Itineraries for Your Trip to Sydney
3 Days in Sydney for First Timers
No matter how many times I visit Sydney—and I have been more times than I can count since the early 1990s—I always start at Circular Quay. My brother lived in Manly for several years, a ferry ride across Sydney Harbour, so I know that getting an overview of the city is best done on the water. By catching a ferry or a cruise, you can watch the skyscrapers, Sydney Opera House, and Sydney Harbour Bridge recede, giving way to little islands, hidden beaches, and glamorous waterfront homes. Sydney is an exciting city for first-timers, and in three days, you can check off many highlights.
If you only have time for one thing, visit Sydney Harbour to see Sydney’s most iconic sights.
Sydney swelters in summer, so pack your swimsuit and cool off at a city beach.
Start your Sydney adventures at Circular Quay, a rail and ferry transport hub where you’ll find the Sydney Opera House on one side and the Sydney Harbour Bridge and historic The Rocks area on the other. Walking or biking tours are a good way to explore. Some are themed around Indigenous culture or local history. If you’d prefer to take it easy, board a harbor cruise.
In the afternoon, climb a bridge for a bird' s-eye view. Alternatively, visit the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia at Circular Quay or the Art Gallery of New South Wales in the nearby park, The Domain.
A highlight of many travelers’ trips to Australia is the local wildlife. This morning, head across the harbor to Sydney’s Taronga Zoo to meet some of Australia’s most iconic native species and a few exotic ones.
Return to the city for a relaxing afternoon on a beach. Bondi Beach is a good option as it’s easy to reach (catch a train or bus to Bondi Junction). Swim in the sea or ocean pool, learn to surf, and then go from day to night at a trendy Bondi bar or restaurant.
Today, get out of the city to Sydney’s mountainous western hinterland, the Blue Mountains. You can take a train, but full-day guided tours are an easy way to see many spread-out sights, including the Three Sisters, the Blue Mountains Botanic Garden, Katoomba Falls, and more.
Return to Sydney in the evening and enjoy a special final meal. If you haven’t already been on a harbor cruise, a dinner cruise is a great way to see the sparkling night lights while enjoying fresh local cuisine. Alternatively, head up to the revolving SkyFeast at Sydney Tower for panoramic views.
