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.
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!
Where To Stay in Sydney – Best Areas & Neighborhoods
First things first, you’re going to need somewhere to stay while embarking on your trip to Sydney. Now obviously, this depends on your budget and travel style, but I think below would be my top recommendations.
If this is your first trip to Sydney, I’d highly recommend staying in either The Rocks/ Circular Quay or Darling Harbour. They are the most well-connected neighborhoods in the city and will cut your transit time down siginificantly.
The Rocks / Circular Quay
One of the major transit hubs in the city offering tons of accommodation options! This will make your time in Sydney super easy getting around the city as it’s connected to all of the ferries, train lines, and bus stations. If you choose to stay in this area, you can’t go wrong with these options:
- Park Hyatt Sydney – This is one of the most jaw-dropping luxury hotels in Sydney with a location that simply cannot be beaten! While it’s not cheap, it’ll provide an unforgettable stay! The swimming pool and rooms with views of the Opera House are dream-worthy!
- Four Seasons Hotel Sydney – I had the pleasure of staying here back in 2019, and it’s always one of my top places to stay! The luxurious rooms, panoramic views, and perfect location make this a top-contender for your Sydney hotel choice!
- YHA The Rocks – My favorite hostel in Sydney! A must-stay for budget travelers first arriving to Sydney!
Park Hyatt Sydney
Darling Harbour
During my most recent trip to Sydney I opted to stay in Darling Harbour as I found a really good deal booking with Hyatt points, and I absolutely loved staying here! Tons of top-notch restaurants, nightlife, museums, and simply a beautiful area to walk around. You’re also pretty close to the Circular Quay (but I’d recommend taking the scenic ferry to CQ for ferry connections to different parts of the city). Here are my top recommendations for hotels in Darling Harbour:
W Hotel Sydney – This brand new hotel just opened in 2024, and it’s truly spectacular! It’s fresh, colorful, and very unique. There’s also an incredible indoor swimming pool at the top of the hotel offering insane views of Darling Harbour. If you don’t stay here, I’d still recommend taking the elevator to the 29/30 Rooftop Bar!
Hyatt Regency Sydney – I loved my stay here and would definitely come back! If you’re a Hyatt member be sure to look out for deals for staying here if you book with points!
W Sydney – Darling Harbour
Sydney Itinerary Overview:
If you’re interested in a quick overview feel free to copy this down or screenshot your phone! I’ve listed full details and all of my recommendations for these below though, so keep reading to discover the best Sydney has to offer!
- Day 1: Explore Bondi Beach & Coastal Walk
- Day 2: Sydney Harbour Bridge, The Rocks, and Opera House
- Day 3: Watson’s Bay, Beaches & South Head Heritage Trail
- Day 4: Sydney CBD & Suburbs
- Day 5: Take a Sydney Day Trip
- Day 6: Manly Beach
- Day 7: Taronga Zoo + Sydney Tower Eye Dinner
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
Bondi Beach Surf Lessons
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 to Coogee Beach 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 do this EVERY time I return to Sydney and the best introduction to what makes Sydney so special.
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:
Opera Bar
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.
Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb
During my most recent visit to Sydney I finally was able to cross off this bucket-list adventure and I simply can’t recommend it enough! The Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb offers a guided tour to climb the bridge for breathtaking 360-degree panoramic views of Sydney’s iconic skyline, the Opera House, and the harbour itself.
The entire experience does take 3+ hours but it is absolutely worth it! While there are many different options to choose from throughout the day, I would personally recommend doing either the sunset or twilight climbs as you’ll get to see the city during the day and night.
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 earn a spot on your itinerary. 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.
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!
Towards the beginning of the southern side of the bridhe you’ll find the The Pylon Lookout, which offers some of the best views in Sydney (making it a popular spot for Instagram). Though there’s an entrance fee, it’s worth it for the interesting exhibitions detailing the history of the Sydney Harbour Bridge. It’s 200 stairs to the top, but worth it for the breathtaking views and experience.
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
Why come all the way to Sydney without learning a thing or two about its most iconic landmark? There are several different Sydney Opera House Tours to choose from so take your pick and find a time-slot that works for you!
I’ve been on this particular tour – Opera House Guided Tour with Entrance Ticket and really enjoyed my time! It was fascinating to learn about all the history and get a behind the scenes.
- Duration: 1 Hour
- Price: $29+ USD (Read Reviews)
“Discover the stories, history, and magic of Sydney Opera House with a guided tour. Step beneath the world-famous sails and explore the building that brings to life over 1800 performances each year.”
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 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!
