Sydney is one of Australia’s most iconic cities, known for its stunning harbor, world-famous landmarks, beautiful beaches, and vibrant neighborhoods. We’ve had the chance to explore Sydney a few years back, and in this post we’d like to share our detailed itinerary for 3 Days in Sydney.
Spend a few days exploring the city, cruising the harbor, enjoying the beaches, and taking in the views from coastal walks and lookouts. And if you have more time, visit Blue Mountains National Park on a day trip from Sydney.
Here’s how we recommend spending 3 days in Sydney, Australia.
Day 1 – Sydney City, Harbour and Manly Beach
Spend your first day starting at Darling Harbour, then exploring the many sights of central Sydney and its most iconic landmarks, and finishing your day at Manly Beach.
Start at Darling Harbour
Darling Harbour is a lively waterfront area packed with attractions. It’s home to the SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium, WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo, and the Australian National Maritime Museum. You can spend the whole morning here exploring, or simply enjoy a breakfast with views over the water.
If you travel with small kids, like we did, make a stop at Tumbalong Park Playground – for kids to have fun and enjoy the water features of the playground, especially on a hot day.
Next to Tumbalong Park is the Chinese Garden of Friendship, with its traditional pavilions, ponds and willow trees. A peaceful place to visit in the heart of the busy city.
Walk to Sydney’s CBD
From Darling Harbour, head into the Central Business District (CBD) to explore some of Sydney’s most beautiful urban landmarks.
Stroll through Hyde Park, the city’s oldest public park, with its tree-lined paths and fountains. Don’t miss the Archibald Fountain and the Anzac Memorial at the southern end.
Just across the road stands the stunning St. Mary’s Cathedral, a Gothic Revival masterpiece. Step inside to admire its stained glass windows and peaceful interior.
Continue on to Sydney Town Hall, a grand 19th-century building, and then to the Queen Victoria Building – a restored Romanesque-style arcade filled with boutique shops and cafes. Even if you’re not shopping, the architecture alone is worth the visit.
Sydney Tower Eye
For a panoramic perspective of the city, visit the Sydney Tower Eye. Its observation deck offers 360-degree views over Sydney’s skyline, harbour, and even out to the Blue Mountains on a clear day. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can also book the Skywalk experience – an open-air glass platform walk high above the city streets.
Circular Quay and The Rocks
Make your way to The Rocks, Sydney’s oldest neighborhood. Wander its cobbled streets, old pubs, small galleries and weekend markets (if you’re visiting on a Friday, Saturday or Sunday). A great spot to grab a snack or browse for souvenirs. Check out the building of Customs House and visit Quay Quarter.
Continue to Circular Quay, the busy hub of Sydney’s harbor.
Enjoy Lunch by the Harbour
There are lots of dining options near Circular Quay and The Rocks – from casual cafes to upscale waterfront restaurants. There are so many great options, it’ll be hard to pick just one!
Sydney Opera House & Harbour Bridge
You really can’t visit Sydney without seeing the Opera House up close. Walk around the promenade for fantastic views and photo opportunities of both the Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge.
Government House & Botanic Garden
If you’re not too tired from the day’s walking, continue on to Government House and the Royal Botanic Garden. These peaceful green spaces offer a quiet retreat and more stunning views of the harbor.
Take a Ferry to Manly Beach
In the late afternoon, catch a ferry from Circular Quay to Manly Beach. The ferry ride itself is quite scenic, offering panoramic views of the Sydney skyline and harbour.
Once in Manly, walk along the Corso, relax on the beach, or take a short coastal walk to Shelly Beach. Manly has a laid-back beach vibe with plenty of shops, cafes and gelato stops.
Stay for dinner before heading back to the city by sunset for beautiful views on the return ferry.
Day 2 – Eastern Beaches, Wildlife & Chinatown
Bondi Beach
Start your day at Bondi Beach – Sydney’s most iconic beach. Just don’t expect it to be quiet and relaxing :). Bondi is a very popular beach, especially on a nice sunny day.
Enjoy a coffee on the beachside promenade or, if you’re up for it, take a swim (but make sure to take the precautions and swim between the flags in the designated swimming zone).
Rose Bay
After Bondi, catch a bus to Rose Bay – a peaceful harbor-side suburb with lovely views back toward the city. You can take a short stroll along the waterfront or just get a coffee or iced tea and enjoy it at the Rose Bay beach.
When we visited Sydney, our son was just a little over two years old, and so we opted for going on a Hop On/Off bus. Very convenient if you don’t want to drive or catch public transport, but still want to visit many places in a day. Sydney and Bondi Explorer bus stops at Bondi beach and at Rose Bay beach too.
