Best Things to do in Sydney in 3 Days
- Henna Shah
- Jan 20
- 8 min read
Updated: Jan 21
Sydney is one of those cities that feels instantly familiar yet endlessly exciting. For many Indian travellers, it carries a nostalgic pull thanks to Bollywood moments like Dil Chahta Hai, while still delivering world-class nature, culture, and food.
Planning a short Sydney trip? This 3-day Sydney itinerary covers iconic attractions, coastal walks, adventure experiences, and a day trip to the Blue Mountains, making it ideal for first-time visitors.
Table of contents
Day 1: Experience Sydney Harbour & the City Icons
Sydney Harbour & Whale Watching Cruise
One of the most memorable things to do in Sydney is seeing the city from the water. We took the Whale Watching Cruise with Sydney Harbour Cruises, which offers stunning views of the Sydney Harbour skyline along with a chance to spot migrating whales.
From May to October, humpback whales migrate from the Antarctic waters to the warmer South Pacific waters, making winter the best season for whale watching in Sydney. You can often spot whales by first noticing their breathing sprays, followed by glimpses of their humps, and occasionally their tails when they dive deeper into the ocean.
From an environmental perspective, the cruises maintain a safe distance from these giant ocean mammals, which makes the experience respectful and sustainable. While some of our co-travellers got lucky with near sightings of these gigantic mammals, for us, the visibility remained poor and we could only manage distant sightings while braving the mighty Aussie winds.
Pro tips:
The east coast of Australia is generally windy, and the cruise can get choppy in parts.
Carry sea sickness medication if you are prone to motion sickness.
Dress in layers, especially during winter months.
BridgeClimb Sydney Harbour Bridge
If you’re looking for an adrenaline rush, the BridgeClimb Sydney Harbour Bridge is an unforgettable experience. You get to climb the iconic 100+ year old bridge and enjoy panoramic views of the city. Opt for the twilight climb if possible. This allows you to see Sydney during the golden sunset hour and then watch the skyline light up as night falls. Since we were there in June, during our final descent, we even caught glimpses of the Vivid Sydney lights, which was a bonus.
Even if you are mildly acrophobic or consider yourself non-adventurous, this experience is surprisingly comfortable as long as you have a reasonable level of fitness.
If you aren’t big on adventure, you can skip this experience as it comes with a lofty price tag.
Pro tips:
Book in advance, especially during peak seasons and Vivid Sydney.
Wear comfortable shoes and be prepared for light physical activity.
Carry a handkerchief if you are prone to nose watering as it gets cold and really windy on the bridge
Places to Visit in Sydney: The Sydney Opera House
If you decide to skip the BridgeClimb, opt for a show at the iconic Sydney Opera House. Remember the Troilus and Cressida show that Aamir Khan and Preity Zinta visit at the Sydney Opera House in Dil Chahta Hai? Well, you too can go for a similar show.
However, during the winter months during the VividSydney installations, there aren’t many shows scheduled at the Opera. In that case you can just book yourself a guided tour to explore the interiors of the Sydney Opera House.
Walk Through The Rocks & Barangaroo
After the climb, slow things down with a walk through The Rocks, Sydney’s historic neighbourhood, known for its cobbled streets, heritage buildings, and harbour views.
To calm your nerves after the BridgeClimb, you can grab a glass of freshly brewed Aussie Beer with a view of the Harbour Bridge on an outdoor seating at the Rocks Brewing Co. along with a side of fries. Beer and fries can seldom go wrong!
Continue towards Barangaroo, a modern waterfront precinct that contrasts beautifully with The Rocks’ old-world charm. These areas are ideal for relaxed walks, photography, and casual dining. Even during the night time, there are great light installations of VividSydney during the winter months.
Day 2: Coastal Walks & Sydney Neighbourhoods
Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk
The Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk is one of the most scenic things to do in Sydney, offering sweeping ocean views, cliffside paths, and access to several beaches along the way. If you’re short on time or want something less strenuous, consider the Bronte to Bondi Coastal Walk, which still delivers stunning views in a shorter distance.
While the famed iceberg pools of Sydney which are filled with seawater as the waves come lashing to the coast are open, you may find a handful of people dipping into them who can tolerate a water temperature of 15 to 18 degrees Celsius.
Explore Bondi & Bronte Neighbourhoods
Beyond the beaches, the North Bondi and Bronte neighbourhoods are lovely to explore either on foot or by car. Expect relaxed cafés, coastal homes, and a laid-back vibe that defines Sydney’s beach culture. You also have the World’s Most Instagrammable Cafe here, Speedos Cafe, which makes for a perfect brunch spot.
Pro tips:
Start your walk early in the morning to avoid crowds and harsh sun.
Carry water, sunscreen, and wear good walking shoes.
