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:
Surf lessons on Bondi Beach
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Credit Shutterstock.com/frenchiestravel
Last updated: 09 November, 2022
Australia has been obsessed with surfing since 1915 when Hawaiian legend Duke Kahanamoku toured the country. Since then, Bondi Beach, Sydney’s most accessible beach, has been synonymous with board riding of every kind – from longboarding to boogie boarding.
Bondi Beach is considered one of the best beaches for novice surfers because it offers consistently good surf – although the southern end of the beach, with its powerful right-handers, is generally reserved for more experienced riders. Many Sydneysiders have learned to surf here and Let’s Go Surfing, the resident surf academy, has been operating at North Bondi since 1995.
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Price from: £40
Minimum age: 7
Age suitable: 7+
When: All year around
Duration: 1 hour
Getting there & doing it
Getting to Bondi Beach by public transport involves a combined (and arduous) journey from the city by train to Bondi Junction and then bus to the beach. It’s much better in this case to book a taxi/Uber. Many people also cycle there.
Lightweight boards can be hired from a kiosk at Bondi Beach, so anyone can ride the waves. But there are dangers. Bondi has a number of currents (known as rips), hidden sandbars and dangerous breaks.
Let’s Go Surfing at North Bondi offers a variety of surf lessons for adults, families and kids. Private lessons are also available.
When to do it
The surf school operates all-year-round and while most people want to surf in the warmer months, winter is a great time to be in the ocean, with fewer people around, good waves and crystal-clear water. The school supplies good quality wetsuits.
Our selection of the best Viator tours of this attraction or activity
Surfing Lessons on Sydney's Bondi Beach
Sydney
What better place to learn to surf than on world-famous Bondi Beach? Here you'll find fantastic waves, sunbathing beauties, year-round sun a...
A99 | Rating 4.84 / 5 [145 ratings]
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Our writer’s picks of the best places to stay near this experience, closest first
QT Bondi
Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
This funky and relaxed mid-size hotel, with its playful surfing vibe, is just five minutes’ walk from Australia most famous beach.
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Bondi Beach House
Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
Live like a Bondi local at this stylish, homely guesthouse, just 200m from the surf of Australia’s most famous beach.
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The Hughenden
Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
Delightfully eccentric, this Victorian villa oozes old school charm and offers one of the handiest addresses in Sydney.
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Mrs Banks Hotel
Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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.
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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
Bondi Beach
Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
One of the world’s most famous beaches, with spectacular surfing and a vibrant restaurant and shopping scene.
Best for ages: Any | Free
Bondi to Coogee Walk
Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
Sydney’s best clifftop walk: a superb 6m trail along the headlands and beaches of this picturesque coastline, with plenty of swimming and eating options en route.
Best for ages: 6+ | Free | 2-3 hours
Sailing & Boating on Sydney Harbour
Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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
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
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
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
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
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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