How to Spend 3 Days in Sydney: An Ideal 3-Day Itinerary

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Sydney is a gorgeous city with so much variety, so if you’ve only got three days here, you’re going to want to make sure that you use that time wisely. 

As well as world-famous landmarks like the Opera House, the Harbour Bridge, and the Tower Eye, Sydney is also home to many diverse neighborhoods, beautiful beaches, and awesome restaurants. It’s one of those cities where you can enjoy history, culture, and an outdoor lifestyle. Fortunately, 3 days is just enough time to experience a little bit of all of these aspects of Sydney.

Sydney is one of our favorite cities. We travel here frequently, and Bailey has lived here before, so we always want to make sure that visitors love it as much as we do! That’s why we’ve put together this 3-day itinerary to make sure that you get the full Sydney experience. 

Don’t have time to read the full article? Three days is the perfect amount of time to enjoy Sydney’s highlights! On day 1, you can tour the Opera House and take a scenic harbor cruise, and on day 2, you can escape the city to visit the Blue Mountains. Your final day starts off with a helicopter tour, followed by chilling on Bondi Beach and enjoying Sydney’s nightlife.

Day 1

Morning – Go for brunch

There’s only one right way to kick off the morning in Sydney – with brunch! 

We personally love heading to Newtown for brunch, and you can easily catch the train there. It’s a 16-minute ride from Circular Quay to Newtown Station, or 13 minutes from Wynyard Station in the CBD, so you can be there in no time. 

Once you get to Newtown, you’ll be greeted by one of Sydney’s trendiest neighborhoods. This area is popular with students, hippies, and artists, so it’s got a really cool vibe. There are tons of independent shops around and some amazing vintage boutiques, so we also recommend taking a stroll through the area before or after you eat. 

And speaking of eating, you’re spoiled for choice in Newtown. Rolling Penny Newtown is our favorite, though, because it’s got such an amazing menu. Some of our favorites include smoked duck breast and poached eggs on focaccia toast and halloumi and egg ciabatta. They’re open daily from 7:30 am – 3 pm and located right on King St.

Flour Drum is also a popular choice, and if their breakfast dishes don’t tempt you, their amazing cakes certainly will! They’re also located on King St. and are open for breakfast and brunch every day but Wednesday.

If you don’t feel like catching the train to Newtown, you can also stay more central and head to Two Good Eggs Cafe. They’re open for brunch every day and located near Hyde Park, which is close to where you’ll be heading afterward on this itinerary. This cafe has amazing pancakes and super-friendly service, and the portions here are generous, so they’ll set you up nicely for the day. 

Edes near Circular Quay is another great spot. It’s a light, airy cafe that serves breakfast till 11 am, as well as delicious Italian fare later on in the day. It’s simple and unpretentious, and the food is always a hit!

Late morning – Royal Botanic Gardens and Mrs Macquarie’s Chair

Once your stomach is full, it’s time to head to Sydney’s most famous viewpoint: Mrs Macquarie’s Chair! 

You can get there by strolling through the Royal Botanic Gardens, which are free to enter and definitely worth seeing. This is the oldest botanical garden in Australia and we always enjoy strolling through on a sunny day. 

Then, before long, you’ll reach Mrs Macquarie’s Chair. This is an iconic viewpoint with amazing views of the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge, and it’s totally free to visit. The chair itself was carved out by convicts for Elizabeth Macquarie, the wife of the Governor of New South Wales, who used to love coming to this beautiful vantage point. When you see the views from here, you’ll understand why she was so enamored with it!

After admiring the Opera House from afar, it’s time to stroll down towards it, which should take you about 20 minutes.

Midday – Tour the Sydney Opera House

Now, it’s time to explore Sydney’s crown jewel: the Opera House! Visiting the Opera House is a must in Sydney, and you can actually explore inside it by taking a tour.

Our absolute top choice for a 3-day itinerary is this guided tour. This tour is a must-do because it’s so interesting, and we loved getting to explore behind the scenes.

