If you've got just two days in Sydney, New South Wales, then you need to make the most out of every moment. From luxurious helicopter tours to a day at the Sydney Opera House, there are plenty of amazing things to do in Sydney. If you want to explore Sydney, its central business district, and the surrounding area, then this is the 2 day Sydney itinerary that you need. Let's talk about the most exciting things to do when you visit Sydney Australia.
What to expect:
Day 1 in Sydney
On your first day in Sydney, your itinerary could look as follows:
Take a Sydney Harbour & Northern Beaches Coastal Adventure
Start your 2 day Sydney itinerary with the Sydney Harbour & Northern Beaches Coastal Adventure, a 30 minute helicopter tour that will give you stunning views of Sydney’s landmarks and coastline. It’s the perfect way to set the scene for an epic 2 day trip and see the city from a new perspective right from the get go.
The adventure begins at Sydney Airport, just 20 minutes from the CBD, with complimentary city pickup available. Once on board the air-conditioned helicopter, you’ll take off on a shared or private flight over some of Sydney’s most famous sites.
The tour will give you incredible views of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the iconic Sydney Opera House, perfect for photos and a chance to see these landmarks from a rare perspective.
As the flight continues you’ll fly along the northern beaches, over Manly, Curl Curl, and Long Reef. These natural stretches of coastline, famous for their turquoise waters and golden sand, are a great contrast to the city.
This Sydney helicopter ride is perfect for first timers and locals alike, a quick and comprehensive overview of the city’s highlights. It's also great for those with limited time, as it combines sightseeing and efficiency in one. Children two and up are welcome, making it a family friendly option
This activity is timed early in the day so you can fit in the rest of your itinerary without feeling rushed, yet another bonus.
After this adventure continue on to the next item on your itinerary, such as a guided climb of the Sydney Harbour Bridge or a waterfront lunch. This helicopter ride sets the bar high for the day ahead, so make sure to include it in your 2 day Sydney itinerary!
Lunch at Long Chim Sydney
As part of your 2 day Sydney itinerary, stop by for lunch at Long Chim in Angel Place, in the heart of Sydney’s CBD. This Thai restaurant brings the vibrant street food of Bangkok to your plate, making it the perfect place to taste international flavours during your visit
The menu has a range of dishes to show you the heart of Thai food. Start with tamarind nuts or pork satay then move on to mains like green curry of chicken or massaman curry of beef
Seafood lovers will love the crispy fried pink ling fish or the sour orange snapper curry. For a lighter lunch, the spicy green papaya salad and pad see ew are both great. Finish off with coconut sorbet or mango sticky rice for dessert.
The central location makes Long Chim a great place to stop during the day. The atmosphere and menu are perfect to refuel before your next activity. Individual diners and groups alike are welcome at Long Chim.
An Afternoon Exploring Bondi Beach
Spend the afternoon at Bondi Beach, one of Sydney’s most popular beaches. Famous for its white sand and lively atmosphere, Bondi has it all – relaxation and adventure.
Walk along the shoreline to take in the views of the Pacific Ocean, or for a more adventurous experience, join a surfing lesson or swim in the ocean. If you prefer to stay dry, the Bondi to Coogee coastal walk is a great way to see cliffs, beaches, and parks along a well marked path.
For a quick bite, Bondi’s café scene has plenty of options from fresh seafood to healthy bowls and artisan coffee. Don’t miss the Bondi Icebergs Club, with a view of the iconic ocean pool.
Bondi’s close proximity to the city makes it an easy activity, whether by train, bus or rideshare. Whether you’re soaking up the sun, exploring the scenery or eating local, Bondi Beach is a true Sydney experience.
An Evening at the Sydney Harbour Bridge
For a special afternoon, do the Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb. This guided tour takes you to the top of one of Australia’s most famous landmarks with panoramic views of the city, Circular Quay, and the waterways.
The climb begins with a safety briefing and is led by an experienced guide who will share the history and engineering of the bridge.
Along the way, you’ll climb the arches, stopping at designated points to take in the views and snap photos. Evening climbs are especially magical with the city lights as a backdrop.
If you prefer a less active option, the pedestrian walkway has stunning views of the harbour and is free to access. Walking across the bridge at sunset or dusk allows you to appreciate its architecture and the city skyline without being too high up.
Whether you climb to the summit or walk the bridge, this activity combines adventure, history and views – the perfect way to end your day in Sydney.
Dinner at The Blue Door
Wrap up your evening with a unique dining experience at The Blue Door in Surry Hills. This intimate restaurant focuses on sustainability and local sourcing, offering a seven-course tasting menu that changes weekly based on available produce.
