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:
Australian Museum
Copyright Abram Powell. Courtesy Australian Museum
Last updated: 09 November, 2022
Founded in 1845, the Australian Museum is the fifth oldest natural history museum in the world, with a vast collection of plant and animal specimens, fossils, dinosaurs and cultural artefacts from indigenous communities across Australia and the South Pacific.
An ambitious AU$60 million renovation project has transformed a well-loved institution into something truly outstanding, and the smart new gallery spaces now allow the museum to host major travelling exhibitions.
There is a full program of tours, talks and special exhibitions, plus a wide range of educational activities for children, such as the Prehistoric Playground. General admission is free.
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Destination Guide >Price: Free
Minimum age: Any
Age suitable: 4+
When: All year around
Getting there & doing it
The museum is a short walk from the city centre – on the other side of Hyde Park. If you are at Town Hall station just follow Park Street until it meets William Street.
For those coming from Paddington or Surry Hills you will need to walk down College Street past the ANZAC memorial and Sydney Grammar.
Audio guides are available for major exhibitions and the gallery also runs a full program of events during the year, including lectures, workshops and guided tours. There are many special activities just for kids. See the museum website for details.
When to do it
The museum is open all year round, seven days a week. It runs special exhibitions and events throughout the year, highlighting aspects of the collection and tackling pressing issues, such as climate change and the loss of species in Australia.
Recommended itineraries by our writers that include this experience
Our writer’s picks of the best places to stay near this experience, closest first
QT Sydney
Sydney, New South Wales, Australia[0.6 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:
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:
Crystalbrook Albion
Sydney, New South Wales, Australia[0.9 miles]
Located in trendy Surry Hills, this cheerful little hotel is an ideal base for exploring the city, and for those who prefer an edgy, local vibe.
Official star rating:
Spicers of Potts Point
Sydney, New South Wales, Australia[0.9 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:
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
Art Gallery of New South Wales
Sydney, New South Wales, Australia[0.7 miles]
Venerable art gallery showcasing fine Australian, Aboriginal and Asian art in a scenic waterside setting, with over 30,000 works on show.
Best for ages: 13+ | Free
Sydney Mardi Gras Parade
Sydney, New South Wales, Australia[0.8 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
Kayaking on Sydney Harbour
Sydney, New South Wales, Australia[1.4 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
Sydney Opera House to Royal Botanic Garden walk
Sydney, New South Wales, Australia[1.5 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
Other worthwhile experiences near this experience if you have time or interest..
Experience
SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium
Sydney, New South Wales, Australia[1.1 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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Experience
Justice and Police Museum
Sydney, New South Wales, Australia[1.3 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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Experience
Boy Charlton Pool
Sydney, New South Wales, Australia[1.4 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
Australian National Maritime Museum
Sydney, New South Wales, Australia[1.4 miles]
Anyone interested in Australian history should head to this fascinating museum that showcases and explores Australia’s naval war history, Aboriginal history and its white settler history. Don’t miss the fully-restored, 19th-century tall ship the James Craig.
Best for ages: 8+ | £12
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