7-Day Sydney Itinerary: From Iconic Landmarks to Blue Mountains Adventure

Day 1: Arrival + Fireworks

Sydney, Australia on June 21, 2025

1:30pm

Arrival at Sydney Airport

Arrive in Sydney via Jetstar flight JQ817 and prepare for transport to the hotel.
Included in flight, 45m

2:15pm

Transfer to Furama Darling Harbour

Take a taxi or shuttle to your hotel located in vibrant Haymarket near Darling Harbour.
AUD $30 approx., 45m

3:00pm

Hotel Check-in

Check into Furama Darling Harbour and settle into your room before exploring.
Included in stay, 1h

5:30pm

Dinner at Harbourside Shopping Centre

Enjoy waterfront dining with various options at Harbourside; recommended is The Malaya for Southeast Asian cuisine. Open till 9pm.
AUD $30-50, 1h30m

7:30pm

Darling Harbour Fireworks Show

Watch the spectacular weekly fireworks over Darling Harbour, a perfect way to start your Sydney visit.
Free, 1h

8:30pm

Return to Hotel

Walk or short taxi ride back to your hotel to relax after an exciting day.
Free, 30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 2: Aquarium + Zoo + Tower

Sydney, Australia on June 22, 2025

9:30am

Sydney Sea Life Aquarium

Explore the aquarium’s amazing marine life exhibits including the Great Barrier Reef habitat. Open 9am-5pm.
AUD $45, 1h30m

11:30am

Wild Life Sydney Zoo

Next door to the aquarium, visit native Australian animals like kangaroos and koalas. Open 9am-5pm.
AUD $44, 1h

1:00pm

Lunch at Cockle Bay Wharf

Dine by the water at popular spots like Nick’s Seafood Restaurant or Bourbon to enjoy fresh dishes. Open midday to 9pm.
AUD $30-50, 1h

2:30pm

Sydney Tower Eye

Visit Sydney’s tallest structure for panoramic city views from the observation deck. Open 9am-9pm.
AUD $29, 1h

5:00pm

Optional Shopping at Pitt Street Mall

Browse boutiques and flagship stores in this busy shopping precinct. Stores generally open until 6pm.
Free, 1h

6:30pm

Dinner Near Hotel

Try Indu in Haymarket for delicious South Indian cuisine, open till 10pm.
AUD $20-35, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 3: Opera House + Circular Quay

Sydney, Australia on June 23, 2025

9:00am

Ferry to Circular Quay

Take a scenic ferry ride from Darling Harbour to Circular Quay to begin your day.
AUD $7.50, 15m

10:00am

Sydney Opera House Tour

Join a guided tour to explore this architectural icon and learn about its history. Tours run frequently from 9am to 5pm.
AUD $42, 1h

12:00pm

Lunch in The Rocks

Eat at historic precinct The Rocks; recommended is The Glenmore, a rooftop pub with harbor views. Open 11:30am-10pm.
AUD $25-40, 1h30m

2:00pm

Royal Botanic Garden Walk

Stroll through lush gardens just beside the Opera House with excellent city and harbor views.
Free, 1h30m

4:00pm

Ferry Return

Ferry back to Darling Harbour to relax before dinner.
AUD $7.50, 15m

6:00pm

Dinner

Enjoy dinner at Blue Fish, in Darling Harbour, known for fresh seafood and waterfront views. Open till 10pm.
AUD $40-60, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 4: Taronga Zoo

Sydney, Australia on June 24, 2025

8:30am

Ferry to Taronga Zoo

Catch the early ferry to Taronga Zoo, which offers wildlife encounters and city views.
AUD $7.50, 30m

9:30am

Taronga Zoo Visit

Explore the expansive zoo with Australian and exotic animals. It opens at 9:30am and closes at 5pm.
AUD $49, 5h30m

3:30pm

Return to Hotel

Take the ferry back and relax at the hotel after a wildlife-filled day.
AUD $7.50, 30m

