The Land Down Under: 5-Day Sydney Itinerary
- Allison
- Aug 16
- 6 min read
Welcome to the Land Down Under - Australia! Known for its breathtaking landscapes, diversity, lively culture and attractions such as the legendary Sydney Opera House, Australia is truly a unique place that charms and mesmerize visitors.
Did you know Sydney is...
The most populated city of the Land Down Under.
Capital of the state New South Wales.
One of the Australia's oldest cities founded in 1788.
Good to know when planning your Sydney itinerary in the Land Down Under...
It is recommended to spend at least 3-5 days in Sydney to get a good feel of the area and cover its main attractions.
The best times to visit Sydney include September-November and February-May for pleasant weather and fewer crowds.
For Sydney beach lovers and outdoor enthusiasts, the best time to visit is between December-February for more hot and humid conditions and beach activities.
Bring AUD cash under AUD 10,000 (approx. $6500 USD) to make purchases at markets and small cafes (you don't have to declare at airport entry if below this amount); cards such as Visa, Mastercard and American Express are also widely accepted at shops and restaurants.
Follow pedestrian etiquette by staying to the left when walking on sidewalks or standing on elevators to leave right side for passersby.
Be mindful of local laws such as not littering, smoking outside designated smoking areas, jaywalking and taking pictures of adults and children without permission, which violate laws and can result in fines.
Ensure swimming safety by swimming between yellow and red flags where lifeguards are present and check for rip current warnings.
Plan ahead and make reservations for popular attractions on your itinerary such as whale watching, Sydney Opera House tours, Taronga Zoo and Blue Mountains.
Wear SPF 50+ sunscreen year-round to protect against Sydney's UV rays and reapply regularly.
Pack toiletries and adaptors such as toothpaste and toothbrush, which isn't provided at all hotels and accommodations, and Type I plug adapter (230V, 50Hz) for outlets, which differ from USA and Europe.
English is the official language of Sydney and all of the Land Down Under.
HOW TO GET TO SYDNEY
There are 8 airports in Sydney, with Kingsford Smith International Airport (SYD) being the main commercial airport of the region.
The official airline of the Land Down Under is Qantas.
SYD is Australia's busiest airport.
There are 3 terminals at SYD airport with Terminal 1 serving international flights and Terminals 2 and 3 serving domestic flights.
To reach the city center of Sydney, there are several transportation options for your 5-day Sydney itinerary including:
Car - Airport is located 8km from Sydney Central Business District (CBD) with drives taking approximately 30 minutes with light traffic.
Taxi or Ride Share - Taxis are available and generally range from $45-$55 one way to Sydney CBD; ride share options include Uber, RideMates, etc. (Lyft isn't currently available in Sydney at the time of this post)
Train - Taking Airport Link is the fastest way to get to Sydney CBD taking just 13 minutes with trains running approximately every 10 minutes.
Rental Car - Located in arrivals level with several big-name rental car companies including Enterprise, Thrifty, Avis, Hertz, etc.
Bike - SYD has undercover bike racks located at the end of Terminal 1 and near Terminals 2 and 3 for public pick up.
WHERE TO STAY IN SYDNEY
When determining which accommodations you're going to make for your 5-day Sydney itinerary, the most popular neighborhoods that travelers stay at while visiting Sydney include:
Sydney Central Business District (CBD) - With most travelers staying in Sydney CBD, this urban neighborhood is dynamic with accommodations ranging from budget friendly to luxurious; this area has a vibrant nightlife and is in close proximity to cultural landmarks and attractions such as Hyde Park, Sydney Tower Eye and Sydney Opera House easily accessed through excellent transportation options including trains and buses.
Best Hotels in Sydney CBD
QT Sydney - 5-Star trendy, romantic hotel rated 4.6/5 on Trip Advisor with eclectic atmosphere, spacious, non-smoking rooms with large windows, friendly service and well-appointed amenities including on-site spa.
