I suppose I should have actually titled this post “6 Things To Do In Sydney in 48 hours”. I only had a very quick weekend in Sydney, and since I had thought I would be working I didn’t have anything planned or booked at all.
I was staying with my host family in an apartment just a few minutes away from Bondi Beach, and we arrived on a Saturday afternoon. During lunch they met up with their family and told me to go do whatever.
OKAY!
I ended up having most of Saturday to explore and all dayย Sunday. Since I had no plans I racked my brains thinking of things that just NEEDED to be done while I was there.
I came up with 6 things that I knew I couldn’t leave Sydney without having done, so here they are!
- Stroll Circular Quay. I arrived in Circular Quay to sunshine and rainbows (okay no rainbows, but loads of sunshine!) so I wandered around taking pictures and then decided to go take a nap on the patch of grass I found behind the Opera House. Then I heard thunder. Great….so I found shelter with some other people while we waited for the storm to pass. As quick as the storm had come it was gone again. The weather during this trip was very moody!
- Ferry to Manly Beach. I was supposed to meet up with some friends that evening. I took the ferry in the dark over to Manly Beach where they were supposed to meet me. They didn’t. They fell asleep.. But at least I got some incredible views and it wasn’t really out of my way.
- Bondi to Coogee walk. I woke up to wonderful sunshine Sunday morning. Immediately I decided to do the Bondi to Coogee walk, since I had heard so many incredible things! The views were some of the best I had ever seen. If you want to read about that whole experience, I’ll leave my post here.
- Taronga Zoo. After my walk I decided to go to the famous Taronga zoo. The only thing I had really heard about this zoo was that it had stunning views of the Harbour Bridge and Opera House. Since my zoo pass that I had for home in Melbourne would grant me free admission I decided to head over! It was a very quick ferry ride. Unfortunately, by the time I arrived, it decided to pour again. Oh well, I bought an umbrella and explored!
- The Harbour Bridge Climb. I actually hadn’t originally planned to do this climb. Tickets were expensive and I hadn’t booked in advance, so I didn’t think I would be able to anyways. On the Sunday morning my host dad asked me if I was going to do the climb and I said no. He quickly called the company and found out there was one spot left that evening, so I booked it and had a sunset climb! I didn’t purchase any of the photos of the climb. I didn’t like them, they didn’t look like the greatest quality, and I was much shorter than all the other people on the climb so I could barely see myself. However, the climb itself was SO fun! I had been worried I wasn’t in good enough shape, but the climb itself goes slowly and isn’t at all difficult.
- Wander the Rocks area. Did you even go to Sydney if you don’t wander the Rocks area? I don’t think so! The Rocks is where the Europeans first settled in Sydney, and as such is full of history. My favorite! The area is right in the city center and borders Circular Quay, so it is such an easy place to get to. I wandered around at night, and looked into the shops. I loved how some steps were cobblestones and there were cute little lanes and alleyways. I normally wouldn’t explore a new area at night, but there were loads of people about and shops open everywhere so I felt very safe.
And that is what I got up to in 48 hours in Sydney! It was very packed but felt like a good pace. I didn’t feel rushed as I was just doing what I wanted and exploring.
What are some things you think need to be done in Sydney?
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96 Responses
So neat! I am so dying to go there! I actually know two people who are vacationing in Sydney right now–I can’t wait to see their pictures!
Sydney right now has perfect weather! Your friends went at the best time!
I love seeing your pictures from Australia! ๐ I’ve never been, but I would LOVE to go! I will keep this in mind for things to do if I ever get to go! ๐
I really hope you get to go one day Andrea!
These are some gorgeous locations and fabulous things to do! I want to go to Australia one day. Do you follow Mica of Away From The Blue blog? She lives in Australia.
http://www.averysweetblog.com/
Thank you!
And no I don’t follow Mica but I’ll check her out, thanks!
You picked some great highlights to see and do in Sydney on short notice! And to get a sunset spot without booking in advance – super lucky!
I was so excited about getting that sunset spot, it definitely made the trip! Thank you ๐
Good tips! But of course there are much more things to do like Botanical Garden, the famous Bondi Beach and etc. I wrote about Sydney and it’s insiders, combination of both of our articles will definitely help beginners! http://elysianmoment.com/sydney/
Oh yes I can’t wait to read your post to see what I wasn’t able to get to!
This is a very timely post as we are now starting to research for our AU trip which we initially set in Q4 this year. Do you also have some recommendations on food destinations that we can try?
Have an incredible trip!
I unfortunately don’t have any food recommendations as I only stopped to eat at Nando’s, grabbed a sushi roll (do it, they’re delicious) and had pasta at one of the Harbor restaurants, but I don’t remember their names.
Totally agree with this list! I also liked the contemporary arts museum. Surfing lessons on Manly beach was cool too if you have more time!
