Sydney, Australia: One Week Itinerary

Sydney, Australia makes for a fantastic vacation destination. With endless beaches and some of the world’s most iconic sites, you will likely come away loving Sydney like we did. It’s an easy city to visit with the vibe here a combination of elegant Europe meets California chill. There are endless things to see and do in Australia’s largest city. With this itinerary, we share how to plan out one week in Sydney.

About Sydney

Sydney is the largest city in the country and continent of Australia and is located in the state of New South Wales. Sydney lies within a sparkling harbor front on the eastern coast of Australia. Miles of coastline with dramatic cliffs and bluffs, golden beaches, and iconic landmarks form this incredible city.

Australia became the place Great Britain sent its convicts to in the 1700s -1800s to help alleviate overcrowding in prisons in England. Of course Australia had already been inhabited for thousands of years by Aborigines, the indigenous people of the land. Over time, the Aborigines lost their culture and land as the new English settlers took over, building a colony on the shores of what would one day become Sydney. With this complicated past, today the Australian government is working to make amends, recognizing the Aborigines as first peoples of the land and bringing to light their culture and history as it intermixes with modern day Australia.

The Weather

Australia is in the southern hemisphere so the seasons are opposite of ours in the northern hemisphere. We visited in January, which is similar to July back home in the U.S. From December through February it is the height of summer with hot days mixed with a few sporadic summer storms. Summer in Sydney is one of the busiest times to visit.

While we were here in late January, the temperatures ranged from low 70s to 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Because of the intense sun in this part of the world, it is imperative to wear proper sun protection.

Getting Around

The majority of the sites you will visit are easily connected with public transport such as ferries, taxis, and ride shares, such as Uber.

The public train system is operated by the Sydney Trains Network. We took the train once and found it very easy to use plus very clean and a nice ride. You can find out more information on the website: Transport NSW Website

Driving here is on the opposite side of the road and opposite side of the car than from the United States. While renting a vehicle here is possible, it will likely be easier to use any of the above transportation options. Parking is limited in many places and there are speed and red light cameras everywhere.

Things to Know Before You Go

The first thing we do before any international travel is check the US Department of State website. Depending on where you live, check your country’s version for up-to-date travel information to your upcoming destination. For us, as U.S. Citizens, we needed an Electronic Travel Authority. We downloaded the Australia ETA app for our iPhones and worked through the application. There is a fee associated with the ETA. The ETA allowed us entry into Australia.
A valid passport is necessary for entry.
Check this list of items not allowed into the country and items you will need to declare. A typical rule of thumb when traveling out of the country is you cannot bring meats, cheese, fruits, and vegetables. Prescription medications should be in their original container.
On the plane shortly before landing we were given paper landing cards and I declared anything that could be in question. Failure to do so can possibly lead to confiscation and fines. When we walked through customs they asked what items I was declaring in those categories. They waved us through quickly. It is definitely a must to truthfully declare any of these items in by erring on the side of caution otherwise you can face hefty fines.

DAY 1

Arrival Day!

If coming from the United States, you will likely arrive early in the morning. Try to stay awake! Getting out into the sun or out for a walk will help reset your clock to Australia time.

We arrived around 7:00 a.m. on our trans-Pacific flight from Los Angeles. We weren’t sure how we would feel so we planned a very low-key day, trying to push ourselves to stay up to a reasonable bedtime.

Mike, having gotten 10 hour of sleep on the flight (!) was feeling great and headed to the gym. I didn’t have any “gym energy”, although was able to get a good amount of sleep on the flight as well. I went on a nice outdoor walk. Getting outside along with a little bit of movement helped to reset our clocks. My walk felt especially good after so many hours on the plane.

We both made it to about 7:00 p.m. and slept until 3:00 a.m. By pushing through until evening, our bodies acclimated to Australia time right away. Our first few mornings we were awake quite early, however within a few days were up a little later.

