The Best Way To Spend 48 Hours

This submit might comprise affiliate hyperlinks. We might obtain a small fee, for free of charge to you, in case you make a purchase order. Read Disclosure.

Two days isn’t loads of time to spend in a metropolis as pulsing and thrilling as Sydney, however that doesn’t imply you may’t take advantage of out of solely 48 hours!

With a lot to see and do, it’s not straightforward to pack all of the wonderful websites right into a 2 day Sydney itinerary.

And to be sincere, I want you had extra time as a result of Sydney deserves longer than two days, however I do know that we’re not all blessed with loads of time.

If that is your first journey to Australia, it’s doable that Sydney is your first cease and also you need to get going.

This is why I’ve ready an action-packed itinerary for two days in Sydney, so you may see all of the highlights and one of the best that Sydney has to supply.

This itinerary has historical past, seashores, world-famous monuments, and a few scrumptious meals stops.

Are 2 Days Enough For Sydney?

Two days isn’t loads of time to discover Sydney, however in case you’re ready to hurry, you may see a lot of its highlights.

With as a lot occurring as in Sydney, you’ll want a minimum of two full days, ideally three full days, so try to fly within the evening earlier than!

I may spend two weeks in Sydney and never get bored. I grew up an hour north of town and would ceaselessly go to town and at all times discover one thing new and thrilling to do.

But I perceive that if you end up visiting from abroad, Sydney is normally the primary or final cease, and while you solely have 2 weeks in Australia, there may be the need to see as a lot as doable.

Particularly in case you are visiting from the US the place most of you solely have a normal two-week trip.

With a lot to see on this huge land down underneath, most vacationers solely plan for a few days in Sydney earlier than hitting the Reef and the Outback.

If you do resolve you need to keep longer, I’ve advised some methods to increase this itinerary in the direction of the tip of this information.

The Ultimate 2 Day Sydney Itinerary

The following itinerary is how I might recommend spending two days in Sydney if I used to be visiting for the primary time. I’ve spent a lot time in Sydney, I couldn’t presumably rely the variety of visits, and that is how I at all times advocate spending a few days to guests.

However, this itinerary isn’t set in stone and may be tailor-made to your style and pursuits. There are some ideas for different actions that you simply may get pleasure from on the finish, particularly in case you’re a nature lover or have youngsters in your journey group.

So, use this as a information and modify it to fit your wants, timeframe, and price range.

The first day explores the unmissable highlights such because the Sydney Opera House and The Rocks District, whereas the second day is a extra low-key, beachy day.

You may need to swap the times round, relying on how your jet lag is feeling and what you’re most excited to see.

Day 1: Unmissable Things to Do in Sydney 

The first day is about ticking off the highlights and most unmissable sights. These are the websites you merely can not miss.

If your lodging is within the Sydney CBD, you may get up early and both have breakfast at your lodging or think about Gowings Bar & Grill contained in the QT Hotel.

Then it’s time to go to…

Stop 1: Circular Quay

The greatest place to start out your go to is in Circular Quay, and in case you solely visited one space in Sydney that is the place I might ship you!

The Quay is the principle transport hub of Sydney Harbour and it’s right here that two of Australia’s most iconic landmarks reside; the Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge.

Wander across the Quay and take an “I was here” photograph in entrance of those well-known constructions and really feel the heartbeat of town.

There’s in all probability no different place that may jolt you awake out of your jet lag and have you ever saying to your self “hey, I’m in Australia!”

On any given day, particularly a sunny day, Circular Quay is a good place to stroll about or simply sit and watch the ferries come and go.

Being a busy transport hub you’ll additionally discover many outside cafes and eating places lining the harbour, so in case you skip breakfast you may seize a fast chunk right here!

Other locations of curiosity across the Quay embrace Customs House and the Museum of Contemporary Art.

Stop 2: Royal Botanic Gardens

From the jap suburbs of the bridge and Opera House, you have got quick access to the Royal Botanic Gardens, in my view, probably the most spectacular gardens on the earth, actually from a location standpoint. 

You can’t beat the serenity and harbour views and it is a excellent place to spend an hour or two in Sydney. Take a stroll across the gardens to admire the numerous several types of crops and metropolis views. You may take a free self-guided strolling tour.

If you’re into artwork, the Art Gallery of New South Wales is one among Australia’s main artwork museums with 5 ranges of artwork and intensive collections of Australian, Aboriginal, European, Asian and up to date artwork. 

Stop 3: Lunch within the CBD

There are a number of choices to eat in Sydney across the Quay and CBD, however I’m going to recommend these two.