I REALLY wanted to do some surfing lessons, but I couldn’t find anywhere to get booked in for a last minute spot on a sunny weekend. Next time I’m on that side of the world though!
Sorry your mates fell asleep- still the views though!! ๐ A friend of ours used to live in Manly.
Yeah it was a bummer they fell asleep, but I still had an incredible time!
The pictures are perfect! I`ve never been to Australia but when I will eventually go I will have a look again at this guide (and the Melbourne one as well). <3
Thanks Claudia. Australia is a dream country!
I wrote a similar guide recently and included a couple of the same things ๐ The Coogee to Bondi walk is my absolute fave! Never done the bridge climb though. But I can imagine it’s amazing. I’m in Sydney now and the weather is so annoying! I call it BiPolar weather, ha ha.
BiPolar weather sounds about right to describe it haha!
The Bondi to Coogee walk is so beautiful, I’m glad I managed to do it!
I hope you’re having a great trip right now ๐
Perfect quick guide, looks written with passion and will bookmark it for my visit there.
Thank you Dinah ๐
You actually did quite a bit in 48 hrs! I didn’t even get to Bondi in 4 days. haha! But I’ll go back there for sure and do as you suggested ๐
Haha yes, it was a jam packed few days!
Next time you go you have to do the Bondi to Coogee walk, it is stunning!
Hoping to make it to Australia this year – looks like such an incredible place!
It is!
Great list and amazing photos! I love your view on the opera house!!
Thank you Daphne ๐
Nice list! My mom grew up in Sydney and I have relatives who are Aussie. I was just there earlier this month helping my sister move in. Sydney has changed a lot from the sleepy city I grew up with (as a child, I’d spend Aussie winters a.k.a. summer months there). The traffic has gotten a lot worse but there’s a bit more vibrancy as a result. I think my favorite day was wandering into the museum of contemporary art in Circular Quay then wandering around The Rocks afterwards. Taronga zoo was really fun too!
I’ve heard that the museum of contemporary art is amazing. That’s so cool that you have family living there!
I loved Manly beach! I was there on a really dramatic day of clouds and a gorgeous sunset. I never did do the Bridge walk but wish I had!
Sounds like you had the perfect time at Manly!
I can’t wait to visit Australia one day! I’d love to see Coogee walk and check out the zoo!
Australia is a wonderful (and insanely beautiful!) country to visit ๐
Both of my visits to Sydney have been so in-and-out that I’ve only really had a chance to do the highlightsโCircular Quay, Bondi, Oxford Street, etc.โbut I’m DYING to get back there and really dig in.
Agreed! Next time I go I want to do more local things and learn more about the city.
OK hearing thunder always sucks on a walk but your opera house photo with the storm clouds is awesome! Love it.
Bondi to Coogee walk also looks amazing! Will have to add that to my Aussie bucket list ๐
Thanks Hannah! Even though I got rained on the views were worth it!
I’m so jealous – I want to visit Australia so bad! One day….and these 6 things will be on my list, thanks!
You have to go! It is such a unique country. Everywhere you go there is something different from the last place you were at.
Ooh I’d love to do that walk or the climb! It’s funny as this is the second I’ve read about that walk in the last couple of days – it’s a must I think!
It is a must indeed! ๐
I was in Sydney LOOOONG time ago. I feel like I didn’t do anything after reading this! Lol. I will go back. That Bondi walk looks awesome. Can’t believe your friends abandoned you at Manly! Thanks for the great ideas.
Yeah it was pretty sad to be abandoned haha.
The Bondi walk is so beautiful, if you get the opportunity to do it, do it!
Looks like you had a great time, Brooklyn! I’ve never been to Sydney and would love to go. The hike from Bondi to Coogee sounds incredible!
It was such a good time, I’m so glad I got to go! Thanks Sally ๐
ive been to Sydney a few times as its one of my favorites! I skipped the bridge climb on one trip and regretted it so did it the next trip – glad you got to do that as it was such a highlight!
the weather has never been good for the Bondi to coogee walk so that still on my list!
I would add “bike tour of city” and definitely “an Opera House guided tour inside” as its incredible architecture and backstory add such rich layers to the outer shells
plus Darling Harbour fireworks are fun – even in the rain!
I wish I had been able to do a tour inside the Opera House! I’ve seen photos, how beautiful!
I really love walking. It seems to calm the mind andi can definitely attest that it is good for the soul. Honestly the list really spoke out to me because it was on a walking list. Don’t know when and if I will make it to Sydney. Hope I will sooner rather than later.
I love walking also, whenever I’m stressed I find myself outside walking. It is so good for the soul and the mind.
Great list, I did 4 out of 6! I think my favorite area was the Art Gallery NSW though, just sitting on that field having a hot dog and coffee felt so relaxing. I’d probably also do an Opera House tour.
