24 Hours in Sydney: Short Stay Guide

Sydney is likely going to be your first port of call when you fly into Australia. While it’s not the capital (Canberra), it’s the biggest city in Australia, brimming full of sights, great eats, cool bars, and stunning landmarks. If you’re coming in to Sydney for a cruise, or as part of a larger trip around Australia, here is a short stay guide to make the most of your first 24 hours in Sydney.

How to spend one day in Sydney, Australia

I’ve not timed the below activities, because the jet lag can be pretty intense when travelling half way around the world. Work the below activities into your first day or two in Sydney. Take it easy, you may need time to adjust to the timezone, the intense sun, and Aussie accents!

The Rocks & Sydney Harbour Bridge

The Rocks is the neighbourhood under and around the south end of the Sydney Harbour Bridge (there long before the bridge), and was once a bit of a slum. Modern development nearly decimated the older historic homes, especially when the bridge was built in the 1920s. But many properties were saved, and it has now been gentrified into a cool neighbourhood with lots of preservation and renewal.

Known for its terraced houses, and the bustling restaurants spilling out along the lanes between George and Harrington Streets. It’s a fab spot for a meal out and some people-watching.

The Sydney Harbour Bridge has a bridge climb activity, for those who don’t mind heights – be sure to book well in advance. Or you could partake in a bridge bike ride, or a sunset cruise to enjoy this beauty of a bridge from many angles.

Sydney Opera House (from land and by ferry)

The Sydney Opera House is an icon of architecture, and one of the world’s most recognisable landmarks. It was designed by Jørn Utzon and Peter Hall, and construction started in 1959 (opened in 1973). It has multiple performance spaces and venues within the building, and seeing a concert there is a real highlight. You can also take a guided tour of the building to learn more about its history and design.

Seeing the Opera House from the ferry is another great way to view it. Sit on the starboard side of the Manly Ferry as you leave the terminal for the best views.

Manly Ferry

The ferries in Sydney are like buses on water, they are just a few dollars and you can use your Apply Pay or credit card to tap on and off. A trip over to Manly is my favourite route, because it not only takes you over to a super cute Sydney suburb, but you can take in the sights on your way.

From the mansions along Point Piper, to harbour views of Taronga Zoo, out to North and South Head where the harbour opens up to the ocean. Just before North Head, the ferry turns north and deposits you at the cute suburb of Manly.

Don’t miss some Anita Gelato to take over to Manly Beach, on the ocean side of the area.

The ferry takes only 20-minutes each way.

Take a pub crawl around Millers Point

The west side of the harbour bridge is still part of The Rocks, and this area is known as Millers Point. Home to some exceptional pubs, it is a great place for a pub crawl. While there are still many old fashioned pubs here, you also get plenty of renovated ones too – where the traditional exterior gives way to a trendy cocktail bar.

• Hotel Palisade – The Hotel Palisade is a gorgeous old building that has been renovated entirely inside. With a casual bar and restaurant on the ground floor, and an amazing rooftop bar with views out over the Harbour Bridge at the top. There are boutique hotel rooms available too.
• The Lord Nelson Brewery – The Lord Nelson claims to be Sydney’s oldest continuously licensed pub!
• The Hero of Waterloo – The Hero of Waterloo has a great atmosphere, and there is regularly live music there. We enjoyed the music and great beers at the Hero on a Sunday afternoon – perfection!
• The Harbour View Hotel – In the shadow of the bridge, the Harbour View Hotel is a blue-tiled classic.

Dinner at Darling Harbour

Time to wander from Millers Point through Barangaroo, and along the waterfront at Darling Harbour. Pick a spot for dinner along King Street or Cockle Bay Wharf, or pick from these nearby favourites.

The Vogue Cafe has beautiful views over Darling Harbour, and offers indoor or outdoor options with modern Australian cuisine. A few minutes away is the Darling Quarter, surrounding Tumbalong Park and Chinese Garden, where you have lots of dining options. A couple of blocks south will bring you into the heart of Sydney’s Chinatown.

Have you considered road-tripping along the Great Ocean Road
between Melbourne and Adelaide?

Observe the WIldlife

Sydney has one of the funniest ‘pest’ birds of anywhere I’ve ever visited. London has pigeons, Marseille has seagulls, Oakland has crows… and Sydney has the Black-headed Ibis. These exotic-looking birds are prolific and scavenge out of trash cans, earning them the nickname ‘bin chickens’.

Many years ago, flying foxes (fruit bats) were the hot ticket for wildlife spotting in Sydney. Huge camps were in the trees in the Royal Botanic Gardens. However, these were dissuaded from roosting here because they were damaging trees of great significance. You can still see camps of fruit bats at Centennial Parklands – Lachlan Swamp, Turrella Reserve – Wolli Creek, and Cape Solander, near Cronulla.

Where there is parkland or trees, you’ll also see sulphur-crested cockatoos.

2-3 Days in Sydney

If you have more than 24 hours in Sydney, then consider adding these great activities into the mix:

• Taronga Zoo – opened in 1916 and is home to over 4,000 animals from 350 species
• Museum of Contemporary Art at The Rocks
• Shopping at Paddy’s Markets
• The Royal Botanic Gardens
• A day trip to Bondi Beach (have a surfing lesson for all the fun!)
• Have brunch at Bills in Surry Hills
• Blue Mountains – an easy 1hr25 from Sydney, the Blue Mountains are a UNESCO World Heritage site of astounding beauty

Where to stay in Sydney

For a short stay, we loved the Sydney Marriott Circular Quay. Right downtown and near to the waterfront, The Rocks, transport options and tourist sights, it was a perfect spot for a couple of days right in the thick of it.

We also stayed at the Sheraton Grand Sydney Hyde Park, which is further south, into business district, and near to shops and the theatres. Overlooking Hyde Park, it is a beautiful property, for those who want something central but away from the hustle and bustle.

A decent hotel option nearer to the train station is the Four Points by Sheraton Central Park.

For longer stays, the Alta Apartments in Surry Hills offer full facilities in a great location. If you don’t want to be central, there are some very affordable spots in North Sydney.

Fun facts about Sydney

• Largest Natural Harbour – Sydney is home to the world’s largest natural harbour, Sydney Harbour, which spans 240 kilometres (150 miles) of shoreline and is dotted with over 30 beaches.
• First European Settlement – Sydney was the site of the first European settlement in Australia, established in 1788 when the First Fleet, led by Captain Arthur Phillip, arrived at Port Jackson.
• Sydney Harbour Bridge – Known as ‘The Coat Hanger’ because of its arch shape, the Sydney Harbour Bridge is the world’s largest steel arch bridge and was completed in 1932.
• Multicultural Hub – Sydney is one of the most multicultural cities globally, with over a third of its residents born overseas, with more than 250 different languages spoken.
• Royal Botanic Garden – The Royal Botanic Garden, established in 1816, is one of the oldest scientific institutions in Australia and offers stunning views of the Opera House and Harbour Bridge.
• Annual Events – Sydney hosts many world-famous events, including the Sydney New Year’s Eve fireworks, the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras, and the Sydney Festival.

Sydney FAQ

Plan a visit to the southern hemisphere
with my helpful guides!

All photos & content © Hannah Henderson and may not be used without permission (sharing this blog post is fine, though!). Images shot with a Canon DSLR T3i Rebel + Canon EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM; and an iPhone.