*Based on twin share accommodation. Single supplement available.
Discover the magic of Australia's most iconic city on this 4-day Sydney exploration. From the world-famous Opera House and Harbour Bridge to the gorgeous beaches and hidden local gems, this trip showcases the best of Sydney's urban and coastal attractions.
You'll experience Sydney's world-class dining scene, explore historic neighborhoods, cruise the spectacular harbour, and relax on some of Australia's most beautiful beaches. Perfect for first-time visitors to Sydney or those looking to experience the city like a local.
Sydney is a city of stunning natural beauty, iconic architecture, and vibrant culture. Our 4-day adventure is thoughtfully designed to showcase the best of this magnificent harbor city while providing insider access to local experiences that most tourists miss.
Based in a centrally located hotel, you'll have the perfect base for exploring the city's most famous landmarks including the Sydney Opera House, Sydney Harbour Bridge, and the historic Rocks district. But we'll also take you beyond the tourist trail to experience Sydney's beautiful beaches, charming neighborhoods, and lively food scene through the eyes of a local.
This trip is rated as easy to moderate. Most activities involve walking on paved surfaces for 1-3 hours at a relaxed pace, with some uphill sections and stairs. The Bondi to Coogee coastal walk is approximately 6km with some steep sections but can be shortened for those who prefer. All activities can be adjusted to accommodate different fitness levels.
Sydney enjoys a temperate climate and can be visited year-round. Spring (September-November) and autumn (March-May) offer pleasant temperatures and fewer crowds. Summer (December-February) is perfect for beach activities but can be hot and busy, while winter (June-August) is mild and ideal for urban exploration and whale watching.
Experience the best of Sydney through this carefully crafted itinerary, balancing iconic landmarks with local gems.
Welcome to Sydney! Upon arrival at Sydney Airport, you'll be transferred to your centrally located hotel in the heart of the city. After check-in and time to refresh, meet your local guide for an orientation walk of Circular Quay and the historic Rocks district, Sydney's oldest neighborhood.
Discover the fascinating colonial history of Australia's first European settlement as you wander through cobblestone laneways, historic pubs, and heritage buildings. Your guide will share stories of the area's convict past and transformation into the vibrant precinct it is today.
As the afternoon light turns golden, we'll stroll to the Sydney Opera House for perfect photo opportunities of this architectural masterpiece and the famous Harbour Bridge. The evening welcomes you to Australia with a dinner at a waterfront restaurant offering spectacular harbour views and a taste of modern Australian cuisine.
Accommodation: Sydney Harbour Marriott (or similar)
Meals: Dinner
After breakfast, we'll take a guided tour of the Sydney Opera House, exploring the interior of this UNESCO World Heritage site and learning about its fascinating history and architectural significance. Hear the stories behind the construction of this iconic building and peek behind the scenes of one of the world's busiest performing arts centers.
Following the tour, we'll board a catamaran for a scenic cruise of Sydney Harbour. Enjoy a light lunch on board as we sail past harbourside suburbs, secluded beaches, and impressive waterfront mansions, with the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera House providing a spectacular backdrop.
In the afternoon, we'll explore some of Sydney's hidden gems, including the leafy oasis of the Royal Botanic Garden and the art-filled precinct of Woolloomooloo. We'll finish with a visit to Mrs. Macquarie's Chair for one of Sydney's most iconic views.
The evening is yours to explore Sydney's diverse dining scene. Your guide will provide recommendations based on your preferences, from waterfront seafood restaurants to trendy laneway eateries.
Accommodation: Sydney Harbour Marriott (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Today we explore Sydney's famous beach culture. After breakfast, we'll travel to the eastern suburbs and iconic Bondi Beach, Australia's most famous stretch of sand. Watch the surfers riding the waves and learn about the important role of surf lifesaving in Australian culture.
We'll then embark on a portion of the spectacular Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk, with breathtaking views of cliffs, bays, and beaches. The trail hugs the coastline and takes us past Tamarama, Bronte, and Clovelly beaches, each with its own unique character.
