The world-class city of Sydney, Australia attracts visitors from around the globe. Our 3 Day Sydney Itinerary showcases the absolute best things to do!
Iconic landmarks, exceptional nature and an innovative culinary scene make Sydney a must-see Australian destination.
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However, creating a succinct itinerary for Sydney can be overwhelming. No worries! After numerous visits, we’ve created this 3 Day Sydney Itinerary that features all our favorites.
Creating the Best Sydney Itinerary
Our plan for what to do in Sydney for 3 days includes a walking tour, coastal treks, pristine beaches and an excursion into the mountains.
As you begin to make reservations, staying organized is key! We recommend using our Travel Planning Printables for your vacation to Australia.
Tips for Planning an Australia Itinerary
Those traveling to Sydney as part of a longer trip Down Under can use our other popular Australia travel articles, too!
- Best Things To Do in Melbourne (and or FREE Melbourne Walking Tour)
- Spending a day on the Great Ocean Road
- Fun Things To Do in Coolangatta (and Surfer’s Paradise on the Gold Coast)
- Top Cairns Attractions (and the Great Barrier Reef on a Budget)
- Best of Brisbane Sights
- Self Guided Perth Walk
Our 3 Days in Sydney Itinerary
Below we outline the ideal way to spend three days in Sydney. At the end of the post we include additional information, like where to stay and what to pack.
Day 1: Sydney Walking Tour and Harbor Cruise
Spend your first day in Sydney seeing the iconic landmarks on a city walk. Then, set off on a Sydney Harbour cruise to see the sights from a different vantage point.
Sydney City Tour
As soon as you get settled in your accommodations, set off on foot to explore. The most famous Sydney sights are located in or near the Central Business District (CBD).
Visitors who enjoy touring cities on their own can use our comprehensive Self-Guided Walking Tour, which includes step-by-step directions and a Sydney attractions map.
The DIY walk features the best things to see in Sydney – from the Opera House to the Royal Botanic Gardens to the famous Queen Victoria Building and beautiful Hyde Park.
Alternatively, you can opt to book one of the many guided Sydney tours. These range from sightseeing by bicycle to attraction specific tours.
Join fellow travelers for a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at one of the most iconic sights in the world: The Sydney Opera House.
You will learn about the history and architecture of the UNESCO World Heritage Site – plus get to see areas that are normally off limits to the public. Get the details!
The Rocks is the oldest part of Sydney – and cobblestone lanes and historic buildings are still found in the district.
On a this guided tour, you learn about the early convict settlements, hear tales about the city’s first residents and feel the charm of the historic enclave.
On this popular guided bike tour of Sydney, you get to see the prime sights in a short amount of time. Likewise, the Big Bus Hop-On-Hop-Off will get you around town (with a bit less effort).
Sydney Harbour Cruises
No matter how you choose to see Sydney on land, finish you sightseeing from the water. Options range from sunset cruises to dinner sailings to party yachts.
Check out these Top-Rated Sydney Cruises to find the one that best suits your vibe!
Dinner and Drinks in Sydney CBD
End your first day in Sydney in The Rocks, where the food and beverage choices are plentiful.
We like The Oriana ideally located on Circular Quay West or Endeavour Tap Rooms which is in a cozy, historic building.
Day 2: Sydney Beaches and Local Beverages
Today you’ll explore the rugged coastline and stroll on some of the top sandy strands. Afterwards, enjoy some sips in an authentic neighborhood.
Sydney Coastal Walks
The shore around Sydney is some of the most beautiful coastline in the world. Characterized by towering cliffs and deep bays, the jagged coast offers phenomenal viewpoints.
There are three popular treks to choose from – Bondi to Coogee, Spit to Manly or the South Head Heritage Trail.
Bondi to Coogee Walk
A fairly easy walk with stunning views of the sea, the Bondi to Coogee trail is popular with both locals and tourists.
We detail everything you need to know – including length, time needed and highlights in our guide to the Bondi to Coogee Coastal Path.
Top Tip: We recommend starting in Coogee and walking to Bondi Beach, where you can spend time wandering around, too!