Australian Wildlife
In the afternoon, head back toward the city and enjoy a close-up look at Australian wildlife. You don’t even have to leave town – visit WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo in Darling Harbour (or SEA LIFE if you prefer marine life). In this small zoo, you can see wombats, kangaroos, snakes, and of course, cute koalas, among other animals. It’s a great choice for both adults and kids, especially if it’s your first visit to Australia.
Sydney’s Chinatown
Wrap up your day in Sydney’s Chinatown – located near Haymarket in the southern end of the CBD. This neighborhood is home to many restaurants and Asian eateries. From hot pots to crispy duck pancakes to handmade dumplings – there’s something here for every taste. You’ll also find Market City shopping center and food courts offering authentic and affordable meals.
Day 3 – Day Trip to the Blue Mountains
How to get from Sydney to Blue Mountains
When we visited, we simply rented a car for a day and drove from Sydney to visit the famous Blue Mountains. Driving from Sydney is a scenic and easy way to explore the region. The journey takes about 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on traffic. With your own car, you can easily reach lookouts like Echo Point, Lincoln’s Rock, and Govetts Leap, or go for bush walks such as the Grand Canyon Track or Wentworth Falls Trail at your own pace. Make sure to leave early to avoid Sydney traffic, and don’t forget to drive on the left-hand side of the road when in Australia!
If you prefer public transport, you can take a train from Sydney to Katoomba, the main getaway to the Blue Mountains. Trains depart regularly from Central Station and take just under two hours to reach Katoomba. Once in Katoomba, you can hop on the Blue Mountains Explorer Bus or use local public buses to reach popular spots like Echo Point, Scenic World, and various trailheads.
Alternatively, for a hassle-free journey, you can book a day trip tour from Sydney to Blue Mountains:
Blue Mountains National Park
The Blue Mountains are just under 2 hours drive from Sydney and make for a stunning day trip. Famous for their sandstone cliffs, eucalyptus forests, and beautiful waterfalls, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is a favorite getaway for Sydney locals and visitors alike.
Here are some things to do in the Blue Mountains depending on your interests and fitnesse level: Visit Echo Point Lookout and see the iconic Three Sisters rock formation; Hike one of the scenic trails (try the Prince Henry Cliff Walk or part of the Giant Stairway); Ride the Scenic Railway or Scenic Skyway in Katoomba; Explore Leura Village for boutique shops, cafes, and old-world charm; Stop at one of the many lookout points for epic valley views.
I recommend downloading Blue Mountains Visitor Map on the Blue Mountains City Council website.
When visiting the Blue Mountains, wear comfortable shoes – many trails are rocky or steep. Bring sunscreen, a hat, and plenty of water, especially on warm days. The weather can change quickly, so dress in layers and check track conditions before you go.
We took a few easy walks, visited Echo Point Lookout and rode the Scenic Skyway – it was a great day out for us, even in spite of the gloomy weather on the day we visited.
After a full day of exploring, head back to Sydney in the evening and maybe treat yourself to a quiet dinner near your hotel or a final harbor stroll in the evening.
That concludes our 3 Days in Sydney itinerary.
Where to stay in Sydney
There is no shortage of accommodations when staying in Sydney. Whether you’re after a luxurious waterfront hotel or a cozy budget-friendly stay, Sydney offers a wide variety of options to suit every type of traveller.
Staying in the CBD (Central Business District) is a great choice – it puts you within walking distance of major landmarks like the Opera House, Harbour Bridge, and Circular Quay, as well as countless cafes, restaurants, and shopping spots. For a more vibrant and family-friendly atmosphere, consider Darling Harbour, with its waterfront dining, museums, and entertainment venues. This is where we stayed during our visit – we rented a serviced apartment in a building with a pool, which was perfect for cooling off in the evenings after a full day of exploring the city.
If you’re after a beachside vibe, Bondi Beach is a classic pick – perfect for sun, surf, and a social scene. For something a little more relaxed, Manly Beach offers a laid-back coastal feel with scenic ferry rides to and from the city. Each area has its own charm, so you can choose what suits your travel style best.
When is the best time to visit Sydney
The best time to visit Sydney really depends on what kind of trip you’re after. If you’re dreaming of beach days and warm evenings by the harbor, then Australian summer (December to February) is ideal. Expect plenty of sunshine and daytime temperatures between 26–28°C. We visited Sydney in late December and while the weather was perfect for swimming at Bondi and taking a ferry to Manly, it did get quite hot and humid in the afternoons – so we found ourselves seeking shade or ducking into air-conditioned cafes for an iced tea or a gelato more often than we expected.
For milder weather and fewer crowds, spring (September to November) and autumn (March to May) are probably the best times to explore Sydney. These seasons are great for walking around the city, doing coastal hikes, or taking day trips to places like the Blue Mountains. If you’re not a fan of heat or crowds, these shoulder seasons are a great option.
Read next: 3 Days in Melbourne – Detailed Itinerary for a Perfect Visit.
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