One Day in Sydney, Australia: 2 Detailed Itineraries

Will you enjoy a cruise through Sydney Harbour and marvel at the iconic skyline from the water? Or will you journey out to Bondi Beach, a beach-lovers paradise featuring white sand and great surf?

In this guide, we list two different ways to spend one day in Sydney. On both options, you will spend most of your time in the harbour area.

Itinerary #1 is a bit more leisurely, with your day spent seeing Sydney’s main sights, the Opera House, Harbour Bridge, and Circular Quay. If you are arriving into Sydney in the morning, this is your best option, as there are fewer sights to see, making this one easier to modify.

Itinerary #2 includes a quick visit to Bondi Beach. You will spend part of the day on public transportation, but if you only have one day in Sydney and want to see its most popular beach, this is a great way to do it.

About this One Day in Sydney Itinerary

So far, we have visited Sydney twice, first in 2015 as part of our trip around the world, and most recently in 2023. I spent a semester studying at the University of New South Wales, where Sydney became my second-home and a place I will most definitely be returning to.

In Sydney, there’s no way to do it justice with only one day, and with so much to see and do, it was difficult to narrow down the top experiences into a one day itinerary. That’s why we provide you with 2 similar itineraries on how best to spend your day in Sydney. Both are fast-paced, but still give you plenty of time to enjoy the sites you’re visiting.

On your one day in Sydney, you’ll get to visit the top attractions, enjoy some incredible viewpoints of the city, and unwind at some of the finest restaurants and bars. We hope you enjoy Sydney as much as we have.

Overview of Sydney

Sydney is the largest and most populated city in Australia. Sydney Harbour and the Central Business District (the CBD) comprise the heart of the city, and this is where visitors spend most of their time. However, Sydney is a massive, sprawling city, with its suburbs extending out to the Blue Mountains and along the coastline.

With its iconic skyline, Opera House, and Harbour Bridge, parks and beaches, and location right on the harbour, Sydney is one of the most beautiful cities in the world.

In this one city, you can take surfing lessons, watch an opera, go whale watching, do a coastal walk, visit a zoo, climb a bridge, and have dinner and drinks at some of the best restaurants and bars in the world.

With one day in Sydney, we recommend spending most of your time in the harbor area, since it is stunningly iconic.

Best Things to Do with One Day in Sydney

Below is a list of the top places to visit if you only have one day in Sydney. For a longer list of things to do, don’t miss our Sydney Bucket List.

• Sydney Opera House
• Sydney Harbour Bridge
• Explore Circular Quay and The Rocks
• Bondi Beach
• Mrs. Macquarie’s Chair
• Ride the ferry to the Taronga Zoo
• Luna Park

Best Time to Visit Sydney

In general, spring and fall are the best times to visit Sydney. Crowds tend to be lower than in the summer months, while the weather is still solid. Sydney is at a great location where it never gets too hot or cold throughout the year. In the winter months, the low typically averages around 48°F (9°C), and the summer highs average around 80°F (27°C).

Winter (June – August): This time of year is perfect if you’re looking to avoid crowds. Not only is the city less full of tourists, but rates for hotels and airfares are also much cheaper than in the summer months. Plus, the weather can get a bit chilly but rarely drops below freezing.

Spring (September – November): For one of the best times of year to enjoy Sydney’s many outdoor activities, travel here in the spring. The weather warms up with averages around 66°F (19°C), and flowers throughout the city begin to bloom. It’ll be a bit too cold to get in the water without a wetsuit, but crowds will be much lower than in the summer months.

Summer (December – February): The most popular time of the year to visit Sydney, we only recommend traveling in the summer if you’ll be in town for one of the many festivals or spending time at the beaches. Prices for hotels and airfare are at their highest, as well as crowd levels. However, temperatures don’t get too high (averaging around 75°F or 23°C, although there are definitely days where it can get much hotter than this), making this the perfect time to go swimming, surfing, or sunbathing. Just be warned that UV levels can reach up to 13, so bring lots of sunscreen!

Fall (March – May): In early fall, crowds can still be high but quiet down quickly. The weather is perfect on a sunny day, with temperatures averaging 68°F (20°C), yet the water is still warm enough to enjoy a swim. In fall you can also catch the beginning of Vivid Sydney.