About This Map & Itinerary

Below is a map you can use to view all the destinations in this itinerary. The map markers are color coded according to the day they are listed for. For the most part, the destinations are located near one another but on a few occasions they are a bit further apart. This accounts for what type of activity it is that day. For example, if going to a beach or a coastal walk in the morning, a dinner or evening recommendation may not be nearby. This accounts for the likely desire to head back to your accommodations to rest and freshen up before the evening activities.

DAY 2

On Today’s Agenda:

High Tea at Gunner’s Barracks
The Taronga Zoo
Sydney Opera House & Circular Quay
On the Sydney map above, the purple icons are noted for today’s destinations

Welcome to Australia! Get ready to enjoy a lovely morning tea at Gunner’s Barracks in Sydney before setting off to explore some of Sydney’s most iconic sites.

High Tea at Gunner’s Barracks

Enjoying this English tradition of high tea while in Sydney is a wonderful experience. We went to Gunner’s Barracks and had a lovely time.

Gunner’s Barracks was constructed in the late 1800s as a fortification to protect Sydney from attacks. It went through many historical changes until it finally became the venue that it is today.

Gunner’s Barracks | Sydney Itinerary

With its sturdy stone structure on the outside and the charming Victorian decor on the inside, Gunner’s Barracks delivers a unique dining experience with fabulous harbor views.

Harbor views from Gunner’s Barracks | Sydney Itinerary

The high tea was fabulous with a large variety of tea to choose from as well as a delicious array of small bites and desserts.

An incredible high tea at Gunner’s Barracks | Sydney Itinerary

For a laid-back experience with wonderful views and a historical twist, put Gunner’s Barracks High Tea on your list.

Taronga Zoo

Who doesn’t want to see koalas, kangaroos, and more Australian animals when visiting this part of the world!

Kangaroos and koalas, a must see in Sydney! | Sydney Itinerary

The Taronga Zoo is a popular place to visit and is located very close to Gunner’s Barracks, making it a great place to head to after high tea. You can then take the ferry across the harbor to visit the next stop on the list.

Circular Quay & the Sydney Opera House

From the Taronga Zoo, a quick zip across the harbor brings you to Sydney’s most iconic site, the Sydney Opera House. Standing proudly on the harbor front like a pearl glistening in the sunlight, you have fabulous views from the water. Once you disembark the ferry, make your way to Circular Quay, where the Opera House is located.

The Sydney Opera House as seen from a ferry | Sydney Itinerary

We made our way past the Opera Bar, a great place to relax with views of the Opera House and the Harbor Bridge while sipping on a glass of wine or a cocktail.

The path to the Opera House with the Opera Bar to the right | Sydney Itinerary

We also walked all around the Opera House, taking in the views from every direction.

Views from around and inside the Opera House | Sydney Itinerary

Lastly, we entered the Opera House for a quick peek inside. You can arrange a tour if you are interested in exploring the interior further.

DAY 3

On Today’s Agenda:

Day on the Ferries
Watson’s Bay
The Gap
Manly Beach
On the above map, the orange icons are noted for today’s destinations

Today is a long, yet awesome day exploring Sydney on the ferries.

About The Sydney Ferries

The Sydney Ferries is the public transport entity that runs the ferries in the Sydney area. The ferries run along the Parramatta River, into downtown Sydney, the harbor front, and to several beaches. Taking the ferries is a great alternative to driving and searching for parking in the popular, crowded areas. For more information, click the link below:

Website: Sydney Ferry System

Your day begins at Circular Quay to take the ferries. If you did not get to explore Circular Quay yesterday or want a nice, uncrowded morning visit, now is a great time to explore here. After exploring the Opera House board the ferry at Circular Quay, heading to Watson’s Bay.

We had fantastic views from the water of the Sydney Harbor.

