Five Days in Sydney and Where to Spend Them

Sydney is a fantastic place to visit with impressive architecture, golden beaches and wild nightlife just a few of its many attractions. With over 4.5 million residents to entertain, there’s certainly no shortage of things to see and do. If you’re thinking of booking Sydney flights check out the Globehunters guide to spending five days in Australia’s largest city.

Day 1 –

After a leisurely lie-in to acclimatise from your flight, Sydney’s most recognisable attraction has to be the first stop. Sydney Opera House’s unmistakable pointed arches are an essential photo opportunity for any tourist in Sydney. The Opera House is equally impressive inside – a one hour tour of its six auditoriums departs every half an hour.

Sunset over the harbour with Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Opera House in the background is a truly beautiful sight. The hugely popular Opera Bar is a great place to watch the sun go down, take some memorable photos of the Opera House, and then enjoy a drink or a bite to eat.

Explore Sydney Harbour and beyond

Day 2 –

After taking it easy on the first day, it’s time for some exercise! Kayaking around Sydney Harbour is a fun way to spend the morning and take in the various sights from the water. Many operators will give you the opportunity to make a day of it by stopping for lunch with a couple of hours kayaking either side. For an invigorating end to the day on the water, try the 75km per hour Sydney Harbour Jet Boat Thrill Ride which leaves from Circular Quay every hour. There are 270-degree spins in amongst the many famous sights on view including: Fort Denison, Rose Bay and Goat Island.

In the evening, the lively Rocks area of Sydney is full of vibrant nightlife. The Cut Bar and Grill in Argyle Street prides itself on serving only the finest cuts of meat and sustainable seafood – the steaks, whilst not cheap, are fantastic. Argyle Street is also home to the popular ArgyleXchange nightspot which combines good food and live DJs.

Soak up the sun on Bondi Beach

Day 3 –

Sydney enjoys a mild to warm climate and sunshine all year round so spending a day at the beach is a must. The famous Bondi Beach is found just outside the city and is a magnet for Sydney’s beach lovers, especially its surfers. If you’re new to surfing or need a bit of a tune-up, surfing lessons are available on the beach.

After soaking up the sun, spend the afternoon exploring the coastline to the south of Bondi. The walk south to Bronte Beach via Tamarama Bay is a gorgeous coastal stroll that affords wonderful cliff top views. Just make sure head back before it starts getting dark as it’s a 5km round trip and it would be a shame not to be back in time to enjoy Bondi’s nightlife - there’s a plethora of bars to check out along the seafront.

Peace and tranquillity in the Chinese Garden of Friendship 

Day 4 –

After a day at the beach, it’s time to explore the interior of Sydney the city. The impressive and almost impossibly thin Sydney Tower Eye is the second tallest free-standing structure in Australia. The golden turret at its peak contains two levels of restaurants and an observation deck which looks over the city. Then, take a stroll through Sydney’s Chinese Garden of Friendship; an oasis of calm in this bustling metropolis. Tucked away at the south end of Darling Harbour, the gardens are a world away from their surroundings and feature willow trees, colourful koi and some beautiful landscapes.

 

After a relaxing afternoon, you’ll be perfectly situated to enjoy the gastronomic delights of nearby Cockle Bay. Blue Fish Seafood restaurant serves only the freshest produce – try its renowned seafood platter. For desert, Andersen’s of Denmark on the promenade is well-known for its fresh Danish ice cream.

                                                         Dive with the sharks at Manly Sea Life Sanctuary

Day 5 -

Day 5 is all about animals. Manly Sea Life Sanctuary offers some exciting dive options including the chance to get up close and personal with its population of sharks and stingrays. For those looking to meet some less intimidating creatures, there are tank dives with turtles and colourful fish to enjoy. Whilst your there, there will be the opportunity to learn about the centre’s successful breeding programmes and see some other fascinating creatures including penguins.

Just 15 minutes south of Manly is Sydney’s Taronga Zoo. Home to an incredible array of animals, Taronga Zoo lets you acquainted with all manner of exotic wildlife. The Fijian Crested Lizard, Galapagos Tortoise and of course the indigenous Koala are just some of the many highlights – and all within sight of Sydney’s spectacular skyline.

For a big night out to round off your time in Sydney consult the Globehunters guide to Sydney’s best bars. Whether you’re looking for stylish cocktail bars, hidden speakeasies or absinthe salons, there’ll be something for you!

If you’re thinking of visiting, book cheap flights to Sydney with Globehunters either online or by calling 020 3384 6000.

If you’ve been to Sydney already, where would you recommend visiting?