4 Days in Sydney Itinerary
Sydney is not only one of my favorite destinations, but every crew's! Nice sunny weather, clean air, relaxed atmosphere, and diverse, healthy food options make every visit worth 14 hours flight from Abu Dhabi. Over multiple trips, I explored Sydney's famous landmarks separately as I usually have 2-days layover, but I put altogether to 4-days trip for the visitors. I am quite confident that this itinerary should help you make the most of it.
2/12/202510 min read
4-Day Sydney Travel Itinerary
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Where I Stayed - The Sydney Boulevard Hotel
When planning a trip to Sydney, selecting the right accommodation is an important decision in many sense. Personally, I prefer staying near the city center, as I enjoy exploring on foot rather than relying on public transportation. Additionally, I look for a hotel with a great view and the convenience of a supermarket or convenience store nearby. Taking all these factors into account, one hotel that stands out is The Sydney Boulevard Hotel.
Harbour View VS City View from Sydney Boulevard Hotel
The view from the window is truly breathtaking. You can see a nearby park, the Harbour Bridge in the distance, and even a glimpse of the Sydney Opera House’s iconic roof. It’s a view you could stare at all day without getting bored. The scenery becomes even more beautiful during sunrise and sunset.
The street view may be less exciting compared to the city view, but it still offers glimpses of the skyline and the bustling side of Sydney. It’s enjoyable for some people—like me—who sometimes like to watch passersby like a granny on her porch.
If anyone interested, here’s my report from observing Aussies: What impressed me the most was how many healthy people there were! I saw several people in sportswear and many joggers at 6 a.m. while I was still rubbing my eyes.
Location & Convenience
10-minute walk to the city center
Sydney Boulevard Hotel is conveniently located just about a 10-minute walk from the city center, making it easy to explore the major attractions such as Australian Museum, Royal Botanic Garden, and Art Gallery of NSW.
Supermarket nearby
Right next to the hotel, there is a Woolworths Metro supermarket, which is convenient for buying snacks or other necessities.
Facilities
On the 24th floor, there is a gym and sauna. The gym is quite small, but it’s sufficient for a short stay. Steam room and sauna will make your muscles relaxed and help you to remove tiredness after walking around the city.
Day 1: Exploring the City
Breakfast at Flour and stone
Just a 3-min walk from the hotel, cafe Flour and Stone offers delicious breakfast and dessert options. This cafe is best known for a cake called Lamington, which is an absolute must try! The cake is soft on the inside, with a shredded coconut coating that adds the perfect texture, while the raspberry jam filling provides a fruity touch. They also serve tasty sandwiches and great coffee, both highly recommended.
A great tip is most independent cafés in Australia open early and close by the afternoon (typically from 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM), so plan your visit according to opening hours. There are two separate shops located next to each other—one for takeaway only and the other for dine-in, which has a few seats only.
St. Mary's Cathedral
St. Mary’s Cathedral is the heart of Sydney’s Catholic community. The first stone church was completed in 1821 but was later destroyed by fire. The reconstruction of the current Gothic-style structure began in 1868 and was completed in 1928. Its red-colored exterior is particularly impressive.
Located just five minutes from my hotel, it is a landmark I often pass by. Next to the cathedral, you'll find Hyde Park and a public sports facility, making it a great place for a relaxed stroll or to enjoy a simple breakfast, such as a sandwich and coffee.
Art Gallery of New South Wales
Established in 1871, this is one of Australia’s most significant art museums. Admission is free, and you can enjoy works by Picasso, Andy Warhol, Monet, and various modern and traditional artists. It’s conveniently located next to the Royal Botanic Garden, so you can visit both in one go.
Royal Botanic Garden
Founded in 1816, this garden is one of Australia’s oldest scientific institutions. It initially started as an agricultural experiment site. The open garden area is free, making it a perfect spot for a leisurely walk, a picnic, or simply enjoying nature. If you walk towards the waterfront, you’ll find an excellent photo spot capturing both the Sydney Opera House and the Harbour Bridge in the background.
