With 4 days in Sydney, not only will you be able to visit the main highlights, but you will also have time to explore a few hidden gems at a relaxed pace.
Sydney Harbour, the Taronga Zoo, the Sydney Opera House, the shops at the Strand and the Queen Victoria Building, Watsons Bay, and the Coogee to Bondi Coastal Walk are just a few of the places that you will visit on this Sydney itinerary. There is even enough time to day trip out to the Blue Mountains.
This itinerary also includes many restaurant and bar recommendations. Sydney features some of our favorite restaurants and bars in the world and these dining experiences were at times the highlights of our trip.
Table of Contents
Best Things to Do with 4 Days in Sydney
Below is a list of the top spots to visit if you only have four days in Sydney (see the full list in our article Best Things to Do in Sydney):
- Sydney Opera House
- Sydney Harbour Bridge
- Explore Circular Quay and The Rocks
- Take a cruise or ferry ride of Sydney Harbour
- Bondi Beach
- Mrs. Macquarie’s Chair
- Taronga Zoo
- Complete a coastal walk
- Queen Victoria Building (QVB)
- Sydney Tower Eye
- Luna Park
- Darling Harbour
- Blue Mountains
- Manly & Watsons Bay
4 Days in Sydney Itinerary
Sydney Itinerary Day 1
Sydney Harbour
For your first day in Sydney, you’ll enjoy a complete tour of the Sydney Harbour area. You’ll undoubtedly check off most, if not all, of the top attractions on your list, from the Opera House, the Sydney Harbour Bridge, The Rocks, and much more.
From both the land and the sea, you’ll visit the best sites within Sydney Harbour.
8:00 am: Breakfast
9:00 am: Opera House
9:45 am: Ride the ferry to Taronga Zoo
10:00 am: Taronga Zoo
1:00 pm: The Rocks
2:30 pm: Dawes Point Reserve
3:00 pm: South Pylon Lookout
4:00 pm: Luna Park
5:30 pm: Ferry back to Circular Quay
6:00 pm: Dinner
8:00 pm: Grab a drink at one of the world’s top bars (optional)
How to Use This Map: Click the icons on the map to get more information about each point of interest. Click the star next to the title of the map to add this map to your Google Maps account. To view it on your phone or computer, open Google Maps, click the menu button, go to “Your Places,” click Maps, and you will see this map on your list.
8:00 am: Breakfast
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel or one of the many cafés throughout Sydney. We recommend The Rocks Cafe or Four Frogs Crêperie – Circular Quay. These cafés get great reviews and are in the perfect location to start your day. If you have a sweet tooth, consider grabbing a bite at Pancakes on The Rocks.
9:00 am: Opera House
The most famous attraction in Sydney, the Opera House is a must-see. This performance center draws millions of visitors every year and is known for its distinct sail-like structure, which is an incredible feat of architecture and engineering.
To get to the Opera House, walk up the eastern side of the harbour, past the wharf. Take a walk around the Opera House, pose for a photo on the steps, and admire picturesque views of Sydney Harbour. You can even consider taking a backstage tour of the Opera House (but do note that tours run for about 2 hours, so you will need to alter this itinerary). For information regarding tours or shows, look here.
Sydney Opera House (photo taken on the ferry cruise to Taronga Zoo)
9:45 am: Ride the Ferry to Taronga Zoo
The ferry ride to the Taronga Zoo is iconic and offers one of the best views of Sydney. On your way out to the zoo, you’ll cruise right past the Opera House and Fort Denison.
The views are unforgettable, with an incredible look out at the Sydney Harbour Bridge, the Opera House, and the Sydney skyline. Enjoy this 15-minute ride past some of Sydney’s most iconic attractions.
Ride the ferry from Circular Quay to F2 (Taronga Zoo). Tickets can be purchased at the wharf. For information on ferry tickets and timetables, refer to the official website.
