I spent a couple of days in Sydney on my way over to New Zealand recently. I hadn’t been here since I was 7 years old, so basically I rediscovered the city as a solo adult traveller.
On the second day there, I was booked on a day trip to the Blue Mountains and Featherdale Wildlife Park. But on the first day, I was free as a bird to discover Sydney and I was going to fit in as many sights as I could!
The best way to enjoy a perfect day in Sydney is spending time outdoors, so go hit the ground running!
5.30/6am: Here comes the sun
If you’re staying in the CBD, or The Rocks, you have a great opportunity to walk along the Harbour Bridge as the city is starting to wake up, to Milsons Point, near the Jeffereys St Wharf.
When you get there, the sun should be almost about to rise, and you will have a great view of the city, Sydney Opera House, and the Harbour Bridge. On a nice day, the sun makes the bridge Pylons glow orange/red. After taking these shots, you feel like you have won the Oscar award of the Postcard Perfect photo of a Sydney Sunrise!!
Depending if you want to go back to bed or not, you can walk around to Blues Point Reserve for a different view of Sydney, with the Harbour Bridge peeking underneath the Harbour Bridge. If you do head that way, I recommend adding some of your lost calories from the Delicious and Dangerous menu at Piato, at 123 Blues Point Road!
9.30am: Reach inner peace
Located near Darling Harbour, The Chinese Garden of Friendship, is simply beautiful! You wouldn’t think it would be right in the city!
Established in 1988 as a symbol of the strong bond between Sydney and its sister city, Guangzhou in China, the garden is a living testament to the harmonious relationship between the two. Inspired by the classic Chinese garden design principles of the Ming Dynasty, the intricate layout showcases traditional architecture, water features, and lush greenery.
Crafted by skilled artisans from China, every element within the garden tells a story, from the serene koi-filled ponds to the meticulously designed pavilions and waterfalls.
A must do is having a cup of tea at the teahouse, while taking in the smells and sights. Including seeing the Koi fish! Feeding time for them is a frenzy!
11am: A Fine Shopping Frenzy
After I wandered around Darling Harbour, I headed into the city centre to shop till you drop! It was lovely walking in beautiful spots like the Queen Victoria Building, and on the Pitt St Mall and Westfield.
Sydney is a popular shopping destination, with a wide range of options to suit every taste and budget. From high-end fashion boutiques to discount department stores, there is something for everyone in Sydney.
If you’re after designer labels, head to the chic suburbs of Paddington or Woollahra. For more affordable fashion, check out the chain stores and independent boutiques in Newtown or Surry Hills. Or if you’re looking for souvenirs and unique local items, explore the markets at Bondi Beach or Glebe.
1pm: Smelling the flowers
Next up, head to the Royal Botanical Gardens of Sydney. I heard that these gardens were wonderful from a fellow traveller, with the Opera House peeking out occasionally.
They weren’t wrong, as I wandered around the gardens, there was so much to see other than the gorgeous flowers. There were screeching cockatoos flying about, boats out on the harbour zooming around, tooting trains as they went past with plenty of tourists hanging out, and planes flying overhead.
Walking around the seaside path will lead you to:
1.30/2pm: Singing an Opera
Ok, so yes it has tourists everywhere, but when you’re right smack bang in front of it, it is amazing!
The Sydney Opera House stands as an icon in Sydney’s skyline and cultural world. Conceived by Danish architect Jørn Utzon, this architectural marvel opened its doors in 1973. Its distinctive sail-like shells embrace both innovation and controversy, symbolising a fusion of art and engineering.
I had always seen so many photos of it from fairly far away. So when I was so close, I never realised how much detail it had with all the tile-work! Simply gorgeous, so I now understand why everyone makes a fuss over it! Unfortunately I couldn’t go see an opera or ballet performance, but I would highly recommend so, and the inside is gorgeous! You can also go on guided tours of it.
Also gorgeous is the view from the Opera House – Circular Quay, CBD, The Rocks, Harbour Bridge and Kirribilli! You can even see people climbing the Harbour Bridge, which finally swayed me to do the:
3.30/4pm: Rush time on the Harbour Bridge
I had been humming and ahhing about whether to do the Sydney Harbour Bridge Bridgeclimb. It has an expensive price tag (from $294+), you can’t take your camera (cars below would have a surprise if it fell!!), you buy the photos which can add up to be expensive as well. BUT after seeing people on the bridge, I got such a high of excitement, I promptly set off at a good pace, for the Bridgeclimb’s Headquarters, and booked myself in for the 4.30pm climb.
The tour lasts around 3.5 hours, the first of which is getting ready and instructed, then you’re off, attached to a wire the whole time. I found the scariest part at the start, walking the “catwalk”, but after that it was just great! Amazing views and tour guide – if you get Niece you’re in for a treat! Amazing time – highly highly recommended!!
8pm: Time for food, drinks and/or bed!
I must admit, after the Bridgeclimb, I wasn’t so hungry as I was thirsty – shaky knees be damned!
While Google recommends a restaurant named Sake on Argyll St, I didn’t actually get there as I went to The Argyll Bar for drinks instead! A cool place for drinks with a secret bar inside the bar, but with a $30 cover charge!
After spending $300 on the Bridgeclimb plus photos, and now a cover charge, my oh my, you might need a drink like I did! 😂
Lore & Tempo is where motherhood meets adventure. I’m Ren – storyteller, explorer, and single mum in Wellington, New Zealand. I’ve been lucky enough to wander through 45 countries. 15 of them with my +1, Kaydes, either strapped to my front, on my hip, or running ahead on her own adventures. I created this space to share single parent life, travel tips, and the joy of exploring the world.