On the tour, you get to check out areas that are usually closed off to the public and, better yet, hear some very juicy behind-the-scenes stories! Our guide also told us about the current shows at the Opera House and the lengths that the staff have to go to to make these performances happen. Pretty much everyone on Earth recognizes the iconic Opera House building, but relatively few get to learn what really goes on inside!

We had a blast on this tour, and at $43 AUD per person, we thought it was good value for money, too. This price is for the tour-only option, which has several start times throughout the day. It only lasts for an hour, so it’s easy to fit in, even when you only have three days in Sydney. 

You seriously can’t miss the Opera House in Sydney! And if you’re only here for a few days, you’ll want to secure your time slot in advance.

Lunch

If you’re visiting Sydney, then lunch with a view is a must! Fortunately, there are plenty of places to do just that in Circular Quay, which is the area between the Opera House and the Harbour Bridge. 

If you’re in the mood for something fancy, then Q Dining is one of our favorite places to go. It’s a chic, airy restaurant that serves gourmet contemporary Australian cuisine. The beautifully plated food is second only to the amazing views that you get through the restaurant’s giant glass wall! It really is an amazing place to treat yourself to a nice lunch, which is served Wednesday to Sunday from 12 pm – 3 pm. 

Alternatively, you could even have lunch in the Sydney Opera House itself. In fact, when you book the Opera House tour, you can upgrade to include lunch and a drink. This costs $80 AUD, and you can choose to eat at either the House Canteen or the Opera Bar. 

The House Canteen serves Asian fusion cuisine, but the real draw here is the epic view of the Sydney Harbour. Meanwhile, the Opera Bar serves light bites and refreshing spritz cocktails. Here, you can sit right on the water’s edge as you admire the famous Harbour Bridge.

Related Read: To see the city while also getting exercise, try one of these Sydney walking tours!

Early afternoon – Go on a scenic cruise

A scenic cruise is one of the best things to do in Sydney, and we never get tired of them! It’s a great way to sightsee, but you get to chill out at the same time, so it’s perfect when you’re trying to pack a lot into a single day. 

One of the best things about scenic cruises on Sydney Harbour is that they’re very affordable. You also get to see a lot in a short space of time. We particularly like this harbor cruise because it’s the only one that still includes onboard commentary. You learn a lot about Sydney as you sail past city highlights like the Harbour Bridge, Luna Park, and Fort Denison. 

The commentary is available through a smartphone app, so you get to choose whether you want to listen or not. Plus, you don’t get that poor sound quality that often plagues onboard PA systems.

The cruise is available Wednesdays through Sundays. It departs from the wharf at 2 pm and lasts for 1.5 hours. It costs $45 AUD per person, or $65 AUD if you want to upgrade to include a cheese board and a complimentary welcome drink. That’s probably not necessary straight after lunch, though! 

However, with only a few days in Sydney, you won’t want to wait till the last minute. Choose your cruise option and reserve your date ahead of time.

We also love the Journey Beyond Cruise in Sydney. This tour is longer at 2.5 hours, and it’s a lunch cruise, so you get a gourmet plated meal included, as well as complimentary beer and wine. It’s a really nice way to enjoy lunch in Sydney.

Of course, if you want to do this cruise, then skip the lunch section above because you’ll be eating on the boat! Trust me, you’ll want to save your appetite. From our experience of the Journey Beyond Cruise, they serve everything from steak to fresh seafood and have fantastic wine options.

The Journey Beyond the Cruise lunch tour costs $152 AUD per person, so it’s pricier than the first cruise that we mentioned, but you do get lunch and lots of drinks, as well as extra time on the boat. It’s really up to you which way you want to do it – either way, you’ll get lunch with a view and a fantastic sightseeing cruise! 

Tours are offered every day but Monday and depart from the King Street Wharf at 11:55 am. If you’re seeing the Opera House beforehand, make sure to schedule enough time to get here. And again, you’ll want to reserve your Journey Beyond the Cruise in advance.

Afternoon – Walk Darling Harbour

Darling Harbour is one big waterfront playground! Sydney locals and tourists alike love it because there are so many attractions here, from amazing bars and restaurants to Madame Tussauds and a wildlife park!

When I lived in Sydney, I spent a lot of time in Darling Harbour and I always come here for a stroll whenever I return to the city. It’s a great free activity in Sydney that helps balance out other expenses. Plus, the views are so beautiful along the waterfront, and it’s really calming to watch the boats go in and out. 

Also, there are tons of great activities here for tourists! Darling Harbour is a very family-friendly area, too, so there’s a lot to do here that kids will love.

For example, it may be cheesy, but I think that a visit to Madame Tussauds is always fun. You can snap selfies with waxwork versions of Aussie celebrities like Chris Hemsworth and Nicole Kidman and even recreate scenes from famous films. Tickets typically cost $48 AUD for adults and $36 AUD for kids, and you’ll need about 1.5 – 2 hours here. You can purchase an afternoon ticket online, which allows you to explore anytime between 1 pm – 5 pm.

Alternatively, the Sea Life Sydney Aquarium is always a lot of fun. Here, you can see king and gentoo penguins, dugongs, jellyfish, sharks, and an amazing array of tropical fish. There are also daily feedings and interesting keeper talks where you can learn more about some of the fascinating creatures housed here.

Tickets cost $41-$51 AUD, and kids cost between $30-$38 AUD. You can buy afternoon tickets in advance and visit from 1 pm – 5 pm.

Meanwhile, if you’re keen to see native Australian wildlife, head to Wild Life Sydney to say hello to kangaroos, koalas, crocodiles, and more! I especially love the butterfly exhibit here, and you can also visit the Dreamtime Cave to listen to talks on indigenous Australian culture. I learned so much about the relationship between the Aboriginal people and the country’s native wildlife.

Tickets cost $39-$48 AUD for adults and $29-$36 AUD for kids. Just like the other activities we mentioned, buying afternoon tickets for Wild Life Sydney allows you entry between 1 pm and 5 pm.

Sunset/dinner – Head up the Sydney Tower Eye

Visiting the Sydney Tower Eye is the perfect way to end your day in Sydney. Not only can you enjoy amazing views of the city from the observation deck, but you can also enjoy a fantastic dining experience with a serious view up here! 

So first things first: The Sydney Tower Eye is an indoor observation deck that offers visitors 360-degree views of Sydney. The first time that we went, we were a bit disappointed to discover that you can’t actually see the Opera House, but you still get great views of the Harbour Bridge. Plus, on a clear day, you can even see as far as the Blue Mountains, which are an hour’s drive away. 

We strongly recommend that you book your tickets for the Sydney Tower Eye in advance. We did this, and we were able to breeze past the queues. And when you’ve only got three days in Sydney, time is of the essence! 

Tickets cost $27-$38 AUD, and you can choose between the morning or afternoon option. However, you’ll want to come later in the day if you want to enjoy dinner in the sky!

After you’ve soaked in the beautiful views of Sydney from the observation deck, you can head to the Skyfeast on level 2 of the Tower Eye. Here, you get to enjoy a meal in a rotating restaurant high above the city, so you’ll enjoy panoramic views without having to move a muscle! 

Skyfeast is a gourmet buffet experience that lasts for about 1.5 hours. The restaurant has huge windows, and the food options include freshly shucked oysters, antipasto, a variety of local dishes, a meat carvery, and tons of cheeses and desserts. Dinner here is an amazing way to round off an epic day in Sydney.

The buffet is available for 1.5 hours, and you can choose from multiple start times. It costs $105 – $120 AUD, depending on the day of the week that you go.

Also, we just want to make it clear that your Skyfeast ticket does not include admission to the Sydney Tower Eye. You’ll need to purchase tickets for both experiences separately – but it’s definitely worth it! 

Day 2 – Blue Mountains Day Trip

The Blue Mountains is a gorgeous wilderness area that’s about an hour outside of Sydney. It’s known for the blue haze that hovers over the landscape, which is a result of the eucalyptus oil from the forest. It’s quite a sight to see!

As well as the crazy blue haze, the Blue Mountains boast dramatic cliffs and valleys and incredible rock formations, including the Three Sisters! There’s also Aboriginal rock art, plenty of viewpoints, a wildlife park, and a park with rides that are designed to showcase the beauty of the area.

