3 days Sydney itinerary? You may think about how is it possible to see Sydney in three days. Well, as we all know how popular Sydney is and spending 3 days in Sydney is the least one can do but sometimes we just don’t have enough days to spare. So, don’t worry! Make your peace with the fact that you won’t be able to fit everything into this itinerary for Sydney but you will be able to see some of the best places.
This guide details everything you need to know to plan 3 days in Sydney as a first-time visitor – where to stay, how to get around, visa information, and what to see.
Sydney, the capital of new south wales is Australia’s largest and most cosmopolitan city that attracts millions of visitors both domestic and international in a year. It is one of the must-visit cities in East Coast Australia. From the notable landmarks, most decorative cafes, and amazing beaches, there are a lot of things to do in Sydney. While some places are in the city, a few of them are quite far and will require your own mode of transport.
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SOME INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT SYDNEY
1. The Harbour Bridge is known by the locals as “The Coat Hanger” due to its distinct shape.
2. Over 8.2 million people visit the iconic masterpiece, Sydney Opera House, and the original cost to build it was estimated to be $7 million during 4yrs but instead, it took 14 yrs and $102 million. Crazy, right?
3. Its sister landmark, the Sydney Harbour Bridge, was finished in 1932 and took 272,000 liters of paint to cover – just for the first coat.
4. The Sydney Funnel Web Spider is one of the most dangerous spiders on Earth, able to kill a human in 15 minutes.
5. Sydney has over 100 beaches within the city limits. The most famous ones are Bondi, Coogee, Bronte, and Manly beach.
VISA INFORMATION
Unless you are an Australian or New Zealand citizen, you need a valid visa to enter the country. Whether you are a student willing to go for education or a tourist, there are different types of visas. Click here to find the one that can suit your need.
BEST TIME TO VISIT SYDNEY
The summer months of December until February is the best time to visit Sydney. However, as someone who lives in Australia, I can say that the summer months are very hot and crowded to visit any part of Australia.
January is the hottest month and July-August is the coldest. Try avoiding the winter months of June till September as the rain and winds make it very difficult to explore any place.
If you want to avoid the crowd and heat, the months of late February and early March are the best. You will be able to enjoy the beauty of the beaches and explore the city at bearable temperatures.
HOW TO GET AROUND IN SYDNEY
Getting around in Sydney is very easy and you can choose between local transport, Uber/taxis, and Rented cars.
BY LOCAL TRANSPORT – You don’t really need to book Uber every time you want to wander around in Sydney. The local transport system i.e buses and trains are well organized, maintained and connected.
Purchase an Opal card to be able to travel on buses and trains without buying a ticket every time. There are around 21,000 opal retailers including many post offices, convenience stores, and supermarkets.
The best day to travel to a great distance in Sydney using an opal card is Sunday when the charge is just 2.70 AUD capped.
BY RENTED CAR – As mentioned already, local transport is good so you will only need a car for places that are far from the city. Renting a car for the last day is a great idea to save a lot of time and see far away places.
THE ULTIMATE 3 DAYS SYDNEY ITINERARY
Before starting with the itinerary, I would like to mention that when in Sydney, start your day with breakfast or don’t forget to brunch at one of the cafes. Trust me, you wouldn’t want to miss the good-looking yet tasty food in the cafes because when it comes to nailing that perfect-looking brekkie or brunch, Sydney does it really well.
After seeing this cafe culture of serving the food in the prettiest way in Bali, it was a happy surprise to see Sydney doing the same.
Depending upon your arrival timings and urge for exploration, you can either rest for a bit or go out to explore instantly. Feel free to change and place the spots in the itinerary as it suits you. Let’s get started with this fully packed 3-day Sydney itinerary.
DAY 1 – See the Sydney CBD – Opera House, Royal Botanic Gardens, Darling Harbour
Chances are high that you would be staying in the city or around Sydney CBD in order to make the most of this trip. The best way to get the feel of any city is to do a walking tour or ride in a hop-on hop-off bus. There are several guided walking tours in Sydney to choose from and they are highly informative.
Book your tour here:
Sydney Opera House
Undoubtedly, the most iconic and famous landmark that has made Sydney so popular is the Sydney Opera House. One can’t visit Sydney without seeing it and which is why it should be the number one thing to see during the 3 days in Sydney. Sydney Opera House is a performing art center that hosts more than 1,800 performances attended by more than 1.4 million people.
Reaching the Opera House is easiest whether you take a bus, train, ferry or coming on foot. Get off at circular quay and walk along the water towards Sydney Opera house. The architecture and design is a masterpiece and the eyes get drawn towards it.
To watch this impressive & iconic building in its full glory, visiting at sunrise is the best as there aren’t many people around. Walk along the harbor and the Opera house for different views and perspectives and grab breakfast from one of the cafes (a bit pricey) located near the Opera house. You can also choose to book a 1 hr guided tour followed by a meal and a drink at Opera Kitchen.
Tip: Opera house is free to visit but to watch a show you have to pay and there is no dress code. Smart casuals work fine.
Tour Information: Tours run daily from 9 am to 5 pm every 15 or 30 mins and last for approximately an hour. The standard price for the tour is 42 AUD pp. For more information, click here.
Royal Botanic Garden
Visiting the Royal Botanic Garden next is a very convenient option as it’s next to the Opera house. There is no entry fee to visit the gardens and they are huge. However, sometimes there are exhibits that have a fee and the fee will depend upon the exhibit.
If you love learning about the history of plants and all things associated with flora and fauna, this is a great place. The Calyx located inside the botanic garden is a hub for exhibitions, cafes, and shopping. Take a stroll around or have a picnic with a view. All the information about the garden and the current exhibit can be found here.
St. Mary’s Cathedral
Located 1.2 km from The Calyx, St. Mary’s Cathedral is a conventional English Cathedral plan. If you are an architecture lover then include it in your list of places to visit in Sydney. The architecture of the Cathedral is a typical gothic revival of the 19th century and it has the greatest length of any church in Australia (although it is neither the tallest nor largest overall).
The details of the architecture here are amazing. The Carvings around the transept portal include Australian flora and the interior is equally stunning with symmetry. It is a feast to the eye for all architecture lovers. Even if you are not into architecture, you can have a quick visit.
Queen Victoria Building
If you are up for some vintage feels, a pretty place to eat, and high-end luxury brands then definitely check out the Queen Victoria building. It is a heritage-listed late-nineteenth-century building and will make you feel like you have landed in a European country. The architecture inside is impressive and it’s definitely a great way to escape the sun outside to recharge.
Darling Harbour
The vibrant waterfront area of Darling Harbour is great for a stroll and is one of the most popular things to do in Sydney in the evening. It’s one of Sydney’s happening places with lots of fun things to do. There is no shortage of places to eat and drink with many restaurants facing the harbor and there are plenty of places to shop.
The area around Darling Harbour includes many attractions which are suitable for people of all ages and best for families with kids. Some of them are Madam Tussauds, Sydney Aquarium, Australian National Maritime Museum, and Chinese garden of friendship. With so much to see and do, one can easily spend a day in this area.
DAY 2 – Explore the North of Sydney CBD
Celsius Coffee Co.
Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Celsius Coffee Co. with amazing views of the sea. This is the perfect place for breakfast as day 2 of 3 perfect days in Sydney is going to be all about exploring the surrounding area of Sydney Harbour.
Lavender Bay Wharf
After breakfast, head to Lavender Bay Wharf for unobstructed views of Sydney Harbour Bridge and boats in the river. It is a wonderful place to spend some time and soak in the views. No matter whether you visit in the morning or in the evening, the place is just stunning.
Tip: For a truly unique experience, you must stay overnight in a boat and fall asleep to the sight and sound of Sydney Harbor in the background. Sounds romantic, right?
Luna park Sydney
Located super close to Sydney Harbour Bridge, Luna Park is a heritage-listed amusement park. Take on some crazy rides and enjoy carnival favorite food such as hot dogs, fairy floss, and more. It’s a fun place for people of all ages and a nostalgic trip down memory lane.
North Sydney Olympic Pool
Time to cool off the heat with amazing views of Sydney Harbour Bridge at North Sydney Olympic Pool. The Olympic pool facilities include a 50m heated pool, gym, sauna, spa, indoor 25m pool,
Entrance Fee: if you want to swim in the Olympic pool, the entry is AUD 8 but just to enter the complex, the fee is around AUD 3.
Berry’s Bay Lookout
Looking for a spot where there are fewer people but more peace then look no further than Berry’s Bay lookout. It offers a beautiful view of the bay and the bridge. It’s a perfect place to chill and have a picnic. The wider view of the city from this spot makes it a perfect place for watching the sunset.
Sydney Harbour Bridge
If there is one place that’s quite famous for the amazing sunset views, it’s Sydney Harbour Bridge. You will find many people enjoying under the bridge in the garden. I suggest making your way to the “Jeffrey St wharf” and picking your place by the water. You will have a close and stunning view of the bridge on the right side and the Opera house in front of you.
If you have only one sunset in Sydney, I highly recommend spending it here. You will be amazed at the beautiful environment and the vibes this place has. Take a stroll around to find as many angles as you want to shoot the Harbour Bridge and Opera House.
