Guide To One Day In Sydney -Sights Beaches & Food!

 

Sydney is the most attractive, popular and oldest Australian city and captures tourists from around the globe to see its many attractions and beauty. If you’re a tourist who wants to explore the best sights in Sydney, spanning from the majestic Sydney Opera House and the famous Bondi Beach to the delightful Taronga Zoo, this is the guide for you.

In Sydney, Australia, you can find a lot of memorable things to do and exciting places to visit. Below is the perfect tourist guide to places to go to during your one day in Sydney, with entry prices, transport modes and what to do there for each attraction. If you have more time I have an extended Sydney itinerary for 2 days.

 

 

Places to go to during your one day in Sydney

The city has so much to offer, from amazing viewpoints, to the best weekend getaways within reach when you need a break from the hustle and bustle of Sydney. Although, if you only have one day in Sydney, below is the perfect itinerary for how to spend a day in Sydney. You can also supplement your tour of Sydney with tours to make the most of your time. There is everything from food tours, Sydney Bridge climb, bus and boat tours and more.

 

Opera House

Location: Bennelong Point, Sydney NSW 2000

Cost: Free (Additional costs for tours and events)

Transport Modes:

You can go to Circular Quay which is continuously served by ferries, trains and public buses and from there, take a six-minute walk to The Sydney Opera House. If you decide to take your vehicle, you can park at the public underground Sydney Opera House car park available 24/7 which is located at 2 Macquarie Street at the Northern end.

 

What to do there:

Stroll around and inside the Sydney Opera House and enjoy the view while you take memorable photos. If you have more time, take a Sydney Opera House tour which runs for approximately one hour from 9 am to 5 pm every 15 to 30 minutes. The tour is in English but is also available in French, German, Spanish, Mandarin, Japanese and Korean.

 The cost of a standard ticket for an adult is $42 per person. With the tour, you could also pay extra for ‘tour and tasting’ where you will sample the best of the local dining as well as experience the tour or to ‘tour and dine’ where you have a meal at the Opera House before or after your tour. The Sydney Opera House also hosts events such as The Nutcracker, Così and The Choir of Man, with the price varying for each one.

 

 

Bondi Beach

Location: Bondi Beach, Sydney NSW 2026

Cost: Free

Transport Modes:

Finding a car park near Bondi Beach is quite tricky, but luckily, using public transport in Sydney is easy. If you’re commuting by bus from the city to Bondi Beach, the bus will often operate from Circular Quay for about 45 minutes. The Central Station stations pass via Central, Town Hall, Martin Place, Kings Cross, Edgecliff, and Bondi Junction if you want to catch the train.

You can then catch the bus from Bondi Junction station that will take you to Bondi Beach. If you don’t prefer to take public transport, you could take a taxi or Uber, but it could be more expensive than taking public transportation.

 

What to do there:

Obviously, one of the best things to do is to take a swim at this iconic spot while visiting Bondi Beach. Go surfing, whether you’re a professional or a beginner, surfing is a great Australian recreation which you should most definitely try. Also, sunbathing is a great way to relax, enjoy the beach and soaking in the rays of the sun.

Taking a stroll around Bondi is another excellent activity to do when the sun is out and about. Go shopping throughout Hall Lane, Bondi Junction and Bondi Road in retail stores and souvenir shops. In and around Bondi Beach, there are many different types of eateries you should try whether you want to go to a pub or try a gourmet meal.

 

 

Sydney Harbour Bridge

Location: 5 Cumberland Street, Sydney NSW 2000

Cost: Free to Bridge Walk and price vary from $174 to $403 for adults to Bridge Climb

Transport Modes:

The best way to get here by public transport is to catch a ferry, bus or train to Circular Quay, according to Bridge Climb Sydney. Move up George Street from here until you come to Argyle Street’s corner. Taking Argyle Road, you will reach Cumberland Street as you enter the Argyle Stairs. Continue north up Cumberland Street from here.

BridgeClimb is situated on the street’s western side before the route curves below the bridge. If you are not doing the Bridge Climb, get a map from the Sydney Visitor Centre at The Rocks to access the Sydney Harbour Bridge walkway, or ask someone for directions. If you are going by car, there is available parking on Harrington Street, George Street, Cumberland Street or Argyle Street.

 

What to do there:

This among the most Instagrammable places in Sydney, you could go on a Bridge Walk on the Harbour Bridge, which could take approximately half an hour to complete where you can soak in the beautiful view and take loads of photos. For those you want an even better view and experience and are adventurous, do the Bridge Climb, but you are not allowed to take cameras for safety reasons. Visit the Bridge Climb Sydney website to compare different Bridge Climbs and to book them too.

 

 

The Royal Botanic Garden

Location: Mrs Macquarie’s Road, Sydney NSW 2000

Cost: Entry is free

Transport Modes:

Martin Place, St James, and Circular Quay are the nearest station. According to the Royal Botanic Garden, there are bus stops nearby Martin Place and Circular Quay, the 441 route (Balmain via QVB Building) leaves York Street, Town Hall on weekdays from 10 am to 5 pm and stops outside NSW’s Art Gallery.

You can take a ferry ride and can enter the Royal Botanical Garden at either the Opera House Gate or the Queen Elizabeth II Gate. If you’re driving to the Royal Botanic Garden, parking on Mrs Macquaries Road Hospital Road and Macquarie Street is free 24 hours a day.

