Make the most of your time in Sydney, Australia with my two day itinerary that mixes iconic city sights and world famous beaches .
One of Australia’s most famous cities, Sydney takes a good few weeks to fully explore. However, in reality most people don’t have that time. Whether you are visiting for a few days as part of a wider trip around Australia or stopping in on a cruise, you’ll probably have just a few days to see the sights.
I’ve been lucky to visit Sydney multiple times over the last twenty years. My trips have ranged from a couple of days to a few months so I have had plenty of practice of trying to see the city in different amounts of time.
While two days in Sydney might not sound like enough time to see the best the city has to offer you’ll be surprised just how much you can see in 48 hours. If you plan carefully and have your walking shoes on, you can experience much of what Sydney is known for.
So, I’ve put together this two day Sydney itinerary that covers the city and its beaches to help you plan your time in this wonderful city.
At a Glance: Two day Sydney Itinerary
Day 1 – Explore some of Sydney’s famous landmarks including
- Sydney Opera House
- Sydney Harbour Bridge
- Take boat ride around Sydney Harbour
- Circular Quay
- The Rocks
- Royal Botanic Gardens
- Art Gallery of New South Wales
Day 2 – Relax at the beach or stroll along a stunning coastal walk
- Bondi Beach
- Coogee Beach
- Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk
- Evening in Darling Harbour
Day 1 – Explore the city
If you only have a couple of days in Sydney it’s best to stay somewhere central so all the sights are within easy reach. With that in mind, I’m starting this itinerary in Circular Quay home to Sydney’s most known landmarks.
Say G’Day to two Aussie Icons in Circular Quay
My first stop when I arrive in Sydney is always Circular Quay. My Aussie friends always chuckle at this as for them it is the city’s main transport hub. However, as home to two of Australia’s icons – the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Sydney Opera House – it is a must see for visitors to the city.
At the edge of the central business district (CBD), it is very easy to reach from most of central Sydney. Both on foot or by train and bus.
When you arrive the Sydney Harbour Bridge and The Rocks will be to the left while the Sydney Opera House will be to the right.
Tip | It can get pretty crowded here, particularly around rush hour or if a cruise ship has docked. You’ll know when they are in – they are huge! So starting your day here gives you the opportunity to explore and take in the views before the crowds arrive.
Get up close to the Sydney Harbour Bridge
Nicknamed, the Coathanger, The Sydney Harbour Bridge is one of the most recognisable bridges in the world. It carries traffic (vehicles, trains and pedestrian) between the CBD and the North Shore.
It is also the focal point for the world’s first major New Year’s Eve celebrations each year. I’d also say they are the world’s best New Year Eve fireworks whether you are there in person or watching on TV. I’ve been lucky to experience NYE in Sydney twice and there really is nowhere quite like it.
You have a couple of options to explore and learn more about the bridge. Depending on your time and budget, you can climb the bridge, visit the Pylon Lookout or just take in the view from various angles.
Climb the Bridge
I’ve seen a lot of debate about whether the Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb is worth the money and having done it three times now I think it is. My first climb was on Christmas Eve, second time was an evening climb where we reached the top around midnight and the third time was an afternoon with a friend. Each time I did the full climb and each offered a different experience.
For many, a visit to Australia is a trip of a lifetime so what’s the point of going and then not doing anything memorable when you are there? So, if you have the budget I’d go for it. After all, it’s not something you’ll do every day.
- Full Climb – Stand on top of one of the most famous Australian landmarks. The full bridge climb takes around 3 1/2 hours and includes a safety briefing, an attractive grey outfit to wear, a climb up the arch of the bridge, a stop at the top and back down again. There are plenty of photo stops too. Note, photos are taken by the guides as you can’t take your own camera/phone onto the bridge.
- Bridge Climb Sampler– If your budget or time doesn’t stretch to the full climb there is a taster climb which takes half the time (1 1/2 hours) as you ascend the inner arch of the bridge to a vantage point halfway to the top. It’s a great option if you can’t do the full climb or are a bit nervous about heights and going to the top of the bridge.
