Sydney is the largest city in Australia, where the city and nature are in harmony.
This guide is a 5-day tour of Sydney’s iconic attractions and surrounding nature.
Perfect 5-day Sydney itinerary: from the Opera House to the Blue Mountains
Daily Itinerary
Day 1
Sydney Harbor & Opera House Completely conquer Sydney Harbour, the most beautiful harbor in the world. Purchase the Opal card. Use both public transportation and ferry. Cheap on Sundays with a $2.5 cap (maximum daily rate limit)!
Completely conquer Sydney Harbor, the most beautiful harbor in the world
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Sydney Opera House UNESCO World Heritage Site, symbol of Sydney. It features a clamshell-shaped roof designed by Danish architect Jorn Utzon. Guided tours are available to tour the interior concert hall and theater. There are also frequent opera, ballet, and concert performances. Guided tours cost A$43, and Korean tours are also available. Tickets for the performance can be purchased on the official site. The night view of the Opera House and Harbor Bridge at sunset is fantastic.
09:00 1시간 30분A UNESCO World Heritage Site, a symbol of Sydney. It features a clamshell-shaped roof designed by Danish architect Jorn Utzon. Guided tours are available to tour the interior concert hall and theater. Opera, ballet, and concert performances are also performed from time to time.
Guided tour A$43, Korean tour also available. Tickets for the performance can be purchased on the official site. The night view of the Opera House and Harbor Bridge at sunset is fantastic.
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Sydney Harbor BridgeOne of the world's largest arch bridges, completed in 1932. You can walk across the bridge on the sidewalk or climb to the top of the arch on a bridge climb tour. Enjoy the harbor view from the Pilon Observatory. Bridge climb takes 3 hours, A$300+. It's good enough just to walk on the bridge for free. 20 minutes walk from Circular Quay to Milsons Point.
11:00 1시간One of the world's largest arch bridges, completed in 1932. You can walk across the bridge on the sidewalk or climb to the top of the arch on a bridge climb tour. Enjoy the harbor view from the Pilon Observatory.
Bridge climb takes 3 hours, A$300+. It's good enough just to walk on the bridge for free. 20 minutes walk from Circular Quay to Milsons Point.
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The Rocks Market & Pubs The Rocks, Sydney's oldest neighborhood. A flea market is held on weekends. Cute cafes, pubs, and galleries between stone 19th-century buildings. Australian meat pie and flat white coffee are a must. Lord Nelson Brewery Hotel is Sydney's oldest pub. Taste homemade craft beer. Meat Pie + Flat White + Fish & Chips The weekend market (Saturday-Sunday 10am-5pm) is very lively.
13:00 Australian BrunchThe Rocks, Sydney's oldest neighborhood. A flea market is held on weekends. Cute cafes, pubs, and galleries between stone 19th-century buildings. Australian-style meat pie and flat white coffee are a must.
The Lord Nelson Brewery Hotel is Sydney's oldest pub. Taste homemade craft beer.
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Manly Beach by Circular Quay Ferry 30 minutes by ferry from Circular Quay to Manly Beach on Sydney's northern beach. It feels quieter and more local than Bondi. Surf and swim on the 1.5 km long white sand beach. There are many cafes and surf shops on the Corso pedestrian street. Take the ferry with an Opal card. If you sit on the right when you go, you can see the Opera House and Harbor Bridge. Enjoy the night view when you return by ferry at sunset.
15:00 3시간30 minutes by ferry from Circular Quay, Manly Beach on Sydney's northern beach. It feels quieter and more local than Bondi. Surf and swim on the 1.5 km long white sand beach. Cafés and surf shops are concentrated on the Corso pedestrian street.
Board the ferry with your Opal card. If you sit on the right when you go, you can see the Opera House and Harbor Bridge. Enjoy the night view when you return by ferry at sunset.
Today's Key Tips
Purchase an Opal card. Use both public transportation and ferry. Cheap on Sundays with a $2.5 cap (maximum daily rate limit)!
Day 2
Bondi Beach & Coastal Walk Surfing at Australia's representative beach Bondi and walking along the coastal cliffs. Take bus 333 from downtown to Bondi for 30 minutes. Swimsuit and sunscreen are required.
Surf and walk along coastal cliffs at Australia's most famous beach, Bondi
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Bondi BeachThe most famous beach in Australia. 1 km long white sand beach and turquoise sea. A mecca for surfers, surfing lessons are available. If you go early in the morning, you can ride the waves with local surfers. The iceberg swimming pool (infinity pool) on the beach is also an Instagram hit. Admission to the iceberg swimming pool is A$9. Closed on Tuesdays for cleaning. Free use of beach showers and lockers.
