🦘 5-Day Sydney Itinerary

Walk around Circular Quay and spend an hour at the Sydney Opera House — book a guided tour to see the interior concert halls, which are as dramatic as the exterior. Walk into The Rocks, Sydney's oldest neighbourhood, for lunch at the weekend markets or in one of the historic pubs. End the afternoon at Mrs Macquaries Chair, the headland with the iconic Opera House and Harbour Bridge in the same frame.

Take the bus to Bondi Beach and join the famous Bondi to Coogee coastal walk — 6km along sandstone cliffs above the Pacific, passing sea pools carved from the rock at Bronte and Coogee. The walk takes about 2 hours at a relaxed pace. Lunch at one of the Coogee beachfront cafes, then back to Bondi for an afternoon surf lesson or a swim.

Morning on the Sydney Harbour Bridge — the climb takes 3.5 hours and reaches the summit of the arch (134m above sea level). Afternoon at Taronga Zoo, a short ferry ride from Circular Quay, where you can see koalas, kangaroos, and wombats against the backdrop of the harbour. The zoo's Roar and Snore overnight experience is exceptional for families.

Take the 2-hour train from Central Station to Katoomba, gateway to the Blue Mountains. The Three Sisters rock formation at Echo Point is the classic viewpoint. Ride the Scenic Railway, the world's steepest railway, down into the Jamison Valley and walk through the ancient forest. Return to Sydney by early evening.

Take the Manly Ferry from Circular Quay — the 30-minute harbour crossing is one of the world's great commutes, passing the Opera House, Fort Denison, and dozens of harbour islands. Walk from Manly Cove to Shelly Beach along the coastal path. Farewell dinner in Newtown, Sydney's most eclectic neighbourhood for restaurants and live music.