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:
Kayaking on Sydney Harbour
Last updated: 25 November, 2022
Recognised as one of the world’s most beautiful waterways, Sydney Harbour offers plenty of hidden coves, islands and secret beaches to visit – perfect for kayaking. It’s also a great way to get out and appreciate Circular Quay and the major landmarks from a different perspective – the Opera House, for one, looks very different from the water side.
Guided tours leave from several locations, but Rose Bay and Balmoral Beach are particularly scenic, with sandy beaches, flash waterfront property and plenty of luxury boats. If you want to see some of the city’s famous landmarks, then book a small group tour from the Domain.
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Destination Guide >Price from: £70
Minimum age: Any
Age suitable: 4+
When: All year around
Duration: 2 hours
Getting there & doing it
For safety reasons, it’s best to join an organised tour rather than kayak independently. Sydney Harbour is a commercial waterway and weather conditions can change abruptly. There are several companies operating from bases on the lower North Shore, Middle Harbour and the Eastern Suburbs.
If you are staying in the city centre the obvious choice is OzPaddle, which is based at Andrew (Boy) Charlton Pool in the Domain. They offer a two-hour excursion, taking in Woolloomooloo, Fort Denison and the Sydney Opera House, as well as to other picturesque sites like Rose Bay. Open to all ages.
If you prefer to go independently, you’ll find several places to hire kayaks, including Manly, Rose Bay, Rozelle Bay, Balmoral Beach, The Domain and the Spit Bridge.
Rose Bay is accessible by bus or ferry, but you may need an Uber or cab to reach the best kayaking locations on the Lower North Shore and Middle Harbour; the Spit Bridge is a particular favourite among kayakers.
Since you are likely to get wet, if not soaked, wear shorts and a tee-shirt or swimwear and a tee-shirt. Take a dry change of clothes. A hat and sunblock are absolutely essential
When to do it
Kayaking is a year-round activity on the harbour, but the water is obviously pretty chilly in the southern winter (June to August). Mornings are best for kayaking, before the strong easterlies kick in.
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[0.4 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[0.9 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:
Establishment Hotel
Sydney, New South Wales, Australia[1.2 miles]
A glamorous boutique for the sexy and stylish crowd, conveniently located in the heart of the city, close to a lot of the major sights and attractions.
Official star rating:
Larmont Sydney
Sydney, New South Wales, Australia[1.3 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:
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
Sydney Opera House to Royal Botanic Garden walk
Sydney, New South Wales, Australia[0.5 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
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 Opera House
Sydney, New South Wales, Australia[1 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
The Rocks
Sydney, New South Wales, Australia[1.4 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
Other worthwhile experiences near this experience if you have time or interest..
Experience
Boy Charlton Pool
Sydney, New South Wales, Australia[0.1 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
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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Experience
Fort Denison
Sydney, New South Wales, Australia[1.1 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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Overview >
Sydney Museum of Contemporary Art
Sydney, New South Wales, Australia[1.3 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