10:00 am: Taronga Zoo
Taronga Zoo is one of the largest zoos in Australia, home to over 4000 animals. From a great range of local Australian wildlife as well as giraffes, elephants, and komodo dragons, there is an exhibit for everyone to enjoy. You’ll also be treated to more wonderful views of the Sydney skyline.
Taronga Zoo
The view from the Taronga Zoo
You have a little over 2 hours to fully explore Taronga Zoo. To return to downtown Sydney, simply take the ferry back to Circular Quay, in the opposite direction as earlier in the morning.
Hours: Open every day from 9:30am – 4:30pm
Cost (gate price): AUD $51 (adult) | $30 (4-15 years) | free for children under 4. When booking online, you can save AUD $5.
Website: taronga.org.au
1:00 pm: Explore the Rocks
The Rocks is the perfect place in Sydney to spend an afternoon. This colonial neighborhood of pubs and shops is situated right between Circular Quay and the Sydney Harbour Bridge. On the weekends you’ll find a colorful open-air market where vendors sell homemade crafts and street food.
This is the perfect area to grab a bite for lunch. Consider enjoying a meal at The Glenmore Hotel, a historic rooftop bar and pub. If you’re looking for a taste of history, try the Fortune of War, Sydney’s oldest pub. If you want to dine with a view, visit the MCA Cafe in the Museum of Contemporary Art. From here you will have a view of Circular Quay and the Opera House.
The Rocks | 4 Days in Sydney Itinerary
2:30 pm: Dawes Point Reserve
The Dawes Point Reserve is a small park that sits just north of The Rocks, and directly underneath the Sydney Harbour Bridge’s South Pylon. You’ll find several notable viewpoints here as well as the remains of an old artillery fort.
On the east side of this small peninsula, next to the Park Hyatt Sydney, you can look across the harbor to the Opera House.
Dawes Point Reserve
On the opposite side of the reserve, at Ives Steps Wharf, you can look up at the Harbour Bridge and across the harbor to Luna Park.
Photo taken near the Ives Steps Wharf
Dawes Point Reserve is open 24 hours a day and free to visit.
3:00 pm: South Pylon Lookout
The South Pylon Lookout offers an elevated view from the Sydney Harbour Bridge without the time and money spent doing the Bridge Climb. This lookout is also one of the most iconic views of Sydney.
From the South Pylon Lookout, you get a breathtaking view of the Opera House, Sydney Harbour, and Sydney Harbour Bridge. There’s a good chance you will also see climbers on the bridge.
South Pylon Lookout
Another view from the South Pylon Lookout
To get here from Dawes Point Reserve, you’ll walk back through The Rocks neighborhood to the Glenmore Hotel. There is an elevator across the street from the Glenmore Hotel that will take you up to Sydney Harbour Bridge’s pedestrian walkway. There are also steps a short way beyond the elevator if you’d prefer to take them up.
Once on the pedestrian walkway, it’s a 5-minute walk to the South Pylon Lookout entrance. You’ll climb 68 steps to get to the ticket office. From here, purchase your ticket and it’s 132 steps to the top, for a grand total of 200 steps. There is no elevator to the top.
You can purchase your ticket in advance or at the door. We purchased ours at the door and there was no line (midday in May). Get hours and pricing on the official website.
If you’re traveling on a budget, we recommend skipping the South Pylon Lookout. Instead, enjoy the views from the Sydney Harbour Bridge for free as you walk out to Luna Park. The pedestrian walkway offers similar views, is open 24 hours a day, and you don’t have to spend a dime.
4:00 pm: Luna Park
Luna Park is a colorful amusement park located across the harbour from Circular Quay. Featured are thrilling attractions, roller coasters, a Ferris wheel, and arcade games.
The park is famous for the giant smiling face that acts as the entrance to the amusement park. The face is almost unsettling, especially at night when illuminated. It’s been rebuilt 7 times and the history behind the faces is interesting, where some of the past iterations are downright terrifying.
Luna Park
At the entrance to Luna Park, you also can enjoy an incredible view of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, the Opera House, and the Sydney skyline.
