🇦🇺 Sydney 2.5-Day Detailed Itinerary | Ultimate Guide

Just spent an amazing 2.5 days in Sydney—here’s my photo-filled guide to help you plan your trip! 🗺️ Itinerary ✈️ Day 1 (Arrival & Highlights) ▪️ 12 PM: Check-in → Sydney University (Hogwarts vibes! 🏰) ▪️ Lunch: Fish Market (fresh seafood! 🦞) ▪️ Afternoon: Darling Harbour → Ferry from Pyrmont Bay to Circular Quay (do day + night rides for totally different views! 🌇✨) 🌞 Day 2 (City Icons & Sunset) ▪️ 11 AM: Brunch → Hyde Park → St. Mary’s Cathedral ▪️ Art & Nature: Art Gallery of NSW → Royal Botanic Garden → Opera House ▪️ Golden Hour: Observatory Hill (best Harbour Bridge pics! 📸) ▪️ Dinner: The Rocks (historic vibes) → Circular Quay night ferry → Barangaroo + Darling Harbour 🦘 Day 3 (Zoo or Beach?) ▪️ Ferry F2 to Taronga Zoo (koalas + harbor views 🐨) ▪️ Shopping: QVB (gorgeous Victorian mall 🛍️) ▪️ Dinner: Chinatown Alternative: Bondi Beach or Blue Mountains (we chose the zoo for unique Aussie wildlife!). 🚗 Transport Tips 1️⃣ Opal Card: Buy at airport WHSmith (Gate A) ($20 min). But Visa cards work on buses/trains—no need for Opal! 2️⃣ Taxis: Uber > local taxis (easier for non-English speakers). 3️⃣ Airport to City: Bus ($5, 1.5 hrs) Train ($18.50/person) Uber (~$40 for 2 people). 🍽️ Food Recs ☕ Breakfast: Skip fancy spots—local cafes serve $10 burgers/sandwiches (huge portions!). Surry Hills is great if you have time. 🍽️ Lunch/Dinner: The Rocks (historic pubs) Darling Harbour (waterfront dining) Chinatown (no need to explore—just eat!). 🛍️ Shopping 🛒 QVB: Stunning architecture + unique boutiques. 🏬 Westfield: Basic mall (skip if short on time). 👗 David Jones: Aussie designer brands (fashion lovers, go!). ☀️ SUN PROTECTION = NON-NEGOTIABLE! "My neck got fried in ONE DAY"—hat, sunscreen, sunglasses are MUSTS. UV here is NO JOKE! ⚠️ #SydneyTravel #AustraliaGuide #TravelDiaries #Wanderlust #InstaSydney