SYDNEY · 2026
Sydney Harbour at midday, the Opera House sails on the left, the CBD skyline on the right, and green-and-yellow ferries carving white wakes across the blue water.
27 Jul – 5 Aug 2026 New South Wales, Australia

Sydney Nine nights over the winter break. Three of us, flying in and out together, with a friend who lives there to show us around.

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Getting there

Singapore to Sydney and back on Scoot, no stopovers either way. We fly out together on the same booking and land in Sydney around midday on the Monday. The way back is an evening flight, so we get a last full day in the city.

SIN Singapore · Changi 02:10 Mon 27 Jul
7h 35m Direct · TR10
SYD Sydney · Kingsford Smith 11:45 Mon 27 Jul
SYD Sydney · Kingsford Smith 20:35 Wed 05 Aug
8h 30m Direct · Scoot
SIN Singapore · Changi 03:05 Thu 06 Aug
CarrierScoot
CabinEconomy
Baggage7kg carry-on
BookingBook together

Where we're staying

Eight of the nine nights are on the eastern beaches in Randwick, minutes from Coogee and our friend's campus. For one night, 2 August, we head up to a small place in Katoomba for the Blue Mountains hike. Both are booked through Airbnb.

The Sydney Opera House lit gold against a deep indigo night sky, mirrored in the still harbour water.
Home base · Sydney

Guest suite in Randwick

Our home for eight of the nine nights, on the eastern beaches. A short walk to Coogee, ten minutes from our friend's university, and an easy run into the city.

8 nights Walk to Coogee
View on Airbnb
The Three Sisters rock formation glowing amber above a wide, blue-hazed eucalyptus valley in the Blue Mountains near Katoomba.
For the hike · Blue Mountains

Cosy home in Katoomba

One night, 2 August, up in the mountains for the hike. In the heart of Katoomba, close to the Three Sisters and the cliff-top walking tracks.

1 night · 2 Aug By the trailheads
View on Airbnb

What we want to do

These are the five things we'd really like to fit in. The rest of the time is open, and a lot of it we'll just figure out with Mihika once we're there.

The Three Sisters sandstone pinnacles glowing amber above a vast blue-hazed eucalyptus valley in the Blue Mountains. 01

Blue Mountains day trip

A full day out west with a night in Katoomba on 2 August: the Three Sisters lookout and the cliff-top walking tracks, with eucalyptus valleys stretching to the horizon. Our friend, who has done it, says the walks are the highlight.

By rental carOvernight 2 AugPack warm layers
A yellow Sydney ferry crossing the harbour beneath the steel arch of the Harbour Bridge on a bright afternoon. 02

Taronga Zoo, by ferry

Koalas and giraffes with the city skyline behind them. Part of the appeal is the ferry across the harbour from Circular Quay, so we plan to make the boat ride part of the day.

Ferry from Circular QuayOn the Klook pass
The Sydney Opera House sails under a vivid pink and orange sunset, warm lights glowing along the harbour promenade. 03

An evening in the city

One relaxed evening out with our friend who lives here showing us around: dinner in Newtown, the harbour lights at Circular Quay, and a look at the Opera House after dark. We are with a local the whole time.

Guided by a local friendBack to one base
The Sea Cliff Bridge curving around a forested headland above the crashing Pacific on the New South Wales coast. 04

SEA Life & the harbour edges

The aquarium at Darling Harbour for a cooler day, then a walk along the waterfront: The Rocks market, the QVB, and Circular Quay. Easy, on foot, and plenty to photograph.

On the Klook passGood indoor option
Aerial view of the Bondi headland, turquoise water wrapping around sandstone cliffs and a tight grid of beachside houses. 05

Bondi Beach & the coastal walk

The Coogee to Bondi cliff walk, roughly 6km of headlands, rock pools and sea air. Too cool to swim in winter, which makes it perfect for walking. Coffee at one end, the Bondi markets at the other.

About 6 kmStarts at Coogee

Mihika's tips

Our friend Mihika studies in Sydney and offered to show us around. Here is what she suggested, from the everyday spots to the places worth the trip.

can't wait to show you aroundMihika · lives & studies in Sydney

Beaches

  • Coogee 10 minutes from my campus
  • Bondi the famous one
  • Manly a short ferry ride, my favourite
  • Maroubra quieter, also lovely

too cool to swim in winter, but the Coogee to Bondi walk is beautiful

Eats

  • Drunk Dumpling my favourite, we have to go
  • Sydney Fish Market fresh seafood, worth it
  • Yochi frozen yoghurt
  • The fries at my campus a little tradition

In the evening

  • Dinner in Newtown lots of small restaurants
  • Darling Harbour lights over the water
  • Circular Quay the Opera House after dark
  • Live music around the inner city

Markets

  • Glebe Markets weekend clothes and crafts
  • Paddy's Markets the classic
  • The Rocks historic, right by the harbour
  • Bondi Markets on Sundays

Where to wander

  • Newtown cafes and a wander
  • QVB & the Opera House
  • Chinatown & Haymarket
  • Bondi Junction for shopping

the lookout points have the best views of the whole city

Blue Mountains

  • The walking tracks are the highlight
  • Give it a whole day

worth the early start, promise