The view at sunset
To get to Luna Park from the South Pylon Lookout, continue across the Sydney Harbour Bridge. You’ll find an elevator down to the road below, and from there it’s a 5-minute walk to the park’s entrance.
Website: Hours are subject to change due to events held in the park. Get hours and pricing on the official website.
6:30 pm: Ride the Ferry Back to Circular Quay
There is a small wharf at the entrance to Luna Park (Milsons Point Wharf). To return for dinner, take the ferry directly to Circular Quay. You also have the option to walk back across the Sydney Harbour Bridge.
PRO TRAVEL TIP: If you are into photography or want to capture an iconic view of Sydney at sunset, you can do so from the wharf in front of Luna Park. This is one of our favorite photography locations in Sydney. Get sunset hours for the date of your visit here.
7:00 pm: Dinner at Café Sydney
For spectacular, sunset views of Sydney Harbour, as well as delicious cuisine, we recommend enjoying dinner at Café Sydney, located within Circular Quay.
The view from Cafe Sydney
The menu has a little bit of everything, with salads, oysters, seafood and meat dishes, small plates, and vegan options. They also have a long list of Australian wines that can be purchased by the bottle or by the glass. Do expect a pricey meal, but what you’re paying for is absolutely worth it, with spectacular food and an even better view. We also highly recommend making reservations in advance, as this can be a very crowded spot for a meal.
If you’d like our full list of dinner recommendations, read our Best Restaurants and Bars in Sydney guide.
8:00 pm: Enjoy a Drink at One of the World’s Top Bars (Optional)
Maybe Sammy is one of Australia’s most famous cocktail bars. In 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2023, this bar made the World’s 50 Best Bars list. With décor inspired by the 1950’s, creative cocktails, and bartenders who put on a show, put Maybe Sammy at the top of your list. Note that they do not accept reservations, so there is a chance you may not be able to grab a table. They are also closed on Sunday and Monday.
Alternative options include Grain, The Glenmore, and The Doss House, all of which are located within The Rocks. You can find our full list of recommendations here.
Grain | 4 Days in Sydney Itinerary
Sydney Itinerary Day 2
Downtown Sydney
Today you’ll continue your time in Sydney with a walking tour through the city’s CBD (Central Business District). You’ll visit some of the nearby parks, museums, and harbors, while also being treated to a birds-eye view of the city.
8:00 am: Breakfast
9:00 am: Royal Botanic Gardens
9:45 am: Mrs. Macquarie’s Chair
10:30 am: Art Gallery of New South Wales
12:00 pm: St. Mary’s Cathedral
12:15 pm: Hyde Park
12:45 pm: Lunch
1:30 pm: Sydney Tower Eye
3:00 pm: QVB (Queen Victoria Building)
4:00 pm: Enjoy a drink at The Baxter Inn
5:15 pm: Darling Harbour
6:00 pm: Dinner and Drinks
8:00 am: Breakfast
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel or one of the many cafés throughout Sydney. For recommendations, refer to Day One on this list.
9:00 am: Royal Botanic Gardens
The Royal Botanic Gardens of Sydney is a beautiful park found at the eastern edge of Circular Quay. The gardens make a perfect spot for views of the Opera House and Harbour Bridge. This is an ideal spot to stretch your legs in the morning and enjoy the beauty of Sydney Harbour. You’ll find one of the park’s entrances at the Opera House.
Located in the park is the Calyx, which is a public exhibition space. There is a small restaurant here, the Leaf Department, a shop, and floral exhibitions. This is a popular place in Sydney to host weddings and other special events.
The Calyx | 4 Days in Sydney Itinerary
9:45 am: Mrs. Macquarie’s Chair
For one of the best views of the Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge, visit Mrs. Macquarie’s Chair. This viewpoint is located in the Royal Botanic Garden, on a peninsula that juts out into the harbour. The viewpoint is only a 10-minute walk from the center of the gardens. The views from this spot are spectacular all day long.
