Sydney, Australia – Does it even need an introduction? The iconic Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge are recognized across cultures and ages.
I remember being about 10 years old, seeing pictures of the Opera House and dreaming of going there one day. It’s amazing how some dreams have a strange way of coming true.
Caleb and I weren’t sure if we’d actually be able to see Sydney while we lived in Brisbane. Many of our friends in the U.S. didn’t realize, but Sydney is about 10 hours down the coast from Brisbane. Luckily, domestic flights are very affordable in Australia, so when we had friends visiting, we all decided to meet in Sydney for a short weekend packing in all we could.
So, if you plan on visiting another part of Australia but you wish that somehow you could squeeze in Sydney too — I’m here to tell you that an amazing 24 (ish) hours in Sydney can be done!
Touring the Sydney Harbour
Even before noon, Sydney Harbour can be a busy place. We stayed overnight in the suburb of Surrey Hills, just a short drive from the city center. So we took a ride to the harbor in the morning to get an up-close look at the Sydney Opera House.
The first thing we did was arrange our 1.5-hour tour around the harbor on the top deck of a Captain Cook Cruise ship.
This tour was amazing because we were able to purchase tickets on the same day. The views of the cityscape from the bay just cannot be topped! If you’re in Sydney for a day, the harbor tour should definitely be on your bucket list.
One thing I always enjoy is discovering all the ways that a new city resembles other cities around the world. Even with all its unique character and charm, I kept finding myself comparing Sydney to Chicago, Nashville, even New Orleans.
It’s amazing to me when I see similarities in culture all the way across the globe. Street performers kept us charmed with their original lyrics and guitar riffs on one side of the street, while Australian Aboriginals and Torres Strait Islanders played drums and didgeridoos on the other side — something completely new to me. The sights, sounds, and flavors of cities have a beautiful way of creating the heartbeat of a culture.
Where to Eat
The breeze of the bay on the cruise ship certainly puts you in the mood for something to eat. Thankfully, food is never far away when you spend a day on the harbor.
Hop into one of the dozens of cafes or restaurants for a bite to eat at lunchtime. We ate at Ribs and Burgers at The Rocks and it was so delicious!
The great thing about this location is that it’s right by the Sydney Harbour Bridge and courtyards. There are also lots of local shops in case you need to pick up a new accessory or souvenir.
Museum of Australia
With plenty of time left in the day, why not do some more exploring around the city? Caleb was excited to see a live spider exhibit happening at the Australian Museum so of course, we needed to check it out. This museum is definitely one to visit if you’d like to learn more about First Australians, the history of the country, and the natural sciences.
St. Mary’s Cathedral
Just across the courtyard, a few blocks away is the beautiful St. Mary’s Cathedral. While there are often services or weddings happening there, parts of it are open to the public.
There is so much to see and do in Sydney, we barely scratched the surface. If you’re just in the city for a short stay, I hope these ideas help you make the most of your visit!
