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.
Bucket list experience:
Credit Shutterstock.com/nyker
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.
Want more recommendations in this destination?
Destination Guide >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.
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
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.
Our selection of the best Viator tours of this attraction or activity
Sydney
A22 | Rating 4.36 / 5 [11 ratings]
Tour supplied by:
Sydney
A35 | Rating 4.85 / 5 [905 ratings]
Tour supplied by:
Sydney
A35 | Rating 4.85 / 5 [20 ratings]
Tour supplied by:
Sydney
A44 | Rating 4.99 / 5 [229 ratings]
Tour supplied by:
Our writer’s picks of the best places to stay near this experience, closest first
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:
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:
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:
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
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.
Our writer’s recommendations of other bucket list experiences our writer says you must do in this destination, closest first
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, 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, 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
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, 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
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
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
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