After working up an appetite, enjoy lunch at a beachside café in Coogee before returning to the city. The afternoon offers free time for shopping in the Queen Victoria Building or Pitt Street Mall, or perhaps visiting one of Sydney's excellent museums such as the Art Gallery of NSW or the Australian Museum.
In the evening, we'll gather for a farewell dinner at an award-winning restaurant in Darling Harbour, reflecting on our Sydney adventure over exceptional food and wine.
Accommodation: Sydney Harbour Marriott (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
After breakfast, we depart for a day trip to the breathtaking Blue Mountains, a UNESCO World Heritage Area just 90 minutes from Sydney. Named for the blue haze created by eucalyptus oil in the air, this spectacular region offers dramatic scenery of deep valleys, sandstone cliffs, and dense eucalyptus forests.
Our first stop is at Featherdale Wildlife Park, where you can get up close with native Australian animals including koalas, kangaroos, wombats, and Tasmanian devils. Then we continue to the mountain town of Katoomba to view the famous Three Sisters rock formation from Echo Point Lookout and learn about the Aboriginal legends associated with this iconic landmark.
We'll explore Scenic World (optional extra) where you can experience the world's steepest passenger railway descending into the Jamison Valley, or take the Scenic Cableway for panoramic views of the valley below. A short bushwalk will reveal the area's unique flora and fauna with expert commentary from your guide.
In the late afternoon, we'll return to Sydney with a transfer to your hotel or directly to Sydney Airport, depending on your onward travel plans.
Meals: Breakfast
Note: This itinerary may change due to weather conditions, events, or other unforeseen circumstances. The Blue Mountains day trip may be rescheduled or replaced with an alternative activity in case of poor weather conditions.
Enhance your Sydney experience with these optional activities (additional costs apply):
These can be arranged before your trip or during your welcome briefing on the first day, subject to availability.
During your Sydney adventure, you'll stay at the Sydney Harbour Marriott (or similar property of equivalent standard), ideally positioned in Circular Quay with easy access to the city's major attractions.
This 5-star hotel is perfectly situated between the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge, just steps from Circular Quay. The property offers modern amenities, comfortable accommodations, and an ideal base for exploring Sydney's attractions.
Deluxe City View Rooms (included in standard package) feature:
Room upgrades are available at an additional cost:
The hotel's location at 30 Pitt Street places you in the heart of Sydney, just a 2-minute walk from Circular Quay where ferries, trains, and buses connect you to all parts of the city. The Sydney Opera House, Harbour Bridge, Royal Botanic Gardens, and The Rocks are all within easy walking distance.
Our Sydney adventure with Giddy's Travel was the perfect introduction to Australia! Our guide Mark was so knowledgeable and passionate about Sydney. The Opera House tour was fascinating, and the harbour cruise gave us spectacular views of the city. The Bondi to Coogee walk was a highlight - such stunning coastal scenery! We loved the balance of organized activities and free time to explore. The hotel location was perfect, and all the restaurant recommendations were spot on. Highly recommend this trip for first-time visitors to Sydney!
As a solo female traveler, I was looking for a trip that would give me the confidence to explore Sydney while meeting other travelers. This trip exceeded my expectations! Our small group bonded quickly, and our guide Sarah went above and beyond to ensure we all had a great time. The Blue Mountains day trip was spectacular - getting to see koalas and kangaroos up close at Featherdale was a dream come true! The only suggestion I would make is to include one more day to allow for more free time to explore. Otherwise, it was perfect!
We took this trip with our two teenagers (15 and 17), and it was a hit with the entire family! The pace was perfect - enough activities to keep the kids engaged but not so packed that it felt rushed. The hotel was in an ideal location, allowing our teens some independence to explore nearby areas. Our guide David was fantastic and really connected with the kids, sharing interesting facts and stories that kept them interested. The Blue Mountains day was spectacular, and seeing native wildlife was a highlight. We all did the optional Bridge Climb, and while it was an extra expense, it was worth every penny for those unforgettable views!
Contact our team to check availability or customize this experience.