View from the ferry to Watson’s Bay | Sydney Itinerary

We also passed Shark Beach, aptly named for the sharks that have been known to swarm the waters there. There is netting up in place to help keep them out. I don’t know about you, but netting or not, I’m not getting in those waters!

Watson’s Bay & The Gap

At Watson’s Bay, we disembarked the ferry and walked straight from the ferry dock up through Robertson Park.

Watson’s Bay | Sydney Itinerary

From the park, we crossed Military Road and came to The Gap, a beautiful coastal area with magnificent sea views.

The Gap at Watson’s Bay | Sydney Itinerary

The walking path meanders along the cliff with scrub bushes and trees as well as plenty of lookout areas. Views of the cliffs plunging into the sea were breathtaking, with massive waves crashing on the flat, eroded rocks below.

More great views from The Gap at Watson’s Bay | Sydney Itinerary

After walking from one end to the next, we made our way back down to the waterfront.

For lunch we had a great meal at The Beach Club at Watson’s Bay. Fresh Barramundi fish was on the menu, which was so good. It’s a light, flaky fish found on menus in Australia.

Fresh Barramundi fish | Sydney Itinerary

After lunch it was time to get back on the ferry and head up to Manly Beach.

Manly Beach

Manly Beach is a very popular beach destination. Along its wide promenade, the shops sold beach clothing, sunglasses, and souvenirs. Small cafes, restaurants, and ice cream parlors are here as well.

Manly Beach | Sydney Itinerary

Manly Beach is a massive swath of golden sand bordered by tall Norfolk Pine. People were sunning, swimming, and surfing, enjoying this hot summer days.

Manly Beach | Sydney Itinerary

There is a great coastal walk here, too, taking you from Manly up to Shelly Beach. Begin the walk at the sound end of Manly Beach near the Manly Surf Club.

The coastal walk from Manly to Shelly Beach | Sydney Itinerary

From Manly Beach, we took the ferry back to Circular Quay. Riding the ferries was a great way to see so many different areas of the Sydney. What a great day!

DAY 4

On Today’s Agenda:

Coastal Walk: Coogee to Bondi
Bondi Beach and Bondi Icebergs
Mrs. Macquaries Chair
Catch a movie at Sydney OpenAir Cinema
On the above map, the green icons are noted for today’s destinations.

There are many awesome coastal walks in Sydney, with a nice meandering path taking you along the coast from beach to beach. Yesterday we did a short one from Manly to Shelly Beach. Today is a longer one, hitting many beaches along the way.

We spent the morning walking from Coogee to Bondi, and relished these stunning views.

We started off in Coogee and the beach was already hopping at 8:00 am! Even though it was Australia Day, we were surprised at how packed the beaches were so early in the morning! After Coogee, we came up on Bronte Beach, where little swimmers were learning Australia’s popular pastime of surfing, sunbathers were soaking up the rays in the sand, and swimmers were floating in the waves.

Bronte Beach | Sydney Itinerary

From Bronte we continued on the path, arriving at Tamarama Beach, which is actually my favorite beach we visited in Sydney.

Tamarama Beach | Sydney Itinerary

With a small protective cove, the waves here were intense with surfers successfully catching waves. The water was a beautiful blue and its horseshoe shape made this beach feel intimate and cozy.

Continuing on, we stopped at Mark’s Park for our first glimpse of the famous Bondi Beach from afar.

First view of Bondi Beach! | Sydney Itinerary

Back on the path we soon came to the Bondi Icebergs, a popular swimming pool that is refilled with ocean water as the waves crash up!

The Bondi Icebergs pool | Sydney Itinerary

Bondi Beach is Sydney’s most famous beach. Surfers were catching waves, swimmers enjoying the surf, and people lounging in the sun worshipping the rays.

Bondi Beach | Sydney Itinerary

Visit Bondi Beach & the Bondi Icebergs

With Bondi being Sydney’s most famous beach it is a must see. The Iceberg Pool is neat to watch as waves crash in while swimmers are swimming in the pool.