6:30pm

Dinner at Haymarket/Thai Town

Enjoy authentic Thai cuisine or other Asian delights at the bustling Chinatown/Seafood Market area nearby. Many places open till late.
AUD $20-35, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Fish Market + Markets

Sydney, Australia on June 25, 2025

9:00am

Sydney Fish Market

Visit one of the largest seafood markets in the world, with fresh catches and vibrant atmosphere.
Free, 1h

10:00am

Brunch at Fish Market

Enjoy fresh seafood breakfast or brunch at one of the market’s many cafes, such as the Fish Market Café.
AUD $20-40, 1h

12:00pm

Rest at Hotel

Return to hotel for a relaxing break after the morning activity.
Free, 2h

2:30pm

Visit Friendship Garden (Optional)

Take a stroll in this peaceful garden nearby for a quiet afternoon.
Free, 1h

5:00pm

Paddy’s Market

Shop for souvenirs, clothes, and local crafts at this lively market open till 6pm.
Free, 1h

6:30pm

Dinner

Try Chat Thai near the hotel for authentic and well-rated Thai dishes, open till 10pm.
AUD $20-35, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 6: Leisure + Car Rental

Sydney, Australia on June 26, 2025

Morning

Leisurely Breakfast

Sleep in and enjoy a relaxed breakfast at hotel café or nearby spot like Brewtown Newtown.
AUD $15-25, 1h30m

10:00am

Powerhouse Museum or Tumbalong Park

Choose between the interactive science and design exhibits at the Powerhouse Museum or a walk and relaxation at Tumbalong Park.
Museum AUD $15, Park free, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at Darling Square

Enjoy diverse dining options in this modern precinct near your hotel, such as Bao Dao for Vietnamese flavors.
AUD $20-35, 1h

2:00pm

Shopping at QVB and Westfield

Explore luxury and mainstream shops at Queen Victoria Building and Westfield Sydney.
Free, 2h

4:00pm

Pick up Rental Car

Collect your rental car from the city rental location for your upcoming road trip.
Pre-paid, 30m

Evening

Drive to Bondi Beach & Dinner

Take a scenic drive to Bondi Beach for sunset views and dinner at Icebergs Dining Room, famed for beautiful ocean vistas.
Dinner approx. AUD $50+, 3h
View Hotel Availability

Day 7: Blue Mountains Road Trip

Blue Mountains, NSW, Australia on June 27, 2025

7:30am

Drive to Blue Mountains

Depart early to enjoy a full day at the scenic Blue Mountains including Scenic World and views of the Three Sisters rock formation.
Free to drive; Scenic World entry AUD $52, 1h30m

Lunch

Lunch in Katoomba or Leura

Enjoy a meal at one of the charming cafes or pubs like Leura Garage in Leura village.
AUD $25-40, 1h

Afternoon

Optional Featherdale Wildlife Park

On your return, stop by Featherdale Wildlife Park to see Australian wildlife up close (open 9am-5pm).
AUD $40, 1h

6:00pm

Return to Sydney

Drive back to Sydney and relax at your hotel.
Free, 1h30m

Evening

Simple Dinner or Takeout

Opt for an easy dinner at your hotel or pick up takeout to unwind after a long day.
AUD $15-25, 1h
View Hotel Availability

Day 8: Checkout + Shopping + Departure

Sydney, Australia on June 28, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast

Enjoy breakfast at nearby café or hotel before packing.
AUD $15-25, 1h

10:30am

Checkout

Check out by 11:00am, leave luggage in the car for the day’s activities.
Included, 30m

11:00am

Drive to Homebush DFO

Head to the Factory Outlet for discount shopping on clothing and more.
Free parking, 30m

2:30pm

Light Lunch

Grab a quick bite at the DFO food court before travelling to the airport.
AUD $15-25, 1h

4:00pm

Return Rental Car at Sydney Airport

Drop off the rental car at the airport ready for your flight.
Included in rental, 30m

5:30pm

Jetstar Flight JQ820 Departure

Depart Sydney for Brisbane, arriving approximately 7:00pm.
Included in flight, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability