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:
Sydney Festival
Courtesy of Sydney Festival. Photo Jacquie Manning
Last updated: 29 May, 2023
This annual three-week January festival is the major showpiece of Sydney’s vibrant and internationally renowned performing arts scene. It’s Australia’s premier arts and culture festival and a highlight of the city’s vibrant annual event calendar.
It attracts big-name musical, theatrical and dance acts – primarily international performers, with a smattering of local and indigenous acts – many of whom would otherwise never come to Australia.
From major spectacles to small-stage performances, the rich programme of over 100 events involving more than 1,000 artists offers something for all ages and tastes. Dip in and dip out.
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Destination Guide >Price: Free
Minimum age: Any
Age suitable: 13+
Frequency: annually
When: First 3 weeks of Jan
Duration: 3 weeks
Getting there & doing it
Events are held in venues across the city, and the major events are ticketed. There are also a number of free events such as the Opening Night, Symphony Under the Stars and the Ferrython on Sydney Harbour, which are often the best events of all.
When to do it
The festival is held in the first three full weeks of January each year.
Recommended itineraries by our writers that include this experience
Our writer’s picks of the best places to stay near this experience, closest first
Park Hyatt Sydney
Sydney, New South Wales, Australia[0.4 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:
Four Seasons Hotel Sydney
Sydney, New South Wales, Australia[1 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:
Shangri-La Sydney
Sydney, New South Wales, Australia[1.1 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:
Langham Sydney
Sydney, New South Wales, Australia[1.1 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
Sydney Opera House
Sydney, New South Wales, Australia[0.6 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[0.6 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
Climb Sydney Harbour Bridge
Sydney, New South Wales, Australia[0.6 miles]
A unique and unforgettable adventure offering breathtaking views of Sydney Harbour and fascinating historical insights; the city’s ultimate must-do. One of the world’s great bucket list experiences.
Best for ages: 8+ | £110 | 2- 3 hours
Sydney Opera House to Royal Botanic Garden walk
Sydney, New South Wales, Australia[1.1 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..
Vivid Sydney
Sydney, New South Wales, Australia[0 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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Experience
Luna Park
Sydney, New South Wales, Australia[0.6 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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Sydney Museum of Contemporary Art
Sydney, New South Wales, Australia[0.8 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[1.1 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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