that’s a short walk from Radisson Blu in Sydney CBD is Mr. Wong . It’s a swanky, intimate Cantonese restaurant offering the best dim sum in Sydney!

Executive Chef Dan Hong brings creative flair to Mr. Wong and one of his specialties is the barbecue duck dish. You could also enjoy craft cocktails, Australian wines and comforting tea when you visit this fantastic spot.

I savored the dim sum during my lunch at Mr. Wong ’s. I got the scallop and prawn shumai, lobster and scallop dumplings, wild mushroom dumplings, baby spinach and prawn dumplings and golden scallop dumplings with morel mushrooms. It was some of the best dim sum I’ve had in my life!

Mr. Wong is one of the leading places to eat in Sydney! It’s the perfect spot for lunch and dinner, but make reservations in advance because it’s a popular restaurant.

Tour the Sydney Opera House :

Australia’s most famous building is the Sydney Opera House . It’s a multi-venue performing arts center at the Sydney Harbour.

In the middle of the 20 th Century, the New South Wales state government sponsored an international competition for a contemporary design for concerts and productions. Danish architect Jørn Utzon won, and in 1959, construction on the Opera House began.

The opening of the Sydney Opera House was planned for Australia Day on January 26, 1963, but the project was delayed due to costs and engineering issues. Utzon resigned in 1966 and construction of this famous Sydney landmark continued in the later part of 1973 under local Sydney architects. Utzon ended up returning in 1999 for an improvement project.

Overall, the Opera House is a multipurpose performing arts venue with a 2,679-seat Concert Hall that holds symphony concerts, dance performances, choir and opera shows, as well as films. The Sydney Opera House also has popular music concerts from famous artists.

The Sydney Opera House is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and there are different guided tours you could do to learn more about it. Some of the most popular tours at the Opera House are the Backstage Tour and the Architectural Tour . No matter what you choose to do at the Sydney Opera House , it is one of the top things you must not exclude from your 5-day itinerary!

Explore the Sydney Royal Botanic Gardens :

Another one of the best places to visit during your first time in Sydney, Australia is the Royal Botanic Gardens . It’s a short walk from the Opera House and is 30 hectares in the heart of Sydney’s City Centre.

Visiting Sydney’s botanical gardens is one of the best free things to do in the city. It’s a beautiful spot to stroll through, have a picnic, go on a romantic walk and do a self-guided educational tour .

Sydney’s Royal Botanic Gardens was established in 1816 and is Australia’s oldest scientific research museum. It includes a lovely rose garden, rare plants, an Australian rainforest garden, tropical plants and more. You could also learn about Australia’s aboriginal people at the botanical gardens.

In addition to visiting all the gardens and exotic plants, the Royal Botanic Gardens has stunning walking trails and paths, an urban park called The Domain , an outdoor movie theater called Westpac OpenAir and Mrs. Macquarie’s Chair, which offers stunning views of the Sydney Harbour.

Enjoy Drinks with a View at Opera Bar :

A must-visit spot that you need to add to your itinerary for Sydney when you first visit Australia is the Opera Bar at the Sydney Opera House ! Offering the best views of the Sydney Harbour Bridge , the Opera Bar is a fun spot to grab a drink and some light bites.

It’s ideal to visit the Opera Bar on a beautiful sunny day, but there is an indoor area in case of inclement weather. In addition to beer, wine and cocktails, you could also savor delicious pizza, seafood, salads, burgers and small plates.

Eat at Bar Totti’s for Dinner: Best Italian Restaurant in Sydney

Another great place you must visit in Sydney for incredible food is Bar Totti’s . It’s located in Sydney CBD and features a laid-back ambiance serving Italian small plates and award-winning wines.

Featuring delicious meals by Executive Chef Mike Eggert , you could enjoy a variety of pasta dishes and small plates ranging from fresh burrata to kingfish crudo and wood-fired bread to grass-fed ribeye. During my evening at Bar Totti’s , I savored the reginette with spanner crab, tomato and chili pangrattato. It was amazing!

Day 2: Make Memories Around Sydney Harbour Bridge and Explore the City

Do the sydney harbour bridgeclimb or walk across it:.

The Sydney Harbour Bridge is another famous landmark in “The Land Down Under” and one of Sydney’s most popular tourist attractions. An ultimate 5-day Sydney itinerary would only be complete by including an adventure on the Sydney Harbour Bridge !

This epic bridge is a steel-through arch across the Sydney Harbour from The Rocks in CBD to Milson’s Point on the city’s North Shore. Construction on the bridge started in 1924 and was completed in March 1932. It’s made of 53,000 tons of steel and is 440 feet above the water.

The Sydney Harbour Bridge is the tallest steel arch bridge on the planet, so a fun thing to do is sign up for an adventurous BridgeClimb . There are a few BridgeClimb tours that you can take, but I suggest signing up for one of the summit climbs so that you can enjoy the most incredible views of the city and get the most for your money.

Below are the Sydney Harbour BridgeClimb tours that you can book:

Ultimate Climb : You’ll climb the entire length of the bridge from south to north and then vice versa. This tour is three and a half hours and costs $364 AUD for adults 16 and older and $189 AUD for children ages 8 to 15.

Summit Climb : This BridgeClimb experience will take you to the top of the bridge via the original experience. It takes three hours and costs between $424 and $294 AUD for adults and $189 to $149 AUD for children.

Summit Insider Climb : This fun journey will have you adventuring through the lower arch of the bridge to the summit! It’s a two-and-a-half-hour climb with the same 360° views as the Ultimate and Summit climbs. It costs anywhere from $349 to $344 AUD for adults and $209 to $149 for kids.

Burrawa-Aboriginal Climb Experience : Enjoy a BridgeClimb with a First Nations Storyteller as your guide to the summit. This tour is three hours long and also includes 360° views of Sydney. It costs between $384 and $364 AUD and $169 and $149 AUD.

You can enjoy a Sydney Harbour BridgeClimb during the day, at sunrise, sunset, and even at night. Click here to discover more climbs you can take during your first trip to Sydney, as well as special offers, packages, special events and more.

If you are afraid of heights or prefer to save money, you can enjoy the pedestrian walkway that expands the entire length of the bridge. It takes between 15 to 30 minutes to walk across the Sydney Harbour Bridge . While on it, you could enjoy great views of the beautiful Sydney Harbour and Opera House .

Whether you climb or walk the Sydney Harbour Bridge , you’ll realize it’s the best way to capture the top views of the city.

Wander to Lavender Bay on the North Shore:

Exploring the peaceful Lavender Bay must be added to your 5-day Sydney travel itinerary ! This area is one of the most beautiful in the city.

After walking across the Sydney Harbour Bridge , Lavender Bay is only a few minutes from Milson’s Point. When you get to the area, you can stroll through Wendy Whiteley’s Secret Garden and learn about plant life there. You could also learn about Wendy Whiteley , the wife of award-winning Australian artist Brett Whiteley .

At Lavender Bay, you could also walk out on a dock and watch the boats sail by while enjoying a different view of the Sydney Harbour Bridge . Afterwards, enjoy the Kirribilli Harbourside Walk, where you can admire the beautiful bayside houses, pass by Luna Park and make your way to the other side of the bridge in North Sydney.

Australia has a big coffee culture, so you must visit all the country’s best cafés and coffee shops. During your time at Lavender Bay, a great spot to enjoy a comforting brew is Bay Ten Espresso .

Visit Luna Park for a Fun Time:

Located at Milson’s Point, Luna Park is a rare surviving amusement park that features Art Deco style from the 1930s. This fun Sydney theme park opened in October 1935, right before the start of the summer season!

Luna Park in Sydney was built after the success of the first Luna Park in New York City’s Coney Island . There is also a Luna Park that is still thriving in Melbourne and there used to be one in Adelaide.

Nowadays, you can enjoy a variety of fun rides, shows and games as there’s something for everyone to enjoy at Sydney’s Luna Park ! It’s also listed as a NSW State Heritage Register and nine new rides were installed in January 2021.

Savor a Tasty Lunch at Home Thai Restaurant :

After returning to Sydney CBD, you must stroll through Hyde Park, visit St. Mary’s Cathedral and go to Home Thai Restaurant for authentic Thai food.

Located in an industrial-style restaurant that you’d usually find in a city like Bangkok, Home Thai has delicious meals from pad Thai dishes to curries and sticky rice to milk tea. I had the duck pad Thai with boba tea and it was delicious!

Shop on Oxford Street:

Like New York has 5 th Avenue, Los Angeles has Rodeo Drive and Paris has the Champs-Élysées for shopping, Sydney has Oxford Street! It runs from the Southeast of Sydney’s CBD to Bondi Junction and the Eastern suburbs, like Darlinghurst.

Other popular places to go shopping in Sydney, Australia are along King Street and at the Queen Victoria Building , Sydney Arcade , The Strand Arcade , Westfield Sydney and many more.

Capture the Best Views on the Sydney Tower Eye :

The Sydney Tower Eye should be added to your 5-day itinerary when visiting Australia for the first time. It’s the city’s tallest structure and the second-largest observation tower in the Southern Hemisphere, behind the Autograph Tower in Jakarta, Indonesia.

Located in Westfield Sydney , you can ride to the top of Sydney Tower Eye . It’s a great way to enjoy epic views of the city. The best times to go are in the morning, at sunset and when nightfall hits to enjoy the city lights.

Open from 10 am to 7 pm; you can purchase a general admission ticket to enjoy 360° views of the city from the tower’s indoor Observation Deck; do the 60-minute SKYWALK tour and purchase different passes to enjoy other fun activities in Sydney. Prices vary !

Enjoy an Evening in Darling Harbour:

Another great thing to do during your first time in Sydney, Australia is to enjoy a lovely evening in Darling Harbour.

Overall, Darling Harbour is one of the most exciting areas of Sydney. There’s waterfront dining, outdoor concerts, film festivals, boat shows, art exhibitions, live music, shopping and more. It’s one of the best places to visit during sunset and in the evening.

Some of the best things to do in Darling Harbour are to visit the Australia National Maritime Museum , Chinese Garden of Friendship , SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium , WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo and Madame Tussauds Sydney .

When it comes to restaurants, one of the best places to eat in Darling Harbour is Nick’s Seafood Restaurant . During my time there, I had the seafood ravioli and it was delicious!

Day 3: Visit the Grounds of Alexandria and Discover Watson’s Bay

Explore the grounds of alexandria :.

A 5-day itinerary for Sydney must include a visit to The Ground of Alexandria . This urban sanctuary opened in April 2012 to bring people together and enjoy wholesome food, a beautiful garden, fresh produce and creative décor. It was also awarded one of Australia’s top 10 most “Instagrammable” locations in 2014.

Located in the Southern suburb of Alexandria, The Grounds includes a café where you can enjoy comforting coffee, delicious treats and a lovely brunch (which is what I did); The Potting Shed for a farm-to-table experience; The Garden for delightful BBQ, cocktails and more. You must make a reservation to eat at one of these wonderful spots.

You could spend plenty of time at The Grounds of Alexandria and the décor changes per season. During my time at this beautiful location, it was a Disney theme. The Grounds of Alexandria also have a lemonade stand, high tea, a flower shop and other fun events!

