Exploring Sydney in two days! Where to go and what to do?
About 10 years ago I fell in love with Sydney. The biggest city in Australia and for many visitors the starting point of their journey down under. Of course you know about the Opera House or the Harbor Bridge and let’s not forget about Bondi Beach. But since Australia is so far away for most of us, many vistors want to see as much of the country as possible in a limited amount of time. Since Sydney is one of the great things about Australia that cannot be missed, I am happy to share my advice on exploring Sydney in two days.
It was only recently that I had the opportunity to return to my favorite city in the world! Like I described already in one of my other articles about Australia, Sydney has the grandness of a city like New York and the relaxed laid back mentality of California. It feels very safe and the streets are clean. Even a simple undertaking, like a walk around city is a great way to spend some time in Sydney. But that is not why you are reading this article, so let me begin with the useful stuff.
Be a true tourist on your first day!
Yes, that’s right! Although I always try to blend in and act like I am not a tourist at all, here I was an absolute tourist! By visiting the most famous tourist landmarks in Sydney (you know, the ones I mentioned in the beginning…) you will feel that your adventure has begun. And most important, you feel far, very far away from home.
I booked a hotel a little bit outside of Darling Harbour, that had a fair price and was in good walking distance of the highlights. It was the perfect location for exploring Sydney in two days. Check the link if you want to see the hotel, it is called the Ovolo Hotel, it was a pretty cool place and I would recommend it.
This walk will help you explore the best parts of town
The walk itself will take you about two hours. But you come across some great stops for lunch or coffee, that will probably extend the duration. From Darling Harbor you are at a great starting point for a walk along the waterfront all they way to the cities major highlights. The recently updated Kingfisher Wharf is packed with hip restaurants and bars. The locals meet here for a drink or diner with harbor view. The wide boulevard takes you along some modern architecture one one side, whilst offering a great view over the water on the other side. On a bright day, you see a glimpse of the surrounding areas across the water. The shores are covered with lots of green alternated with big houses.
The walk will take you all the way to Barangaroo, a small business district behind the boulevard. I stopped by the shop/restaurant ‘Bel and Brio’ a couple of times for a typical Aussie brekkie. It is a good one, that I can recommend!
Next up is ‘The Rocks’
The oldest neighborhood in Sydney. On Saturdays there is a market with all sorts of local products. From quirky souvenirs to tablecloths or pieces of art. The neighborhood is very lively and there are no high rise buildings. Instead there are a lot of small colorful houses that decorate the streets. I think that this area is nice around the end of the afternoon. This is the time when people gather in one of the many pubs. (One of them, “The Fortune of War” is the oldest pub in Sydney).
The neighborhood lies very close to the second harbor in the city, Circular Quay Wharf. This place can be quite hectic, with passengers catching ferries, commuters coming off the trains and tourist, many tourists! But by the time I got close to Circular Quay, I was too distracted by the sight of the Opera House. It is only a couple of 100 meters away at this point and thé iconic building of Sydney.
If you still have energie to walk by this time, walk past the Opera House into the Botanical Gardens. Here piece and quiet will come upon you again. Relax in the grass, together with many others. Or sit yourself down on one of the wooden benches while watching the ferry boats go back and forth over the water.
Day two is beach time!!
For me going to one of the beaches around Sydney was very exciting. In the Netherlands we only have a brown ocean with messy waves and brown sand. Looking out over a bay with blue water and lots of surfers showing their tricks gave me a real holiday feeling. Australia is of course well known for great beach life, but that it already starts right here around Sydney was a pleasant surprise. But whit so much choice, where to go?
Bondi Beach
The most famous beach is Bondi Beach, located in the south east part of Sydney, close to the train station Bondi Junction. The beach is famous due to the long bay, white sand and good surf (on most days). Along the esplanade there are restaurants and surf shops. From the southern side of the beach, there is a nice walking trail along the ocean that leads you to Tamarama Beach.
The beach is always guarded by lifeguards. If you are new to Australia, it is good to know that the red and yellow flags mark the area where you are allowed to swim.
Or Manly Beach
Another beach that I love and that I would choose over Bondi Beach, is Manly Beach. To get there, you take a ferry from Circular Quay for up to 30 minutes. During the ferry ride you have an excellent view over Sydney’s skyline and the surrounding suburbs. (great photo opportunities on a sunny day!). So if you want a day trip this gives you the full package deal. Arriving at Manly harbor, it is a short walk through a lively shopping area to get to the beach. What awaits you there is a long stretched beach with yellow sand, surrounded by big impressive pine trees.
At Manly beach there are also nice opportunities for short hikes. Along the south part of the beach in example, there is a small path leading to Shelly bay. A bay that is more sheltered from winds and waves. Along the bay there is a cool beach shack, called The Boathouse, with tasty healthy lunches.
For your spare time
Obviously there is much more to do in Sydney. But with tight travel schedules I think exploring Sydney in two days, gives you just enough time to spot all the highlights. If you do have more time, there are some great museums, you can walk over the Harbor Bridge or spend an afternoon shopping at the typical Australian retailers. But I was pretty jet lagged when I arrived in Sydney, so I didn’t stuff my days full with activities. But if you are the type of person that has lots of energy, here are some great options that you can add to your trip of exploring Sydney in two days.
Queen Victoria Building
The building that is now a shopping center was finished in 1898 and fills an entire city block bound by George, Market, York and Druitt Streets. Inside there is a variety of shops and coffee places. It is a nice place for a stroll as the design is still in tact. Within the building, on the top level near the dome there is a letter from Queen Elisabeth the II. The letter should be read to the people of Sydney in 2085, by the future Lord Mayor of Sydney.
Hyde Park & St. Mary’s Cathedral
Hyde Park is Australia’s oldest park and named after Hyde Park in London. The first thing I noticed when I entered Hyde Park, was that it was populated by a bird I had never seen before. It was the Australian white Ibis and is white with a big curved beak.
The park has a laid back atmosphere. It is likely that you will find some people hanging around in the lush green grass whilst soaking up the sun. Hyde Park is home to many big, leafy trees that offer cool shade for a break from the sun.
In the park you will find several monuments of which the Archibald Fountain stands out most. Behind the fountain you will find the impressive St. Mary’s Cathedral.
Paddy’s Market
The market is collection of cramped market stands with all sorts of curiosities. You can find things like Australian souvenirs, clothing, accessories, fake watches, decorative items, incense or Asian products. If you bring a visit to Paddy’s Market in Sydney, that is what you can expect and also food. It is a lot of fun to stroll along the different stands and look at the funny items that are for sale. The Paddy’s market has a free shuttle bus that drives a specific route, so you can hop on at different locations throughout the city and find your way to the market.
I hope you will enjoy exploring Sydney in two days! Or if you have more time… you are so lucky 🙂