Australia’s oldest and largest city and the land of the Indigenous Gadigal people is more than just a tourist magnate with its magnificent icons – the Darling Harbour and the Opera House. Sydney beckons you with historic precincts, laid-back beaches, colourful festivals and fine dining experiences. And the moment you step outside the bustling capital of New South Wales, you will find yourself in the lap of nature with mountains and valleys, wildlife parks and verdant vineyards. We have curated this fascinating 10-day Sydney itinerary that unfolds a rich tapestry of culture, adventure and nature.
Also, explore more with our guide to the most beautiful places to visit in Australia.
The best time to visit Sydney
While Sydney has something to offer in every season, summer from December to February is the crowd’s favourite with several events and festivals. However, the best time to visit Sydney would be in spring from September to November and autumn from March to May when nature looks all resplendent with blossoms and fall colours. If you are interested in whale watching, plan your trip in winter from June to August and you will not be disappointed.
A 10-day itinerary from bridges to Sydney’s beaches
Day 1: Sydney Harbour Bridge and Sydney Opera House
Start your tryst with Sydney with the icons – the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Sydney Opera House. Unleash the tourist in you and walk across the mammoth bridge nicknamed the Cliffhanger for its arch that spans 500 metres. If you are feeling adventurous, climb the bridge and head to “The Point” where you will see mesmerising views of the entire vista. You can even ascend right to the top with a tour guide and there are different climbs available including the highly recommended Burrawa-Aboriginal Climb.
The next icon on your itinerary is the stunning Opera House designed by Danish architect Joan Utzon as a symbol of Sydney’s innovative spirit. Several guided tours showcase the history, architecture and design and even take you into the green room for a peek into the rehearsals if you are lucky. Don’t miss the delicious food tours as well. You can’t visit Sydney and not attend a concert or a performance at the magnificent Opera House.
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Sydney itinerary day 2: The Rocks and Manly Beach
Get a dose of history and culture by joining the free walking tours around Sydney. Start with the bustling precinct of The Rocks, the first settlement in Australia, and listen to stories of convicts and colonists. Visit some of Sydney’s popular sights, oldest pubs, museums, markets, churches and gardens as you wander around historic streets, and get lost in its laneways. Don’t miss The Rocks Discovery Museum, the Museum of Contemporary Art and the oldest pub, Fortune of War, dating back to the 19th century. The Rocks is also a culinary destination and there are food and history tours along with pub crawls that take you to some of the oldest pubs in the region like Lord Nelson Brewery, The Hero of Waterloo and Hart’s Pub.
Take some time out to explore the Royal Botanical Gardens, get sweeping views of the city from Mrs Macquarie’s Chair, go shopping at the Queen Victoria Building and spend an evening at Manly Beach and Shelly Beach.
Explore more with our guide to the best beaches in Australia for that summery vibe.
Sydney itinerary day 3: Taronga Zoo
Take a selfie with a koala, say hello to the capybara, get mobbed by the meerkats, and even become a zoo keeper for the day. Home to 5,000 animals from 350 species, the Taronga Zoo is a ten-minute ferry ride from the harbour. The wild habitat transforms in front of your eyes from rainforests to bushlands, oceans to savannahs as you explore different wildlife trails. Don’t miss the Free Flight Birds and Seals Presentations. You can spend an entire day here interacting with the animals. The zoo also features nocturnal wild encounters for guests staying at the Taronga Zoo’s luxe Wildlife Retreat.
Taronga is not just another zoo, it’s a wildlife rescue and conservation centre and a poster child for sustainability.
Day 4: To the Blue Mountains
Head out of Sydney for a day trip to the mysterious Blue Mountains and lose yourself in the blue haze. You can bike and hike around the rugged sandstone cliffs and native bushlands, look out for fascinating rock formations and explore caves. Head to the Echo Point Look Out and visit the Three Sisters for spectacular views. Other adventures include Jenolan Caves exploration and the Aboriginal Blue Mountain Walkabout. While there are stunning views everywhere, the most iconic ones are from the Scenic World – climb to the roof of your cable car as you chug along. Stop for lunch at Katoomba, a charming mountain town, and to Sydney by bus or train.
Sydney itinerary day 5: Explore Cockatoo Island
Take a break from the mountains and soak in the ocean vibes on day 5 of your Sydney itinerary. There are over 13 islands in the Sydney Harbour and the most popular ones are Cockatoo Island, Shark Island, Clark Island, Goat Island, and Dangar Island, among others. Take a ferry and explore Cockatoo Island at your own pace. Relax on the docks, have a picnic, go birdwatching, visit the historic convict sites and listen to haunted tales. Cockatoo is the largest island and a treasure trove of stories as a former prison. But if you fancy an adventure, take a seaplane and land at Shark Island for a picnic on the shores. Goat Island and Clark Island are accessible only through private tours.
Days 6-7: Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, Newcastle and Port Stephens
Start day 6 early and head to the second-oldest national park in Australia, the Kur-ing-gai National Park along the northern shores of Sydney. Bike across the rugged wilderness or hike along the bushes looking for secret waterfalls and old lighthouses. Visit the Barrenjoey lighthouse at Palm Beach, and enjoy a picnic lunch at Bobbins Head before heading to Newcastle, a couple of hours away.
The harbour city nicknamed Newie is a university town with a laid-back coastal vibe and if you have just one day here, hit the beach. Go on a coastal walk from Nobbys to Merewether Beach and explore Fort Scratchley and Bogey Hole, a historic bath built by the convicts. It is also a great place for whale watching during the season.
Also, explore more with our guide to Nilpena Ediacara National Park in Southern Australia.
