Three Days in Sydney

Welcome to the bustling and beautiful city of Sydney, Australia! With its stunning beaches, iconic landmarks and vibrant culture, Sydney is a must-visit destination for anyone travelling to the Land Down Under. In this post, I’ll take you through a three-day itinerary to make the most of your time in this incredible city. From soaking up the sun at Manly Beach to exploring the historic Rocks district, we’ve got you covered. As a born and bred Sydneysider who has since made Melbourne my home, I may be a little biased, but I can’t help but feel a sense of excitement whenever I visit this incredible city. Despite not having any connections or relatives there anymore, Sydney still holds a special place in my heart. And as someone who has travelled extensively both domestically and internationally, I can confidently say that a Sydney itinerary is a must that everyone should experience at least once in their lifetime.

For interstate visitors, Sydney is a perfect getaway. With direct flights from all major Australian cities, it’s an easy escape from the daily grind. Sydney is known for its iconic landmarks such as the Opera House and Harbour Bridge, but there is so much more to discover. Take a stroll through the trendy suburbs of Surry Hills and Paddington, explore the world-class museums and galleries in the CBD, or simply relax on one of Sydney’s many stunning beaches.

For overseas visitors, Sydney is often the first stop on their Australian adventure, and for good reason. The city’s natural beauty, bustling nightlife, and multicultural cuisine make it a perfect introduction to the country’s unique blend of modernity and natural wonder. From the crystal-clear waters of Bondi Beach to the breathtaking views from atop the Sydney Tower Eye, there is something for every type of traveler in this vibrant city.

I stayed at a fairly cheap hotel in Haymarket.  The Haymarket area is at the top end of the city in the opposite direction from the harbour.  The tram system in the CBD makes travelling the length of the city quite easy.  The public transport system is quite easy and you can now use your credit card to tap on and off as you travel the tram, train, bus and ferry network. 

Day 1: Exploring the Arts of Sydney

Start your first day in Sydney by immersing yourself in the city’s vibrant arts scene. Begin at the Museum of Contemporary Art, which features an impressive collection of contemporary art from Australia and around the world. You can expect to see a variety of mediums such as painting, sculpture, video, and performance art. The MCA also hosts regular temporary exhibitions and events throughout the year.  The museum is located in the heart of Circular Quay and is easily accessible by train, bus or ferry.

Afterwards, take a stroll through the historic Rocks area, where you’ll find quaint streets lined with boutique shops and charming cafes. The area is also home to the iconic Sydney Opera House, which is just a short walk away. Be sure to take some time to admire the stunning architecture and snap a few photos of this iconic landmark.  Tomorrow we will walk around and inside the Sydney Opera House.

Next, head to the Art Gallery of NSW, which is located near the picturesque Sydney Botanic Gardens. The gallery boasts an impressive collection of Australian and international art, with works ranging from colonial to contemporary. Some of the highlights include a significant Indigenous art collection, European masterpieces and an Asian art collection. The AGNSW also hosts a range of special exhibitions, talks and events throughout the year. To get there, you can take a bus or train to St James station, and then walk through the gardens to the gallery.  I actually walked there from Circular Quay – it was a decent walk!

I caught a bus from outside the gallery back into the city centre and made my way to the Queen Victoria Building, a stunning 19th-century building that has been beautifully restored and transformed into a shopping and dining destination. There was a variety of high-end boutiques, specialty shops, and cafes. From the Art Gallery, you can take a bus or train to Town Hall station, and then walk a short distance to the Queen Victoria Building.

On my way back to my hotel in Haymarket I called into Paddy’s Markets, a bustling indoor market in the heart of the city. You can browse through a wide variety of stalls selling everything from fresh produce to clothing, souvenirs and more. It’s a good place to pick up cheap souvenirs but if you are looking for quality this is not the market to go for.  I really only spent about 15 minutes here as I had no interest in cheaply mass produced goods. The market is easily accessible by bus or train to Central Station, which is just a short walk away.

Day 2: Exploring the Harbour, Opera House and a bird’s eye view of Sydney

On the second day of your Sydney itinerary, take a ferry ride to Manly and explore the famous beach. You can catch the ferry from one of the wharves at Circular Quay.  The ferry ride itself is a scenic journey across Sydney Harbour, offering stunning views of the city skyline and iconic landmarks such as the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera House. Make sure you have your phone camera on the ready. Once in Manly, take a stroll along the beach and take in the surf culture, cafes, and boutique shops.

After returning from Manly, head to the Sydney Opera House for an inside tour. The Opera House is an architectural marvel and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The guided tour will take you behind the scenes and provide insights into the history, design, and performances that have taken place there.  Check the Sydney Opera House website for availability https://www.sydneyoperahouse.com/tours-and-experiences

Next, visit the Australian Museum, which is located in the heart of the city at the corner of College and Williams Streets. The museum houses an extensive collection of natural history and cultural artefacts, including dinosaur skeletons, indigenous artefacts, and interactive exhibits.

Make sure to stop by Angel Place, a unique laneway located in the CBD, for the perfect photo opportunity. The laneway is known for its stunning installation of suspended birdcages, which create a mesmerising atmosphere.  Finish the day by visiting the Sydney Tower Eye, which offers 360-degree views of the city from its observation deck. It’s a great way to get a bird’s-eye view of the city and take in the panoramic views.

All of these attractions are easily accessible by public transport. From Manly, the ferry departs from Manly Wharf, and there are train and bus options to reach the other locations. The closest train station to Angel Place is Wynyard Station, and the closest train station to the Sydney Tower Eye is Town Hall Station.

Day 3: Exploring the Markets of Sydney

On my last day in Sydney I took advantage of it being a Saturday and visited a couple of Sydney’s Saturday markets. Start your day at The Rocks Market, which offers unique finds, delicious food and a lively atmosphere. The market is quite spread out so keep looking around the corners! From there, I walked to Paddington.  That was a long walk that took me a good while to complete.  I would suggest to take a bus ride to the Paddington Markets, where you can browse through locally made clothes, accessories, and home decor. These markets are only open on weekends, so make sure to plan accordingly.

After you’ve had your fill of shopping, head over to the White Rabbit Gallery in Chippendale. I cannot tell you how impressed I was with this gallery.  It was actually the highlight of my Sydney trip.  This contemporary art gallery features works by Chinese artists, and offers a fascinating insight into modern Chinese culture. This is a private collection owned by a billionaire named Judith Neilson.  It is free to see so make sure you make time to visit this gallery.  With its impressive collection and ever-changing exhibitions, the White Rabbit Gallery is a must-see for any art lover.   I walked there by heading up George Street, veering onto Broadway and then I took a left and cut through Chippendale Green and ended up pretty close to the gallery.  The White Rabbit Gallery is conveniently located a short 10 minute walk from Central and Redfern train stations and the Railway Square bus terminal at 30 Balfour Street, Chippendale.

To get to The Rocks Market and Paddington Markets, you can take public transportation such as buses or trains. The White Rabbit Gallery is easily accessible by train or bus as well. Just be sure to check the schedules and plan your journey in advance to make the most of your day.

The hotel I stayed at was The Great Southern Hotel at 717 George Street, Haymarket.  The hotel was clean and comfortable but definitely a budget hotel. The tram is straight outside the front door which goes down to Circular Quay – very convenient!  So there you have it, my three days in Sydney.  I am into arts and culture so my itinerary was based around those interests. Next time I would like to visit Brett Whiteley’s Studio in Redfern.