Visit The Rocks:

European settlers arrived in Sydney in 1788, and at the time, their first stop was where modern-day The Rocks are now located! (Please remember that the Gadigal people of the Eora nation were the First Peoples and Traditional Custodians of this land.)

The Rocks is a beautiful area of Sydney that still has cobbled streets and alleyways, sandstone warehouses, old pubs and open-air markets. You could also enjoy upscale restaurants, the Museum of Contemporary Art in Australia , The Rocks Discovery Museum and stunning views of the Sydney Harbour.

You could also do The Rocks Walking Tours or the I’m Free Tours . The Rocks Aboriginal Dreaming tour also takes visitors through Australia’s Aboriginal history and culture.

Please make sure to visit The Rocks when you plan a trip to Sydney !

Take the Ferry from Circular Quay to Watsons Bay:

A first trip to Sydney, Australia provides a good reason to enjoy a ferry trip around Sydney Harbour. Some of the best places to take the ferry are Watsons Bay, as I did, Manly Beach, Taronga Zoo and Olympic Park.

During a ferry ride, you could enjoy the best views of the Sydney Opera House , Harbour Bridge and coastal areas. Watsons Bay is one of the best places to take the ferry during your 5-day Sydney itinerary. It’s a harbourside, Eastern suburb of the city and one of the most beautiful areas to explore.

It’s a 20-minute ferry ride from Sydney’s Circular Quay to Watsons Bay Wharf. Visiting Watsons Bay in the afternoon or early evening is best because you could enjoy dinner on the water or admire a beautiful sunset at Hornby Lighthouse .

On a warm day in Sydney, one of the best things to do is enjoy the Watsons Bay Walk from Robertson Park to Hornby Lighthouse . On this scenic walk, you could admire breathtaking cliffside views, stop at one of the many beaches and viewpoints and capture photos of the lighthouse.

The three beaches to visit at Watsons Bay are Watsons Bay Beach, Camp Cove Beach and Lady Bay Beach. Watsons Bay Beach and Camp Cove Beach attract a larger crowd, so a beautiful secluded spot is Lady Bay Beach. Please note that Lady Bay Beach is clothing optional, though!

Hornby Lighthouse is a red and white striped, heritage-listed lighthouse established in 1858. It’s one of New South Wales’ oldest lighthouses and one of Sydney’s most picturesque structures. While at Hornby Lighthouse , you can appreciate beautiful ocean views, have a picnic and watch a breathtaking sunset!

One of the best places to enjoy dinner and drinks with beautiful views is at Watsons Bay Boutique Hotel . Nothing was better than enjoying a spritz on a sunny day with views of the harbour and city from afar!

The Beach Club at Watsons Bay Boutique Hotel also has excellent food, live music and entertainment, stringed lights and a fun ambiance. You can savor delicious wood fire pizza, seafood, salads, poke and fish and chips.

Before heading back on the ferry, make sure to grab homemade gelato from Gelatissimo at Robertson Park for dessert.

Day 4: Experience Bondi Beach

A 5-day itinerary for Sydney for first-timers must include a visit to the famous Bondi Beach! Considered an Eastern suburb of Sydney, Bondi Beach is a laid-back surfers’ paradise with health-conscious cafés, trendy fitness studios, a coastal walk, high-end restaurants and more.

During my Australia trip, I spent three days in Bondi Beach and stayed at The Blue Hotel , a short walk from the beach.

The best things to do in Bondi Beach are to do the scenic Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk, which goes from Bondi Beach to Coogee Beach; enjoy a cocktail with views of the iconic ocean pool at Iceberg’s ; relax at Bronte Beach and swim in the Bronte Rock Pool and take a surfing lesson.

The top places to eat and drink in Bondi Beach are Bills for an authentic Australian breakfast (they’re known for fluffy pancakes), Italo House for pizza, coffee and craft cocktails, Hotel Ravesis for cocktails with a view, North Bondi Fish for delicious seafood, Harry’s Bondi for a delightful breakfast and China Diner for upscale Chinese street food.

Day 5: Make a Day Trip to Hunter Valley or Blue Mountains National Park

Not only is Australia known for its beautiful beaches, cities, wellness communities and coffee culture, but it’s also famous for its wine regions. The best wine region closest to Sydney, outside the city of Newcastle, is Hunter Valley.

You could sign up for a day tour from Sydney to the Hunter Valley wine region or venture there on your own if you rent a car . The types of wines that Hunter Valley is known for are Chardonnay, Semillon, Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, Pinot Noir and Merlot. Some of the best wineries to visit are Brokenwood Wines , Audrey Wilkinson Winery , Briar Ridge Winery , Scarborough Wine Co. and Hanging Tree Winery .

Another one of the best day trips you can include in your 5-day itinerary for Sydney is to the Blue Mountains . Located west of Sydney, Blue Mountains National Park is known for its breathtaking cliffs, eucalyptus forests, enchanting waterfalls and the popular mountain town of Katoomba.

Blue Mountains National Park is a great place to do many hikes, but it also holds jaw-dropping lookouts like The Three Sisters Lookout, Gordon Falls Lookout, Pulpit Rock Lookout and Govetts Leap Lookout. You must also check out the Jenolan Caves and Katoomba Falls.

In addition to this travel guide, check out the below articles:

13 Best Places to Visit in February in the World

14 Best Places to Visit in March Around the World

15 Best Places to Visit in April in the World

I hope you all enjoyed reading this perfect 5-day Sydney, Australia itinerary. If you have any questions, please email me at [email protected].

Basic Facts of Australia:

Currency: Australian Dollar, Capital: Canberra, Time Zone: Australia has five time zones – Australian Eastern Standard Time (New South Wales, except Broken Hill and Lord Howe Island, Australian Capital Territory, Victoria, Tasmania and Queensland); Australian Central Standard Time (Broken Hill, Southern Australia and the Northern Territory); Australian Western Standard Time (Western Australia); Lord Howe Standard Time (Lord Howe Island) and Australian Central Western Standard Time.

*Anything could happen during your travels. Always make sure you are insured in case there are unforeseen circumstances such as lost luggage/theft, natural disasters, personal liabilities and more.  Click here  to get insured for your next trip.

Shop my Sydney Look:

Click here  to shop my  Poshmark  closet!

Related posts

Best 14-Day Scandinavia Itinerary for Summer Travel

8 Top Things to do in Gothenburg, Sweden in Summer

How to Spend 2 Days in Copenhagen, Denmark in Summer

Sydney, Australia is a fabulous city with so much to do! Looks like you had an amazing time there. The city has so much to offer and all the things we love to do ~ hikes, bridge climbs, wineries, beautiful beaches, museums, gardens and so much more. The restaurants looked amazing! Fresh fish, dim sum, even the Italian food looked delicious 😋. Great guide on breathtaking Syndey Australia. Glad you had a wonderful time! Love you, mom 👩🏻 xoxo 💖

Yes, Sydney is definitely an amazing place! Can’t wait to go back in the future. Love you too!

Sydney is amazing! I hope to have a wonderful experience in the future. I also learned a lot from your blog; good post, thanks for sharing.

I’m glad you found my article helpful! You’ll love Sydney when you visit.

Sydney is a glorious place to visit when in Australia and a must for any visitor. 5 days in Sydney sound ideal.

Yes, I definitely agree! I had a wonderful experience last year. 🙂

Leave a Comment Cancel Reply

Sydney Travel Guide

Our best tips for first-timers

Our posts about Sydney

The 22 TOP Sydney attractions

Where to stay in Sydney?

Our Sydney Travel Guide

Table of Contents

Getting to Sydney

• Airport transfer
• Travel expenses
• What to pack?
• When to visit?
• Getting around

Kingsford Smith International Airport is located about 10 kilometers south of the city center.

There are several direct flights to Sydney from the US, Asia, and the Middle East, plus a couple from Canada, Chile, and South Africa. Travelers from Europe have to layover at one of the major transport hubs, e.g. in Dubai .

Domestically, there are numerous flights connecting Sydney to the rest of Australia. The route between Sydney and Melbourne is one of the busiest in the world.

Getting into town from Sydney Airport

The airport is very well connected to downtown Sydney by public transport.

The fastest way to get to the city center is by train . Depending on your destination, the journey takes between 12 minutes (to Central Station) and 30 minutes (to Kings Cross). It takes a good 20 minutes to get to the center of the Central Business District (Circular Quay or Wynyard Station).

The fare is A$19.40. You don’t need a ticket, just hold your contactless credit card up against the card reader and hop on. If you don’t have a credit card, you’ll need an Opal Card. For more on this, just scroll down to the section on public transport.

Withdrawing money and paying in Sydney

The currency in Australia is the Australian dollar (A$). The conversion rate is about €0.70 / £0.60 / $0.70 to A$1.

Most payments in Sydney are cashless, so there’s no need to withdraw any money. We spent two weeks in Sydney and paid for everything by card. It’s quick and easy because contactless payment is available everywhere and card readers are much faster than back home in Germany.

If you feel more comfortable with cash, there are plenty of ATMs around town. Depending on the bank, you’ll be charged an additional fee of about A$2-5 per withdrawal.

Still, you should always have a credit card on you, since cash is no longer king in Sydney. About 80 to 90% of stores and restaurants will grudgingly accept cash payments, but many will just straight-up refuse.

Travel expenses in Sydney

Sydney is not a cheap destination. Room rates are generally high and alcohol at bars is ludicrously overpriced.

Food can be expensive too, but it doesn’t have to be. If you eat at casual restaurants or food courts, prices are still a little higher than in Europe or the US, but at least not by much.

Here’s an overview of selected prices to give you a general idea how much things cost in Sydney:

Flight to Sydney: A$1,000 to 2,000 (e.g. from Europe / North America) Room in a good mid-range hotel: A$250-400 per night 1.5-liter bottle of water: A$1-3 Coffee: A$4-6 Public transport: $A3-5 per journey Dining at a simple restaurant: A$15-25 per person Dining at a food court or food truck: A$10-15 per person

What to pack for Sydney

You don’t really need to pack anything out of the ordinary for Sydney. If you’re visiting during the Australian summer, bring a few pairs of shorts and flip flops. That way, you’re guaranteed to blend in with the locals.

If you’d like a few general packing tips, check out our guide on what to pack for city trips .

You’re also going to need a plug adapter for Australia. We always pack a universal travel adapter and a multi-port USB charger, so we’re well-prepared wherever we end up.

You should also remember to bring sunscreen. You can buy some in Australia, but it’s always better to come prepared. The sun in Sydney can be relentless and you shouldn’t go outside without protection.

When to visit & how long to stay

The best time to visit sydney.

Since Australia is in the southern hemisphere, their seasons are the exact opposite of ours. Australian summers coincide with our winters, and vice versa.

Sydney gets pretty warm in general. No matter what time of year you travel to Sydney, you won’t find yourself complaining about the weather. Unless you like the rain and cold, that is.

Sydney’s summer months from December to March are usually hot and mostly dry. You can wear shorts and flip flops until well into the evening.

The weather in spring (September to October) and fall (April to June) is more unpredictable. Most days are pleasantly warm, but it’s more likely to rain, and it can get pretty chilly in the evenings.

