8-Day Sydney Itinerary: City Walks, Chinatown Food, Parks & Cable Cars

Day 1: Arrival & Darling Harbour

Sydney, Australia on May 22, 2025

12:00PM

Hotel Check-in

Check in at a centrally located hotel in CBD, Chinatown, or Darling Harbour for convenient access to main attractions.
Varies, 1 hour

2:00PM

Walk around Darling Harbour

Enjoy a leisurely stroll around Darling Harbour, a lively precinct with shops, cafes, and waterfront views.
Free, 1.5 hours

3:30PM

Light Meal at The Grounds of the City

Visit this famous instagrammable café in the CBD serving fresh coffee and light bites in a charming atmosphere.
AUD15-25, 1 hour

5:00PM

Sunset at Barangaroo Reserve

Take a scenic waterfront walk and watch the sunset at this beautifully landscaped harbourside park.
Free, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner in Chinatown

Dine at Din Tai Fung for world-class dumplings or try Spice Alley for casual Asian street food in a vibrant setting.
AUD20-40, 1.5 hours
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Day 2: Iconic Sydney Sights

Sydney, Australia on May 23, 2025

8:00AM

Walk to Circular Quay

Start the day walking to Sydney’s iconic ferry terminal and harbour hub.
Free, 30 minutes

8:30AM

See Sydney Opera House

Admire the world-famous Opera House from the outside or join an interior guided tour (book in advance).
Tour AUD42; Outside Free, 1-2 hours

10:30AM

Stroll through Royal Botanic Garden

Explore Sydney’s beautiful botanic gardens and enjoy skyline views of the harbour and Opera House.
Free, 1.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Opera Bar

Enjoy lunch with fantastic harbour views at this popular waterfront bar and restaurant near the Opera House.
AUD25-45, 1 hour

1:30PM

Walk across Sydney Harbour Bridge

Take a scenic walk across the iconic harbour bridge; optional visit to Pylon Lookout for panoramic city views.
Bridge walk Free; Pylon Lookout AUD20.50, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

The Rocks historic area

Explore the cobblestone streets, artisan shops and choose a cozy pub or try Pancakes on the Rocks for dessert.
Free; Food AUD10-25, 2 hours
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Day 3: Chinatown & Markets

Sydney, Australia on May 24, 2025

8:00AM

Explore Sydney Chinatown

Start with breakfast at BBQ King for roast delights or Emperor's Garden for dim sum specialties.
AUD10-20, 1 hour

9:00AM

Visit Paddy’s Markets

Browse for affordable souvenirs, fresh fruit and local snacks at this bustling market open till 6PM.
Free, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Walk to Hyde Park

Enjoy a stroll through Sydney’s oldest public park featuring fountains and shady trees.
Free, 45 minutes

11:45AM

Visit St. Mary’s Cathedral

Explore the stunning Gothic-style cathedral located adjacent to Hyde Park.
Free, 30 minutes

7:00PM

Dinner at Mr. Wong or Mamak

For a more upscale Cantonese experience, dine at Mr. Wong; or enjoy casual Malaysian street food at Mamak.
AUD35-60, 1.5 hours
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Day 4: Bondi Beach & Coastal Walk

Sydney, Australia on May 25, 2025

8:30AM

Bus to Bondi Beach

Take a short bus ride from the city to the famous Bondi Beach to start the coastal walk.
AUD3-$5, 45 minutes

9:30AM

Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk

Walk the scenic 6 km coastal trail with stunning ocean views, beaches, and rock pools.
Free, 2.5-3 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Speedo’s Café

Enjoy healthy, fresh bowls and café fare overlooking Bondi Beach.
AUD15-25, 1 hour

2:00PM

Relax at Bronte Beach

Visit this smaller and less crowded beach ideal for a peaceful afternoon swim or walk.
Free, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Casual dinner in Surry Hills

Return to the city for dinner at Porteño, renowned for its Argentinian BBQ specialties in a lively setting.
AUD40-60, 1.5 hours
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Day 5: Blue Mountains Day Trip

Katoomba, Australia on May 26, 2025

7:30AM

Travel to Katoomba

Catch an early train or guided tour to the Blue Mountains for a full-day nature escape.
Train AUD15-30, 2 hours

9:30AM

See the Three Sisters rock formation

Visit this iconic sandstone rock formation at Echo Point lookout for spectacular views.
Free, 1 hour

11:00AM

Scenic World Cable Car & Skyway

Experience rides on the Scenic World Skyway, Cableway, and Railway offering panoramic mountain views.
AUD49, 2 hours

2:00PM

Explore Leura Village

Discover charming shops and cafés in this quaint mountain town, perfect for a lunch break or coffee.
Varies, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Return to Sydney

Travel back to Sydney and relax at the hotel after a full day of sightseeing.
Included in train/tour, 2 hours
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Day 6: Manly Ferry & Taronga Zoo

Sydney, Australia on May 27, 2025

8:30AM

Ferry to Manly

Take a scenic ferry ride from Circular Quay to Manly, enjoying harbour views along the way.
AUD18 return, 30 minutes

9:00AM

Walk Manly Beach to Shelly Beach

Enjoy a pleasant coastal walk along these two beautiful beaches with opportunities for swimming and snorkeling.
Free, 1.5 hours

12:00PM

Ferry back to Sydney

Return by ferry to the city with ferry running till late evening.
Included, 30 minutes

1:00PM

Visit Taronga Zoo

Explore Australia's famous zoo with native and exotic animals and take a cable car up the hill for views.
AUD49, 3 hours

7:00PM

Dinner in The Rocks

Dine with views from The Glenmore Hotel rooftop bar or choose cozy historic pubs.
AUD30-50, 1.5 hours
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Day 7: Shopping & Relaxing

Sydney, Australia on May 28, 2025

9:00AM

Queen Victoria Building (QVB)

Shop in this heritage-listed architectural gem with luxury brands and unique boutiques.
Free, 2 hours

11:30AM

Walk through Martin Place

Explore this central pedestrian precinct with impressive architecture and cafes.
Free, 1 hour

12:30PM

Relax at Botanic Gardens or Darling Harbour

Enjoy a peaceful afternoon in either the Botanic Gardens or Darling Harbour waterfront area.
Free, 2 hours

3:00PM

Last-minute food stops

Try Gumshara Ramen in Chinatown for a delicious bowl of noodles to cap your food adventures.
AUD15-25, 1 hour

6:00PM

Sunset drinks

End your trip with drinks at Opera Bar for harbour views or O Bar’s rotating rooftop for city panoramas.
AUD15-30, 1.5 hours
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Day 8: Departure

Sydney, Australia on May 29, 2025

Morning

Check-out & Flight

Check out of your hotel and head to the airport for your departing flight.
Varies, Varies
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