10:30 am: Art Gallery of New South Wales
The Art Gallery of New South Wales is one of Australia’s largest art museums. It features a wide range of exhibits that focus primarily on Aboriginal culture, depicted through paintings and sculptures. The vibrant artwork is a joy to admire and the diverse exhibits will continue to provide something new. Entrance to the art gallery is free, but a few special exhibits require an entrance fee.
Inside the Art Gallery of New South Wales
You can walk to the Art Gallery directly from Mrs. Macquarie’s Chair. It’s a 15-minute walk south, just beyond the Royal Botanic Gardens.
Website: Get updated hours on the official website.
12:00 pm: St. Mary’s Cathedral
This cathedral dates back to 1821, when the first stone was laid. The first church was small and simple but over the years, it was rebuilt and expanded several times, in an English Gothic architectural style. It is now one of the largest cathedrals in Australia and it is said to be the birthplace of Catholicism in Australia.
St. Mary’s Cathedral
The cathedral is just a short walk from the Art Gallery and is located on the outskirts of Hyde Park. You can choose to marvel at the architecture as you walk past or spend some extra time and tour the interior.
12:15 pm: Hyde Park
The oldest public park in Australia, a quick visit to Hyde Park is well worth your time. Take a stroll past the Archibald Memorial Fountain or stop to rest your legs on a nearby park bench. Hyde Park makes a great spot for a picnic lunch today. Those with an interest in history can also visit the Hyde Park Barracks.
12:45 pm: Lunch
With limited time for lunch today, we recommend grabbing a quick bite at one of the nearby cafés or pubs.
1:30 pm: Sydney Tower Eye
The Sydney Tower is the tallest structure in Sydney and the second tallest observation tower in the Southern Hemisphere. At a staggering 309m (1,014ft) tall, the Sydney Tower’s observation deck offers the ultimate 360° view of the city.
View from the Sydney Tower Eye
On the Skywalk
If you are feeling adventurous, you can walk outside on the skywalk above the observation deck. The Skywalk adventure is filled with amazing views, great photo opportunities, and a couple glass floors to remind you just how high up you truly are. Both the Observation Deck and Skywalk require tickets.Booking a Skywalk experience is the best way to enjoy the views of Sydney’s skyline from the Sydney Tower Eye. On this 30-minute guided tour, you’ll circle the outside of the tower on metal walkways and walk over a few glass floors to remind you just how high up you truly are. Before stepping outside, you’ll change into a stylish jumpsuit with a built-in clip system that attaches to the outside railings.
Although you’re only a few stories higher than the Tower Eye Observation deck, you’ll get a lot more out of this experience. Your guides will provide you with plenty of background information regarding what you see and are well equipped to answer any questions you may have.
There are several spots for photo opportunities that you can take with the skyline in the background.
Also, the views themselves just seem to be a lot better once you’re out in the air. We loved this experience and highly recommend it for someone who is willing to spend the extra money.
Website: Get updated hours and pricing on the official website.
3:00 pm: QVB (Queen Victoria Building) & The Strand
The Strand is a Victorian building is filled with small boutique shops. It’s a delight to stroll through and go window shopping.
The Strand
The QVB is a historic building and it is one of the best places to go shopping in Sydney. It is located in the Central Business District, just a short walk from the Strand and the Sydney Tower Eye.
Shops range from popular chain stores, such as Coach, Pandora, and Country Road, as well as art galleries and boutique shops. Our favorite shop in the QVB is the Aboriginal Art Galleries, where you can shop for Aboriginal artifacts and artworks, including didgeridoos, ceramics, and paintings.
The Queen Victoria Building dates back to 1898. It was named to commemorate Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee. This beautiful Victorian building contains three stories of retail shops and small restaurants. Two mechanical clocks form focal points from the arcades.
Shops range from popular chain stores, such as Coach, Pandora, and Country Road, as well as art galleries and boutique shops. Our favorite shop in the QVB is the Aboriginal Art Galleries, where you can shop for Aboriginal artifacts and artworks, including didgeridoos, ceramics, and paintings.