 

What to do there:

There are so many great things to do during your visit to the Royal Botanic Garden. You can visit The Calyx which is filled with activities and events, offers food and shopping opportunities too. Stroll around the Garden to see their exotic and native plants.

Join one of their guided tours and walks to hear stories of the first people on the land, how the Royal Botanic Garden was discovered and discover the plants they grow. Finally, take the Choo Choo Express where your guide will explain the history of the Garden and its plants while showing you the landmarks of Sydney while you are on a mini train.

 

 

Taronga Zoo

Location: Bradleys Head Rd, Mosman NSW 2088

Cost: $46 entrance fee for adults and $26 entrance fee for children (4-15 years old)

Transport Modes:

Taronga Zoo is a 12-minute ferry ride from Circular Quay when you catch a ferry. Sydney Ferries depart every 30 minutes from Circular Quay. If you take the bus, the Metro Bus runs from Central, Town Hall and Wynyard train stations every 10-15 minutes to Taronga Zoo.

If you’re travelling by train, at Circular Quay train station, passengers can switch and enter the ferry to Taronga Zoo. Parking is available at Taronga Zoo and Bradleys Head Road entrance fee is $18 for all-day parking if you are going by car.

 

What to do there:

Taronga Zoo has so many fun activities for you to join, especially for little ones including the Sky Safari, Wild Ropes, Tiger Trek, Elephant Tower Experience, Seal Show, Pat a Pet, Koala Encounter, Meerkat and Reptile Keeper Talk and so much more. There are also Wild Rope courses for adults and children and can take anywhere from 45 minutes to 2 hours where you will see the view of the zoo.

Go take a tour around the zoo where you can choose three types; Taronga’s Wild Australia Experience, the VIP Aussie Gold Tour and the Wildlife Hospital Tour.

 

 

Cockatoo Island

Location: Cockatoo Island, Sydney NSW 2000

Cost: Entry is free

Transport Modes:

Catching the ferry is the easiest way to get to Cockatoo Island, so you can take a bus, taxi or park your car near the ferry wharves at Woolwich, Greenwich, Chiswick, Huntleys Point, Drummoyne, Birchgrove and Balmain, and then get on the ferry. The F3 and F8 facilities run regularly from Circular Quay, Darling Harbour and Barangaroo as well as from wharves along the Parramatta River to Cockatoo Island.

 

What to do there:

Cockatoo Island is open seven days a week, and the Visitor Centre operates from 10 am to 4 pm daily. Cockatoo Island offers frequent tours for people of different ages and interests, such as the Haunted History, Crooked Character and Convict Precinct tours as well as audio tours on demand and their adult-only paranormal tours. Go kayaking around where they once built the historic ships in Sydney.

You need to bring one with you if you want to go kayaking, as there are no kayaks available for hire on Cockatoo Island. If you are feeling hungry, both of their cafes, Societé Overboard and Marina Café & Bar, are open from Monday to Sunday.

 

 

The Rocks

Location: The Rocks, Sydney NSW 2000

Cost: Entry is free

Transport Modes:

For buses travelling down Elizabeth Street through the CBD, get off the Bridge Street bus and head north to The Rocks. Catch a ferry to Circular Quay, and you’re just a short walk away if you want to catch the ferry. You can also take the train to Circular Quay, travel to Sydney Harbour Bridge, and you’re just a short walk away.

If you’re coming from Wynyard station, head north down George Street to the harbour, and you’ll arrive in 10 minutes. If you want to catch a taxi, you’ll pass taxi queues on George Street at Playfair Lane, George Street at Metcalfe Arcade, Overseas Passenger Terminal, and Alfred Street at Circular Quay. Paid street parking is available at The Rocks on Harrington, Cumberland, Argyle, Essex and Gloucester Street if you’re travelling by car.

 

What to do there:

Attend The Rocks Market at Jack Mundey Place and Playfair Street every Friday and at Jack Mundey Place, Playfair Street and George Street every Saturday and Sunday. Attend stall listings selling hand-crafted products by talented artists and makers and free workshops like perfume making as well as festive stalls during Christmas.

Go to events at the Museum of Contemporary Art or take advantage of the offers at restaurants and cafes like 10 cent wings on Wednesday, kids eat free every Sunday or $1 dumplings every Tuesday. For additional tips on markets in Sydney, check out my blog post.

 

 

Where To Stay In Sydney

Sydney is not exactly a cheap city to visit let along stay in. I have covered where I stay in Sydney on the blog in addition to a full guide on best areas to stay in Sydney. This covers budget, mid-range and luxury hotel accommodation. I have also detailed best areas to stay in Sydney for tourists, those visiting with kids and family. There are plenty of hostels, apartments and luxury hotels to choose from in Sydney. I would strongly advise on booking as early as possible particularly if staying in budget accommodation. For a full list of hotels in Sydney click here.

 

 

Best Time To Visit Australia

If you are visiting Australia from Europe remember that while we have winter towards the end of the year, Australia is just starting to get into the summer months. So if you love sunshine and have Australian beaches on your bucket list then the best time to visit Sydney is December onwards. I have also covered this in more detail in my post on planning a trip to Australia.

 

Recommended Reading:

 

Planning a trip to Australia? Also Read:

• Visiting Australia On A Solo Trip
• Guide To 5 Days In Melbourne
• Where To Stay In Sydney For New Years
• Unmissable Hosier Lane In Melbourne
• Combing Sydney & Melbourne In One Itinerary

 

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