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:
Climb Sydney Harbour Bridge
Last updated: 02 March, 2023
Movie stars do it, footballers do it, mums and dads do it, even old ladies do it. Bridge Climb is the top attraction in Sydney – and must surely rank as one of the world’s greatest bucket list experiences.
Apart from a few short ladders at the start, it’s a surprisingly gentle ‘climb’ and not nearly as scary as it looks. Views of Sydney Harbour are (literally) breathtaking, and you’ll also learn the fascinating history of the bridge and the Sydney Opera House as you go. So be brave; this unique experience is a must.
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Price from: £110
Minimum age: 8
Age suitable: 8+
When: All year around
Duration: 2- 3 hours
Getting there & doing it
You have several options. The standard climb (the Ultimate) takes 3.5 hours, while the shorter Insider climb is completed in around 2.5 hours. The Burrawa features an indigenous storyteller. The Ultimate is promoted as the most challenging climb, taking the visitor 134 metres above the harbour. No experience is needed, but a reasonable level of fitness is required.
All climbers undergo an extensive training session before they are allowed onto the bridge and are attached to a safety rail at all times. This is a very slick, professional outfit, and nothing is left to chance. Book well ahead to avoid disappointment.
Avoid alcohol for a couple of hours before doing this climb – all climbers are breath tested. There’s also nowhere to go if you need a bathroom break, so avoid coffee and tea as well.
Children must be eight years and over to climb and be at least 1.2 metres tall. Those aged eight to 15 must be accompanied by an adult.
When to do it
Tours run all year round, seven days a week. There are day, twilight and night climbs. Mid-morning and mid-afternoon time slots are the most popular, but twilight and night climbs are the most atmospheric.
Our writer’s picks of the best places to stay near this experience, closest first
Park Hyatt Sydney
Sydney, New South Wales, Australia[0.3 miles]
A sumptuous five-star hotel in the best location in the city – under the Bridge, opposite the Opera House, with breathtaking views of the harbour all around.
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Shangri-La Sydney
Sydney, New South Wales, Australia[0.4 miles]
A big, luxurious five-star hotel superbly sited in Circular Quay, offering some of Sydney’s finest harbour views, excellent cuisine and outstanding service.
Official star rating:
Four Seasons Hotel Sydney
Sydney, New South Wales, Australia[0.5 miles]
Overlooking Circular Quay, the benchmark for five-star luxury in Sydney offers legendary service, sumptuous interiors and excellent food and drink.
Official star rating:
Langham Sydney
Sydney, New South Wales, Australia[0.5 miles]
An exclusive, sophisticated five-star hotel hideaway in the heart of Sydney’s historic Rocks, close to the spectacular Bridge and Opera House.
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
The Rocks
Sydney, New South Wales, Australia[0.1 miles]
The Rocks – the birthplace of European settlement in Australia – is atmospheric, quaint, vibrant and packed with great things to taste, see, buy and explore.
Best for ages: 8+ | Free
Sydney Opera House
Sydney, New South Wales, Australia[0.7 miles]
Magnetic, enchanting and still remarkably modern, this iconic Opera House is a must-see. Walk around the outside or book in for a guided tour or performance.
Best for ages: 13+ | Free
Sydney Opera House to Royal Botanic Garden walk
Sydney, New South Wales, Australia[0.9 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
Kayaking on Sydney Harbour
Sydney, New South Wales, Australia[1.5 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
Other worthwhile experiences near this experience if you have time or interest..
Sydney Museum of Contemporary Art
Sydney, New South Wales, Australia[0.3 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
Justice and Police Museum
Sydney, New South Wales, Australia[0.7 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
Luna Park
Sydney, New South Wales, Australia[1.1 miles]
This beloved, heritage-listed amusement, famous for its iconic entrance gate, opened in 1935. Today, it’s a blend of the modern and old-fashioned, including one of the last remaining wooden wild mouse rollercoasters in the world.
Best for ages: 4+ | £25
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Experience
Boy Charlton Pool
Sydney, New South Wales, Australia[1.5 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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