The winter months from July to August are probably the least attractive time to visit Sydney. Temperatures are relatively mild, but it still feels like winter. And since Sydney is a city where the majority of the life takes place outdoors, we would avoid these months.

How long to stay in Sydney

We recommend planning at least 5 full days for your visit. The longer the better, of course. We spent almost two weeks in Sydney and never got bored.

If you’re in a hurry and just want breeze through the main sights, 3 days should be enough. But you’ll be missing out on the opportunity to really experience the city and soak up some of the atmosphere.

Guidebooks for Sydney

If you like taking a printed guidebook on your journeys, you can’t go wrong with Lonely Planet Sydney .

But then again, you can just as easily bookmark this guide for all the most important information and tips for your trip to Sydney.

Getting around in Sydney

The best way to get from A to B in Sydney is via public transport. There are trains (Sydney Trains), a metro line, light rail, buses, and ferries.

Opal Card vs. paying with credit card

Sydney is the first city we’ve been where you don’t need a ticket, you can just pay for every trip with your credit card.

All you need is a contactless credit card – one per person. So if there’s two or more of you, you’ll each need your own card.

If you don’t have a credit card, you’ll need an Opal Card, which is available at all major stations or from retailers all around town. The Opal Card works as a ticket for all public transport in and around Sydney, including trains, buses, light rail services, the metro, and even ferries.

The card itself is free, but you have to top up at least A$20 (or A$10 when topping up online). Then you can use up your balance ride by ride.

Every time you board a vehicle, hold your Opal Card or credit card up against the reader, and then do the same again when you get off. The exact fare for your journey will be charged to your card.

You can always top up your card at an Opal terminal or a Transport Information counter at one of the stations. Your balance never expires, so you can hold on to your Opal Card until your next visit.

The price per journey depends on the distance traveled, the type of transport (e.g. bus or train), and the time of day. It’s cheaper outside of peak hours and on weekends. A single journey usually costs between A$2 and A$5.

Also, there’s a maximum daily fare of A$16.30, regardless of how much you travel after that. Once you hit the cap, your card won’t be charged any further.

That can be a really good deal if you’re staying a bit further out. For example, the ferry to Manly costs A$10 each way. So after you deduct the cost of a return trip to Manly, you can virtually ride for free for the rest of the day.

On weekends and public holidays, the fare cap is only A$8.15, so that’s a great time for outings. And if you’re going to be in Sydney for a whole week, your fare is capped at A$50. But that only applies to an actual calendar week from Monday to Sunday, not 7 consecutive days.

Hop-on, hop-off buses in Sydney

Hop-on, hop-off sightseeing buses are another way to get around Sydney. As the name suggests, you can hop on and off at any of the 20 stops for a day or two and enjoy a scenic view of the city from the open-top double-decker buses during the ride.

There are two bus routes available. The red line covers the highlights in the center of Sydney, the blue line goes to the beach in Bondi. Hop-on, hop-off buses are a good option for your first few days in Sydney to give you a feel for the city.

Our tip : Buying tickets online is cheaper than purchasing them on-site.

Book hop-on, hop-off bus tickets for one or two days starting at A$59

Can you drink tap water in Sydney?

Yes, tap water in Sydney is safe to drink.

However, the water is pretty heavily chlorinated. It’s completely harmless, just not to everyone’s taste.

There are also quite a few water fountains in the city where you can fill up your water bottles for free. If you’re lucky, you might chance upon a fountain with filtered water that tastes slightly better. If not, it has the same lingering chlorine taste as everywhere else.

Any more questions?

That’s the end of our practical travel guide to Sydney. Do you have any questions or tips of your own that you’d like to share? Then we look forward to hearing from you in the comments!

Jetsetting Fools

Travel Far. Discover More. Spend Less.

The Best Sydney Itinerary: 3 Days in Sydney, Australia

Welcome to JetSetting Fools, here you will find our best travel tips for destinations worldwide. Some of the links on this site are Affiliate Links and if you use them to make a purchase, we may earn a commission. For more information, read our Disclosure Policy .

The world-class City of Sydney, Australia attracts visitors from around the globe – and our 3 Days in Sydney Itinerary showcases the absolute best things to do in the Emerald City Down Under!

The iconic landmarks, exceptional nature, incredible attractions and an innovative culinary scene are what make Sydney a must-see Australian destination. However, with so many choices, creating a succinct itinerary for Sydney can be overwhelming. 

No worries! After spending ample time in the city, we created a 3 Day Sydney Itinerary that features our the best things to do in Sydney and New South Wales. Although we could easily fill a week (or even a month) with sightseeing adventures, 3 days in Sydney is enough time to get a fantastic introduction to the world famous Australian destination!

Creating The Best Sydney Itinerary

Our itinerary of what to do in Sydney for 3 days includes a walking tour, coastal treks, pristine Sydney beaches, top Sydney sights, a day trip to the mountains and a taste of local Australian craft beer.

However, before we dive into our day-by-day itinerary in Sydney, Australia, we want to answer a few of the most frequently asked questions about planning a trip to the Great Southern Land.

Where is Sydney, Australia? 

Before you start planning the best Sydney things to do, you need to know where it is! Sydney is located in southeastern Australia on the coast of the Tasman Sea, with the city center nestled in the protective Sydney Harbor. 

We share top travel tips on how to get to Sydney later in the article.

When is the Best Time to Visit Sydney? 

Boasting more than 340 days of sunshine a year, tourists can enjoy Sydney year-round. Many of the top things to do in Sydney, Australia are outdoors. 

That said, summers can be incredibly hot – which is great for swimming in the sea, but not ideal for afternoon coastal treks. Meanwhile, winters are mild with high temperatures typically in the low 60s Fahrenheit. 

Many travelers plan to visit Sydney during Christmas and New Year – as Sydney is one of the most iconic places in the world to Celebrate New Year’s Eve . 

Determining the best time to plan a trip to Sydney depends on your desired activities you want to include in your 3 Day Itinerary Sydney.

Keep in mind that Australia is in the southern hemisphere – so the summer months are December, January and February and wintertime is June, July and August.  

Who Can Use this Ultimate Sydney Itinerary?

Our Sydney 3-Day Itinerary appeals to a wide range of travelers – because we include an array of attractions and activities. We also offer alternate suggestions for what to see in Sydney throughout the outlined Sydney trip plan. 

Therefore, any traveler visiting Sydney in three days – whether traveling as a couple, family, with friends or solo – can use our outline of things to do and see in Sydney.

Furthermore, whether you are an Australia native planning a long weekend in Sydney Itinerary or a traveling from abroad completing a vacation around Australia, you can use our Sydney trip itinerary to plan your visit.

Is 3 Days in Sydney Enough? 

Deciding how long to spend in Sydney is not an easy task. We have breezed through the city on quick trips while on our way to other Australian destinations and we have based ourselves in Sydney for an entire month. 

That said, we think visiting Sydney for 3 days is just enough time to see the highlights and enjoy the best attractions. 

We understand, however, that some travelers may have more – or less – time in the city. To help travelers with different timeframes build their best Sydney Itinerary, we offers suggested itineraries in the How Many Days Sydney section at the end of the post.

Our alternate Sydney Itineraries cover what to see with only one day in Sydney and how to spend a week in Sydney, too. 

How To Organize a 3 Days Sydney Itinerary? 

Planning a trip to Sydney, Australia is a big task! Our detailed day-by-day trip plan for Sydney can help, but you still need to keep track of all the personal specifics of your vacation.

As you begin to make your plans and reservations, staying organized is key! We recommend using a Travel Planner – like our  Travel Planning Printables – to get your vacation to Australia organized.

Tips for Planning an Australia Itinerary 

While Sydney is a fantastic starting point for visiting Australia, there are many more destinations worth seeing.

Visitors traveling to Sydney as part of a longer Australia trip can use our  Australia Travel Guides page for top tips and walking tours for other major cities in Australia. Some of our popular Australia Travel Articles include: 

• The Best Things To Do in Melbourne (and a Self Guided Melbourne Walking Tour , too!)
• Spending a Day on the  Great Ocean Road
• Fun Things To Do in Coolangatta (and One Day in Surfer’s Paradise on the Gold Coast)
• The Best Cheap and Free Cairns Attractions (and the Great Barrier Reef on a Budget )
• The Best of Brisbane Sights
• A Fabulous Perth Walking Tour

BEST SYDNEY ITINERARY 3 DAYS

Below we outline the best way to spend three days in Sydney, Australia. At the end of the post we include additional information, like where to stay and what to pack. Use our top tips and suggestions to plan your perfect trip to Sydney!

Day 1: Sydney Walking Tour and Sydney Harbour Cruises

Spend your first day in Sydney, Australia seeing the iconic landmarks on a city walk, then set off on a Sydney Harbour cruise to see the sights from a different vantage point.

Sydney City Tour

Waste no time in getting acquainted with the city! As soon as you get settled in your Sydney accommodations, set off on foot to explore.

For a short 3 Days in Sydney Itinerary, we think it is best to have a good sightseeing plan, so that you don’t miss a thing. The most famous Sydney sights, museums and historic buildings are located in the Central Business District (CBD). 

Self Guided Sydney Sightseeing

Visitors who enjoy touring cities on their own can use our comprehensive Self-Guided Sydney Walking Tour , which includes step-by-step directions and a Sydney attractions map.

The self guided walk features the best things to see in Sydney, Australia – from the Opera House to the Royal Botanic Gardens to the famous Queen Victoria Building and beautiful Hyde Park. 

Sydney Tour with a Guide

For a personal introduction, join one of the guided Sydney Walking Tours. Tours range from sightseeing by bicycle to attraction specific tours. You can find the best Sydney Tours on Viator  and Get Your Guide , but we are highlighting a few of the most popular options. 

Sydney Opera House Tour

Join a guide for a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at one of the most iconic sights in the world: The Sydney Opera House. Tour participants learn about the history and architecture of the UNESCO World Heritage Site – plus get to see areas that are normally off limits to the public. Get the details!

The Rocks Guided Walking Tour

The Rocks is the oldest part of Sydney – and cobblestone lanes and historic buildings are still found in the district. It’s a must-see district for your 3 Day Itinerary Sydney (and we include it on our above mentioned Self Guided Walk).

On a guided tour of The Rocks, visitors learn about Sydney’s convict past, hear tales about the city’s first residents and feel the charm of the historic district. Find out more!

Sydney Bike Tour

Make the most of your time in Sydney and let a guide lead the way as you explore on two wheels. On a guided bike tour of Sydney, visitors get to see the best city sights – from the Sydney Harbor to the Royal Botanic Garden to Darling Harbor – in a short amount of time. Find out what you will see!

Top Tip : Has your long haul flight left you a bit too jet-lagged for a walking tour of Sydney? Consider buying tickets for a Sydney bus tour, like the Big Bus Hop-On-Hop-Off , for a more leisurely look around town.

Sydney Harbour Cruises

Continue your sightseeing Sydney one-day tour with a boat ride around the famous Sydney Harbor – it’s a Sydney must do! The view of the Sydney Opera House from the water is even more spectacular than on land. 

