FYI: Affiliate links may be sprinkled throughout the awesome, free content you see below. I’ll receive a small commission when you purchase from my links (at no extra cost to you), which I’ll totally blow on adult things like boba tea and avocado toast. As always, thanks for the support.
Headed to Australia and planning to spend just one day in Sydney? Follow this one day Sydney itinerary for all the iconic sights and best beaches!
Sydney is quite easily one of the most beautiful cities in the world. It’s vibrant and cosmopolitan and just downright gorgeous. There’s Sydney Harbour with its stunning Harbour Bridge. Spectacular sandy beaches and boutique shopping in surf towns. The iconic Bondi Icebergs and all the acai and avo toast you can eat. And of course those gorgeous views of the Sydney Opera House! I’d go back in a heartbeat.
I was lucky to spend 5 days in Sydney, but I understand not everyone’s got time for that. Especially if you’re trying to cram a bunch of Aussie highlights into a jam-packed 2 week Australia trip. But after looking at all my pictures and reflecting on my visit, I realized it’s totally possible to see all of the city’s highlights with just a day in Sydney (a long and tiring day, but one day at that!).
Australia is a bucket-list trip, and a place most people will only visit once in their lives (it’s just SO damn far away!). But regardless of how much time you’ve got, you need to spend at least 24 hours in Sydney – hence why I created this one day Sydney itinerary! Don’t worry – you can still take plenty of photos of the Opera House and hang at the beach!
One Day in Sydney At-A-Glance
- Morning: Iconic Sydney Attractions
- Afternoon: Beach Time
- Night: Sunset and co*cktails
One Day in Sydney Logistics
When to Spend 24 Hours in Sydney (Weather)
Sydney’s got near perfect weather so there’s no horrible time to visit, making the city a year-round destination. It’s got a mild and temperate climate with tons of sunny days (on average over 225 a year) and generally clear skies.
Wanna avoid the heat and crowds? I feel you. Avoid December to February, and instead, consider a visit during the shoulder seasons of autumn (March to May) or spring (September to November), when temps aren’t scorching hot, humidity is lower, and there’s fewer tourists.
For reference, we visited Sydney in mid-February, and we were hot hot hot. Let’s just say I would have loved to change my clothes a few times (because I was legit dripping in sweat half the day… not fun).
If you’ve only got one day in Sydney and wanna do a whole lotta sightseeing, summer may not be the best choice. I powered through, but would’ve definitely enjoyed myself a bit more if it wasn’t so damn humid out!
How to Get to Sydney
Since this post is about a 1 day Sydney itinerary, I’m assuming you’re coming from nearby. You’re probably not gonna fly all the way to Australia for a single day (the flight from California takes just over 15 hours alone!), so there’s probably a reason you’ve got just 24 hours in Sydney.
Australia is not like Europe in the fact that you can easily hop from country to country in a few short hours (we traveled all the way from London to Bruges in less than 3 hours recently, via train no less!). The country is MASSIVE, just about as large as the United States.
Entry into Australia: Sydney is the entry point for most international travelers to Australia, so if that’s you, I reckon you’re flying into Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport (SYD), the primary international and domestic airport of the city.
And even if your initial plans have you jetting off to elsewhere in Australia soon (I see you Melbourne and the Great Ocean Road), I beg you to spend at least one day in Sydney. The city is cosmopolitan and downright gorgeous, and you can’t miss seeing the Sydney Opera House with your own eyes (it’s absolutely iconic for a reason!).
Cruise ship: Maybe you’re visiting Sydney as a port on a cruise, or maybe your cruise is leaving out of Sydney! Plenty of major cruise lines operate out of Sydney, and the ships actually dominate the harbor.
If you find yourself on a cruise departing from Circular Quay (one of the main cruise terminals in Sydney), may as well come a day early and spend a day exploring Sydney. Why not?! I always prefer arriving a day or two before a cruise anyways juuuust in case of any flight problems. Don’t wanna miss the ship of course!
