Visiting Sydney for the first time can be as overwhelming as it is exciting. The harbour city is full of scenic highlights, so where should you start if you’ve only got one day in Sydney?
This Sydney itinerary is a whirlwind tour of the city’s highlights.
You’ll join the city’s early risers to start your day, and you’ll end safe in the knowledge you’ve experienced some of the very best Sydney has to offer.
Let’s get started.
Sydney 1 Day Itinerary
Morning
With just one day in Sydney, you’ll start bright and early, heading straight to Bondi Beach on the 333 bus from the city.
When you reach Bondi Beach, pick up a coffee from Glory Days cafe at Bondi Pavilion. Enjoy the views out over Bondi Beach where early risers are already running the promenade, swimming in the ocean, and catching the first waves of the day.
And for you? You’ll be taking on the Bondi to Coogee coastal walk. At a tidy 6km, dotted with beaches, and featuring expansive ocean views the entire way, this Sydney walk hits the coastal highlights. From Bondi Pavillion you’ll head off towards Bondi Icebergs where the Bondi to Coogee coastal walk begins.
After just over a kilometre of walking you’ll pass Tamarama Beach and carry on around the coast to Bronte Beach. You’re probably feeling peckish by now so take the opportunity to stop in for breakfast at The Coop on Bronte Road.
All fuelled up, the walk from Bronte to Coogee is 4km, passing Clovelly Beach and Gordons Bay along the way. Have a breather at Coogee (and maybe a swim!) before taking the bus back into the city (the 373 and 374 will get you there).
Afternoon
Both buses back to the city from Coogee Beach will see you alight in the city either around Hyde Park or Central Station.
From there you’ll make your way through Sydney CBD to Circular Quay. You can take the light rail down George St or can enjoy a leisurely self-guided walk, passing some of the city’s highlights such as St Mary’s Cathedral, Sydney Tower, Sydney Town Hall, and the Queen Victoria Building.
From Circular Quay it’s time to experience the very best way to get around Sydney when you board the ferry to Manly. This ferry trip across Sydney Harbour will see you pass the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Sydney Opera House, so be sure to grab a seat on the outside seating and have your camera ready for the photo ops.
At Manly you’ll make your way from the ferry wharf down The Corso, browsing the weekly markets if you happen to be visiting on a Saturday or Sunday. At the end of The Corso is Manly Beach. This is your lunch stop. Grab takeaway fish and chips and find a spot on the beach, or head into one of the many waterfront restaurants like The Pantry or Little Pearl.
After lunch enjoy a walk around to Shelly Beach before heading to Manly Wharf to take the ferry back to Circular Quay.
If you’ve still got enough daylight hours before the gates lock at the Royal Botanic Garden, it’s well worth a wander around the harbour. You can see giant harbourside fig trees, the quiet beauty of The Sydney Fernery, and the iconic photo spot at Mrs Macquaries Point.
Evening
As the sun sets on Sydney, give yourself a front row seat to the beauty of the harbour as you enjoy dinner and drinks with a view.
Take your pick from the harbourside dining and live music at Opera Bar, or a view from the top at one of Sydney’s scenic rooftop bars.
Try Aster at the InterContinental for sophistication with harbour views (reservations are essential) or for a more casual atmosphere, The Glenmore Hotel in The Rocks is your go-to. For something in between, head to The Library Bar with its home atop Australia’s oldest library.
And there you have it, it’s time to raise a toast to Sydney, and to you. You’ve hit the highlights, from dawn to dusk. All that’s left to do is start planning your next visit to the harbour city.
Sydney Tips for First Time Visitors
Transport: Sydney has a great public transport network that includes trains, metro, light rail, buses, and ferries. If you don’t have an Opal Card, you can tap on and off with you credit card, debit card, or device to pay for your public transport in and around Sydney. It really is that easy. No need to battle Sydney traffic or struggle to find a car parking spot.
Where to stay: if you only have a day in Sydney, it’s best to stay centrally. There’s options at all price points from shared dorm rooms at hostels to luxury harbour view hotels, and everything in between. Staying in Sydney CBD means you’ll save time commuting into and out of the city and instead be able to spend that time jam-packing your day with the best there is to see and do in Sydney. And when it’s time to head to Sydney airport, you can take the train direct from the city or book a shuttle with a central pick-up.
