The Ultimate 3-Day Sydney Itinerary

Your 3 Days in Sydney

Three days isn’t a whole lot of time when visiting Sydney, but with the right itinerary, you can experience all of the best sights, tours, culture, and so much more!

Day 1 in Sydney Harbour

Viewing all of Sydney in just 3 days can be a real challenge because there are just so many beautiful sights to see. To make sure you’ve got all the energy you need to see the biggest attractions in Sydney, the first part of your 3 days in Sydney has to start with a solid breakfast!

1. Breakfast at Darling Harbour

Start the first day in Sydney right by enjoying a delicious breakfast at Darling Harbour, one of the city’s most stunning locations to visit. This is especially the case first thing in the day as the morning sun shines and dances over the water.

Darling Harbour is home to some of the city’s most popular restaurants and cafes where you can have everything from gourmet coffee and morning dining options to full Australian breakfasts complete with eggs, bacon, toast, and more.

What makes Darling Harbour such an attractive option is that there’s something to tantalise everyone’s taste buds, and if food isn’t your main goal, take a walking tour around Sydney Harbour Bridge!

Watch the many people as they stroll along the busy promenade, and then perhaps take a little walk for yourself. The Australia National Maritime Museum and the Sea Life Aquarium are both nearby and ready for anyone who feels the need to see some majestic marine creatures up close.

After breakfast, visitors can take a short walk to Mrs Macquarie's Chair for spectacular views of the Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge. Or if you're the adventurous kind, consider a Sydney Harbour Bridge climb for a unique perspective on Darling Harbour and the history of the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge.

2. Visit the Sydney Opera House

You really can’t create a 3 day Sydney itinerary without including the Sydney Opera House in your list of Sydney attractions, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Thanks to its unique design that resembles a large sail, the iconic Sydney Opera House is one of the most photographed buildings in Sydney and the world.

Explore for yourself or take a guided tour and learn all about the Sydney Opera House, including interesting facts about its architecture and history, a great experience for anyone interested in a bit of culture.

With over 1,500 events per year, with everything from theatre and opera productions to ballets, symphonies, and more, there’s guaranteed to be a show or two you’ll want to see.

In case you get hungry on your tour, the Sydney Opera House is home to several bars and restaurants where you can refuel for an exciting afternoon of helicopter travel.

3. Afternoon Helicopter Ride Over Sydney Opera House & Sydney Harbour Bridge

Sure, seeing Sydney on foot might be fine for a while, but nobody wants to walk that far! Besides, there’s really no better way to see Sydney than from a bird’s eye view, and that’s exactly what you get with Rotor One’s Sydney Harbour and Beaches Helicopter Tour.

If you thought the Sydney Opera House looked impressive from the inside, just wait until you fly over top of it, and then enjoy the architectural wonder that is the Sydney Harbour Bridge while you’re at it.

For taking the most stunning pictures, you’ll love flying over Sydney's CBD with amazing views of the Sydney Tower Eye, Queen Victoria Building, Hyde Park, Mrs Macquarie's Chair and the greenery that is the Royal Botanical Gardens.

Sydney helicopter rides also fly along Sydney's famous beaches including Manly Beach, Shelly Beach, and the famous Bondi Beach (see if you can spot Bondi Icebergs from the air!), all while experienced pilots provide you with interesting tidbits about the key sights.

Also on a clear day, expect to have views over Sydney Harbour all the way out to the Blue Mountains National Park, which might be recognisable by the distinct blue haze in the air... It's an amazing sight to see.

If you’d like to see the city from a new perspective while experiencing a touch of luxury, then a Sydney helicopter tour with Rotor One just can’t be beat!

Day 2 at Sydney's Famous Beaches

With the excitement of day one out of the way, day two of your 3 days itinerary in Sydney can be put aside for some much-needed relaxation and sightseeing.

The beaches of Sydney are stunning, and if those sights aren’t enough for you, then maybe visiting the observatory and looking away from planet earth might interest you.

A visit to Camp Cove Beach in Watsons Bay is a great way to relax and enjoy swimming, sunbathing, and snorkelling in its calm waters.

1. Bondi Beach to Coogee Beach Coastal Walk

The Bondi Beach to Coogee Beach Coastal Walk is a six-kilometre trail that has you exploring some of the most breathtaking cliffs, tidal pools, parks, and beaches that the Sydney area has to offer. If you’re one for a bit more action, the trail offers plenty of opportunities for snorkelling, swimming, and trailside picnics.

Start the day at Bondi beach (one of Sydney's famous beaches) and enjoy a freshly brewed coffee from one of the many local cafes or the famous Bondi Icebergs before embarking on your adventure. The path is well-marked, so no worries about getting lost.

The first location you’ll pass is Tamarama Beach, a hotspot for surfers and artistic culture. If you’re with your kids, you’ll love Bronte Park, complete with its ocean pool and family-friendly park.