One Day in Sydney: Itinerary #1

The Ultimate Sydney Harbour Experience

This itinerary provides the complete tour of Sydney Harbour. By land and by sea, you’ll enjoy the beauty of the harbour from all angles. On this itinerary you will experience Sydney on a cruise of the harbour, which is an unforgettable experience, especially if it’s your first time in the city.

8:30 am: Breakfast
9:15 am: Taronga Zoo -OR- Sydney Harbour Cruise
12:30 pm: Opera House
1:15 pm: The Rocks
2:30 pm: Dawes Point Reserve (optional)
3:00 pm: South Pylon Lookout
4:00 pm: Luna Park
6:00 pm: Dinner
8:00 pm: Enjoy a drink at one of the world’s best bars (optional)

8:30 am: Breakfast

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel or one of the many cafés throughout Sydney.

We recommend The Rocks Cafe or Four Frogs Crêperie – Circular Quay. These cafés get great reviews and are in the perfect location to start your day. If you have a sweet tooth, consider grabbing a bite at Pancakes on The Rocks.

9:15 am: Taronga Zoo OR Sydney Harbour Cruise

You have two options on how to start your day: take a scenic ferry ride to visit one of the largest zoos in Australia, or spend some extra time on the water with a cruise around Sydney Harbour. For either option, expect some spectacular views and fun.

Option 1: Taronga Zoo

On a visit to the Taronga Zoo, not only will you get to see Australian wildlife but the ride on the ferry to get here is one of Sydney’s top experiences.

Taronga Zoo is one of the largest zoos in Australia, home to over 4000 animals. From a great range of local Australian wildlife as well as giraffes, elephants, and komodo dragons, there is an exhibit for everyone to enjoy. You’ll also be treated to more wonderful views of the Sydney skyline.

View of the Opera House on the ferry ride to Taronga Zoo

Another view on the ferry ride to Taronga Zoo

The view from Taronga Zoo

To get here, ride the ferry from Circular Quay to F2 (Taronga Zoo). This 15-minute ferry ride offers some of the best views of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, Opera House, and the Sydney skyline. On your way out to the zoo, you’ll cruise right past the Opera House and Fort Denison.

For information on ferry tickets and timetables, refer to the official website. Here is the timetable for 2024.

You have a little over 2 hours to fully explore Taronga Zoo. To return to downtown Sydney, simply take the ferry back to Circular Quay, in the opposite direction as earlier in the morning.

Hours: Open every day from 9:30am – 4:30pm
Cost (gate price): AUD $51 (adult) | $30 (4-15 years) | free for children under 4. When booking online, you can save AUD $5.
Website: taronga.org.au

Option #2: Sydney Harbour Cruise

For those that want the views from a cruise but don’t particularly have interest in visiting a zoo, we recommend booking a Sydney Harbour cruise.

The cheapest option is to ride the ferry from Circular Quay to Taronga Zoo. You can take the ferry farther, to Manly, but for the best views on the shortest ferry ride, the Taronga Zoo is as far as you need to go, in my opinion. This takes just 45 minutes of your time (cruising out-and-back with time to transfer). Get the ferry schedule and timetable here. 

Taking a ride on the ferry is the cheapest way to cruise Sydney harbour

Sydney Harbour

Another option is to take a tour. This sightseeing cruise lasts an hour and a half and cruises past the Opera House and Royal Botanical Garden. This sightseeing cruise leaves later in the morning but includes lunch.

12:30 pm: Opera House

The crown jewel of Sydney Harbour, the Opera House is a must-see. It’s without a doubt Sydney’s most famous attraction, and a visit would be incomplete without getting up close to this architectural wonder.

From Circular Quay’s wharf, it’s a 5-minute walk to the Opera House. You have plenty of time today to walk around the Opera House, take plenty of photos, and enjoy views of the harbour. You can also extend your time here and grab a snack/drink at the Opera Bar nearby.

The sails of the Opera House

1:15 pm: The Rocks

Wander the streets of this colonial neighborhood, grab a quick bite for lunch, and window-shop. On weekends you’ll even find a colorful, open-air market.