Cruise options from Sydney range from sunset cruises to island adventures to a Sydney NYE party yacht. Some cruises offer combo ticket discounts, so check out the top-rated Sydney tours on Viator to find the one that best suits your interest. 

Dinner and Drinks in Sydney CBD

End your first day in Sydney in The Rocks, where food and beverage choices are plentiful.

For a casual dining experience with a view, we recommend Squire’s Landing, a fun brewpub ideally located on Circular Quay West. Sip one of their small batch brews while gazing at the Sydney Opera House.

Top Tip: You can find more tips on The Rocks bars at the end of our Sydney Walking Tour .

Day 2: Sydney Coastal Walk, Beaches and Craft Beer

On Day 2 of your Sydney, Australia itinerary explore the rugged coastline, stroll on one of the top Sydney beaches and enjoy the best craft beer in the city!

Sydney Coastal Walk

Start your second day in Sydney by stretching your legs on one of the nearby epic coastal walks. The shore around Sydney is some of the most beautiful coastline in the world. Characterized by towering cliffs and deep bays, the jagged coast offers phenomenal viewpoints.

There are three popular coastal treks that you can include in your Sydney Itinerary – Bondi to Coogee Walk, the Spit to Manly Walk or the South Head Heritage Trail. All three are easily accessible via boat, public transportation , Uber or taxi.

However, with only 3 days in Sydney and so much to see, we recommend choosing just one coastal walk to add to your Sydney travel itinerary.

Bondi to Coogee Walk

A fairly easy walk with stunning views of the sea, the Bondi to Coogee trail is popular with both locals and tourists. We detail everything yo need to know about the trek – including trail length, time needed and walk highlights in our Guide to Walking the Bondi to Coogee Coastal Path .

Top Tip : If you can fit the roundtrip trek into your 3 Days for Sydney Itinerary, that’s great! However, if you only plan on walking one way, we recommend starting in Coogee and walking to Bondi Beach, where you can spend time after your walk.

Spit To Manly Trek

More rugged and less trafficked than the Bondi Walk, the Spit to Manly Trail is an outstanding way to experience the Sydney coastline. We detail everything you need to know about the trail in our Sydney Travel Blog Post: Guide to Walking Spit to Manly . 

Top Tip: This trek is best done one-way…and we recommend hiking in the direction from Spit to Manly Beach so that you can enjoy Manly Beach at the completion of your walk. 

South Head Heritage Walk

A much shorter trek than the two previously mentioned walks, the South Head Heritage Trail is less than two miles – but features great views and attractions along the route. Visitors start in Watson’s Bay and make the short walk up Cliff Street to Camp Cove Beach – and then journey along the coast past a pretty beach to a the Hornby Lighthouse. More info here . 

Best Sydney Beaches

Is there any better way to end a trek than at the beach? We don’t think so! It’s especially true in Sydney, where idling away an afternoon on a beach is one of the top things to do in the city.

Bondi Beach, Manly Beach and Camp Cove Beach rank as a few of the most famous beaches in Sydney. Top beach activities are swimming, surfing, sunbathing and strolling. 

In addition to the sandy beaches, the beach towns of Manly and Bondi Beach feature numerous eateries, bars and shops – and there are good seafood restaurants in Watson’s Bay, as well.

Craft Beer in Sydney

On the second evening of your Sydney Itinerary, discover the burgeoning craft beer scene in Sydney’s Inner West suburb of Marrickville. The neighborhood is home to more than 10 craft breweries – all of which have tasting rooms where patrons can get a taste of the best Sydney craft beer straight from the source.

Pro Tip: Use our guide to follow in our footsteps on a Craft Beer Sydney Pub Crawl .

Day 3: Blue Mountains Day Trip and Darling Harbour Entertainment

On Day 3 of your Sydney tour itinerary, take a day trip to a national park for some hiking, then return to the city for an evening of fun at the Darling Harbour entertainment district.

Blue Mountains: A Sydney Day Trip

On your last day in Sydney, get an early start and embark on one of the top Sydney, Australia day trips. Just two hours away by train, Blue Mountains National Park features a network of hiking trails, phenomenal scenic viewpoints and tumbling waterfalls.

Top attractions at Blue Mountains NP include the Three Sisters rock formation and Scenic World (where there is an aerial cable car and inclined railway). Use our complete guide for tips and advice on how to plan a day trip to Blue Mountains .

Top Tip : Sydney excursions to the Blue Mountains can easily be done without a guide. However, there are several Sydney guided tours that explore the national park along with other sights along the way. Find out more about booking a Blue Mountains Tour .

Darling Harbour

Spend your last night in Sydney on Darling Harbour, an entertainment district with something for everyone. At the heart of Darling Harbour is Pyrmont Bay, which is lined with waterfront eateries and bars.

Dine with a view as the sun goes down and the lights go up on Sydney nightlife. Indulge in a little fun at Strike Bowling, sip cocktails at Bungalow 8 or Untied or try your luck at Star Casino. If it’s a Saturday, don’t miss the Darling Harbour Fireworks at 9:00pm!

More Darling Harbor Attractions

Travelers who want to stay in Sydney rather than traveling to the Blue Mountains will find heaps of entertainment in Darling Harbour. In fact, there are plenty of Sydney attractions at Darling Harbour that can fill an entire day of your Sydney Trip Itinerary!

SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium

Without a doubt, the aquarium in Sydney is the best place to see an array of fabulous sea life. It’s a fun activity for visitors of all ages – and especially so for travelers planning a Sydney Itinerary with kids.

Peer at colorful fish at the Great Barrier Reef exhibit, walk through the Shark Valley underwater tunnel, get an up close look at penguins and hold sea stars at the Discovery Rockpool. Buy Tickets

Australian National Maritime Museum

Visitors of the Australia National Maritime Museum can explore ships – from sailing vessels to a destroyer to a submarine. Additionally, the museum features displays and artifacts that detail the history of Sydney’s maritime past.  Buy Tickets

Madame Tussauds

Mingle with celebrities at the star-studded Madame Tussauds Wax Museum. The museum is particularly fun for photo ops – especially on rainy days in Sydney.  Buy Tickets

More Attractions for your Sydney 3 Days Itinerary

We have highlighted our top picks for the best attractions for your 3 days in Sydney, Australia – but there are a few more exceptional sights that fellow travelers might want to add to their Sydney To Do list. 

Taronga Zoo Sydney

A phenomenal zoo housing more than 5,000 animals, the Taronga Zoo is a big hit with kids and adults, alike. In addition to tigers, elephants and monkeys, the zoo is also home to native Australian animals – like koalas and kangaroos. With a location right on the harbor – and easy ferry access – visitors can easily include the Taronga Zoo in their Sydney Travel Plan. Buy Tickets

Sydney Tower Eye

Ranking as the tallest building in the city, the Sydney Tower Eye Observation Deck offers fantastic 360-degree city views. It takes just 40 seconds to get from the entrance to the 820-foot-high viewing deck…but visitors will likely spend about an hour taking in the panoramic view. Buy Tickets

Pro Tip : Upgrade your experience with the open-air Sydney SKYWALK. Walk across a glass floor platform on the open deck for the best Sydney city views. Buy Tickets

Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb

The spectacular steel Sydney Bridge that spans the Sydney Harbor is a sight to behold. Adventurous travelers can make the climb to the top for unparalleled views. It’s not a Sydney activity for the faint of heart (or for budget travelers, as the experience costs a bundle!). 

How Many Days in Sydney, Australia

Deciding how many days to spend in Sydney depends on multiple variables – including time allotted for your overall tip, your Sydney budget (which we share a few tips on later) and your personal interests. While it is possible to see the highlights on a one-day trip in Sydney, we highly recommend spending at least two days in Sydney.

Visitors who want to explore the surrounding New South Wales region on day trips from Sydney can easily spend one week in Sydney – or more!

Use our sample itineraries to help decide how long to stay in Sydney, Australia.

Sydney in a Day

A Sydney one-day trip severely limits how much you can see. However, with 1 day in Sydney, we recommend sightseeing the city’s most iconic sights.

Use our tips for Day 1 in the above Sydney itinerary – and, if time allows, squeeze in a ferry trip to Manly Beach (or perhaps, take a trip to Bondi rather than a Sydney Harbour cruise).

Sydney Itinerary 2 Days

With 2 days in Sydney, you can still get a good introduction to the city! We recommend following Days 1 and 2 from the above outline to create your own Sydney 2-day Itinerary.

Sydney Itinerary 4 Days

With 4 days in Sydney, there is enough time to explore the city on foot, take a day trip and enjoy the top Sydney attractions and museums. We recommend following our tips for three days in Sydney, then on your last day, spend the day at Darling Harbour (visiting places like SEA LIFE Aquarium, Madam Tussauds and the Maritime Museum) or heading across the harbor to the zoo. 

5 Days in Sydney Itinerary

Wondering what to do in Sydney for 5 days? No worries! With 5 days in Sydney you can easily fill your itinerary!

Use the above 4-Day Sydney Itinerary and on the fifth day, go on another Sydney coastal walk, either Bondi to Coogee, Manly to Spit or South Head – whichever you didn’t do on Day 2.

Sydney Itinerary 6 Days

With 6 days in Sydney, you can see even more of the city and the surroundings. We recommend following our advice for the above 5-Day Sydney Itinerary and adding one more Sydney day trip to your agenda.

We recommend taking one of the popular Sydney wine tours – like the full day Hunter Valley Wine Tour that features wine tastings, regional cheese, delectable chocolate, lunch and a distillery tour.

You can find other top-rated day trips from Sydney on Viator .  

1 Week Sydney Itinerary

If you have 1 week in Sydney, you can spend more time getting to know the city and explore further afield. With 7 days in Sydney, we recommend using our above 6-Day Sydney Itinerary and on the additional day, use the time to further explore the sights and museums of the CBD.

Alternatively, you could delve into some of Sydney’s best suburbs (like Newtown, Alexandria and Surry Hills) or return to one of the Sydney beaches for a fun day of sun and sea.

10 Day Sydney Itinerary

Spending 10 days in Sydney is ample time to really get a feel for the city. We recommend following our tips for our above outlined One-Week Sydney Itinerary, with a couple changes and a few additions.

Instead of taking a day trip to the Blue Mountains, join an overnight 2-day trip from Sydney (search for the best-reviewed 2-day tours from Sydney to Blue Mountains on Viator ).

Then, on Day 9, explore the unique Sydney suburbs and on Day 10 relax at the beach!

Travel Tips for Sydney, Australia

Now that you know what to do in Sydney, Australia for 3 days – or longer – we have a few last travel tips for planning your Sydney Itinerary… and then you’re off to Australia!

Sydney Tourist Pass

A Sydney Multi Attraction Pass can save visitors both money and time. Rather than buying individual Sydney attraction tickets, you can pay one fee for a Sydney sightseeing pass that allows entry into multiple sights.

Check out The Ultimate Sydney Attraction Pass , where you pay a flat fee for a specific number of sights. Some of the top attractions included with the Sydney Pass are: Sydney Opera House Tour, Madame Tussauds, SEA LIFE Aquarium and the Sydney Tower Eye.