Beware of the birds! While I was eating a sandwich on a bench, a huge bird jumped onto the bench, making me relocate.
Sydney Opera House
Following the Botanic Garden is Sydney’s most famous landmark, the Opera House. Designed by Danish architect Jørn Utzon, it officially opened in 1973. The sail-like design is iconic worldwide. You can take an tour to learn about its history and explore the concert halls. I highly recommend grabbing a drink or lunch at the Opera Bar while enjoying the stunning view.
Circular Quay
Originally where the First Fleet landed in 1788, Circular Quay has evolved into Sydney’s main transport hub. You may visit here a few times to catch ferries to various destinations, including Manly Beach and Watsons Bay. It’s a great place to find restaurants, cafes, and souvenir shops.
Observatory Hill Park
This hilltop park is home to the historic Sydney Observatory, built in the mid-19th century. The location offers a fantastic panoramic view of the Sydney Harbour. If you visit at sunset, you’ll be rewarded with a breathtaking scene.
Queen Victoria Building & City Exploration
Completed in 1898, the Queen Victoria Building is a stunning example of Romanesque architecture. It used to be a marketplace, and later it has transformed into a luxury shopping center. You’ll find elegant stained glass windows, a magnificent dome, and numerous boutique stores. It’s a great spot for shopping or simply admiring the architecture.
The streets surrounding the Queen Victoria Building are located in downtown Sydney, offering a mix of shopping and dining experiences. You can find various cuisine but mostly Asian restaurants, making it a great spot for dinner.
A visit to Chemist Warehouse is a great idea to wrap up the day. I spend the most of my budget here every time I visit Sydney to buy products for my family and friends. This well-known pharmacy is famous for its wide selection of health supplements, vitamins, skincare products, and more. You can find the popular papaw ointment, too!
Day 2: Coastal Adventures – Bondi Beach & Watsons Bay
Ferry to Watsons Bay
I took a ferry from Circular Quay to Watsons Bay using a contactless card (tap-to-pay). The one-way fare was around $8, and the journey took about 20-25 minutes. Along the way, I enjoyed stunning views of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera House.
Gap Park
A 10-minute walk from Watsons Bay, Gap Park is a famous cliffside viewpoint with breathtaking ocean views. Historically, this site is known for the 1857 Dunbar shipwreck, where only one crew member survived. It’s also the site where local hero Don Ritchie, known as the "Angel of the Gap," saved over 160 lives by engaging in conversation with those contemplating tragic decisions. Today, a memorial honors his legacy.
Bondi Beach
Taking bus 380 from Gap Park, I arrived at Bondi Beach in about 30 minutes. Bondi, meaning “water breaking over rocks” in the Aboriginal language, is famous for its 1 km stretch of golden sand and excellent surf waves. You can also find a sea-water swimming pool at the end of the beach, which you might have seen on social media.
I enjoyed lunch at Fishbowl, a well-known poke bowl chain that you can find across NSW, Victoria, and Queensland. The O.G was beyond my expectation as a poke lover! Regular size was just enough for me. After spending time on the beach, I was craving something refreshing, and grabbed an açaí bowl from Yogurberry, where you can make your own bowl as well.
Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk
This 6 km coastal walk takes about 2 hours and passes smaller beaches like Tamarama and Bronte. The scenic trail offers incredible ocean views and is a great way to experience Sydney’s coastline.
Dinner in Surry Hills
This trendy inner-city neighborhood has a vibrant atmospher. You will find variety of options walking down the street, whether you want to have a dinner at the fancy restaurant or go for a bar at the terrace.
Day 3: Blue Mountains Day Tour
I booked Blue Mountains Tour including Sydney Zoo with Get Your Guide. The tour provided hotel pick up at several hotels around the city, and I took the shuttle at Holiday Inn, which took 10 mins from The Boulevard Hotel. I went to the Woolworth Metro just next to the hotel to get some breakfast and snacks for the trip.
The Sydney Zoo
The first stop on my Blue Mountains tour was Sydney Zoo. We entered as soon as they opened, so we had a chance to enjoy the zoo before it gets busy. I saw koalas for the first time (they were even cuter than expected!) and had a chance to take a photo with them for an extra fee. There were also kangaroos freely hopping around, which was both exciting but slightly intimidating. You can feed them for an extra fee.
