7 DAYS IN SYDNEY ITINERARY: A PERFECT ONE WEEK PLAN FOR FIRST TIME VISITORS!
LOOKING TO PLAN THE ULTIMATE 7 DAYS IN SYDNEY?
We spent an incredible 7 days in Sydney during our 2 month travels around Australia. Now, you may be thinking, is one week is Sydney too long? Absolutely not! In fact, you need that long to pack in the very best of this dazzling metropolis and beyond!
Below is the itinerary we basically followed, tweaked slightly to make it perfect (learnt from our experiences). This all inclusive guide includes all the best things to do, where to stay, getting around and lots of other helpful info.
Ready to plan your Sydney adventure? Let’s go friend, we’ve got your itinerary covered from start to finish.
Planning your trip to Sydney? Start here:
Skyscanner ↗ to find the best flights to Sydney Int. Airport (SYD). Booking.com ↗ to browse the best places to stay in & around Sydney. Stay at Pullman Quay Grand for luxe, harbour view apartments just 5 minutes from Sydney Opera House!
🎟️Viator ↗ to book unforgettable tours, from harbour cruises to skydiving. 🛡️ Staysure ↗ for easy, reliable travel insurance (UK travellers only).
7 DAYS IN SYDNEY TRAVEL 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
ROYAL BOTANICAL GARDENS Lose yourself in Sydney’s idyllic Royal Botanical Gardens this moring, 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.
During your 7 days in Sydney itinerary, you must visit the beautiful Royal Botanical Gardens on Sydney, a glorious escape into nature in the middle of Sydney’s bustling city!
The Royal Botanical Gardens is one of the best free things to do on your Sydney itinerary!
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.
Try to visit the Sydney Opera House early to experience this iconic landmark by yourself before the hustle and bustle begins!
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.
Doesn’t even have to be opera. Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince in concert was on when we went, and it was incredible!!
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.
Grab a delicious bite to eat and a fruity cocktail at Australia’s most iconic bar, the Sydney Opera bar! They operate on a walk-in basis only, and you cannot book.
Pictured: Jordie looking back at the Sydney Opera House across the harbour at Darling Harbour.
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.
Pictured: Intriguing architecture housing quaint shops on Playfair Street, The Rocks, Sydney. Photograph taken by Jordie.
Pictured: The colourful social area down Playfair Street, The Rocks district, Sydney. Photograph taken by Jordie.
After you’ve down meandering the cobbles of The Rocks district, head back to the Harbour Bridge and follow the path round underneath. Photograph taken by Jordie.
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.
Pictured: Views walking around the lower outskirts of the idyllic Barangaroo Reserve, Sydney’s newest waterfront park! Photograph taken by Jordie.
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’!
Pictured: The Sydney Tower Eye, an epic destination to add to your Sydney itinerary for amazing 360 views on the Observation deck and a thrilling SkyWalk experience!
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!
Pictured: Visit Taronga Zoo across the harbour from Sydney for incredible cityscape views!
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!
One of the most incredible things you can do on your 7 day Sydney itinerary is the Sydney BridgeClimb experience on the iconic Harbour Bridge!
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.
Pictured: The dazzling beacon of light that is Luna Park Sydney, clearly visible once night draws in! Take advantage of its later 10pm closing times on Friday and Saturday nights!
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 idyllic15 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.
Pictured: The huge Manly main beach. Relax, chill out or even hire a kayak!One of the most beautiful beaches you will see during your 7 days in Sydney is Shelley beach, just a 14 minute scenic walk from Manly main beach!
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!
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’.
Begin the scenic Bondi to Coogee coastal walk by walking up past Bondi beach!
Pictured: Tamarama beach, one of the most idyllic beaches you’ll see on the Bondi to Coogee coastal walk!
Pictured: Bronte beach, another wonderful beach you’ll pass on the Bondi to Coogee coastal walk.
SPOTTED WILDLIFE!
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.
SPOTTED WILDLIFE!
AustralianWhite 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.
On the last of your 7 days in Sydney, take part in an epic surfing lesson before relaxing on the golden sands of Bondi beach!Your Sydney itinerary would not be complete without a swim in the famous Bondi Icebergs swimming pool!Watching sunset whilst swimming at the Bondi Icebergs has to be on your Sydney bucket list!
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)
💎 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!
🤝🏻 Bondi Beach House (Wonderful boho-designed suites. 4 minute walk from Bondi beach!)
HIGH-END ACCOMMODATION OPTION
💎 Hotel Ravesis (Large, premium boho-designed apartments. 4 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.
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.
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
A travel-obsessed Sagittarius creating honest, easy-to-follow guides. Powered by tea, chocolate and a slightly concerning amount of tomato ketchup.
Got a trip coming up? Look no further than:
Skyscannerfor the best flight deals Easy to compare, clean, uncluttered website.
Booking.comto stay somewhere amazing Most free cancellation on anything from glamping to luxury stays.
Viatorfor unforgettable experiences All the best tours & activities in one easy place! Free cancellation on most.
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.
Skyscanner ↗ to find the best flights to Sydney Int. Airport (SYD).
Booking.com ↗ to browse the best places to stay in & around Sydney.
