Sydney is a beautiful city filled with fun attractions, art galleries, beautiful parks, delicious gastronomy, and amazing beaches. Of course, you might wonder whether it’s possible to see everything in Sydney in one day. Honest answer: one day in Sydney will not be enough to see everything, but don’t worry! I have compiled a travel guide to help you see the best places in Sydney in one day.
If you only have 24 hours in Sydney, this itinerary will help you make the most of your time here!
Where to Stay in Sydney
Sydney is a big city, which means there are a lot of areas to stay in. It’s best to choose a convenient neighborhood to stay in, so you aren’t far from the places on your itinerary. Some popular areas among first-time visitors include the central business district (CBD) or city centre, Surry Hills, Circular Quay, the Rocks, Darling Harbour, Eastern Beaches (mostly around Bondi Beach), and Manly beach.
Since you only have one day in Sydney, I would recommend staying in Surry Hills (near downtown) or around Bondi Beach. Most places on your itinerary will be close to these neighborhoods.
Getting Around Sydney
Sydney has an extensive transportation system with options of buses, trains, taxis, metros, and ferries. It’s very easy to get around! To get to your hotel from the Sydney airport, you can easily take a train or a bus (you will need to get a ticket in advance).
Public transport in Sydney is designed to be user-friendly and straightforward. You can get an Opal card (it’s the cheapest option), in participating retailers like supermarkets, stores, and Sydney airport. Some selected ferry wharves, metro, and train stations also have machines to top up your Opal card.
You can also purchase a single ticket. Payment methods to use the transport network include debit cards, contactless credit cards, and your mobile device. Since you only have one day in Sydney, getting an Opal card might not be necessary. It depends on how much you plan to use the public transport. If you anticipate taking multiple trips (including from and to the airport) Opal card is a convenient and cost-effective option. However, if you plan on taking taxis or Ubers, and considering all the walking included in a one-day Sydney itinerary, you may opt not to get an Opal card.
It’s also important to mention that the major areas in Sydney have a great pedestrian walkway perfect for walking, which you will be doing a lot during your time in this Aussie city. You can also get an Uber or taxi, which is a bit more pricey but easy and convenient.
One Day In Sydney Australia: What to do With Limited Time
This will be a packed day, so the best time to start your tour is early in the morning. This way you can get as many things as possible done on the Sydney itinerary. Let’s take a look at some of the top sights you can visit for a perfect day trip in Sydney.
Bondi to Coogee Coast Walk
8:00 am to 12:30 pm
First stop? Bondi Beach! It’s a beautiful place to wander, swim, sunbathe, surf, or just explore cafes and street art. You can start your journey around 8 am and take a 30-minute stop here before you head for one of the best things you can do in Sydney, a Bondi coastal walk towards Coogee Beach.
I recommend you take this easy walk in the morning. It’s a 6-kilometer trail that starts with a paved path and continues with wooden boardwalks and rock formations. The walk takes about two to three hours, depending on your number of stops. Note that the walk is shorter without the stops, so it’s not exactly a very long walk and is suitable for most ages.
You can start your walk either at Coogee or Bondi. Many visitors begin from Bondi, but some find that the best starting point is from Coogee Beach because it’s a downhill walk, which makes it easier.
Also, Bondi to Coogee is the longest walk. So, if you want to do the full Bondi to Coogee walk, depending on the time you take, you might need to sacrifice one of the activities on this Sydney itinerary later in the day.
If what you want is to experience the scene and views but not commit to the full walk, you can then opt for something shorter. You can end your walk at Tamarama Beach (typically takes around 15 to 20 minutes at a leisurely pace). Bronte Beach (takes about 25 to 35 minutes). Clovelly Beach (takes around 45 minutes). Or, the last stop before Coogee Beach, Gordon’s Bay (takes around 1 hour).
During your Bondi Coastal Walk, you will enjoy views of the Pacific Ocean while spotting dolphins and whales (if you visit during the season–from May to November). Most beaches on the way offer play areas, picnic shelters, cafes, restaurants, and swimming places.
While here, you will come across the famous rock pools. Bondi Icebergs Pool is the most photographed pool in the world and is open to the public for swimming at $9 for adults and $6 for kids. This pool also has a sauna to warm up, a lounge to relax, and a restaurant to dine in. Other outdoor pools you will encounter during your walk include the Giles Baths and Wylie’s Baths near Coogee Beach.