The Rocks | One Day in Sydney Itinerary

2:30 pm: Dawes Point Reserve (Optional)

Continue your walk through The Rocks to Dawes Point Reserve. This small park sits at the base of the Sydney Harbour Bridge’s South Pylon and offers great views out at both the Opera House and Luna Park.

Dawes Point Reserve

For a great view of Harbour Bridge, walk to the top of Observatory Hill, which sits next to The Rocks.

Observatory Hill Lookout

3:00 pm: South Pylon Lookout

Enjoy a birds-eye view out over Sydney Harbour. By climbing only a few hundred steps, you’ll be treated to one of the best views within the city.

View from South Pylon Lookout

From the South Pylon Lookout, you get a great view of Harbour Bridge, and you can see bridge climbers in this photo. Climbing Harbour Bridge is a memorable experience but we don’t recommend it if you only have one day in Sydney, since it takes several hours. But on a longer visit to Sydney it is something to consider.

To get here, you will have to walk through The Rocks to get onto the bridge (there are no stairs at the base of the South Pylon or bridge access at Dawes Point Reserve).

From Dawes Point Reserve and the Rocks, walk to the Glenmore Hotel. There is an elevator across the street that will take you up to Sydney Harbour Bridge’s pedestrian walkway. There are also steps a short way beyond the elevator if you’d prefer to take them up. If you visited Observatory Hill, it is just a 3-minute walk to the stairs and elevator onto the bridge (these are marked on our map above).

Once on the pedestrian walkway, it’s a 5-minute walk to the South Pylon Lookout entrance. You’ll climb 68 steps to get to the ticket office. From here, purchase your ticket and it’s 132 steps to the top, for a grand total of 200 steps. There is no elevator to the top.

You can purchase your ticket in advance or at the door. We purchased ours at the door and there was no line (midday in May). Get hours and pricing on the official website.

A free alternative but with similar views would be to walk across the Sydney Harbour Bridge, skipping the climb up the South Pylon. The pedestrian walkway offers similar views, is open 24 hours a day, and you don’t have to spend a dime.

The view of the Opera House from the pedestrian walkway of Harbour Bridge

4:00 pm: Luna Park

Luna Park is a colorful amusement park located across the harbour from Circular Quay. Featured are thrilling attractions, roller coasters, a Ferris wheel, and arcade games.

Luna Park

The view from Luna Park

The park is famous for the giant smiling face that acts as the entrance to the amusement park. The face is almost unsettling, especially at night when illuminated. It’s been rebuilt seven times and the history behind the faces is interesting, where some of the past iterations are downright terrifying.

At the entrance to Luna Park, you also can enjoy an incredible view of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, the Opera House, and the Sydney skyline. The header photo for this itinerary was taken from Luna Park.

To get here from the South Pylon Lookout, continue across the Sydney Harbour Bridge. You’ll find an elevator down to the road below, and from there it’s a 5-minute walk to the park’s entrance.

Get hours and pricing on the official website.

6:00 pm: Dinner

For spectacular, sunset views of Sydney Harbour, as well as delicious cuisine, we recommend enjoying dinner at Café Sydney. If you’d like our full list of dinner recommendations, take a look at our guide to Sydney’s best restaurants and bars.

To get back to Circular Quay from Luna Park, ride the ferry. There is a small wharf next to the entrance to Luna Park. Take the ferry directly to Circular Quay, or walk back across the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

The view of Sydney Harbour Bridge from Cafe Sydney

8:00 pm: Enjoy a Drink at One of the World’s Top Bars (Optional)

Do you still want to keep this party going? If you’ve got the energy, how about a drink at one of the world’s best bars?

Maybe Sammy is one of Australia’s most famous cocktail bars. In 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2023, this bar made the World’s 50 Best Bars list. With décor inspired by the 1950’s, creative cocktails, and bartenders who put on a show, put Maybe Sammy at the top of your list. Note that they do not accept reservations, so there is a chance you may not be able to grab a table. They are also closed on Sunday and Monday.