Sydney Harbour Bridge Cruise
One of the most memorable ways to end the day is to take a sunset cruise. The view of the Harbour Bridge and Opera house is stunning and unforgettable. Below are the 3 best cruise options to choose from. Make sure to read the description by clicking the link and book what’s best suited for you.
Book your tour here:
DAY 3 – Explore the beautiful Coastal area of Eastern Sydney
The coastal line of Sydney is beautiful. Some of the beaches exceed in beauty than the others but since you are only spending 3 days in Sydney, it makes it hard to see them all. Covering one single stretch of the coastline will save a lot of time, and fortunately, it also covers some of the best beaches.
I highly recommend renting a car for this day and having the freedom to drive and not wait for Uber or public transport. Renting a car will save a lot of time on this day.
Bondi to Coogee Walk
Start your morning early and do the coastal walk from Bondi to Coogee and be amazed by the stunning views, beaches, cliffs, and rock pools. There are a lot of fun activities that can be done along the way like kayaking, bird watching, etc. If this 6 km walk is too much for you then making a pit stop at every beach along this stretch is a great way to see them all.
Bronte Bath
The Ocean pools in Sydney are very famous and there are over 60 of them. One cannot visit Sydney and miss them. I have never seen an ocean/rock pool before, so visiting them was the most exciting part of my trip.
Bronte Bath is one of the rock pools amongst many. It sits right on the edge of Bronte beach and offers stunning views. The pool is big enough for the more advanced swimmers to practice and shallow enough for the little ones – and it’s free to swim.
It’s a beautiful place and an astonishing sight at sunrise. It is amazing to see the sun rising up while you are having a dip and being washed away by the waves. What an experience! There is no surprise that even at sunrise, you will see a lot of people swimming in the pool and exercising around the beach.
Bondi Beach and Bondi Iceberg Pool
Bondi Beach is Australia’s most popular and iconic beach that doesn’t need any introduction but honestly, I don’t get the hype. People who love surfing should definitely spend some time here.
Located at the southern end of Bondi Beach, Bondi Icebergs Club is an international landmark, and many say that no trip to Sydney is complete without a visit to these pools. However, I was disappointed to visit and felt it was a bit overrated.
It may look best at sunrise or sunset but I think it didn’t have a charm and If I had to choose one beach and pool, I will without a doubt choose Bronte Baths. It is way more beautiful in every aspect.
Bare Island
Bare Island is a heritage-listed island located in south-eastern Sydney, in La Perouse. There is a 130-year-old wooden footbridge that connects La Perouse to Bare Island. This heritage-listed military fort and tunnels can only be visited by guided tour. History lovers should totally take the tour and check this place out.
In case visiting the inside doesn’t interest you, this place is quite cool and equally stunning from the outside too. The water around the island is popular with Scuba Divers and snorkellers so one can enjoy the water to cool off a bit.
Since Bare Island is a 30 minutes drive from Bondi beach so you can choose to skip this place as it’s on the opposite end from all the other mentioned places in the Day 3 list.
Guided Tour Fee: Adult $15 per person. Concession $13 per person. Child $10 per person. Family $45 for 2 adults and 2 children.
Tip: Flying a drone is not allowed in this area as it’s a heritage-listed place. You can take pictures with a camera from outside. Free Parking is available but this place gets busy so allow some spare time to find a parking spot.
Diamond Bay
If there is one place that you absolutely shouldn’t miss during the 3 days in Sydney then it’s Diamond Bay Reserve. It’s a place that offers epic views and where you can spend hours sitting and hearing the waves crashing on the cliffs. It is located on the corner of Diamond Bay Road and Craig Avenue in Vaucluse.
With excellent views over dramatic cliffs, it is an extremely beautiful place. Every other corner has a breathtaking view and you can see all shades of blue from aqua to indigo in the distance. And hello there, the Pacific Ocean!!
The cliffs are highly dangerous and loose. Due to an accident in 2019, it’s no longer allowed to go down the stairs to see the views.
Tip: The best time to visit this Diamond Bay is at sunrise or at around 4-4:30 pm when there is still sunlight on the cliffs. Beware that it’s a dangerous place because the cliff is unsafe so be extra careful.
Hornby Lighthouse
Hornby Lighthouse, also known as South Head Lower Light or South Head Signal Station, is a heritage-listed active lighthouse just 30 mins away from the CBD located near Watson’s Bay on the tip of South Head. It is one of the best lighthouses and a perfect spot for sunset.
This iconic red and white striped tower is surrounded by magnificent views: Sydney Harbour to the west, Middle Head and North Head to the north, and the expansive Pacific Ocean to the east. It’s a great spot for whale watching in winter.
Hornby Lighthouse is an 850m walk from the parking lot which will take around 12 mins. Just keep walking till the end and you will be greeted by beautiful views and this cute lighthouse.