4:00 pm: Enjoy a Drink at the Baxter Inn
Just two blocks away from the QVB is the Baxter Inn, one of the best “hidden bars” within Sydney’s CBD. This underground cocktail bar has a warm, cozy atmosphere and an admiration for blues music. Their whiskey cocktails are what they’re known for, but they also have a great selection of cocktails, beer, and wine.
Baxter Inn
5:00 pm: Darling Harbour
Darling Harbour is full of waterfront fine-dining, culture, beauty, and entertainment. Here you’ll find the Australian National Maritime Museum, the Sydney Aquarium & Zoo, and several large venues dedicated for concerts.
As it’s less popular with first-time tourists, you’ll find fewer crowds in Darling Harbour than at Sydney Harbour. While here, make sure to cross over the Pyrmont Bridge and enjoy views of the Sydney skyline.
Darling Harbour
While walking through Darling Harbour, chances are you’ve noticed a few large battleships docked in the water. At the Australian National Maritime Museum, you can board several historical ships and take a step into Australia’s history at sea.
You’ll find great variety in the ships you can visit, as well as the indoor exhibits inside the museum’s main building. The ships are full of history, and one of them, the Tall Ship James Craig, is still operated for special tours.
ADJUSTING THIS ITINERARY: The museum is open from 10 am – 4 pm every day. With how today is planned out, you will have to swap this museum for another attraction to make time. For families, we recommend a visit here. If interested, skip both the Art Gallery of New South Wales and a drink at The Baxter Inn.
A self-guided tour of the Maritime Museum could take upwards of 3 hours. For those that want to enjoy a shorter tour, we recommend the HMAS Vampire (a battleship) and the Tall Ship James Craig, a 19th century barque. Get updated hours and pricing on the official website.
6:00 pm: Dinner and Drinks
Darling Harbour is surrounded by plenty of great restaurants and bars to cap off your second day in Sydney. Nearby you’ll find The Star, a hotel and casino that hosts several of our top picks for dinner. These include Sokyo, one of Sydney’s top Japanese restaurants, BLACK Bar & Grill, and Cucina Porto, a fantastic Italian restaurant.
On the other side of the harbour, you’ll find The Sporting Globe, a waterfront sports bar. At the end of the harbour is The Bar at Oncore by Clare Smyth, found within The Crown hotel. This is an excellent spot to enjoy a drink with a view, but do expect a more pricey menu.
The view from the Bar at Oncore
Sydney Itinerary Day 3
Coastal Walk & Bondi Beach
Today is a much more relaxed day compared to the previous two. Beginning with breakfast in Coogee, you’ll walk along the coast to Bondi Beach, where you’ll have all afternoon to enjoy the sun, sand, and surf. Your evening is also pretty open, with a drink at the Opera Bar before dinner.
8:00 am: Breakfast in Coogee
9:00 am: Coogee to Bondi Coastal Walk
12:00 pm: Lunch at Bondi Icebergs
2:00 pm: Bondi Beach
5:30 pm: Opera Bar
7:00 pm: Dinner
8:00 am: Breakfast in Coogee
Today you’ll be starting at Coogee Beach, one of the most popular beaches in Sydney. Coogee is surrounded by a quaint suburb full of great cafés and restaurants, as well as plenty of open park space for picnics.
For breakfast today, we recommend either Coogee Courtyard or Little Jack Horner. Both offer delicious breakfasts for a cheap price and are found on the main road that runs along the beach.
9:00 am: Coogee to Bondi Coastal Walk
Let’s start the day off on a high note. The Coogee to Bondi Coastal Walk is a 4 mile (6.4 km) walk along Sydney’s eastern shores. You’ll pass some of the most iconic beaches in Sydney as well as a collection of more local bays, beaches, and parks.
