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A Two Day Sydney Itinerary - the Perfect 48 Hours for First Time Visitors

How to Spend Two Days in Sydney

By James Davies in Australia Guides.

Spending two days in Sydney is a wonderful way to introduce yourself to this magical city. As the largest city in Australia and the capital of New South Wales, there’s plenty of things to do in Sydney to keep you busy. Steeped in history and culture and blessed with plenty of spell-binding natural scenery, our two day Sydney itinerary will help you discover the very best that the city has to offer.

TLDR: A Quick Breakdown of Our Two Day Sydney Itinerary

Here’s an overview of our 48 hour Sydney itinerary:

Day 1:

Explore Circular Quay
Visit the Sydney Harbour Bridge
See The Rocks & Susannah Place
Take a tour of Sydney Opera House
Stroll through Botanic Gardens and see Mrs Macquarie’s Chair
Visit the Art Gallery of New South Wales
Dine out at Finger Wharf

Day 2:

Views from Sydney Tower Eye
See Hyde Park & St Mary’s Cathedral
Visit Hyde Park Barracks
See Elizabeth Bay House
Take a trip to Manly
Return to Circular Quay to see Sydney Harbour at night

Is Two Days in Sydney Enough?

By spending a couple of days in Sydney you’ll definitely be able to get a good feel for the city.

You’ll have enough time to see the city’s most famous landmarks, several popular attractions and explore some of Sydney’s vibrant neighbourhoods.

However, there’s so much to see and do in Sydney that you would need to spend a lot more time here to really do it justice.

Where to Stay in Sydney

If you’re spending two days in Sydney then you’ll need somewhere to stay for the night. We recommend staying somewhere within easy reach of Circular Quay in Sydney Harbour. This area has a lot of excellent transport links for exploring the city and is within walking distance of a huge range of great places to eat and drink.

👉 You can search for accommodation in Sydney here, but if you need some ideas on where to stay, here are a few places that we recommend:

• Affordable – Megaboom City Hotel – Perfectly located in the heart of Sydney’s CBD, the Megaboom City Hotel is perfect for those looking for somewhere that offers a comfortable night’s sleep with all the essentials without breaking the bank.

• Mid-range – The Tank Stream: Also in the thick of the action and only a 10 minute walk from Circular Quay, the Tank Stream features a range of good sized and well appointed rooms. There’s also a bar, restaurant and a fitness centre on site.

• A bit special – InterContinental Sydney: Overlooking Circular Quay and facing the Royal Botanic Gardens, the luxurious InterContinental Sydney is one of the best hotels in the city. Book a room with a stunning harbour view for an extra special stay.

2 Day Sydney Itinerary: Day 1:

Circular Quay

Nestled between Sydney Harbour and the central business district, Circular Quay is the best place to start your two day tour of the city.

Flanked between the iconic landmarks of the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge, Circular Quay is the beating heart of the city and comes with a serious wow factor.

When you arrive at Circular Quay, spend some time admiring the phenomenal views of the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Not only symbols of the city, the two are amongst the most famous landmarks in Australia.

If you need a bit of breakfast, Circular Quay is home to a wide variety of waterfront restaurants, cafes, as well as shops, bars and hotels. Alternatively it’s a great place for lunch or dinner later in the day.

From Circular Quay, walk along the promenade towards the Sydney Harbour Bridge – we’ll come back towards the Opera House later in the day.

As the route wraps around the harbour, you can enjoy more fabulous views of the Sydney Opera House from across the water. Also facing the harbour is the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia, if you fancy an early dose of culture.

Get A Closer Look at Sydney Harbour Bridge

Now one of the most famous bridges in the world, the Sydney Harbour Bridge took eight years to build and was finally opened in 1932.

An iconic part of the Sydney skyline, the Sydney Harbour Bridge plays a vital role in connecting the central business district with the city’s North Shore.

There are a couple of ways in which you can visit the Sydney Harbour Bridge. The most adventurous is by climbing the bridge on a BridgeClimb.