Picnic lunch within the Botanic Gardens

An affordable lunch possibility is to seize some takeaway provides, and possibly a bottle of wine, and incorporate it into your Botanical Gardens go to.

Pick a spot wherever, or stroll to Mrs Macquarie’s Chair for the most effective vantage factors in Sydney with distant views of the Opera House and Harbour Bridge (particularly superior for sundown).

Cafe Sydney

For one thing extra formal I like to recommend Cafe Sydney. Its prime place on the rooftop of Customs House affords one of the best of each worlds – spectacular elevated views of the harbour, the Opera House, and Harbour Bridge.

And you may get pleasure from fashionable Australian delicacies and possibly a cheeky cocktail on the outside terrace. 

Stop 4: Walk throughout the Sydney Harbour Bridge

Now that you simply’re rested with a full tummy it’s time to stretch your legs once more.

I recommend a stroll throughout the bridge, however in fact, if you’d like the expertise of a lifetime by climbing over the Sydney Harbour Bridge you undoubtedly have to e-book forward.

Don’t simply rock up anticipating to tick this off your record, it’s extremely popular. A dawn or sundown bridge climb can be magical. 

However, a less expensive possibility (free) is to easily stroll throughout the pedestrian path and absorb the identical panoramic views on a decrease degree.

Or go to the Pylon Lookout the place you get unbelievable views plus 3 ranges of reveals to be taught in regards to the historical past of the Bridge.

Stop 5: Explore The Rocks District

The Rocks District is a historic space of Sydney close to Circular Quay, and my favorite a part of the Sydney CBD space.

There’s a narrative round each nook while you stroll the cobblestone streets, browse the weekend markets, and stroll alongside the harbour.

Pop into the Rocks Discovery Museum and spend a while on the three flooring studying extra in regards to the historical past of the world and the tales of those that lived there through the early years of white Australia.

Feely thirsty in spite of everything this strolling? The Rocks is the right place to go on a little bit of a pub crawl, because it’s dwelling to a few of Sydney’s oldest pubs. Grab a pint at one, or all of my favourites:

Stop 6: Dinner in The Rocks

You’ve had a giant day so now it’s time to place your ft up for a bit.

I’d recommend both staying within the Rocks for some good pub grub or taking the quick stroll again to Circular Quay for sundown drinks and a chunk to eat from among the world’s greatest waterfront eating areas.

In the Rocks, the Australian Heritage Hotel is legendary for its kangaroo, emu, and crocodile pizzas. So if you wish to attempt actual Aussie tucker this pub is the place it’s at.

Back on the Quay, a prime spot for a sundowner is the Opera Bar. What a method to finish your first day than with a cocktail or chilly beer and uninterrupted views of the Harbour Bridge.!

For high-quality eating and extra of these well-known views (you’ll have to dig into your pockets) e-book a desk at both Aria, Quay Restaurant, or Cafe Sydney in case you didn’t do lunch.

And there’s additionally the well-known Tetsuya’s

Day 2: Beaches and Natural Beauty

With one other full day forward, I encourage you to rise early and both seize breakfast at your resort or head to this morning’s first vacation spot – Bondi Beach.

Stop 1: Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk

Bondi is Sydney’s most well-known seashore, and in case you haven’t eaten but, you will get an honest breakfast on the family-friendly Bill’s Cafe.

To get to Bondi, catch the prepare from Central Station to Bondi Junction, then a bus to Bondi Beach. 

From right here, you’ll take the quick and candy Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk, which is one among my favorite free issues to do in Sydney. 

A shocking coastal stroll and the right method to spend a stunning few hours in Sydney

The 6km stroll begins behind Bondi Icebergs and normally takes us 2.5 hours with the children, and options beautiful views of cliffs, bays, and rock swimming pools and passes the seashores of Tamarama, Bronte, Clovelly, and Gordon’s Bay. 

And don’t neglect your swimmers if it’s heat – the Bronte Baths is an effective spot for the children.

Stop 2: Lunch in Coogee

Depending on what time you begin and end your stroll, in case you arrive in Coogee Beach round lunch think about the Coogee Pavillion.

Or, if you wish to do the loop stroll and head again to Bondi, have lunch on the well-known Bondi Icebergs for some okay meals however one of the best views over Bondi Beach (that is the place Oprah Winfrey dined on her go to).

We favor the bistro over the restaurant.

If you need to head straight again to town for lunch take the bus quantity 372 or 373 or name an Uber.

Stop 3: Ferry to Manly from Circular Quay

You can’t go to the most effective harbour cities on the earth and never get out on the water!

An ideal and low cost method to expertise Sydney Harbour with beautiful views of town skyline, Opera House, Harbour Bridge, and Botanic Gardens is to catch the ferry from Circular Quay to Manly and again.

