Sydney Layover Guide (SYD)

Sydney Opera House

This Opera House symbolises Sydney. It was designed by Jørn Utzon who was inspired by sailboats. It is an architectural masterpiece that features millions of tiles on its four shell-like roofs. Within are theatres and music venues with world-class acoustics. Around the Opera House, you can indulge in panoramic views of Sydney Harbor. Tours are offered throughout the entire year. » book this tour

Sydney Harbour Bridge

Sydney has many breathtaking sites and one of the best ways to get unrivaled views of the city is to climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge with an experienced and professional guide. The height of the bridge is 440 feet. It is one of the most adventurous things to do in Sydney. » book this tour

Sydney Harbour Cruise

An evening sightseeing cruise in Sydney is one that stays in your memory banks. Catch the fascinating Sydney sunset and watch the city skyline change in different hues. Even better this tour has sumptuous food and you can enjoy the views right from your dinner seat. » book this tour

Sydney Harbour

Sydney Harbour is a beautiful natural harbour that stretches 150 miles and offers glimmering shoreline views of over the blue water. Iconic landmarks such as the Sydney Harbour Bridge, Sydney Opera House, and Royal Botanic Garden are all in the vicinity.

Time required: At least an hour would be the minimum because there is so much to do and see around the harbour. Remember to watch the time since you could get lost exploring.

Airport to here: Public transport with the Sydney Train, T2 (40 mins). Taxi 20 minutes.

Royal Botanic Garden

On the vast shoreline of the Sydney Harbour is a 74-acre Royal Botanic Garden that is covered in vibrant and beautiful flora and interesting fauna. The park is made up of different parts, including the Australian Rainforest Garden and the Palm Grove, where the tallest tree in the gardens tower into the sky and the Chinese Garden of Friendship.

Time required: You can spend an hour or two.

Airport to here: Public transport with the Sydney Train, T8 takes 23 mins. Taxi takes an average of 15 minutes.

Australian National Maritime Museum

The maritime museum solidifies Sydney as a harbor city even more. The museum has a wide range of exhibits. Close to the museum is the Darling Harbour. It is a truly family-friendly and a place for children to learn while having fun participating in themed arts and crafts projects, interactive activity trails and other events.

Time required: You will need at least 30 mins to enjoy some of the exhibitions.

Airport to here: Public transport with the Sydney Train, T8 takes 23 mins. Taxi takes an average of 20 minutes

Darling Harbour

The darling harbour is a small closed-off harbour with a bunch of ships docked. The interesting thing is that visitors are encouraged to visit ship after ship to explore. The popular ships include the Akarana, 1800s racing yacht, HMAS Vampire, a destroyer ship; and the HMAS Onslow, a submarine.

Time required: You will need a minimum of 30 mins to explore the harbour.

Airport to here: Public transport with the Sydney Train, T8 takes 23 mins. Taxi takes an average of 20 minutes.

Art Gallery of New South Wales

The Art Gallery of New South Wales features a variety of art collections, varying between indigenous, colonial and contemporary art, ceramics and photography.

Time required: A minimum of 30 mins to explore the gallery might be okay but 2 hours is needed to experience it fully.

Airport to here: Public transport with the Sydney Train, T8 takes 23 mins. Taxi takes an average of 15 minutes.

St. Mary’s Cathedral

The Gothic Revival-style cathedral is impressive with its gorgeous stained-glass windows. It also houses a crypt that is clad in a stunning mosaic floor that has images representing Creation and occasional special exhibits. It is opened most days from 10 am to 4 pm.

Time required: Less than an hour.

Airport to here: Public transport with the Sydney Train, T8 takes 20 mins. Taxi takes an average of 15 minutes.

The Rocks

The rocks is an area in Sydney named after the sandstone rocks that line Sydney Harbour, this neighborhood has a rich history and is known for being the cool part of urban Sydney. The streets are made with cobblestone and the buildings have a 19th-century aesthetic. There are many shops, pubs, restaurants, galleries and occasional outdoor markets. It is also close to the Harbour Bridge and Opera House.

Time required: You can explore the Rocks within an hour or two.

Airport to here: Public transport using the Sydney Train, T8 takes about 25 minutes. Taxi takes an average of 20 minutes.

Manly Beach

Manly Beach, is quite far from the city center but it gets just as crowded as other beaches. What makes Maly beach worth the trip is the dynamic shoreline draws and rough waves that look amazing.

Time required: You would need 3 hours or more to enjoy Manly Beach.

Airport to here: Public transport using the Sydney Train, T8 and F1 takes about an hour. Taxi takes an average of 35 minutes.