Sydney
City · Coastal & Beaches · Lively
The harbour city - the Opera House and the bridge on day one, then the coastal walk from Bondi to Coogee, a ferry to Manly, and a different neighbourhood for dinner each night. A long weekend barely covers it.
A weekend here might look like
- Morning: Sydney Opera House - Australia's most recognisable building: Jørn Utzon's sails rise from Bennelong Point on Sydney Harbour, framed by the Harbour Bridge across the water. Wander the forecourt and promenade day or night, take a guided tour through the foyers and theatres, or book a seat for a concert, play or opera. Grab a drink at the waterside bar and watch the ferries come and go. For the classic photo of the sails and the bridge together, walk around to Mrs Macquarie's Chair.
- Lunch: Chin Chin - South-East Asian sharing plates in a heritage building at 69 Commonwealth Street, Surry Hills. Groups under eight cannot book and walk in, so either come early or put your name down and wait in the downstairs bar.
- Afternoon: Sydney Harbour Bridge - The eastern footpath carries you across the harbour on foot, reached by stairs or lift from Cumberland Street in The Rocks or from Milsons Point, and the crossing takes 20 to 30 minutes. The mesh screening limits the photos, so climb the 200 stairs up the south-east pylon, where the museum and the open deck 87 metres up give you the clear view.
More to explore
- Bondi to Coogee Walk - A 6km clifftop path linking Bondi, Tamarama, Bronte, Clovelly and Coogee, taking two to three hours at a wandering pace. It passes the ocean-facing Waverley Cemetery, there is little shade for long stretches, and buses run back from Coogee if you would rather not walk both ways.
- Royal Botanic Garden Sydney - Gardens wrapping the harbour foreshore right beside the Opera House. Walking through to Mrs Macquaries Point gives you the classic line-up of the Opera House and the bridge together, and it is an easy stroll from Circular Quay.
- Manly Beach - A long surf beach on the northern side of the harbour, reached by ferry from Circular Quay in under half an hour with the Opera House and bridge on the way. From the beach the flat path around the headland to Shelly Beach takes about 20 minutes and ends at a sheltered cove that is better for snorkelling than swimming laps.
- Art Gallery of New South Wales - The state gallery in the Domain, now across two buildings linked by a garden, with Australian, European and Asian collections and a strong Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander holding in the newer north building. The converted wartime fuel tank downstairs is worth finding.
- Taronga Zoo Sydney - A zoo on a steep harbourside hillside at Mosman, where the enclosures look back across the water to the city. The ferry from Circular Quay takes about 15 minutes and is the nicest way to arrive.
- Mr. Wong - Down a CBD laneway, behind a big timber door, Mr Wong spreads Cantonese feasting over two levels of 1930s Shanghai glamour. Dan Hong's kitchen runs to a vast menu, with a dedicated Peking duck kitchen, a dim sum kitchen and a roast meats counter, and a bar downstairs with a speakeasy feel. Big, buzzing and built for an occasion.
- Chophouse Sydney - A contemporary take on the New York steakhouse, tucked among the office towers on Bligh Street. Two levels of timber, dim light and white linen, with premium Australian cuts cooked over the grill, from wagyu to a tomahawk built for sharing. There's grilled seafood and vegetables for anyone not after red meat, an award-winning wine list, and a whisky collection worth exploring. Polished and attentive, and made for a long lunch or a night that matters.
- Single O Surry Hills - The original Single O site at 60 Reservoir Street, where the roastery started in 2003, doing single origins, a house blend and a seasonal breakfast and lunch menu. The Sideshow brew bar next door does takeaway.
- The Grounds of The City - Step off George Street into a 1920s dining room of dark timber, brass and intimate booths. The city sibling of The Grounds of Alexandria does all-day eating with a flourish, from breakfast and brunch through to high tea, with coffee taken seriously and a tea lady roving the floor with cakes. It's as much about the room as the plate. Come for a long brunch or a celebration, and expect it to be buzzing.