This is the city to go to for outdoor activities. With a great combination of city life and beach life, Sydney will not disappoint! There is more than enough to do here to fill up your days, it’s just making the decision on what to choose! From the iconic Circular Quay to Bondi, Sydney satisfies all! Mind, it is VERY expensive, as is all of Australia. If you’re on a budget, look into couch surfing to save a pretty penny. Hostels start from $30AUD per night and just go up from there.

What to do in Sydney

Take a Ferry from Circular Quay to Manly:

Head down to the Circle Quay, hop on the Manly Ferry, and enjoy the beautiful ride! This ferry ride is a great way to get those picture perfect, scenic views of the Sydney skyline. The ride from the Sydney Harbor to Manly takes about 20 minutes. Once you arrive in Manly, take a few hours to walk along the coast, grab a bite, or just stroll around the town! The ferries back to the Circular Quay run frequently and are easy to view at the dock.

Cost: $12 AUD round trip

Sydney Opera House:

The iconic Sydney Opera House is even more breathtaking in person. Its’ architectural design is what makes it stand out on the Sydney Skyline. This multi-venue performing arts centre is one of the 20th century’s most famous and distinctive buildings. It is what you see first when watching any movie that wants you to know that it takes place in Australia. Hang out on the steps and enjoy some people watching around the Circular Quay!

Museum of Contemporary Art:

Also located along the Circular Quay, this free museum has some great contemporary art exhibits that are worth taking a look at. If you have time to kill before your dinner reservation along the Circular Quay, this is a great place to pop in to! It should only take about 30 minutes to and hour to see all of the exhibits.

Check here to see what they have in up before you go!

Head to Bondi:

Bondi. Or should we babe central. Either expression will help you get the point. Bondi is full of the young crowd and is a great place to hang out for some ample beach time or a good night out. It’s beautiful beach will inspire you to grab a surf board and hop in the water! But mind, this is where the experienced surfers go, and it’s a pretty dog eat dog world out in the waves. I personally prefer to watch from afar and admire all the goodness out there “shredding” it. Bondi is full of amazing shopping, bars, and restaurants. Spending the day here (or even finding a place to stay here) is an absolute must!

IceBergs:

Another spot to soak in the iconic, instagram-able, views of Bondi beach. This gorgeous restaurant/bar/yacht club over looks Bondi beach and the ocean. Enjoy a pitcher of sangria, some delicious (and not terribly expensive) food, while watching the ocean waves crash against the outdoor pool!

Bondi to Coogee Walk:

This is another absolute must do in Sydney. The walk along the coast will take you a couple of hours, but the views will stay with you long after that. Depending on where you would like to end your walk, take a bus to either Coogee or Bondi and follow the path! You’ll stop at some beautiful beach coves that will make you want to uplift your life and move to Sydney!

Shop and Eat in Surry Hills:

Surry Hills is an adorable little area. With houses and businesses draped in vines, it gives a nice quaint feel while you’re walking around shop hopping. There are also some of the best restaurants and bars in Sydney located in this area. If you are short on time in Sydney, you can skip this as a full day, but make sure to try to make it for at least one meal!

Royal Botanical Garden:

Located just off the Circular Quay, this coastal park is nice, quiet, and peaceful way to spend an afternoon. Never seen a wild cockatoo? Or better yet a group of about 30 wild cockatoos? Well, you won’t be able to miss them here! They’re flying all around and are actually not skittish when you get too close to them. Enjoy a nice stroll after taking in the busy Circular Quay!