Maybe Sammy

Alternative options include Grain, The Glenmore, and The Doss House, all of which are located within The Rocks. The Opera Bar, which sits beside the Opera House, is another top pick. You can find our full list of recommendations in our guide to Sydney’s best restaurants and bars.

The view from The Glenmore

One Day in Sydney: Itinerary #2

Sydney Harbour, Opera House & Bondi Beach

This itinerary is the busier of the two. You’ll get to visit all the major attractions within Sydney, spending time in the main harbour area and Bondi Beach. You’ll also visit some of the best viewpoints within the city.

Do expect a fast-paced day today, but with a delicate balance that allows you to enjoy the sites. With so much to see and do within Sydney, you’re bound to have a full day of excitement.

8:00 am: Breakfast
9:00 am: Opera House
9:30 am: Royal Botanic Gardens
10:00 am: Mrs. Macquarie’s Chair
11:30 am: Bondi Beach
12:00 pm: Lunch in Bondi
3:00 pm: South Pylon Lookout
4:00 pm: The Rocks
4:30 pm: Dawes Point Reserve (optional)
5:00 pm: Opera Bar
6:30 pm: Dinner at Café Sydney
8:30 pm: Enjoy a drink at one of the world’s best bars (optional)

8:00 am: Breakfast

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel or one of the many cafés throughout Sydney. For recommendations, refer to the first itinerary on this list.

9:00 am: Opera House

The most famous attraction in Sydney, the Opera House is a must-see. This performance center draws millions of visitors every year and is known for its distinct sail-like structure, which is an incredible feat of architecture and engineering.

To get to the Opera House, follow up the eastern side of the harbour, past the wharf. Take a walk around the Opera House, pose for a photo on the steps, and admire picturesque views of Sydney Harbour.

You can even consider taking a backstage tour of the Opera House (but do note that tours run for about 2 hours, so you will need to alter this itinerary).

For information regarding tours or shows, look here.

9:30 am: Royal Botanic Gardens

The Royal Botanic Gardens of Sydney is a beautiful park found at the eastern edge of Circular Quay. The gardens make a perfect spot for views of the Opera House and Harbour Bridge. This is an ideal spot to stretch your legs in the morning and enjoy the beauty of Sydney Harbour. You’ll find one of the park’s entrances at the Opera House.

The Calyx

Located in the park is the Calyx, which is a public exhibition space. There is a small restaurant here, the Leaf Department, a shop, and floral exhibitions. This is a popular place in Sydney to host weddings and other special events.

Get hours on the official website. The Calyx is free to visit.

10:00 am: Mrs. Macquarie’s Chair

For one of the best views of the Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge, visit Mrs. Macquarie’s Chair. This viewpoint is located in the Royal Botanic Garden, on a peninsula that juts out into the harbour. The viewpoint is only a 10 minute walk from the center of the gardens. The views from this spot are spectacular all day long.

If you return in the evening, Mrs. Macquarie’s Chair is one of the best places in Sydney to watch the sunset

11:30 am: Bondi Beach

Bondi Beach is world famous. This beach is consistently rated as one of the most popular beaches in the world due to both its natural beauty and collection of restaurants. The wide crescent-shaped stretch of white sand and fantastic surf make Bondi a beach-lovers paradise.

Bondi Beach and Icebergs pool | One Day in Sydney Itinerary

The show Bondi Rescue has been filmed here for the past 17 years, where viewers are offered an inside-look into the lives of Bondi’s lifeguards. Due to the popularity of the beach, you may also find a celebrity enjoying Bondi’s beauty, if you’re lucky.

With 30 minutes here before lunch, we recommend taking a walk along the beach or sunbathing on the white sand. Be warned that, especially in the summer, the UV index can reach values of up to 13. Be mindful of your sun exposure, and sunscreen is a must here.

Bondi Beach also hosts the Icebergs Club, a restaurant/bar as well as an iconic oceanfront swimming pool. You have the option to swim in one of the most famous pools in the world and refuel afterwards at the restaurant upstairs.

GETTING HERE: From the Royal Botanic Gardens, it will take 45 minutes to reach Bondi Beach via public transportation. The 333 bus line will take you from Circular Quay straight to Bondi Beach. You can also get here a little faster using Uber but it will be more expensive.

