Our recent 7-night trip to Sydney was an incredible experience, packed with stunning sights, great food, and wonderful memories. Traveling in January meant high ticket prices, but the direct Qantas flight from Bangalore to Sydney was worth it—saving us the hassle of transits and ensuring a smooth journey. The overall experience was pleasant, and we arrived in Sydney excited for the adventure ahead.
Where We Stayed: Marriott Harbour Circular Quay
We booked our stay at the Marriott Harbour Circular Quay, an older property but one with an unbeatable location. Circular Quay is the heart of Sydney’s business district and is within walking distance of the Sydney Opera House, Harbour Bridge, and The Rocks. The hotel had excellent facilities, and despite being fully booked, they provided us with an early check-in—a much-appreciated gesture after a long flight. After lunch, we spent the rest of the day exploring the surrounding areas, soaking in the atmosphere of Circular Quay.
Day 2: Hyde Park & Australian Museum
The day began with a delicious breakfast at Rocks CafĂ©, known for its cozy setting and great coffee. We then took a leisurely walk to Hyde Park, Sydney’s oldest and most famous park. The park is home to iconic landmarks like Archibald Fountain, Anzac Memorial, and St. Mary’s Cathedral. Entry is free, and it’s a great place to unwind.
Next, we visited the Australian Museum (entry fee: AUD 15 for adults, free for kids under 16), which is right next to the park. We particularly enjoyed the 3D attraction on the Mayan Civilization, an immersive experience showcasing the ancient world. The day ended with a relaxing evening by the Sydney Opera House, where we had a fantastic dinner at one of the harborside restaurants.
Day 3: Wildlife Sydney Zoo & Australian National Maritime Museum
We kicked off the day at Wildlife Sydney Zoo (entry: AUD 44 per adult, AUD 31 per child), home to some of Australia’s most famous animals, including kangaroos, koalas, and crocodiles.
A scenic walk across the Pyrmont Bridge led us to the Australian National Maritime Museum (entry: AUD 25 for adults, AUD 15 for kids), a must-visit for maritime enthusiasts. The museum features a collection of historic vessels, including the HMAS Vampire, Australia’s largest museum vessel, and the HMAS Onslow, a real submarine that offers a fascinating glimpse into life underwater. Visitors can also explore a full-scale replica of Captain Cook’s HMB Endeavour, giving a taste of 18th-century sea exploration. The museum provides interactive exhibits on naval history, maritime trade, and Indigenous seafaring traditions. We spent hours exploring maritime history, interactive exhibits, and these historic ships and submarines. Lunch at the museum cafĂ© was a good break before heading back to the hotel for a quiet evening.
Day 4: Royal Botanical Garden & Flower Festival
We spent the entire day at the Royal Botanical Garden (free entry), a lush green space with endless walking trails, themed gardens, and scenic views of Sydney Harbour. Some must-visit spots within the garden include Mrs Macquarie’s Chair, a historic sandstone bench with one of the best panoramic views of the Opera House and Harbour Bridge, the Calyx, an indoor botanical exhibit with stunning floral displays, and the Palm Grove Centre, home to exotic plant species from around the world. The Australian Rainforest Garden and Succulent Garden showcase diverse plant life, making the visit a nature lover’s delight. Lucky for us, we visited during the Flower Festival (January 23rd, 2025), where the gardens were decorated with vibrant floral displays, art installations, and live music. It was a stunning experience!
Day 5: University of Sydney & Chau Chak Wing Museum
Visiting the University of Sydney was an inspiring experience. Founded in 1850, it is Australia’s oldest university and boasts stunning Gothic Revival architecture. Walking through the Quadrangle, with its grand sandstone buildings, felt like stepping into history. We explored the Fisher Library and admired the beautiful Great Hall, where many significant academic ceremonies take place.
The Chau Chak Wing Museum (free entry) was a highlight—an incredible museum with exhibits on Egyptian artifacts, natural history, and Indigenous art. The museum houses over 400,000 objects, including ancient mummies, Aboriginal artifacts, and even meteorites. The interactive sections made learning fun, and the detailed storytelling in the exhibits was truly engaging.
