Sydney, the capital of New South Wales, is a glimmering gem in Australia’s collection of cities. Landmarks like the Sydney Opera House, with its distinct sail-like design, or the expansive Harbor Bridge are icons for the country, and easily recognizable to citizens and foreigners alike.
As one of Australia’s largest cities (and the most visited), Sydney boasts a trove of museums, beaches, and activities to explore. Kick off your Australian adventure with my 3-day itinerary to explore Sydney’s legendary sights.
Sydney Airport Tips:
If you’re flying into Sydney, the best way to get to the city center is via public transit on their extensive metro system. Follow the signs out of the baggage claim area towards the trains. Unfortunately, given you’re paying airport prices, they gouge you a bit for the journey into the city (about 20AUD), but overall the public transit is extremely affordable and some of the cleanest I’ve seen. If you have a contactless credit card, use this to tap on/off at the station’s scanners and save time on buying tickets. Each individual will need a card for their journey.
But before leaving the airport, you’ll need to clear customs upon arrival for international flights, and the Australian customs agents have a reputation for being strict. If you’re unsure about something, play it safe and declare it before they slap you with a hefty fine. Coming from New Zealand, we were advised not to wear any jewelry made from stone (like NZ’s typical greenstone), shells, wood, etc as they’ll fine you if undeclared.
Day 1: Bridge Climb and Harbor Cruise
Morning: Arrival in Sydney
Collect your baggage and catch the train to the CBD (central business district). It’s best to book accommodation in this area, especially if it’s your first time in Sydney, as this is where the main attractions are. We stayed in The Rocks neighborhood, and the adjacent Circular Quay and Darling Harbor are excellent choices also.
Afternoon: BridgeClimb Sydney
Start your East Coast Aussie adventure with a bang and climb the Sydney Harbor Bridge. Constructed in 1932, the elegant steel-arch bridge is one of Sydney’s most iconic landmarks. At the BridgeClimb Sydney headquarters, you’re kitted out in a jumpsuit, harness, and radio, and an expert guide will walk you through safety procedures before taking you out on the bridge. (Be sure to skip the mimosas at brunch because everyone is breathalyzed for safety before the tour!)
Your climb culminates at the apex of the iconic arch, where you’re greeted by sweeping views of the Sydney Harbor and the Sydney Opera House. Along the way, your guide will impart facts and history about the bridge and harbor, and snap photos of you and your group (phones are not allowed on the bridge climb).
If you’re visiting over a weekend, follow up your monumental climb with a visit to The Rocks Market. The market begins underneath the Harbour Bridge and extends down George Street and Playfair Street, teeming with people between 10 am – 5 pm each Saturday and Sunday. Shop local with goods from Aussie artisans, or chow down on amazing street food.
Evening: Harbor Dinner Cruise
Finish your day in style with an evening dinner cruise along the Sydney Harbor. Sip cocktails to the soothing sounds of a live pianist while enjoying the breathtaking harbor views at golden hour.
Day 2: Explore the Blue Mountains
Morning: Train to Katoomba and hiking
Escape to nature with a stunning day trip to the Blue Mountains National Park. There is an express train to the Blue Mountains (Katoomba Station) from Sydney Central Station half hourly and hourly, check out the schedule for updated times. The journey takes about two hours (the same as driving) and costs 6-9AUD.
For your day trip, I recommend buying a Lyrebird Pass. This allows unlimited access to the Hop On Hop Off buses and entrance to Scenic World. I’m not normally a fan of HOHO buses, but this one provides excellent information about the park and hikes and is extremely convenient if you’re coming by train. If your main focus is hiking, skip it and opt for the public buses in the area.
If you’d like to stretch your legs after the train ride, catch the HOHO bus to stop six, Honeymoon Lookout, and head towards Echo Point. The trail is mostly level and offers spectacular views of the verdant valley, carpeted in eucalyptus trees with rising sandstone cliffs. Watch the trees for flocks of wild cockatoos.
At Echo Point, the beauty of the Jamison Valley shines, the waxy green eucalypts complementing the rusty hues of the sandstone cliffs, reminiscent of a jungly Grand Canyon. At the viewing deck, gaze over the iconic Three Sisters, a sandstone formation named for the Aboriginal legend of three beautiful sisters turned to stone.