An exhilarating and unforgettable experience, BridgeClimb offers unparalleled 360 degree bird’s eye views of the harbour and the city via a climb to the top of the bridge’s arch.

BridgeClimb tours operate every day of the year. The three hour tour takes in a climb of 1,332 steps and can be done during the day, at sunset or at night.

If the thought of a BridgeClimb terrifies you, you can visit the Pylon Lookout instead, located within the bridge’s South-East Pylon. The Pylon Lookout also offers an incredible close-up view of the Sydney Harbour Bridge’s magnificent steel arch, the Sydney Opera House, the CBD and way out across Sydney.

Also included with a visit to the Pylon Lookout is the Pylon Museum. This museum documents the fascinating story of the construction of the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

Displays explain how the bridge came to be, from its original design and inception through to the skill and dedication of the many people involved in building it. Don’t miss the series of colourful stained-glass windows dedicated to the bridge’s construction workers.

Explore The Rocks

After visiting the Sydney Harbour Bridge, head back towards Circular Quay via the Rocks. Sat beneath the Sydney Harbour Bridge, the Rocks is one of the most historic and picturesque neighbourhoods in the city.

The Rocks sprang up in Sydney harbour soon after the city was founded as a British penal colony. Many of the area’s elegant historic homes, shops and pubs date from the late 18th and 19th centuries.

You’ll find plenty of examples of these on vibrant George Street, including Cadman’s Cottage, which was built in 1816 and is one of the city’s oldest surviving buildings. Just along the street is the Fortune of War, which claims to be Sydney’s oldest pub.

The city’s first police station is now home to Sergeant Lok, an elegant Asian restaurant whose interior still retains a few features that serve as a reminder of its original purpose.

The Rocks Discovery Museum provides information and insights into the area’s rich history and development over the past 300 years or so.

The Rocks is also home to the Sydney Observatory, with the surrounding park offering wonderful panoramic views of the harbour.

Taking in the views from Observatory Hill Park and shopping in the Rocks

If you’re spending the weekend in Sydney, don’t miss the Rocks Market. Held every Saturday and Sunday from 10:00am to 5:00pm, the market takes over the area’s streets, where you’ll find everything from jewellery, crafts, antiques, homewares and a range of gourmet food stalls.

If you’re hungry then the Rocks is a great place to pick up something to eat. There are numerous cafes, diners and restaurants in the Rocks, particularly along Playfair Street.

For a bigger lunch you could pop into any of the Rock’s excellent pubs, such as historic (and possibly haunted) Hero of Waterloo, or The Glenmore Hotel, which has magical views over the harbour and Sydney Opera House from the rooftop terrace.

Step Back in Time at Susannah Place

To get a real insight into the history of the Rocks, book a tour of Susannah Place on Gloucester Street. Susannah Place is a fascinating museum located inside a former shop and connected row of tiny terraced houses that originally date from the 1840s.

The shop and the houses offer a fascinating look into the lives and times of the people who lived and worked in the area, as well as illustrating how the area has developed over the past two centuries.

Susannah Place in the Rocks

The hour-long tours are led by knowledgeable guides who bring the past to life by explaining the history of the area as well as the details of some of the people who lived in each of the terraced houses over many decades.

The interiors of each house have hardly been touched since the late 20th century, giving visitors the chance to see what life used to be like in what was once one of the poorest parts of the city.

Take a Tour of Sydney Opera House

From the Rocks, head back around Circular Quay towards the Sydney Opera House. If you want to take a look inside the world-famous landmark, you can book a guided tour of the venue.

The one-hour tours take in the Opera House’s fabulous interiors and performance halls as well as going behind the scenes to parts of the building that guests don’t get to see. You’ll also get to learn all about the design and construction of the Opera House which is now a UNESCO World Heritage site.

If you’re ready for a break take a seat at the outdoor terrace at the Opera Bar. Located next to the Opera House and facing the Sydney Harbour Bridge, the Opera Bar has some of the best views in the city. If you order any food be warned that you’ll run the risk of it being dive-bombed by seagulls.

