Essential Sydney Itineraries
Born and raised in Sydney, I’ve spent a lifetime exploring every corner of this city.
These aren’t just tourist trails – they’re tried-and-tested routes refined through years of local experience and feedback from thousands of visitors I’ve helped.
Whether you’re planning a quick weekend visit or an extended stay, you’ll find practical, detailed guides that blend must-see attractions with local insights.
Why my itineraries work so well
These last two years splitting my time between Sydney and Thailand has given me fresh eyes on my hometown. I now see Sydney both as a local and a visitor, understanding exactly what travellers need to know. These regularly updated itineraries reflect both seasonal changes and this unique dual perspective.
Multi day Sydney stays
Choose from three carefully crafted itineraries that maximize your time in Sydney. Each one builds on the previous, starting with essential highlights for a weekend visit and expanding to include local neighborhoods and nearby attractions for longer stays.
3 Days in Sydney
How much can you fit into 3 days in Sydney? Quite a bit of ground if you plan your time carefully and follow our tips.
5 Days in Sydney
Celebrate the festive season in Sydney with the best markets, light displays, holiday events and dining options.
48 Hours in Sydney
Sydney can be expensive, but don’t let that stop you! Our local tips will help you experience the city on a budget.
Sydney day trips
Sydney’s surroundings offer some of Australia’s most spectacular scenery, from mountains to coastal drives. These day trips are all tested for timing and transport connections, organised by how you’ll get there. Choose from easy train journeys where you can relax and enjoy the view, or scenic driving routes with suggested stops along the way.
Day trips by train
Thanks to Opal card daily fare caps ($19.30 Monday-Thursday, $9.65 Friday-Sunday and public holidays), you can explore well beyond Sydney by train without breaking the bank. Popular day trips include Wollongong, Kiama, the Central Coast, Newcastle, and the Blue Mountains – all covered by the daily cap.
The Blue Mountains by train
This complete guide makes planning your day trip from Sydney simple and stress-free.
5 Suburbs Worth a Train Ride
These local-approved destinations make perfect Sydney day trips for both visitors and locals.
Five Sydney Train Adventures
These five relaxing day trips – all under two hours – let you focus on the scenery, not the traffic.
Day trips by car
Grand Pacific Drive & Seacliff Bridge
Want Sydney’s best coastal drive? The Grand Pacific Drive matches the Great Ocean Road for scenery but sits right on our doorstep.
Trips 2.5 hours or less from Sydney
Skip the traffic jams – the best day trips are closer than you think. Choose from our favourite nearby destinations.
A Driving itinerary for the Blue Mountains
Plan the perfect New Year’s Eve in Sydney with tips on the best vantage points, family-friendly celebrations, and exclusive events
Weekend Getaways
Sydney’s surroundings offer some of Australia’s most spectacular scenery, from mountains to coastal drives. These day trips are all tested for timing and transport connections, organised by how you’ll get there. Choose from easy train journeys where you can relax and enjoy the view, or scenic driving routes with suggested stops along the way.
48 Hours in Newcastle
Just 2.5 hours from Sydney, Newcastle surprises with its stunning ocean baths, vibrant food scene, and rich industrial heritage.
2 Days in Robertson
Just two hours from Sydney, Robertson offers a perfect country escape with five waterfalls, charming towns and exceptional local produce.