08:00 2시간The most famous beach in Australia. 1 km long white sand beach and turquoise sea. A mecca for surfers, surfing lessons are available. If you go early in the morning, you can ride the waves with local surfers. The iceberg swimming pool (infinity pool) on the beach is also an Instagram hot spot.
Admission to the Iceberg swimming pool is A$9. Closed on Tuesdays for cleaning. Free use of beach showers and lockers.
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Speedos Cafe is a popular brunch cafe located in Bencool Valley at the northern end of Bondi. Enjoy acai bowl and eggs Benedict on the terrace right in front of the sea. Hot spot full of surfers and Instagrammers. Free Wi-Fi. Right next to the starting point of the Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk. Acai bowl + avocado toast + flat white Weekend breakfast wait 20-30 minutes. Weekdays are free.
10:30 brunchA popular brunch cafe located in the Bencool Valley at the northern end of Bondi. Enjoy acai bowl and eggs Benedict on the terrace right in front of the sea. A hot spot full of surfers and Instagrammers.
Free wifi. Right next to the starting point of the Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk.
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Bondi to Coogee Coastal WalkSydney's best coastal walk. 6km from Bondi to Coogee Beach, approximately 2 hours. Overwhelming coastal scenery as you pass Tamarama, Bronte, and Clovelly Beach along the cliff-top road. Whale sightings are possible during whale season (May-November). Comfortable walking shoes are required. There are cafes and restrooms in between. If you're having a hard time, it's okay to take the bus back from Bronte.
12:00 2시간Sydney's best coastal walks. 6km from Bondi to Coogee Beach, approximately 2 hours. Overwhelming coastal scenery as you pass Tamarama, Bronte, and Clovelly Beach along the cliff-top road. Whale sightings are possible during whale season (May-November).
Comfortable sneakers are required. There are cafes and restrooms in between. If you're having a hard time, it's okay to take the bus back from Bronte.
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The Grounds of Alexandria is an Instagram sanctuary renovated from an old factory. A complex cultural space with flowers and plants, a mini zoo (pigs, chickens), a coffee roastery, and a bakery in a large garden. Variety of menus from brunch to dinner.15 minutes by Uber from downtown Sydney. Full of photo zones perfect for taking Instagram photos. Outdoor lighting is romantic in the evening.The Grounds Burger + Homemade LemonadeReservation required on weekends. It's quiet on a weekday evening.
18:00 Cafe/GardenAn Instagram sanctuary converted from an old factory. A complex cultural space with flowers and plants, a mini zoo (pigs, chickens), a coffee roastery, and a bakery in a large garden. A variety of menus from brunch to dinner.
15 minutes by Uber from downtown Sydney. Full of photo zones perfect for taking Instagram photos. The outdoor lighting is romantic in the evening.
Today's Key Tips
Bus 333 from the city to Bondi takes 30 minutes. Swimsuit and sunscreen are required.
Day 3
Blue Mountains Day Tour Into the majestic nature of the Blue Mountains, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 2 hours by train from Sydney to the Blue Mountains. Convenient pick-up/drop-off included when using the tour bus. Because it is a mountainous area, thin outerwear is required.
Into the majestic nature of the UNESCO World Heritage Blue Mountains
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Blue Mountains Tour Departure Tour bus pick-up from your hotel in downtown Sydney. Travel to Blue Mountain in approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes. The oil evaporating from the eucalyptus trees creates a blue fog, giving it the name "Blue" Mountain. Hotel pick-up tours are the most convenient. If traveling independently, board the Blue Mountains Line train at Central Station.
07:30 1시간 30분Tour bus pickup from downtown Sydney hotels. Travel to Blue Mountain in approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes. Oil evaporating from eucalyptus trees creates a blue fog, giving the mountain the name "Blue" Mountain.
Hotel pick-up tour is the most convenient. If traveling independently, board the Blue Mountains Line train at Central Station.
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Three Sisters The symbol of the Blue Mountains, three sandstone pillars 900 meters above sea level. According to indigenous legend, they are three enchanted sisters. Admire the majestic canyon from Echo Point Lookout. You can also hike to the bottom using the Giant Stairway. The observation deck is free. The light is most beautiful in the early morning or at sunset. Even foggy days in winter have a mysterious atmosphere.
09:30 1시간The symbol of the Blue Mountains, three sandstone pillars 900 meters above sea level. According to indigenous legend, they are three enchanted sisters. Admire the majestic canyon from Echo Point Lookout. You can also hike to the bottom using the Giant Stairway.
