The Best Way To Spend 48 Hours

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Two days is not a lot of time to spend in a city as pulsing and exciting as Sydney, but that doesn’t mean you can’t make the most out of only 48 hours!

With so much to see and do, it’s not easy to pack all the amazing sites into a 2 day Sydney itinerary.

And to be honest, I wish you had more time because Sydney deserves longer than two days, but I know that we are not all blessed with a lot of time.

If this is your first trip to Australia, it’s possible that Sydney is your first stop and you want to get going.

This is why I’ve prepared an action-packed itinerary for 2 days in Sydney, so you can see all the highlights and the best that Sydney has to offer.

This itinerary has history, beaches, world-famous monuments, and some delicious food stops.

Are 2 Days Enough For Sydney?

Two days is not a lot of time to explore Sydney, but if you’re prepared to rush, you can see many of its highlights.

With as much going on as in Sydney, you’ll need at least two full days, preferably three full days, so try and fly in the night before!

I could spend two weeks in Sydney and not get bored. I grew up an hour north of the city and would frequently visit the city and always find something new and exciting to do.

But I understand that when you are visiting from overseas, Sydney is usually the first or last stop, and when you only have 2 weeks in Australia, there is the desire to see as much as possible.

Particularly if you are visiting from the US where most of you only have a standard two-week vacation.

With so much to see in this vast land down under, most tourists only plan for a couple of days in Sydney before hitting the Reef and the Outback.

If you do decide you want to stay longer, I have suggested some ways to extend this itinerary towards the end of this guide.

The Ultimate 2 Day Sydney Itinerary

The following itinerary is how I would suggest spending two days in Sydney if I was visiting for the first time. I’ve spent so much time in Sydney, I couldn’t possibly count the number of visits, and this is how I always recommend spending a couple of days to visitors.

However, this itinerary is not set in stone and can be tailored to your taste and interests. There are some suggestions for other activities that you might enjoy at the end, especially if you’re a nature lover or have kids in your travel group.

So, use this as a guide and adjust it to suit your needs, time frame, and budget.

The first day explores the unmissable highlights such as the Sydney Opera House and The Rocks District, whereas the second day is a more low-key, beachy day.

You might want to swap the days around, depending on how your jet lag is feeling and what you’re most excited to see.

Day 1: Unmissable Things to Do in Sydney 

The first day is about ticking off the highlights and most unmissable attractions. These are the sites you simply cannot miss.

If your accommodation is in the Sydney CBD, you can wake up early and either have breakfast at your accommodation or consider Gowings Bar & Grill inside the QT Hotel.

Then it’s time to head to…

Stop 1: Circular Quay

The best place to start your visit is in Circular Quay, and if you only visited one area in Sydney this is where I would send you!

The Quay is the main transport hub of Sydney Harbour and it’s here that two of Australia’s most iconic landmarks reside; the Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge.

Wander around the Quay and take an “I was here” photo in front of these famous structures and feel the pulse of the city.

There’s probably no other place that will jolt you awake from your jet lag and have you saying to yourself “hey, I’m in Australia!”

On any given day, especially a sunny day, Circular Quay is a great place to walk about or just sit and watch the ferries come and go.

Being a busy transport hub you’ll also find many outdoor cafes and restaurants lining the harbour, so if you skip breakfast you can grab a quick bite here!

Other places of interest around the Quay include Customs House and the Museum of Contemporary Art.

Stop 2: Royal Botanic Gardens

From the eastern suburbs of the bridge and Opera House, you have easy access to the Royal Botanic Gardens, in my opinion, one of the most impressive gardens in the world, certainly from a location standpoint. 

You can’t beat the serenity and harbour views and this is a great place to spend an hour or two in Sydney. Take a walk around the gardens to admire the many different types of plants and city views. You can also take a free self-guided walking tour.

If you’re into art, the Art Gallery of New South Wales is one of Australia’s leading art museums with five levels of art and extensive collections of Australian, Aboriginal, European, Asian and contemporary art. 

Stop 3: Lunch in the CBD

There are several options to eat in Sydney around the Quay and CBD, but I’m going to suggest these two.

Picnic lunch in the Botanic Gardens

A cheap lunch option is to grab some takeaway supplies, and maybe a bottle of wine, and incorporate it into your Botanical Gardens visit.

Pick a spot anywhere, or walk to Mrs Macquarie’s Chair for one of the best vantage points in Sydney with distant views of the Opera House and Harbour Bridge (especially awesome for sunset).

Cafe Sydney

For something more formal I recommend Cafe Sydney. Its prime position on the rooftop of Customs House offers the best of both worlds – spectacular elevated views of the harbour, the Opera House, and Harbour Bridge.

And you can enjoy modern Australian cuisine and maybe a cheeky cocktail on the outdoor terrace. 

Stop 4: Walk across the Sydney Harbour Bridge

Now that you’re rested with a full tummy it’s time to stretch your legs again.

I suggest a walk across the bridge, but of course, if you want the experience of a lifetime by climbing over the Sydney Harbour Bridge you definitely need to book ahead.

Don’t just rock up expecting to tick this off your list, it’s very popular. A sunrise or sunset bridge climb would be magical. 

However, a much cheaper option (free) is to simply walk across the pedestrian path and take in the same panoramic views on a lower level.

Or visit the Pylon Lookout where you get fantastic views plus 3 levels of exhibits to learn about the history of the Bridge.

Stop 5: Explore The Rocks District

The Rocks District is a historic area of Sydney near Circular Quay, and my favourite part of the Sydney CBD area.

There’s a story around every corner when you walk the cobblestone streets, browse the weekend markets, and stroll along the harbour.

Pop into the Rocks Discovery Museum and spend some time on the three floors learning more about the history of the area and the stories of those who lived there during the early years of white Australia.

Feely thirsty after all this walking? The Rocks is the perfect place to go on a bit of a pub crawl, as it’s home to some of Sydney’s oldest pubs. Grab a pint at one, or all of my favourites:

Stop 6: Dinner in The Rocks

You’ve had a big day so now it’s time to put your feet up for a bit.

I’d suggest either staying in the Rocks for some good pub grub or taking the short walk back to Circular Quay for sunset drinks and a bite to eat from some of the world’s best waterfront dining locations.

In the Rocks, the Australian Heritage Hotel is famous for its kangaroo, emu, and crocodile pizzas. So if you want to try real Aussie tucker this pub is where it’s at.

Back at the Quay, a top spot for a sundowner is the Opera Bar. What a way to end your first day than with a cocktail or cold beer and uninterrupted views of the Harbour Bridge.!

For fine dining and more of those famous views (you’ll need to dig into your wallet) book a table at either Aria, Quay Restaurant, or Cafe Sydney if you didn’t do lunch.

And there’s also the famous Tetsuya’s

Day 2: Beaches and Natural Beauty

With another full day ahead, I encourage you to rise early and either grab breakfast at your hotel or head to this morning’s first destination – Bondi Beach.

Stop 1: Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk

Bondi is Sydney’s most famous beach, and if you haven’t eaten yet, you can get a decent breakfast at the family-friendly Bill’s Cafe.

To get to Bondi, catch the train from Central Station to Bondi Junction, then a bus to Bondi Beach. 

From here, you will take the short and sweet Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk, which is one of my favourite free things to do in Sydney. 

A stunning coastal walk and the perfect way to spend a gorgeous few hours in Sydney

The 6km walk starts behind Bondi Icebergs and usually takes us 2.5 hours with the kids, and features stunning views of cliffs, bays, and rock pools and passes the beaches of Tamarama, Bronte, Clovelly, and Gordon’s Bay. 

And don’t forget your swimmers if it’s warm – the Bronte Baths is a good spot for the kids.

Stop 2: Lunch in Coogee

Depending on what time you start and finish your walk, if you arrive in Coogee Beach around lunch consider the Coogee Pavillion.

Or, if you want to do the loop walk and head back to Bondi, have lunch at the famous Bondi Icebergs for some ok food but the best views over Bondi Beach (this is where Oprah Winfrey dined on her visit).

We prefer the bistro over the restaurant.

If you want to head straight back to the city for lunch take the bus number 372 or 373 or call an Uber.

Stop 3: Ferry to Manly from Circular Quay

You can’t visit one of the best harbour cities in the world and not get out on the water!

A great and cheap way to experience Sydney Harbour with stunning views of the city skyline, Opera House, Harbour Bridge, and Botanic Gardens is to catch the ferry from Circular Quay to Manly and back.

