Comprehensive 8-Day Sydney Vivid Festival and City Experience Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and CBD Exploration

Sydney, Australia on May 4, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at The Grounds of the City

Kick off your Sydney adventure with a gourmet breakfast in this stylish café nestled in the city, featuring fresh seasonal ingredients and specialty coffee.
AUD20, 1h

9:30am

Explore The Rocks

Wander through Sydney’s oldest neighbourhood, enjoying its historic laneways, artisanal markets, and galleries that narrate the city’s colonial past.
Free, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Souk Restaurant in The Rocks

Experience Middle Eastern flavours with a modern twist at this vibrant spot within The Rocks precinct.
AUD35, 1h

1:30pm

Sydney Opera House Guided Tour

Join the iconic tour to discover the architecture and fascinating stories behind this emblematic landmark, with tours running from 9am to 5pm.
AUD42, 1h

3:00pm

Royal Botanic Garden Stroll

Relax amid lush greenery and waterfront views, discovering themed gardens and Indigenous plantings with harbour vistas.
Free, 1h30m

5:00pm

Early Dinner at Opera Bar

Dine outdoors with panoramic views of Sydney Harbour, enjoying fresh seafood and local wines before the evening begins.
AUD45, 1h

6:30pm

Vivid Sydney Light Art Installations – Circular Quay & The Rocks

Experience the dazzling start of the Vivid Festival with innovative light projections and installations illuminating the historic waterfront precincts. Open from sunset until 11pm.
Free, 2h
View Hotel Availability

Day 2: Harbour Adventure and Festival Highlights

Sydney, Australia on May 5, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Brewtown Newtown

Start the day with artfully crafted coffee and breakfast pastries at this popular Newtown café.
AUD18, 1h

9:00am

Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb

Embark on the ultimate Sydney experience climbing to the top of the Harbour Bridge for breathtaking 360-degree city and harbour views. Tours last approximately 3.5 hours; pre-booking required.
AUD350, 3h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Doyle’s on the Beach, Watsons Bay

Enjoy fresh seafood and stunning harbour views at this iconic dining venue, accessible via a scenic ferry ride.
AUD50, 1h

2:30pm

Ferry to Manly

Take a relaxing ferry trip across Sydney Harbour to Manly Beach, admiring city and coastal panoramas en route.
AUD15, 30m

3:15pm

Explore Manly Beach

Walk along the beachfront promenade, visit shops or relax on the sandy shore, soaking in the laid-back beach atmosphere.
Free, 1h30m

5:00pm

Return Ferry to Circular Quay

Head back to Sydney, preparing for an evening filled with Vivid Festival activities.
Included, 30m

6:30pm

Dinner at Aria Restaurant

Savour contemporary Australian dishes with elegant harbour views in this acclaimed fine dining establishment.
AUD120, 2h

8:30pm

Vivid Sydney Light Walk – Harbour Bridge & Darling Harbour

Discover installations spanning the Harbour Bridge and Darling Harbour precinct, delighting in vibrant colours and interactive art. Open until 11pm.
Free, 2h
View Hotel Availability

Day 3: Bondi Beach & Coastal Views

Sydney, Australia on May 6, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Trio Café, Bondi

Enjoy a fresh, wholesome breakfast featuring café favourites with a view of Bondi Beach.
AUD22, 1h

9:30am

Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk

Embark on a stunning 6km coastal trail offering pristine beaches, rocky cliffs, and spectacular ocean views; allow 2 to 2.5 hours for this scenic route.
Free, 2h30m

12:15pm

Lunch at Coogee Pavilion

Relax by the beach over fresh seafood and casual dining fare in this popular coastal venue.
AUD40, 1h

1:30pm

Leisure Time at Coogee Beach

Enjoy sunbathing, swimming or just people-watching at the laid-back Coogee Beach, open and accessible throughout the day.
Free, 1h30m

3:00pm

Return to Sydney CBD

Travel back by bus or taxi, giving you time to rest or explore the city further later in the day.
AUD10, 30m

6:30pm

Dinner at Quay Restaurant

Indulge in award-winning cuisine paired with exquisite views of Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge for a memorable final evening meal.
AUD150, 2h
View Hotel Availability

Day 4: Wildlife and Beach Day

Sydney, Australia on May 7, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at The Boathouse Balmoral Beach

Enjoy fresh coffee and breakfast dishes in a stunning waterside setting on the tranquil Balmoral Beach.
AUD25, 1h