Three Sisters & Scenic Cableway
The Three Sisters rock formation is tied to an Aboriginal legend of three sisters turned to stone by a spell. The area offers incredible viewpoints. I also took the Scenic Cableway, which cost around $70 AUD but was absolutely worth it.
Legend of the Three Sisters
The name of the Blue Mountains famous landmark, the Three Sisters, originates from an Aboriginal legend.
According to the legend, a long time ago in the Blue Mountains region, there lived three sisters named Meehni, Wimlah, and Gunnedoo. They belonged to the Gundungurra tribe, which was in conflict with the Nepean tribe, known for its strong warriors.
One day, while playing near Jamison Valley, the three sisters met three warriors from the Nepean tribe and fell in love. However, due to strict tribal laws, they were forbidden from marrying. The warriors, unwilling to accept this, attempted to take the sisters by force.
This act triggered a war between the two tribes, putting the sisters in grave danger. To protect them, a tribal shaman cast a spell, turning them into stone. Unfortunately, the shaman perished in battle before he could reverse the spell, leaving the three sisters forever frozen in stone, standing above the valley as they remain today.
The layers of flat-topped mountains and mist created a truly mystical atmosphere. I took deep breaths, trying to inhale as much of the refreshing, pure air as possible as I can, something I don't often get in daily life. At Lincoln’s Rock, thanks to our guide’s photography skills, I was able to capture an amazing shot!
Why are the Blue Mountains are called Blue Mountains
As for why the Blue Mountains are called its name our guide explained that the region is often covered in a blue haze. The mountains are densely populated with eucalyptus trees, which release fine oil particles into the air. These particles, combined with dust and water vapor, scatter short-wavelength blue light, giving the mountains their distinct blue appearance.
Leura Town & Lunch
Leura is a small town near the Blue Mountains. I had lunch at The Wayzgoose Diner, known for its burgers. Outside, I spotted wild parrots flying around—something I had never seen before.
Back to Circular Quay with a ferry ride
Our guide dropped us off at Sydney Olympic Park wharf and we took a ferry to get to Circular Quay. The ride got more entertaining as we were getting close to the city center, because of the beautiful lights everywhere around Sydney Harbor area. There was a festival called "Vivid Sydney" was going on. If you are planning to visit Sydney this year, don't miss this festival season. Vivid Sydney returns on 23 May until 14 June 2025.
Day 4: Manly Beach & Sydney Tower
Manly Beach
I took a ferry from Circular Quay to Manly Beach, which took about 30 minutes. This beach is famous for its relaxed vibe, surf culture, and scenic coastal walkways. Compared to Bondi, it’s quieter and more laid-back, making it a great spot to unwind. I spent half of the day here, enjoying the weather and getting recharged.
Sydney Tower
You'll enjoy breathtaking 360-degree view of the city from 250 meters above ground.
Opening Hours: 10 AM - 8 PM
Ticket Price: Approx. $31 AUD (online booking recommended for discounts)
Reservation: Not mandatory, but advisable during peak hours
The observation deck provides an amazing perspective of Sydney’s skyline, and if you’re up for an adventure, you can try the Skywalk—a glass-floored walkway outside the tower!
Why Sydney is Worth Visiting
I get excited when I see Sydney on my roster for my duty. Its stunning natural beauty and landmarks worth 14-hrs flight duty. No wonder why Sydney is crew's one of favorite destinations. From the Opera House and Harbour Bridge to Bondi and Manly Beach, there’s no shortage of breathtaking views. The Blue Mountains offer an easy escape into nature, while the city’s diverse restaurant options from fresh seafood to world class coffee satisfies every traveler.
With year-round sunshine and an easygoing atmosphere, Sydney is perfect for outdoor adventures and relaxation alike. Public transport is efficient, making it simple to explore. Locals are friendly, and the city feels safe and welcoming.
Hope you feel the same way I feel about Sydney and enjoy the most of it!