Sydney 5-day Itinerary
Australia
Where to go and what to see in Sydney to get the most from your trip – a 5-day itinerary from destination expert and travel writer Mark Chipperfield.
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Overview >Bucket list experience:
Art Gallery of New South Wales
Credit Shutterstock.com/EQRoy
Last updated: 09 November, 2022
Open up your creative mind and contemplate the rich collections here of Australian, Aboriginal, Asian and European art.
This venerable cultural institution has just emerged from a major refurbishment, including the addition of a new wing called Sydney Modern – due to open at the end of 2022. The gallery’s existing works, numbering around 30,000, are being divided between the two adjacent buildings, with Sydney Modern focussing on the work of contemporary artists from Australia and around the world.
The Archibald Prize
This highlight of the Sydney and Australian art calendar is awarded here in March for the best portrait of a person distinguished in Art, Letters, Science or Politics, by an Australian resident artist. All finalists are exhibited.
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Destination Guide >Price: Free
Minimum age: Any
Age suitable: 13+
When: All year around
Getting there & doing it
The Art Gallery of NSW (AGNSW) is a 10-minute walk from the city centre (follow the signs from the Sydney Opera House); it’s a superb harbourside walk skirting the Royal Botanical Garden. Otherwise, there is a modestly priced carpark next to St Mary’s Cathedral; street parking is very limited in this part of Sydney, and expensive.
The website has a number of themed video guides, including one on the museum’s secrets, worth a listen before you go.
The gallery offers free monthly tours on the last Sunday of the month, plus regular events, such as After Dark exhibitions and talks; see the website for details. There are special children’s trails and activity boxes, making the art more accessible to kids.
The new and expanded café is an excellent place for lunch or a mid-afternoon tea break.
When to do it
Open all year round, seven days a week. On Wednesdays the Gallery stays open until 9pm to host ‘Art After Hours’ a weekly-changing programme of tours, talks, performances and films.
Recommended itineraries by our writers that include this experience
Our writer’s picks of the best places to stay near this experience, closest first
Ovolo Woolloomooloo
Sydney, New South Wales, Australia[0.3 miles]
A glamourous, stylish hotel in a restored heritage pier, that’s also now a buzzing wharf, with excellent restaurants. Conveniently located just 15 minutes’ walk from downtown.
Official star rating:
Spicers of Potts Point
Sydney, New South Wales, Australia[0.6 miles]
A character-filled boutique hotel set in three grand Victorian terrace houses. A convenient location for sightseeing, in one of Sydney’s nicest residential suburbs.
Official star rating:
Larmont Sydney
Sydney, New South Wales, Australia[0.9 miles]
A contemporary hotel with affordable rooms in the heart of trendy Kings Cross, close to the city centre and good transport links. An ideal base for sightseeing away from the crowds.
Official star rating:
QT Sydney
Sydney, New South Wales, Australia[0.9 miles]
Located in Sydney’s retail and entertainment hub, this stylish and beautifully-run hotel makes a cosy home from home for anyone visiting the harbour city.
Official star rating:
Destination guides including or relevant to this experience
Sydney
New South Wales, Australia
One of the world’s most dynamic and glamorous cities, with golden beaches, world-class eating and dining and effervescent, friendly people.
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Overview >Our writer’s recommendations of other bucket list experiences our writer says you must do in this destination, closest first
Kayaking on Sydney Harbour
Sydney, New South Wales, Australia[0.7 miles]
See some of Sydney’s most famous landmarks – including the Opera House – from the water, with a kayak tour around the world’s most beautiful natural harbour.
Best for ages: 4+ | £70 | 2 hours
Australian Museum
Sydney, New South Wales, Australia[0.7 miles]
The Australian Museum, fresh from a two-year refit, is a dynamic, interactive and multi-faceted learning space for people of all ages and interests.
Best for ages: 4+ | Free
Sydney Opera House to Royal Botanic Garden walk
Sydney, New South Wales, Australia[0.8 miles]
One of the world’s great scenic walks – a one- to two-hour, wildlife-filled stroll that takes in Sydney’s harbour, the Opera House, Mrs Macquarie’s Chair and the Royal Botanic Garden.
Best for ages: 4+ | Free | 1-2 hours
Sydney Mardi Gras Parade
Sydney, New South Wales, Australia[1.3 miles]
An extraordinary and unique cultural spectacular – Sydney’s world-famous Mardi Gras parade sees 65,000 glammed-up marchers, 160 outrageous floats and tens of thousands lining the streets.
Best for ages: Any | Free | 2-3 hours
Other worthwhile experiences near this experience if you have time or interest..
Experience
Boy Charlton Pool
Sydney, New South Wales, Australia[0.7 miles]
Sydney is famed for its ocean and harbourside pools and this stunning harbourside pool is a stand-out. The Botanic Gardens are on one side, harbour views on the other. Great swim and sunbathing; there’s a fine cafe on site too.
Best for ages: 4+ | £12
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Experience
Justice and Police Museum
Sydney, New South Wales, Australia[0.9 miles]
This small museum, set in two former police courts and a former police station, was the original legal hub at the time of the settlers. Today it preserves the history of crime and punishment in the city, with exhibits on famous criminals, collections of weapons and restored prison cells.
Best for ages: 6+ | £7
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Sydney Museum of Contemporary Art
Sydney, New South Wales, Australia[1.2 miles]
Sydney’s Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA) provides an exciting and fun introduction to the works of established and emerging artists from across Australia and the world.
Best for ages: 13+ | Free
Experience
SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium
Sydney, New South Wales, Australia[1.4 miles]
Every city has an aquarium these days, but this is a good one, and great for kids with specimens from the Great Barrier Reef.
Best for ages: 4+ | £32
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