Bondi Icebergs Pool | Sydney Itinerary

Along the back wall of Bondi Beach are colorful murals, clearly marking Bondi a pride of Sydney.

Murals at Bondi Beach | Sydney Itinerary

Bondi Beach is gets very busy, with beachgoers in the sand and people in the water catching waves.

Bondi Beach | Sydney Itinerary

There are a plethora of dining options in Bondi, from cafes to restaurants to bars and pubs.

We enjoyed an espresso at a café, seeking respite in the shade after our coastal walk. After our time here, we headed back to our accommodations to freshen up before some evening fun.

Mrs. Macquarie’s Chair

Mrs. Macquarie’s Chair is a viewpoint located at the end of Mrs. Macquarie’s Road. From here you have one of the best view’s of Sydney, with the Opera House and Harbor Bridge both in view.

This is along the same road as the next stop in our itinerary, OpenAir Sydney Cinema, so Mrs. Macquarie’s Chair is a great stop pre-show.

OpenAir Sydney Cinema

Branded the world’s most beautiful outdoor cinema, Westpac OpenAir Sydney features a massive movie screen, showing popular movies with the background of the Opera House and Harbor Bridge twinkling in the distance.

There are multiple ticket options with various dining options available, including world-class chefs fixing high-quality fare before your movie.

DAY 5

On Today’s Agenda:

Sydney Bridge Climb
The Rocks
Lunch: The Glenmore Hotel
The Big Dig
Harbord Diggers Beach Club
Freshwater Beach
On the above map, the red icons are noted for today’s destinations.

Sydney Harbor Bridge – Bridge Climb or South Pylon

The Sydney Harbor Bridge is one of Sydney’s most recognizable landmarks. Wherever you are in the city, chances are you’ll get a glimpse of the Sydney Harbor Bridge, whether popping up above the tree line or in the distance as part of the skyline.

Sydney Harbor Bridge as seen from The Rocks area of Sydney | Sydney Itinerary

While in Sydney, you might find yourself driving over it, walking on it, taking a ferry under it, or even climbing to the top of its steel arch!

The Bridge Climb is a popular thing to do in Sydney, taking you in groups up a long flight of stairs to the top of the bridge. From here you will no doubt get incredible views.

The Bridge Climb | Sydney Itinerary

However, there are a few caveats with this. First of all, you are with a group so must move as one. Second, you cannot have anything on your person, which means no phone or camera. And finally, you are exposed the whole way up.

Bridge climbers | Sydney Itinerary

Depending on weather and time of year, you could be out in the scorching sun while wearing a jumpsuit. For these reasons we recommend visiting the South Pylon as an alternative to doing the Bridge Climb, which is what we did.

The South Pylon is one of four pylons that help to support the Harbor Bridge. From the South Pylon, you get incredible views of the city from every direction, including a birds eye view of the Opera House.

Views of the Opera House from the South Pylon | Sydney Itinerary

Enter the museum to learn about the engineering and construction of the Harbor Bridge and you will likely leave with a greater appreciation for it.

View of Sydney from the South Pylon | Sydney Itinerary

Visit the Rocks

The Rocks is my personal favorite area of Sydney as it is a beautiful, historic area located near the Harbor Bridge.

The Rocks | Sydney Itinerary

While here, we enjoyed shopping at art galleries, getting some great souvenirs.

The Rocks | Sydney Itinerary

For lunch, we recommend the rooftop at the historic Glenmore Hotel.

The historic Glenmore Hotel | Sydney Itinerary

When we were there, the restaurant opened at noon and we arrived shortly before, heading straight up to the roof top for a great open-air meal with city views. It was perfect timing as people soon flooded in behind us and within ten minutes the roof top restaurant was full. This is a great option following your visit to the South Pylon at the Harbor Bridge. We parked on the street and were directly across from the hotel.

