Sydney City Itinerary Aug 23-30, 2025 with Seasonal Events & Festivals

Day 1: Local & Festival Start

North Ryde, Sydney, Australia on August 23, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at The Malaya

Start with delicious Malaysian-inspired breakfast near your accommodation, fueling up for the day ahead.
AUD25, 1h

10:00am

Macquarie Centre & Pagoda Festival Market

Shop and enjoy the Pagoda Festival Market at Macquarie Centre, a vibrant market running Aug 22-24 offering cultural crafts and food stalls.
Free entry, 2h

1:00pm

Lunch at Taste of Shanghai

Savor authentic Shanghainese dumplings and noodles inside Macquarie Centre, open daily.
AUD30, 1h

3:00pm

Lane Cove National Park Walk

Take a relaxing stroll in nearby Lane Cove National Park to enjoy Sydney's lush greenery and river views.
Free, 2h

6:30pm

Dinner at The Stoned Crow

Relish modern Australian pub cuisine paired with local craft beers close to your hotel.
AUD45, 1.5h
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Day 2: Icons & Festival Vibes

Sydney CBD, Australia on August 24, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Paramount Coffee Project

Enjoy expertly brewed coffee and innovative breakfast dishes in hip Surry Hills.
AUD20, 1h

9:00am

Sydney Opera House Tour

Guided tour exploring architectural marvel and backstage secrets; tickets recommended in advance.
AUD43, 1h

11:00am

Circular Quay & Sydney Festival Outdoor Art

Experience artworks and live performances as part of the Sydney Festival (Aug 15 – Sept 1) located at Circular Quay promenade.
Free, 1h

12:30pm

Lunch at Bennelong Restaurant

Enjoy refined Australian dishes inside the Opera House, with harbour views.
AUD85, 1.5h

3:00pm

Museum of Contemporary Art Australia

Explore contemporary exhibits including special Sydney Festival installations, open 10am – 5pm.
Free, 2h

6:00pm

Dinner at Quay Restaurant

Dine on award-winning cuisine with stunning views overlooking the harbour; book early to secure a table.
AUD150, 2h
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Day 3: Historic & Festival Attractions

The Rocks & Sydney Harbour, Australia on August 25, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at The Fine Food Store

Start in The Rocks with gourmet bakery treats, doors open at 7am.
AUD25, 1h

9:30am

The Rocks Historical Walking Tour

Join a guided tour highlighting convict history and architecture, part of the Rocks' Anniversary Festival events happening late August.
AUD30, 1.5h

11:30am

Sydney Harbour Bridge Pylon Lookout

Visit the bridge's Pylon Museum and lookout for panoramic city and harbour views; open 9am to 5pm.
AUD19, 1h

1:00pm

Lunch at The Glenmore Hotel Rooftop

Casual dining with iconic harbour and bridge views.
AUD40, 1h

3:00pm

Sydney Festival Outdoor Theatre – The Rocks

Catch a free outdoor theatre performance held as part of the Sydney Festival in The Rocks area during afternoon hours.
Free, 1.5h

6:30pm

Dinner at Mr. Wong

Taste innovative Cantonese dishes at this stylish CBD restaurant, open until 10pm.
AUD70, 1.5h
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Day 4: Harbour Leisure & Festival

Darling Harbour, Sydney, Australia on August 26, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Flour and Stone

Enjoy fresh-baked goods and specialty coffee in Darlinghurst, open from 7am.
AUD25, 1h

9:30am

SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium

Explore marine wonders; doors open at 10am, perfect indoor activity on cooler days.
AUD50, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Hurricane's Grill Darling Harbour

Feast on legendary ribs and steaks by the water.
AUD45, 1h

2:30pm

Vivid Sydney Light Installations

Starting August 22, enjoy stunning light art and installations across Darling Harbour in the evenings of this major annual festival.
Free, 2h

6:30pm

Dinner at Nick’s Seafood Restaurant

Savor fresh seafood in elegant harbourfront surroundings; perfect to end an evening with festival lights.
AUD75, 1.5h
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Day 5: Beach & Light Festival

