5-Day Shoestring Budget Itinerary for Sydney, Australia in March 2025

Day 1: Exploring City Highlights

Sydney, Australia

8:00AM

Breakfast at Nook Cafe

Start your day with a budget-friendly breakfast at Nook Cafe, known for its delicious avocado toast and excellent coffee.
Take bus 333 from your accommodation to Bondi Junction and transfer to a local bus.
AUD 15, 1 hour

9:30AM

Bondi Beach

Relax and take in the sun at the famous Bondi Beach, enjoying the vibrant atmosphere and scenic views.
Walk from Nook Cafe to Bondi Beach.
Free, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Bondi Icebergs Club

Grab a classic fish and chips at the Bondi Icebergs Club while enjoying ocean views.
Walk along the beach to find the restaurant.
AUD 20, 1 hour

1:30PM

Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk

Engage in the stunning 6 km coastal walk from Bondi to Coogee, with panoramic ocean views and small beaches along the way.
Follow the coastal path to Coogee.
Free, 2.5 hours

4:00PM

Coogee Beach

Take a well-deserved break at Coogee Beach and enjoy a swim or sunbathe.
Relax at Coogee Beach after the walk.
Free, 1 hour

5:30PM

Dinner at The Coogee Pavilion

End your day at The Coogee Pavilion, where you can enjoy a budget-friendly meal at their casual dining area.
Walk a short distance to the restaurant.
AUD 25, 1 hour
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Day 2: Cultural and Scenic Explorations

Sydney, Australia

8:00AM

Breakfast from Pompidou Cafe

Fuel up with a budget breakfast of eggs benedict or a smoothie at Pompidou Cafe in Surry Hills.
Take train from your accommodation to Central Station and walk to the cafe.
AUD 15, 1 hour

9:30AM

Sydney Opera House

Visit the iconic Sydney Opera House for a photo opportunity and enjoy the views from the surrounding garden.
Walk to Sydney Opera House from the cafe.
Free, 1 hour

11:00AM

Royal Botanic Garden

Stroll through the Royal Botanic Garden, enjoying the stunning flora and a glimpse of the Harbour.
Exit the opera house and head to the garden entrance.
Free, 1.5 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at The Potting Shed

Enjoy a light lunch at The Potting Shed within the garden, offering simple yet flavorful dishes.
Relax and dine in the garden.
AUD 20, 1 hour

2:00PM

Art Gallery of New South Wales

Explore the Art Gallery of New South Wales, which features a diverse collection of Australian and international art.
Take a short walk from the Royal Botanic Garden.
Free, 2 hours

4:30PM

Darling Harbour

Stroll through Darling Harbour, where you can enjoy various street performances and the waterfront ambiance.
Walk from the art gallery down to Darling Harbour.
Free, 1 hour

5:30PM

Dinner at The Malaya

Indulge in an affordable dinner at The Malaya, which offers a variety of Malaysian dishes with a view of the harbour.
Take short walk to the restaurant.
AUD 25, 1.5 hours
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Day 3: Adventure and Leisure

Sydney, Australia

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Crux & Co

Start your day with a hearty breakfast at The Crux & Co, where you can find budget-friendly options like pancakes and smoothies.
Catch a train to Sydney Central and then walk to the cafe.
AUD 15, 1 hour

9:30AM

Taronga Zoo

Spend the morning at Taronga Zoo, observing native animals and enjoying the beautiful views of the skyline.
Take a ferry from Circular Quay to Taronga Zoo Wharf.
AUD 47, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch Picnic at Taronga Zoo

Pack your own lunch to enjoy at one of the zoo's scenic picnic spots overlooking the city.
Find a quiet spot or designated picnic area.
AUD 10, 1 hour

2:00PM

Ferry to Circular Quay

Catch the ferry back to Circular Quay for fantastic views of Sydney Harbour.
Board the ferry at Taronga Zoo Wharf.
Included in zoo ticket, 30 minutes

2:30PM

Exploring The Rocks

Wander through The Rocks, Sydney’s historic precinct, featuring cobblestoned streets, shops, and cafes.
Walk from Circular Quay to The Rocks.
Free, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Sydney Harbour Bridge Walk

Take a walk across the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge for breathtaking views of the city and harbour below.
Access the bridge from The Rocks area.
Free, 1.5 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at The Glenmore

Enjoy a casual dinner at The Glenmore, where you can relish classic Australian cuisine with rooftop views.
Walk from the end of the bridge to the pub.
AUD 20, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 4: Beach Relaxation Day

Sydney, Australia

8:30AM

Breakfast at The Bay Tree Cafe

Nourish yourself with a delicious breakfast at The Bay Tree Cafe, known for their healthy options.
Walk from your accommodation to the cafe.
AUD 15, 1 hour

9:30AM

Manly Beach

Take the ferry to Manly Beach for a day of sunbathing and swimming.
Catch the ferry at Circular Quay.
AUD 20, 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch at Manly Wharf Hotel

Choose from budget-oriented lunch options at the Manly Wharf Hotel, savoring fresh seafood.
Located conveniently upon arrival at Manly Beach.
AUD 25, 1 hour

1:30PM

Relax on the Beach

Spend your afternoon relaxing on the sandy shores of Manly Beach, swimming, or simply soaking up the sun.
Find a suitable sunny spot on Manly Beach.
Free, 3 hours

4:30PM

Ice Cream at Gelatissimo

Treat yourself to some delicious gelato at Gelatissimo on the beachfront.
Just a short walk from the beach.
AUD 10, 30 minutes

5:00PM

Ferry Back to Circular Quay

Head back to Sydney via ferry, enjoying the evening views.
Board the ferry at Manly Ferry Wharf.
AUD 20, 30 minutes

5:30PM

Dinner at Paddington Inn

Final night dinner at Paddington Inn, where you can sample traditional Aussie dishes.
Take the bus from Circular Quay to Paddington.
AUD 25, 1.5 hours
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Day 5: Final City Experiences

Sydney, Australia

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Little Snail

Start your day at The Little Snail with their affordable breakfast special.
Travel by train to Kings Cross station.
AUD 15, 1 hour

9:00AM

Visit Bondi Markets

Spend your morning browsing through Bondi Markets for unique souvenirs and food options.
Take the bus from Kings Cross to Bondi.
Free, 2 hours

11:00AM

Lunch at Totti's

Grab a simple and delightful lunch at Totti's known for their wood-fired bread.
Walk to Totti's from Bondi Markets.
AUD 20, 1 hour

12:30PM

Visit the Art Gallery of NSW

Revisit your favorite exhibit or explore new artworks at the Art Gallery of New South Wales before heading home.
Take the bus or train back to the gallery.
Free, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Final Shopping at Pitt Street Mall

Enjoy last-minute shopping at the bustling Pitt Street Mall to pick up any souvenirs or gifts.
Walk from the gallery to the shopping mall.
Free, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Farewell Dinner at Bungalow 8

Enjoy a farewell dinner at Bungalow 8 with waterfront views, cheering to an incredible trip.
Walk to Barangaroo area to reach the restaurant.
AUD 30, 1.5 hours
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