The Grace Sydney - 4-Star family, business hotel with rating score of 4.4/5 on Trip Advisor, The Grace boasts non-smoking rooms, charming vibe, spacious rooms, welcoming service, excellent cleanliness and amazing amenities such as rooftop fitness center, indoor swimming pool and sauna.
Darling Harbour - Waterfront neighborhood known for its family-friendly vibes and aquatic activities such as waterfront dining, SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium and Australian National Maritime Museum; similar to Sydney CBD offer a range of luxury and budget-conscious accommodations catering to families traveling with children and has great transportation options and is within walking distance to major attractions; nightlife is vibrant with a more relaxed vibe than Sydney CBD.
Best Hotels in Darling Harbour
Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour Hotel - 5-Star marina and city view hotel rated 4.4/5 on Trip Advisor with elegant atmosphere, 590 comfortable rooms and suites including non-smoking, convenient location, spotless cleanliness and well-appointed amenities such as French bathroom amenities, luxurious spa and exclusive top-floor executive lounge.
Crowne Plaza Sydney Darling Harbour - 4-Star mid-range, centrally located hotel with rating score of 4.5/5 on Trip Advisor, with inviting atmosphere, spacious and comfortable rooms, immaculate cleanliness, friendly service and outstanding amenities with highly rated breakfasts and rooftop pool.
Bondi Beach - Epitome of Sydney's beach culture boasting a chill, laid-back vibe catering to surfers and beach goers; accommodations include boutique hotels and beachfront stays and is a great place to take walks along the beach such as trail from Bondi to Coogee and dining options including cafes, restaurants and bars, transportation options include buses and trains to get to city center and around Sydney.
Best Hotels in Bondi Beach
Adina Apartment Hotel Bondi Beach Sydney - 4-Star modern and family friendly hotel rated 4.5/5 on Trip Advisor boasting a great location close to eateries and stores, within minutes of the beach, spacious, clean rooms and heated swimming pool.
Bondi Beach House - 3-Star family-friendly and modern boutique hotel with rating score of 4.5/5 on Trip Advisor, is a short 2-minute walk to beach with 8 rooms including 2 suites, 4 double and 2 single rooms, clean designs and quirky art pieces made by local artisans.
POPULAR LANDMARKS AND ACTIVITIES
Here is a suggested 5-day itinerary while visiting Sydney
Day 1 - During the day, take a Big Bus Tour of Sydney where you can purchase a ticket to hop on and hop off as many times you want for 24 hours (48-hour passes are available as well) and visit attractions such as Bondi Beach and Sydney Opera House; in the evening visit Sydney Tower Eye and get a panoramic view of Sydney.
Day 2 - Spend the day at Taronga Zoo Sydney where you can get acquainted with kangaroos, koalas, wallabies, emus, platypus, penguins and many more animals as well as take a train ride on the Taronga Wildlife Express; for those who want to get up close and personal with animals, you can book a Taronga Experience and reserve an encounter with a capybara, giraffe, koala or meerkat.
Day 3 - In the morning, go on the popular Sydney Whale Watching Cruise for 2-hour or 4-hour ride, note it is recommended to visit from May-November for the best chance to see humpback whales; in the evening, visit the world famous Sydney Opera House where you can go on a tour, enjoy a sumptuous meal overlooking a breathtaking view of the harbour and catch a show.
Day 4 - Escape the city and go on a day long adventure to Blue Mountains National Park; ride a cable car as it takes you up remarkable greenery and Instagram worthy landscapes, visit the famous Three Sisters in Katoomba, learn more about Aboriginal culture, behold the majesty of magnificent waterfalls and go on a hike or bike on historic trails.
Day 5 - See sea animals at SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium, which houses 13,000 marine creatures consisting of 700 species such as water dragons, sharks, penguins and dugongs; later spend time in Darling Harbour, also referred to as Lover Harbour, where you can enjoy variety of appetizing restaurants with international cuisine options such as The Malaya, Little Snail, Braza Churrascaria and Grill'd, shop, watch outdoor performers and enjoy a lovely sunset dinner cruise.
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