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:
Manly Beach
Last updated: 09 November, 2022
Manly Beach is perhaps second only to Bondi in terms of global fame, but since it lies on the North Shore of Sydney Harbour has its own unique charms – and unlike Bondi there is plenty of street parking. Flanked by Norfolk pine trees, this 1.5km-long strip of golden sand is family-friendly, suitable for surfers and swimmers.
While you’re there
The beach offers regular, manageable surf breaks – great for beginner and pro surfers alike; many of Australia’s top surfers learnt their craft here. The local surf school offers a wide range of courses for beginners and experienced surfers alike. Kids’ classes start at five years and up. Adult students can choose from group lessons, one-on-one lessons, elite training or day-long surfing tours along the Northern Beaches.
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Destination Guide >Price: Free
Minimum age: Any
Age suitable: +
When: All year around
Getting there & doing it
Fast (and slower) ferries depart every few minutes from Circular Quay. It’s a very scenic 20-minute ferry ride across the harbour, then a short walk from the ferry stop to the beach. Driving via the Bridge takes about 40 minutes from the city.
The tradition on day trips to Manly is get take-away fish and chips to eat on the beach. It’s standardfare, but how often do you get to eat on the beach? Note: chippies are ubiquitous here.
When to do it
Sydney’s beaches are a delight any time of the year, but the water is quite chilly from August to September.
Recommended itineraries by our writers that include this experience
Our selection of the best Viator tours of this attraction or activity
Manly Snorkel Trip and Nature Walk with Local Guide
Sydney
Enjoy a relaxed 2-hour snorkeling and walking tour at Cabbage Tree Bay Aquatic Reserve in Manly, just a short hop from Sydney. This morning ...
A79 | Rating 4.72 / 5 [140 ratings]
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Our writer’s picks of the best places to stay near this experience, closest first
Wildlife Retreat At Taronga
Sydney, New South Wales, Australia[6.6 miles]
A luxurious wildlife retreat offering you the chance to spend the night with some of Australia’s most colourful critters, in the comfort of an elegant guest room.
Official star rating:
Park Hyatt Sydney
Sydney, New South Wales, Australia[9.8 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.
Official star rating:
Ovolo Woolloomooloo
Sydney, New South Wales, Australia[10 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:
QT Bondi
Sydney, New South Wales, Australia[10.2 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:
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
Taronga Zoo
Sydney, New South Wales, Australia[6.6 miles]
A world-class zoo overlooking the city and harbour – the ideal place to see your first kangaroo, koala or platypus.
Best for ages: 4+ | £25
Sydney Opera House
Sydney, New South Wales, Australia[9.5 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
Kayaking on Sydney Harbour
Sydney, New South Wales, Australia[9.7 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
Sydney Opera House to Royal Botanic Garden walk
Sydney, New South Wales, Australia[9.7 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
Manly Scenic Walkway
Sydney, New South Wales, Australia[3.8 miles]
The 10km path winds around the harbour from Manly beach to the Spit Bridge in Middle Harbour, through a national park of native bushland. The walk takes around four hours, with magnificent views and plenty of good swimming spots.
Best for ages: 8+ | Free | Up to 4 hours
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Experience
Fort Denison
Sydney, New South Wales, Australia[8.7 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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Experience
Luna Park
Sydney, New South Wales, Australia[9.2 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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Overview >
Vivid Sydney
Sydney, New South Wales, Australia[9.4 miles]
Vivid Sydney brings some of the world’s most creative minds and the latest digital light technology together to create astonishing installations that transform the city skyline and night sky.
Best for ages: 4+ | Free | 3 weeks
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