Sydney is a harbor city first, and this itinerary keeps you near the water for most of it, with one full day given over to the beaches and another to the Blue Mountains.
Sydney is a harbor city first, and this itinerary keeps you near the water for most of it, with one full day given over to the beaches and another to the Blue Mountains.
Start at Circular Quay for the classic view of the Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge side by side. Walk through The Rocks Historic District, Sydney's oldest neighborhood, then take a Sydney Harbour Cruise in the afternoon. For the adventurous, BridgeClimb Sydney is a genuinely memorable way to see the harbor from the top of the bridge.
Spend the day at Bondi Beach, then walk the coastal path toward Coogee — one of the best free things to do in the city, with ocean views the whole way. In the evening, explore Surry Hills or Newtown for Sydney's best casual dining and bar scene.
The Blue Mountains, about two hours from Sydney, offer eucalyptus-covered gorges, the Three Sisters rock formation, and hiking trails with genuinely dramatic views. Closer to the city, the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney next to the Opera House is a good lower-key alternative if a full day trip doesn't fit.