Stroll Through Royal Botanic Gardens to Mrs Macquarie's Chair

Right beside the Opera House is Sydney’s Royal Botanic Garden. Established in 1816, the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney is the perfect spot to take a break from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Sydney’s botanic gardens is one of the oldest in the Southern Hemisphere and covers approximately 30 hectares of lush, expansive green space.

The beautifully landscaped gardens are home to a diverse collection of plants and flowers, from native Australian species to even more exotic flora from all over the world.

A rainbow lorikeet, a path through the gardens and a kookaburra in Sydney’s Royal Botanic Gardens

Amongst the many different areas of the Royal Botanic Garden are the Palace Rose Garden, the Palm Grove, and the Cadi Jam Ora – First Encounters Garden, which highlights native plants and traditional Aboriginal culture.

Keep an eye out for the colourful birdlife that can be spotted in the garden too, especially kookaburras and rainbow lorikeets.

Throughout the gardens are many picturesque walking paths that provide stunning views of Sydney harbour. One walk leads to another local landmark, Mrs Macquarie’s Chair.

Mrs Macquarie’s Chair was carved into a block of sandstone by convicts in 1810 on the orders of the Governor of New South Wales for his wife who loved the view of the bay from this spot.

Visit the Art Gallery of New South Wales

After the serenity of the botanic gardens, take in some of the world class art on display at one of Sydney’s biggest and best galleries.

About a five minute walk from Mrs Macquarie’s Chair, located just opposite the garden’s Woolloomooloo Gate, is the Art Gallery of New South Wales.

Established in 1871, the Art Gallery of New South Wales is one of Australia’s premier art institutions, with an extensive collection of Australian, European, and Asian art. The gallery contains over 30,000 works that span a variety of disciplines from ancient to contemporary art.

The gallery is housed in two buildings with the majority of the historic works housed inside the grand, original neoclassical building called Naala Nura. More contemporary works are displayed inside the stunning modern extension, called Naala Badu, a giant glass annexe which complements the older original building.

Artworks on display inside the Art Gallery of New South Wales

Alongside the numerous temporary exhibitions the gallery holds each year, the permanent collection includes masterpieces by European greats including Rembrandt and Monet.

There are also works by many prominent Australian artists while the gallery also contains a notable collection of Asian art. The modern annex also houses an excellent collection of contemporary artworks by Aboriginal artists.

Dine Out at Finger Wharf

From the Art Gallery of New South Wales, end the day in Finger Wharf, an easy five minute walk away. Constructed from timber and opened in 1913, Finger Wharf is a long, narrow jetty which extends into Sydney Harbour.

Also known as Woolloomooloo Wharf, its original purpose was to accommodate large cargo ships which exported goods such as Australian wool all over the world.

In the late 1990s, Finger Wharf underwent a significant transformation, and it has since been redeveloped into a mixed-use precinct featuring luxury apartments (one of which is owned by Russell Crowe), bars, restaurants and a boutique hotel.

Thankfully the redevelopment preserved the jetty’s historical facade while modernising the industrial interiors.

Today, Finger Wharf is a vibrant area that draws an upmarket crowd. The wharf offers stunning views of Sydney Harbour and the city skyline.

Amongst the best places to eat at Finger Wharf are Otto for excellent Italian cuisine, Manta for delicious seafood and China Doll for modern Chinese dishes.

Two Days in Sydney: Day 2

See the Views from Sydney Tower Eye

Start your second day in Sydney taking in the stunning views from the Sydney Tower Eye.

Located in the heart of Sydney’s Central Business District, this iconic observation and telecommunications tower is the tallest structure in Sydney and the second tallest in Australia. Commonly known simply as Sydney Tower, the tower stands at a height of 309 metres and was opened in 1981.

The Sydney Tower’s striking cylindrical design, topped with a sleek spire, is one of the most famous landmarks in the city’s skyline.