Coogee to Bondi Coastal Walk map
Coogee Beach
Tamarama Beach
This relaxing coastal walk is a great way to start a morning. You’ll be open to enjoy the ocean breeze, grab some sun, and relish in the views along the way. Plus the weather tends to be much more comfortable, and crowds are lower.The Coogee to Bondi walk takes about 2 to 3 hours. Depending on when you finish, you’ll have free time to enjoy Bondi before lunch at 12:00.
Learn more in our Guide to the Coogee to Bondi Coastal Walk.
12:00 pm: Lunch at Bondi Icebergs
For an iconic lunch overlooking Bondi Beach, we recommend the Bondi Icebergs. Not only is Icebergs an iconic swimming pool, but it’s also a high-end restaurant and bar that overlooks Bondi Beach. Come here for a delicious meal, enjoy a cocktail in the sun, and watch the surfers.
A cheaper, but still moderately pricey alternative is Bondi Trattoria. This Italian restaurant is located at the southern corner of Bondi Beach, and offers a lovely setting, beach views, and even better food. There are also plenty of cafes that line the beach that make a perfect spot for a quick meal.
Bondi Beach and Icebergs Pool
Bondi Beach | 4 Days in Sydney Itinerary
2:00 pm: Bondi Beach
Bondi Beach is consistently rated as one of the most popular beaches in the world due to both its natural beauty and collection of restaurants. It’s a must see on a visit to Sydney.
You have the rest of the afternoon today to enjoy Bondi’s beauty. Later in the evening you’ll have the option to grab a drink at the Opera Bar before heading out to dinner. While at Bondi, take a walk along the beach, sunbathe on the sand, or learn how to surf.
With Let’s Go Surfing, one of the best surf schools in Australia, you can rent boards as well as book surf lessons. The staff are amazing, they’re super friendly and offer great advice for both first time surfers and those who are more experienced.
Be warned that, especially in the summer, the UV index can reach values of up to 13. Be mindful of your sun exposure, and sunscreen is a must here.
To return to Sydney Harbour, take the 333 bus line directly from Bondi Beach. This will take about 45 minutes. You can also use Uber.
6:00 pm: Opera Bar
We’re back again at Sydney’s most recognizable landmark. This time, we’ll be grabbing a drink at the Opera Bar, an outdoor bar located just below the Opera House. This is a great spot to get a table, a glass of wine or a cocktail, and enjoy sunset views of Sydney. From here, you get up close views of the Opera House and a stunning view of the Harbour Bridge.
Opera Bar
We have dinner planned at 7:00 pm today. If you find that you’re loving the Opera Bar, you can stay here for dinner. Their menu includes a mix of sides, seafood, and meat dishes.
PRO TRAVEL TIP: The Opera Bar is busy all afternoon and evening, particularly on the weekends. Our favorite time to be here is late afternoon, just as the sun begins its descent. For the best experience, book a table in advance.
7:00 pm: Dinner
For your last night in Sydney, we recommend eating in The Rocks or near Circular Quay. With plenty of restaurants and pubs that offer different cuisines, there’s something for everyone.
Quay Restaurant is a fine dining restaurant with a breathtaking view of the Opera House. Bennelong is a fine dining restaurant inside of the Opera House (it looks amazing but be aware that it is very expensive).
El Camino Cantina, in the Rocks is a good place to get good, inexpensive Mexican food. Also in the Rocks is the Glenmore Hotel, a bar and restaurant with a rooftop terrace with views of the Opera House.
See a longer list of recommended restaurants in our Sydney Dining Guide.
Sydney Itinerary Day 4
Blue Mountains OR Manly & Watsons Bay
For your final day in Sydney, you have two options. You can travel out to the Blue Mountains or visit the nearby Manly Beach and Watsons Bay in East Sydney.
OPTION 1: Blue Mountains
With sandstone cliffs, hiking trails that lead to towering waterfalls and viewpoints, cable car and gondola rides, and views of unique rock formations, the Blue Mountains are an excellent day-trip destination from Sydney.