Day Trips from Sydney, Australia

While Sydney is a thriving, entertaining and fascinating city, Sydney day trips allow visitors to explore more of the surrounding NSW region. 

In our Sydney 3 Day Itinerary – and in our recommendations for longer Sydney trips – we shared a few of the most popular day tours, including the Blue Mountains and Wine Tours. 

That said, there are many day trips – and travelers can begin their search for the top-rated Sydney day tours now!

Sydney Budget Itinerary

Sydney, Australia is a city that can be enjoyed by visitors with a range of budgets. There are many cheap things to do in Sydney…but some attractions come with a high price tag.

Several of the activities on our 3 Days in Sydney, Australia Itinerary are free and cheap Sydney attractions – but we feature some ticketed sights, as well.

In order for budget travelers to use our outlined 3-Day Sydney Itinerary, we recommend eliminating attractions that require tickets and stick to the things to do in Sydney for free. 

There are many ways that visitors can keep their Sydney trip costs in check. For example, take a boat ride on the harbor by commuter ferry, rather than a more expensive cruise. Use our Self-Guided Walking Tour for Sydney, rather than paying for a guided tour. Visit the Harbour Bridge Pylon and forego the Bridge Climb.

Instead of embarking on a craft beer pub crawl, seek out happy hour deals in local neighborhood bars. Because, while incredibly tasty, Sydney craft beer is expensive  and can quickly wreck your travel budget for Australia!

How to Get to Sydney, Australia

The best way (by far) to reach Sydney is flying into the Sydney International Airport (SYD). Cruise ships also dock in Sydney Harbour, and if you’re already in Australia, Sydney can also be reached by bus or train. However, unless you’re on a road trip through Australia, it’s likely still better to fly to Sydney.

As JetSetting Fools, we prefer to travel via plane and have arrived in Sydney on direct flights from the USA , Bali  and New Zealand and departed Sydney on non-stop flights to Bangkok , Tokyo  and Hong Kong .

When we need to purchase cheap plane tickets, we start our search for the best flights on SkyScanner . Before you begin your search, however, read our tips for Finding the Best Cheap Flights .

Where To Stay in Sydney, Australia

There is no shortage of accommodations in Sydney, Australia! On our many trips to Sydney, we have stayed in convenient hotels, comfortable Airbnb apartments and have even stayed in houses for free as petsitters . 

When it comes to where to stay in Sydney – especially for first time visitors – we think the CBD is the most convenient location. 

Best Hotels in Sydney, Australia

Finding the best hotel in Sydney will depend largely on your budget. Sydney hotels range from luxurious to basic – and include everything in between. 

To get the best Sydney hotel at the best rate, read our tips for Finding Cheap Hotels – and then start your search on Booking.com – like we do!

Sydney Vacation Rentals

Short-term vacation rentals – like those on Airbnb – can be a good option for many travelers. We like renting apartments while we travel as they are typically equipped with a kitchen where we can prepare simple meals. 

However, when visiting Sydney in 3 days, renting a holiday apartment can be a hassle – and sometimes the extra fees end up costing more than a hotel room. 

What To Pack for your Sydney, Australia Trip

We have just a few final tips about what to pack for your trip to Sydney, Australia. You can find all of our advice and packing hacks on our Travel Packing Tips page. Need a packing list? Get your FREE Packing Checklist here ! 

The Right Shoes

Sydney is a walkable city…but only if you have the right travel shoes ! For your trip to Australia, don’t forget to pack a pair of lightweight and comfortable walking shoes and a good pair of flip flops for your days at the beach in Sydney.

On our last trip to Sydney, my favorite travel sneakers were sufficient for city walking as well as coastal treks – and Kris wore his favorite trail shoes by Merrell .

A Real Travel Camera

We’re certain you’ll be snapping tons of photos during your trip to Sydney. Rather than relying on your mobile phone to capture the sights, upgrade to an actual travel camera for higher quality photos.

We always travel with a Canon Rebel with an every 18-135mm lens . It takes amazing photos, is easy to use and is ranked as one of the best  budget cameras for travel .

Sydney Map and Guidebook

It’s easy to get turned around in any foreign city…even Sydney! Make sure to have a good city map  and/or  guidebook before arriving in Australia.

Durable Day Pack

Whether you prefer to travel with a backpack or a suitcase , you’ll also want to have a great day bag  to organize and secure all your favorite  everyday travel items ! We use small backpacks that have zippered compartments to ensure our personal items are safely tucked away. 

Australia Travel Insurance

Travel insurance may come in handy when things go awry ( illness or injury , cancelled flights, lost luggage , etc.). If you haven’t already insured your trip, consider traveling protected on your vacation to Australia with World Nomads .

Start planning your trip to Australia ! Search for the lowest airfares , the best accommodations and fun things to do …then start packing !   Want more travel planning tips? Head over to our Travel Planning page for more information and tips on traveling – and for country-specific information, take a look at our Travel Guides page !

Pin it! See all of our travel pins on our JetSetting Fools Pinterest Board .

Share This Story!

• Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)

2 thoughts on “ The Best Sydney Itinerary: 3 Days in Sydney, Australia ”

Comments are closed.

Australia Recommends 2024

Come and Say G'day

G'day, the short film

Discover your Australia

Travel videos

Deals and offers

Australian Capital Territory

New South Wales

Northern Territory

South Australia

Western Australia

External Territories

The Whitsundays

Mornington Peninsula

Port Douglas

Ningaloo Reef

Airlie Beach

Kangaroo Island

Rottnest Island

Hamilton Island

Lord Howe Island

Tiwi Islands

Phillip Island

Bruny Island

Margaret River

Barossa Valley

The Grampians

Hunter Valley

McLaren Vale

Glass House Mountains

Alice Springs

Uluru and Kata Tjuta

The Kimberley

Flinders Ranges

Kakadu National Park

Eyre Peninsula

Karijini National Park

Great Barrier Reef

Blue Mountains

Daintree Rainforest

Great Ocean Road

Purnululu National Park

Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park

Litchfield National Park

Aboriginal experiences

Arts and culture

Festivals and events

Food and drink

Adventure and sports

Walks and hikes

Road trips and drives

Beaches and islands

Nature and national parks

Eco-friendly travel

Health and wellness

Family travel

Family destinations

Family road trips

Backpacking

Work and holiday

Beginner's guide

Accessible travel

Planning tips

Trip planner

Australian budget guide

Itinerary planner

Find a travel agent

Find accommodation

Find transport

Visitor information centres

Deals and travel packages

Visa and entry requirements FAQ

Customs and biosecurity

Working Holiday Maker visas

Facts about Australia

Experiences that will make you feel like an Aussie

People and culture

Health and safety FAQ

Cities, states & territories

Iconic places and attractions

When is the best time to visit Australia?

Seasonal travel

Events and festivals

School holidays

Public holidays

How to get to Australia's most iconic cities

How long do I need for my trip to Australia?

How to travel around Australia

Guide to driving in Australia

How to hire a car or campervan

How to plan a family road trip

How to plan an outback road trip

Sydney, New South Wales

Guide to Sydney

Aboriginal name: Warrane (pronounced War-rang)

• Share Share on Facebook Share on Messenger Share on Twitter Share on WhatsApp Copy Link
• Getting to Sydney
• When to visit
• Accessibility

A city of iconic attractions and brilliant beaches, Sydney is a destination you'll never forget.

Sydney is home to must-visit icons like the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera House, but this Harbour City is constantly evolving. New rooftop bars, theatre shows and designer shops pop up at every turn, and the urban excitement is perfectly balanced by afternoons spent lying on the sand. Plus, with diverse destinations at its doorstep, Sydney is the perfect base for day trips and weekends away.

Sydney/Warrane is home to a number of distinct First Nations groups, spanning from the beaches of Bondi out to the Blue Mountains. Warrane refers to the area now known as Circular Quay and Sydney Cove specifically. 

Aboriginal culture is vibrant across the city, and you can experience it on cultural tours, exhibitions and events throughout the year. 

• Traditional name: Warrane (pronounced War-rang),
• Indigenous Peoples of Central Sydney: Gadigal people
• Traditional lands of Greater Sydney: Eora Nation
• Traditional languages of Central Sydney: Gadigal language
• How to say g’day in Gadigal: Budyeri kamaru

Being one of Australia’s major cities, getting to Sydney is easy with many international and domestic flights arriving daily. 

• Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport (SYD) is 9km (5.5mi) from the city and services international and domestic arrivals
• Hire cars, rideshare and taxi services and shuttles are conveniently available to book prior to your arrival, or on the day 
• Sydney Airport is also serviced by an urban train line direct to the city

Sydney offers clean, reliable and affordable public transport services connecting all of the city’s suburbs. Read more about getting around Sydney .

When it comes to weather , Sydney is quite predictable and experiences four distinct seasons. The warmer months are commonly from November to February, with the cooler months being March to August. 

Even if you are visiting in the cooler months, make sure to pack swimwear, as it is common to enjoy warm, sunny days during winter.

• High season: Spring and summer (November to February)
• Low season: Winter (June to August)
• Don’t miss: The long list of festivals and events happening all year long

Throughout Sydney, you’ll find accessible attractions , museums and galleries , heritage landmarks and more.

• Arrival: Special assistance for people with disabilities, including those with hidden disabilities , is available upon arrival and departure at Sydney Airport.
• Getting around: Most of Sydney’s public transport networks are accessible for people using a wheelchair or mobility device. You can use the ‘Accessible services only’ option on the Trip Planner tool for real-time public transport information.
• Accessible experience highlights: Australia in Style provides epic accessible Sydney tours for wheelchair users, and the staff at Let’s Go Surfing are committed to helping everyone ride Bondi’s famous waves.
• Helpful resources: The Vacayit app provides immersive audio guides to selected Sydney attractions. Check out Sydney’s access and inclusion map to explore the city on your own.

15 places to Come and Say G'day in 2024

Sydney made the list. where else will 2024 take you, the hottest restaurants in sydney.

Restaurants with a view

Top coffee shops

Cheap eats in Sydney

Best rooftop bars

Craft beer bars

Breakfast and brunch spots

Coolest urban distilleries

Hidden bars to uncover

Trip essentials.

Where to stay

Weather in Sydney

Suburb guide

Getting Around

Destinations near Sydney

The Blue Mountains

Sydney Harbour

Port Stephens

The Southern Highlands

The Sapphire Coast

Trips and itineraries.

4 days in Sydney

Drive the Legendary Pacific Coast Touring Route

4 days on board the Indian Pacific train

8-day Sydney to Melbourne inland drive

12-day road trip through New South Wales

The ultimate trip to Australia

Sydney to the Sapphire Coast: a 6-day road trip   

Explore another city.

We use cookies on this site to enhance your user experience.  Find out more . By clicking any link on this page you are giving your consent for us to set cookies.

Acknowledgement of Country

We acknowledge the Traditional Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Owners of the land, sea and waters of the Australian continent, and recognise their custodianship of culture and Country for over 60,000 years.

