19-Day Ultimate Sydney Itinerary: Explore Iconic Sights, Beaches, and Culture

Day 1: Arrival and Iconic Sights

Sydney, Australia on August 12, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at The Grounds of the City

Enjoy a delicious breakfast with fresh coffee and pastries in a stylish café located in the heart of Sydney's Central Business District, open from 7:00am to 4:00pm.
AUD25, 1h

10:30am

Sydney Opera House Tour

Take a guided tour to explore one of the most famous landmarks in the world including its architecture, history, and backstage areas. Tours run from 9:00am to 5:00pm.
AUD42, 1h30m

12:30pm

Lunch at Opera Bar

Dine with stunning views of Sydney Harbour and the Harbour Bridge while enjoying fresh Australian cuisine and seafood. Open daily from 11:30am to 10:00pm.
AUD40, 1h

2:00pm

Royal Botanic Garden Stroll

Relax and walk through Sydney's beautiful Royal Botanic Garden with harbour views and native flora. The garden opens from 7:00am until sunset.
Free, 1h30m

4:00pm

Circular Quay and The Rocks Exploration

Explore the historic Rocks district with its markets, shops, and pubs followed by waterfront views of Circular Quay.
Free, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Quay Restaurant

Experience fine dining with spectacular views of the Opera House and Harbour Bridge featuring contemporary Australian cuisine. Reservation recommended. Open from 6:00pm.
AUD150, 2h
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Day 2: Bondi Beach and Coastal Walk

Sydney, Australia on August 13, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Speedos Café, Bondi

Start your day with fresh and healthy breakfast options right on Bondi Beach, open from 7:00am to 3:00pm.
AUD30, 1h

9:30am

Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk

A stunning 6 km cliff-top coastal walk with breathtaking ocean views, beaches, cliffs, and parks. This self-guided walk is open all day.
Free, 3h

1:00pm

Lunch at Coogee Pavilion

Enjoy casual dining with delicious meals and ocean views at this beachside hotspot, open daily from 11:30am.
AUD40, 1h30m

3:00pm

Relax at Coogee Beach

Swim, sunbathe, or simply relax at scenic Coogee Beach with cafes nearby. The beach is open all day.
Free, 2h

6:00pm

Dinner at Icebergs Dining Room and Bar

Dine overlooking Bondi Beach with modern Australian dishes and iconic views. Open from 12:00pm to 10:00pm.
AUD100, 2h
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Day 3: Northern Beaches and Manly

Sydney, Australia on August 14, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Manly's Naked Treaties

Enjoy breakfast of organic and fresh ingredients right near Manly Beach, cafe opens at 7:00am.
AUD25, 1h

8:30am

Ferry to Manly Wharf

Take a scenic 30-minute ferry ride from Circular Quay to Manly, offering stunning harbour views.
AUD15, 30m

9:15am

Explore Manly Beach and Shelly Beach

Walk from iconic Manly Beach to Shelly Beach, great for snorkeling and relaxing, open all day.
Free, 3h

12:30pm

Lunch at Hugos Manly

Enjoy waterfront dining with great pizzas and cocktails at Hugos, open from 11:30am.
AUD45, 1h

2:00pm

Kayaking or Stand-Up Paddleboarding

Rent equipment to explore Manly's calm waters. Rentals available until 5:00pm.
AUD40, 1h30m

4:00pm

Return Ferry to Circular Quay

Catch the ferry back to Circular Quay and enjoy sunset harbour views.
AUD15, 30m

7:00pm

Dinner at The Glenmore Hotel

Relax with casual dining and rooftop views of the Sydney Harbour Bridge in The Rocks area. Open till 10pm.
AUD50, 2h
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Day 4: Blue Mountains Day Trip

Blue Mountains, NSW on August 15, 2025

7:00am

Depart for Blue Mountains

Take an early bus or train from Sydney Central to the Blue Mountains (trip about 2 hours).
AUD15, 2h

9:30am

Echo Point and Three Sisters

Visit the iconic Three Sisters rock formation and lookout point in Katoomba, open all day with free entry.
Free, 1h

11:00am

Scenic World Ride

Experience scenic cable car, skyway, and railway rides offering panoramic views of the Jamison Valley. Open 9:00am to 5:30pm.
AUD46, 2h

