Sydney is a city that has it all: stunning landmarks, beautiful beaches, vibrant culture and endless entertainment. But what if you only have one day to explore this amazing city? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. In this post, we’ll show you how to see the best of Sydney in one day, from sunrise to sunset. You’ll discover the iconic Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge, walk along the gorgeous coastline from Bondi to Coogee, visit the historic The Rocks and the lush Royal Botanic Gardens, enjoy the lively Darling Harbour and end your day with a thrilling jet boat ride. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, this one day Sydney itinerary will help you make the most of your time in Australia’s most famous city.
- Start your day at Bondi Beach, one of the most famous beaches in the world. You can have breakfast at Speedo Café, which offers a variety of dishes from healthy acai bowls to traditional Australian breakfasts. After that, you can enjoy the scenic Bondi to Coogee coastal walk, which takes you along six kilometers of stunning coastline and passes by several unique beaches and a historic cemetery.
- Take a bus from Coogee Beach to Circular Quay, the hub of Sydney’s harbour and the gateway to many attractions. From here, you can admire the iconic Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge, two of the most recognizable landmarks in the world. You can also take a ferry ride to Taronga Zoo or Watson’s Bay for some wildlife or seaside views.
- From Circular Quay, walk along the harbour side towards the Sydney Opera House. You can take a guided tour of this architectural masterpiece or just marvel at its beauty from outside. You can also catch a performance if you book in advance.
- From the Opera House, continue walking along the harbour towards The Rocks, a historic area that was once home to convicts and sailors. Here, you can explore the cobblestone streets, old pubs, art galleries and museums. You can also visit the Sydney Observatory for some panoramic views of the city and learn about astronomy.
- For lunch, you have many options in The Rocks, from casual cafes to fine dining restaurants. You can also check out the Rocks Markets on weekends, where you can find local crafts, souvenirs and street food.
- After lunch, head to the Royal Botanic Gardens, a beautiful oasis of greenery and flowers in the heart of the city. You can enter from Macquarie Street and stroll through the various sections of the gardens, such as the Palm Grove, the Rose Garden and the Herb Garden. You can also see some native Australian plants and animals, such as cockatoos, lorikeets and flying foxes.
- From the gardens, you can walk to Hyde Park, another green space that offers some shade and relaxation. Here, you can see the Anzac Memorial, a monument dedicated to the Australian and New Zealand soldiers who fought in World War I. You can also see the Archibald Fountain, a stunning sculpture that depicts Greek mythology.
- From Hyde Park, you can walk or take a bus to Darling Harbour, a lively waterfront area that has many attractions, such as SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium, WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo, Madame Tussauds Sydney and Australian National Maritime Museum. You can also enjoy some shopping, dining and entertainment options at Harbourside Shopping Centre or King Street Wharf.
- For dinner, you have many choices in Darling Harbour, from seafood to steak to Asian cuisine. You can also watch the sunset over the water and see the city lights come on.
- To end your day with a bang, you can join a Sydney Harbour Jet Boat Adventure, which combines unmatched views of the city and high-speed thrills. You’ll pass by Harbour Islands (Clark and Shark), the suburbs of Rose Bay, Watson’s Bay, Taronga Zoo, and more! This is a fun and exhilarating way to see Sydney in one day.