Check Out the Big Dig

Also located in The Rocks area of Sydney, The Big Dig features an excavated area of about 30 convicts’ homes and businesses dating back to the late 1700s.

The Big Dig | Sydney Itinerary

Digging here began in the mid 1990s and uncovered the homes, business, and various archeological finds, featuring some artifacts on display.

Artifacts on display at the Big Dig | Sydney Itinerary

A campfire was also discovered, dating back to about 300 years before the Europeans arrived. Within the fire, remnants of various seafood were found!

Today, the Big Dig is an open site for taking in these history lessons while a hostel, YHA Sydney Harbor, sits above the site.

Harbord Diggers Beach Club & Freshwater Beach

It is time to take it down a notch in terms of activity level and relax for a bit! The Harbord Diggers Beach Club is a great place to dine and chill for a bit before a nice evening walk on Freshwater Beach.

Harbord Diggers features a wonderful underground parking area if you are self-driving. Take the elevator up, check in, and choose to dine from several options. Sit outside at the Ocean Terrace, dine inside at Teddy Larkin’s, and enjoy drinks from the bar. This place is very family friendly with a kids club, TVs with sports playing, and a great view of the ocean.

Harbord Diggers Beach Club | Sydney Itinerary

From here, it is just a short walk across the street to Freshwater Beach. Don’t let the name fool you, it is actually an ocean beach! Freshwater Beach is very quiet and peaceful, especially when we visited in the evening.

Freshwater Beach | Sydney Itinerary

You can walk the coastal path or walk in the sand along the waters edge, taking in the stunning rock formations and steep cliffs.

Freshwater Beach | Sydney Itinerary

DAY 6

On Today’s Agenda:

Helicopter Tour Over Sydney
Queen Victoria Building and The Strand
Dinner: The O Bar
On the above map, the hot pink icons are for noted for today’s destinations.

A Helicopter Tour Over Sydney

For the ultimate views over Sydney, how about a helicopter ride?! Sydney HeliTours gets fabulous reviews. The views of Sydney from around the city are incredible, but nothing quite beats an aerial view. On a one hour trip, fly over Olympic Park, the Parramatta River, Sydney Harbor, and the Heads, seeing the epic coastline from above.

Views from a helicopter ride over Sydney | Sydney Itinerary

The Queen Victoria Building & The Strand

The historic Queen Victoria Building (a.k.a. the QVB) is quite possibly the most beautiful shopping mall in the world. Filled with exceptional stores with everything from clothing to jewelry to an Aboriginal art gallery to a high end whiskey shop, the venue itself is a work of art. Featuring ornate architecture and a grand clock in the center, taking in the beauty while shopping feels like a grand venture.

The Queen Victoria Building | Sydney Itinerary

Right across the street from the QVB is The Strand, a long corridor filled with shops, including the must try chocolate shop, Haighs.

The Strand | Sydney Itinerary

Famous for their chocolate frogs, you can’t go wrong getting some delectable bites to snack on during your shopping trip or to save for later.

Dinner at the O Bar

Adding dinner with a view to your Sydney itinerary is a fantastic experience. What better way to see the beautiful city unfold before you than while sipping on a cocktail and dining on a delicious meal?! We dined at the O Bar and had a wonderful dining experience.

The O Bar | Sydney Itinerary

The restaurant completes the 360 degree rotation in two hours, giving you great views during your entire dining experience.

DAY 7

On Today’s Agenda:

Take a Day Trip to the Blue Mountains
On the above map, the blue icon is noted for today’s destination.

Today is a great day for a day trip! One of the most popular day trips from Sydney is to the Blue Mountains, located about an hour and half from the city.

Get Your Guide offers some great options for day trips, which includes your transportation:

With one week in Sydney, you will likely walk away with a love for the city, like we did. From its glistening harbor, stunning coastline, beautiful beaches, and iconic sites, Sydney is no doubt one of the best vacation destinations in the world!