With so much natural beauty, this makes an awesome day trip from Sydney. But if you only have three days in the city, we recommend taking an organized tour of the Blue Mountains.

This small-group tour promises an amazing day out in the Blue Mountains. You’ll see all the highlights of this area while your guide shares the fascinating stories behind each. Plus, you won’t have to worry about any logistics or driving!

You’ll join your group at a designated meeting point around 7 am. Then, it’s straight to the wilderness! Your first stop will be the Three Sisters in Katoomba. Your guide will teach you all about the story behind this unique rock formation and its significance to Aboriginal Australians.

Then, you’ll visit Scenic World to enjoy the rides. We’re not talking about roller coasters and Ferris wheels here, either. There’s a scenic cableway, skyway, and railway, all of which give you amazing views of the area. I think Scenic World is awesome because it’s an amazing way to see this unique wilderness region and get a little dose of adrenaline while you’re at it!

This full-day tour will also take you to several other scenic viewpoints where you can admire the valleys and rock formations of the Blue Mountains.

I also love that this tour is all-inclusive, so you don’t need to worry about the details, and lunch is also included. This isn’t your typical tour-packed lunch, either. Oh no – it’s a chef-prepared spread! If you have any dietary restrictions, just let the tour company know when you book, and they’ll be happy to accommodate you.

Finally, you get to visit Featherdale Wildlife Park, which is one of the best wildlife centers in Sydney. Here, you’ll see lots of native Australian animals, including kangaroos, koalas, and (our favorite) quokkas! 

Finally, the day ends with a boat ride back to Sydney Harbour. You can enjoy some nice views of the scenery from the boat, but pulling back into the world-famous Sydney Harbour is just magical and the cherry on top of a fantastic day.

This tour is such a fantastic way to explore the Blue Mountains because you get to see the very best of what this wilderness area has to offer in just one day. The scenery is so striking, and there are so many fun activities involved. It lasts roughly 11 hours and costs $285 AUD, including all transport, entry fees, and food.

For an epic day outdoors, you can secure your spot on this Blue Mountains tour right here.

Related Read: Another city well worth visiting is Perth! Daniel is actually from here, and together, we’ve compiled this list of fun things to do in Perth, Australia.

Day 3

Breakfast

You’ll want to start your final day in Sydney off strong, so head to Joe Black Cafe to fuel up. It’s located right near Hyde Park, which is where we’ll be visiting next, but more importantly, it serves one of the best breakfasts in Sydney! 

They really take pride in their coffee here, but we also love the food. They’ve got all of the classic Aussie breakfast favorites, like granola and avo toast. However, we like the more unique menu items, such as the bolognese mince on toast. It’s like an Aussie version of the American sloppy Joe, and it’s really good – we definitely recommend it if you want to try something new.

I especially love coming here if I get up super early and want to jump-start my day with delicious coffee and food. It’s open weekdays from 6 am – 4 pm and weekends from 8 am – 2 pm.

Morning – Explore Hyde Park

Hyde Park is one of the biggest parks in Sydney, and we always enjoy coming here for a stroll, a picnic, or just to people-watch. However, there’s a lot more to do here than just walk around. 

In the southern section of Hyde Park, you can visit the ANZAC Memorial. The memorial itself is a pool of reflection that pays homage to Australians who have served and lost their lives in the Defense Force, and you can learn more about Australian military history inside the visitor center.

The ANZAC Memorial is open daily from 9 am – 5 pm, and admission is free. They also offer free one-hour tours on Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday at 10:30 am and Saturdays at 1 pm.

The Australian Museum is also located right next to Hyde Park. Here, you can go on a journey through time to learn about Australian wildlife, geology, and culture across thousands of years. They also have exhibits focused on Ancient Egypt, dinosaurs, and human evolution.

The museum is open every day from 10 am – 5 pm, and entry is free. You don’t even need to book a ticket, so you may as well pay the museum a visit while you’re exploring Hyde Park! 

