48 hours in Sydney

Probably one of the most iconic cities in the world, Sydney can seem a little daunting, especially if you only have 48 hours to cram in a visit. A popular destination with all types of travellers, the famous city that meets the sea has so much on offer and is a beautifully vibrant part of Australia.

A major Pacific hub, Sydney is home to a mix of cultures, which are showcased through architecture and food. This means you’ll have plenty to take in and enjoy during your visit. To help you experience as much as possible in just 48 hours, here are some of the things you can’t miss out on while in Sydney:

Day 1

Sydney Opera House

Probably one of the most important places on your list of must-visits is the Sydney Opera House. It seems impossible to visit the city without heading to the enormous building that seems to be made out of sails.

The iconic structure is the ultimate expression of land meeting sea as it looks as though it is about to set sail on the water. It is visible from a number of locations in the city, but it is a good idea to get up close so as to fully appreciate it.

You may even want to see what concerts are taking place during your visit so as to explore the inside and experience the amazing acoustics the building has to offer.

While you’re at the Opera House, you may also want to stretch your legs in the Botanical Gardens, which offer beautiful plant life as well as fantastic harbour views.

The Rocks

If climbing the Sydney Harbour Bridge isn’t quite your cup of tea, you can explore the area below it, which features a great range of shops, boutiques and cafes. The Rocks – as the area is known – is one of the oldest locations in the city but also one of the trendiest.

You’ll find a mix of new establishments but old architecture, meaning there’s plenty to discover. There is also lots of great food on offer, so that’s a reason in itself to explore this part of Sydney.

If you’re visiting over the weekend, you’ll also get to experience the Rocks Market, which will be full of local artists selling their wares.

Harbour views and Taronga Zoo

If you want to see as much of Sydney Harbour as possible and get the chance to see some of Australia’s wildlife, hopping on a ferry to Taronga Zoo will allow you to do both. Tickets are available at Circular Quay, with ferries leaving regularly.

Once on the boat, you’ll be able to take in the views of the harbour and the city, giving you plenty of photo opportunities. When you step off and enter the zoo, you’ll have the chance to cuddle koalas and take snaps of kangaroos and other indigenous species.

This is a great afternoon activity if the outback or rural Australia aren’t really what you’re looking for from a trip.

Day Two

Bondi Beach

If the weather is good on day two, there’s only one place to go: Bondi Beach. The famous stretch of sand offers the perfect opportunity to soak up the sun and enjoy a surf. Complete with white sand and bright blue waters, the beach is a little bit of paradise not far from the city.

As well as plenty of waves for you to catch, you can also enjoy a swim in Bondi Icebergs, which is the beach’s ocean-front pool. This allows you to swim in the sea without having to face the open ocean.

You may even see a few familiar faces among the lifeguards if you’ve ever caught an episode of Bondi Rescue, but this is just the icing on the top of what is sure to be a great morning on the sand.

Bondi to Coogee Walkway

To make the most of the beautiful coastal views in this area, you should head along the Bondi Coogee walkway. This will take you to Tamarama, Bronte and Clovelly beaches via a 6-kilometre walk – good shoes are recommended.

Each of the beaches offers some great cafes providing lovely places to stop and take a break, while the walk itself is the best way to take in the eastern suburbs. This is definitely the best way to end your 48 hours in Sydney.

It’s got to be a Multi Centre Trip

You’re never going to go all the way over to Australia just to visit Sydney, so an Australian Multi Centre Holiday is the best option. Combine a quick visit to Sydney with all the other places ‘down under’ that you  want to see.