Yes that sounds so relaxing! ๐
These are all so great! Were just starting to research for a trip in May, so this is perfect timing! Excited to explore some of these areas ๐
Have an amazing trip Ashlyn!
Aw, I just love Sydney! The Harbour Bridge climb was such an unforgettable experience! Lovely list of things to do in this incredible city. I’ll keep these things on my radar for my next visit ๐
Thank you Leah ๐
I love Sydney! I lived there for 2 months and it was lovely! Love the young vibes out there! So many beaches to discover also! I would add Shark Bay for cliff diving! ๐
Cliff diving?! That sounds so fun!
Thank you a lot for this, we are just starting slowly completing our perfect Aussie roadtrip, Sydney is a must ๐
Sydney is a must for sure! Seeing the Opera House I finally had my “I’m actually in Australia” moment, even though I had already been there for 2 months!
My friend is going to be doing a working holiday in Oz next year, so I’m taking advantage and saving up to visit her and travel Oz. Thanks for giving me some great tips for Sydney!
Oz is the perfect place for a working holiday! I hope she has an amazing experience and you an awesome time visiting her! ๐
Aaah I don’t think I did any of these while in Sydney (a very long time ago) – I’ll have to return!
Sydney has so much to offer it’s easy to miss doing a lot. I can’t wait to return and do less touristy things ๐
Your photos are beautiful! I really love anything that has to do with being outside so these are all perfect for me. Will be saving this for later!
Thank you so much Meghan ๐
Nice! It looks like you had a good time in Sydney! Even for a short trip it’s worth it! I love this city!
I had a great time. I hope I get to go back one day and explore more ๐
I’ve heard such amazing things about Sydney. I’ve never been to Australia before but it’s obviously on my list! I’ll have to keep these things in mind ๐
Yes if you ever get the chance to head to Oz, GO! ๐
Haven’t done any of those , simply because have never been to Australia. But it’s on my bucket list! Thanks for the inspiration!
Australia is an incredible country. I hope you get to go one day! ๐
I really want to go to Australia! All photos and activities look great ๐
Thank you Ivana. Australia really is such a great country to travel!
I am dying to go to Australia. It has been on my list for a while now. Maybe next year! This is a great post. Thanks for the suggestions.
Thank you Vrithi. Australia is an amazing country!
Australia is the great conundrum for me. I’m only allowed two weeks off at a time so by the time I get there, I’d have to turn around again. It’s nice to see thy even if I only made it Sydney, there’s lots to do.
Yeah that’s the problem for a lot of people wanting to travel to Australia. It is just so far away! And add in jetlag, it’s not easy to do in two weeks. I think to properly travel Australia you have to spend at least 3 weeks, and even then you’d only be seeing a small part.
Love this! I’ve been to Sydney a number of times and I love it. The one thing I definitely still have to do is Taronga Zoo! I love the Rocks area! We stayed there and it was amazing. Such a great post!
Thanks Hannah! Agreed, the Rocks was my favorite area I explored. Taronga zoo is incredible!
Omg I love this blog! I would love to climb that bridge. Last time I was there I was so young and I missed out. Soon enough. Thanks for inspiring the wanderlust โคโคโค
Thank you so much Karina ๐
YES next time you go the bridge climb is a must ๐
What a great short and sweet guide to Sydney! I REALLY love the style of your pictures btw, are the from a disposable camera, or filtered or something?
Thank you so much Lauren.
The photos were taken on a digital camera and then I edited them in Adobe Lightroom ๐
Australia is definitely on my list of countries to visit. Sydney looks so beautiful, awesome post!
Thanks ๐ Sydney is beautiful!
You managed to do a lot in two days! I was there a little longer but didn’t see the zoo and while I walked the bridge I did not do the climb.
It was such a busy few days!
You managed to fit a lot into a short time in Sydney. I loved the walk from Bondi to Coogee and also Taronga Zoo. I never ended up climbing the bridge. Like you I didn’t think I’d be able to get tickets short notice but it’s lucky that you did, and at sunset too!
I was so surprised that I was able to get a ticket last minute. I think it’s because it was only for me. Lucky!
Thanks for the tips! I’m making it to Australia next year, so these will be really helpful when I hit Sydney.
Have an incredible time in Australia!
Oh! I’ve always wanted to do the Harbor Bridge Climb. That sounds awesome! Can you suggest a beach that’s less crowded than Bondi?
It was awesome!
I didn’t get to spend any time at beaches other than my quick trip to Manly and the coastal walk so unfortunately I cannot recommend any other beaches. Sorry !
I would really love to visit Sydney soon โค The best thing would be to climb the bridge. I’m all for unique experiences and that just sounds so amazing!!
Jacky ๐
I was so glad that I was able to do the climb. It’s worth it! I hope you make it to Sydney soon ๐