10:00am

Visit Taronga Zoo

Explore native and exotic wildlife at one of Sydney’s best-known zoos, featuring spectacular harbour views; open from 9:30am to 5pm.
AUD47, 3h

1:30pm

Lunch at Zoo Café

Grab a fresh and casual lunch surrounded by beautiful natural settings within the zoo.
AUD20, 1h

2:30pm

Relax at Balmoral Beach

Spend your afternoon swimming or walking along the calm sands of Balmoral, perfect for a slower pace after the morning zoo visit.
Free, 2h

5:00pm

Return to Sydney CBD

Head back to the city for a relaxing dinner or evening activities.
AUD20, 1h

7:00pm

Casual Dinner at Chinatown Noodle House

Enjoy delicious Asian cuisine in a lively Chinatown setting, offering noodles, dumplings, and other local favourites.
AUD30, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Blue Mountains Adventure

Blue Mountains, Australia on May 8, 2025

7:00am

Early Breakfast at Hotel

Prepare for a full day trip with a nutritious breakfast at your accommodation.
AUD20, 1h

8:00am

Blue Mountains Day Tour

Join a guided tour visiting Echo Point, Three Sisters, Scenic World for cable car rides, and bushwalks amidst stunning mountain scenery, running approximately 8-9 hours.
AUD130, 9h

5:30pm

Return to Sydney

Relax on your journey back, reflecting on the natural wonders you’ve experienced.
Included, 1h30m

7:30pm

Dinner at Darling Harbour

Eat at one of the many waterfront restaurants offering diverse cuisines to unwind after your day trip.
AUD50, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 6: Cultural & Leisure Day

Sydney, Australia on May 9, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at KitTea

Delight in a tranquil morning with specialty tea and light breakfast options in this cozy café.
AUD20, 1h

10:00am

Australian Museum

Explore exhibitions on Aboriginal culture, natural history, and science in Australia’s oldest museum; open 10am–5pm.
AUD15, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at The Grounds of Alexandria

Savour fresh, seasonal food in a relaxed garden setting, a local favourite for lunch.
AUD40, 1h

2:00pm

Powerhouse Museum

Enjoy interactive exhibits on science, design, and technology, located in Darling Harbour; open 10am–5pm.
Free, 2h

5:00pm

Early Dinner at Nick’s Seafood Restaurant

Indulge in fresh seafood at this iconic eatery near Darling Harbour before your evening.
AUD50, 1h30m

7:00pm

Evening Vivid Sydney Experience

Spend your evening visiting Vivid Light Festival art installations at Darling Harbour, Barangaroo, and Pyrmont Bay, open till 11pm.
Free, 2h
View Hotel Availability

Day 7: Northern Beaches Relaxation

Sydney, Australia on May 10, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at The Boathouse Palm Beach

Enjoy breakfast with stunning ocean views at this chic café on Sydney’s northern coastline.
AUD25, 1h

9:30am

Explore Palm Beach and Barrenjoey Lighthouse

Take a scenic walk to the historic lighthouse with panoramic views over the Pacific Ocean and Pittwater.
Free, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Newport Arms Hotel

Relax with pub-style fare and waterfront setting at this popular Northern Beaches eatery.
AUD40, 1h

1:30pm

Beach Time at Avalon Beach

Spend the afternoon unwinding on the golden sands of Avalon Beach, ideal for swimming and surfing.
Free, 2h

4:00pm

Return to Sydney CBD

Head back to the city by car or public transport for your final night.
AUD20, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Bennelong Restaurant

Enjoy a farewell dinner inside the Sydney Opera House, celebrating Australian ingredients with sophisticated flair.
AUD130, 2h
View Hotel Availability

Day 8: Shopping & Departure

Sydney, Australia on May 11, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Café Sydney

Have a last delightful breakfast with harbour views atop Customs House before your departure.
AUD35, 1h

10:00am

Shopping at Queen Victoria Building (QVB)

Browse designer boutiques and souvenir shops in this beautifully restored heritage shopping centre, open 9am–6pm.
Free, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at The Dining Room at QVB

Enjoy a refined lunch in this elegant restaurant before heading to the airport or next destination.
AUD45, 1h

2:00pm

Departure Preparation

Return to hotel to collect luggage and arrange transport to Sydney Airport.
Variable, Variable
View Hotel Availability