What to Do in Sydney in 6 Days: Harbour, Coast, and Blue Mountains

Start at Circular Quay, where the Opera House shells catch the morning light. Walk east along the foreshore to the Harbour Bridge staircase at the Rocks. The climb is gentle, the view straight up the harbour to the Heads.

Once on the bridge, take the pedestrian path on the eastern side. You'll pass over the Cahill Expressway and see the Opera House perfectly framed between the bridge's trusses. Allow 30 minutes one way from the Rocks to Milsons Point. Come back via the same path or take a ferry from Milsons Point wharf for a different angle.

From the bridge walk, head back to Circular Quay and wander around Bennelong Point. The Opera House forecourt is free and open to everyone. Sit on the steps and watch the ferries dock, the tour boats buzz, and the city lights begin to twinkle.

For dinner, the Rocks is a five-minute walk. Cobblestone streets lead to pubs like the Hero of Waterloo or the Glenmore Hotel, which has a rooftop with harbour views. Grab a meat pie and a schooner, or book a table at the more refined Quay restaurant for a tasting menu.

Start your morning with a swim at Bondi Beach. The water is cool and clean, the sand soft. Then fuel up with brunch on Campbell Parade. Get a flat white and avocado toast at the Depot or Trio. The walk south from Bondi to Coogee takes about 90 minutes, but you'll stop often for photos.

The path hugs the cliffs past Tamarama Beach (tiny and trendy), Bronte Beach (family-friendly with a rockpool), and Clovelly (a narrow ocean channel for snorkelling). Icebergs Pool at the southern end of Bondi is the iconic shot: the ocean pool perched on the rocks with waves crashing over the edge. End at Coogee Beach for a late seafood lunch at the Coogee Pavilion.

Start at Hyde Park. The fig trees are enormous, and St Mary's Cathedral stands like a Gothic spine against the sky. Walk north through the park to the Art Gallery of New South Wales. The entrance is free, and the collection ranges from Aboriginal bark paintings to European masters like Turner and Cezanne.

After the gallery, step into the Royal Botanic Garden. The path leads to Mrs Macquarie's Chair, a sandstone bench carved for a colonial governor's wife. The view is the best: Opera House, Harbour Bridge, and the city skyline in one frame. Have lunch at the Botanic Garden's cafe or walk five minutes into the CBD for a sandwich from the QVB Food Court.

From Circular Quay Wharf 3, catch the Manly ferry. The 30-minute ride is the cheapest harbour cruise you'll find. You'll pass under the bridge, past Fort Denison, and through the Heads into the open Pacific. Manly wharf smells of fish and chips and sunscreen.

On Manly, walk across the corso to the beach. The surf is strong here, good for board riders. If you have kids, Taronga Zoo is one stop before Manly on the same ferry route. Time it so you're back on Manly Wharf for sunset dinner. The Manly Wine bar or the Hugos patio both serve grilled fish with the sun setting behind the city skyline across the water.

Catch an early train from Central Station to Katoomba (two hours). The Blue Mountains aren't blue for nothing: eucalyptus oil in the air scatters the light. From Katoomba station, jump on the 686 bus to Echo Point. The Three Sisters lookout is right there, a three-fingered rock formation over the Jamison Valley.

Walk the Prince Henry Cliff Walk from Echo Point to Scenic World. It's a flat, easy 30-minute path with constant valley views. At Scenic World, ride the Skyway (glass-bottomed cable car) and the Railway (the world's steepest passenger railway). Grab a late lunch in Leura village, a 10-minute train ride back: the Leura Garage does a mean burger and cold beer. Return to Sydney by evening train, watching the sun drop behind the mountains.

Your last day in Sydney starts in Chinatown. Head to the Dixon Street food court for proper yum cha: the Emperor's Garden or the Capital Chinese Restaurant serve har gow and siu mai from rolling carts. Grab a seat early (before 12pm) to avoid the crowds.

After lunch, walk to Paddy's Markets in Haymarket. It's a huge indoor market with fresh produce, gadgets, and souvenirs. If it's Saturday, Paddington Markets in the eastern suburbs are better for artisan goods and vintage clothes. End your trip at Barangaroo Reserve, a waterfront park with views of the harbour and the city. The sunset at Barangaroo is quieter than Circular Quay, with the Anzac Bridge glowing in the distance. Final dinner at the Banksii rooftop bar for oysters and sparkling wine.