Sydney on a Shoestring: 48 Hours of Fun

Explore the land down under without breaking the bank in Sydney, Australia.

21 June 2023

Sydney, Australia can be explored on a limited budget, with options like free walking tours and public transportation. Tourists can visit the iconic Opera House and Harbour Bridge without spending a dime, and enjoy the stunning views of the city skyline. A cheap foodie experience can also be had by exploring the city's food markets and trying the eclectic street food.

Travel plan

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Day 1

Sunny Sydney

  • Hotel: Bounce Hostel
  • Start the day exploring the iconic Opera House and Harbour Bridge, snapping photos from every angle.
  • Take a stroll along the picturesque Bondi Beach, stopping for a dip in the refreshing waters.
  • Wander through the charming streets of Paddington, lined with boutique shops, cafes and terraced houses.
  • Head to the hipster district of Surry Hills and try some of the best coffee in the city at Single O café.
  • Tapas time at El Loco, where you can indulge in some tasty dishes and sip on a refreshing margarita.
Day 2

Culture and Cocktails

  • Discover Sydney's rich history and art scene at the Art Gallery of New South Wales.
  • Take a peaceful walk through the Royal Botanic Garden, admiring the stunning flora and fauna.
  • Climb to the top of the Pylon Lookout for panoramic views of the skyline and harbour.
  • Have an early dinner at the trendy 4Fourteen restaurant, known for their creative and delicious dishes.
  • End the night at the quirky Baxter Inn, a basement bar with over 800 whiskies to choose from. Cheers!

How to get there

Plane

The best way to get to Sydney, Australia by plane is to take an international flight to Sydney Kingsford-Smith Airport (SYD), which is conveniently located just a 20-minute drive from downtown Sydney.

Car

If driving to Sydney from neighboring cities or states, take the Pacific Motorway that connects Brisbane and Sydney. The journey takes around 10 hours from Brisbane and several hours if driving down from other cities.

Train

While there is no direct train from other countries to Australia, you can take a train from different cities of Australia to reach Sydney. The best way would be to take a train from Melbourne to Sydney, which takes around 12 hours and arrives at Sydney Central Station.

Boat

Sydney Harbour is one of Australia's busiest ports, and there are several cruise lines that offer voyages from other cities around the world, such as New Zealand or Fiji, to arrive in Sydney. The most common cruise terminal in Sydney is the Overseas Passenger Terminal, located in Circular Quay.

Bus

Taking a bus from Brisbane to Sydney is the best way to reach Sydney from neighboring cities. The bus departs from Brisbane Transit Center and reaches Sydney Central Station, taking approximately 14 hours.

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