How Many Days in Sydney is Enough?

This architectural icon requires no introduction, with its soaring concrete sails that take center stage in any Sydney Harbour snap worth its salt. And there are heaps of ways to see it too. From a harbor cruise (lunchtime sightseeing spectacular or romantic sunset sailing with dinner, take your pick). Or on a fascinating Opera House walking tour. Heck, why not splash out and treat yourself to a classic performance of La Traviata or Madama Butterfly on the hallowed stages here? Opera not your speed? Fear not: there’s a regular roster of rock and pop shows here too; Björk, Nick Cave and Crowded House have all played concerts at the Opera House down the years.

In much the same way as the Opera House, there are a few different ways to experience this majestic steel-arch icon. Take in classic views from the river, or hit up some of the best sunset viewpoints: the historic The Rocks neighborhood and Mrs Macquarie’s Chair being among the finest in town. Feeling brave? Then why not go full immersion mode and climb the dang thing? Guided walks to the summit, 440 feet above the river, run daily. 

The beaches in Sydney’s (huge) North Shore district are well worth a day trip, whether you’re in town for three or 10 days. Take a leisurely stroll from Queenscliff to Shelly Beach, taking in the eco sculpture trail around Cabbage Tree Bay and pausing to snorkel with seahorses and blue gropers in the calm waters of Manly Beach. More adventurous types can try the much longer Narrabeen Lagoon trail or the ascent to Barrenjoey Lighthouse from Palm Beach.

Apart from the aforementioned harbor views, Sydney’s oldest neighborhood offers – deep breath – Insta-perfect old colonial buildings to fill your social feeds, traditional centuries-old pubs, atmospheric cobbled alleyways, a weekend craft market and (perhaps best of all) one of the world’s most remarkable collections of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islands in the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia. Join a walking tour for an informative and entertaining ride through the district’s storied past.

No matter how many days you have to spend in Sydney, make time to check out at least one of New South Wales’s great wildlife adventures. Taronga Zoo, on the north bank, is of course the most convenient, but Featherdale offers a fine alternative if you fancy getting out of town, or en route to visiting the Blue Mountains. Both have plenty to see and do, with Featherdale focusing fully on Oz’s ferociously cute native critters, including kangaroos, wallabies, quolls, Tasmanian devils, and the region’s biggest collection of koalas. Cute!

Widely regarded as one of the best coastal walks on the planet, this gently undulating seaside route is a mere two-mile meander, taking in stellar ocean views and selfie opportunities galore. Take your pick of #humblebrag backdrops from a near-endless list that includes brightly colored fishing boats, cute seaside cafés, verdant manicured parks and pretty sandstone rock formations. Best of all, in no time at all you’ll be in Bondi, where full immersion in the laidback beach lifestyle and classic café culture is more or less essential.

Read our full guide to the beaches at Bondi and Coogee here.

Sydney isn’t short of an ocean pool or 10, and everyone should aim to experience at least one on their Sydney vacation. Hewn into the cliffs overlooking Bondi Beach, Bondi Icebergs is perhaps the most legendary and, if you can manage only one, it should probably be this one. That said, the Maccallum Pool overlooking Sydney Harbour, and the epic Wylie’s Baths in Coogee are no slouches either.

There are plenty of fine green spots to explore in central Sydney. Chief among these is the mighty Royal Botanic Garden, with its 74 epic acres of meticulously manicured greens, vibrant tropical plant species, regal rose gardens, awesome manor houses and heart-soaring harbor views. You can also take a stroll along the famous fig-lined avenues of Hyde Park or, if you’re after something a little more secluded, hit up Wendy Whitely’s (not-so-secret) Secret Garden at lovely Lavender Bay.

If you’re spending four, five, six (or more) days in Sydney, it would be remiss to not also take a day trip out to one of New South Wales’ other A-grade attractions. We’re talking the bewitching Blue Mountains, where a handy hop-on-hop-off bus tour allows you to pick and choose the best bits if you want to go solo. Or you could take the epic Blue Mountains guided tour from Sydney. A visit to Hunter Valley is manna for oenophiles – book a group tour with multiple vineyards and lunch included to sample as many of the local grape juices, without having to worry about the drive home afterwards.

Both of these fantastic premium experiences are available with a Sydney attraction pass. Hit the buttons below to find out more and choose the pass that's right for you...