The tower’s primary function is to house television and radio broadcast antennas, but it is more famous for its observation deck, located at a height of 250 metres, which offers panoramic views of Sydney and its surrounding areas.

The tower’s observation deck features floor-to-ceiling glass windows that provide sublime views of the CBD, Sydney harbour and, on clear days, as far as the Blue Mountains.

For those in need of an adrenaline rush, the tower also offers the Skywalk experience, a chance to walk on an open-air platform outside the tower, harnessed for safety, while taking in the incredible unobstructed views across Sydney.

👉 You can buy tickets for the Sydney Tower Eye in advance here.

Take in Hyde Park and St Mary’s Cathedral

With your feet firmly back on the ground, take a stroll through Hyde Park, the oldest public park in Australia.

This beautiful park includes open lawns, a variety of grand old trees, elegant gardens and numerous memorials and public artworks. Highlights of the garden’s monuments include the Anzac Memorial, the Art Deco-inspired Archibald Memorial Fountain, and the Sandringham Memorial Garden.

From Hyde Park pay a visit to St Mary’s Cathedral, the city’s majestic Roman Catholic cathedral. Consecrated in 1821, it is one of Australia’s most significant religious and architectural landmarks. The current buildings date from 1928 after a huge fire destroyed the original cathedral.

The new cathedral was designed in the Gothic Revival style and inspired by the grandeur of the cathedrals of mediaeval Europe, featuring intricate stained glass windows, soaring spires, and elaborate stonework.

The cathedral’s façade is dominated by its two towering spires, which reach a height of 74 metres. Inside, the cathedral boasts a spacious nave, stunning altar, and a richly decorated interior with ornate woodwork.

See History Come to Life at Hyde Park Barracks

Constructed between 1817 and 1819, Hyde Park Barracks was originally designed as a barracks for convicts sent to Australia from the UK and Ireland as punishment, often for very minor crimes.

Decades later, the barracks was used as a place to process female immigrants, particularly those fleeing the Irish famine, and then as a women’s asylum.

Today, Hyde Park Barracks is a fascinating museum that explores Australia’s convict past, early colonial life, as well as the building’s various historical roles over the past two centuries.

In 2010 the barracks were one of 11 former penal sites collectively declared a UNESCO World Heritage site. The museum charts the history of the building along with the lives and journeys of those who resided here in the 19th and early 20th century.

Recreated sleeping quarters and a shirt worn by a convict settler housed inside Hyde Park Barracks

Initially, the barracks were partly used as a place of accommodation as well as a place of incarceration. The building’s former sleeping quarters now contain exhibits and displays that document the experiences of the early convict settlers through to the women who were treated here when the barracks became a women’s asylum.

An excellent audio guide and hundreds of original artefacts found during archeological surveys of the barracks bring to life the building’s fascinating role in the founding of modern Australia.

Marvel at Elizabeth Bay House

From Hyde Park Barracks, explore more of Sydney’s early history at Elizabeth Bay House.

A ten-minute walk from Kings Cross Station, Elizabeth Bay House is a stunning example of colonial architecture, reflecting the opulence and grandeur of the early 19th century. Constructed between 1835 and 1839, this stately Regency-style residence was built by the affluent merchant Alexander Macleay.

The magnificent interior of Elizabeth Bay House

No expense was spared in the building of Elizabeth Bay House, which features a classic asymmetrical facade, elegantly curved bay windows, and a sweeping verandah that offers panoramic views of Elizabeth Bay.

Its interiors are just as impressive, particularly the domed saloon and the stunning cantilevered staircase that leads to the upper floors.

Today, Elizabeth Bay House is preserved as a heritage site and is laid out as it would have appeared in the 19th century, offering a fascinating glimpse into the lifestyle of early Sydney’s wealthy upper classes.

Take a Trip to Manly

In the afternoon, take the twenty-minute ferry ride from Circular Quay across Sydney harbour to Manly.