Afternoon: Scenic World
From Echo Point, take the Prince Henry Cliff Walk toward Katoomba Falls. You can admire a small upper section of the falls from the trail, but it’s best viewed from the Scenic Skyway.
Continuing along this picturesque walk brings you to Scenic World, included with your Lyrebird Pass. This amusement park offers three unique attractions, a railway, skyway, and cableway, that showcase the beauty of the Blue Mountains. Your ticket allows unlimited rides and access to the trails on their property.
I loved the Scenic Skyway, a suspended cablecar with a partial glass floor that crosses the ravine by Katoomba Falls and looks out over Jamison Valley, the Three Sisters, and Mount Solitary. If you like thrills, check out the Scenic Railway. Although the train car only moves at a moderate pace, its 52-degree incline makes for a hair-raising experience, affording it the title of steepest passenger railway in the world.
Evening: Cahills Lookout and return train to Sydney
Before your day draws to a close, hop on the bus to Cahills Lookout. Recommended by two bus drivers and our attendant at the Katoomba information center, this quiet lookout affords striking views of the Megalong Valley and Narrow Neck Plateau.
The serene viewing platforms are much less popular than Echo Point, and allow space to unwind after the excitement (and crowds) of Scenic World. Cahills Lookout is the perfect spot to soak in the last rays of golden light before returning to Katoomba Station and taking the train back to Sydney.
Day 3: SEA LIFE, Tower Eye, and Manly Beach
Morning: SEA Life Sydney Aquarium and the Sydney Tower Eye
Given Australia’s coastline is home to a rich diversity of sealife, what better way to learn about the native aquatic flora and fauna than at an aquarium? At SEA LIFE Sydney, get up close and personal with penguins, sharks, manta rays, the resident dugong (think manatee) called Pig, and a rainbow assortment of fish. The aquarium covers a variety of ecosystems, including species from Sydney’s thriving harbor.
Follow up your marine experience with 360-degree views at the Sydney Tower Eye. Located within the Westfield shopping mall (we struggled a bit to find the entrance), the observation deck is just a quick elevator ride away.
At 1,014 ft in the sky, this is the second largest sky tower in the southern hemisphere and offers sweeping city views. In my opinion, the best views are from the top of the Harbor Bridge and I wasn’t overly impressed by the Tower Eye. But, it’s accessible for all abilities, making it a great alternative to climbing the bridge.
If you want to visit multiple attractions in Sydney, including the aquarium, the Tower Eye, Madame Tussauds, or Wild Life Sydney, check out the combo tickets to get a discounted rate.
Afternoon/Evening: Catch the Ferry to Manly Beach
Venture back to the Circular Quay to catch the ferry to Manly, one of Sydney’s seaside suburbs and the local alternative to overcrowded Bondi. The MFF (Manly Fast Ferry) leaves Wharf 2 every 10 minutes for Manly, and the journey takes less than 20 minutes.
From Wharf 3, the larger F1 Manly Ferry departs every 20 minutes for a half-hour journey. The ferries are a cheap alternative to a harbor cruise, as they offer stunning views of the Harbor Bridge and Sydney Opera House while departing Circular Quay.
After arriving at the Manly Wharf, stroll along the Corso, the area’s main thoroughfare lined with surf shops and eateries that connect the dockside to the beach. Stop for lunch at the Pantry Manly. This compact restaurant serves upscale modern Australian cuisine with unbeatable ocean views (it’s literally a stone’s throw from the water).
Sprawl out on the golden sand for a post-lunch nap, or stroll the Norfolk pine-lined waterfront towards Shelly Beach. This secluded cove offers tranquil waters perfect for swimming and snorkeling.
To find a hidden gem, walk to the opposite end of Manly Beach towards Queenscliff. Where the beach ends, clamber on rocks along the coast until you reach the Manly Wormhole. This 40-meter tunnel was constructed as a shortcut for local fishermen, who chiseled it by hand in 1908. Venture through the tunnel and admire the unique rock formations on either side.
As the sun begins to sink in the sky, catch the ferry back to the Circular Quay for a low-budget sunset cruise and stunning harbor views on your last night in Sydney.