Where to Have Breakfast/Lunch
There are hundreds of cafes and restaurants around the beach, so you can refuel with a cup of coffee or breakfast in the morning. Some personal recommendations to eat and drink around Bondi Beach are:
When you get to Coogee, you will find many more eateries and places to have lunch. I recommend you check out:
Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA)
1:00 pm to 3:00 pm
From Coogee or Bondi Beach, your next destination is the Museum of Contemporary Art. You can reach it by metro, train, or car. This museum hosts unique exhibitions from local and international artists with a strong focus on arts by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists.
MCA also has an amazing rooftop cafe boasting fantastic views of the Circular Quay, including the Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge. Entry to the museum is free, and there are free guided tours conducted every day by a volunteer. You can visit the museum’s website or the information desk on Level 1 for scheduled tour times.
Circular Quay
3:00 pm to 4:00 pm
The next stop is Circular Quay, a 7-minute walk from the Museum of Contemporary Art. This waterside district is nestled between the Opera House and the Harbour Bridge, where you can enjoy views of the harbor and people. Circular Quay offers access to trains, buses, and ferries, so if you have time, you can hop on a ferry to take in the views of Sydney from the water.
You can also climb the Harbour Bridge to get the best views of Sydney. The bridge climb experience typically takes around 2.5 to 3.5 hours. So, it will require you make some adjustments to this itinerary. They provide various climb options, including day, twilight, and night climbs. For up-to-date information on the duration, cost, and schedule, check the official BridgeClimb Sydney website.
After your time in Circular Quay (I recommend spending about one hour), you can take a short walk to the Royal Botanic Gardens.
Royal Botanic Gardens
4:00 pm to 5:30 pm
Your next stop is the 200-year-old Royal Botanic Gardens, the oldest scientific site in Australia. It features 30 hectares of exotic flowers and plants. This botanical garden also has unique themed areas like the Rose Garden, the Palm Grobe, and the Calyx, which feature a beautiful green wall, futuristic architecture, and amazing flowers. Other natural wonders in this beautiful garden include the bee colonies, climbing Moreton Bay fig trees, and the 1885 Glasshouse. Apart from the spectacular views, you will also learn about seasonality, like why the whales are migrating or when some flowers are in bloom.
Walking around the botanical gardens is straightforward, as a walkway stretches along the water to help you see the gardens and the harbors. Another highlight of the Royal Botanic Gardens is that you will learn more about the area’s indigenous people and how they lived before colonization. The best way to enjoy your time at the Royal Botanic Gardens is to take a guided tour, which often takes about one hour.
Sydney Opera House
5:30 pm to 7:30 pm
Now is the time to visit the famous Sydney Opera House. This iconic building offers the opportunity to learn about the area’s history and explore the beautiful Australian architecture.
There is a pathway from the Botanic Garden to the Sydney Opera House, so it should be straightforward to get there. You can view the famous Opera House from outside or signup for a guided tour ($45 per adult) to explore what’s inside. You will find beautiful stages, dressing rooms, opera and drama theaters, and even some behind-the-curtain secrets.
If you have more than one day in Sydney, you can also get a ticket to watch a performance at the Opera House. Or, you can also try the VR experience to see what it will be like to be on stage with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra.
After your experience at the Opera House, head to the Opera Bar. Here you can delight in an afternoon drink with options like wine and soft drinks. You will very much enjoy the lively atmosphere and gorgeous views!
Enjoy dinner in Surry Hills
8:00 pm to 10:00 pm
From the Opera House, you can take a train or car to Surry Hills. The perfect place to dine and wine before you end your day trip in Sydney.
Surry Hills is a beautiful area in Sydney; it’s full of eateries, coffee spots, wine bars, boutiques, and stores. A personal recommendation for dinner is Nomad; an eatery with cavernous spaces, Mediterranean flavors, and house-cured charcuterie. I recommend booking your dinner in before your night out as it gets full.
Surry Hills is a great neighborhood to stay in Sydney, specially if you are only here one day. A popular neighborhood with a rich history, and located right next to the city center (CBD). This area offers excellent amenities, a vibrant culinary scene, and beautiful architecture, blending historic terraces with modern designs.
If you stay in this area, consider hopping into the Paramount Coffee project for breakfast. This amazing cafe offers specialty coffee from around the world and a menu that celebrates mouth-watering flavors.