Later, we watched a cricket match on the university ground, a great way to relax and take in the vibrant student culture. In the evening, we strolled around Circular Quay, enjoyed the Opera House light show, and had a lovely dinner overlooking the harbor.
Visiting the University of Sydney was an inspiring experience. We explored its historic sandstone buildings and had great conversations with professors. The Chau Chak Wing Museum (free entry) was a highlight—an incredible museum with exhibits on Egyptian artifacts, natural history, and Indigenous art.
Later, we watched a cricket match on the university ground, a great way to relax. In the evening, we strolled around Circular Quay, enjoyed the Opera House light show, and had a lovely dinner overlooking the harbor.
Day 6: Bondi Beach & Coastal Walk
Our beach day started with a trip to Bondi Beach—one of Sydney’s most famous and picturesque beaches. Known for its golden sand and clear blue waters, Bondi is a favorite among both tourists and locals.
We embarked on the Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk, a 6 km trail offering breathtaking ocean views, cliffs, and rock pools. The walk gets very windy at the summit, but the scenery is absolutely worth it. Along the way, we stopped at Tamarama Beach and Bronte Beach, both quieter alternatives to Bondi with their own scenic charm.
Bondi Beach itself is well maintained, with clean changing rooms and family areas. The Bondi Pavilion provides excellent facilities, including cafes and art spaces. While the water can be chilly, watching surfers ride the waves was a treat. We spent the afternoon relaxing on the sand and enjoying the laid-back beach vibe before heading back to our hotel for the night.
Our beach day started with a trip to Bondi Beach—one of Sydney’s most famous beaches. The Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk is a must-do, offering breathtaking ocean views. The walk gets very windy at the summit, but it’s worth it.
Bondi Beach is well maintained, with clean changing rooms and family areas. While the weather can be chilly, the experience of relaxing at Bondi Pavilion and soaking in the sun was refreshing.
Day 7: Taronga Zoo & Opera House Tour
A ferry ride from Circular Quay to Taronga Zoo (entry: AUD 51 for adults, AUD 30 for kids) was a fun start to the day. The zoo is home to over 4,000 animals, including kangaroos, koalas, and Tasmanian devils. The zoo is known for its Free Flight Bird Show, where we watched majestic eagles and parrots soar over Sydney Harbour. Another must-visit attraction is the Seal Show, where trained seals showcase their agility in a playful yet educational display. The zoo’s Sky Safari Cable Car provided incredible aerial views of the enclosures and Sydney’s skyline.
We highly recommend booking koala feeding tickets in advance as they sell out quickly. Getting up close to these adorable animals was a once-in-a-lifetime experience. After lunch at the zoo’s café, we returned by ferry, enjoying the stunning views of the Opera House and Harbour Bridge.
In the afternoon, we took a guided tour of the Sydney Opera House (AUD 43 for adults, AUD 23 for kids). The tour gave us fascinating insights into its architectural history, backstage secrets, and the many world-class performances that take place there. Walking through the grand concert halls and learning about the challenges faced during its construction made us appreciate the landmark even more.
The day ended with dinner at the Marriott, followed by a late-night stroll around Circular Quay, reflecting on an amazing week in Sydney before wrapping up our trip.
A ferry ride from Circular Quay to Taronga Zoo (entry: AUD 51 for adults, AUD 30 for kids) was a fun start to the day. The zoo is home to over 4,000 animals, including kangaroos, koalas, and Tasmanian devils. We highly recommend booking koala feeding tickets in advance as they sell out quickly.
After lunch, we took a guided tour of the Sydney Opera House (AUD 43 for adults, AUD 23 for kids). Learning about its architectural history, backstage secrets, and famous performances was fascinating. The day ended with dinner at the Marriott and a late-night stroll around Circular Quay, wrapping up our wonderful trip.
Day 8: Heading Home
Our flight back to Bangalore was at 9:30 AM. The journey was comfortable, and we reached home by 8 PM, bringing an unforgettable trip to a close.
Final Thoughts
Sydney is a perfect blend of nature, history, and modern attractions. Whether it’s walking along Bondi Beach, exploring museums, or enjoying the Opera House views, the city offers something for everyone. If you’re planning a trip, book flights early, plan your itinerary well, and be ready for a truly memorable experience!
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