Australia is one of the most spectacular and picturesque countries to visit in the world. Its stunning diversity of wildlife, its beautiful coastline, and dynamic urban centres make it one of every traveler’s must-see destinations. But with so many places to see, and often limited time to fit it all in, can you get away with only one day in Sydney?
The short answer is yes!
Sydney is one spot that absolutely needs to be on your Australian list of places to see, and today I’m here to help you out with a list of must-dos that you can pick and choose from if you’re working with limited time.
Sydney has been known by many around the world since the city hosted the 2000 Summer Olympics. However, beyond the games, there are many great things to do and see in the city that will please any type of traveller.
Before planning your trip make sure to compare and get cheap travel insurance and then book your tickets for Sydney today!
If tuned in a few weeks ago, you may have caught Marie’s foodie guide guest post on where to dine in Sydney and today we have Alex, an Aussie himself and blogger, here to outline his perfect day itinerary in Australia’s largest city.
Here’s what to do with one day in Sydney, Australia
After many years of contemplating the amount of time and effort it would take to get to Australia, you finally jumped on some cheap flight deals. Chances are you’ve landed in Sydney, Australia’s largest city. If it’s your first time in Sydney, you’re probably facing the same dilemma I face when I first land in a big city; “What now?”
Admit it, we’ve all been there, taking your first steps out of the airport and now what? You’re definitely spoilt for choice when it comes to this stunning city, but it can be overwhelming when you first land. Don’t worry I’ve got you covered with a 24 hours in Sydney itinerary!
Oh- and if you’re traveling to Sydney with kids, the following guide can be easily adapted!
Jump down to:
From the Sydney airport
When arriving at Sydney’s Airport, you’ll see that you have multiple options for getting into the city. If you’re travelling by yourself and on a budget, I would suggest taking the Airport Link. The trip will cost $18 one way and only takes 12 minutes to get to Central. It also goes all the way to North Sydney station.
If you need to get to any other parts of Sydney, use Transport NSW to plan your trip via public transport. Simply enter your location and where you want to go, and the app will create a route for you. If you’re travelling with more people, a cheaper option would be to catch a taxi or order an Uber.
Get your morning cup-of-joe.
No doubt after a night (or multiple nights) of traveling, and then getting to your hotel to drop your bags off (or if you’re lucky they can offer an early check-in!), you’re going to need a coffee. You’ll soon find that Australians are so crazy about coffee. They have a massive coffee culture, and sure know how to make a damn good one!
Because of this, it doesn’t particularly matter where you get your coffee, as anywhere is pretty good. If you’re a coffee enthusiast check out Timeout’s Best Coffee in Sydney list. To complete the Sydney experience, order a flat white coffee, grab an outdoor seat and enjoy some brunch (a Sydney favourite is “Smashed Avo on Toast”).
Check out the Circular Quay
Your next stop after breakfast will take you to the stunning Circular Quay, easily accessible by train. If you’re looking for a postcard moment, this is it. From Circular Quay you’ll be able to take in stunning views of the Opera House, Harbour Bridge, and the sun glistening on the harbour. What’s great about Circular Quay as a tourist destination is there are so many things to see and do.
If you’re an art enthusiast be sure to take yourself to the Museum of Contemporary Art right on the water! Additionally, if you’re keen to explore Sydney’s convict past take yourself on a self-guided walk around The Rocks.
A Picnic Lunch in Sydney’s Botanical Gardens
After you’ve taken in the views of the harbour, it’s time to make your way to your next destination. Easily accessible from Circular Quay by walking around the Sydney Opera House (if you want to take the scenic route), lays the Royal Botanical Gardens of Sydney. The botanical garden is the oldest botanical region and scientific institution in Australia and houses thousands of different species of plants, trees, and flowers.
This beautiful garden is the perfect pit stop for lunch. So get yourself a bite to eat at one of the various cafes and eateries on the grounds. I would recommend buying one of the picnic baskets, and picking a beautiful spot in the sun! If you’re keen to find out more about the botanic gardens, the garden offers free guided walks.
An Afternoon of Art: Explore Sydney’s Museums
There are endless opportunities to soak up the local culture in Sydney. With several different art museums to choose from, you are sure to find both classic and contemporary pieces that may be of interest to culturally minded travelers. There are also museums dedicated to Australia’s indigenous culture. If you are an amateur anthropologist or historian, then you may find yourself spending the whole day floating from one museum to another.
What I would do, is after you’ve taken in the views and sunshine of the botanical gardens, it’s time to take yourself to the next activity; the Art Gallery of New South Wales located only a 15-minute walk from the gardens. Even if you’re not a huge fan of art, the stunning architecture of the gallery will be enough to entice you to enter.
The gallery is one of Australia’s oldest and largest galleries and is home to a magnitude of Australian and international art. Entry into the gallery is free, and with that, you’ll be able to view a large collection of the permanent collection that features art from colonial Australia, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art, and contemporary Australian art. The gallery also plays host to international exhibitions, where entry will incur a fee.
An EVENING High: Dinner with a view.
No doubt that after a long day of travelling, exploring, and sightseeing you’ll want to take it easy this evening and get into bed early to sleep off the jet lag. If you’ve got a higher budget for your trip, and aren’t afraid of heights I would recommend dining at 360 Bar and Dining.
In this restaurant you’ll be dining at around 300 meters and the rotating restaurant will offer you uninterrupted 360° panoramic views of Sydney. But keep in mind that this meal will set you back around $90/person. In my opinion, with only one day in Sydney, it’s more than worth it…
If you’re looking for budget eats I would recommend checking out Spice Alley in Chippendale, and Mamak in Sydney. If you’re not quite sure and want to walk around and stumble upon a great eatery, Newtown, Surry Hills, and Bondi, are culinary hotspots.
