Planning Your Time

You really need three days in Sydney to see the essential city center, while six days would give you time to explore the beaches and inner suburbs.

Start with an afternoon Harbour Express Cruise for some of the best views of the city. Follow with a tour of The Rocks, the nation's birthplace, and take a sunset walk up onto the Sydney Harbour Bridge. The following day, take a tour of the famous Sydney Opera House and a stroll through the Royal Botanic Gardens to visit Mrs. Macquarie's Chair for a wonderful view of the harbor icons. Spend some time exploring the city center and another spectacular panorama from the top of Sydney Tower. Include a walk around Macquarie Street, a living reminder of Sydney's colonial history, and, if you have time, the contrasting experience of futuristic Darling Harbour, with its museums, aquarium, and cafés, and colorful, aromatic Chinatown.

On your third day make your way to Bondi, Australia's most famous beach, and if the weather is kind follow the clifftop walking path to Bronte Beach. The next day catch the ferry to Manly to visit its beach and the historic Quarantine Station. From here, take an afternoon bus tour to the northern beaches, or return to the city to shop or visit museums and galleries. Options for the last day include a trip to the Blue Mountains west of the city or a wildlife park such as WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo at Darling Harbour or Taronga Zoo, on the north side of the harbor.