Keep walking and you’ll find Clovelly Beach and Gordon’s Bay, both known for their snorkelling and diving. Finish things off at Coogee beach and have a nice afternoon lunch at one of the luxurious restaurants and all of the fine dining you can handle.

If you enjoy nature with a bit of adventure added into the mix, then the Bondi Beach to Coogee Beach Coastal Walk is worth experiencing. it’s a short walk, one with truly amazing views of the most famous beach in Sydney, and so much more!

For those interested in history and stunning views, the South Head Heritage Trail starting at Camp Cove in Watsons Bay offers a majestic walk through Sydney Harbour, including The Gap and Hornby Lighthouse.

2. Watch Sunset at Manly Beach

After you've taken your coastal walk when you're ready for a bit of evening relaxation, take the ferry from Circular Quay to Manly. Its location is perfectly situated to view Sydney Harbour in all of its glory as the evening sun shines down on it.

Manly Beach, a famous beach that offers another great beach experience, and to take part in the hustle and bustle of Manly, take a walk down Corso, a street known for its many attractions.

The absolute best views of these sunsets in Sydney can be seen from North Head, as it features an elevated vantage point that provides you with the perfect photo opportunity. It lets you see the ocean, the skyline, and the harbour all at once.

A beautiful sunset and a delicious dinner at any one of the many Manly restaurants make for the perfect romantic evening.

Pro Tip: If Manly beach is busy, take the 25-minute walk to Shelly beach, an equally beautiful spot with fewer waves and a hidden aboriginal heritage tour.

3. Visit the Sydney Observatory

Speaking of romantic evenings, finish off your second day in Sydney by visiting the Sydney Observatory and view the heavens in all of their glory.

Located on top of Observatory Hill, this heritage site comes complete with a telescope dome where you can see planets, stars, and everything else in our Milky Way. The observation deck is always worth checking out!

If you’re more into the science of it all, check out the observatory’s museum that features a variety of exhibits about the history of astronomy. Take things to the next level by taking a guided night tour and use the observatory’s most powerful telescopes to view star constellations as knowledgeable guides teach you some interesting facts. You'll remember these awesome tours forever!

You’d be hard-pressed to find a better way to end day two of your 3 days in Sydney than watching as the stars pass above using some of the most advanced technology known to mankind.

Day 3 in Sydney

Although it might be the last day of the 3 day itinerary in Sydney, you’ve still got plenty of time to see some fantastic sights, and this day starts with a trip to the Taronga Zoo.

1. Ride the Ferry to Taronga Zoo

Start your day by seeing a variety of native and exotic animals at Taronga Zoo, a fantastic place to visit, as it features well over 4000 different animals from all around the world.

However, to first get there, you can take a beautiful ferry ride that provides you with a great view of Sydney Harbour, Sydney Harbour Bridge, and the Sydney Opera House.

For your kids, there are many animal encounters and educational programs available, as well as a free-flight bird show. It's one of the most interesting shows in all of Sydney, because you get to see parrots and birds of prey soar high above the harbour.

If that’s not enough wonder for you, then the Sky Safari cable car might be. It’s another great way to see Sydney from above!

2. Luna Park

With a morning at the zoo done with, it’s time for your Sydney itinerary to take you to Luna Park, one of the area’s most coveted amusement parks. Whether you’ve got kids or you just love the rush of amusement park rides, it’s a fantastic place to visit.

It’s a very vintage-style amusement park, but also has plenty of modern attractions, entertainment, and carnival games too.

The Hair Raiser drop tower and the Wild Mouse roller coaster are fan-favourites across the board! The fact that it’s located on the waterfront is just an added bonus!

3. Dinner in Sydney CBD

Although your time in Sydney might be coming to a close, there’s no reason why you can’t enjoy one last amazing meal in Sydney’s renowned Central Business District or CBD. With everything from casual cafes to high-end fine dining options, there’s something for everyone.

If you want to experience some of the most renowned restaurants in Sydney, try Bennelong or Quay, both with their own takes on modern cuisine. If you’d like to explore just a little more, venture over to Chinatown for an authentic Asian dining experience.

Surry Hills and Barangaroo have tons of modern dining options, and if you’d rather just have a nightcap with a view, try the highly rated Opera Bar (situated right outside the Opera House) with direct views of the Sydney Harbour Bridge! Dinner in Sydney CBD is all about experiencing the vibrant culture, cuisine, and nightlife that Sydney has to offer.

How to Get Around in Sydney Harbour

Although a helicopter tour from Rotor One is certainly a great way to get on the move, there are also plenty of regular transportation options for you to take advantage of in Sydney. If you want to see Sydney in 3 days, you’ll need to take advantage of one of the many forms of transportation available in this majestic city.

Ferry

The city of Sydney features an extensive ferry network that provides you with a scenic way to travel around the city. The heart of it all is Circular Quay, and by ferry, you can visit Taronga Zoo, Manly, Watson’s Bay, and more, not to mention that you get amazing views of the Sydney Opera House, the harbour, and more still.

