New South Wales, Australia, Australia · Trip plan
5 days in Sydney
The Opera House, Bondi and the world's most famous New Year's fireworks.
- Best time
- Oct – Apr
- Ideal length
- 5 days
- A day, mid-range
- $260 per person
- Trip for two
- about $2,600
Planning a 5-day trip to Sydney? Here's a day-by-day Sydney itinerary with what it costs, where to stay and how to get there, ready to follow or make your own.
Why go now
Summer runs from December to February, with beach days and New Year's Eve fireworks over the harbour.
Sydney is Australia's harbour city: beaches, ferries, parks and great food, with national parks on its doorstep.
- Jan: a good time to go
- Feb: a good time to go
- Mar: a good time to go
- Apr: a good time to go
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct: a good time to go
- Nov: a good time to go
- Dec: a good time to go
December to February: 20–27°C, sunny.
Don't miss
Best things to do in Sydney
- 01
Sydney Opera House
An icon on the harbour.
- 02
Harbour Bridge
Climb it or walk across.
- 03
Bondi to Coogee walk
A cliff path past ocean pools.
- 04
Blue Mountains
Eucalyptus valleys an hour away.
Day by day
Sydney itinerary for 5 days
- D1
Day 1: The harbour
- Morning
- Take a guided tour inside the Sydney Opera House.
- Afternoon
- Walk around the Royal Botanic Garden to Mrs Macquarie's Chair for the classic view.
- Evening
- Dinner at Circular Quay as the harbour lights come on.
Book Opera House tours online.
- D2
Day 2: Bridge and The Rocks
- Morning
- Climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge, or walk across it for free.
- Afternoon
- Explore The Rocks' markets and old pubs.
- Evening
- Ferry to Manly for sunset and fish and chips.
The bridge climb takes about 3 hours.
- D3
Day 3: Bondi
- Morning
- Walk the Bondi to Coogee coastal path past ocean pools and sandstone cliffs.
- Afternoon
- Swim at Bondi Beach between the flags.
- Evening
- Dinner in Surry Hills.
The Icebergs pool at Bondi is iconic.
- D4
Day 4: Blue Mountains
- Morning
- Train to Katoomba (about 2 hours) in the Blue Mountains.
- Afternoon
- See the Three Sisters and ride Scenic World's cable car and railway.
- Evening
- Back to Sydney.
The mountains are cooler; bring a layer.
- D5
Day 5: Home
- Morning
- Ferry to Taronga Zoo for koalas with a harbour view.
- Afternoon
- Lunch.
- Evening
- Fly home.
The airport train takes about 15 minutes.
Shorter or longer
Sydney in 4, 5 or 7 days
4 days in Sydney
Follow days 1 to 4 above and leave out “Home”. Start early each day and book the main sights ahead.
7 days in Sydney
Slow down with a free day for a spa, a cooking class or simply wandering, then add 1 day in Byron Bay.
What it costs
Sydney trip budget
| Style | Per person, a day | 5 days for two |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | $130 | $1,300 |
| Mid-range | $260 | $2,600 |
| Luxury | $600+ | $6,000 |
Stay, food, local transport and entry fees; travel to Sydney is extra. Rough guides from recent prices, so check before you book.
Where to stay
Best hotels in Sydney for every budget
What to eat
Food to try in Sydney
Meat pie
A classic Aussie snack.
Barramundi
Local fish.
Flat white
Excellent coffee everywhere.
Getting there
How to reach Sydney
- Travel
- Sydney airport is 20 minutes by train to the city.
- Getting around
- Trains, ferries, buses and light rail.
- Use an Opal card or contactless on ferries and trains.
- Swim between the flags.
Before you go
What to pack for Sydney
- Power bank and charging cables
- Passport and visa printouts
- Sunscreen and sunglasses
- Swimwear and flip-flops
- Clothes that cover shoulders and knees for temples
- A forex card or some local cash
- Travel insurance
Good questions
Sydney trip FAQs
How many days are enough for Sydney?
5 days are enough to see the highlights: Sydney Opera House, Harbour Bridge, Bondi to Coogee walk. Add a day or two if you like a slower pace.
How much does a 5-day Sydney trip cost?
Roughly $130 a day per person on a budget, $260 mid-range and $600+ for luxury, not counting travel to get there. For two people mid-range, that's about $2,600 for 5 days.
What is the best time to visit Sydney?
Oct – Apr. Summer runs from December to February, with beach days and New Year's Eve fireworks over the harbour.
Where should I stay in Sydney?
Budget: Hostels in Kings Cross (Potts Point), from about $50 a night. Mid-range: Hotels in The Rocks (The Rocks), from about $250 a night. Luxury: Park Hyatt Sydney (The Rocks), from about $900 a night.
How do I reach Sydney?
Sydney airport is 20 minutes by train to the city.
Is 4 days enough for Sydney?
Yes, if you focus: follow days 1 to 4 of the itinerary above and skip "Home". 5 days is the comfortable length.
What is the weather like in Sydney?
December to February: 20–27°C, sunny.
What food should I try in Sydney?
Meat pie: A classic Aussie snack. Barramundi: Local fish. Flat white: Excellent coffee everywhere.
How do I get around Sydney?
Trains, ferries, buses and light rail.
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