Sydney's Best Day Trip: Explore and Indulge

Explore the stunning sights of Sydney - the city that never sleeps.

22 April 2023

As a tourist, a trip to Sydney, Australia is an unforgettable experience. The city's iconic landmarks like Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge offer breathtaking sights. You can also explore the local culture, enjoy the beautiful beaches, and indulge in delectable cuisine in this cosmopolitan city.

Day trip plan

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Day

Sydney in a Day

  • Take the ferry to Manly Beach: Enjoy the picturesque views of the city skyline and Harbour Bridge while cruising to one of Sydney's most popular beaches.
  • Visit the Opera House: Get up close and personal with the iconic structure by joining a guided tour or simply taking plenty of Instagram-worthy snaps from outside.
  • Have a snack at The Grounds of Alexandria: Brimming with quirky decor, delicious food and friendly animals, this bustling cafe will leave your taste buds satisfied and your Instagram feed looking fabulous.
  • Climb the Harbour Bridge: Get your adrenaline pumping and walk along the arches of the Harbour Bridge to experience a panoramic view of Sydney.
  • Explore The Rocks: Steeped in history and home to some of Sydney's best pubs, street performers and artisan shops, this charming neighbourhood is worth strolling through before heading back to your hotel.
  • Dine at Tetsuya's: An elegant establishment that serves delicate dishes with precision; it is a culinary experience that will stay with you long after you’ve left.

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.

More travel plans

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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.