12:00 pm: Lunch at Bondi Beach

For an iconic lunch overlooking Bondi Beach, we recommend the Bondi Icebergs. Not only is Icebergs an iconic swimming pool, but it’s also a high-end restaurant and bar that overlooks Bondi Beach. Come here for a delicious meal, enjoy a cocktail in the sun, and watch the surfers.

The view from Icebergs Restaurant

Another alternative is Bondi Trattoria. This Italian restaurant is located at the southern corner of Bondi Beach, and offers a lovely setting, beach views, and even better food. There are also plenty of cafes that line the beach that make a perfect spot for a quick meal.

3:00 pm: South Pylon Lookout

Return to the Sydney Harbour. To get here, take bus 333 back to Circular Quay or use Uber.

The South Pylon Lookout offers an elevated view from the Sydney Harbour Bridge without the time and money spent doing the Bridge Climb. This lookout is also one of the most iconic views of Sydney.

From the South Pylon Lookout, you get a breathtaking view of the Opera House, Sydney Harbour, and Sydney Harbour Bridge. There’s a good chance you will also see climbers on the bridge.

For more information on how to get here, refer to the first itinerary on this list.

A view of the Rocks and the city skyline from the South Pylon Lookout

4:00 pm: Wander the Rocks Neighborhood

The Rocks is the perfect place in Sydney to spend an afternoon. This colonial neighborhood filled with pubs and shops is situated right between Circular Quay and the Sydney Harbour Bridge. On the weekends you’ll find a colorful open-air market where vendors sell homemade crafts and street food.

We have 30 minutes today to wander this colonial neighborhood. To get back to The Rocks, walk back to the elevator on the bridge and this takes you to street level across the street from the Glenmore Hotel in the Rocks.

If you’d like extra time here, consider skipping the short walk out to Dawes Point Reserve, a small park at the north end of The Rocks. With more time, consider enjoying a drink at Glenmore, a historic rooftop bar and pub. If you’re looking for a taste of history, try the Fortune of War, Sydney’s oldest pub.

4:30 pm: Dawes Point Reserve (Optional)

The Dawes Point Reserve is a small park that sits just north of The Rocks, and directly underneath the Sydney Harbour Bridge’s South Pylon. You’ll find several notable viewpoints here as well as the remains of an old artillery fort.

On the east side of this small peninsula, next to the Park Hyatt Sydney, you can look across the harbor to the Opera House.

On the opposite side of the reserve, at Ives Steps Wharf, you can look up at the Harbour Bridge and across the harbor to Luna Park.

Dawes Point Reserve is open 24 hours a day and free to visit.

5:00 pm: The Opera Bar

We’re back again at Sydney’s most recognizable landmark. This time, we’ll be grabbing a drink at the Opera Bar, an outdoor bar located just below the Opera House. This is a great spot to get a table, a glass of wine or a cocktail, and enjoy sunset views of Sydney. From here, you get up close views of the Opera House and a stunning view of the Harbour Bridge.

The Opera Bar

6:30 pm: Dinner at Café Sydney

For the perfect end fn your one day in Sydney, we recommend enjoying dinner at Café Sydney. With a prime location on Circular Quay, Café Sydney serves Australian cuisine with a spectacular view of Sydney Harbour Bridge.

This restaurant is located on the rooftop of the Customs House, so with its elevated location, it offers great views out over Circular Quay.

The menu has a little bit of everything, with salads, oysters, seafood and meat dishes, small plates, and vegan options. They also have a long list of Australian wines that can be purchased by the bottle or by the glass. Do expect a pricey meal, but what you’re paying for is absolutely worth it, with spectacular food and an even better view. We also highly recommend making reservations in advance, as this can be a very crowded spot for a meal.

Cafe Sydney

8:30 pm: Enjoy a Drink at One of the World’s Top Bars (Optional)

If you’d like to cap off your one day in Sydney by visiting one of the world’s top bars, grab a drink at Maybe Sammy. Located just south of The Rocks, Maybe Sammy consistently ranks on the World’s 50 Best Bars list.