Nestled on the sandy shores of one of Sydney’s most iconic harbor beaches, Watson’s Bay Boutique Hotel is the ideal spot for those seeking sunshine, fresh seafood platters, seasonal dishes, and refreshing drinks, all while enjoying stunning views of Sydney’s 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.
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-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.
The area is known for its variety of Vietnamese, Thai, and Japanese eateries – and 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: 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 and most iconic 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
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.
https://www.getyourguide.com/sydney-l200/blue-mountains-3-rides-no-lunch-day-tour-t68335/
Price: $129+
Duration: 10+ Hours (Full-Day Trip)
“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
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.
If you have the time, I’d 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.
From Sydney: Hunter Valley Wine/Spirit Tasting Tour & Lunch
Price: $137.20
Duration: 11 Hours– “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.”
Read Reviews & Check Availability
Photo via GetYourGuide
Sydney Itinerary Day 6: Manly Beach
With its gorgeous beaches, scenic coastal walks, and stunning snorkeling spots — Manly NEEDS to 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. It’s the perfect place to spend a day, and becomes alive and bustling during the weekend with the Manly Market Place – open every Saturday and Sunday from 10am-5pm.
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: Taronga Zoo + Sydney Tower Eye Dinner
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, then you absolutely should! It took me years to finally check-out Taronga Zoo and it’s one of the coolest zoos (and best located) in the world!
Austrlia is famous for its unique wildlife, and Taronga Zoo home to over 350 different animal species with eight unique environments to explore that’ll keep you busy and entertained for hours via animal encounters and educational talks.
A visit to Taronga Zoo has something for everyone to enjoy, but I’d consider it a must-do activity for those traveling with kids.
Pro Travel Tip: Buying tickets alone for Taronga Zoo can be expensive, but if you combine them with a Sydney: Combo Pass for City Attractions you can get a whole lot more bang for your buck.
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. 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.”
Earlier in the article I recommended staying in this area, as I do think it’s one of the best areas to base yourself while you explore Sydney! There’s just so much to do in Darling Harbour, and the promenade is packed with amazing restaurants, bars, nightclubs, and so much more.
Some more of my favorite things to do in Darling Harbour:
- Visit the Australian National Maritime Museum. I personally loved the scuba-diving exhibit and touring the HMAS ships.
- Grab a drink at the W Hotel 29/30 Rooftop Bar
- Go Shopping & Dining in the Cockle Bay Wharf
- Watch a movie at the second largest IMAX theatre in the southern hemisphere!
- Grab some drinks and dance at Cargo Bar
- Walk across the bridge at night
- Stroll through The Chinese Gardens
- Sea Life Sydney Aquarium, Madame Tussauds, and the Wildlife Zoo
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?
“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.
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”. 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.
2024 Update: You can now tap-on/tap-off using a credit card, so you really don’t even need an Opal card (but I still prefer to keep my credit card transations a bit simpler)
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.
2024 Update: To avoid wasting time at the airport, I always recommend the use of Travel eSIMs now, as they are super easy to install and you can get excellent rates.
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.
Thanks for reading my Sydney Itinerary!!
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.
So, which of these incredible sights in Sydney, Australia, are you most excited about exploring?
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!
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Thanks for the great info. When was this article written? How up to date is the info? I don’t believe it is possible to pet Koalas in Sydney in 2019??
Such a great and useful article! I will be visiting from New York and your pictures of Sydney and the things to do are gorgeous. Really appreciate your page.
Great post! Really helpful thank you so much!
Wow. Your photo skills are fantastic! I really love the long exposure photos of Sydney Harbour Bridge, especially the one showing Luna Park lit up at night with the Opera House compressed in the background! And your Bondi photos are incredible too! So inspiring thanks for sharing! :)
Great shots. I’ve bookmarked this post to have in mind before visiting Sydney next time (hopefully). My last visit was 2 years ago. A business trip and meeting in Four Seasons Hotels in Sydney, The Rocks area. Its near the center but was too expensive for me and I’ve stayed in Harbour Rocks Hotel instead. It is not on the main streets but close enough to walk to.
Really an awesome Sydney Itinerary, love reading this as it was very attractive and helpful. Please keep posting such articles.
That is such a comprehensive itinerary. I am bookmarking it for later.
thankyou for providing this useful information
This itinerary for Sydney is great. Looks like so much fun stuff to do. I’ll be cherry picking some of the options here for myself.
For Taronga Park, I strongly recommend that you ad that it’s the best zoo for OZ marsupials on the planet. They have wombats! (Yes, I know San Diego has them too, but not housed so well.)
I love Manly I’ve been to Sydney a couple of times and it’s my favourite.