I love nothing more than deserted beaches and a slow pace of life, but at the same time, I have a major soft spot for cities and the buzz that comes with them. The vibrant Australian city of Sydney doesn't disappoint with its varied array of things to do and see. I also adore the fact that the city itself is surrounded by hundreds of stunning beaches, making it pretty much the dream scenario. Here's what I got up to during two weeks in Sydney, after a fun few days in dreamy Adelaide.
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Sydney's Royal Opera House |
How to spend the perfect two weeks in Sydney, Australia
Day one: Sydney Opera House
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The view from Sydney Harbour Bridge |
Day two: Check out the Museum of Contemporary Art, Art Gallery of New South Wales & Royal Botanic Gardens
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Del Kathryn Barton's work at the Art Gallery of New South Wales |
Day three: Palm Beach
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Palm Beach |
Days four and five: Hunter Valley
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Hunter Valley |
Day six: Horse Racing at Royal Randwick
A friend I knew who was living in Sydney at the time of my visit managed to get tickets for the horse racing on Derby Day at Royal Randwick. As a complete novice to horse racing, I was amazed at how much fun it was. Not only did I win 25 dollars, but I also loved seeing everyone dressed up for the occasion.![]() |
A day at Royal Randwick's races |
Day seven: Sydney Fish Market
Day eight: Manly to Spit coastal walk
This scenic 10km pathway takes in an array of stunning inlets and beaches, as well as Aboriginal rock engravings and sub-tropical plants and flowers. Most people start the walk at Spit Bridge, but as I was staying in Manly, I did the opposite route, stopping along the way to snorkel and sunbathe. The views out across the water are magical on a sunny day, and there’s a bus from Spit Bridge to take you back to Manly.
Day nine: Surfing at Bondi Beach
Bondi is perhaps Sydney’s most iconic beach, so I decided to spend a whole day chilling with a picnic. A few friends from the city owned surfboards, so we bought them down for a ride on the waves. Surfing is definitely harder than it looks, and there’s a strong undercurrent at Bondi, so be extra cautious.
Days 10, 11 & 12: Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park
Accessible only by ferry is the Pittwater Youth Hostel in the Ku-ring-gai National Park. Punctuated by water inlets and stunning places to swim, the park offers a completely chilled place to escape the city, with stunning treks through the bush, including a fab hike up to Willunga Trig Point for great views across the whole park.
Day 13: Pies in Manley
Something I never knew before I arrived in Australia is that Australians make out-of-this-world pies, and there are a few places to sample them in Manley, including my firm favourite, Hamlets Pies & Coffee, where I tried many a pie during my two weeks in Sydney. My favourites ended up being Mexican beef & sour cream, and the Thai chicken pie, which I’d enjoy warm on Manly beach—don't miss it.
Day 14: Saying goodbye to Sydney
On my last day, I picked up the camper van, which would be my home for the next 35 days, and started off on the next part of my journey—a road trip from Sydney to Cairns. This amazing journey allowed me to get close to nature and see some stunning beaches not easily accessible by taking public transport. I was also lucky enough to spot cassowaries, platypuses, and koalas in the wild.
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