Blue Mountains
The Three Sisters
The Scenic World Skyway
On a day trip to the Blue Mountains, you’ll have enough time to visit Scenic World, visit the top viewpoints, and hike the Wentworth Falls Loop or the Grand Canyon Walking Track.
If you have a rental car, you can drive here and tour the park at your own pace. It is also very easy to reach the Blue Mountains by train and then get around by bus. There are also several tours of the Blue Mountains, like this full day tour of the Blue Mountains from Sydney.
For a detailed article about how to plan your day trip, read our article One Day in the Blue Mountains.
OPTION 2: Manly & Watsons Bay
8:00 am: Breakfast
9:30 am: Spit to Manly Walk
1:30 pm: Manly Beach
4:30 pm: Ferry to Watsons Bay
5:00 pm: Watsons Bay
6:00 pm: Ferry to Circular Quay
6:30 pm: Dinner
8:00 am: Breakfast
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel or one of the many cafés throughout Sydney. For recommendations, refer to Day One of this itinerary (if you are staying near Circular Quay).
9:30 am: Spit to Manly Walk
The Spit to Manly walk is one of the most famous walks in the Sydney area. Beginning at the Spit Bridge, you’ll pass a variety of breathtaking lookouts, local beaches, and quaint harbour towns. The trail to Manly is 10 km (6.2 miles) long and will take you 3 to 4 hours to complete.
Spit to Manly Walk
The trail itself is very easy to walk and can be completed by those of most ages and fitness. This is also a great walk for families, but note the distance can be pretty far for small children. To learn more, read our Guide to the Spit to Manly Walk.
We highly recommend beginning in Spit and walking to Manly. The quickest way to reach Spit is via an Uber, which will cost about $20 AUD and takes 15 minutes. Public transit will be cheaper but will take anywhere from 30 to 35 minutes.
1:30 pm: Manly Beach
Manly Beach is a mile-long strip of golden sand lined with shops, restaurants, and Norfolk pines. Manly offers some of the best and most consistent surf in the Sydney area, so you’ll see plenty of surfers in the water. The waves are perfect for beginner to intermediate surfers.
The beach is not only larger than Bondi, but also generally less crowded. You’ll find a more laid-back vibe here compared to other beaches like Bondi or Coogee.
Manly Beach
Once at Manly, grab lunch and relax on the beach after your long coastal walk. If you’re willing to get a few more steps, we recommend walking out to the north end of the beach. There you’ll find the Manly Wormhole, a unique rocky tunnel with an incredible view of the beach.
4:30 pm: Ferry to Watsons Bay
From Manly Wharf, take the CCWM ferry to Watsons Bay. The trip takes 15 minutes, and you’ll be treated to incredible views of the harbour area on your ride.
5:00 pm: Watsons Bay
Located on the South Head peninsula in East Sydney is a seaside enclave that makes a great evening trip from the city center.
Walk the South Head Heritage Trail, a short walk along the end of the peninsula that takes you past Lady Bay Beach to the Hornby Lighthouse. Along this walk, you can see the Sydney skyline in the distance. It’s flat, about 1 km long and takes 30 minutes. During the winter into early spring, it’s possible to see humpback whales from Hornby Lighthouse.
The South Head Heritage Trail starts at Camp Cove, a small, sheltered beach that has a small café and great views of Sydney. Camp Cove is just a few minutes walk from the Watsons Bay Wharf.
Lady Bay Beach
Watsons Bay
6:00 pm: Ferry to Circular Quay
Take the CCWM ferry from Watsons Bay as a direct route to Circular Quay. An alternative route is the F9 ferry, which includes a stop at Rose Bay.
6:30 pm: Dinner
For your final night in Sydney, grab dinner in either Circular Quay or The Rocks.
How to Get Around Sydney
There’s a great variety of public transit options for you to utilize on your one day in Sydney. Whether it’s by land or by sea, the city has you covered.
