On the stunning shores of Australia’s eastern coastline, Sydney stands as a tapestry of modern marvels and natural beauty. This colourful city invites you to immerse yourself in a variety of experiences that range from seeing the graceful sails of the Sydney Opera House to enjoying the salty breeze on a coastal stroll along Bondi Beach.
In this article, we have devised a short itinerary that is perfect for spending 3 days in Sydney. We will share the best times to visit Sydney, give you tips for where to stay and how to get around, and then highlight the top things to do each day.
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The best time to visit Sydney is during the shoulder season. From September to November and March to May, the city has fewer tourists, which will make sightseeing and attraction hopping much more enjoyable. This is also when the most pleasant weather in Australia can be experienced.
Average temperatures in Sydney settle around the low 20s in the lead-up to summer and cool to around 17°C by the end of May. Summer takes place from December to February in Sydney and brings with it the warmest weather. The days will be humid and hot, with temperatures reaching highs of 26°C.
This is the peak time for tourists which brings a buzz to the lively city. This is also when some of the best summer events will take place, so you won’t struggle to find things to do.
Choosing where to stay when you take a holiday is always a daunting decision. After you’ve spent hours flying to Sydney, you’ll want to be able to relax in a suitable accommodation. It’ll be your base for your trip, so it needs to be close to the main sights, in your price range and offer the amenities you can’t live without, like showers and wifi.
In Sydney, the best places to stay are the Central Business District and The Rocks and Circular Quay area.
The central business district (CBD) is right in the centre of Sydney and is home to the best bars, restaurants and clubs. You will also have access to trains and buses which will make traversing the city a breeze.
Another great place to stay is The Rocks and Circular Quay. Situated right by the harbour you can enjoy a water view from your hotel. It is one of the oldest districts in Sydney and is filled with character. With classic pubs and great transport links, it makes for a great base while you stay in Sydney.
Below are some suggestions that will suit a range of budgets:
Budget: If you’re on a tight budget, Nate’s Place Backpackers Sydney is a spectacular place to stay. With dorms starting at £49 per night, you gain access to their stunning roof terrace and are just a stone’s throw away from the best nightlife in town.
Mid-Range: For those who want a middle-ground accommodation, The Jensen Potts Point is a great option. This boutique property features a Guest Services team who will be on hand to help with anything you need and is situated right in the centre of the buzzing city.
Luxury: Merion Suites Mascot Central is perfect for travellers who want a more luxurious stay in Sydney. With prices averaging around £133 per night, you also gain access to a heated pool, steam room and gorgeous balcony views.
An absolute must-have for 3 days in Sydney is an Opal Card. This handy tool will allow you to tap on and off public transport and top up your balance as you need. It opens up the whole city to you, letting you hop onto whatever bus or train you need.
Start your first day bright and early, ideally before sunrise, and head to Sydney Harbour. Quite the task after a long flight, but the view of the orange sun rising over the Harbour Bridge is worth the early start. For even greater views, head to the Pylon Lookout.
The Pylon Lookout is reached by climbing 200 steps to the observation deck. At 87m high, you will be treated to panoramic views of the entire city and its famous buildings like the Sydney Opera House. From Pylon Lookout you can also watch the tall boats floating on the azure water.
Once you’ve explored the harbour, we recommend heading into The Rocks area to unwind and explore. The Rocks is filled with cafes, cobbled streets and classic pubs. There is a thriving arts scene in the area, with institutions such as the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia and the Argyle Gallery.
The best way to experience The Rocks is by hopping on a bike and taking a cycling tour. Your knowledgeable guide will be able to take you to the best spots and sights, as well as some hidden gems. It’s an efficient way to experience the harbourside city and is also lots of fun.
After you’ve explored the Rocks, take a stroll through the Royal Botanic Gardens. Just a five-minute walk from the city centre, it’s very easy to get to. Here you will find Australia’s oldest botanic garden, right in the middle of the lively city.
The gardens feature many different areas with beautiful species, like the wildflower garden and succulent garden. You can take a guided tour of the gardens to discover their historical importance and find out more about the stunning plant life.
As the evening sets in, wander into Circular Quay for some dinner. This is where you will find the iconic Sydney Opera House which is certainly worth a visit. There are so many eateries offering a variety of cuisines. We’d recommend Cafe Sydney for its wonderfully indulgent menu and magnificent harbour views.
For your second day in Sydney, it’s time to hit the beaches. You’ll find that Sydneysiders are divided when it comes to the best beach in Sydney. Some will say Bondi Beach and others will hold up Manly as the better option.
With that in mind, we’ve included both beaches on this 3-day Sydney itinerary. You probably could do both at a stretch, but if you really want to spend some time lounging on the warm golden sands, it’s probably better to just pick one.
Bondi Beach is just a short 30-minute train ride from Town Hall Station making it very easy to get to. The world-famous beach is a great place to visit in Sydney at any time of year. Bondi Beach has a host of activities that will make your visit a blast.
