EmmaOften mistaken as the capital of Australia, Sydney is home to a population of over 5 million people. Although it is most famous for the Opera House, and neighbouring Harbour Bridge, Sydney has so much more to offer.
Today I’m going to share with you just how we spent 72 hours in Sydney, and how you can do the same!
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Where can I stay in Sydney?
42 Wallaby Way, of course! Unfortunately, I’m kidding. Although I did search for this when we were planning our stay, I was disappointed to find out that no such place exists. The closest place to this would be Rock Wallaby Way, this is just short of 50 minutes inland from the Harbour.
Although, if you are a small business owner, I think 42 Wallaby Way would be a fantastic idea for an Air BNB in the area… just saying.
The Lord Nelson
I thought I’d pop on here and share the oldest hotel in Sydney! If you know me personally, you’ll know how much I love history. If you’re currently in Australia, you’ll know the ongoing joke of how ‘Australia doesn’t have any history‘ (although it does, in reality – more than anyone else).
Located at The Rocks, The Lord Nelson has offered accommodation and beer since 1841. It still contains its original features, making it a truly unique experience!
790 on George Backpackers Hostel
I thought I’d mix it up a bit and share an affordable well-rated hostel. 790 offers an eclectic mix of shared and private dorms in their friendly hostel. Their place has the convenience of Wi-Fi, and they host communal events, pizza nights, and more just to make your stay more fun!
Urban St Leonards
This hotel is located in Greenwich, Sydney. It offers a luxurious comfortable stay for those wishing to sleep in a hotel with a more boutique approach.
Bars & Restaurants in Sydney
Wahlburgers Opera Quays
As you can probably tell by the name; this business is a franchise that is owned by Mark Wahlberg. We weren’t feeling up to their famous burgers when we visited, so we opted for a pizza instead, which was delicious. Be warned that if you do choose to sit outside, you may be pestered by the seagulls.
This restaurant is conveniently located beside the Opera House, offering some spectacular views.
Ribs & Burgers at The Rocks
On the other side of the Opera Quay, and up a few steps is ‘Ribs and Burgers’. This place does what it says on the tin, and we had a burger this time! The food was amazing, I would go again. Although, we felt a little let down by the availability of the staff.
It’s worth noting that although I didn’t feel the service at this place was spot on, I like to give my first-hand experience before recommending places that I haven’t visited.
Fortune of War
We didn’t really visit many bars during our stay in Sydney. However, on our ghost tour, our guide recommended this place, more than once! It first opened in 1828 and is proudly known as Sydney’s oldest pub. This iconic pub not only serves light and refreshing drinks; but you can also grab a bite to eat and a bed too!
Things To Do In Sydney
- Visit Museums
- White Rabbit Gallery
- Climb The Harbour Bridge
- Visit Sydney Tower Eye
- Go on a Boat Trip
- Book a Tour – We enjoyed this one!
- Take a Trip to Manly Blow Hole
Suggested Itinerary: How To Shape Your 72 Hours
Here’s a 72-hour itinerary for your Sydney trip, featuring your specified locations and activities:
Day 1: Arrival and Exploring the Rocks
- Arrival in Sydney: Check into your hotel.
- Breakfast at Wahlburgers Opera Quays: Start your day with a delicious breakfast with a view of the harbour.
- Climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge: Book your climb for late morning to enjoy stunning views of the city.
- Lunch at Ribs & Burgers at The Rocks: Indulge in a hearty lunch after your climb.
- Explore The Rocks: Stroll through this historic area, visiting the local shops and markets.
- Visit the Museum of Contemporary Art: Located in The Rocks, this museum features Australian and international art.
- Dinner: Grab dinner at a local restaurant in The Rocks.
- Join a Tour: Join a guided tour in The Rocks, where you’ll hear stories of Sydney’s history.
Day 2: Culture and Nature
- Breakfast: Grab a coffee and pastry from a local café.
- Visit White Rabbit Gallery: Spend the morning exploring contemporary Chinese art.
- Lunch: Enjoy a meal at a nearby café.
- Visit Sydney Tower Eye: Take in panoramic views of the city from the observation deck.
- Boat Trip on Sydney Harbour: Book a sunset cruise to enjoy the sights of the Opera House and Harbour Bridge from the water.
- Dinner: Find a waterfront restaurant for dinner after your cruise.
Day 3: Coastal Adventure and Relaxation
- Breakfast: Enjoy breakfast at your hotel or a local café.
- Visit Manly Beach: Take a ferry from Circular Quay to Manly, enjoying the scenic ride.
- Manly Blowhole: After exploring the beach, walk to the nearby blowhole to see it in action (if conditions allow).
- Lunch in Manly: Have lunch at a beachside café.
- Relax on Manly Beach: Spend some time soaking up the sun or swimming.
- Return to Sydney: Take the ferry back to Circular Quay.
- Dinner: Head to a nearby restaurant for your final dinner in Sydney, perhaps exploring more of the vibrant dining scene.
- Stroll through Darling Harbour: End your trip with a leisurely walk through Darling Harbour, enjoying the nightlife and atmosphere.
Tips:
- Book your Harbour Bridge climb and ghost tour in advance.
- Check the schedule for ferry times and plan accordingly for your trip to Manly.
- Allow some flexibility in your schedule for spontaneous discoveries!
Travel: How To Get To Sydney
- Plane: In reference to the Opera House, Sydney Airport is just short of 12km away.
- Train: In reference to the Opera House, Central Station is just 3km away.
- Bus: The Transport of NSW operates a large variety of bus routes in and around the city. Discover them here.
- Taxi: The most popular taxi service in Sydney is 13cabs.
Fun Facts About Sydney
- It is the oldest city in Australia and was first founded in 1788 by Arthur Phillip.
- Sydney Opera House uses hydrothermal cooling and heating sourced by the saltwater at its base!
- In the height of the 20th century, Sydney had the nickname of ‘Sin City’ due to the rise of organized crime. Thankfully it has since relaxed this title and is now a safe and enjoyable place to visit.
- If you’re into the darker side of tourism, like me, make sure to visit Mortuary Station. It was originally built in the 1890’s for funeral trains, but has since retired that service. It since been renamed, Regent Street Station.
Have you been to Sydney? Let us know your recommendations below!
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