• New Zealand (English)
• United States (English)
• Canada (English)
• United Kingdom (English)
• India (English)
• Malaysia (English)
• Singapore (English)
• Indonesia (Bahasa Indonesia)
• Deutschland (Deutsch)
• France (Français)
• Italia (Italiano)
• 中国大陆 (简体中文)

*Product Disclaimer:  Tourism Australia is not the owner, operator, advertiser or promoter of the listed products and services. Information on listed products and services, including Covid-safe accreditations, are provided by the third-party operator on their website or as published on Australian Tourism Data Warehouse where applicable. Rates are indicative based on the minimum and maximum available prices of products and services. Please visit the operator’s website for further information. All prices quoted are in Australian dollars (AUD). Tourism Australia makes no representations whatsoever about any other websites which you may access through its websites such as australia.com. Some websites which are linked to the Tourism Australia website are independent from Tourism Australia and are not under the control of Tourism Australia. Tourism Australia does not endorse or accept any responsibility for the use of websites which are owned or operated by third parties and makes no representation or warranty in relation to the standard, class or fitness for purpose of any services, nor does it endorse or in any respect warrant any products or services by virtue of any information, material or content linked from or to this site.

The PERFECT 1, 2 or 3 Week Australia Itinerary [2024]

• Last Updated: January 30, 2024

Whether you have 1, 2, or 3 weeks in Australia, here are some suggestions for an Australia itinerary that will help you make the most of this huge, diverse, and stunning country!

Planning a trip to Australia can be quite difficult, simply because the country is so huge. 

Lots of its best attractions, cities, and natural landmarks are very spread out, so it’s impossible to see everything in a short amount of time. 

Australia is also an expensive country to visit, so most backpackers and average travellers won’t be able to visit every single point of interest without spending a lot. 

Despite these challenges, planning an epic trip to Australia is definitely possible. 

You just have to be smart about your Australia itinerary, sticking to one or two major areas and picking travel routes that are logical. 

For example, you won’t be able to fit Sydney, the Great Barrier Reef, Melbourne, Uluru, Tasmania, and beaches and national parks of Western Australia and the Northern Territory into a 1 week Australia itinerary. 

To see all those incredible places, you’d need at least one month, and even then you’d be rushing to get everywhere. 

What you can do, is pick the areas that appeal to you the most and plan your trip accordingly. 

READ MORE: Check out our comprehensive guide with everything you need to know about travelling in Australia !

So you’d be better off picking either the east coast or the west coast and hanging around there if you only have 1 or 2 weeks in Australia. 

In this article, I’ll provide a few sample Australia travel itineraries. 

Each Australia itinerary will include a few of the country’s best places to visit, while maintaining reasonable travel times.

Whether it’s your first trip to Australia or you’ve been here for a while, there is always something incredible to see!

Table of Contents

How to Get Around Australia

Days 1-2: sydney, days 3-5: brisbane , days 6-7: airlie beach and the whitsundays, days 1-3: sydney, days 3-6: melbourne , day 7-8: the great ocean road, day 9-10: adelaide, day 11: kangaroo island, day 12-14: perth, days 3-4: byron bay, days 5-6: the gold coast, days 7-8: cairns, days 9-10: port douglas and the great barrier reef, days 11-13: cape tribulation and the daintree rainforest, day 14: darwin, days 15-17: kakadu national park, days 18-20: uluru and the red centre, the ultimate australia itinerary travel guide.

Having travelled all around the country, we’re excited to share these epic 1, 2 and 3 week Australian itineraries that’ll cover the best places around.

But first, a tip…

It’s also important to consider how you’ll get around Australia during your visit. 

As I mentioned, the country is huge and public transport like buses or trains is expensive. 

If you’re staying in one area, it’s worth renting a car for a few days so you can explore and do day trips, but driving from one city to the next may take 12+ hours of driving. 

The best way to get around is to rent a car and explore on your own! We recommend Rental Cars , which has the largest range of vehicles for the best value on the market.

Catching cheap domestic flights is the best way to jump from one state to the next, and you can take public transport or drive within smaller areas. 

Though every traveller will have their own unique preferences and modify these itineraries as necessary, here are some sample Australia itineraries that will hopefully help you plan your dream trip!

7 Day Australia Itinerary

One week in Australia goes by quickly, but some people can’t afford to take much longer off of work or their other responsibilities. 

You can still manage to experience some of the Aussie culture and natural beauty in one week. 

In this 7 day Australia itinerary, you’ll be sticking to the middle east coast. 

You’ll begin in Sydney, then head up to Queensland to enjoy the Great Barrier Reef. 

This plan is perfect for 7 days in Australia because it doesn’t require huge amounts of travel time. 

READ NEXT: 25 Amazing Things to Do in Australia

After arriving in  Sydney  and getting settled, you have two days to enjoy the city. 

You can spend one day visiting all the popular tourist attractions, like the Sydney Harbour Bridge, the Sydney Opera House, Sydney Tower Eye, the Royal Botanic Gardens, and maybe some of the museums. 

Another day can be spent swimming and sunbathing on one of the city’s main beaches. 

The northern beaches around Manly, or the western beaches around Bondi and Bronte are great options for a fun day in Sydney.

Bondi Beach has a very strong health and fitness scene, so they have lots of incredible healthy cafes where all the locals like to fuel up. 

Visit  Berri Bar Bondi Beach  for a refreshing Acai bowl,  Porch and Parlour  for a healthy breakfast on homemade bread, or  Umu  for some nourishing organic lunch bowls. 

After 2 days in Sydney, you can catch a quick, 1-hour flight up to Brisbane. 

Check out this post on how to spend one day in Sydney if that’s all the time you have.

Brisbane is another incredible city to visit in Australia. 

After 2 days in Sydney, however, you may be sick of the crowded city streets. 

Luckily, Brisbane makes a great gateway for exploring more peaceful areas of Queensland. 

There are tons of amazing day trips from Brisbane that allow you to explore nature and see more of Australia, including:

• Burleigh Heads:  a charming coastal town with a massive beach and national park
• Hervey Bay:  one of the best spots in Australia for whale-watching
• Lamington National Park:  full of hiking trails and waterfalls
• Stradbroke Island:  a beautiful location that’s great for kayaking, paddleboarding, and trying other water sports
• Fraser Island:  the world’s largest sand island

After exploring Brisbane and the surrounding areas, catch another cheap domestic flight from the city up to Airlie Beach. 

Read our list of the best things to do in Brisbane for more inspiration!

Airlie Beach is known as one of Australia’s most stunning beaches, complete with soft white sand and clear turquoise water. 

From here, you can soak in the postcard-worthy views in the Whitsundays Islands and do a day trip to the Great Barrier Reef and the famous Whitehaven Beach. 

Book an  ocean rafting day tour  that include all your snorkelling gear and takes you to Whitehaven Beach and the best locations in the Whitsundays.

BONUS –  Booking ahead of time ensures you won’t miss out on the tour, and get the best price too! And just for NOMADasaurus readers, if you use the Klook discount code  “NOMADS10”  on the website when checking out, you’ll get $10 off your first booking!

Snorkelling, scuba diving, and sailing through the Great Barrier Reef will make an unforgettable ending to your 7 day Australia itinerary.

At the end of your week in Australia, you can fly from Airlie Beach back to Sydney for your departing flight. 

2 Week Australia Itinerary

Two weeks in Australia allows you a bit more time to see different areas of the country. 

This two week Australia itinerary will start in Sydney, move down to Victoria to explore Melbourne and the Great Ocean Road , and will then curve up to Adelaide in South Australia and end in Perth in Western Australia. 

So with two weeks in Australia, you can still manage to visit 4 states! If you’d prefer to spend more time in one place rather than jumping around so much, you can always modify this. 

For example, you could skip Perth and spend a few more days exploring New South Wales, Victoria, or South Australia. 

But here is a sample two weeks in Australia itinerary. 

Once again, you’ll fly into Sydney and begin your Australian adventure in the capital city of New South Wales. 

In addition to all the touristy stuff like the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Sydney Opera House and touring a local art gallery, you could spend one of your days in the lush nature surrounding the city. 

Two perfect day trips from Sydney are:

The Blue Mountains:  Full of waterfalls, scenic lookouts and hiking trails, connected to Sydney by train so you don’t even need a car. Here’s what you should do there .

The Royal National Park:  Dramatic coastal scenery with rugged cliffs and secluded beaches. Check out these awesome Royal National Park walks .

After 3 days in Sydney, hop on a plane for a 1-hour flight down to Melbourne.

As one of the most vibrant and cosmopolitan cities in Australia,  Melbourne  is a favourite among travellers and locals alike. 

Spend your days in Melbourne visiting street markets, sipping cocktails from rooftop bars, checking out all the cool cafes and restaurants, and experiencing the wild nightlife. 

You can also visit St. Kilda Beach in the south of Melbourne, or head to Brighton Beach to photograph the colourful Brighton Bathing Boxes.

Or take a day trip to Phillip Island or tour the Melbourne Cricket Ground .

After you visit Melbourne, continue on to the famous Great Ocean Road.

One of the highlights of Victoria is the natural wonders of the Great Ocean Road. 

This coastal road runs for 243 kilometers in total and is full of Australian wildlife, quaint little towns, surfing spots, picturesque viewpoints, campgrounds, and overall gorgeous scenery.  

Be sure to see the Twelve Apostles, Split Point Lighthouse, Port Campbell National Park, Apollo Bay, Loch Ard Gorge, and other stunning landscapes along the way.

You can either rent a car from Melbourne and drive the road on your own, or  book a day tour . 

It only takes one day to see all the best spots along the road, but you’ll need to save some time to make your way back to Melbourne and you don’t want to rush. 

You can also stop by the Australian National Surfing Museum in Torquay at the start of the Great Ocean Road.

Fly from Melbourne to Adelaide. 

Spend the next days of your two weeks in Australia itinerary soaking in the culture of  Adelaide . 

Enjoy the delicious food, the museums and galleries, and the laid-back charm of South Australia’s capital. 

One of your 2 days in Adelaide should definitely be spent touring a vineyard and wine tasting in the Barossa Valley. 

Again, you can either rent a car in the city and drive yourself around the vineyards (make sure you don’t drink too much!), or you can book a day trip. 

As one of the most unique places in South Australia, Kangaroo Island makes a super fun day trip from Adelaide. 

Take photos of the interesting rock formations in Flinders Chase National Park , stroll along the pristine golden beaches, or search for some local animals like wallabies, koalas, and of course, kangaroos. 

Head back to Adelaide after Kangaroo Island and hop on another quick flight to Perth to finish up this two week Australia trip.

Read next: 8 Amazing Things to Do in Kangaroo Island, Australia

Your last few days of visiting Australia will be well-spent in Perth, the capital city of Western Australia. 

Enjoy the beaches, explore the Fremantle Markets, visit wineries and wildlife parks, and more.

You could also treat yourself to one last epic adventure in Australia by taking a day trip to Rottnest Island . 

This island is full of fun activities, natural wonders, beautiful views, and cute little quokkas, which are small, native Australian marsupials similar to wallabies. 

After a few days in Perth, either catch your departing flight from here or fly back to Sydney if your flight leaves from there. 

You could also consider a day trip to Margaret River , one of the top wine and surfing regions in Western Australia.