- Bridge Climb Express – If you want to go to the top but are in a rush this is the climb for you. Taking around 2 1/4 hours this climb has a faster pace than the full climb with fewer stops.
The two climbs to the top include a group photo, a certificate to prove you’ve climbed the bridge, a bridge climb cap and a free voucher for the Pylon Lookout. The sampler climb includes a group photo and a cap.
Read more | Find out more about the Sydney Bridge Climb
With all that said, if you are not keen on the climb, scared of heights or wish to spend your budget elsewhere there are many other ways to explore the bridge.
Pylon Lookout
If climbing isn’t your thing but you want to get an idea of what the views from the top are like then the Pylon Lookout is the next best thing. For just $15 (AUD) you can climb the 200 steps to the top of the Pylon and enjoy panoramic views over the city.
There is also an exhibition spread over three levels where you can learn about how the bridge was built. If you do one of the
Visit the Pylon Lookout for more information.
Hickson Road Reserve and Dawes Point
At the edge of The Rocks (next to the Park Hyatt hotel), the Hickson Road Reserve is the perfect spot to take photos with views of the bridge and opera house. Head under the bridge and over to Dawes Point for a view of the other side.
Take a ferry or sightseeing cruise
To see the bridge from the water you can take a local ferry or harbour sightseeing cruise. If you take a ferry from Circular Quay to Darling Harbour you will sail underneath the bridge for a unique viewpoint.
Jump off at Milsons point (one stop from Circular Quay) and you can walk over the bridge back into the city.
Walk over the Bridge (for free!)
Although the bridge is one of the main routes in and out of the CBD for traffic and trains, there is also a pedestrian walkway. On the eastern side of the bridge, it offers some great views of the harbour.
And for free!
Starting from the south side of the bridge you’ll find steps up to the walkway via Cumberland Street. If you want to walk from the north side (you’ll get better views walking towards the city rather than away) then head to Milsons Point on the ferry and walk up to the bridge from the jetty.
The bridge takes around 15-20 minutes to walk over though you’ll want to build in some time to stop and enjoy the view. For safety, a wire mesh covers the side of the walkway, however, there is a slight gap so you can still take photos of the views.
Step back in time in The Rocks
If you can take your eyes off the spectacular views around the harbour, then wander over to The Rocks. This is the historic part of Sydney, the traditional home of the Gadigal and the place of the first European settlement in Australia.
Wander around the cobbled lanes, visit a gallery, brunch in a cafe or take a walking tour to discover hidden alleyways and courtyards. Drop into The Rocks Discovery Museum to find out more about this area’s colourful past.
If it’s the weekend, make sure you take a look around The Rocks Market (10 am – 5 pm) where you will find stall upon stall of locally designed homeware, art, jewellery, fashion. One of my favourite markets in Sydney, you’ll be able to pick up a unique gift to take home to remind you of your time here.
Forget you are in a city by strolling around the Royal Botanic Gardens
Once you have finished at the bridge, wander back through the Rocks and Circular Quay until you reach the Royal Botanic Gardens. An oasis in the city, the gardens are home to thousands of plants. You could easily spend most of the day wandering around enjoying the landscaped gardens.
This is also a great spot for a late picnic lunch or snack. If you want to give your feet a rest you can take a hop on hop off
Alternatively, you can download the ‘The Royal Botanic Garden Sydney’ App for self-guided walking tours and information. The gardens open daily at 7 am.
Find out more about The Royal Botanic Gardens, Sydney.
Take a photo with the Opera House and Harbour Bridge
Whichever way you chose to explore the Royal Botanic Gardens, make sure you head to Mrs Macquaries Point. This is where you’ll get the money shot of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Sydney Opera House in the same photo.
