Activities at Sydney and the NSW east coast range across urban, beach, nature and wine.
In Sydney, the essentials: Opera House visit (guided tour AUD 30, or simple exterior walk free), Harbour Bridge crossing on foot via Pylon Lookout (AUD 24) or via BridgeClimb for thrills (AUD 350-400 depending on slot), walk through The Rocks (1788 historic quarter, weekend market), museum visits (Art Gallery of NSW free, Australian Museum, MCA — Museum of Contemporary Art), shopping at Queen Victoria Building (1898 Victorian architecture) and Westfield Sydney (Centerpoint tower with observation deck AUD 30), walk in the Royal Botanic Garden (free, panoramic view from Mrs Macquarie's Chair). The Bondi-Coogee coastal walk (6 km, 2h) is one of the world's most beautiful urban walks.
Beaches and waterfront: surfing at Bondi with lessons (AUD 60-90), Manly ferry from Circular Quay (AUD 10, panoramic view), bathing in ocean pools (rock-cut pools, free — Bondi Icebergs paid AUD 9), Sydney Sea Kayaking in the harbour (AUD 90-150), helicopter tour over the harbour (AUD 200-400).
Day excursions: Blue Mountains (Central-Katoomba train 2h, Scenic World AUD 50, free hikes), Hunter Valley (guided 4-5 wineries shuttle AUD 120-180/person with lunch), Sydney Zoo or Taronga Zoo (AUD 50-55, ferry access — kangaroos and koalas), Featherdale Wildlife Park (AUD 45, direct koala contact), Royal National Park (the world's 2nd oldest national park after Yellowstone, founded 1879, free access).
Gastronomy: Sydney is one of the world's most creative cities for dining. Iconic addresses: Quay (3 Michelin stars equivalent, AUD 295 tasting menu, Peter Gilmore), Tetsuya's (Japanese-French institution), Bennelong (inside the Opera House), Rockpool Bar & Grill. For brunch: Bills (inventor of ricotta hotcakes), The Grounds of Alexandria (landscaped setting). Sydney Fish Market (visit early morning for the auction, on-site dining AUD 30-60/person).
Events: Vivid Sydney (late May-mid June, spectacular illuminations), Sydney Festival (January), Mardi Gras LGBT+ (March), Vivid Music (June), Sculpture by the Sea (October-November, monumental sculptures along the Bondi-Tamarama walk).
Read also
- Sydney — Opera House, Harbour Bridge, Bondi: the iconic Australian city in 3-4 nights.
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- Australia — Complete guide: world's 6th country, eVisitor formalities, budget, best time.