It’s a 3 hour drive from Perth to Margaret River, so only make the trek if you feel like you have time.

3 Week Australia Itinerary

3 weeks in Australia allows you to visit some big cities and tourist spots, but it also allows you to venture out to more remote and isolated areas. 

In this 3 week Australia Itinerary, you’ll visit Sydney and Byron Bay at the start. 

Then you’ll head up to The Gold Coast, and tropical north Queensland to the Daintree Rainforest. 

Continue your journey up north by travelling to Darwin and Kakadu National Park, and then venture inland to Uluru (Ayer’s Rock). 

Again, spend your first couple days in Australia checking out Sydney and maybe doing a day trip to the Blue Mountains of the Hunter Valley Wine Region.

Be sure to visit Sydney Harbour, Darling Harbour, and the famous Bondi Beach during your time in Australia’s largest city.

Then fly to Ballina, a small airport 30 minutes away from Byron Bay. 

Check out our Sydney to Brisbane road trip guide if you’d prefer to rent a car and drive up the east coast.

Byron Bay  is a hub for backpackers, and it is a very fun place to experience when you visit Australia. 

From bar crawls and drum circles on the beach, to night markets and street art, to coastal walks and lovely beaches, a couple days in Byron Bay will feel like bliss. 

Even if you aren’t on a strict backpacker budget, Byron Bay has so many great hostels that it’s worth immersing yourself in the backpacker scene. 

Some of the best hostels in Byron Bay include Wake Up! Byron Bay and Byron Bay Beach hostel. 

Both of these have hundreds of great reviews from travellers cost around $30 per night, which is pretty cheap for Australia. 

If you want to meet other cool people and take part in all the fun social activities of Byron Bay, you may want to stay in one of these fun hostels instead of a hotel!

You can choose to hang out in Byron Bay for a few more days, or catch a flight from Ballina to the Gold Coast for a taste of the Sunshine Coast surf vibes. 

The  Gold Coast  is one of the best places to learn how surfing when you visit Australia. 

You can take a surf lesson from an experienced local and ride the waves, or just relax on the beach, eat some great food, and hit the bars and nightclubs in the evening. 

The Gold Coast combines the excitement of the city with the salty air and water sports of a beachside town, so it’s a diverse and fun place to visit. 

Fly from the Gold Coast up to Cairns. 

The next few days of your 3 week Australia Itinerary will take you up along the coast of Tropical North Queensland. 

This corner of Australia is hot, humid, and jam-packed with rich jungles, Aboriginal culture, waterfalls and the marine life of the Great Barrier Reef. 

Keep in mind that during the rainy season, from October to April, you can’t swim in the ocean here because there may be crocodiles and jellyfish. 

Cairns  is the gateway to tropical north Queensland. 

The real beauty lies outside the city, but spend a couple days adjusting to the heat, partying with the many backpackers, shopping at Rusty’s Fruit Market, and swimming in the big public swimming pool called the Lagoon. 

Also check out Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park and the nearby Barron Gorge National Park near Kuranda.

Then you’ll take the local bus up to Port Douglas. You can buy your bus ticket from any tourism agency or from the main bus station, and take the Cairns to Cooktown route. 

Only about an hour north of Cairns is Port Douglas, a small, relaxed town with one backpacker hostel, a few amazing restaurants, and a nice park lined with palm trees for viewing the sunset. 

This is one of the best places to book a Great Barrier Reef  snorkelling or diving tour  because up here, the reef isn’t as crowded as near Cairns. A snorkelling reef trip is one of the most popular Australia tours and shouldn’t be missed!

So spend one of your days in Port Douglas swimming in the crisp, blue waters of the reef and seeing some incredible, colourful marine life. 

From here, get back on Cairns to Cooktown bus and continue north up to Cape Tribulation in the Daintree Rainforest. 

Located in the midst of the jungle, Cape Tribulation is the perfect place to disconnect from technology and reconnect with nature. 

There is only one main road running through the town, if you can even call it a town. 

Cape Tribulation has a few resorts and hostels, a couple tourism companies and about two shops, and that’s it. 

But the powerful presence of the rainforest is more than enough to entertain you for a couple days.

The Daintree is the oldest rainforest in the world, and is one of the true natural wonders of Australia.

Go hiking, ride horses on the beach, book an ATV sightseeing tour, do an exotic fruit tasting at Cape Trib Farm, visit the Daintree Discovery Center, or take a boat cruise on the Daintree River to spot some crocodiles. 

Try to avoid visiting Tropical North Queensland in December through February, however. This is the wet season and many roads may be flooded and tours will be closed.

On your third day, take the bus back to Cairns then fly to Darwin. 

Darwin is the capital city of the Northern Territory, and it is a convenient starting point for a trip into Central Australia and Ayers Rock, in the south of the state.

Use this day to walk around and sightsee a bit, relax and unwind, and plan your journey into Kakadu National Park. 

Check out our guide for the best things to do in Darwin!

Rent a car in Darwin and spend the next couple days exploring the largest national park in Australia!

You can swim in waterfalls, find ancient Aboriginal rock art, and go hiking through some incredible landscapes. 

If you have a van or a tent, you can camp at one of the park’s campgrounds. Otherwise there is a handful of resorts where you can stay overnight in Kakadu. 

Most of the accommodation in Kakadu is located in Jabiru, the main town of the park. 

You could also  book a guided tour  to Kakadu as a day trip from Darwin. This is a good option for those who want to take a break from planning and driving. A tour will take you right to the best spots in the park, which is handy because the park is so huge.

After exploring the national park, drive back to Darwin and then fly to Alice Springs at the heart of Australia’s Red Centre. 

(Alternatively if you don’t want to keep travelling so much, you could stay in the Northern Territory and explore more natural wonders like Nitmiluk National Park.)

From Alice Springs in the center of the Northern Territory, it’s time to begin your journey to Uluru!

The Red Centre is the central desert area of Australia, consisting of Alice Springs and the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Uluru Kata Tjuta National Park.

Uluru, or Ayers Rock, is a sacred monolith and it one of the most famous places to see on a trip to Australia.

You have two options for getting to Uluru. 

Option 1:  Rent a car in Alice Springs and complete the 5-hour drive on your own. Keep in mind it’s also 5 hours to get back, so that’s a 10 hour road trip in total. You should also have your own camping gear and pack enough food and water for the road trip.

Option 2:  Book a tour from Alice Springs if you are tired of driving. You can  choose a straightforward day trip . It’s a bit pricier to do a guided tour, but it takes away a lot of the effort on your part. 

Either way, watching the sunrise and sunset bathe Uluru in soft, natural hues is a sight you’ll never forget, so the journey is worth it. 

If you are renting a car and doing your own road trip, consider also heading out to Watarrka National Park and Kings Canyon. This amazing spot is a 3 hour drive from Ayers Rock, which is a short drive for the Outback!

READ MORE: Check out all the incredible things to do in Uluru !

Your final day of the 3 week Australia itinerary will mostly be spent travelling. 

Drive back to Alice Springs, then fly back to Sydney for your flight home.

I just want to add that there are many other natural wonders that I didn’t get to mention!

Australia is massive so it’s hard to fit in so many cool places in a short time.

For example, the north of Western Australia is stunning, but it’s very remote and not convenient to add to a few weeks in Australia.

Few Australians even make it out here on holiday.

But riding a camel on Cable Beach , snorkelling with Whale Sharks in Exmouth , or camping in Cape Range National Park are amazing experiences that you can have if you have the time to venture out there.

Tasmania is also one of the most gorgeous places in Australia. The island is home to some of the best hiking and camping in the country , but it requires lots of prior planning and preparation and gear.

You could also road trip around Australia, taking more time to see all the attractions and not having to rush.

But it would take you months or even years to road trip all of Australia!

Regardless of how much time you spend here, don’t stress about seeing everything!

It’s impossible to see everything, and no matter where you go, you’re sure to have an epic time.

DISCLAIMER: Some of the links in this article are affiliate links, which means if you book accommodation, tours or buy a product, we will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. These commissions help us keep creating more free travel content to help people plan their holidays and adventures. We only recommend the best accommodations, tours and products that ourselves or our fantastic editorial team have personally experienced, and regularly review these. Thanks for your support, kind friend!

Gabby Boucher

Hi, We’re Alesha and Jarryd!

We’ve been traveling the world together since 2008, searching for the planet’s best destinations and adventures.

Love Travel?

Sign up for our free weekly newsletter for the best travel tips, ideas and deals!

We respect your privacy. Unsubscribe at any time.

READ MORE...

Cape Kudu Hotel Review – Best Place to Stay on Koh Yao Noi

The Ultimate 3 Days in New York City Itinerary (2024 Guide)

25 Amazing Things to Do in Australia (2024 Edition)

Related Posts

The best things to do in the blue mountains (2024 guide), 17 awesome things to do in dawson city, yukon, quark expeditions greenland cruise review – an epic arctic adventure, celebrating songkran in bangkok, 5 thoughts on “the perfect 1, 2 or 3 week australia itinerary [2024]”.

Have you got any info/tips about Central Australia? Adelaide, Coober Pedy, Alice Springs to Darwin (Stuart Hwy).

Would like more information on all inclusive 3 wk itinerary for family of about 12.

All the best with your research. Have a great trip.

Terrific article. Thanks so much for the insight!

Thank you so much. Glad the article was helpful 🙂

Leave a comment Cancel reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

• International edition
• Australia edition
• Europe edition

Woman found dead in North Bondi – as it happened

This blog is now closed.

• David Sharaz says he won’t fight defamation but asks Linda Reynolds to settle with Brittany Higgins
• Get our morning and afternoon news emails , free app or daily news podcast
• 30 Apr 2024 That's it for today, thanks for reading
• 30 Apr 2024 Sharaz says Reynolds will not settle defamation case
• 30 Apr 2024 X lodges appeals against eSafety orders
• 30 Apr 2024 Man assisting police with inquiries after woman, 19, found dead in North Bondi
• 30 Apr 2024 Crossbench pens letter to PM urging action to target domestic violence
• 30 Apr 2024 Lifeline records busiest day on record after emotional fortnight
• 30 Apr 2024 Hotline for stranded Bonza customers launched
• 30 Apr 2024 Airline passenger numbers still ‘well below’ pre-pandemic levels, new report says
• 30 Apr 2024 Destruction of woodlands begins for defence housing development in Darwin
• 30 Apr 2024 Teen arrested after alleged stabbing in Melbourne
• 30 Apr 2024 Coles revenues rise as shoppers search for cheaper groceries
• 30 Apr 2024 Dingo bites boy in latest attack on K'gari
• 30 Apr 2024 NSW government close to extending Australia’s biggest coal-fired plant for four years
• 30 Apr 2024 Fifth pro-Palestinian university encampment expected to begin tomorrow
• 30 Apr 2024 Police will allege teenage girl ‘solely responsibly’ for death of 10-year-old
• 30 Apr 2024 Government considering pilot study into age verification technology, communications minister says
• 30 Apr 2024 Tributes laid at Westfield Bondi Junction to be moved from tomorrow
• 30 Apr 2024 Bonza planes repossessed, future uncertain
• 29 Apr 2024 Raft of Bonza flights cancelled amid uncertainty
• 29 Apr 2024 Man charged with murder over death of woman known to him
• 29 Apr 2024 Optus apologises again as network outage report is released by government
• 29 Apr 2024 Teen charged with murder after alleged Lake Macquarie stabbing
• 29 Apr 2024 Anne Aly discusses personal experience as victim-survivor and how this informs her work
• 29 Apr 2024 Alice Springs mayor touts 'positive impact' of curfew measures but domestic violence still a 'calamity'
• 29 Apr 2024 Minister says investment for $1bn quantum computing to be released in batches
• 29 Apr 2024 Triple zero emergency hotline access to be strengthened
• 29 Apr 2024 Good morning
• 29 Apr 2024 Police investigate death of woman near Perth
• 29 Apr 2024 $1bn quantum computing to be built in Brisbane
• 29 Apr 2024 Welcome

Man assisting police with inquiries after woman, 19, found dead in North Bondi

A man has been arrested after a young woman’s death in Sydney’s eastern suburbs, AAP reports.