You should also go and check out St. Mary’s Cathedral, which is the seat of the Archbishop of Sydney. It’s a beautiful and imposing Gothic Revival church, and it dates back to the late 1800s. Many people consider it to be the most impressive church in the Southern Hemisphere! It’s free to enter, although the church does ask for voluntary donations to contribute towards the upkeep of the building. 

Mid-morning – Scenic flight

We’ve enjoyed scenic flights all over the world, and there are some awesome helicopter tours in Sydney. However, this helicopter tour of Sydney Harbour was by far one of the best we have ever done.

On this flight, you not only get stunning views of the world-famous Sydney Harbour, but you also get to soar over Sydney’s gorgeous eastern coastline. This means you get fantastic aerial views of Bondi Beach, Coogee Beach, and Manly Cove, so you really get a sense of just how beautiful and varied Sydney’s landscape really is.

The views alone would have been enough for us to recommend this tour, but our pilot was also amazing and delivered such interesting commentary. We know Sydney really well, but we still learned new things and were super entertained!

The helicopter itself is also really new and fancy, so we had a super comfortable experience. Honestly, this tour is one of the best things you can do in Sydney and a surefire way to make unforgettable memories in the city. 

The flight costs $240 AUD per person for a 20-minute flight, and it also includes hotel pickup and drop-off, so you don’t need to worry about getting to the heliport. 20 minutes may not sound like very long, but you get to see so much during that time, and it definitely feels longer while you’re up in the air.

There are multiple start times between 10 am – 1:30 pm, so it should be easy to fit into your 3-day itinerary. And while there is a private option, not many fit into a helicopter to begin with. We recommend booking the standard helicopter tour to save some money.

Afternoon – Bondi Beach

As I’m sure you are aware, Bondi Beach is by far the most famous beach in Sydney. It’s a hotspot for celebrities, surfers, tourists, and anyone looking to soak up the Sydney sun, so you can’t miss it while you’re in the city!

If you’re craving some chill time, you can just relax on the beach and go for a swim. But if you want to experience Bondi’s surfing culture, then you can book surf lessons here. 

For $110 AUD per person, you’ll get a 2-hour surfing lesson with an expert instructor, and you’ll be in a small group of no more than 5. This ensures that you’ll get plenty of help and attention from your teacher. This surf school has a stellar reputation because they’re so friendly and inclusive, so it really doesn’t matter if this is your first time hitting the waves – and where better to learn than on the iconic Bondi Beach?

There are several start times throughout the day, but this is a super popular tour. So if you’re only in Sydney for 3 days, you’ll want to secure your preferred date ahead of time!

Alternatively, you can also enjoy the Bondi to Bronte Coastal Walk. The walk ends at Bronte Beach, which is a few kilometers south of Bondi Beach. We actually prefer it because it’s like a smaller, lesser-known version of Bondi. Plus, the walk here is really nice. 

The Bondi to Bronte Coastal Walk is 2.5 kilometers (1.5 miles) one-way, and the scenery en route is just gorgeous. You’ll walk past Tamara Beach and Mackenzie’s Bay, so you’ll get lovely views of rugged coastline, white sand, and shimmering blue water as you go. The walk takes around 45 minutes to 1 hour, depending on your pace, and we think it’s such a great way to experience Sydney’s magnificent coastal scenery.

Once you get to Bronte Beach, be aware that the waves can be a bit too rough to swim in. If you want to take a dip, we suggest heading to the Bronte Baths, which are just a minute or so away on foot. These man-made rock pools are much better for swimming, and they’re free to visit!  

Speaking from experience, we can tell you that surfing most definitely works up an appetite – and you probably want to grab a bite before the Bondi to Bronte walk. Fortunately, there are some great places to eat in Bondi. 

Our favorite place to grab lunch is The Depot. It’s a family-run cafe that really captures the essence of Bondi, with its emphasis on sustainable produce and healthy, Insta-worthy brunch dishes. They’re open Thursdays through Mondays and serve both breakfast and lunch till 3 pm.

And if you’d rather eat a big old burger instead, head to Bonditony’s Burger Joint. It’s a super down-to-earth spot, which is why we love it. The owner used to manage and promote a lot of rock ‘n’ roll bands, so that’s a big theme here. I think it’s what the Hard Rock Cafe might be like if it weren’t a huge global chain. 

