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:
Bondi to Coogee Walk
Last updated: 09 November, 2022
This stunning 6km coastal walk along the picturesque clifftops between Bondi and Coogee beaches is one of Sydney’s signature experiences, popular with visitors and locals alike.
The clifftop path takes from Bondi Beach, alongside craggy cliffs filled with wild vegetation, past the lovely Tamarama, Bronte and Clovelly beaches. There are rockpools, headlands, bays, parks and even a rather scenic cemetery.
You can stop half-way at the pleasant clutch of cafés at Bronte Beach for a burger or a fresh juice (and turn back again for a shorter walk). Take your swimming togs and have a dip along the way.
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Price: Free
Minimum age: Any
Age suitable: 6+
When: All year around
Duration: 2-3 hours
Getting there & doing it
The walk starts at the south end of Bondi Beach, up past the Bondi Icebergs club. The path follows the coastline and is well signposted. The going is easy (with a few stairs), and it takes about 2-3 hours to walk there and back again.
When to do it
It’s a brilliant walk at any time of year, but winter and spring are stunning. Go at sunrise when the path is quietest, the beaches are empty, and the light sublime. Weekdays are best if you want to avoid the crowds and maniac joggers.
If you can, time it for the ‘Sculpture by the Sea’ exhibition in October/November, when the footpath between Bondi and Tamara Beaches is peppered with 100 or so sculptures and artworks.
Our selection of the best Viator tours of this attraction or activity
Bondi Beach Walking Tour with Optional Bondi to Bronte Coastal Walk
Sydney
Discover Sydney's most famous beach, Bondi on a 1.5-hour easy walking tour. From its Aboriginal beginnings to the celebrity, hipster and tou...
A61 | Rating 4.8 / 5 [10 ratings]
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Our writer’s picks of the best places to stay near this experience, closest first
Bondi Beach House
Sydney, New South Wales, Australia[0.5 miles]
Live like a Bondi local at this stylish, homely guesthouse, just 200m from the surf of Australia’s most famous beach.
Official star rating:
QT Bondi
Sydney, New South Wales, Australia[0.9 miles]
This funky and relaxed mid-size hotel, with its playful surfing vibe, is just five minutes’ walk from Australia most famous beach.
Official star rating:
The Hughenden
Sydney, New South Wales, Australia[3.9 miles]
Delightfully eccentric, this Victorian villa oozes old school charm and offers one of the handiest addresses in Sydney.
Official star rating:
Mrs Banks Hotel
Sydney, New South Wales, Australia[4.5 miles]
Berthed in the heart of Paddington, this 30-room property is a pleasant alternative to the city’s big brand hotels and offers easy access to most of the major attractions.
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
Surf lessons on Bondi Beach
Sydney, New South Wales, Australia[0.6 miles]
Famous for its epic waves and thundering surf, Bondi Beach is one of the best places in the world to take your first tentative ride on a surfboard.
Best for ages: 7+ | £40 | 1 hour
Bondi Beach
Sydney, New South Wales, Australia[0.8 miles]
One of the world’s most famous beaches, with spectacular surfing and a vibrant restaurant and shopping scene.
Best for ages: Any | Free
Sailing & Boating on Sydney Harbour
Sydney, New South Wales, Australia[5.5 miles]
Sublime harbour seascapes, tranquillity and invigorating sea air await boaters on the world’s most beautiful harbour. A paradise for sailing and motor-boating.
Best for ages: 13+ | £40
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Sydney Mardi Gras Parade
Sydney, New South Wales, Australia[5.6 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
Sculpture by the Sea
Sydney, New South Wales, Australia[0.4 miles]
For almost 3 weeks every October/November, this internationally lauded (and free) outdoor exhibition sees 100 or so sculptures arranged around the (stunning) coastal footpath between Bondi and Tamarama beaches.
Best for ages: 4+ | Free | 2-3 weeks
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Experience
Wylie’s Baths
Sydney, New South Wales, Australia[3.5 miles]
This beautifully-restored Edwardian bathing facility, a short walk from Coogee Beach, offers a stunning ocean swimming pool, historic wooden changing sheds, a small café and wrap-around ocean views. Open daily.
Best for ages: 4+ | £3
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Experience
Boy Charlton Pool
Sydney, New South Wales, Australia[6.1 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
Fort Denison
Sydney, New South Wales, Australia[6.5 miles]
Built during the Crimean War, this little historic gem sits in the middle of Sydney harbour. It’s now a museum, with fascinating exhibits like a canon gun powder store and a tidal gauge room. Daily ferries go from Circular Quay.
Best for ages: 6+ | £5
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