Spit to Manly Trek
More rugged and less trafficked than the Bondi Walk, the Spit to Manly Trail is an outstanding way to experience the Sydney coastline.
We suggest beginning at the Spit Bridge, so that you can enjoy Manly Beach at the completion of your walk!
South Head Heritage Walk
A much shorter jaunt than the two previous, the South Head Heritage Trail still features great views and attractions along the route.
Start off in Watson’s Bay and make the short walk up Cliff Street to Camp Cove Beach. Then journey along the coast past Lady Bay Beach to a the Hornby Lighthouse. Get more info here.
Craft Beer in Sydney
Tonight, take a break from touring and discover the burgeoning beer scene in Sydney’s Inner West suburb of Marrickville.
The neighborhood is home to numerous craft breweries – all of which have tasting rooms, most feature food and some provide live entertainment.
Day 3: Blue Mountains and Darling Harbour
Set off early a day trip to a national park for some hiking, then get ready for an evening of fun at Darling Harbour!
Blue Mountains Day Trip
Just two hours away by train, Blue Mountains National Park features a network of hiking trails, phenomenal scenic viewpoints and tumbling waterfalls.
Use our complete guide for tips and advice on how to plan a DIY Trip to the Blue Mountains. If you would prefer to join a guided adventure, have a look at these highly-rated Blue Mountains Tours!
Evening at Darling Harbour
Spend your last night in Sydney on Darling Harbour, an entertainment district with something for everyone. At its heart is Pyrmont Bay, which is lined with waterfront eateries and bars.
Indulge in a little fun at Strike Bowling, sip cocktails at Bungalow 8 or Untied or try your luck at Star Casino. If it’s a Saturday, don’t miss the fireworks!
More Darling Harbour Attractions
If you’d prefer to stay in Sydney over going to the Blue Mountains, you will find heaps of options here. In fact, there’s so much to do, you can fill an entire day of your Sydney Trip Itinerary!
SEA LIFE Aquarium
Without a doubt, the Sydney Aquarium is the best place to see an array of fabulous sea life. It’s a fun activity for visitors of all ages – especially if you’re planning a Sydney itinerary with kids.
Peer at colorful fish at the Great Barrier Reef exhibit, walk through the Shark Valley underwater tunnel, get an up close look at penguins and hold sea stars at the Discovery Rockpool.
Australian National Maritime Museum
At the National Maritime Museum, you can explore ships – from sailing vessels to a destroyer to a submarine. Additionally, the venue features displays and artifacts that detail the history of Sydney’s seafaring past.
Travel Tips for Sydney, Australia
Now that you know what to do in Sydney, Australia for 3 days – or longer – we have a few last travel tips for planning your itinerary…and then you’re off to Australia!
More Attractions for your Sydney 3 Days Itinerary
We have highlighted our top picks for the best attractions for your 3 days in Sydney, Australia – but there are a few more exceptional sights!
Sydney Tower Eye
Ranking as the tallest building in the city, the Sydney Tower Eye Observation Deck offers fantastic 360-degree city views.
It takes just 40 seconds to get from the entrance to the 820-foot-high viewing deck…but visitors will likely spend about an hour taking in the panoramic view. Get tickets
Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb
The spectacular steel Sydney Bridge that spans the Sydney Harbor is a sight to behold. Adventurous travelers can make the climb to the top for unparalleled views. It’s not a Sydney activity for the faint of heart (or for budget travelers, as the experience costs a bundle!).
Taronga Zoo Sydney
A phenomenal zoo housing more than 5,000 animals, the Taronga Zoo is a big hit with kids and adults, alike.
In addition to tigers, elephants and monkeys, the zoo is also home to native Australian animals – like koalas and kangaroos.
With a location right on the harbor – and easy ferry access – visitors can easily include the Taronga Zoo in their Sydney Travel Plan. Buy Tickets
Sydney Tourist Pass
A Sydney Multi Attraction Pass can save visitors both money and time. Check out The Ultimate Sydney Attraction Pass, where you pay a flat fee for a specific number of sights.
