To be honest, I spent a week in Sydney, but a few things I was repeating almost every single day: a coastal early morning walk and breakfast in the Three Blue Ducks. Then a visit to the harbour and dinners at Morrisons we did more than once too. It rarely happens during my travels that I repeat the same activity since I want to try and see as many things as possible. For some reason, it seems I found a few perfect activities for myself in Sydney that almost made me feel at home.
How to spend a perfect day in Sydney
Before you continue scrolling this post, let me warn you. This little guide on how to spend a perfect day in Sydney is highly subjective and it is based on my perfect day in Sydney. And that was based on food, lots of walking and more food. If that’s your thing, keep on reading.
Take an early walk from Bondi Beach to Bronte
It is quite impressive to watch Sydneysiders putting so much importance on movement and sport. We saw so many people early every morning jogging, walking or doing other sports before heading to work. They say that this is the only way to get a daily dose of exercise outdoors before it gets too hot and they get too busy with their chores. As they say, monkey sees, monkey do, we decided to test this routine. Every morning, starting near Bondi, we walked along the coast towards Bronte, then up the hill to reward ourselves with the Three Blue Ducks coffee and brekkie (something like 10km each way). I could adapt to this lifestyle forever.
I guess it was one of not many times when I did not take any photos, even though I did this walk so many times.
Eat breakfast at Three Blue Ducks
This little coffee/restaurant place is located near Bronte. There is something so special about this place, although looking quite ordinary, that drew us there five days in a row. No kidding! They have a little street terrace and serve the best breakfast ever! Until now I make a humble copy of their salad, called in our home the three blue ducks salad.
Head to Paddington
Paddington is a place with many boutique shops, where you can get quality clothes and shoes with beautiful designs. I got a few things for myself there, including the perfect black bikinis that I had been looking for for a very long time.
It was one of the areas that I enjoyed going back to, mainly thanks to a spacious street and lots of cool little shops.
Take a 12-minute ferry to the zoo
I do not normally enjoy watching animals in enclosures; in Sydney, it was my third zoo visit ever in my whole life. Two of the previous times were when I was a child. Sydney Zoo, however, is heavily focused on conservation projects and sustainability. I’ll leave it to you to decide if this is something you’d like to do in Sydney, if not, take a ferry trip anyway. Why? Because it just gives the most stunning views of the harbour and the Oprea House, too.
Late lunch or dinner at Morisson’s
Another golden culinary find. Morisson’s is known for its oysters with business dinner offers. It has a full menu of oysters with a description of each. I never imagined that oysters can have so many flavours. If you love them, this place is for you.
Stroll the streets outside the harbour
Just round the corner of the touristcic spots, real gems hide away. Stalls selling local street food, musicians and artists: this is what make Sydney super special.
Head to Circular Quay
Being it a hub for dining, enterteinment and shopping, Circualr Quay is a must stop on a Sydney trip. What else? That’s probably the best place for the photos with the Opera House and the Harbour Bridge in the background.
Sydney Opera House
See the famous Opera House. Dah! It’s probably the first landmark you think of when talking about Sydney. Needless to say, no matter how obvious it may sound, visiting the Sydney Opera House is a must.
Sunset aperitif at the harbour
Once you are done visiting the Opera House building, relax at sunset with some more oysters and a glass of cold champagne or any other sunset drink of your choice.
Meet the koalas
Koalas are as cute as they can get. There are a few places in Sydney, where you can see the kolas up close and while you won’t be allowed to hold them, seeing them up close is an experience that should not be missed.
Practical stuff
Book your flight to Sydney
Travelling to Australia is usually a big trip. It’s far from nearly everywhere, the flights are long and pricey. It is one of the destinations, which require a bit more time searching for better deals and skillful preparation. I always compare prices on various websites, like CheapOair, for example. It’s worth checking to save some bucks.
Where to stay
We stayed in Sydney in two different places, but both were in close proximity to the sea. We chose them strategically, so we can go for early morning walks along the coast. After walking endlessly every day, we realized that our locations were just perfect and we would choose them again: near Bondi beach and near Bronte beach. There are many amazing hotels and apartments to choose from, here are a few favourite options, including the Harbour:
- Park Hyatt Sydney– being perfectly tucked under the Harbour Bridge, overlooking the Opera House, all this hotel needs to offer is comfortable simplicity in a perfect location.
- QT Sydney– even though this hotel is not located at the seaside, but instead in the Central Business District (great for shopping), it’s worth having a look thanks to its quirky design and dramatic decor.
- QT Bondi– a sister boutique hotel in a perfect location close to the beach for daily morning walks.
- Pier One Sydney Harbour, Autograph Collection– this hotel gives you views of the Harbour Bridge to die for!
Don’t forget the insurance
This might sound like common sense, but you cannot imagine how many people get into trouble for not having insurance. I always have my international health insurance, but depending on the destination and activities I plan to do, I buy additional insurance. One of the best ones on the market is provided by World Nomads as they offer sports and natural disaster coverage.
Rent a car
If you are staying only in the city, most likely you won’t need a car at all. Even if you go to the Blue Mountain, taking a train is an easy option. We travelled around by bus and trains and it was quite a flawless experience.
In case you’d like to explore places farther away from the city, renting a car is a good idea. Try Discover Cars as they compare not only the most known car rental companies but also local ones, which are sometimes cheaper.
Favourite travel resources:
Hotels Combined for searching best prices on accommodation.
Discover Cars is a great website as they search both local and international car hire services, so you can choose the best deal for yourself.
Get Your Guide is my place to go for searching and booking tours and excursions, especially when I travel solo.
World Nomads travel insurance. I like them because they have quite extensive coverage of different activities.
See also:
New Zealand road trip. What to see in 2 weeks on the south island.
Postcards from the world to help you dream. Find inspiration for your travels.
Layover in Dubai: what to see and do in 48 hours.
Make your flights easier. Mindfulness exercises for stressful flights.
Disclosure: Please note that this post included affiliate links, when you decide to purchase anything through these links I get a small commission at NO extra cost to you, it helps me to keep running this blog! I only promote products and services I use or would use myself. All images are the property of Postcards from the World and cannot be used without permission.
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