How to Spend 4 Days in Sydney: Blue Mountains, Bondi Beach & Top Attractions

Sydney was our final stop in our two-week Australian adventure, and it felt like the perfect place to slow down while still soaking in iconic sights. We spent 4 days in Sydney, focusing primarily on Sydney-specific attractions rather than packing in day trips from every direction.

With its stunning harbor, golden beaches, coastal walks, wildlife encounters, and vibrant downtown, Sydney offers a beautiful mix of nature, city life, and relaxation. Four days gave us enough time to explore without rushing—especially after covering Melbourne and Cairns earlier in the trip.

Things to Do / Top Attractions in Sydney

🌄 Blue Mountains – Lookouts & Scenic Hikes

A day trip to the Blue Mountains is an absolute must when visiting Sydney. This UNESCO World Heritage region is known for its dramatic cliffs, waterfalls, eucalyptus forests, and panoramic viewpoints.

Some of the most memorable spots we covered include:

Wentworth Falls – A rewarding hike leading to a spectacular waterfall and valley views.
Three Sisters & Echo Point Lookout – One of the most iconic viewpoints in Australia, especially stunning at sunrise or sunset.
Govetts Leap – A jaw-dropping lookout with sweeping canyon views and waterfalls cascading into the valley.
Lincoln’s Rock – A lesser-known gem offering uninterrupted views and one of the best photo spots in the Blue Mountains.

Each lookout offers a different perspective of the region, and together they showcase just how vast and scenic the Blue Mountains really are.

🐍 Australian Reptile Park – Up-Close Wildlife Experience

Australia has no shortage of zoos, and since we had already visited several in Melbourne and Cairns, we wanted something more native-animal focused rather than the larger city zoos like Taronga or Sydney Zoo.

The Australian Reptile Park was a fantastic choice.

Kangaroos were everywhere—so close you could pet them, and they casually walked right beside us.
Engaging crocodile and reptile shows that were both educational and entertaining.
Unique opportunities to take photos with pythons, koalas, and colorful birds.

👉 If Sydney is your only stop in Australia, Taronga Zoo is a great option. But if you want a more hands-on, intimate wildlife experience, the Australian Reptile Park is well worth the visit.

🏖️ Bondi Beach & Coastal Walk

Bondi Beach is iconic, but for me, the real highlight was the Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk.

The walk stretches about 7 km and offers some of the most picturesque ocean views in Sydney.
Dramatic cliffs, turquoise waters, rock pools, and scenic coves make this walk unforgettable.
Even if you don’t plan on swimming or water activities, the coastal walk alone makes Bondi a must-visit.

Take your time, stop for photos, and enjoy the rhythm of the ocean along the way.

🏙️ Sydney Downtown Attractions

🚌 Big Bus Hop-On Hop-Off Tour

One of the easiest ways to explore Sydney is through the Big Bus Hop-On Hop-Off tour, which offers Red and Blue routes covering major attractions.

The full loop is about 90 minutes, but you can hop off at places that interest you most.
Ideal for families and first-time visitors who want a relaxed overview of the city.

You can explore:

Sydney Opera House
Darling Harbour
Bondi Beach
Circular Quay and more

🌉 Sydney Harbour Bridge & Harbour Cruise

A one-hour harbour cruise is a great way to see Sydney’s skyline, Opera House, and Harbour Bridge from the water.
For adrenaline seekers, the Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb is a famous experience and needs to be booked in advance.

🎭 Sydney Opera House

No trip to Sydney is complete without visiting the Opera House. Even if you don’t attend a performance, walking around the exterior and seeing it from different angles—especially from the water—is worth it.

🌊 Darling Harbour

Darling Harbour is lively and family-friendly, with waterfront dining, attractions, and evening views that come alive after sunset.

⛴️ Manly Ferry

The Manly Ferry ride is both transportation and sightseeing rolled into one. It offers stunning harbor views and is a relaxed way to experience Sydney from the water.

🐠 Sydney Aquarium & Other Attractions

Located near King Wharf, the Sydney Aquarium is a great stop, especially if traveling with kids. Nearby attractions include:

Sydney Zoo
Wax Museum

A City of Every Commute You Can Imagine

Sydney marked the end of our two-week Australia trip, and by this point, we had experienced almost every mode of transport imaginable:

✈️ Flight
🚆 Train
🚁 Helicopter
⛴️ Ferry
🛳️ Cruise
🚋 Tram
🏄 Jet Ski
🚌 Bus

Sydney, Melbourne and Cairns tied it all together beautifully.

Best Time to Visit Sydney

December is peak tourist season, and we visited during this time.
Expect crowds, higher prices, and a vibrant holiday atmosphere.

☀️ Weather Tips

Be prepared for heat waves if traveling during peak summer.
Sunscreen, hats, water bottles, and early morning sightseeing help beat the heat.

🗓️ Sample 4-Day Sydney Itinerary

Day 1 – Sydney City & Harbor Icons

Sydney Opera House (exterior walk & photos)
Circular Quay
Sydney Harbour Cruise (1 hour)
Sydney Harbour Bridge (viewpoints or Bridge Climb if booked)
Darling Harbour (evening walk & dinner)

Optional: Big Bus Hop-On Hop-Off (Red Route)

Day 2 – Blue Mountains Day Trip

Three Sisters & Echo Point Lookout
Wentworth Falls hike
Govetts Leap lookout
Lincoln’s Rock (sunset if timing allows)

Tip: Start early to avoid crowds and heat during summer.

Day 3 – Beaches & Coastal Walk

Bondi Beach
Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk (~7 km)
Relax at Bronte or Coogee Beach
Return to city for a relaxed evening

Day 4 – Wildlife & Easy Exploration

Australian Reptile Park (half day)
- Kangaroo encounters
- Crocodile & reptile shows
- Koala and python photo ops
Manly Ferry (afternoon/evening)
Optional: Sydney Aquarium (near King Wharf)