East Coast Australia road trip: Road trips are a popular thing here in Australia –and if that’s you, don’t forget to spend at least a day in Sydney (preferably more tho, haha). Just remember, Australia is HUGE, and cities are way further than they look on the map. For example, the drive between Melbourne and Sydney takes over 8 hours!
How to Get Around Sydney
Public Transit: Sydney’s super lucky to have an extensive public transit system — there’s trains, buses, a light rail, metro, and even ferries! Don’t be shy about using Transport NSW’s Trip Planner – it’s a huge help in figuring out transportation options!
Typically, I would recommend picking up an Opal Card (a reusable transit card), but I’m honestly not sure an Opal Card is really necessary if you’ve just got a day in Sydney. You can simply tap onto public transit (including the ferry) with a credit card or contactless payments which is what we did.
On Foot: Sydney’s CBD (Central Business District) is super walkable, and we definitely took advantage of that. We walked SO much during our time in Sydney – definitely wear your comfy shoes (leave the strappy heels at home). You can see so many Sydney highlights just by walking.
Ferries: Sydney is located right on the water, and just like Seattle, Washington, there’s a pretty great ferry system over here. Ferries depart from Circular Quay (near the Opera House) and operate around Sydney Harbor, cruising to popular spots like Manly, Luna Park, Darling Harbour, and even the Taronga Zoo!
Ride Shares: We took a few Ubers when we didn’t feel like figuring out public transport and/or when our feet hurt from walking, haha. We *did* walk over 20k steps our first day! Don’t judge — this is vacation after all!
Hop-On, Hop-Off Bus: There’s also the hop-on, hop-off bus if you want something super simple. It operates like other hop-on, hop-off buses around the world, with an open-top double-decker bus taking you to all the iconic spots you need to see on your one day Sydney itinerary.
The ticket includes two routes and stops at all major landmarks. With only one day in Sydney, I suggest riding the entire loop and then deciding where you wanna get off.
Is One Day in Sydney Enough?
Kinda… but not really, haha. 24 hours in Sydney is enough to give you a small sampling of what this thriving area’s got to offer, but you’ll 100% wanna stay longer and/or come back. The CBD isn’t all that big and many of my favorite things to do in Sydney are easily walkable, so you can actually do a whole lot in a day!
But you definitely can’t do it all (we didn’t even scratch the surface during our 5 days in Sydney!).
In one day you can actually see most (if not all!) of the iconic Sydney attractions. The Opera House, Harbour Bridge, Rocks neighborhood, and at least one beach are absolute-must sees.
You’ll probably wanna skip the Sydney BridgeClimb (as it takes a few hours), walking the entirety of the Harbour Bridge (also takes kinda long), Taronga Zoo (unless you NEED to see a koala, which I totally get!), and riding the roller coasters at Luna Park (unless you REALLY have a thing for amusem*nt parks).
And I personally don’t feel Darling Harbour, Sydney Tower Eye (the views are better from the bridge in my opinion), shopping on George Street, and Chinatown need to be on your 1 day Sydney itinerary. Stick to the highlights.
If you’re not short on time, I recommend 2-3 days in the city, and another for a day trip or two. But really though, if all you’ve got time for is a quick 24 hours in Sydney, opt for the day. It’s better than no time at all!
No matter what, you’ll wanna come back — one day in Sydney is never enough, I can promise you that! I already wanna spend more time in the city and I literally just went, haha.
Tips to Maximize Your One Day in Sydney
Start early! If you’re spending the night in the city before your one day in Sydney, wake up and get out exploring at a reasonable hour! If you’re driving down on an East Coast road trip, set your alarm so you get to Sydney before 10am (preferably earlier).
Our flight from California landed at 6am (and we got lucky with zero jet lag), meaning we definitely got an early start!
Craft your one day in Sydney itinerary ahead of time. With such a short amount of time, don’t get to Sydney without a plan. I of course recommend prioritizing visits to the iconic attractions (Sydney Opera House, Sydney Harbour Bridge, Bondi Icebergs, etc).
For everything else, decide what are non-negotiables, and what are would-like-to-see if there’s time. Figure out transportation ahead of time as well.