On day 7, head to the charming Port Stephens, another scenic coastal town with bays and beaches. Learn surfing at Fingal Bay Beach, watch dolphins at Nelson Bay, soak in the vibes at Shoal Bay, slide down the shimmering white sands at the Stockton Bight Sand Dunes, hike around the Tomaree National Park and if you are brave, pet a shark at Irukandji Shark and Ray Encounters.
Sydney itinerary days 8-9: Hunter Valley
Continue exploring New South Wales beyond Sydney and head towards Hunter Valley, where Australian wine was born centuries ago. Raise a toast to the historic Semillon planted way back in the 1800s and the Shiraz here. There are 150 cellars, a combination of traditional family-owned and boutique wineries, but Hunter Valley is also a gourmet destination, known for its delectable menus with seasonal produce. Head to the verdant Polkolbin and visit some of the earliest wineries like Tyrrell’s and the award-winning Brokenwood, known for its Graveyard Vineyard Shiraz, and the picturesque Audrey Wilkinson Cellar, among others. But there is more than just wine and cheese.
Go on a hot balloon ride over the vineyards, relax at a day spa, get lost in the storybook garden and watch an alpaca wander away in the woods before heading back to Sydney.
Day 10: Bondi Beach
Relax on your last day in Sydney with some sun and sand at Bondi Beach.
Enjoy the touristy vibe at the boutiques and cafes or relax in one of the saltwater sea baths while lockers, showers and changing rooms can be found at Bondi Pavilion. If you are here during the weekend, don’t miss the lively Farmers Market and the Bondi Market. There are several coastal walks and the 6-km Bondi to Coogee trail is highly recommended. Dine at The Promenade or Iceberg’s Dining Room and Bar and get mesmerised by the flavours and sweeping views making it a fitting end to a glorious 10-day Sydney itinerary.
Best restaurants
Sydney is the fine dining capital of Australia. From traditional indigenous recipes, celebrity chefs and cafes to diners, classical institutions, international outposts and creative restaurants, Sydney offers a variety of flavours to tickle your taste buds. Some of the culinary destinations include Pellegrino 2000, Maybe Sammy, Margaret, Bennelong, Oncore by Clare Smyth, Cafe Monaka, Flour Shop, Chatkazz, Quay, Ursula’s Brasserie 1930, St Peter, Cafe Paci, and A’Mare, among others.
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Sydney nightlife
Sydney comes alive at night but nothing is more exciting than pub hopping at The Rocks, where it all began. Explore the historic precinct and learn all about the watering holes of the convicts while having a drink against the background of the Sydney Harbour. Chill at Sydney’s oldest pub, Fortune of War on George Street, started by a former convict. Say cheers to over 130 craft beers at The Australian Heritage Hotel or relish gorgeous harbour views from the iconic rooftop bar of The Glenmore and check out the oldest brewery in Lord Nelson Brewery Hotel.
Luxury hotels in Sydney
You are spoilt for choice when it comes to sprawling residences, charming hotels and luxurious boutique properties in Sydney. Some of the best hotels in Sydney include The Langham, Crown Sydney, Shangri La, Intercontinental, Hyatt Regency, Capela Sydney, Four Seasons, and Kimpton Margot, among others.
Explore more with our selection of the best luxury hotels in Sydney.
Book your stay at Crown Hotel via Booking.com
Book your stay at Crown Hotel via Agoda.com
Things to know when travelling to Sydney
Visa: You need an Australian tourist visa to visit Sydney, which can also be obtained online. You need to submit a valid passport with a duly-filled visa form, photos, travel and finance documents along with a cover letter with dates and other details of your travel.
Local commute: Local and regional trains and buses operate from Central Station, Sydney’s main terminus near Chinatown. The city is also well connected with Sydney Metro and a light rail system/tram service called Sydney Light Rail. You can also travel via ferries and get an Opal Transportation Card for access to public transport.
How to reach: Sydney Airport is the main international airport with three terminals, approximately 8 km from the city centre.
shop the best travel experiences here
(Feature Image Credit: Matthew Field, CC0 1.0 UNIVERSAL Deed, via Wikimedia Commons)
Related: VIDEO: Insiders’ Guide to Sydney With the Two Stylish Designers of Alex and Trahanas
The information in this article is accurate as of the date of publication.
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FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
You can spend 10 days in Sydney exploring the city and its neighbouring destinations like Hunter Valley and Blue Mountains, among others.
There are many day trips from Sydney including The Blue Mountains, Jenolan Caves, and Hunter Valley. Royal National Park, Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park and the Australian Capital Canberra can be visited as well.
If you are travelling in summer, it's recommended to carry sunglasses, sunscreen, a hat, light cotton clothes, swimwear and a good pair of walking shoes. As the temperatures may drop, carry light rain and winter jackets as well.
Public transport includes buses, trains, local metro, trams and light rail services besides ferries. You can also take taxis or rent a car to drive around Sydney.
Yes you need a valid Australian tourist visa to visit Sydney.
Visit Taronga Zoo and Featherdale Wildlife Park, enjoy a picnic at the Royal Botanical Gardens, ride a roller coaster at Luna Park, sail away to Cockatoo Island, go on a jet boat ride in the ocean and head to the beaches for more water sports, sun and sand and family time.
The Rocks, Surry Hills, Sydney Harbour, Potts Point and Woolloomooloo, Barangaroo, Bondi, Chinatown and Haymarket and several streets and neighbourhoods around Inner City are some of the culinary precincts of Sydney.
Climb the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge, take a walking tour of The Rocks, go behind the scenes at Sydney Opera House, learn surfing at Bondi Beach, and go wine tasting at Hunter Valley, among other experiences.
Written By
Lakshmi Sharath
Lakshmi is passionate about everything that is local — from cultural traditions to art and architecture ..Read More
