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 two-day Sydney itinerary with the Sydney Harbour & Northern Beaches Coastal Adventure, a 30-minute helicopter tour that provides you with stunning views of Sydney's iconic landmarks and stunning coast. It’s the perfect way to set the stage for an unforgettable two-day trip, showing the city’s beauty from a unique perspective right at the start.
The adventure starts at Sydney Airport, conveniently located just 20 minutes from the CBD, with complimentary city pickup available. Once aboard the air-conditioned helicopter, you’ll take off on a shared or private flight over some of Sydney’s most renowned sights.
The tour provides incredible views of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the world-famous Sydney Opera House, offering prime photo opportunities and a chance to see these landmarks from a rarely experienced vantage point.
As the flight continues, you’ll fly along the northern beaches, passing over beautiful locations like Manly, Curl Curl, and Long Reef. These natural stretches of coastline, known for their turquoise waters and golden sands, offer a great contrast to the bustling city, giving you a well-rounded view of Sydney’s diversity.
This Sydney helicopter ride is ideal for first-time visitors and locals alike, offering a quick yet comprehensive overview of the city’s highlights. It’s especially well-suited for those with limited time, as it combines sightseeing and efficiency in a single experience. Children aged two and up are welcome, making it a family-friendly option.
The timing of this activity, early in the day, ensures you can make the most of the rest of your itinerary without feeling rushed.
Following this adventure, continue your exploration of Sydney with the next item on your itinerary, such as a guided climb of the Sydney Harbour Bridge or a leisurely waterfront lunch. This helicopter ride sets a high bar for the day ahead, making it an essential inclusion in your two-day Sydney itinerary.
Lunch at Long Chim Sydney
As part of your two-day Sydney itinerary, enjoy a midday break with a meal at Long Chim, located in Angel Place in the heart of Sydney’s CBD. This Thai restaurant offers an authentic dining experience inspired by the vibrant street food of Bangkok, making it an excellent choice to explore international flavours during your visit.
The menu features a variety of dishes designed to capture the true essence of Thai cuisine. Start with tamarind cashews or pork satay, before moving on to mains like green curry of chicken or mussaman curry of beef.
Seafood lovers will appreciate the crispy deep-fried pink ling fish or the sour orange crispy snapper curry. For a lighter lunch, the spicy green papaya salad and pad see ew are both satisfying. Round off your meal with desserts like coconut sorbet or mango sticky rice for a sweet finish.
The central location makes Long Chim a convenient stop during a day of exploring Sydney. Its inviting atmosphere and diverse menu provide a great opportunity to recharge before heading to your next activity. With options for both individual diners and groups, Long Chim ensures a memorable dining experience that suits all tastes.
An Afternoon Exploring Bondi Beach
Spend your afternoon at Bondi Beach, one of Sydney’s most iconic coastal destinations. Famous for its golden sands and lively atmosphere, Bondi offers an ideal blend of relaxation and adventure, making it a must-visit spot on your itinerary.
Start with a walk along the shoreline to take in the views of the Pacific Ocean. For a more lively experience, consider joining a surfing lesson or swimming in the waters. If you prefer to stay dry, the Bondi to Coogee coastal walk provides great views of cliffs, beaches, and parks along a well-maintained trail.
For a quick snack, Bondi’s vibrant café scene offers plenty of options, from fresh seafood to healthy bowls and artisan coffee. Be sure to visit Bondi Icebergs Club, where you can take in the view of the iconic ocean pool, perfect for snapping a few memorable photos.
Bondi’s proximity to the city centre makes it a convenient activity, whether by train, bus, or rideshare. Whether you’re soaking up the sun, exploring the scenery, or enjoying the local dining, Bondi Beach provides a quintessential Sydney experience.
An Evening at the Sydney Harbour Bridge
For an unforgettable afternoon experience, consider the Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb. This guided tour takes you to the top of one of Australia’s most famous landmarks, complete with panoramic views of the city, Circular Quay, and the surrounding waterways.
The climb begins with a safety briefing and is led by an experienced guide who shares information about the bridge’s history and engineering.