The observatory is free. The light is most beautiful in the early morning or at sunset. Even foggy days in winter have a mysterious atmosphere.
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Scenic World The best attraction in the Blue Mountains. Four experiences, including the world's steepest Scenic Railway (52-degree slope), the Scenic Skyway, a cable car in the sky, the Scenic Cableway across a canyon, and the Scenic Walkway, an ancient rainforest walkway. All-day pass A$50. The Scenic Railway is full of thrills. If you are afraid of heights, I recommend sitting in the back. Scenic Walkway A walk through the rainforest is a must.
11:00 2시간Blue Mountain's best attraction. Four experiences: the world's steepest Scenic Railway (52-degree slope), the Scenic Skyway, a cable car in the sky, the Scenic Cableway across a canyon, and the Scenic Walkway, an ancient rainforest walkway.
All-day pass A$50. The Scenic Railway is full of thrills. If you are afraid of heights, I recommend sitting in the back. Scenic Walkway A walk through the rainforest is a must.
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Leura Village Cafe Leura is a cute village at the foot of the Blue Mountain. Antique shops, galleries, and garden cafes are lined up in antique British-style buildings. In spring (September-November) the entire village becomes a garden for the flower festival. Recommend The Loaf Bakery or Leura Garage. Lura Garden (April Garden Festival) is also famous. Scones + Jam & Cream + English Breakfast Tea There are many tourists on weekends. Many cafes on both sides of the main street.
13:00 Brunch/CafeLura is a cute village at the foot of the Blue Mountains. Antique shops, galleries, and garden cafes are lined up in antique British-style buildings. In spring (September-November), the entire village becomes a garden for the flower festival.
Recommend The Loaf Bakery or Leura Garage. Rura Garden (April Garden Festival) is also famous.
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Wentworth FallsA majestic waterfall with a height of 297 m. A panoramic view of the waterfall and Jamison Valley Gorge from the observatory. If you have the stamina, there is also a hiking trail (2 hours) that goes down to the bottom of the falls. View the falls from Fletcher's Lookout. Hiking shoes are essential as the ground is slippery. If you have time, I recommend the National Pass Trail.
14:30 1시간A majestic waterfall with a height of 297 m. A panoramic view of the waterfall and Jamison Valley Gorge from the observatory. If you have the stamina, there is also a hiking course (2 hours) that goes down to the bottom of the waterfall.
View of the falls from Fletcher's Lookout. Hiking shoes are essential as the ground is slippery. If you have time, I recommend the National Pass Trail.
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Featherdale Wildlife Zoo (Featherdale) A wildlife zoo that you stop by on your way back to Sydney. Experience touching a koala and feeding kangaroos and wallabies. Encounter native Australian species such as wombats, Tasmanian devils, and dingoes. Popular with children as they can interact closely with animals. Admission fee: A$35. Package including koala photo shoot A$55. Although it is smaller than Taronga Zoo, you can interact more closely with the animals.
16:00 1시간 30분A wildlife zoo we stop by on our way back to Sydney. Experience touching a koala and feeding kangaroos and wallabies. Encounter native Australian species such as wombats, Tasmanian devils, and dingoes. Popular with children as they can interact closely with animals.
Admission fee A$35. Package including koala photo shoot A$55. Although it is smaller than Taronga Zoo, you can interact more closely with the animals.
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Today's Key Tips
2 hours by train from Sydney to the Blue Mountains. Convenient pick-up/drop-off included when using the tour bus. Because it is a mountainous area, thin outerwear is required.
Day 4
Taronga Zoo & Darling Harbor Meet koalas at Australia's leading zoo, and purchase a set of round-trip ferry + admission tickets with the Taronga Zoo Zoo Pass in the evening in Sydney's busiest area. Darling Harbor fireworks are at 9pm on Saturday night.
Meet a koala at Australia's representative zoo and have dinner in Sydney's busiest area
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Taronga Zoo is Australia's best zoo, located on a hill overlooking Sydney Harbour. Owns over 4,000 animals. From Australian animals such as koalas, kangaroos, and platypuses to Asian elephants and giraffes. Take a picture of a giraffe with Sydney Harbor + Opera House in the background! Enter the zoo by Sky Safari cable car and enjoy the harbor view. 11am & 3pm Free Flight Bird Show required. Koala Encounter A$30 separately.