In Manly, walk down the palm tree-lined Corso, hit the promenade on the beach for ice cream, walk around to picturesque Shelly Beach, or grab a cold beer at Manly Wharf Hotel.

Time your return ferry trip back to the Quay to coincide with the sunset behind the harbour bridge.

Stop 4: Dinner in the CBD

What to do in Sydney for dinner on day two? Well, you can go fancy again or go casual.

Consider one of the other options from day one, or for cheap eats consider family-friendly Chinatown or grab a pie, pastie, or hot dog at an Australian icon called Harry’s Cafe De Wheels.

They are famous for their pies and hot dogs and make for a great place to eat because of the convenient locations in Woolloomooloo and Haymarket.

Another place to splurge and get those special Sydney views is Altitude Restaurant, located 36 levels above Sydney in the Shangri-La Hotel, offering stunning views of the city in the evenings.

How to Extend this Itinerary

If you decide 2 days isn’t enough, then here are some other places you can visit if you have more time.

• Surf at Bondi Beach. If you have more time, I would spend it by the ocean. You can take a surfing lesson or rent a board and hit the waves at Bondi.
• Take the ferry to Watsons Bay. This is a great place to find more relaxed and quiet beaches away from the crowds of Bondi. Allow at least half a day for this.
• Take day trips. There are many places you can visit on a day trip from Sydney, such as Hunter Valley wine region, the Royal National Park, Featherdale Wildlife Park and Scenic World, and of course, The Blue Mountains and nearby town of Katoomba. See more ideas for day trips from Sydney
• Visit Bronte Beach. Escape the hustle and bustle of the city and relax at one of the most beautiful beaches near Sydney.
• Take the kids to Taronga Zoo. If your kids love zoos, they will love the Taronga Zoo which has both Aussie animals and international animals. The Sea Life Sydney Aquarium is also a great place to see animals.
• Watch the sunset from Sydney Tower Eye. This is just an observation deck and a great place to see some views. If you’re short on time, you can skip it and see amazing views from the Shangri-La rooftop restaurant instead, but if you have more time it’s something to consider.
• Explore the shopping district/Central CBD. The area around Darling Harbour is great for shopping and where you will find a number of boutiques. It’s also where some historical buildings can be found such as Queen Victoria Building and the Town Hall, as well as the lush Hyde Park, a tranquil urban escape that’s ideal for a picnic.
• Take the kids to Luna Park. If you have kids, they may enjoy Luna Park, a heritage-listed amusement park. It’s best to go at night when it’s all lit up and magical!

How to Get To Sydney CBD From The Airport

Ok, if it’s your first time in Sydney, let’s quickly cover how you get to the CBD (central business district), also known as the city centre, from the airport.

To get yourself from the airport into the city, you have a couple of options; hop on the Sydney Airport Link Train which takes 15 minutes to the CBD.

I recommend you get yourself an Opal Card, which is a smart card you can top up and use to pay for fares on public transportation such as trains, buses, ferries, and light rail.

When it comes to getting around the city, the best and cheapest way to see Sydney is on foot.

Several of Sydney’s highlights can be taken in for free or cheap simply by walking around.

Where to Stay in Sydney

On a short stay in Sydney, you want to maximize your time in the city and base yourself near all the attractions.

Your best bet is to locate yourself in and around the CBD, Circular Quay, or The Rocks District.

This means you can walk to many of the top attractions such as the UNESCO World Heritage site, Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge, whilst still being in a vibrant and exciting area.

Consider these budget, mid-level, or luxury hotels in these central locations.

Budget:

Mid-Level:

All these properties are in the CBD or Circular Quay area:

Luxury:

All these properties are in the CBD or Circular Quay area:

Before You Go

There you have it, this is how I suggest you spend two days in Sydney! This itinerary should keep you busy.

This itinerary takes in the highlights of Sydney for the amount of time you have, but hopefully it has also given you some inspiration to come back when you have more time!

Before you go, remember that the weekend is more expensive and hotels and attractions tend to get booked up in advance.

If you plan to visit on a Saturday and Sunday, save yourself money and time by booking accommodation and attractions in advance to avoid disappointment.

More Sydney Travel Tips

Staying longer than 48 hours? Then these other resources may be useful to you…

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