Day 1: Explore the iconic Sydney Opera House and its surrounding gardens at the Royal Botanic Garden. Don't miss the scenic views of Sydney Harbour from Mrs Macquarie's Chair. Head to Darling Harbour for lunch and visit the Australian National Maritime Museum. End the day with a leisurely stroll through The Rocks, Sydney's oldest neighborhood.
Day 2: Immerse yourself in history at the Australian Museum and the Art Gallery of New South Wales. Take a walk down Oxford Street for laid-back street shopping, cafes and bars. For an afternoon pick-me-up, grab a bite and relax at Hyde Park, central Sydney's biggest green space. Finish the day with a visit to Paddy's Markets.
Day 3: Start the day with a visit to the Sydney Harbour Bridge Pylon Lookout for stunning views of the city skyline. Enjoy the sun, surf and sand at world-famous Bondi Beach. For a cultural fix, visit the Art Gallery of New South Wales and The Domain parks. End the day with a sunset picnic at Observatory Hill.
Time and Costs Estimates
Sydney Opera House (1-2 hours, free)
Royal Botanic Garden (1-2 hours, free)
Australian National Maritime Museum (1-2 hours, AUD$20)
The Rocks (1-2 hours, free)
Australian Museum (2-3 hours, AUD$15)
Art Gallery of New South Wales (2-3 hours, free)
Paddy's Markets (1-2 hours, free)
Sydney Harbour Bridge Pylon Lookout (1 hour, AUD$15)
Bondi Beach (2-3 hours, free)
The Domain (1-2 hours, free)
Observatory Hill (1-2 hours, free)
Total Estimated Costs: AUD$50
Transportation
Get a loaded Opal card for easy and affordable transportation within the city. Sydney has an extensive train, bus, and ferry network that can get you to most places. For longer journeys, rent a car, use ride-sharing services, or join organized tours.
Estimated costs: AUD$20 per day for transportation.
Useful Tips
If you have more time, take a day trip to the beautiful Blue Mountains or wine-tasting in the Hunter Valley. Consider taking a ferry ride to Manly Beach to take in the beautiful view of Sydney Harbour. If you have less time, prioritize visiting the Sydney Opera House, Bondi Beach, and the Art Gallery of New South Wales.
Airports
The main airport serving Sydney is the Sydney Kingsford Smith International Airport (SYD), located in Mascot, around 8 kilometers south of the city center. It is easily accessible by train (AUD$13.80 one way, 13 minutes) or taxi (approximately AUD$45-55, 25 minutes).