Chef Dylan Cashman works directly with farmers to ensure ethical and seasonal ingredients, providing a dining experience that celebrates the best of New South Wales.
The tasting menu includes inventive dishes such as pasture-raised Wagyu beef tartare, Australian Bay lobster, and Kanooka Creek chicken.
Each course is thoughtfully prepared to highlight the natural flavours of the ingredients, and the dishes are paired with a curated wine list that features nearly 100% New South Wales wines. The restaurant’s cosy setting and commitment to ethical dining make it a standout choice for food enthusiasts.
Its location in Surry Hills is easily accessible, making it a convenient option after a day of exploring Sydney. Dining at The Blue Door offers a chance to slow down, savour exceptional cuisine, and reflect on the day’s adventures in a welcoming and relaxed atmosphere.
Day 2 in Sydney
On your second day of visiting Sydney, your itinerary could look as follows:
Breakfast at The Rusty Rabbit
Start at The Rusty Rabbit in Darlinghurst for breakfast. Famous for their all day breakfast menu, this place has a great mix of old school and new school to get you going for the day.
Begin with a coffee from their long menu – flat whites, lattes, chai lattes, and freshly squeezed juices like the Green Goblin or Carrot Cleanser.
For breakfast, you’ll find everything from big breakfasts like the Feeling Rusty? (eggs, dukkah roasted tomatoes, spinach, mushrooms, bacon and sourdough toast) to smaller options like the Apple Crumble Bircher (oats, berry compote and caramelised apples).
Want something different? Try the Pumpkin Patch (smashed pumpkin, avocado and Danish feta on soy linseed toast) or the Wasabi Salmon (smoked salmon, wasabi labneh and pickled ginger). The sweet potato fritters and ricotta pancakes are also a standout.
Cosy and welcoming, The Rusty Rabbit is the perfect place to ease into the day with a variety of breakfast classics and new school dishes. Located right next door so it’s a great place to start before getting into the day’s activities. It's in a central location too, making the ideal place to start your day of adventure.
Going on the Hunter Valley Pub Crawl
The Hunter Valley Pub Crawl by Helicopter is a luxurious way to experience the craft beer scene of this famous region. This five-hour experience combines helicopter flights, private brewery landings, beer tastings, and a pub lunch. It's perfect for beer enthusiasts or a unique group activity.
You’ll depart mid-morning from Sydney Airport, just 20 minutes from the CBD. The 45-minute flight will take you over Sydney’s iconic landmarks, the Harbour Bridge, Opera House, and the Northern Beaches coastline. The helicopter will fly low, so you can get great photos of the Central Coast before heading inland to the Hunter Valley.
Stop 1: IronBark Hill Brewhouse
The first stop is IronBark Hill Brewhouse, a brewery known for their wide range of craft beers brewed on site. You’ll get to try a beer paddle of 4 of their best beers, such as their citrusy American Pale Ale, bold IPA or rich Black Forest Stout with chocolate and cherry notes. The brewery has a rustic modern feel and is a great place to start your pub crawl.
Stop 2: Pine Brewing Co.
The second stop is Pine Brewing Co. where you’ll find a rotating selection of small batch beers, lagers, pale ales and seasonals.
In addition to beer paddles, this stop includes a pub lunch à la carte. Choose from wood fired pizzas, gourmet sliders, or the Wagyu burger. The relaxed setting and fresh flavours complement the beer tasting perfectly.
Stop 3: Hope Estate
The final stop is Hope Estate, a brewery, winery, and distillery all in one. Known for their innovative beer and spirit offerings, Hope Estate will allow you to try unique beer styles and spirit paddles featuring gins, vodkas, and schnapps.
Their Festival Favourites Gin Paddle is a must for gin lovers, while those looking for something richer can try barrel aged spirits. The modern facilities and beautiful surrounds make this a great finale to the pub crawl.
After your tastings, jump back into the helicopter and head back to Sydney. This is a really unique experience combining craft beer, helicopter flights, and gourmet food into one day, making it perfect for a special occasion or just a fun day out.
Other Sights in Sydney Worth Seeing
The fact of the matter is that you can't visit Sydney and expect to see everything in just two days. In case you want to add some variation to the mix, here are some other great locations worth visiting when you have just two days in Sydney.
- Sydney Opera House
- Darling Harbour
- Royal Botanic Gardens
- Circular Quay
- SEA Life Sydney Aquarium
- Queen Victoria Building
- Sydney Tower Eye
- Park Hyatt Sydney
- Blue Mountains
- Australian National Maritime Museum
- Mrs Macquarie's Chair
- Manly Beach
- Coogee Beach
- Luna Park
- Sydney CBD
- Taronga Zoo
