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.
Website >
Overview >Bucket list experience:
Sydney Museum of Contemporary Art
Photo Anna Kucera
Last updated: 09 November, 2022
Launched in 1991 as a young upstart rival to the Art Gallery of NSW (AGNSW) across town, the MCA now plays a major role in the cultural life of Sydney.
As its title suggests, the focus of this waterfront gallery is contemporary art from Australia and abroad. Its own collection of 4,000 works spans all art forms, including painting, photography, sculpture and the moving image.
Its permanent collection consists of works by contemporary Australian artists, including leading indigenous painters. But the Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA) also prides itself on making modern art accessible to those who generally don’t visit galleries by featuring the work of artists such as Christo, Jeff Koons and Roy Lichtenstein.
The MCA also hosts a large number of temporary exhibitions during the year.
Want more recommendations in this destination?
Destination Guide >Price: Free
Minimum age: Any
Age suitable: 13+
When: All year around
Getting there & doing it
Occupying a prime slab of real estate on Circular Quay, the MCA is impossible to miss. Since some of Sydney’s best hotels are nearby plenty of visitors will be able to walk here. But the gallery is well served with public transport; buses, trains and ferries all converge on Circular Quay. If you happen to be around Town Hall, jump on the light rail which runs down George Street to The Rocks.
Free guided tours operate daily – see the MCA website for details.
The museum is known for hosting blockbuster touring exhibitions – so check out the website for upcoming events and attractions. Entry to all temporary exhibitions is free, but there is a fee to visit the annual Sydney International Arts Series.
When to do it
This gallery is open all year round, seven days a week.
Recommended itineraries by our writers that include this experience
Our writer’s picks of the best places to stay near this experience, closest first
Four Seasons Hotel Sydney
Sydney, New South Wales, Australia[0.2 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[0.3 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:
Establishment Hotel
Sydney, New South Wales, Australia[0.4 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:
Park Hyatt Sydney
Sydney, New South Wales, Australia[0.5 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:
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.
Website >
Overview >Our writer’s recommendations of other bucket list experiences our writer says you must do in this destination, closest first
The Rocks
Sydney, New South Wales, Australia[0.3 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[0.3 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
Sydney, New South Wales, Australia[0.7 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
Sydney Opera House to Royal Botanic Garden walk
Sydney, New South Wales, Australia[0.7 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
Justice and Police Museum
Sydney, New South Wales, Australia[0.4 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
Website >
Overview >
Experience
Boy Charlton Pool
Sydney, New South Wales, Australia[1.2 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
Website >
Overview >
Experience
SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium
Sydney, New South Wales, Australia[1.2 miles]
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
Website >
Overview >
Experience
Luna Park
Sydney, New South Wales, Australia[1.4 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
Website >
Overview >