Light Rail

Sydney also features a complex light rail system that allows you to get around the city with ease. It's an efficient and clean way to navigate the city in an affordable manner. You'd be hard pressed to find a location that the light rail system doesn't cover.

Train

Sydney also features an extensive train network all around the metropolitan area and far out into the suburbs. There is a central City Circle Loop that connects Wynyard, Circular Quay, and Central, and allows you to travel outward from all of those locations. If you need to travel longer distances in Sydney, then trains are the way to go.

Bus

There are some areas in cities that aren't serviced by ferries or trains, in which case buses are still available. If you're looking to visit a variety of far out attractions, beaches, and suburban areas, then taking a bus is likely your best bet. Ferries and trains also stop running at certain times of the night, but the buses rarely do.

Rent a Car

If you feel like being free and you want to explore Sydney at your own pace, then renting a car is your best option. There are many different rental companies located in Sydney that allow you to rent cars for affordable prices for any amount of time.

That said, parking in the city is not very affordable, and traffic is always heavy, particularly during rush hour. Renting a car is one of the easiest ways to see Sydney harbour, the Royal Botanic Garden, the Sydney Opera House, Sydney Tower Eye, and so much more!

Uber

Of course, taking an Uber or any other such ride sharing service is always an option as well. If you don't feel like renting your own car, but you still want to get around efficiently, then this is your best bet. Uber is a quick way to get around the city so you can visit St Mary's Cathedral, Bronte Beach, and the city centre all without having to worry about transportation.

Alternative Attractions to Visit

If our 3 day Sydney itinerary doesn’t satisfy your need for adventure and exploration, then there are many other options to consider as well. Sydney is no slouch when it comes to fantastic destinations to visit! So, what are some alternative attractions to visit in Sydney?

Barangaroo Reserve

Barangaroo Reserve is located right on the waterfront, a mix of natural Parkland and modern amenities.

This is a brand new area that features a variety of cultural installations, cycling paths, picnic spots, and walking trails.

Barangaroo is also connected to Wulugul Walk, a stunning promenade that takes you along the harbour and offers plenty of picture-taking opportunities.

The Art Gallery of New South Wales

If you're looking for a bit of art and culture, then the art gallery of New South Wales is always worth exploring.

It features a combination of Asian, Aboriginal, European, and Australian art. Although special exhibitions may require tickets, admission to the permanent collections is free of cost.

The Royal Botanic Gardens

If seeing a bit of much greenery and stunning flowers is in your wheelhouse, then the Royal Botanic Gardens is always worth considering.

With a great view of Sydney harbour, themed gardens, and plenty of amazing landscapes, it's the perfect place to relax as you enjoy the beauty that is nature.

One of the main attractions here is The Calyx, a horticultural display centre with rotating displays and events.

Alternative Tours to Try

If the many tours and adventures that we’ve talked about so far haven’t piqued your interest, then there are still plenty of others to consider. Let’s look at some alternative tours to add to your 3 day Sydney itinerary.

The Hunter Valley Wine Tour by Helicopter

Rotor One offers luxurious helicopter tours all around Sydney and beyond, with one of the most popular ones being the Hunter Valley Wine Tour.

It starts with a 45-minute private flight over the Central Coast, Northern Beaches, and Sydney Harbour, all before landing at a premier Hunter Valley winery.

Here, you’ll get to enjoy a guided tour of the vineyard, complete with a gourmet lunch and as much wine tasting as you can handle. If you love luxury and fine dining, then it really doesn’t get any better than combining a winery tour with a thrilling helicopter ride.

A Sydney Ghost Tour

If you like the eerie and the spooky, then check out an ever-popular ghost tour through the haunted Rocks district.

This is the city’s oldest neighbourhood, and it’s filled with tall tales of ghosts and hauntings.

Hold onto your hats as you hear scary stories of haunted mansions and ghosts, all while visiting some of the spookiest locations in all of Sydney!

Blue Mountains Day Trip

Something else that your 3 day Sydney itinerary might include is a day trip to the Blue Mountains. There are many tour operators that can provide you with guided tours of the area’s most popular landmarks.

These include Scenic World, Wentworth Falls, and Three Sisters. With quaint mountain villages to explore, wildlife galore, and bushwalks that will make you feel like a local, the Blue Mountains are always worth the visit.

If you’d rather see the Blue Mountains from the air, Rotor One also offers a 90-minute extended tour from high above, with an option 4WD tour and a picnic lunch in the heart of the mountains.

Conclusion

From breakfast at Darling Harbour to sky-high tours of the city, your 3 day Sydney itinerary is loaded and ready for you to take advantage of it. It might seem like a lot to do, but if you want to see Sydney in 3 days, then these are the sights to visit.

If you want to combine luxury with adventure and see Sydney like very few do, the many guided helicopter tours from Rotor One make for perfect options. Explore some of Sydney’s most popular attractions from a bird’s eye view to complete the perfect Sydney itinerary!