For more information and recommendations, refer to the first itinerary on this list, or our list of the 20 Top Restaurants & Bars in Sydney.

How to Get Around Sydney

There’s a great variety of public transit options for you to utilize on your one day in Sydney. Whether it’s by land or by sea, the city has you covered.

To get to sites such as Luna Park or Taronga Zoo, take the ferry. They run consistently throughout the day, and you’re treated to some fantastic views on your journey. For information on ferry tickets and timetables, refer to the official website.

Sydney’s light rail is great for transportation within the downtown area. Arriving every 5-10 minutes throughout the day (and offering delayed hours at night), this is a perfect option for those traveling within the city but preferring to save their steps. To board you’ll either need to purchase an Opal Card or use a credit/debit card capable of “tap-to-pay”.

Sydney also has a wide-ranging bus system capable of taking you to sites a bit further away from the downtown area, such as Bondi Beach. Just hop on, tap your Opal Card or credit/debit card (same as with the light rail system), and enjoy the ride. You can find timetables on their website, as well as at all bus stops throughout the city.

Finally, you can also use Uber to get around Sydney. We don’t recommend driving, as traffic can be a nightmare and finding parking is challenging.

Sydney is also a very walkable city. All of the downtown sites can be easily accessed just by walking no more than 20 to 30 minutes. Even at night, we all felt safe walking the city streets.

One more view of the Opera House from the ferry

Where to Eat/Drink in Sydney

With so many options for fine dining, rooftop cafes, hidden bars, and waterfront restaurants that boast incredible views of Sydney’s harbors and beaches, your choices may seem overwhelming. Luckily, we’ve prepared an article featuring the 20 best bars and restaurants in Sydney to help complement your trip. Cheers!

Where to Stay in Sydney

For recommendations on where to stay, read our Best Hotels and Neighborhoods Guide for Sydney. Learn where to stay for a great view of the Sydney harbour and get recommendations whether you are looking for a budget hotel, luxury hotel, or if you are traveling as a family.

More Information for Your Trip to Sydney

THINGS TO DO: For a full list of things to do in Sydney, check out our Sydney Bucket List.

SYDNEY ITINERARY: If you have more than one day in Sydney, take a look at our Two Days in Sydney itinerary, 3 Days in Sydney itinerary, and 4 Days in Sydney Itinerary.

RESTAURANTS & BARS: In this guide, we list 20 of our favorite restaurants and bars in Sydney.

BRIDGE CLIMB: In our guide to the Sydney Bridge Climb, we list your tour options and whether or not it is worth the big price tag.

BEST VIEWS: Here are 20 amazing views of Sydney.

BEST BEACHES: Here are 10 stunning beaches to visit in Sydney.

SCENIC WALKS: The Coogee to Bondi Walk is Sydney’s most famous coastal walk but walking from Spit to Manly is also very scenic.

BLUE MOUNTAINS: Get started with our article Best Things to Do in the Blue Mountains. We also have a guide on how to visit Scenic World, how to hike the Wentworth Falls Track Loop, and a detailed trail guide for the Grand Canyon Track.

If you have any questions about this one day in Sydney itinerary, let us know in the comment section below.

More Information for Your Trip to Australia

BLUE MOUNTAINS: Get started with our article Best Things to Do in the Blue Mountains and learn how to spend one day in the Blue Mountains. We also have a guide on how to visit Scenic World, how to hike the Wentworth Falls Track Loop, and a detailed trail guide for the Grand Canyon Track.

SOUTH AUSTRALIA: One of the best things to do in South Australia is to visit the wine regions near Adelaide. Plan your visit with our Guide to McLaren Vale, our Guide to Barossa Valley, and our Guide to Clare Valley.

GREAT OCEAN ROAD: Driving the Great Ocean Road is one of the most scenic drives in the world.

MELBOURNE: Melbourne is one of our favorite cities in Australia. Learn about the Best Things to Do in Melbourne and get a recap of our experiences here.

ULURU: In our Guide to Uluru and Kata-Tjuta, learn how to get here, what to do, and how to plan your time. We also have information on a great hike in Kings Canyon and a recap of our experience in the Red Centre of Australia.

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