Sydney is peppered with gorgeous botanical gardens, stunning cliff-top trails shaded by millions of bottlebrush and Macadamia trees. A great deal can be done in Sydney in just 48 hours, but we’re recommending you start by fully embracing the foodie culture that this great city has become known for in recent years. Seafood in particular holds a near mythical status among Sydney urbanites and a trip to any of its world-class restaurants is all you need to confirm this.

Day 1

Morning

Take in an early morning dip or shoreline walk on one of Sydney’s best people-watching beaches. The very essence of Sydney’s love of the great outdoors is perfectly captured at Manly Beach, sun-kissed surfers mix with joggers, sightseers or those who just wants to feel the fresh sea breeze. There are, of course, countless beaches and hidden coves in and around the city to enjoy including the famous Bronte Baths, a cliffside water hole that forms a natural swimming pool. Sydney’s beaches are as iconic as the Opera House and the harbour bridge.

Lunch

Treat yourself to a lunch like no other, Saint Peter is Sydney’s ground-breaking seafood restaurant that has amassed an international reputation as one of the most innovative and downright spectacular eateries anywhere. How about a plate of Tasmanian sea urchins, Shark Bay red mullet or some 12-day dry aged yellowfin tuna and charcoal octopus? All washed down with a Margaret River chardonnay or an ice-cold Sydney lager.

Afternoon

Walk off your lunch with a stroll around the fascinating Australian Museum. Australia’s oldest museum reopened in 2020 following a multi-million-dollar refurbishment. It’s home to an incredible collection of some 21 million scientific specimens and cultural objects. Established in 1827, it is an eye-opening glimpse at the incredible story of this great continent, the ancient history of its aboriginal tribes to the incredible geology and prehistoric past and lest we forget, Australia’s amazing array of deadly creatures. Funnel web spiders, brown snakes and Box jellyfish, saltwater crocodiles and Great White sharks. You can indulge your greatest fears and fascinations right here.

Evening

Hop aboard a Sydney Harbour twilight cruise, there are plenty of operators offering everything from luxury yachts to high-speed jetboats for a sunset tour of this world-famous harbour. You can sip champagne as you cruise past the Opera House or take an adrenaline fuelled speedboat tour of all the famous sights.

Night time

If you plan on catching a performance at the Sydney Opera House then it’s highly recommended you head to Bennelong. The restaurant is housed under one of the Opera House’s iconic sails and offers a fusion of modern Australian and French food. It also offers amazing views of the nearby Royal Botanical Gardens.

Nightcap

We highly recommend Baxter Inn, a Sydney stalwart it’s the perfect place to end the evening with a tumbler of whisky from their vast collection of single malts.

Day 2

Morning

Take a morning walk through the Royal Botanic Gardens. There are multiple tours available detailing Australia’s rich ecosystem. The myriad of gardens each focus on a particular area of the continent, the Australian Rainforest Garden is particularly impressive due to the rarity of its specimens. There's also an opportunity to learn how indigenous aboriginals cultivated some of the most amazing plants on view here.

Lunch

Head over to Darling Harbour for a well-deserved lunch at Hurricane’s Grill. Your morning at the Botanic Gardens should have built up your appetite for this wonderful steakhouse (don’t worry, they do amazing salads, too). While you can buy a 1.2kg Tomahawk steak with Monkey Gland sauce we recommend the slightly more manageable filet of tenderloin.

Afternoon

Step out of the restaurant and explore the rest of Darling Harbour. Named after Ralph Darling, Governor of New South Wales, previously known as the altogether more charming Cockle Bay. You can spend a very leisurely afternoon here browsing knick-knacks at the famous Paddy’s Markets or relax at the Chinese Garden of Friendship. Modelled after the classic private gardens of the Ming Dynasty, the garden offers an insight into Chinese heritage and culture and is a perfect place to escape, momentarily the hustle and bustle of the city.

Dinner

Quay is perhaps Sydney’s most celebrated restaurant and if you’re a foodie then this is a huge tick off your must-visit list. The views of Sydney Harbour Bridge are quite simply breathtaking. The food is uniquely Australian and done with such panache that anything we write here would just fall flat, it really does have to be experienced first-hand.

Night time

Seek out a post-dinner drink at one of the historic old pubs on the southern shore of the harbour, The Rocks suburb is a hotch-potch of gorgeous old streets, bars, cafes and craft shops. Ideal for a little bit of late-night souvenir shopping.

If we've inspired you to travel to Australia, discover more of our holidays here, or speak to one of our advisors.