Sydney 7 Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and Exploration of the City

Places to Go:

  • Sydney Opera House: Take a guided tour or simply admire the iconic building’s architecture.
  • Bondi Beach: Head to this world-famous beach for some sun, sand, and surf.

Activities:

  • Walk across the Harbour Bridge: Enjoy stunning views of the city skyline while crossing the harbour bridge on foot.
  • Visit the Royal Botanic Garden: Explore the gardens and learn about Australian flora.

Where to Eat:

  • The Fish Market: Fresh seafood at this bustling market hall.
  • Doyles Fisherman’s Wharf: Try their famous fish and chips by the water.

Accommodation:

  • Shangri-La Hotel Sydney: A luxurious hotel with stunning harbour views.

Transportation:

  • Airport to City Shuttle: Catch a shuttle bus from the airport to your accommodation (approx. $15-$20 AUD).
  • Public Transport: Use the Opal card for easy travel on buses, trains, and ferries.

Things to Know:

  • Weather: Be prepared for sunny days and cooler evenings.
  • Safety: Take normal precautions to protect yourself and your belongings.

Day 2: Sydney’s Iconic Landmarks

Places to Go:

  • Sydney Harbour: Take a scenic cruise or simply stroll along the waterfront.
  • Mrs. Macquarie’s Chair: Learn about Australian history at this scenic lookout point.

Activities:

  • Visit the Museum of Contemporary Art: Explore innovative art exhibitions.
  • Take a guided tour of Sydney’s Street Art: Discover vibrant murals and graffiti in the city.

Where to Eat:

  • The Star Casino Food Court: Try some Asian cuisine or grab a coffee at this popular food court.
  • Duck into the laneways: Find hidden cafes serving up delicious street food.

Accommodation:

  • The Establishment Hotel Sydney: A boutique hotel with stylish rooms and a great location.

Transportation:

  • Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour: Explore the city’s major attractions without the hassle of public transport.
  • Water Taxi: Catch a taxi to your next destination (approx. $10-$15 AUD).

Things to Know:

  • Getting Around: Use public transport or walk/bike whenever possible.
  • Sydney’s Famous Beaches: Visit other popular beaches like Manly, Coogee, and Bondi.

Day 3: Sydney’s Royal Botanic Garden

Places to Go:

  • The Royal Botanic Garden: Explore the gardens’ diverse plant collections and scenic views.
  • Mrs. Macquarie’s Chair: Enjoy panoramic views of the harbour from this historic spot.

Activities:

  • Visit the Tropical Centre: Discover exotic plants from around the world.
  • Take a guided garden tour: Learn about the garden’s history, conservation efforts, and unique plant species.

Where to Eat:

  • The Botanic Garden Restaurant: Enjoy seasonal cuisine with views of the gardens.
  • Picnic in the gardens: Pack your own lunch or grab some food from a nearby café.

Accommodation:

  • Shangri-La Hotel Sydney: A luxurious hotel with harbour views and easy access to the garden.

Transportation:

  • Free Shuttle Bus: Catch a shuttle bus from the city to the garden (approx. 15-20 minutes).
  • Walk or Bike: Take a leisurely stroll or bike ride through the gardens.

Things to Know:

  • Opening Hours: Check the garden’s opening hours and plan your visit accordingly.
  • Picnic Etiquette: Be mindful of other visitors and keep noise levels down while picnicking.

Day 4: Taronga Zoo and Sydney Harbour

Places to Go:

  • Taronga Zoo: Visit this world-class zoo with stunning harbour views and diverse animal collections.
  • Sydney Harbour: Enjoy scenic views, take a harbour cruise, or simply stroll along the waterfront.

Activities:

  • Take the Sky Safari Cable Car: Ride the cable car for panoramic views of the city and harbour.
  • Visit the Australian Walkabout: Explore an immersive wildlife experience featuring native animals.

Where to Eat:

  • Taronga Zoo’s Dining Options: Enjoy meals or snacks at one of their restaurants, cafes, or food courts.
  • Take a picnic: Pack your own lunch or grab some food from a nearby café and enjoy it in the gardens.

Accommodation:

  • Shangri-La Hotel Sydney: A luxurious hotel with harbour views and easy access to Taronga Zoo.

Transportation:

  • Ferry from Circular Quay: Catch a ferry from the city to Taronga Zoo (approx. 30 minutes).
  • Private Transfer or Taxi: Take a taxi or private transfer for door-to-door service.

Things to Know:

  • Opening Hours: Check the zoo’s opening hours and plan your visit accordingly.
  • Animal Encounters: Be prepared for up-close animal interactions and educational experiences.

Day 5: Manly Beach and Sydney’s Northern Beaches

Places to Go:

  • Manly Beach: Visit this iconic beach with scenic views, cafes, and water activities.
  • Sydney’s Northern Beaches: Explore other popular beaches like Dee Why, Curl Curl, and Harbord.

Activities:

  • Take a ferry from Circular Quay: Catch the ferry for stunning harbour views and waterfront experiences.
  • Visit the Manly Sea Life Sanctuary: Discover an aquarium featuring marine life and interactive exhibits.

Where to Eat:

  • The Fish at Manly Beach: Enjoy fresh seafood and ocean views at this popular restaurant.
  • Try some street food: Explore the cafes, restaurants, and food courts along the beachfront.

Accommodation:

  • Manly Seaside Hotel: A boutique hotel with scenic views and a relaxing atmosphere.

Transportation:

  • Ferry from Circular Quay: Catch the ferry for easy travel to Manly Beach.
  • Private Transfer or Taxi: Take a taxi or private transfer for door-to-door service.

Things to Know:

  • Opening Hours: Check the beach’s opening hours and plan your visit accordingly.
  • Water Safety: Be mindful of ocean conditions, rip currents, and sun protection.

Day 6: Sydney’s Street Art and Culture

Places to Go:

  • The Rocks Neighbourhood: Explore this historic area featuring street art, galleries, and live music.
  • Sydney’s Cultural Centres: Visit the Sydney Opera House, Museum of Contemporary Art, or other cultural institutions.

Activities:

  • Take a guided tour of Sydney’s Street Art: Discover vibrant murals and graffiti throughout the city.
  • Visit the Australian Centre for Photography: Explore exhibitions featuring Australian photography.

Where to Eat:

  • The Rocks Markets: Try some street food or grab a coffee at this bustling market hall.
  • Duck into the laneways: Find hidden cafes serving up delicious street food.

Accommodation:

  • Shangri-La Hotel Sydney: A luxurious hotel with harbour views and easy access to cultural attractions.

Transportation:

  • Walking Tour: Take a leisurely stroll through The Rocks neighbourhood and surrounding areas.
  • Public Transport: Use the Opal card for easy travel on buses, trains, and ferries.

Things to Know:

  • Opening Hours: Check the opening hours of each attraction and plan your visit accordingly.
  • Cultural Etiquette: Be respectful of local customs, traditions, and cultural institutions.