Manly is a picturesque and typically laid-back Sydney suburb with a great selection of bars, restaurants and shops, as well as a coastline blessed with gorgeous beaches.

On arrival head along The Corso, Manly’s main pedestrianised shopping street that will bring you to Manly Beach, a beautiful stretch of golden sand. Routinely awarded the prestigious accolade of best beach in Australia, Manly Beach is often called the birthplace of surfing in Australia.

Over a kilometre long, Manly Beach is also a great place to kick back and relax and watch the waves.

At the southern end of Manly Beach follow the Marine Parade path that leads around the coast to the smaller Shelly Beach. Protected from the waves by the cove of Cabbage Tree Bay, Shelly Beach is a popular place to snorkel and scuba dive.

As afternoon becomes evening you’ll find plenty of great places to get a bite to eat in Manly. There are several great options facing the beach on South Steyne Street, including the always popular Manly Grill or feast on hearty French cuisine at Hemingway’s Manly.

If you’d rather eat back near the ferry terminal, we can recommend the excellent 4 Pines Brewpub overlooking the harbour. Alternatively the chilled out Wharf Bar is one of many great bars and restaurants to be found inside Manly Wharf.

Return to See Sydney Harbour at Night

From Manly take the ferry back to Circular Quay for the breathtaking views of Sydney Harbour after dark.

The Manly ferry passes right alongside the Sydney Opera House and in full view of the Sydney Harbour Bridge on its way into Circular Quay, offering mesmerising night-time views of the two landmarks.

If you still have a little gas left in the tank, you could fit in a nightcap at one of the nearby bars that come with fantastic harbour views – we can recommend the Hyde Hacienda Sydney Bar and Lounge next to the ferry port or the Cruise Bar on the opposite side of the quay. What better way to cap off the perfect 48 hours in Sydney?

Extra Ideas for Your Two Day Sydney Itinerary

Here are some more ideas and suggestions for things to do in Sydney that we couldn’t quite cram into our two day itinerary:

Bondi Beach

For many people a visit to Bondi Beach will be an essential part of any trip to Sydney. The only reason that we haven’t included it in our itinerary is because it is quite far from the rest of Sydney’s main attractions and to get there by public transport would eat up a fair bit of time.

However, as arguably the most famous beach in Australia, there’s no doubt that beautiful Bondi Beach is one of the city’s biggest attractions.

Taronga Zoo Sydney

Opened in 1916, Taronga Zoo Sydney is home to a diverse range of animals from around the globe, including iconic Australian species such as koalas and kangaroos, as well as exotic creatures like elephants, giraffes, and tigers.

Taronga Zoo‘s well-designed exhibits offer immersive experiences, giving you the chance to observe animals in environments that closely mimic their natural habitats against a backdrop of breathtaking views of Sydney harbour.

Take a Whale Watching Tour

Sydney is a great place to see whales, particularly from late May to early November, when humpback and southern right whales migrate along the eastern coast of Australia. Tours typically depart from Circular Quay or Darling Harbour and last for a couple of hours, offering the chance to witness the majestic whales breaching, tail-slapping, and playing in the waters off the coast.

Tours are led by experienced guides who provide insightful commentary about the whales’ behaviours and migration patterns.

👉 You can book whale watching tours in advance through Viator here or with Get Your Guide here.

Luna Park

The unashamedly retro Luna Park is an iconic amusement park located at Milsons Point on the northern shore of Sydney Harbour. Opened in 1935, the park is famous for its distinctive entrance featuring a giant, smiling face.

Luna Park has a blend of classic and contemporary amusement rides, including its historic Ferris wheel, as well as various other family-friendly attractions. Popular with visitors of all ages, Luna Park’s picturesque location also offers stunning views of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Sydney Opera House.

Darling Harbour

Located to the south of Barangaroo, Darling Harbour has a wide range of attractions and activities, many of which will be great if you’re travelling with kids. These include WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo, SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium and the Australian National Maritime Museum. There’s also a great deal of places to eat in Darling Harbour too, especially in King Street Wharf, Cockle Bay Wharf and the Darling Quarter.