Day 3: Blue Mountains Day Trip
Scenic World Blue Mountains
A day trip to the Blue Mountains is well worth adding to your best things to do in Sydney bucket list. Scenic World is the highlight here, offering access to rainforest walks, cableways, and scenic views. Their souvenir shop is surprisingly well-priced and has a good collection compared to gift shops in Sydney city, making it a great place to shop for keepsakes and gifts for friends and family.
Scenic Railway Experience
Scenic World is home to the world’s steepest railway. For maximum adrenaline, try to get a seat in the first row, which gives you a dramatic, straight-down view during the descent. We recommend purchasing the Unlimited Pass on Get Your Guide, which allows uncapped entry times, giving you the flexibility to explore at your own pace.
Pro tips:
Avoid visiting Scenic World on weekends to beat the crowds.
Start early to make the most of the day and avoid peak tour timings.
Best Time to Visit Sydney
Sydney is a year-round destination, but winter months (May to August) are ideal for outdoor activities, whale watching, and events like Vivid Sydney. The weather is cooler and comfortable, especially for travellers from India. However, the only downside of an Australian winter are the harsh winds. If we wear ear plugs or stuff some cotton in our ears, cover our neck with a comfortable stole and wear hand gloves, we should be good.
If you want to enjoy the beaches of Sydney, do some surfing or even experience the iceberg pools by the beaches or catch the famous New Year’s fireworks by the Harbour Bridge then December-January would be a good time for you to visit.
Travel Tips for Indian & Vegetarian Travellers
Indian travellers will find Sydney easy to navigate, English-speaking, and well-connected by public transport.
Vegetarian food is widely available, especially in areas like Bondi, Surry Hills, and the CBD. However, as compared to other cities in Australia, food in Sydney is very expensive.
Look for cuisines like Middle Eastern, Italian, Thai, and modern Australian for good vegetarian options.
Indian restaurants are easy to find if you’re craving familiar flavours.
Carry a light jacket during winter, especially for evening activities and cruises.
If it is your first trip to Sydney and you are not living with family and are keen on covering the main tourist attractions of the city, then it is best to stay in or closer to Circular Quay.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) - Add the FAQ schema
Where is Sydney located?
Sydney is located on the east coast of Australia, in the state of New South Wales. It sits along the Tasman Sea and is built around one of the world’s largest natural harbours, Sydney Harbour.
Is Sydney the capital of Australia?
No, Sydney is not the capital of Australia. While it is Australia’s largest and most populous city, the capital city of Australia is Canberra.
Why is Sydney not the capital of Australia?
Sydney is not the capital due to a historic compromise between Australia’s two largest cities, Sydney and Melbourne. When Australia became a federation in 1901, neither city wanted the other to be named the capital. As a solution, a new city—Canberra—was purpose-built to serve as the national capital, located between Sydney and Melbourne.
When was Sydney founded?
Sydney was founded in 1788, making it Australia’s oldest European settlement. It was established by the British as a penal colony, led by Captain Arthur Phillip, and initially named Port Jackson.
Are 3 days enough to see Sydney?
Yes, 3 days is enough to cover Sydney’s highlights, including the harbour, beaches, and a day trip to the Blue Mountains. However, if you want to cover Manly and possibly another day trip around Sydney over and above the Blue Mountains, then 4 to 5 days would be ideal in the city.
What is the best month to visit Sydney?
May to October is ideal for pleasant weather, whale watching, and festivals like Vivid Sydney. However, for water activities and surfing the summer months of December-January are great.
Is Sydney vegetarian-friendly?
Absolutely. Sydney has a wide range of vegetarian and vegan-friendly cafés and restaurants across the city.
Is whale watching safe in Sydney?
Yes, whale watching cruises follow strict environmental guidelines and maintain a safe distance from whales.
Do Indian travellers need a visa for Australia?
Yes, Indian passport holders need an Australian visa, which must be applied for in advance.
How to get around the city in Sydney?
You can use the Sydney metro to get around the city. You typically need an OPAL card, however, most tap friendly mastercard/ Visa cards also work fine. Another option is to rent a car that you can self-drive. However, parking is expensive in the city and some streets near Circular Quay may be shut during the VividSydney installations in May-June.
What to buy in Sydney?
You may find the best variety of Opal stones in Sydney with a number of shops in and around the CBD. You will find Opal jewellery in a variety of ranges based on stone clarity and colour and these would make for some of the best souvenirs for yourself and for loved ones. If you are on a budget then there is always TimTams.
Last word: Sydney as the first or last stop
On account of the great international flight connectivity, it is highly likely that Sydney will be your first port of call in Australia or very likely your last. This also makes sense to avoid unnecessary to and fro.
However, if you are planning a route like us where we also included Uluru and the Australian Outback then you majorly have flights into this remote part of Australia from Melbourne and Sydney. So, we ended up with Cairns as being our last port of call. Since we were flying Singapore Airlines, we did have a flight with a one stop layout to India from Cairns. However, Sydney would open up more airline and timing options.
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