The burgers are seriously delicious, and almost everything is made in-house. Bondi locals absolutely love this spot because they always make you feel right at home here! You can stop by Wednesday through Sunday 12 pm – 9 pm, or Monday and Tuesday 5 pm – 9 pm.

And if you’re coming to Bondi to see and be seen, head to Lola’s Level 1 (aka Lola’s Italian & Bar). This is a fancy place that serves Mediterranean food and delicious fresh oysters, as well as artisan cocktails that almost look too good to drink. It’s pricey, but you get stunning ocean views along with a fantastic dining experience, so it’s a good choice if you want to splurge on a posh lunch in Bondi.

Lola’s is located right by the beach, and you can visit any day of the week. They open at 12 pm on Fridays to Sundays and 5 pm on Mondays to Thursdays.

Dinner

Sydney is famous for its amazing food, so you should end your last night here with a delicious dinner at one of the city’s top restaurants. 

There are so many to choose from, but Quay is a real standout. It’s known for its incredible views of Sydney Harbour and the Opera House, but the food here is just as amazing as the scenery. The dishes involve only the finest local ingredients and eating here really is more of a culinary journey than just a meal. Dinner here is a super special way to spend your last night in Sydney! 

Quay is located right on the waterfront and is open for dinner from Thursdays to Sundays, 6 pm – 9 pm. However, you should definitely make a reservation in advance.

Alberto’s Lounge is another of my favorites, and it’s a Sydney hidden gem! It’s a warm and welcoming trattoria near Hyde Park. They serve some of the freshest and most delicious Italian food we’ve ever had. Plus, there’s so much amazing wine here from both Australia and Italy. 

Despite the quality of this place, it’s a lot of fun and not pretentious. They sometimes have DJs playing late at night, and the decor is fun, featuring both stained glass windows and 70s-style neon signs. It’s eclectic, but it works, and we love the vibe here.

They’re open daily from 5 pm, but you’ll need to book ahead because seating is limited. And although most tourists don’t know about this place, Sydneysiders are always vying for a table here. 

And if you’re in the mood for live music, head to Restaurant Hubert. It’s an underground French restaurant that serves gourmet dishes and has a fun, speakeasy vibe. It feels like you’re hanging out in postwar Paris as you listen to jazz music and admire the vintage decor. They’re open for dinner from 5 pm, and again, you should definitely reserve your table in advance.

Related Read: If you love craft beer (like us!), you should also check out the best breweries in Perth, Australia.

Night – Enjoy the nightlife

It’s your last night in Sydney, and you don’t need to be up early for sightseeing tomorrow, so why not hit the town and enjoy the city’s famous nightlife?

Kings Cross is an area that’s known for its upbeat nightlife. This is where to go if you want to go dancing and really let loose. You can take the train here from Circular Quay or, depending on the time, it’s a short Uber ride away. 

Dulcie’s is one of the most popular cocktail bars in Kings Cross. It only serves Australian-made spirits, and they put such a fun twist on classic cocktails. It’s also a bit more chilled out than some of the other places in Kings Cross, so it’s a good place to go if you still want to be able to hold a conversation over the music! 

Jangling Jack’s is also a super fun jazz bar. The cocktails here are pretty reasonably priced (by Sydney standards, anyway), but what sets this place apart is the friendly staff. They’ll make you feel right and home and help you find your perfect drink.

Of course, you might not be in the mood for a night out after eating a big dinner, so you could always take a relaxing walk through Darling Harbour instead. You may have already seen it during the day, but we also enjoy strolling here at night because you get to enjoy the city lights, and there’s a fun, leisurely atmosphere. And if you’re feeling celebratory, you could always stop for a glass of bubbles at the Champagne Bar in the Sofitel. 

Or, if you really want to go all out on your last night in Sydney, you can head to the legendary Star Casino to place some bets. Located in Darling Harbour, it’s a huge casino with more poker tables, dice games, and slot machines than you can shake a stick (or roll a dice) at. It’s one of the top casinos in Australia, so if you feel like luck is on your side, this is the place to be!  