Museum of Sydney

The Museum of Sydney provides a captivating exploration of Sydney’s rich history taking a comprehensive look into the city’s evolution, from its Indigenous heritage through European colonisation to the modern day.

Detailed archaeological findings, engaging interactive displays and multimedia presentations bring Sydney’s past to life.

Australian Museum

The Australian Museum is the oldest museum in the country and houses over 21 million specimens, ranging from fossils, minerals, and Indigenous artefacts connected to Australia’s natural and cultural heritage.

The museum’s highlights include the impressive dinosaur skeletons, detailed exhibits on Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, and the comprehensive displays of Australia’s unique flora and fauna.

The Justice and Police Museum

The Justice and Police Museum is only open on weekends, but if you’re able to go during your trip to Sydney it’s well worth a visit. Housed inside what was one of the first police stations and courthouse in Sydney, the Justice and Police Museum documents some of the gripping crimes and fascinating characters from Sydney’s criminal history.

Weapons used in historic crimes are on display, as are many photographs from the Sydney police forces’ extensive archives. You can also visit the police station’s former cells.

How to Get to Sydney

If you’re spending two days in Sydney then presumably it’s part of a larger trip around a particular area of Australia. If you’re starting in Sydney you’ll most likely be arriving by plane.

As the busiest airport in Australia there are direct international flights to Sydney International Airport from a huge number of major destinations worldwide. There are also dozens of internal flights a day from other cities within Australia, such as Melbourne, Perth, Brisbane, Cairns, Canberra and many more.

👉 If you need to book flights to Sydney you can find the best deals on Skyscanner here.

Sydney International Airport is located in the south of Sydney around five miles away from the city centre. It’s very easy to get from the airport to central Sydney by public transport.

There are train station at Sydney Airport’s international and domestic terminals that are connected to the city centre via the Airport and South Metro Line. The train journey from the airport to the centre of Sydney takes just over 20 minutes.

How to Get Around Sydney

Sydney is well served by various modes of public transport, including trains, buses, trams and ferries. The best way to travel around Sydney is to pick up an Opal card, a prepaid travel card that lets you pay for journeys by tapping on and off at the beginning and end of each journey.

The Opal card is accepted on all modes of transport in Sydney and can be bought from train stations, supermarkets, convenience stores and newsagents. Opal cards come with $20 of credit and if they need to be topped up can be re-credited at ticket machines inside stations and also at stores that sell Opal cards.

Alternatively you can also tap on and off all types of public transport using a credit or debit card. You’ll pay the same fare whether you use an Opal card or by paying by debit or credit card.

Some ferry services only require you to tap on, whereas you will need to tap on and off journeys on all buses and at train stations.

You can find more information about travelling around Sydney, including timetables and route planners at Transport New South Wales’ website here.

When is the Best Time to Visit Sydney?

It depends on what kind of weather you prefer, but we’d say that the best time to visit Sydney is either spring or autumn. Temperatures in both spring (from September to November) and autumn (March to May) are mild, with top temperatures typically around 25°C/77.36°F with little humidity and lots of sunshine.

Winter in Sydney (June to August) also sees lots of sunshine but colder temperatures. Maximum temperatures are usually around 17°C/62.6°F. Winter is also the least crowded time of year to visit, so you might find flights and accommodation to be a little bit cheaper.

Temperatures in the summer (December to February) are hot, with temperatures consistently around 26°C/78.8°F.

Summer is also one of the busiest times of the year to visit, especially around the New Year period. The massive New Year’s Eve fireworks display held in Sydney harbour each year draws around a million visitors and massively bumps up the prices of flights and accommodation.

I’m James, the founder, editor, writer and photographer at Where You’re Between. Currently based in Japan, I started Where You’re Between in 2017 to create detailed itineraries and in-depth travel guides for the places that I’m fortunate enough to visit. You can see all of our destinations here.

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The Perfect 2 Day Sydney Itinerary