If there’s one thing that I’ve learned living in Sydney, it’s that weekends can slip away fast and easy if you’re not intentional. And there’s too much beauty in Sydney to leave your plans up to chance. So, if you’re in town for just the weekend, or if you live here and want to feel like a tourist in your city, this is how I would do it. Behold the ultimate Sydney weekend itinerary… Saturday Royal Botanic Garden The Royal Botanic Garden is where the city slows down and you’ll see locals jogging, kids playing, tourists excited and plants from every nook and cranny of the world. Starting your weekend itinerary with a visit to the garden sets the tone for the upcoming adventure. There’s something calming about the way it’s layered. You could join the 1.5 hour guided tour to get a deeper knowledge of the garden’s subtropical plants and aboriginal history. It is honestly the perfect way to start the morning. Walk The Rocks From the garden, head to The Rocks—one of my favourite parts of Sydney. The archaic pubs, cobbled streets, and the spooky and colonial history give it a different vibe from the rest of the city. You can explore the weekend markets—buy souvenirs and eat healthy (or junky). I usually wander until something smells too good to resist. Yeah, trust your instincts—it can’t go wrong. Climb The Harbour Bridge I did the bridge climb with a friend visiting from Melbourne and ended up loving it way more than I expected. And if you’re thinking it’s expensive, yes, it’s on the pricey side—but lemme tell you, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience and worth every penny. When the sun sets, the 360° view from atop is breathtaking. So, if you’ve never experienced it, now is your chance. Sunday Bondi—Coogee Walk I’ve done this 6 km coastal walk, god knows how many times, but somehow, it always gets me. Maybe it’s the salty air, maybe it’s the view, or maybe it’s the thought of the yum food from the little cafes along the way. Every time it feels a little different! The five beaches—Bondi, Clovelly, Coogee, Tamarama, and Bronte—are definitely worth your time and attention. Take surfing lessons at Bondi Beach, relax at the rock pools of Bronte Beach and snorkel at Gordon’s Bay (between Clovelly and Coogee). So, no excuse for a lazy Sunday, time to move those legs. After the walk, head back to Sydney Harbour to end your weekend style. Dinner Cruise on Sydney Harbour If there’s one way to end the weekend right, it’s out on the harbour, wine in hand and Sydney lit up just for you. I’ve been on a couple of dinner cruises on Sydney Harbour and each one was unique in its way. The million-dollar views of the Harbour Bridge, Opera House, Luna Park and other harbour attractions are ones you will take to the grave. It’s the kind of evening that reminds you of why you fell in love with Sydney. And that’s your Sydney weekend itinerary—not tightly packed and hurried, just calm and laid back. You’ve got only two days, but if you do it right, you’ll be thinking about Sydney all week. So, happy Sydneying! |