Pay for parking if need be. Driving? If you’ve only got 24 hours in Sydney, you don’t wanna spend half your day looking for parking. Yes, paying for parking sucks (I get it — I’d rather save that cash for avocado toast), but sometimes you just gotta suck it up.
Time is money, people! Look for garages in advance and plan to park your car there the whole day (the public transit here is top notch).
Plan out your food stops in advance. It’s hard to have a bad meal in Sydney, but if you’re an indecisive person like me, the choices may overwhelm you. Do your research ahead of time so you don’t waste time deciding where to eat.
We admittedly don’t always eat 3 full meals when we’re on the go and trying to cram a lot in, and tend to stop for a quick bite when we’re hungry. But you do you of course! Sydney’s got plenty of cafes and food halls to grab a bite on the go.
If you’re staying overnight, stay in the CBD (Central Business District) or The Rocks. Face it, if you’ve only got one day in Sydney, you wanna make sure you stay in a convenient location.
The CBD/Rocks is close to almost everything (including the Sydney Opera House, Harbour Bridge, Circular Quay, and The Rocks) and centrally located. Check out the Harbor Rocks Hotel and QT Sydney (we almost stayed here!), and if you wanna splurge a bit, the Intercontinental Sydney, Capella Sydney, and Pullman Quay Grand Sydney Harbor.
Consider a guided tour. Really wanna make the most of your time and learn tons about Sydney in just one day? Walking tours and bus tours are fantastic for this purpose, as you can typically see more in less time and get tons of info from a local guide!
This city tour makes quick visits to Mrs. Macquarie’s Point, Bondi Beach, Royal Botanic Garden, and Watson’s Bay all in 3 hours! And here’s a quick 90-minute walking tour of The Rocks. Of course there’s always the Hop-On Hop-Off Bus that’ll whisk you all around super easily!
The sun is crazy STRONG here: One last thing – there’s a legit hole in the ozone layer in Australia (true story), so PLEASE OH PLEASE wear your sunscreen (even if you never burn in your home country).
Slather on that SPF MULTIPLE times per day (honestly, it doesn’t hurt to keep reapplying), wear a wide-brimmed hat, and attempt to cover your body if you can (especially your face and shoulders). I wore lightweight long-sleeve breezy tops whenever I could in an attempt to protect myself.
So let’s get started with our day trip to Sydney — full of all the iconic spots in the city. The perfect one day in Sydney itinerary, coming right up!
One Day in Sydney Itinerary
Notes on This 1 Day Sydney Itinerary
In order to squeeze in all the Sydney highlights, this is gonna be a jam-packed day. Prepare to walk a lot and bring along what you need for the entire day (including a bathing suit for the beach!) – you likely won’t have time to go back to your hotel to get anything!
If you’re looking for a more relaxing one day in Sydney, skip the beach entirely. You can totally fill up an entire day in just the CBD/Rocks District alone. You’ll probably even have time for a quick visit to the Taronga Zoo for koalas and kangaroos!
One Day in Sydney: Morning
Stop 1: Breakfast near Circular Quay
First up on this 1 day Sydney itinerary – fueling up for the day in Circular Quay. I opted for acai bowls at Oakberry Acai (a brazilian based company so you know it’s legit), but there’s also Cabrito Coffee Traders, Bar Mammoni (where we first tried vegemite — not the biggest fan, everything else was great, haha), Avenue on George, and The Rocks Cafe nearby.
I’d opt for a quick breakfast so you don’t get side-tracked and miss out on anything, especially if you’ve only got a day in Sydney!
Stop 2: Sydney Opera House (with optional tour)
Ohhh – the Opera House! No day trip to Sydney (or visit to Australia!) is complete without oohing and ahhing at the Opera House.
The Sydney Opera House is as iconic as it gets – I mean, it’s basically the most recognizable landmark in all of Australia. Its striking silhouette is insanely popular (understandably so, attracting millions of visitors around the world each year), meaning it gets crowded over here.
I recommend popping by right after breakfast so you can really appreciate it without hundreds of other tourists. And thankfully, from Circular Quay, it’s only about a 5-10 minute walk along the picturesque Sydney Harbour.