Seasoned surfers can enjoy some of the best waves and novices can take part in surfing lessons from an expert instructor. If surfing isn’t for you, try a walking tour of the beach which will take you to the hotspots and top sights like the Pavillion and Aboriginal rock art.
If you’re up for a scenic walk, the Bondi to Bronte trail is a stunning coastal track that is perfect for a morning stroll. The 4km walk is fully accessible but doesn’t have much shade, so be sure to bring a hat and plenty of sun cream. Along the path, you will be able to take in some of the most scenic views of Sydney’s beaches and sandstone cliffs.
If you’re more inclined to visit Manly Beach, get the ferry from Circular Quay to Manly Wharf. Along the way, you can enjoy some stellar ocean views and may even spot some dolphins or whales in the water. Once you arrive, the 1.5km stretch of white sand beach is yours to explore.
Manly Beach is famous for hosting the world’s first surfing competition in 1964. It’s a great spot for experienced or would-be surfers. The clear waters are also perfect for snorkelling tours where you can see the beautiful natural reef that gives the beach its wonderful waves.
Manly has a much more relaxed atmosphere than Bondi, making it the better choice for travellers seeking some peaceful beach time. The beach is lined with Norfolk pine trees which provide welcome shade and makes for a great spot to tuck into some fish and chips from the promenade.
Once you’ve had your fill of beach time, take a moment or two to explore Hyde Park. Like the Botanic Gardens, this is 16 hectares of open green space right in the heart of the city. It’s the perfect setting for a late afternoon stroll.
In the northern section of the park, you can find the Archibald Memorial Fountain. This amazing Art Deco water feature includes statues of the Greek deities Artemis and Apollo and was constructed to commemorate the association of France and Australia in the First World War.
Just east of the fountain is another amazing historic site. You wouldn’t expect to find a Gothic church in the middle of Sydney, but that’s exactly what you get when you visit St Mary’s Cathedral. The beautiful building features 40 stained glass windows depicting religious scenes and you’ll be amazed by the artistry of its design.
For your last day in Sydney, we recommend taking a trip outside of the city. We’ve chosen two options that we think will be the highlight of your trip. You likely won’t be able to do both in one day, but if you’re spending more than 3 days in Sydney, consider taking a day for each.
Blue Mountains National Park is a sweeping landscape of cliffs and bushland that is filled with exciting things to do. The World Heritage site is a great place to visit if you want to explore outside of Sydney and have an unforgettable adventure.
Whether you want to delve into the oldest cave system in the world or go kangaroo spotting, the Blue Mountains National Park is the destination for those who want a taste of the Australian wilderness. The national park has over 140 km of walking tracks which will delight avid hikers.
Head to Echo Point for the best view of the Three Sisters rock formation. You can find more great lookouts at the sparkling Wentworth Falls or take a refreshing dip in the natural pools at Glenbrook.
For the best experience, we suggest booking a private tour of the Blue Mountains. A full-day tour will ensure you make the most of your visit and your friendly guide will be able to help you beat the crowds. The SUV tour will also help you cover more ground and see all the best sights in the park.
If you want a slower-paced day trip from Sydney with spectacular options for food and wine, then Hunter Valley could be the perfect option. The valley is the oldest wine region in Australia and boasts over 150 wine cellars. The region is also well known for farming, which has resulted in some of the best paddock-to-plate dining delights.
With so many wineries, a day trip will only scratch the surface of Hunter Valley. A wine tour is a great way to explore Australia’s wine country and will take you to the best distilleries. The tour is the ultimate foodie experience as you will sample acclaimed Shiraz alongside artisan chocolate, cheese and an indulgent lunch.
As you will be only visiting for a day, a helicopter tour is an efficient and exciting way to see the verdant valley. You will be able to take in the natural wonder from above with this one-of-a-kind experience. Alternatively, if you want a more relaxed activity, you can get aerial views of the vineyards from a hot air balloon.
With 3 days in Sydney well spent, it’s time to return home or move on to your next destination. Our itinerary covered some of the best highlights of Sydney, from the lush Botanic Gardens to the golden sands of Bondi and Manly. Whether you followed our suggestions to a tee or made your own way, you won’t soon forget the incredible journey you had in Harbour City.
If you’re planning a road trip across Australia, be sure to check out our tips for caravanning and top things to do in Melbourne for more helpful advice about how to spend your time down under.
The city is very safe and well-lit at night, so you likely won’t encounter any problems. You will also find that there are regular police patrols of Sydney neighbourhoods, so you should feel very safe. That said, if you’ve been out for some drinks, it is probably best to get a taxi home.
Sydney is ranked as the 10th most expensive city in the world, meaning you will likely be spending a lot on food, meals out and activities. Likewise, with it being so far away, your plane ticket will likely eat up a lot of your trip fund. If this is a concern, you can always find cheaper accommodation or travel during the off-season when prices are lower.
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