Some of the top attractions included with the Sydney Pass are: Sydney Opera House Tour, Madame Tussauds, SEA LIFE Aquarium and the Sydney Tower Eye.
Day Trips from Sydney, Australia
While Sydney is a thriving, entertaining and fascinating city, Sydney day trips allow visitors to explore more of the surrounding NSW region.
In our Sydney 3 Day Itinerary we shared a few of the most popular excursion, including the Blue Mountains and Wine Tours.
That said, there are many day trips – and travelers can begin their search for the highly-rated Sydney Day Tours now!
Sydney Budget Itinerary
Sydney, Australia is a city that can be enjoyed by visitors with a range of budgets. There are many cheap things to do in Sydney…but some attractions come with a high price tag.
Several of the activities on our 3 Days in Sydney, Australia Itinerary are free and cheap Sydney attractions – but we feature some ticketed sights, as well.
In order for budget travelers to use our outlined 3-Day Sydney Itinerary, we recommend eliminating attractions that require tickets and stick to the things to do in Sydney for free.
There are many ways that visitors can keep their Sydney trip costs in check. For example, take a boat ride on the harbor by commuter ferry, rather than a more expensive cruise.
Use our Self-Guided Walking Tour for Sydney, rather than paying for a guided tour. Visit the Harbour Bridge Pylon and forego the Bridge Climb.
How To Get to Sydney, Australia
The best way (by far) to reach Sydney is flying into the Sydney International Airport (SYD). When purchasing cheap plane tickets, we start our search on SkyScanner. Before you begin, read our tips for Finding Cheap Flights.
Where To Stay in Sydney
There is no shortage of accommodations in Sydney, Australia! On our many trips to Sydney, we have stayed in convenient hotels, comfortable Airbnb apartments and have even stayed in houses for free as petsitters.
When it comes to where to stay in Sydney – especially for first time visitors – we think the CBD is the most convenient location.
Best Hotels in Sydney
Finding the best hotel in Sydney will depend largely on your budget. Sydney hotels range from luxurious to basic – and include everything in between.
To get the best Sydney hotel at the best rate, read our tips for Finding Cheap Hotels – and then start your search on Booking.com – like we do!
Sydney Vacation Rentals
Short-term vacation rentals – like those on Airbnb – can be a good option for many travelers. We like renting apartments while we travel as they are typically equipped with a kitchen where we can prepare simple meals.
However, when visiting Sydney in 3 days, renting a holiday apartment can be a hassle – and sometimes the extra fees end up costing more than a hotel room.
What To Pack for your Sydney, Australia Trip
We have just a few final tips about what to pack for your trip to Sydney, Australia. So grab our FREE Checklist and let’s get you to Aussie!
Durable Shoes
Sydney is a walkable city…but only if you have the right travel shoes! For your trip to Australia, don’t forget to pack a pair of lightweight and comfortable walking shoes and a good pair of flip flops for your days at the beach in Sydney.
On our last trip to Sydney, my favorite travel sneakers were sufficient for city walking as well as coastal treks – and Kris wore shoes by Merrell.
Travel Camera
We’re certain you’ll be snapping tons of photos during your trip to Sydney. Rather than relying on your phone to capture the sights, upgrade to an actual travel camera for high quality photos.
We always travel with a Canon Rebel with an every 18-135mm lens. It takes amazing photos, is easy to use and is ranked as one of the best budget cameras for travel.
Durable Day Pack
Whether you prefer to travel with a backpack or a suitcase, you’ll also want to have a great day bag to organize and secure all your favorite everyday travel items!
We use small backpacks that have zippered compartments to ensure our personal items are safely tucked away.
Australia Travel Insurance
Travel insurance may come in handy when things go awry (illness or injury, cancelled flights, lost luggage, etc.).
If you haven’t already insured your trip, consider traveling protected on your vacation to Australia with World Nomads.
Start planning your trip to Australia! Search for the lowest airfares, the best accommodations and fun things to do…then start packing! Want additional advice? Head over to our Travel Planning Page and for country-specific information, take a look at our Travel Guides Page!
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