Overview
My stop in Sydney is part of a larger journey that will take me to the mysterious islands of Vanuatu (more on that in a dedicated post).
Sydney, Australia’s largest city, is a vibrant metropolis known for its iconic landmarks like the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge. With stunning beaches like Bondi and a lively waterfront at Darling Harbour, the city offers the perfect mix of urban life and natural beauty. Its rich cultural scene, diverse neighborhoods, and proximity to nature, such as the Blue Mountains, make Sydney a must-visit destination.
Here, you'll find the must-see spots, organized into an itinerary I completed in 3.5 days.
Itinerary and tips
DAY -1
Arriving in the afternoon left me with little time, but the clear sky convinced me to head straight to a prime sunset spot: the area by the bay near MARY BOOTH LOOKOUT RESERVE. It’s easily accessible on foot from Copes Lookout and offers a stunning view of the Opera House with a fiery sky as the perfect backdrop.
Don't miss it!
Dinner followed at a nearby pub in The Rocks neighborhood.
DAY -2
Most of Sydney’s highlights are concentrated in a relatively small area. In the morning, I walked across the Harbour Bridge, with a great view of the Opera House, which we then reached on foot.
Definitely visit the concert hall if you have time!
You’ll pass through Circular Quay and The Rocks, where I planned a can’t-miss evening activity (more on that below).
The Rocks is perhaps the city’s most charming district, full of history, restaurants, cafes, and cozy English-style pubs.
Next, I stopped at Darling Harbour and its gardens before visiting the Royal Botanic Garden.
This beautiful spot offers incredible views of Sydney's bay and is home to plant species from all over Australia and the world. I ended the afternoon with a climb up Sydney Tower Eye for a stunning 360° view of the city.
In the evening, I geared up for an adventure: the Harbour Bridge climb!
With a harness, we ascended the bridge via a series of walkways, all while learning fascinating details about the structure. Reaching the top, you’re rewarded with breathtaking views of the city and Opera House — and a serious adrenaline rush, thanks to the height and the cars speeding below.
Absolutely worth it!
DAY -3
The next day, I dedicated a large part of my time to a highly recommended activity:
a 10 km coastal walk with stunning views of the Pacific Ocean between Bondi Beach (easily reached by public transport) and Coogee Beach. It's a must-do.
In the late afternoon, I explored the neighborhoods of King’s Cross and Woolloomooloo, the latter being an interesting suburb just a couple of kilometers from Sydney's CBD.
DAY -4
With little time left, I joined a tour to visit the Blue Mountains.
To sum up the experience: while the day was nice overall, it was a weekend, so the place was overcrowded, and the tour felt rushed and lacking in excitement.
My advice? If you can, rent a car and visit the Blue Mountains at your own pace.
Better yet, stay overnight in the area (Katoomba) so you can take your time exploring the best spots and hiking trails.
The day after, early morning i was ready for Vanuatu!
Food and Accommodation
I’ll lump these two categories together because neither really stood out for me. The food was quite basic, and while it’s interesting to try oyster soup or kangaroo pie, you’ll probably enjoy some good old fish and chips by the harbor even more.
As for hotels, nothing extraordinary to report, but I do recommend staying near The Rocks for convenience.
My impressions
I might regret spending so much time in Sydney... How come, you ask? Here’s the thing: this trip’s final destination was Vanuatu, and Sydney was more of a stopover.
While Sydney is beautiful and absolutely worth two full days (three if you’re doing an excursion), I feel like it would have been better appreciated as part of a broader tour of Australia.
That said, the sunset over the Opera House is something I’ll never forget.
Top Picks:
-Opera House at sunset
-Harbour Bridge climb
-Bondi Beach walk
Have a question? Drop it in the comments below!
Add comment
Comments