With only one day in Sydney, you may also be interested in the following activities.
With so much to see and do in this city, there is no way to fit it all into only one day in Sydney. Make sure that your travel plans are flexible and that you have the opportunity to stay longer if more than a few of the items on this list seem interesting to you! Or if time is really a constraint, then prioritize and plan for one of these more niche experiences.
Visit the Opera House and catch an event!
Topping the list of things that you need to see during your day in Sydney is the famous Opera House. Known throughout the world as one of the most recognisable landmarks in the country, the Sydney Opera House is a wonder to behold.
Beyond the stunning exterior, however, a visit to the Opera House offers travellers the chance to get a taste of culture. The venue houses many different events and performances throughout the year. Be sure to check online before you visit to see if there are any upcoming events that might be of interest to you.
You can find other events going on in the area at Darling Harbour.
Relax On Bondi Beach
No visit to Australia is complete without several days spent at the beach. I didn’t include this in the itinerary, because with only one day in Sydney, this might not be your priority.
BUT, if the weather forecast looks promising, and the infamous Bondi Beach calls your name, who am I to deny you? It’s one of the most famous and popular beaches in the country, and perhaps the world, any traveler is sure to be impressed.
Whether you plan to swim or simply want to soak up some sun, Bondi is where you want to be.
Climb The Sydney Harbour Bridge
If you want to get a great view of the water and most of the city, then you cannot miss the opportunity to climb up the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Fortunately, it is entirely legal and common to climb the bridge, and there is a designated pathway to the top.
This might not be for the faint of heart, however, and can take a good part of your one day in Sydney. The trek can take most people at least a few hours and, if you are afraid of heights, then stick to more horizontal activities.
There are other ways to see the harbour too, such as the Sydney Harbour Coffee Cruise! If you want to see the city from up high with a backdrop of the blue mountains, check out the observation deck at the Sydney Tower Eye.
See Australia’s wildlife.
Australia is home to a number of unique animal species. You can see many of these, as well as animals from all around the world, at the Taronga Zoo in Sydney. If you are more interested in aquatic wildlife, there is also the Sydney Aquarium to consider.
Like you, I’ve been in your shoes, stepping off a plane in a new place and thinking to myself “what now?” contemplating whether I want to spend the day sleeping away the jetlag or making the most and seeing the city. Well, with this article I hope to have cleared some things up and made your planning just a bit easier. Of course, there are so many more things to do in Sydney than the above, and you’ll need at least a three days to really get a feel of what Sydney is about! So go on, get out there!
While I wouldn’t go all that way for a day, these are some amazing tips! I am LOVING that 360* Bar! Pinned for later! #WanderfulWednesday
I reeeeally hope I’ll be able to make it to Australia next year! Though I’d (hopefully) stay longer than a day, that post wasn’t super helpful. #WanderfulWednesday
Sydney is such a special city. I am fortunate to have family there so we visit quite often. The Botanical Gardens are a beautiful place for a picnic Lauren . Great to sit and relax an afternoon away. #WanderfulWednesday
I love the look of the Botanical Garden. It seems like the perfect place to spend a relaxing afternoon. #wanderfulwednesday
I also have been thinking a lot about Sydney lately, as I have a good friend moving there in January! Hopefully this guide will come in handy next year!!!
I live in Sydney so I think about it daily. 😉 I will admit I’m a little disappointed in the Sydney showing in the vote. I thought we were better than that. Even in the top YES seats, there were still 20% NO. I think that’s highly embarrassing….but at least it’s still a YES.
Ohhh, Australia. I will visit you someday!!! My fiance’s family is from here, and I promise them constantly that we will visit. Sydney looks beautiful and that cup-o-joe looks delish!
I actually want to go to Australia next year. Let’s see if it is possible (fingers crossed I find a good black Friday deal). I would do some of these. I am interested in the food I can find on the city. I have heard there are great options everywhere. #wanderfulwednesday
I will have to check out the Art Gallery of NSW next time I’m in Sydney. I’ve been to the Museum of Contemporary Art in The Rocks (I suggest you visit this area) and I’ve been to the Botanic Gardens but I’ve missed the gallery. I’d also suggest Mr. Wongs for a meal but it is definitely not budget.
Never been to Australia, the loooooong flight with a toddler puts us off for now. Once kids are older we will for sure visit. #wanderfulwednesday
I love visiting art galleries and art museums so I’d be sure to head there but not before checking out the view on the Opera House, of course!! 🙂
I’m lucky to call Sydney home – we always take out of towners to that 360 bar, the views never disappoint. The Opera Bar at Circular Quay is also great for breakfast, coffee or something stronger with an awesome view of the harbour. Love this town – I agree with Alex, you need to come stay for at least 3 days to do it justice!
I am still in tourist mode in Sydney so posts like this are really interesting! I’m happy to say I’ve done most things on the list at least once, except for coffee. Yes, I still don’t like coffee even though it’s an absolute institution here. People take it so seriously and will get quite angry if you tell them any other country’s coffee compares. Apparently it doesn’t. Anyway! I hope you’ll be able to put this guide to use one day, too!
Sign me up! I’d love to visit someday!!
Great ideas for a long layover, I would absolutely leave the airport for a beer and fish n chips in the Rocks! And I always love the idea of treating myself to a fancy dinner
Sydney is an incredible place and it’s very difficult to see everything there if you don’t have much time. I was only there for a few days and it was clearly not enough.
Thank you for this article!!