Since you've arrived today and it's already morning, ease into Sydney with a relaxed waterfront start: stroll the promenade at Barangaroo Reserve and grab a coffee and pastry from Pablo & Rusty's while watching ferries glide by. Then head to The Rocks for a self-guided history walk-browse the weekend artisan stalls if they're setting up, peek into the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia for a quick exhibit, and settle at Cadman's Cottage lawn for a light picnic before midday activities.
After a leisurely morning, head inland to explore the leafy lanes around Hyde Park, where you can admire the Archibald Fountain and relax beneath fig trees before a late lunch at the bustling food hall inside Sydney Tower Eye's precinct. In the early evening, wander through the elegant arcades of Queen Victoria Building for boutique browsing and finish with a sunset drink overlooking the harbour at Circular Quay's waterfront bars, setting you up perfectly for tomorrow's full day of city highlights.
As twilight settles, wander to Darling Harbour for lively waterside energy-enjoy an early dinner at a seafood-focused spot like Nick's Seafood Restaurant or share small plates at Seagrass Boutique Seafood while lights reflect on the water. After dinner, catch a short ferry from Darling Harbour to Barangaroo House's rooftop bar for a crafted cocktail and skyline views, or if you prefer something cultural, take in a relaxed performance or live music at Sydney Lyric Theatre to round out your first night in the city.
Start with a sunrise stroll through Royal Botanic Garden Sydney, pausing at Mrs Macquarie's Chair for classic harbour-photo views of the Opera House and Harbour Bridge, then enjoy a riverside breakfast at The Tea Room QVB or the garden-facing Botanic House Café. Afterward, take the short ferry from Circular Quay to Taronga Zoo Sydney for close-up wildlife encounters and panoramic city vistas from the hilltop cable car - a lively, family-friendly way to experience Sydney's harbour from a different angle.
After a morning at the Botanic Garden and Taronga, spend the afternoon exploring the harbourside precinct of Woolloomooloo Wharf - wander the finger wharf, pop into the contemporary galleries at White Rabbit Gallery nearby, and enjoy a leisurely lunch of fresh seafood at Finger Wharf's Chiswick with water views. Continue with a scenic walk along the elevated Macquarie Street promenade toward the historic Hyde Park Barracks Museum, pausing for coffee at the charming The Grounds of the City before catching an early-evening ferry from Circular Quay to admire the skyline as golden hour approaches.
As dusk falls, head to Milsons Point for a short walk under the lit Sydney Harbour Bridge, then dine at the waterfront Riley St Garage for relaxed modern Australian fare with harbour panoramas. After dinner, take a leisurely evening ferry from Milsons Point Wharf across the water to Watsons Bay, sip a gin and tonic at Doyles on the Beach while sea breezes cool the night, and finish with a moonlit stroll along the clifftop South Head Heritage Trail to spot the illuminated city skyline and passing ships.
Begin with an energising breakfast at Toby's Estate Bondi before joining the famous cliffside Bondi to Bronte Coastal Walk, pausing to snap photos at the dramatic rock platforms of Marks Park and watch surfers from the bluff. Continue toward Bronte Beach for a swim in the protected ocean pool at Bronte Baths, then linger over a light coffee and banana bread at Three Blue Ducks Bronte as the morning sun warms the sandstone cliffs and sets you up for the rest of the day's seaside exploration.
After a morning on the cliffs, continue south toward the quieter coves: pause for a gelato and people-watching at Tamarama Beach's grassy lookout, then follow the path to the hidden rock pools at Gordons Bay for snorkelling among colourful reef fish. Finish the afternoon with a relaxed late lunch and local beer at the beachfront beer garden of Clovelly Hotel, where you can dip into the calm bay or rent a snorkel before golden hour strolls toward Coogee.
As the sun lowers, wander inland to the charming village of Randwick for dinner at the cozy bistro Bistro Moncur, where seasonal Australian dishes pair well with local wines. Afterward, catch a relaxed tram back toward the cliffs and finish the night with a dessert and cocktails at the rooftop bar The Coogee Pavilion - take a seat on the upper deck to watch lights twinkle over the ocean and reflect on a day of seaside walks and swims.
Depart Sydney early and head west for a crisp morning among eucalyptus-scented valleys: start with a panoramic lookout at Govetts Leap Lookout to admire Bridal Veil Falls and the dramatic Grose Valley, then take a short guided walk along the cliff-top Pulpit Rock Track for sweeping canyon views and birdwatching. Afterward, descend to Leura Village for a hearty brunch at Leura Garage and browse boutique shops and gardens before boarding the scenic Blue Mountains Explorer Bus to continue your day through the national park.
After brunch in Leura, head deeper into the park for a canopy-tinged adventure: explore the elevated walkways at Evans Lookout before descending on the scenic Grand Cliff Top Walk that links dramatic overlooks and sheltered gullies. Pause for afternoon tea and homemade scones at the historic Hydro Majestic Hotel in nearby Medlow Bath, then take a gentle riverside stroll to the fern-filled spray of Sublime Point Track as late-afternoon light softens the valley for memorable photos.
As the sun dips, head to the charming village of Katoomba for a relaxed dinner at The Rooster, then wander the lantern-lit streets to discover local galleries and artisanal shops. After dinner, drive a short way to Echo Point Lookout for a twilight view of the valley and the Three Sisters silhouette, then finish with a nightcap under the stars at Solitary Café & Bar or back at your cozy accommodation in Leura while the canyon cools and nocturnal bird calls begin.
Ease into your final morning with a foodie hunt at Glebe Markets, where vintage finds, artisan ceramics and freshly brewed coffee set a relaxed pace before sampling sourdough and pastries from Bread & Circus nearby. Continue with a wander through the fragrant stalls of Paddy's Market in Haymarket to pick up last-minute souvenirs and bite-sized treats, then finish at Hyde Park Barracks Museum's adjacent café for a quiet mid-morning tea and a last dose of local history before collecting your luggage and heading to the airport.
Spend a relaxed afternoon in the leafy suburb of Newtown-browse independent bookstores and vintage shops along King Street, then fuel up with a multicultural lunch at Lentil as Anything or grab inventive slices at Pizza Madre before a stroll through the colourful laneways. Afterward, head to Camperdown Memorial Rest Park for a picnic and people-watching, then collect a final coffee from Black Star Pastry's Newtown outpost and take a short rideshare to the airport feeling refreshed and full of local flavours.
Wind down your final evening with a relaxed waterfront meal at Watsons Bay Boutique Hotel-order freshly shucked oysters and a glass of Hunter Valley riesling while watching the sunset over the heads. After dinner, take a short stroll to Camp Cove for a peaceful twilight walk, then finish your Sydney send-off with a nightcap at the cozy cocktail bar The Cottage Bar in nearby Watsons Bay before collecting your bags for tomorrow's departure.