You can totally take a tour of this architectural marvel, and at only an hour or so, it really doesn’t take tons of time. But that’s for you to decide if it’s how you wanna spend your one day in Sydney (you’ll have less time at the beach should you take the tour, but your call of course!).
Personally, I’d opt out, especially if you’re not crazy into history and architecture, but I get it’s high on everyone’s bucket list. I did love getting a behind-the-scenes glimpse into this iconic architectural masterpiece. Book your tour here (they do sell out, especially in prime summer months).
If it’s open already, have a quick drink at the iconic Opera Bar. It’s a great spot for photos (of both the Opera House and Harbour Bridge), although it does get busy, so come early before it gets insanely mobbed.
Stop 3: Harbour Bridge
The Harbour Bridge is easily the second most iconic landmark in Sydney. It connects The Rocks (in the CBD) with Luna Park (along the North Shore), and takes about 30 minutes to walk across (~1.5km).
With only one day in Sydney, I wouldn’t even think about walking the entire length of the bridge, especially if it’s sweltering hot out. I walked less than halfway and still had fantastic, fantastic views.
It’s here you have the option to do the BridgeClimb, although it’s really expensive (around $250AUD), photos are not allowed, and the experience takes a few hours – not a great combo with limited time in Sydney. Unless you’ve already been to Sydney or are planning to come back in the near future, I’d skip this. Or just plan to skip the beaches in the afternoon – your call!
Instead, consider the Pylon Lookout! It’s a great alternative to BridgeClimb Sydney, and a whole lot cheaper (at roughly $25AUD). You don’t need to make a reservation in advance, and entrance is right on the Harbour Bridge.
Expect some stairs – you’ll climb 68 steps to get to the ticket office, and after purchasing your ticket, it’s another 132 steps to the top (for a total of 200 steps, although way easier than the BridgeClimb). Note that there’s no elevator to the top.
Stop 4: The Rocks Neighborhood
Once you’ve had enough of the Opera House and Harbour Bridge (don’t worry, there’ll be more views of them soon!), make your way over to The Rocks. It’s a historic and vibrant neighborhood a short walk from Circular Quay, and is actually one of the oldest areas in Sydney (dating back to the early days of European settlement in Australia).
Here you’ll find charming cobblestone laneways, historic sandstone buildings, and convict-era architecture – all beautifully preserved and restored! Plus plenty of alfresco dining and cafes and pubs (meaning it’s a great place to stop for a snack!). Take a short walking tour of The Rocks if you don’t wanna miss anything.
Visiting on the weekend? Stroll through The Rocks Market held every Saturday and Sunday from 10-5. We loved perusing the 200 stalls featuring local artists, designers, and gourmet food! Think handmade jewelry, Aboriginal art, and plenty of Australian souvenirs.
Stop 5: Viewpoints of Opera House and Harbour Bridge
Depending on your timing (and how long you stopped for food), you may have a few minutes to pop by a few viewpoints.
Plus, I kinda think views from further away are actually better than up close. AND both viewpoints are right in The Rocks, so… you don’t even need to really go outta your way!
- Hickson Road Reserve: A waterfront park with lots of grassy space with great views of both the Opera House and Harbour Bridge.
- Dawes Point Reserve: Located less than a 5 minute walk from Hickson Road Reserve, with similar views and lots of history.
24 Hours in Sydney: Afternoon
Stop 6: The Beach (either Bondi or Manly)
The afternoon is reserved for admiring the scenic beauty of Sydney’s coastline, and Manly and Bondi are both great options! I’d aim to get to your beach of choice around 1:30pm or so, this way you have a few hours to really enjoy it. And maybe even take a surf lesson if you’re interested!
How to choose: If seeing the Bondi Icebergs are high on your bucket list, go to Bondi. Easy! If you’re not fussed over them, go to Manly, as I actually prefer Manly over Bondi (true story – I just liked the laid-back vibes better).
Option 1 – Bondi Beach
Bondi is quite simply a beach-lovers paradise. There’s turquoise water, white sand, perfect waves, and those super iconic Bondi Icebergs. If you love surfing (and/or sunbathing!), fitness, and healthy eats (gimme all the acai bowls, please and thank you), you’re gonna fit right in.