Along the way, you’ll climb the bridge’s arches, pausing at designated spots to take in the scenery and capture photos. Evening climbs are especially magical, with the city lights creating a dazzling backdrop.
For those who prefer a less active option, the pedestrian walkway offers stunning views of the harbour and is free to access. Strolling across the bridge at sunset or dusk allows you to appreciate its architectural beauty and the city’s skyline without being too high up in the sky.
Whether you climb to the summit or explore the bridge from below, this activity combines adventure, history, and breathtaking views, making it a 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
Kick off your second day in Sydney with breakfast at The Rusty Rabbit, a vibrant café located in Darlinghurst. Known for its all-day breakfast menu, this spot offers a great mix of classic dishes and creative options to fuel your morning adventures.
Start with a coffee from their extensive menu, which includes flat whites, lattes, and chai lattes, alongside freshly squeezed juices like the refreshing Green Goblin or the energising Carrot Cleanser.
For breakfast, you’ll find everything from hearty options like the Feeling Rusty? (a full plate featuring eggs, dukkah roasted tomatoes, spinach, mushrooms, bacon, and sourdough toast), to lighter options such as the Apple Crumble Bircher, which combines oats, berry compote, and caramelised apples.
For something unique, try the Pumpkin Patch, featuring smashed pumpkin, avocado, and Danish feta on soy linseed toast, or the Wasabi Salmon, a creative take on smoked salmon paired with wasabi labneh and pickled ginger. Their sweet potato fritters and ricotta pancakes also stand out as delicious options.
With a cosy and welcoming atmosphere, The Rusty Rabbit is an ideal spot to ease into your day while enjoying a variety of breakfast classics and innovative dishes. Conveniently located, it’s a perfect start before diving into the day’s activities.
Going on the Hunter Valley Pub Crawl
The Hunter Valley Pub Crawl by Helicopter offers a luxurious and exciting way to explore the craft beer scene of this renowned region. This five-hour experience combines scenic helicopter flights, private brewery landings, beer tastings, and a hearty pub lunch, making it an ideal day out for beer enthusiasts or those looking for a unique group activity.
Your trip begins mid-morning with a private helicopter departure from Sydney Airport, located just 20 minutes from the CBD. The 45-minute flight offers views of Sydney’s iconic landmarks, including the Sydney Harbour Bridge, Opera House, and the Northern Beaches coastline. The helicopter’s low altitude allows for fantastic photo opportunities, capturing the beauty of the Central Coast before heading inland to the Hunter Valley.
Stop 1: IronBark Hill Brewhouse
The first landing is at IronBark Hill Brewhouse, a brewery known for its wide variety of craft beers brewed on-site. Here, you’ll enjoy a beer paddle featuring four of their standout brews, such as their citrusy American Pale Ale, bold IPA, or rich Black Forest Stout with chocolate and cherry notes. The brewery also features a rustic yet modern appeal, offering a great atmosphere to kickstart your pub crawl.
Stop 2: Pine Brewing Co.
Your second stop is at Pine Brewing Co., where you’ll find a rotating selection of small-batch beers, including lagers, pale ales, and seasonal specialties.
In addition to beer paddles, this stop includes a delicious à la carte pub lunch. Choose from options like wood-fired pizzas, gourmet sliders, or the Wagyu burger. The venue’s relaxed setting and fresh flavours perfectly complement the beer-tasting experience.
Stop 3: Hope Estate
The final stop is Hope Estate, a brewery, winery, and distillery all in one. Known for its innovative beer and spirit offerings, Hope Estate allows you to explore unique beer styles alongside spirit paddles featuring gins, vodkas, and schnapps.
Their Festival Favourites Gin Paddle is a highlight for gin lovers, while those looking for something richer can enjoy barrel-aged spirits. The estate’s modern facilities and stunning surroundings make this a memorable finale to the pub crawl.
After your tastings, board the helicopter for a peaceful flight back to Sydney. This pub crawl is an extraordinary way to experience the Hunter Valley, combining craft beer, scenic flights, and gourmet dining into one unforgettable day. Whether for a celebration or just a fun outing, it’s an experience that truly stands 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
