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:
The Rocks
Credit Shutterstock.com/nyker
Last updated: 09 November, 2022
When British settlers arrived in Sydney Cove in 1788, they found that a rocky headland nearby was an excellent source of building material. The Rocks became Australia’s first slum, complete with rat-infested tenements, brothels, rowdy pubs and bond stores.
Threatened with demolition in the 20th Century, The Rocks has not only survived but prospered and is now one of Sydney’s must-do experiences – complete with charming streetscapes, a sparkling harbour, up-scale restaurants and a brace of galleries and shops and you have a winning formula.
History buffs will find three of Australia’s oldest pubs (The Lord Nelson, Fortune of War and The Australian) in this historic precinct.
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Destination Guide >Price: Free
Minimum age: Any
Age suitable: 8+
When: All year around
Getting there & doing it
The Rocks is easy to find since it lies between Circular Quay and the Sydney Harbour Bridge. If you are coming from the city centre just hop on the light rail which runs down George Street. Trains and ferries stop at Circular Quay. Avoid bringing a car since there is limited street parking here.
You can, of course, just wander around, but guided walking tours are worthwhile and recommended to unlock many of its secrets and reveal some it’s fascinating history.
For refuelling, Tayim Restaurant, hidden away down a cobbled alleyway, is an atmospheric restaurant serving delicious and inventive Middle Eastern fare. Lovers of craft beer should drop into The Lord Nelson, The Australian or Harts Pub – all of which have excellent local ales on tap, and decent grub.
When to do it
The Rocks is not a seasonal destination, but the area definitely bursts into life during the summer (December to February) months when people take advantage of long, balmy evenings and languorous weekends.
The Rocks Market takes place every Saturday and Sunday, 10am-5pm
Recommended itineraries by our writers that include this experience
Our selection of the best Viator tours of this attraction or activity
Explore The Rocks Sydney In A Series Of Fun Cryptic Clues
Sydney
Adventure Clues - Explore The Rocks in Sydney in a series of fun cryptic clues using our unique web app.
The colourful characters of The R...
A22 | Rating 4.36 / 5 [11 ratings]
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Tour supplied by:
Sydney The Rocks Guided Walking Tour
Sydney
Delve into the history of Sydney and British Australia on a leisurely 90-minute walking tour in The Rocks district with an expert guide. Enj...
A35 | Rating 4.85 / 5 [905 ratings]
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Tour supplied by:
Sydney Shore Excursion: The Original Guided Walking Tour of The Rocks
Sydney
When your cruise ship docks in Sydney, go ashore take a guided walking of the Rocks. Tours depart daily at 10:30am and 1:30pm from a conveni...
A35 | Rating 4.85 / 5 [20 ratings]
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Tour supplied by:
Convicts and The Rocks: Sydney's Walking Tour Led by Historian
Sydney
Expect fascinating history, delivered with energy and insight on a walking exploration of Sydney's colonial birthplace: The Rocks. Together ...
A44 | Rating 4.99 / 5 [229 ratings]
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Our writer’s picks of the best places to stay near this experience, closest first
Park Hyatt Sydney
Sydney, New South Wales, Australia[0.2 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[0.4 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[0.5 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[0.6 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
Climb Sydney Harbour Bridge
Sydney, New South Wales, Australia[0.1 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[0.6 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
Sydney Opera House to Royal Botanic Garden walk
Sydney, New South Wales, Australia[0.8 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
Kayaking on Sydney Harbour
Sydney, New South Wales, Australia[1.4 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
Other worthwhile experiences near this experience if you have time or interest..
Sydney Museum of Contemporary Art
Sydney, New South Wales, Australia[0.3 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[0.6 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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Experience
Luna Park
Sydney, New South Wales, Australia[1.1 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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Experience
Boy Charlton Pool
Sydney, New South Wales, Australia[1.3 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
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