Sydney-4-day-itinerary

Day 1: Sydney Icons and Beaches

Morning

  • Start the day at Circular Quay, a bustling hub with great views of the Harbour Bridge and Opera House
  • Take a short walk to the Sydney Opera House and take a guided tour (book in advance)
  • Grab breakfast at Café Sydney, located on the waterfront with stunning views

Afternoon

  • Head to Bondi Beach, one of Australia’s most iconic beaches (take bus 380 or 381 from Circular Quay)
  • Take a scenic coastal walk from Bondi to Coogee Beach (about 1 hour)
  • Enjoy lunch at The Coogee Pavilion, a historic building with great food and views

Evening

  • Return to the city and enjoy dinner at Rockpool Bar & Grill, a popular restaurant in the heart of Sydney
  • Stay overnight at The Sydney Harbour Marriott Hotel, located near Circular Quay with stunning harbour views

Things to Know

  • Be prepared for crowds and long lines at popular attractions
  • Wear comfortable shoes for the coastal walk
  • Don’t forget your sunscreen and hat!

Transportation

  • Use the Opal card, a convenient way to pay for public transportation in Sydney
  • Take advantage of the free 555 shuttle bus that runs through the city

Tips

  • Book tours and restaurants in advance to avoid long wait times
  • Consider purchasing a Sydney Attractions Pass, which grants access to multiple attractions at a discounted rate

Day 2: Exploring the City

Morning

  • Visit the Australian Museum, home to over 21 million specimens and artifacts (take bus 302 from Circular Quay)
  • Explore the trendy neighborhood of Surry Hills, known for its boutique shopping and cafes
  • Grab lunch at Reuben Hills Cafe, a popular spot with great food and coffee

Afternoon

  • Head to The Rocks, one of Sydney’s oldest neighborhoods (take bus 304 from Surry Hills)
  • Visit the Museum of Contemporary Art, located in The Rocks (free admission)
  • Take a stroll along the Harbour Bridge for spectacular views of the city

Evening

  • Enjoy dinner at Bistro Guillaume, a French-inspired restaurant with great wine list
  • Stay overnight at The Old Clare Hotel, a boutique hotel in the heart of Surry Hills

Things to Know

  • The Australian Museum is closed on Good Friday and Christmas Day
  • Be prepared for steep hills and cobblestone streets in The Rocks

Tips

  • Take a guided tour of The Rocks to learn more about its rich history
  • Consider purchasing a Sydney City Pass, which grants access to multiple attractions and public transportation at a discounted rate

Day 3: Blue Mountains

Morning

  • Take a day trip to the Blue Mountains, a UNESCO World Heritage Site (about 2 hours from Sydney by car or train)
  • Visit Scenic World, which offers stunning views of the mountains and valleys
  • Take a bushwalk in the Three Sisters area, a scenic hike with breathtaking views

Afternoon

  • Enjoy lunch at The Lookout Restaurant, located at Scenic World with great views
  • Visit the picturesque town of Leura, known for its cafes, shops, and galleries
  • Return to Sydney in the evening and enjoy dinner at Quay, a waterfront restaurant with great seafood

Evening

  • Stay overnight at The Shangri-La Hotel, located near Circular Quay with stunning harbour views

Things to Know

  • Be prepared for variable weather conditions in the Blue Mountains
  • Wear comfortable shoes and clothes for bushwalking

Tips

  • Book Scenic World tickets in advance to avoid long wait times
  • Consider purchasing a Blue Mountains Explorer Pass, which grants access to multiple attractions at a discounted rate

Day 4: Manly Beach and Northern Beaches

Morning

  • Take a ferry from Circular Quay to Manly Beach, one of Sydney’s most popular beaches (about 30 minutes)
  • Visit the Manly Sea Life Sanctuary, home to over 13,000 animals
  • Grab lunch at The Pantry Manly, a popular spot with great food and views

Afternoon

  • Head to Dee Why Beach, a scenic beach with great surf spots (take bus 136 from Manly)
  • Visit the Narrabeen Lagoon, a picturesque spot for walking and cycling
  • Return to Sydney in the evening and enjoy dinner at The Fish Shop, a popular seafood restaurant in Bondi

Evening

  • Stay overnight at The QT Bondi Hotel, located near Bondi Beach with great amenities

Things to Know

  • Be prepared for crowds and long lines at popular beaches
  • Wear comfortable shoes and clothes for walking and cycling

Tips

  • Book ferry tickets in advance to avoid long wait times
  • Consider purchasing a Northern Beaches Pass, which grants access to multiple attractions at a discounted rate