In Bondi, catch your first wave on a surf lesson with Let’s Go Surfing! Or if you’re a chicken like me, watching the surfers is just as fun. Take a dip in the Bondi Icebergs (and make sure to take all the photos), stroll around the surf and boutique shops, and maybe even walk a short portion of the Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk.
How to Get to Bondi Beach: From The Rocks/Circular Quay, it’ll take about 45 minutes or so to get to Bondi by public transit. Use Transport NSW’s Trip Planner to see exactly what’s available, but know that the 333 Bus Line will take you straight to Bondi Beach. We admittedly used Uber since we didn’t feel like figuring out public transportation, haha, so know that’s always an option as well.
Read Next — All My Favorite Things to Do in Bondi Beach!
Option 2 – Manly Beach
I think if I were to be lucky enough to live in Sydney, I’d choose to live in Manly. With golden sandy beaches, an emphasis on an active lifestyle, and brunch spots galore, I have a feeling I’d thrive over here.
Expect laid-back surfer beach vibes and tons of relaxed coastal charm. Yet it’s super vibrant (we saw plenty of colorful murals in town) and there’s always something going on. And get this – the world’s first surfing contest EVER was held at Manly Beach in 1964, making it one of Australia’s most famous beaches! Kinda wild, right?!
I was surprised by how much I loved Manly, and know you will too. Plus, getting to Manly is an activity in and of itself – there’s views of the Opera House from the ferry.
In Manly you can stroll The Corso (a bustling pedestrian promenade lined with boutiques, cafes, and plenty of surf shops), SUP or kayak at The Wharf, check out the weekend markets, watch the surfers on Manly Beach (or take a surf lesson yourself!), and even do some snorkeling at Shelly Beach.
How to Get to Manly: By ferry of course! The ride is super scenic and only takes about 30 minutes from Circular Quay (head to Wharf No. 3). Or you can take the Manly fast ferry which whips you there in 20 minutes.
Read Next: The Best Way to Spend an Afternoon in Manly
One Day in Sydney: Night
Stop 7: Royal Botanic Gardens
Once you’re done at the beach, either make the short walk from Circular Quay (where the ferry drops you off from Manly) or take public transit/Uber to the Botanic Gardens (from Bondi). Here you’ll find an extensive collection of plants from Australia and around the world, gorgeous views of the Opera House and Sydney Harbor, and plenty of scenic walking paths.
Don’t spend too long or wander too far (the area’s pretty large) – you’ll wanna make it to the coast for sunset! Actually, you might as well start walking north towards our next stop!
Stop 8: Sunset at Mrs. Macquaries Chair
It’s sunset time – my favorite time of day! Make your way over to Mrs. Macquaries Chair, one of the best spots to watch the sunset in Sydney. You’ll find it on the eastern edge of the Royal Botanic Garden (where we just came from), so the perfect next stop.
We just *loved* the stunning panoramic views of Sydney Harbour – how can you not with uninterrupted vistas of the Sydney Opera House, Sydney Harbour Bridge, and the city skyline?! So, so dreamy.
This spot is beyond popular – you’ll see why right away, haha!
Note that if you’re having way too much fun at the beach, you can totally end your day over there. The sunsets in Bondi are legendary, so don’t feel bad if that’s what you end up doing!
Stop 9: Dinner and co*cktails in CBD
There’s tons of good food in Sydney – but Cafe Sydney and its impressive view is definitely a favorite.
Still have some energy left? Grab an after-dinner drink; there’s tons of popular places in Sydney for that! Check out Maybe Sammy, The Glenmore, Apollonia, Hyde Hacienda & Lounge, and/or Grain.
We opted for classy co*cktails at Maybe Sammy, on the World’s 50 Best Bars list in both 2022 and 2023. And when they say innovative and fun, they really mean it! The bartenders were having the time of their lives with bubble machines and even the menu is so eclectic – so much flair and great vibes. Definitely sit at the bar!
So there ya have it — exactly how I’d spend my perfect one day in Sydney! Are you visiting Australia soon?!