Other Things to do While You’re in Sydney

If you can squeeze a few more items into your itinerary – or ideally, you can stay longer – you’re in luck. There are truly so many fun things to do in Sydney! To help you narrow it down, we’ve detailed some of our favorite options below.

• Check out a market – If you love shopping, head to one of the local markets! Paddington Market is open on Saturdays and has a very hip boho vibe, while the Bondi Markets are open on Sundays and is super laidback. Paddy’s Market is a huge indoor market with fresh seafood, produce, and Asian cuisine. Lastly, the tourist-favorite Rocks Market has books, art, and yummy food every weekend. 

• Go on a historic pub crawl – Sydney is home to plenty of historic pubs and taverns that date back to European settlement times. Some include the Fortune of War, Harts Pub, and the Lord Nelson Brewery Hotel, all of which can be found in the Rocks neighborhood. Explore on your own or join a pub tour to meet fellow travelers and hear interesting historical facts and stories from your guide. 

• Enjoy the Art Gallery of NSW – The Art Gallery of NSW is one of the best art galleries in the city and also one of the best free things you can do in Sydney! It’s located a 15-minute walk from the CBD and houses a huge collection of international artwork along with Australian art, including one of the biggest collections of Aboriginal art in the country.

• Go skydiving – Tandem skydiving is available for both first-time jumpers and experienced skydivers, and you’ll get amazing views of the city alongside a huge adrenaline rush. We recommend this skydiving experience over Wollongong beach which gives you about 60 seconds of freefall before your parachute is deployed. What a way to see the city!

• Take a wine tour – The Hunter Valley is one of Australia’s most famous wine regions, and it’s just a 3-hour drive from the city. I absolutely love the Riesling and White Burgundy from this area – and you can try both on this wine-tasting tour. It includes wine tastings, distillery visits, and a gourmet lunch. You won’t need to worry about driving, so you can enjoy the scenery all the way there.

Where to Stay in Sydney

If you’re planning a trip to Sydney, you’re going to need a place to stay. Luckily, Sydney has a huge variety of accommodations to fit every budget. If you’re overwhelmed with where to start, check out our top picks for places to stay, from luxury rooms to budget-friendly hostels. We’ve got you covered!

Four Seasons Hotel Sydney – $$$

For stunning views of Sydney Harbour and the iconic Opera House, book a room at the Four Seasons Hotel Sydney. You’ll have unobstructed views of the city from the comfort of your room. The hotel is located in the city center within the historic Rocks neighborhood – nice and close to lots of activities and restaurants.

Rooms here start at $400-$500 AUD per night and can be reserved with Booking.com.

Meriton Suites Kent Street Sydney – $$

Stay right in the heart of Sydney in a modern luxury apartment at Meriton Suites Kent Street. The suites are air-conditioned and have laundry facilities and either a kitchenette or full kitchen to make longer stays more comfortable. You’ll also have access to an indoor swimming pool, fitness center, and hot tub.

These full apartments are $230 AUD nightly when booked in advance with Booking.com.

Sydney Harbour YHA – $

For a hostel with a view, head to the rooftop terrace at the Sydney Harbour YHA. Located in the historic Rocks district, you’ll have amazing views of the harbor and be within walking distance of all the major sights. You can opt for a shared dorm room or a private room here. There’s a communal kitchen, TV lounge, billiards, and a 24/7 reception desk.

Dorm rooms are around $70 AUD nightly and private rooms are more around the $180 AUD mark. You can check for the best rates and book on either Booking.com or Hostelworld.com.

Thanks for reading!

Three days is a great amount of time to soak up Sydney’s magic. And personally, we love this itinerary because you’re able to explore the city’s top sites as well as enjoy the surrounding mountains. You get the best of both worlds without feeling rushed. So if you’re planning to spend a few days in Sydney, we hope this guide proves useful!

If you’re traveling to other parts of the country, check out our blog all about Australia. We’ve also written loads about Fiji and New Zealand. To give you an idea of what we cover, I’ve linked to some articles below. Thanks for reading!

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