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 Fish Market
Credit Shutterstock.com/ChameleonsEye
Last updated: 09 November, 2022
It’s noisy, crowded and usually smelly, but the Fish Market is a much-loved part of the Sydney culinary scene. The site is home to a retail and wholesale fish market, plus a small working port and excellent seafood cooking school.
Drop in for a plate of sushi, some fresh oysters or piping hot fish n chips. It’s worth the trip just to wander around the kaleidoscopic displays of shellfish, giant tuna and lobsters. These are the dying days of the market – a brand spanking new facility is under construction across the water in Blackwattle Bay; due to open in 2023.
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Destination Guide >Price: Free
Minimum age: Any
Age suitable: 13+
When: All year around
Getting there & doing it
Pyrmont is about 15-minutes by cab from the city, but it’s easier to catch the Metro Light Rail from Central Station, Haymarket or Darling Harbour. The Fish Market stop is opposite the main entrance. Train services run every 15 minutes.
Do it alone, or better still book in advance online for a fascinating 1.5-hour behind-the-scenes tour, run Tuesday to Friday. It’s an early start (6.40am), but well worth it; an expert guide will take you around all facets of the market and its operations, including the auction floor, and crab and lobster pen. Book them directly on the official website.
When to do it
Retailers open all year round, seven days a week. Behind-the-scenes tours run 6.40am-8.30am.
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Our writer’s picks of the best places to stay near this experience, closest first
QT Sydney
Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
Located in Sydney’s retail and entertainment hub, this stylish and beautifully-run hotel makes a cosy home from home for anyone visiting the harbour city.
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Crown Towers Sydney
Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
Located on the water’s edge in Barangaroo, this opulent high-rise city hotel is aimed at high-flyers, but would suit anyone with a taste for excess.
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Langham Sydney
Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
An exclusive, sophisticated five-star hotel hideaway in the heart of Sydney’s historic Rocks, close to the spectacular Bridge and Opera House.
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Establishment Hotel
Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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.
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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
Australian Museum
Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
The Australian Museum, fresh from a two-year refit, is a dynamic, interactive and multi-faceted learning space for people of all ages and interests.
Best for ages: 4+ | Free
Climb Sydney Harbour Bridge
Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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
The Rocks
Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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
Art Gallery of New South Wales
Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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
Other worthwhile experiences near this experience if you have time or interest..
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Australian National Maritime Museum
Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
Anyone interested in Australian history should head to this fascinating museum that showcases and explores Australia’s naval war history, Aboriginal history and its white settler history. Don’t miss the fully-restored, 19th-century tall ship the James Craig.
Best for ages: 8+ | £12
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SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium
Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
Every city has an aquarium these days, but this is a good one, and great for kids with specimens from the Great Barrier Reef.
Best for ages: 4+ | £32
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Tramsheds Sydney
Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
A delightful piece of urban renewal, this unique industrial-style precinct, housed in a converted historic tram shed, is a slice of foodie heaven. Food stalls and trendy restaurants to satisfy any appetite.
Best for ages: 10+ | Free
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Sydney Museum of Contemporary Art
Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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