However, bear in mind that the location is dangerous as it’s a cliff and it gets extremely windy here. Make sure to stand at a good distance from the cliff.
Tip: You need to park your car at the Camp Cove Parking lot and walk towards the lighthouse from there.
WHERE TO STAY IN SYDNEY
Since it’s all about spending 3 days in Sydney, it would be better to stay in Sydney CBD (Central Business District). All of the places mentioned in the itinerary are close to CBD and can be easily reached. Check Booking.com to see what fits in your budget.
LUXURY – Four Seasons Hotel Sydney
If you are looking for luxury then there are a lot of luxury hotels in Sydney but the panoramic views over Sydney Opera House and Circular Quay from the luxurious rooms of Four Seasons can’t be beaten. The hotel also has a therapeutic spa and wellness center along with a restaurant and bar.
MID -RANGE – YEHS Hotel Sydney QVB & YEHS Hotel Sydney Harbour Suites
The YEHS has 3 hotels in Sydney CBD and all 3 of them come at different prices. They all have the same basic facilities but the YEHS suites have extra facilities like a swimming pool, fitness center, parking, and private parking.
BUDGET – Sydney Harbour YHA
This is the most pocket-friendly hotel in Sydney located right in the heart of Rocks district and boasts spectacular rooftop views of the Sydney Opera House, Sydney Harbour Bridge, and Sydney Harbour. The hostel features private and dormitory rooms, a TV lounge, billiards, and a fully equipped communal kitchen. The best part is that it’s a sustainable property.
FINAL THOUGHTS
So, how many days to spend in Sydney?
There is absolutely no doubt that Sydney is a must-visit during your trip to Australia. But if the question still remains the same for you about how many days is enough in Sydney then 3 days in Sydney is the bare minimum to take in the vibe of the city and see all the main attractions. If you can spare more days then anywhere around 5-7 days would be good to go a little further to see see the Blue Mountains and Stockton sand dunes.
Until the next post.
PLANNING A TRIP TO AUSTRALIA? DON’T MISS THESE POSTS.
- Travel Guide to Rottnest Island, Australia
- Perth to Kalbarri: An Exciting 4 Day Road Trip Itinerary
- 15 Best Beaches in Australia You Need to See
- 15 Unbelievably Interesting Things to do in Australia
- Perth to Esperance: An Exciting 14 Day Road Trip Itinerary
LIKE THIS POST ON 3 DAYS SYDNEY? MAKE SURE TO PIN IT FOR LATER!
All these photos are so beautiful Suvarna! I especially love the ones outside the opera house. Such a useful guide – I didn’t know any of those fun facts so thanks for sharing!
A wonderful guide! We were hoping to visit Australia last year but weren’t able to – fingers crossed we can this year! Sydney looks so beautiful and I love how you can find gorgeous nature not far from the city!
This is a great 3-day itinerary Suvarna! I cannot wait for the day I could finally travel to Sydney! It looks like so much fun and pools at Bronte looks awesome. 🙂
Sydney is one of my favourite places in Australia – I was born there! Great post for someone who is looking to visit Sydney.
Wow that’s really informative and so loved the pictures.hope to visit Sydney some day
I enjoyed your article about Sydney! I’ve lived in Sydney all my life & I learnt a few things! I think Autumn is time best time to visit Sydney & March is perfect. Typically we get warm, clear, sunny days & cooler nights with less rain.
I love all the photos and your outfits in each one of them, Suvarna! Thank you for the useful tips on where to get the best views of the bridge. I will definitely keep this in mind on my next visit to Sydney.
Lovee your photos! I’ve been to Sydney a few times but yet to do everything on this list. Can’t wait for my next visit!
Great detailed guide. I can’t wait to be able to travel again and continue my journey around the world and finally get there.
I absolutely love Sydney. I stayed in Sydney for a week in 2017 while I travelled around Australia and would love to go back. I loved the Bondi to Coogee walk. I have very fond memories of that day!
Great guide to a short stay in Sydney! I left before the Opal was instituted so it’s nice to have some information on that as well. Sydney is just as beautiful as I remember, thanks for this post.
This was such an informative article with beautiful photos. Australia looks like a dream. Hope to create some memories in Sydney some day!
Beautiful photos – you likely already know how much I adore Sydney 🙂 It’s nice you’ve done this by different areas and given ample time to explore each one. (I might be biased as I love Manly, but I’d probably do the Spit Bridge to Manly walk / enjoy the Northern beaches on my 2nd day too.) Loved this post so much 🙂
Great guide and love all these helpful tips. Also love your outfits and photos. Great info and will definitely spend a minimum of 3 days in Sydney if I finally make it to Australia.