Sydney Harbour, the Taronga Zoo, the Sydney Opera House, the shops at the Strand and the Queen Victoria Building, Watsons Bay, and the Coogee to Bondi Coastal Walk are just a few of the places that you will visit on this Sydney itinerary. There is even enough time to day trip out to the Blue Mountains.

This itinerary also includes many restaurant and bar recommendations. Sydney features some of our favorite restaurants and bars in the world and these dining experiences were at times the highlights of our trip.

8:00 AM: BREAKFAST
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel or one of the many cafés throughout Sydney. We recommend The Rocks Cafe or Four Frogs Crêperie – Circular Quay. These cafés get great reviews and are in the perfect location to start your day. If you have a sweet tooth, consider grabbing a bite at Pancakes on The Rocks.

9:00 AM: OPERA HOUSE
The most famous attraction in Sydney, the Opera House is a must-see. This performance center draws millions of visitors every year and is known for its distinct sail-like structure, which is an incredible feat of architecture and engineering.

To get to the Opera House, walk up the eastern side of the harbour, past the wharf. Take a walk around the Opera House, pose for a photo on the steps, and admire picturesque views of Sydney Harbour. You can even consider taking a backstage tour of the Opera House (but do note that tours run for about 2 hours, so you will need to alter this itinerary). For information regarding tours or shows
9:45 AM: RIDE THE FERRY TO TARONGA ZOO
The ferry ride to the Taronga Zoo is iconic and offers one of the best views of Sydney. On your way out to the zoo, you’ll cruise right past the Opera House and Fort Denison.
The views are unforgettable, with an incredible look out at the Sydney Harbour Bridge, the Opera House, and the Sydney skyline. Enjoy this 15-minute ride past some of Sydney’s most iconic attractions.

Ride the ferry from Circular Quay to F2 (Taronga Zoo). Tickets can be purchased at the wharf. For information on ferry tickets and timetables, refer to the official website.

10:00 AM: TARONGA ZOO
Taronga Zoo is one of the largest zoos in Australia, home to over 4000 animals. From a great range of local Australian wildlife as well as giraffes, elephants, and komodo dragons, there is an exhibit for everyone to enjoy. You’ll also be treated to more wonderful views of the Sydney skyline.

1:00 PM: EXPLORE THE ROCKS
The Rocks is the perfect place in Sydney to spend an afternoon. This colonial neighborhood of pubs and shops is situated right between Circular Quay and the Sydney Harbour Bridge. On the weekends you’ll find a colorful open-air market where vendors sell homemade crafts and street food.

This is the perfect area to grab a bite for lunch. Consider enjoying a meal at The Glenmore Hotel, a historic rooftop bar and pub. If you’re looking for a taste of history, try the Fortune of War, Sydney’s oldest pub. If you want to dine with a view, visit the MCA Cafe in the Museum of Contemporary Art. From here you will have a view of Circular Quay and the Opera House.

2:30 PM: DAWES POINT RESERVE
The Dawes Point Reserve is a small park that sits just north of The Rocks, and directly underneath the Sydney Harbour Bridge’s South Pylon. You’ll find several notable viewpoints here as well as the remains of an old artillery fort.

On the east side of this small peninsula, next to the Park Hyatt Sydney, you can look across the harbor to the Opera House.On the opposite side of the reserve, at Ives Steps Wharf, you can look up at the Harbour Bridge and across the harbor to Luna Park.
3:00 PM: SOUTH PYLON LOOKOUT
The South Pylon Lookout offers an elevated view from the Sydney Harbour Bridge without the time and money spent doing the Bridge Climb. This lookout is also one of the most iconic views of Sydney.
4:00 PM: LUNA PARK
Luna Park is a colorful amusement park located across the harbour from Circular Quay. Featured are thrilling attractions, roller coasters, a Ferris wheel, and arcade games.

The park is famous for the giant smiling face that acts as the entrance to the amusement park. The face is almost unsettling, especially at night when illuminated. It’s been rebuilt 7 times and the history behind the faces is interesting, where some of the past iterations are downright terrifying.
7:00 PM: DINNER AT CAFÉ SYDNEY
For spectacular, sunset views of Sydney Harbour, as well as delicious cuisine, we recommend enjoying dinner at Café Sydney, located within Circular Quay.