Bondi Beach, Sydney, Australia on August 27, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Speedos Cafe

Start your day with healthy breakfast and coffee near iconic Bondi Beach.
AUD30, 1h

8:30am

Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk

Take the scenic 6-km coastal walk to enjoy ocean views and fresh air, a refreshing morning activity.
Free, 2.5h

12:00pm

Lunch at Coogee Pavilion

Enjoy oceanfront dining with varied menus and casual ambiance.
AUD50, 1h

2:00pm

Relax at Bondi Beach

Spend the afternoon swimming, sunbathing or people-watching on one of Sydney’s world-famous beaches.
Free, 2h

6:00pm

Vivid Sydney Light Sculptures at Bondi

Marvel at interactive light displays and installations at Bondi as part of Vivid Sydney festival through early September.
Free, 1.5h

7:45pm

Dinner at Icebergs Dining Room and Bar

Enjoy upscale dining and breathtaking views above Bondi Beach; reservations are highly recommended.
AUD120, 1.5h
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Day 6: Wildlife & Light Events

Taronga Zoo & Sydney Harbour, Australia on August 28, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Oaks Sydney North Ryde Suites

Start the day comfortably with breakfast on site before travelling into Sydney CBD.
Included, 1h

8:00am

Ferry to Taronga Zoo

Enjoy Sydney Harbour views during a scenic ferry ride from Circular Quay to Taronga Zoo, ferry service starts early morning.
AUD7, 30m

9:30am

Taronga Zoo Visit

See Australian native animals and global species; zoo opens at 9:30am.
AUD49, 4h

1:30pm

Lunch at Taronga Food Market

Enjoy casual dining with harbour views inside the zoo grounds.
AUD30, 1h

3:00pm

Return ferry to Circular Quay

Relax on the ferry ride back to Sydney city, scenic views aplenty.
AUD7, 30m

6:30pm

Dinner at Opera Bar

Dine under the stars with spectacular views of Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Opera House, illuminated spectacularly during Vivid Sydney festival.
AUD65, 1.5h
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Day 7: Urban Culture & Festivals

Newtown, Sydney, Australia on August 29, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Brewtown Newtown

Enjoy excellent coffee and pastries at this trendy cafe open from 7am, in Sydney's vibrant inner west suburb.
AUD25, 1h

10:00am

Newtown Street Art Tour

Explore colorful street murals and creative artworks as part of Sydney Festival's city-wide art events.
Free, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at Lentil As Anything

Pay-as-you-feel vegetarian meals in a heartwarming communal atmosphere popular in Newtown.
Donation, 1h

2:00pm

Carriageworks Cultural Centre

Visit this contemporary arts precinct featuring exhibitions and performances tied to the Sydney Festival, open 11am to 5pm.
Free; some events cost extra, 2h

6:00pm

Dinner at Mary's Newtown

Enjoy lively ambiance and classic burgers; open late for a casual end-of-day meal.
AUD40, 1.5h
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Day 8: Blue Mountains Day Trip

Blue Mountains, NSW, Australia on August 30, 2025

6:30am

Early Breakfast at accommodation

Have a light early breakfast to prepare for a full day trip to the Blue Mountains.
Included, 30m

7:00am

Drive or Tour to Blue Mountains

Travel two hours west to this stunning national park known for deep valleys and ancient forests.
AUD0 driving; tours vary, 2h

9:30am

Echo Point Lookout

View the iconic Three Sisters rock formation and panoramic mountain vistas; free and open all day.
Free, 1h

10:30am

Wentworth Falls Hiking

Take a scenic trail to stunning waterfalls and forest walkways showcasing natural beauty.
Free, 2h

1:00pm

Lunch at The Conservation Hut

Casual dining with locally sourced food near Echo Point lookout.
AUD40, 1h

2:30pm

Scenic World Blue Mountains

Ride the Scenic Railway, Skyway, and boardwalk among the rainforest; ticket includes all rides, open 9am-5pm.
AUD50, 2h

5:00pm

Return to Sydney

Drive or take shuttle back to Sydney after an enriching day of nature and views.
Included or fuel cost driving, 2h
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