09:00 4시간Australia's best zoo, located on a hill overlooking Sydney Harbour. Owns over 4,000 animals. From Australian animals such as koalas, kangaroos, and platypuses to Asian elephants and giraffes. Take a photo of a giraffe with Sydney Harbor + Opera House in the background!
Enter the zoo by Sky Safari cable car and enjoy the harbor view. 11am & 3pm Free Flight Bird Show required. Koala Encounter A$30 separately.
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A quick lunch at the food court in Taronga Food Market Zoo. Focusing on convenient foods such as burgers, fish and chips, and pizza. Dine with a view of the Opera House from the harbor view terrace seats. Food from outside the zoo is allowed. It's a good idea to bring a picnic lunch. Kangaroo Burger + French Fries + Drink. Crowded during lunch time (12-1 p.m.). Visit a little early or late.
13:00 Light Western food/burgerA quick lunch at the food court within the zoo. Focusing on convenient foods such as burgers, fish and chips, and pizza. Dine while looking at the opera house from the harbor view terrace seats.
Food from outside the zoo can be brought in. It's a good idea to bring a picnic lunch.
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Darling Harbor is the largest waterfront district in downtown Sydney. The aquarium (SEA LIFE), Madame Tussauds, and Wildlife Zoo are located here, and there are many restaurants and bars. The harbor night view and Saturday fireworks are romantic at night. SEA LIFE Aquarium is one of the few places where you can see dugongs. Discounts on multiple attractions with a Darling Harbor combo ticket. A walk around the Pyrmont Bridge is recommended.
14:30 2시간Sydney's largest waterfront district. The aquarium (SEA LIFE), Madame Tussauds, and Wildlife Zoo are located here, and there are many restaurants and bars. Romantic at night with the harbor night view and Saturday fireworks.
SEA LIFE Aquarium is one of the few places where you can see dugongs. Discounts on multiple attractions with a Darling Harbor combo ticket. A walk around the Pyrmont Bridge is recommended.
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ICC Sydney & Barangaroo New development west of Darling Harbour. Sydney's new hot spot filled with skyscrapers, stylish shopping malls, and restaurants. Get a feel for modern Sydney with a walk along the waterfront. Recommended sunset cocktails at Barangaroo House rooftop bar. Barangaroo Reserve Park is also great for a walk.
16:30 1시간 30분A new development area west of Darling Harbour. Sydney's new hot spot filled with skyscrapers, stylish shopping malls, and restaurants. Get a feel for modern Sydney with a walk along the waterfront.
Recommended sunset cocktail at Barangaroo House Rooftop Bar. Barangaroo Reserve Park is also great for a walk.
5
The Star Sydney (The Star) is an integrated resort at the end of Darling Harbour. An entertainment hub with casinos, fine restaurants, and rooftop bars. There are many choices, from Japanese izakaya to modern Australian fine dining. Many famous restaurants including Sokyo (Japanese), BLACK by Ezard (modern Oji), and Balla (Italian). After meal, enjoy the night view at the 19+ Lounge. Seafood platter + Australian wine. Reservation recommended for Friday and Saturday evenings. Smart casual dress code.
19:00An integrated resort at the end of Darling Harbor. An entertainment hub with casinos, fine restaurants, and rooftop bars. There are many choices, from Japanese izakaya to modern Australian fine dining.
Many famous restaurants including Sokyo (Japanese), BLACK by Ezard (Modern Oji), and Balla (Italian). After eating, enjoy the night view at the 19+ Lounge.
Today's Key Tips
Save money by purchasing a round-trip ferry + admission ticket set with the Taronga Zoo Zoo Pass. Darling Harbor fireworks are at 9pm on Saturday night.
Day 5
On the last day of your Sydney Shopping & Culture Tour, explore downtown shopping and cultural attractions. QVB, Pitt Street Mall, and Galleries Victoria are connected, making shopping convenient. Use the airport TRS counter to receive a refund (GST 10%).
On the last day, explore the city's shopping and cultural attractions.
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Queen Victoria Building (QVB)A beautiful Romanesque-style shopping center completed in 1898. The stained glass dome, mosaic floor, and Victorian elevator are still intact. Australian designer brands, jewelry, and chocolate shops now available. The building itself is a tourist attraction. There is a food court in the basement. High tea available at the tea shop on the 2nd floor. Be sure to see the Royal Clock (every hour of the doll parade) and the Great Australian Clock.
09:00 1시간 30분A beautiful Romanesque-style shopping center completed in 1898. The stained glass dome, mosaic floor, and Victorian elevator are still intact. Australian designer brands, jewelry, and chocolate shops now available. The building itself is a tourist attraction.