To get to sites such as Luna Park or Taronga Zoo, take the ferry. They run consistently throughout the day, and you’re treated to some fantastic views on your journey. For information on ferry tickets and timetables, refer to the official website.
Sydney’s light rail is great for transportation within the downtown area. Arriving every 5-10 minutes throughout the day (and offering delayed hours at night), this is a perfect option for those traveling within the city but preferring to save their steps. To board you’ll either need to purchase an Opal Card or use a credit/debit card capable of “tap-to-pay”.
Sydney also has a wide-ranging bus system capable of taking you to sites a bit further away from the downtown area, such as Bondi Beach. Just hop on, tap your Opal Card or credit/debit card (same as with the light rail system), and enjoy the ride. You can find timetables on their website, as well as at all bus stops throughout the city.
Finally, you can also use Uber to get around Sydney. We don’t recommend driving, as traffic can be a nightmare and finding parking is challenging.
Sydney is also a very walkable city. All of the downtown sites can be easily accessed just by walking no more than 20 to 30 minutes. Even at night, we all felt safe walking the city streets.
Where to Eat & Drink in Sydney
With so many options for fine dining, rooftop cafes, hidden bars, and waterfront restaurants that boast incredible views of Sydney’s harbors and beaches, your choices may seem overwhelming. We have an article featuring the 20 best bars and restaurants in Sydney to help complement your trip.
Where to Stay in Sydney
The CBD (Central Business District) is the best place to stay for this itinerary, followed by Bondi, if you don’t mind a small commute back and forth to the city center.
We have a list of recommended hotels in Sydney in our Sydney Hotel Guide.
More Information for Your Trip to Sydney
THINGS TO DO: For a full list of things to do in Sydney, check out our Sydney Bucket List.
MORE SYDNEY ITINERARIES: If you have less than 4 days in Sydney, take a look at our One Day Sydney Itinerary, 2 Day Sydney Itinerary, and 3 Day Sydney Itinerary.
RESTAURANTS & BARS: In this guide, we list 20 of our favorite restaurants and bars in Sydney.
BRIDGE CLIMB: In our guide to the Sydney Bridge Climb, we list your tour options and whether or not it is worth the big price tag.
BEST VIEWS: Here are 20 amazing views of Sydney.
BEST BEACHES: Here are 10 stunning beaches to visit in Sydney.
SCENIC WALKS: The Coogee to Bondi Walk is Sydney’s most famous coastal walk but walking from Spit to Manly is also very scenic.
BLUE MOUNTAINS: Get started with our article Best Things to Do in the Blue Mountains. We also have a guide on how to visit Scenic World, how to hike the Wentworth Falls Track Loop, and a detailed trail guide for the Grand Canyon Track.
If you have any questions about this 4 Day Sydney itinerary or how to plan to plan a trip to Sydney, let us know in the comment section below.
More Information for Your Trip to Australia
QUEENSLAND: Get started with our article Best Things to Do in Cairns and our Cairns Itinerary. Visit the Great Barrier Reef, either on a multi-day liveaboard tour or on a cruise out to Lady Musgrave Island. Spend the day in Daintree Rainforest and two of Australia’s best zoos.
GREAT BARRIER REEF: To learn about planning a multi-day visit to the Great Barrier Reef, read our guide to Liveaboard Tours of the Great Barrier Reef. We also have an article about visiting Lady Musgrave Island, a more remote, less visited area of the Great Barrier Reef.
GREAT OCEAN ROAD: Driving the Great Ocean Road is one of the most scenic drives in the world.
TASMANIA: In Tasmania, hike to Cape Raoul and Wineglass Bay, explore the Tasman Peninsula, spend some time on Bruny Island, visit Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary, and cruise to Tasman Island.
SOUTH AUSTRALIA: One of the best things to do in South Australia is to visit the wine regions near Adelaide. Plan your visit with our Guide to McLaren Vale, our Guide to Barossa Valley, and our Guide to Clare Valley.
Read all of our articles about Australia in our Australia Travel Guide.
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