Sunny Sydney: A Budget-Friendly 5 Day Guide

Experience the beauty of Sydney, even on a budget.

21 June 2023

A trip to Sydney, Australia on a limited budget can still be a memorable experience. Tourists can visit iconic landmarks like the Opera House, Harbour Bridge, and Bondi Beach for free and take advantage of affordable public transportation options. Budget-friendly dining options can be found in food markets, local cafés, and food trucks scattered throughout the city.

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Travel plan

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Day 1

Beers, Beaches and Bondi

Check in at the Ibis Budget Hotel in the trendy suburb of Surry Hills
Grab a quick breakfast at The Winery, a chic wine bar nearby
Hit Bondi Beach for a day of surfing, sunbathing and seaside eats at Bucket List
Relish sunset cocktails at Icebergs Dining Room & Bar and enjoy stunning views over the Pacific
Finish the day with a round of craft beers and live gigs at Frankie’s Pizza

Day 2

Sydney's Cultural Icons

Start the morning with a visit to the iconic Sydney Opera House and Harbor Bridge
Stroll through the Royal Botanical Gardens and snap photos of the colorful flora
Hit up The Rocks Markets for lunch and pick up souvenirs from local creators
Explore the Art Gallery of NSW and admire works by Australian master painters
Take a scenic ferry ride to Manly Beach to check out more surfers, shops and scenic views

Day 3

Explore Darlinghurst's Foodie Haven

Grab brunch at Bar Coluzzi, a local institution since 1956
Take a self-guided street art tour and marvel at the colorful murals around the neighborhood
Wander around Oxford Street, the hub of Sydney's LGBTQ+ scene and buy unique gifts
Experience the city's best kebab at 5 Star Kebabs on Stanley Street and delight in the flavorful marinade
Head back to Taylor Square for drinks at Stonewall Hotel and enjoy the nightly drag shows

Day 4

The Natural Wonders of Sydney

Take a train to Bondi Junction, then a bus to Watsons Bay and hike the South Head Heritage Trail for breathtaking cliffside views
Discover the Aboriginal rock engravings and stunning coastal scenery at the Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park
Lunch at Fisherman’s Wharf in Pyrmont with a seafood feast and scenic views of the bay
Visit the unique Taronga Zoo, with its animal exhibits, concerts and stunning harbor views
Catch a sunset picnic at Mrs Macquarie's Chair, admire the iconic views of Sydney Harbour and the city skyline

Day 5

End on a High Note

Start the day with a sumptuous breakfast at Bread and Circus, known for its farm-to-table meals
Experience the adrenaline rush with a skywalk above the Sydney Tower Eye
Wander through the bustling Chinatown and join the Sydney Food Trail walking tour
Take a lazy stroll through the Botanic Garden and enjoy the serene ambiance
End the trip with cocktails and rooftop views of the CBD at the Smoke Rooftop Bar & Lounge

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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