It would be strange to visit Australia and skip Sydney, right? That’s why we chose it as our final destination before heading to New Zealand. As the most populous city in Australia and home to its most iconic landmark—the Sydney Opera House—Sydney had a lot to offer.
Before arriving in the capital of New South Wales, we expected to spend most of our time exploring the city. But to our surprise, we ended up hiking one of the most breathtaking coastal trails we’ve ever experienced.
So, let’s dive into our adventure in this stunning city!
How to Get to Sydney
We flew from Adelaide to Sydney, which cost us around $150 USD. As I mentioned in my Adelaide blog post, taking domestic flights is a convenient way to travel across a vast country like Australia. However, you’ll need to be patient and flexible—flight delays are almost guaranteed, and cancellations aren’t uncommon either!
Where to Stay in Sydney
Sydney offers plenty of accommodation options for every budget, but it was by far the most expensive city we stayed in during our Australia trip. We paid significantly more for the same level of comfort compared to other cities. That said, our stay was still great—just like most Australian accommodations, our apartment was spacious and came with a kitchen and a washing machine, which made our stay even more convenient.
Here’s the link to the hotel we stayed at: Meriton Suites Campbell Street.
What to Do in Sydney?
1. Sydney Opera House
First things first—no trip to Sydney is complete without visiting the iconic Sydney Opera House. You can join a guided tour if you want to learn about its fascinating history and architecture, or simply walk around and admire its stunning design.
For an even better view, I highly recommend taking the Manly Ferry from Circular Quay. The ride offers incredible panoramic views of the Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge. If you have time, hop off at Camp Cove or Shark Beach to enjoy some of Sydney’s beautiful coastal scenery.
2. Sydney Harbour Bridge
Another must-see landmark in Sydney is the Harbour Bridge. You can admire this impressive structure from various viewpoints around the city or while taking the Manly Ferry, which offers a fantastic perspective from the water.
For a more adventurous experience, consider joining a BridgeClimb tour, where you can scale the arches for breathtaking panoramic views of Sydney.
3. Bondi Beach
Visiting at least one beach in Australia was a must for us, and if there’s one to pick in Sydney, it has to be Bondi Beach. Yes, it’s busy, but it’s iconic! Whether you want to relax on the sand, watch the surfers, or take a dip in the ocean, Bondi is a must-visit.
4. Tamarama and Bronte Beach
From Bondi Beach, take the Bondi to Bronte Coastal Walk, a scenic 30-minute stroll along the coastline. Along the way, you’ll pass Tamarama Beach, a smaller, quieter alternative to Bondi, and then continue to Bronte Beach, which has a more relaxed vibe. Both beaches offer stunning ocean views, and the coastal walk itself is absolutely picturesque—definitely worth adding to your Sydney itinerary!
5. Gap Bluff and Hornby Lighthouse
In our opinion, the Gap Bluff Walking Track is one of Sydney’s most underrated attractions. To get there, you can take a bus directly from Bondi Beach to Gap Bluff. From the starting point, it’s an easy walk to Hornby Lighthouse, where you’ll be rewarded with absolutely mesmerizing views of the coastline.
For an added bonus, take the ferry from Watsons Bay to Circular Quay after your walk. The ferry ride offers stunning views of both the Sydney Opera House and the Harbour Bridge, making it a perfect way to cap off your day of exploring.
6. Sydney Fish Market
If you’re a seafood lover, a visit to the Sydney Fish Market is a must! Here, you’ll find the freshest seafood, including the famous Australian sushi rolls. To make the most of your visit, arrive early in the morning—by lunchtime, the market gets very crowded. Despite the popularity, we managed to try plenty of delicious seafood at very reasonable prices.
7. Royal Botanic Garden Sydney
Located right next to the Sydney Opera House, the Royal Botanic Garden is hard to miss. While it might not be the best spot for a quiet picnic due to the number of visitors, it’s still a great place to take a stroll and enjoy a bit of greenery in the heart of the city. If you need a break after a long walk around Sydney, this is the perfect place to sit back and relax for a while.
