Six Days in Sydney: Exploring the City

  • Day 1: The Rocks
    20 minutes (6.2 km) from Sydney Airport

    Start your trip with a visit to The Rocks, the historic area of the city where Sydney was first established. Explore the cobblestone streets, visit local galleries, and enjoy a meal at one of the many restaurants in the area.

  • Day 2: Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge
    10 minutes (2.6 km) from The Rocks

    Take a guided tour of the Sydney Opera House. Don't forget to capture a few photos of the Harbour Bridge as you take a walk across it afterward.

  • Day 3: Darling Harbour
    15 minutes (5 km) from Sydney Opera House

    Spend the day at Darling Harbour and experience some of the great wonders of the aquatic world at SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium.

  • Day 4: Bondi Beach
    25 minutes (10 km) from Darling Harbour

    Visit Bondi Beach and hit the waves or take a swim in the ocean. Take a walking tour of the surrounding beaches and check out the street art there.

  • Day 5: Royal Botanic Garden and Art Gallery of New South Wales
    10 minutes (2.5 km) from Bondi Beach

    First, walk through the Royal Botanic Garden. It’s a beautiful garden and the perfect place to relax, have a picnic or enjoy the view. Later, visit the Art Gallery of New South Wales and explore a wide range of Australian art.

  • Day 6: Chinatown and Queen Victoria Building
    5 minutes (1.4 km) from the Art Gallery of New South Wales

    Start the day with a visit to Chinatown and sample some of Sydney's best dumplings. Wander through the bustling streets and shops, and soak up the vibrant culture. After lunch, head to the Queen Victoria Building to explore the stunning architecture and grab some souvenirs for your friends and family back home.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • The Rocks (2 hours, free)
  • Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge (3 hours, $30)
  • Darling Harbour (4 hours, $40)
  • Bondi Beach (5 hours, free)
  • Royal Botanic Garden and Art Gallery of New South Wales (4 hours, $20)
  • Chinatown and Queen Victoria Building (4 hours, $40)
  • Total Estimated Costs: $130

Transportation

While in Sydney, most of the main attractions are within walking distance from each other, making it easy to navigate the city. The city also has a great public transportation system, including buses, trains, and ferries, which are affordable and easy to use. A travel pass for the public transport system can cost around $25 a day. Taxi and ride-sharing services are also available.

Useful Tips

If you have more time, consider a day trip to the Blue Mountains or head over to Manly Beach. If you have less time, consider skipping The Rocks or Chinatown, as they require a bit more time commitment than other locations on this list.

Airports

Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport (SYD) is located in the suburb of Mascot, which is approximately 8 km south of the city center. From the airport, it takes around 20 minutes to get to the city center by taxi or ride-sharing service, costing about $50. Alternatively, the airport also has train services to the city center that cost around $17 and take about 15 minutes.

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