In Manly, stroll down the palm tree-lined Corso, hit the promenade on the seashore for ice cream, stroll round to picturesque Shelly Beach, or seize a chilly beer at Manly Wharf Hotel.

Time your return ferry journey again to the Quay to coincide with the sundown behind the harbour bridge.

Stop 4: Dinner within the CBD

What to do in Sydney for dinner on day two? Well, you may go fancy once more or go informal.

Consider one of many different choices from day one, or for reasonable eats think about family-friendly Chinatown or seize a pie, pastie, or sizzling canine at an Australian icon known as Harry’s Cafe De Wheels.

They are well-known for his or her pies and sizzling canines and make for an incredible place to eat due to the handy areas in Woolloomooloo and Haymarket.

Another place to splurge and get these particular Sydney views is Altitude Restaurant, situated 36 ranges above Sydney within the Shangri-La Hotel, providing beautiful views of town within the evenings.

How to Extend this Itinerary

If you resolve 2 days isn’t sufficient, then listed here are another locations you may go to when you have extra time.

• Surf at Bondi Beach. If you have got extra time, I might spend it by the ocean. You can take a browsing lesson or hire a board and hit the waves at Bondi.
• Take the ferry to Watsons Bay. This is a good place to search out extra relaxed and quiet seashores away from the crowds of Bondi. Allow a minimum of half a day for this.
• Take day journeys. There are many locations you may go to on a day journey from Sydney, reminiscent of Hunter Valley wine area, the Royal National Park, Featherdale Wildlife Park and Scenic World, and naturally, The Blue Mountains and close by city of Katoomba. See extra concepts for day journeys from Sydney
• Visit Bronte Beach. Escape the hustle and bustle of town and loosen up at probably the most stunning seashores close to Sydney.
• Take the children to Taronga Zoo. If your youngsters love zoos, they’ll love the Taronga Zoo which has each Aussie animals and worldwide animals. The Sea Life Sydney Aquarium can also be an incredible place to see animals.
• Watch the sundown from Sydney Tower Eye. This is simply an remark deck and an incredible place to see some views. If you’re quick on time, you may skip it and see wonderful views from the Shangri-La rooftop restaurant as a substitute, however when you have extra time it’s one thing to contemplate.
• Explore the procuring district/Central CBD. The space round Darling Harbour is nice for procuring and the place you will see that a variety of boutiques. It’s additionally the place some historic buildings may be discovered reminiscent of Queen Victoria Building and the Town Hall, in addition to the plush Hyde Park, a tranquil city escape that’s superb for a picnic.
• Take the children to Luna Park. If you have got youngsters, they might get pleasure from Luna Park, a heritage-listed amusement park. It’s greatest to go at evening when it’s all lit up and magical!

How to Get To Sydney CBD From The Airport

Ok, if it’s your first time in Sydney, let’s rapidly cowl the way you get to the CBD (central enterprise district), also called town centre, from the airport.

To get your self from the airport into town, you have got a few choices; hop on the Sydney Airport Link Train which takes quarter-hour to the CBD.

I like to recommend you get your self an Opal Card, which is a great card you may prime up and use to pay for fares on public transportation reminiscent of trains, buses, ferries, and lightweight rail.

When it involves getting across the metropolis, one of the best and least expensive method to see Sydney is on foot.

Several of Sydney’s highlights may be taken in without cost or low cost just by strolling round.

Where to Stay in Sydney

On a brief keep in Sydney, you need to maximize your time within the metropolis and base your self close to all of the sights.

Your greatest guess is to find your self in and across the CBD, Circular Quay, or The Rocks District.

This means you may stroll to lots of the prime sights such because the UNESCO World Heritage website, Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge, while nonetheless being in a vibrant and thrilling space.

Consider these price range, mid-level, or luxurious inns in these central areas.

Budget:

Mid-Level:

All these properties are within the CBD or Circular Quay space:

Luxury:

All these properties are within the CBD or Circular Quay space:

Before You Go

There you have got it, that is how I recommend you spend two days in Sydney! This itinerary ought to maintain you busy.

This itinerary takes within the highlights of Sydney for the period of time you have got, however hopefully it has additionally given you some inspiration to come back again when you have got extra time!

Before you go, do not forget that the weekend is dearer and inns and sights are inclined to get booked up upfront.

If you propose to go to on a Saturday and Sunday, save your self time and cash by reserving lodging and sights upfront to keep away from disappointment.

More Sydney Travel Tips

Staying longer than 48 hours? Then these different assets could also be helpful to you…

Pin To Save On Pinterest