1:30pm

Lunch at Yellow Deli, Katoomba

Enjoy hearty meals in a cozy setting. Open from 11am to 6pm.
AUD25, 1h

2:30pm

Leura Village Walk

Explore charming shops, cafes and gardens in nearby Leura village, open all day.
Free, 1h30m

4:00pm

Return to Sydney

Take train or bus back to Sydney Central around 2 hours travel.
AUD15, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Bistro Moncur

Enjoy classic modern Australian cuisine with excellent service in Surry Hills, open from 6:00pm Thursday-Sunday.
AUD70, 2h
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Day 5: Inner West Exploration

Sydney, Australia on August 16, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Black Star Pastry, Newtown

Taste their famous strawberry watermelon cake and excellent coffee, open from 7:00am.
AUD20, 1h

9:00am

Newtown Street Art and Shopping

Explore vibrant street art, boutiques, and quirky shops in Newtown.
Free, 2h

11:00am

Visit Camperdown Memorial Rest Park

Relax in a peaceful green space perfect for a mid-morning stroll, open all day.
Free, 30m

12:00pm

Lunch at Mary’s, Newtown

Enjoy popular burgers and craft beers in a casual setting, open from noon.
AUD35, 1h30m

2:00pm

Carriageworks Cultural Centre

Visit this contemporary multi-arts centre showcasing events and exhibitions, open 10:00am-5:00pm.
Free entry, some events paid, 1h30m

4:00pm

Coffee at Mecca Espresso, Newtown

Relax with some of Sydney’s best coffee in a hip atmosphere, open till 5pm.
AUD10, 45m

6:30pm

Dinner at Spirit House, Newtown

Enjoy vibrant Thai cuisine with fresh tropical flavors in a charming outdoor garden setting. Open from 5:30pm.
AUD50, 2h
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Day 6: Harbour and North Shore

Sydney, Australia on August 17, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at The Boathouse Shelly Beach

Fresh breakfast with seaside ambiance next to Shelly Beach, open 7:00am to 4:00pm.
AUD30, 1h

9:30am

Visit Taronga Zoo

Explore Australia’s famous zoo with native and exotic animals plus spectacular harbour views, open 9:30am-5:00pm.
AUD49, 3h

1:00pm

Lunch at Taronga Food Market

Casual dining inside the zoo with several options, perfect for a quick bite.
AUD25, 1h

2:30pm

Walk along Sydney Harbour National Park

Enjoy gentle walks with panoramic views of Sydney Harbour from the north shore, open daylight hours.
Free, 2h

5:00pm

Return ferry to Circular Quay

Relax on ferry back to Sydney city with sunset views.
AUD15, 30m

7:30pm

Dinner at Cafe Sydney

Renowned for its rooftop views of the harbour and tasty modern Australian cuisine, open until 11pm.
AUD100, 2h
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Day 7: Museums and Culture Loop

Sydney, Australia on August 18, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Bourke Street Bakery

Enjoy freshly baked breads and gourmet coffee from one of Sydney's favorite bakeries, open from 7:00am.
AUD20, 1h

9:30am

Australian Museum Visit

Explore Australia’s oldest museum featuring natural history and indigenous culture, open 10:00am-5:00pm.
AUD15, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at The Local Taphouse

Enjoy modern Australian pub fare with a great beer selection near the Museum, open from 11:30am.
AUD35, 1h

1:30pm

Art Gallery of NSW

Visit an extensive art collection including Aboriginal and contemporary art, open 10:00am-5:00pm.
Free, 2h

4:00pm

Walk in Hyde Park

Relax in Sydney’s oldest park with peaceful greenery, fountains, and statues, open all day.
Free, 30m

6:30pm

Dinner at Bennelong Restaurant

Dine inside the Sydney Opera House with Australian cuisine focusing on local produce, open from 6:30pm.
AUD180, 2h
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Day 19: Departure Day

Sydney, Australia on August 30, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel or nearby café

Enjoy a relaxed breakfast at your hotel or at a nearby café to start your departure day smoothly.
Varies, 1h

10:00am

Pack and check out

Complete your packing and check-out procedures from your accommodation.
Free, 1h

11:00am

Transfer to Sydney Airport

Pre-arranged taxi or airport express train to Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport for onward travel.
AUD20, 1h
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