How to spend two weeks in Sydney, Australia—including a trip to the glorious vineyards of Hunter Valley

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.

Sydney's Royal Opera House

How to spend the perfect two weeks in Sydney, Australia

Day one: Sydney Opera House

Designed by Jørn Utzon, the Sydney Opera House is actually a series of three sets of concrete shells creating a stunning effect that's even cooler close up. I didn’t get a chance to go inside for a performance, but I loved taking photos from the outside on my first day in Sydney. Afterwards, head over the nearby Harbour Bridge for sweeping views back towards the Opera House for a whole new perspective. The boat trip to Manly, where I spent most of my time in Sydney, also offers great views of both the Opera House and the Bridge from water level. This fast became one of my favourite journeys into the city. 

The view from Sydney Harbour Bridge

Day two: Check out the Museum of Contemporary Art, Art Gallery of New South Wales & Royal Botanic Gardens

Each time I’m in a new city, I love to check out the art offerings, and these spaces didn't disappoint. The Museum of Contemporary Art, near Circular Quay train station, always has brilliant exhibitions featuring Australian artists, while the Art Gallery of New South Wales, a short walk away, became one of my favourite places to hang out. I became transfixed with the work of Del Kathryn Barton, whose giant works of animals, birds, and the female form are created using watercolour, gouache, and pen on canvas. Elsewhere, the gorgeous Royal Botanic Gardens house hundreds of bats, wrapped up in their wings, noisy white cockatoos, beautifully colourful rainbow lorikeets, and the strange, rather scary-looking Australian white ibis. It’s free to stroll around and well worth a visit. 

Del Kathryn Barton's work at the Art Gallery of New South Wales

Day three: Palm Beach

In terms of beautiful beaches around Sydney, there are literally hundreds to choose from. I headed north on day three to Palm Beach, where a lot of the TV Show Home & Away is filmed. This long stretch of sand reaches out into the South Pacific Ocean, culminating in a patch of greenery called Barrenjoey Head. There’s a 19th-century sandstone lighthouse near the tip, and it makes a great walk after spending the day on the beach. You might also spot the Home & Away crew filming scenes throughout the day.

Palm Beach

Days four and five: Hunter Valley

Hunter Valley, known for its vineyards, is around a two-hour drive north of Sydney. If you love learning about and sampling new wine, it’s definitely worth the journey, with over 29,000 km of vineyards to explore. Hunter Valley was actually the first time I’d ever visited a vineyard, and so to taste local Shiraz right in the estate where the grapes are grown was a true delight. There are hotels and guest houses dotted throughout the historic wine region, so it’s easy to stop for a couple of days, to relax in the hills and get to know your new favorite wines.

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 

Sydney Fish Market is worth a trip for the huge array of fresh fish on offer. I actually made an error when visiting and ordered a platter of deep-fried seafood when I really should have gone for sushi and sashimi or a plate of freshly caught oysters, king prawns, and crab. To get to the fish market, take the Sydney Light Rail to the Fish Market stop, cross the road, and you’ll see the market ahead.

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.