4 Days Exploring Sydney, Australia

On your first day in Sydney, start by exploring The Rocks, Sydney's oldest neighborhood, located close to the Harbour Bridge and Opera House. Take a leisurely stroll through its cobblestone streets, immersing yourself in its historic charm and browsing through the various shops and restaurants.

After checking into your hotel, make your way to the iconic Sydney Harbour. Marvel at the stunning architectural beauty from different vantage points around the harbor. Begin your exploration by wandering through The Rocks and continue to Circular Quay, where you can visit the impressive Museum of Contemporary Art.

For lunch, enjoy spectacular views of the harbor at the MCA Cafe or Graze MCA. Indulge in a delicious meal while taking in the picturesque surroundings.

Next, head towards the world-renowned Sydney Opera House. Book a one-hour guided tour in advance to discover the fascinating history and architecture of this iconic landmark.

Continue your day by walking to the nearby Royal Botanic Garden. Capture breathtaking photos of the harbor and Opera House from various vantage points within the garden. Explore the diverse range of gardens, including a native garden and a rare endangered tree dating back to the Jurassic period.

As the day draws to a close, make your way back to the Opera Bar, situated near the Opera House. Relax with a drink in hand and savor the mesmerizing sunset views over the harbor.

Take a morning walk through the Rocks to the Iconic Harbour Bridge. If you are looking for some incredible views of the city skyline you can walk across the bridge in about 30 mins.

Fuel up for the day at Pancakes on the Rocks where you will enjoy the best pancakes in Sydney!

Throw your swimsuit into your backpack and head out to Coogee beach via bus to start what is my favorite walk, the Coogee to Bondi beach Coastal walk. This is a stunning walk that will take you 2-3 hours depending on how often you stop to take photos or grab a drink and take in your surrounding. The scenery is stunning as you walk through 5 beautiful beaches each unique in their own way. The highlight for me was the iconic Bondi Iceberg pool situated at the southern end of Bondi beach. If the weather is warm, pay the $9 and dive into this amazing pool build into the ocean!!

Grab a quick bit at the Bondi Beach Burrito Company or walk a few blocks into town and enjoy the most delicious Shakshuka at Shuk in Bondi.

Spend the rest of the afternoon chilling at the beach, or taking a surf lesson. Take a bus back into Sydney, and relax before heading out to dinner.
 Sydney is known for some of the best asian cuisine. Head to Spice Alley, a melting pot of the very best Asian cuisine has to offer, all under the one roof.

Grab a flat white as you head to the ferry or light rail and head up to Darling Harbour. Explore this busy pedestrian district filled with shops, activities and restaurants.

Continue walking to Sydney’s very hip indie area, Newtown. Newtown is filled with vintage shops, fantastic pubs and artwork everywhere. Grab a vintage vinyl at Repressed Records, stop by the beloved bookshop, Better Read than Dead and stop into Uturn Recycled Fashion or Cream on King for the best in vintage fashion.

Take the light rail to Circular Quay to catch a ferry out to Manly. Manly is one of Australia’s most famous beaches and the ferry ride out there is half the fun with fantastic views of the Opera Hour, the Harbour Bridge and skyline.

Walk to Shelly Beach and head to the Boat House for a late lunch. After lunch continue to walk the beach, take a swim and walk through the shops of Manly before heading back to Sydney. Grab a ferry close to sunset and take in the beauty of the sunset setting over the Sydney skyline . . . it’s breathtaking.

For dinner head to Kindred restaurant in the Darlington neighborhood for cozy Italian cuisine. You will feel like you are eating in a rural Italian family’s living room as you enjoy some of the best homemade pasta.

Sydney is just the beginning of your Australian vacation. Hire a driver and spend the day (or two) visiting the Blue Mountain National Park. Known for its soaring sandstone ridges and is simply stunning. Make sure you visit the Wentworth Falls, the Three Sisters and hike the Katoomba Falls and Giant Stairway.

Or head up to Port Douglas where the rainforest meets the reef. Get your toes sandy on Four Mile Beach, spend a day out on the Great Barrier reef and discover the breathtaking Daintree Rainforest.