8. The Rocks
Take a stroll through Sydney’s historic district, where charming old buildings meet a lively atmosphere. The Rocks is a great place to grab dinner or drinks in the evening, with plenty of restaurants, pubs, and cafés to choose from. If you’re into shopping, don’t miss The Rocks Market, where you can browse for unique souvenirs and locally made crafts.
9. Australian Museum
We’re not usually big on museums, but the Australian Museum turned out to be a fantastic experience! We were lucky to catch the Ramses II exhibition, featuring 182 artifacts from Egypt—an absolutely unforgettable display. Even if you’re not a museum enthusiast, this place is well worth a visit.
10. Hyde Park
Located right next to the Australian Museum, Hyde Park is the perfect spot to take a break and enjoy some greenery in the heart of the city. Whether you want to relax, people-watch, or just escape the hustle and bustle for a bit, this peaceful park is a great place to unwind.
11. Royal National Park Coast Track
Now, let’s talk about the absolute highlight of our time in Sydney—the Royal National Park Coast Track. Without hesitation, I can say this was the most breathtaking coastal trek we’ve ever done. Even though we visited during the off-season and couldn’t enjoy the waterfalls or swim in the ocean, we were still in awe of the stunning beaches—many of them completely empty.
The Royal National Park Coast Track is a 27 km one-way trail that starts in Otford and ends in Bundeena. It’s a challenging hike, with around 1,000 meters of elevation gain, and many sections are exposed to the elements. If you’re planning to tackle it, make sure to bring plenty of water, as it gets hot, and there are no refill stations along the way.
Most people complete this hike over two days, but we decided to do it in one. We took an early train from Sydney to Otford and started the trek in the morning. The hike took us about seven hours, including breaks to relax on some of the most beautiful, secluded beaches we’ve ever seen. Since we visited in March, there weren’t many people on the trail, which made the experience even more special.
After finishing the hike, we spent the night in Bundeena, a charming little coastal town with a lovely beach. We stayed at a cozy Airbnb that we highly recommend if you’re in the area:
Check it out on Airbnb
The next morning, we took a ferry from Bundeena back to Circular Quay, a perfect way to end the adventure. You can buy ferry tickets onboard with a credit card or cash.
12. Blue Mountains
For those who love hiking and nature, the Blue Mountains are a must-visit. This world-famous region boasts over 140 km of bushwalking trails, offering a mix of lush forests, unique wildlife, and stunning rock formations—with the iconic Three Sisters being the most famous of them all.
Beyond hiking, there are plenty of adventurous activities in the area, such as glowworm tours, canyoning, and abseiling, so you could easily spend several days exploring. However, since we were short on time, we opted for a guided full-day tour through GetYourGuide, and it turned out to be a fantastic experience. Here are some photos from the tour!
Tip
If you’re booking a tour, I highly recommend choosing one with a late start time. Most tours leave in the morning, which means you’ll be competing with the crowds. A later start allows you to experience the Blue Mountains with fewer people, making it even more enjoyable.
13. Café Hopping ☕🍽️
As with every post about Australia, I have to mention our favorite food and coffee spots—because, let’s be honest, Australia’s café culture is unmatched! Whether you’re looking for a perfect flat white or a delicious breakfast, these places did not disappoint.
🥐 Best Breakfast Spot in Sydney
- Agora on Pitt – This was hands-down the best breakfast we had in Sydney. It was so good that we came back twice—and honestly, I wish we’d gone even more!
☕ Best Coffee Shops
- Haven Coffee – Smooth and rich, a must-visit.
- Single O – Fantastic coffee; perfect for a caffeine fix.
🍜 Where to Eat
- Yok Yor Thai Food Factory – If you love authentic Thai food as much as we do, this place is a must!
- Matsusaka Backstreet – The best okonomiyaki (Japanese savory pancakes) we found in Sydney!
Conclusion
Sydney is an incredible city with so much to offer—iconic landmarks, amazing food, beautiful beaches, and unbelievably diverse nature. We packed as much as possible into our 7-day trip, but even that wasn’t enough to explore all the hidden beaches, national parks, and unique wildlife this place has to offer.
One thing is certain: we’ll definitely be coming back!
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