How many days do you need in Sydney? Three days covers the harbour icons, five adds the beaches and the zoo, and seven gives you time for the Blue Mountains and a slow day at your own pace. This itinerary starts each morning from Marco Polo Motor Inn Sydney in Summer Hill, where trains run direct to Central and around the City Circle to Circular Quay, so every plan below begins with one easy ride.
Day 1: Circular Quay, the Opera House and The Rocks
Take a direct train from Summer Hill to Circular Quay, about 25 minutes. Start at the Sydney Opera House, then follow the harbour path through the Royal Botanic Garden to Mrs Macquarie's Chair for the classic view of the Opera House and the Harbour Bridge together.
In the afternoon, explore the sandstone lanes of The Rocks and walk across the Harbour Bridge to Milsons Point for sunset views back over the city.
Day 2: Ferries, Taronga Zoo and Manly
Sydney's ferries are one of its great pleasures. From Circular Quay, a short ferry ride takes you to Taronga Zoo, where giraffes look out over the city skyline. Spend the morning there, then return to the Quay.
In the afternoon, catch the Manly ferry for one of the best harbour rides in the world, a swim or a stroll along the Corso, and fish and chips by the beach.
Day 3: Bondi to Coogee coastal walk
Take the train to Bondi Junction and a short bus ride to Bondi Beach, then follow the 6 km coastal walk south past Tamarama, Bronte and Clovelly to Coogee. Allow two to three hours plus time for swims and a long lunch.
If you have three days, this is a perfect finale. If you are staying longer, keep reading.
Days 4 and 5: Darling Harbour, the markets and the Inner West
Day 4 is for Darling Harbour, with SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium, the Australian National Maritime Museum and the harbourside promenade, followed by Chinatown and Paddy's Markets for dinner. The L1 light rail from Taverners Hill near the hotel runs straight there.
Day 5 is for the Inner West: the vintage shops and cafes of King Street in Newtown, Italian pastries in Haberfield, and dinner in Summer Hill village.
Days 6 and 7: the Blue Mountains and a day your way
Day 6 is a day trip to the Blue Mountains. Take the train from Summer Hill to Strathfield and change to the Blue Mountains Line to Katoomba, about two hours, for the Three Sisters, Scenic World and the cliff-top walks.
Day 7 is yours: a match or concert at Sydney Olympic Park, Luna Park and the north shore, or a slow morning before you head home.
Travel tips for your Sydney itinerary
- Tap on and off with an Opal card or a contactless bank card on trains, buses, ferries and light rail
- Fares are capped each day, and the weekend cap is lower, so weekends are great value
- Leave the car at the hotel: one free secured undercover parking spot comes with every booking
- Reception is open 24 hours, so a late return after a big day is no trouble
Why guests choose us
Why our hotel suits a Sydney itinerary
- Direct trains to Central, Town Hall, Wynyard and Circular Quay
- L1 light rail to Darling Harbour and Chinatown from Taverners Hill
- Easy change at Strathfield for the Blue Mountains
- Free secured parking while you explore by public transport
- Kitchenette basics for easy breakfasts before a big day
- Rooms from $140 Monday to Thursday
Gallery
A look around & nearby
Photos: Australia new Katoomba the three sisters by Abracadebra68, CC BY-SA 4.0
Frequently asked questions
How many days do you need in Sydney?
Three days covers the Opera House, Harbour Bridge, ferries and Bondi. Five days adds Taronga Zoo, Manly and Darling Harbour, and seven days leaves time for a Blue Mountains day trip.
What is the best 3 day Sydney itinerary?
Day 1: Circular Quay, the Opera House, the Royal Botanic Garden and The Rocks. Day 2: ferries to Taronga Zoo and Manly. Day 3: the Bondi to Coogee coastal walk.
Is the hotel a good base for sightseeing?
Yes. Summer Hill station is 400 metres away, and trains run direct to Central and around the City Circle to Circular Quay, about 25 minutes.
How do I get around Sydney?
Use an Opal card or tap a contactless bank card on trains, buses, ferries and light rail. Daily fare caps apply, with a lower cap on weekends.
Can I visit the Blue Mountains in a day?
Yes. From Summer Hill, take the train to Strathfield and change to the Blue Mountains Line to Katoomba, about two hours each way.
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Book your Sydney base
Rooms from $140 with free secure parking, 24-hour reception and direct trains into the city.