Look out for Mrs Macquarie’s Chair, a sandstone rock in the shape of a chair said to commemorate Elizabeth Macquarie, wife of the Major-General Lachlan Macquarie, Governor of New South Wales between 1810-21.
Pop into the Art Gallery of New South Wales
While you are in Circular Quay or wandering around the gardens, it’s worth popping into the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia (open 10am-5pm). The museum celebrates living artists with many modern and contemporary works on display.
They also have some great temporary exhibitions – check with the Gallery to see what is on during your visit. Admission is free.
Relax over a drink at the Sydney Harbour Opera House
You might be wondering why I’ve left the most distinctive Australian landmark until the end of the day but there is a good reason for this.
To end your day in Sydney why not kick back and relax with a drink (alcohol optional) at the world’s best beer garden. Of course, a drink at the Opera House is good at any time of the day but nothing beats spending a warm evening reflecting on the day taking in the panoramic views across the harbour.
There is also live music here on some nights. It can get crowded but there are plenty of tables and places to sit so if you time it right (and move fast when a seat becomes free!) you should be ok.
While you are there why not check out a show or take a tour of the building? It me a few visits before I went inside and afterwards I wondered why it took me so long. Find out more about what you can do on your first visit (or second or third) to the Opera House.
Day 2 – Explore Sydney’s Beaches
Sydney is a heady mix of city and beachside living. So you can’t visit Sydney and not go to the beach. After a full day exploring the city centre take day two a little easier and head to the beach.
My recommendation would be to head to Coogee, just 8k out of the CBD and very easy to get to. Just jump on a bus from Circular Quay.
Coogee is family friendly and has plenty of beach space and parkland (for those that want to enjoy sea views but don’t want to get sand everywhere).
After a morning relaxing on the beach, have a quick lunch at one of the fish and chip shops along the promenade before stretching your legs by strolling along the Bondi to Coogee coastal walk- but in reverse.
Discover some of Sydney’s bays and beaches
This coastal walk is always one of the first things I recommend to people to do in Sydney. The walk provides stunning coastal views and the chance to discover some of Sydney’s bays and beaches.
It’s usually advertised as the Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk but it doesn’t really matter which way you do it. I usually start at Coogee just because I think it’s a nicer beach and I’d rather spend some time there first.
The full walk is 6k long and takes around three hours. That said you’ll want to build in some time to enjoy the beaches or maybe have a pit stop for a drink or ice cream so I’d leave half a day for it.
Read more | View my post on the Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk to see some of the highlights of the walk.
Surf’s up at Bondi Beach!
Arriving in Bondi mid/late afternoon gives you a bit of time to hang out on the
Head back to the city centre by getting the bus back to Bondi Junction (at the end of the afternoon you’ll see the crowds queuing for the bus) and then jumping on a train to the city centre (T4 line – Martin Place, Town Hall, Central).
For the shopping fans, there is a Westfield at Bondi Junction if you fancy a little retail therapy before heading home.
For the evening, head to Darling Harbour where you have a huge choice of restaurants and bars. It’s a little touristy but when you are on limited time it’s fine for a night and there are some great restaurants there.
To end the night jump on a ferry and head back to Circular Quay. This way you’ll see the Harbour Bridge and Opera House lit up for the night.
The Last Word
With a little bit of planning and if you hit the ground running, it is possible to to see some of the highlights of Sydney in two days.
Of course, there are many more things to do see in the city however, my itinerary covers many of Sydney’s most famous landmarks. Ones that most visitors, particular first timers, come to the city to see.
However, don’t be surprised if you start to plan a return trip, trust me two days in Sydney is never enough!
Have you been to Sydney before? Would you add or remove anything from this itinerary? I’d love to hear your suggestions for seeing the best of the city on limited time. Let me know in the comments below.
I love that Opera house 🏠 and Harbour Bridge 🌉
Me too! Such an iconic view.
I love these suggestions for 2 days in Sydney – there are so many things to see and these are some of the best!