Introduction

Most travellers arrive in Sydney with the same challenge: so much to see, so little time. After flying thousands of kilometres often from the US or Europe  you want to experience as much of Australia as possible. But with so many options, where do you begin?

Do you tick off the Opera House and Bondi Beach, or dive deeper into native Australian food, wine country, and hidden coastal walks?

This Sydney itinerary shows you exactly how to spend 3 days, 5 days, or a full week. You’ll cover icons like the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge, while also tasting bush tucker, exploring neighbourhoods, and venturing out to the Blue Mountains and Hunter Valley. From world-class culture to unforgettable flavours, here’s how to plan the best things to do in Sydney.

What to Expect / Why It Matters

Sydney isn’t just beaches and selfies by the Opera House. It’s a city where:

• Native Australian food blends with fine dining.
• Ferries glide across the harbour at golden hour.
• Just outside the city, you’ll find mountain trails, wineries, and wildlife.

By following this guide, you’ll balance must-see attractions with authentic local experiences and, most importantly, taste the bush tucker that most visitors miss.

The Best Sydney Itinerary for 3 Days, 5 Days, or a Full Week

3 Days in Sydney – Icons & Flavours

• Day 1: Start at Circular Quay, tour the Sydney Opera House, stroll the Royal Botanic Gardens, ferry to Manly, and finish with dinner in The Rocks.
• Day 2: Walk the Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk, swim at Bondi Icebergs, and enjoy sunset drinks at Coogee Pavilion.
• Day 3: Visit the Sydney Fish Market, tour a boutique rum distillery, and sample native Australian food on our Bush Tucker & Cocktails Food Tour. Taste kangaroo salami, bush-infused cheeses, and native cocktails, then dine at Barangaroo.

Why it works: You’ll see the icons and enjoy a unique taste of native Australian cuisine.

5 Days in Sydney – Icons Plus Day Trips

• Days 1–3: Follow the 3-day plan.
• Day 4: Escape to the Blue Mountains to admire the Three Sisters, ride Scenic World’s cableway, and have lunch in a mountain café.
• Day 5: Explore local neighbourhoods:
• Newtown (street art & coffee)
• Marrickville (craft breweries & Vietnamese food)
• Balmain or Glebe (heritage pubs by the water)

Why it works: The extra days let you go local — blending food, culture, and nature.

7 Days in Sydney – A Full Week of Discovery

• Days 1–5: Follow the above.
• Day 6: Spend the day in the Hunter Valley wine region — sip Semillon, try artisan cheeses, and indulge in chocolate tastings.
• Day 7: Go off the beaten path with harbour adventures: kayak in Rose Bay, lunch at Watsons Bay, explore Taronga Zoo or Cockatoo Island, then catch sunset at Barangaroo.

Why it works: A full week lets you mix Sydney’s icons with hidden gems, from food tours to wine country and island escapes.

Practical Tips for Planning Your Sydney Itinerary

• Budget: Sydney can be pricey. Use the Opal Card for ferries and trains, and take advantage of free attractions like coastal walks. Splurge on unique tours and bush tucker dining experiences.
• The best times to visit are spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November), when there are fewer crowds, mild weather, and great conditions for outdoor activities.
• Who it’s for:
• 3 Days → First-time travellers, stopovers, cruise passengers.
• 5 Days → Families and culture seekers.
• 7 Days → Foodies, wine lovers, and those seeking deeper experiences.

Call to Action: Taste the Real Sydney

Most visitors leave saying, “I came to Australia but never tried real Australian food.” Don’t be that traveller.

Join one of our Sydney Food Tours to taste bush tucker flavours you won’t find in restaurants — from finger lime and wattleseed to green ants and native-infused spirits.

👉 Book the Bush Tucker & Cocktails Tour for a taste of Sydney’s wild side, or go all in with the Meet the Makers Food Tour.

FAQs

What’s the best time to visit Sydney?

Spring (Sep–Nov) and autumn (Mar–May) bring the best weather. Summer is lively but crowded, while winter is mild with fewer tourists.

Is 3 days in Sydney enough?

Yes, you’ll see the big icons. But for food tours, hidden gems, and day trips, 5–7 days give you a deeper experience.

What’s the most unique food experience in Sydney?

A native Australian food tour. Taste kangaroo salami, bush-infused cheeses, and delicacies like finger lime. Book one of our Sydney Bush Tucker Tours.