Food court on the basement floor. High tea available at the tea shop on the 2nd floor. Be sure to see the Royal Clock (every hour of the doll parade) and the Great Australian Clock.
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Pitt Street Mall & Westfield Sydney's largest pedestrian shopping street. Global and Australian brands such as Zara, H&M, and Uniqlo are concentrated here. Westfield Sydney is fully equipped with luxury brands, beauty stores, and food halls. Shop for souvenirs from Mecca Cosmetica (Australian beauty select shop), Aesop (headquartered in Australia), and T2 (Australian tea brand). Strand Arcade (built in 1892) is also a 2-minute walk.
10:30 1시간 30분Sydney's largest pedestrian shopping street. Global and Australian brands such as Zara, H&M, and Uniqlo are concentrated here. Westfield Sydney is fully equipped with luxury brands, beauty stores, and food halls.
Shop for souvenirs from Mecca Cosmetica (Australian beauty select shop), Aesop (headquartered in Australia), and T2 (Australian tea brand). Strand Arcade (built in 1892) is also a 2-minute walk.
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Chinatown (Haymarket)Sydney's Chinatown with 100 years of history. Asian cuisine paradise, including dim sum, hot pot, Vietnamese rice noodles, and Thai food. Connected to Market City Shopping Center. Shop for fruits and souvenirs at Padis Market. Many restaurants include Golden Century (seafood), Marigold (dim sum), and Chat Thai (Thailand). Korean groceries are in the basement of Market City. Dim sum lunch + bubble tea. The line at the dim sum restaurant is long during lunch time. Recommended right after opening at 11:30.
12:00Sydney Chinatown with 100 years of history. Asian cuisine paradise, including dim sum, hot pot, Vietnamese rice noodles, and Thai food. Connected to Market City Shopping Center. Shop for fruits and souvenirs at Padis Market.
There are many restaurants including Golden Century (seafood), Marigold (dim sum), and Chat Thai (Thailand). Korean groceries are located in the basement of Market City.
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State Gallery of New South Wales One of Australia's largest art galleries. It holds collections of Australian Aboriginal art, classical European paintings and Asian art. The new building (North Building), which opened in 2022, is a contemporary art exhibition. Feel free to enjoy art with free admission. Free for permanent exhibitions, paid for special exhibitions. Located between Hyde Park and Domain Park, great for a walk or visit. Admire the harbor view from the museum cafe.
14:00 1시간 30분One of Australia's largest art museums. It holds collections of Australian Aboriginal art, classical European paintings and Asian art. The new building (North Building), which opened in 2022, is a contemporary art exhibition. Feel free to enjoy art with free admission.
Free for permanent exhibitions, paid for special exhibitions. Located between Hyde Park and Domain Park, great for a walk or visit. Admire the harbor view from the museum cafe.
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Hyde Park & St. Mary's CathedralHyde Park, a resting place in the city. Australia's oldest park, established in 1810. Highlights include the ANZAC War Memorial and Archibald Fountain. The Gothic-style St. Mary's Cathedral next door has beautiful stained glass inside. Free admission to the cathedral. You can enjoy music during choir practice on Saturday afternoons. Resting on a bench under a fig tree.
16:00 1시간Hyde Park, a resting place in the city. Australia's oldest park, established in 1810. Highlights include the ANZAC War Memorial and Archibald Fountain. The Gothic-style St. Mary's Cathedral next door has beautiful stained glass inside.
Free entry to the cathedral. You can enjoy music during choir practice on Saturday afternoons. Resting on a bench under a fig tree.
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Opera Bar is the best place to end your trip to Sydney. Cocktails while enjoying the night view of the Harbor Bridge at the outdoor bar right in front of the Opera House. Casual during the day, live music at night to brighten the mood. Reservations not possible, first come, first served. Competition for harbor view seats is fierce. DJ performances on Friday and Saturday nights. A must-try on your last night in Sydney! Signature cocktail + seafood tapas. Popular sunset seating. Go around 4pm and get a seat.
18:00The best place to end your trip to Sydney. Cocktails while enjoying the night view of the Harbor Bridge at the outdoor bar right in front of the Opera House. Casual during the day, live music at night.
No reservations, first come first served. Competition for harbor view seats is fierce. DJ performances on Friday and Saturday nights. A must-do on your last night in Sydney!
Today's Key Tips
Convenient shopping as it is connected to QVB, Pitt Street Mall, and Galleries Victoria. Use the airport TRS counter to receive a refund (GST 10%).