The 32-year-old man had an outstanding warrant and was arrested at a unit on Hardy Street at North Bondi where a woman, believed to be aged 19, had been found dead on Tuesday morning, NSW police said in a statement.

A crime scene has been set up as the circumstances are investigated, with the woman’s cause of death yet to be identified.

No charges have been laid over the woman’s death.

That's it for today, thanks for reading

Here are the main stories on Tuesday, 30 April:

Airline Bonza cancelled all flights across Australia and entered into voluntary administration;

Police are investigating the death of another woman in NSW amid an ongoing national crisis of gendered violence;

A man released after the NZYQ high court decision has allegedly assaulted a woman during a home invasion in Western Australia;

David Sharaz says Linda Reynolds will not settle her defamation case against him and Brittany Higgins ;

X lodged appeals against orders to remove content issued by the eSafety commission; and

Weekend flooding is possible on Australia’s east coast, BoM say .

We will see you back here for more news tomorrow.

Sharaz says Reynolds will not settle defamation case

David Sharaz , the fiance of Brittany Higgins , says senator Linda Reynolds will not settle her defamation case against the couple, potentially exposing Higgins to another trial.

In a statement posted on X on Tuesday afternoon, Sharaz said:

Despite our best efforts Linda Reynolds has not accepted attempts to resolve this matter through mediation and Brittany may now be exposed to another trial. It will be her third. I cannot afford to pay legal costs to defend myself over a 6 week trial. As a result I have today informed the court that I will not fight Reynolds’ legal action any more. I now appeal for Senator Reynolds to settle her litigation against Brittany, a rape victim, by agreeing to disagree and putting all of this behind them. It’s time to move on. It’s time to let Brittany heal.

Reynolds, a Liberal senator from Western Australia, is suing Higgins, her former political staffer, and Sharaz over a series of social media posts that she says damaged her reputation.

Reynolds was approached for comment about Sharaz’s statement.

The case is before the Western Australian supreme court, which had previously ordered the parties into mediation. A trial was expected to start in July.

Russia parades seized Bushmasters: report

Russia has reportedly put seized Bushmaster vehicles on display in central Moscow.

The Nine newspapers have reported that the armoured vehicles - supplied by Australia to Ukraine - are on display in an exhibition in Moscow’s Victory Park district. The report says British and American equipment have also been displayed, with signs reading: “Our victory is inevitable!”

Comment has been sought from the Australian government. The defence minister, Richard Marles , visited Ukraine last weekend and announced a further $100m of assistance , saying Kyiv must be “empowered to resolve this on their terms”. Australia has now pledged or provided more than $1bn worth of support to Ukraine since the full-scale invasion by Russia in early 2022, including 120 Bushmaster protected mobility vehicles.

Victorian nurses union agree to industrial action

As many as 60,000 nurses and midwives working in Victorian hospitals and aged care centres may refuse to work overtime from next week after voting to start industrial action.

Public sector nurses and midwives will start protected industrial action on 7 May in response to a failure of the government and their employers’ to offer sufficient improved wages and conditions, the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation’s Victorian branch said.

A statewide union members meeting held on Tuesday voted to start stage one of industrial action next week, including wearing red campaign T-shirts, refusing to work overtime, talking about their campaign to patients, stopping work to post campaign messages on social media, bans on administrative paperwork and messages on work car windows used by hospital in the home and community nurses.

Stage two industrial action, which would include the closure of one in four beds and the cancellation of the same percentage of election surgeries, was delayed until 17 May, the union said.

X lodges appeals against eSafety orders

Elon Musk’s X Corp has filed two appeals for decisions ordering the removal of content from the social media site by Australia’s online safety regulator in the Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT)

While the focus has been on the federal court, where the eSafety commissioner is seeking to force X to remove 65 tweets containing video of the stabbing of Sydney bishop Mar Mari Emmanuel, X is challenging that ruling through the AAT initially, as well as another ruling that eSafety demanded X remove a tweet targeting an Australian trans man .

The cases were filed on 15 and 17 April by the law firm X has engaged in Australia, Thomson Geer . Musk had posted on X that the company intended to challenge the validity of the decisions in both cases.

There have been no dates set for the AAT cases, meaning that the federal court will have its say first on the video posts, next due to hear the eSafety case on 10 May.

X had been ordered by the federal court on Monday last week to hide the 65 tweets from view globally, but had only made them inaccessible to users appearing to be in Australia. This was extended until the May hearing on the Wednesday.

The company said on Thursday it believed this was in compliance with the notice issued by eSafety and with Australian law.

The latest on the Faruqi v Hanson case

Pauline Hanson is asked whether she knows the history of the phrase “It’s OK to be white”.

Hanson says: “I had felt insulted because some comments had been made, it’s OK to be – to be black.”

(This is in reference to the Black Lives Matter movement. Hanson says she believes “all lives matter”.)

Holt tells Hanson she didn’t make up the phrase, which Hanson agrees with because her “staff brought it to me”.

Faruqi’s counsel asks whether Hanson was aware “that it’s a phrase that was developed by white supremacists for white supremacy purposes”.

Hanson: “I don’t because that’s [what is] going on YouTube and that Twitter and I don’t follow it.”

Saul Holt : “OK, so you literally just said it’s OK to be white without knowing anything of the modern history of that phrase?”

Hanson says no. Holt brings up its history: that it had been used by the white supremacy movement, including by former Ku Klux Klan leader David Duke.

Hanson says she has heard of Duke, but she did not know that was the history of the phrase.

Hanson is excused as a witness. Final submissions may be presented tomorrow.

As parts of Australia’s east coast gear up for a week of showers and rain, here’s how April and the first four months of 2024 shaped up, rainfall-wise:

Australia's April was relatively wet in parts of the east, but still very dry in the south-west and parts of the south. (Via @Bom_au ) pic.twitter.com/nmZo0NWqqC — @[email protected] (@p_hannam) April 30, 2024

For the year to date, the north has seen some areas of record rainfall. Coastal regions in WA, SA and Tasmania, though, have been relatively dry (if not the driest on record). (Source: @Bom_au ) pic.twitter.com/eRqLy8Xuie — @[email protected] (@p_hannam) April 30, 2024

Mehreen Faruqi ’s counsel Saul Holt asks why, out of all the tweets that day, it was Faruqi’s tweet that Pauline Hanson responded to.

Holt: “You’re actually saying that it’s just a coincidence that the only person that you chose to respond to on this day in this way, was a Muslim migrant.

I have explained to you this tweet was brought to my attention by my staff member. I wasn’t made aware of other tweets that were put out at all. It had nothing to do with whether … she’s female, Muslim, or what. I was affected, and I was upset. I was offended by her tweet, as many of other Australians were.

Holt then moves to some comments Hanson made earlier this month, in a Sky interview on 18 April this year. Hanson said at the time:

Now we’re heading down the path of what England looks like now. England has a lot of areas there that … no one will go into. It’s all Muslim dominated. They actually control the areas. You’ve got over 1,000 sharia law courts. We have Muslims in this country, getting married, getting on our welfare system, breeding, and we are paying for this; yet the politicians turn a blind eye.

Asked why she chose the word “breeding”, Hanson says she couldn’t think of another word. Holt puts to Hanson that she was trying to make Muslim people sound like “animals” and Hanson says that was not her intention.

Hanson is asked about a statement she put out after the alleged stabbing of Bishop Mar Mari Emmanuel. Hanson says she does not recall.

Asked whether she put out a statement in response to the Bondi Junction attack, or the Christchurch attack, or the Wieambilla shootings, Hanson said she cannot recall.

Hanson tells court she ‘probably’ has told white or Australian-born people to leave Australia if they are unhappy

Pauline Hanson has been shown at least three videos of herself speaking, where she says “go back to where you came from” or words to that effect. Hanson says in “context” people will understand why she said it.

Asked by Mehreen Faruqi’s counsel whether she has ever said “Go back to where you came from” to an Australian-born, Australian or white person, Hanson says she has heard of “whinging Aussies”, and that she “probably” has said that if someone white or Australian-born says they are unhappy in Australia, they should find elsewhere to go. However, she cannot give a concrete example.

Faruqi’s counsel Saul Holt then moves on to Hanson’s X/Twitter account. Hanson says it is run by her staff, not her. Asked about the disclaimer on the account that tweets ending with “PH” are dictated by her directly, Hanson says that is a recent development (from this year). Hanson says she doesn’t have Twitter on her phone or her computer as she is a “paper girl”.

She said her staff had rung her to tell her about Faruqi’s tweet when the queen died, and she dictated a response. “I was incensed, I was insulted, it was terrible,” Hanson said of Faruqi’s tweet.

Hanson said she did not give “any thought” to the response her tweet received from other Twitter users. She said her staff had told her about some of the responses, but she never looked at the responses herself.

‘We have to have’ debate on social media algorithms and misogynistic content, PM says

PM Anthony Albanese says cracking down on misogynist influencer content online is “a debate we have to have”, after the communications minister, Michelle Rowland, said the government was exploring further regulation on how social media algorithms serve up such posts to young people.

Guardian Australia’s Eden Gillespie has asked Albanese at a press conference in Brisbane whether the government would consider changing rules to force social media companies to not show that kind of content to youths. Albanese said he hadn’t seen Rowland’s comments, made at a press conference earlier today, but said influencers like Andrew Tate were “symptomatic of … a global problem that we’re dealing with”.

We need to be very conscious about what is online and about the impact that it is having. Now that is something that is a role for government, but it’s also a role for public discourse. I think we need to have a real discussion about the impact and I know when I talk with parents, they’re very concerned about what their young sons and daughters are getting access to, about the impact that it has, including just making things [normal] which should never be normal. The use of algorithms that can push that sort of material towards people as well, is of great concern. It’s something I know that Michelle [Rowland] is concerned about … certainly it’s the debate that we have to have.

Albanese said he wouldn’t “pre-empt the discussion” tomorrow at national cabinet on wider domestic violence issues, but said any reforms would also require “attitudinal change” as well as “practical immediate measures and responses”.

• Australia news
• Australia news live
• Australian politics
• Anthony Albanese
• Labor party
• Peter Dutton
• Australian police and policing

Most viewed