Sydney Newcastle & Port Stephens Hunter Valley Blue Mountains Australia

1 Week NSW Itinerary: Explore Sydney, Blue Mountains, Port Stephens, Hunter Valley & Central Coast in 7 Days

Jacey Hen

Last updated 30 Sep 2024

1 Week New South Wales & Sydney Itinerary

Here's a NSW travel guide for first-time travellers 🗺

Ready to embark on a memorable road trip through the diverse landscapes, coastal wonders and urban charm of New South Wales? Explore this captivating Australian state by basing yourself in the vibrant city of Sydney, where you can enjoy easy access to nearby regions like the majestic Blue Mountains, the relaxed Port Stephens, the scenic Hunter Valley, and the up-and-coming Central Coast.

In case you're not sure how to start planning, we've come up with a 7-day New South Wales itinerary, carefully curated for first timers in this beautiful destination! Unveil Sydney's iconic landmarks, before venturing to the serene coastal regions, and ending your adventure up in the chilly mountains. We'll even share spots where you can capture the best photos to make your memories here last a lifetime. Keep reading to be inspired! ✨

Discover the best things to do in NSW here! 🇦🇺

Rent a car for your NSW adventure! 🚗

With one week to spend in New South Wales, why not ease your travelling between each region by self-driving? Rent a car from Sydney on Klook, from as low as RM190 a day. We partner with reputable suppliers like Hertz, Europcar, and Avis, ensuring you're in safe hands.

With a long journey on the road ahead, we recommend renting an SUV or off-road vehicle that are better equipped to handle the diverse landscapes you may encounter on your adventures. We would also strongly suggest adding minimum basic protection insurance to your car rental booking, as it provides crucial coverage in case of accidents or unforeseen circumstances, giving you peace of mind on your road trip.

Book a car rental in Sydney here!

a van driving along arches national park in the united states

Transportation

A Short Guide to Booking a Klook Car Rental and Driving Abroad

Learn how to book a Klook car rental and enjoy driving abroad through this short guide! You'll also learn about getting an International Driver's License and tips on driving on the left side of the road!

A complete 1 week New South Wales itinerary

Day 1: Sightseeing in Sydney

1. Bondi Coastal Walk

Welcome to Sydney! There's a whole lot to see in this vibrant city, so start your day early with a stroll on the Bondi Coastal Walk. This breathtaking coastal trail stretches for about 6 kilometres along the stunning eastern coastline. Most visitors would start from iconic Bondi Beach itself, but we recommend working the trail backwards all the way from Coogee Beach, or for a leisurely morning walk, you can start from the picturesque Bronte Beach and make your way towards to Bondi Beach.

Take your time to soak in the ocean breeze and feast your eyes on the stunning coastal vistas of pristine sandy beaches, dramatic cliffs, and picturesque rock pools. The walk from Bronte Beach will take only about 30 to 45 minutes, depending on how often you stop to take pictures of the view.

Go on a private tour of Bondi Beach and Sydney City!

2. Brunch at Bondi

Treat yourself to a good brunch after all of that walking! Not only does Bondi Beach offer great views of the Sydney coastline, but it is also home to charming seaside cafes and laidback dining establishments. One of our favourite stops is the Dining Room at Promenade Bondi Beach that serves a delicious selection of fusion fare from coastal regions worldwide.

Address: Bondi Pavilion Shop, 4a Queen Elizabeth Drive, Bondi Beach NSW 2026, Australia

If you're looking for somewhere to sit and chill over a coffee instead, then the Bondi Icebergs Club is a must to drop by. There is a lovely outdoor seating area overlooking the iconic Bondi Icebergs pool, where you can sip on your drink as you watch the ocean waves crash against the saltwater pool.

Note: Pictures are not allowed to be taken inside the swimming club.

Address: 1 Notts Ave, Bondi Beach NSW 2026, Australia

3. Taronga Zoo

There are a few zoos and wildlife parks within Sydney, but our favourite has got to be Taronga Zoo. Spanning over 69 acres of land, the huge zoo is home to more than 4000 animals from over 350 different species, including rare native Australian animals. Fun fact: you can even spend a night here at the zoo's very own Wildlife Retreat, a luxe eco-retreat where echidnas and geese roam freely, and koalas hang out on the trees by your window!

Located on the shores of the Sydney Harbour, you'll also get more than just animal encounters here. Go on a stroll through landscaped gardens and take in the stunning panoramic view of Sydney's city skyline from afar - one of the best photo spots and vantage pointes here would definitely be at the area around the giraffe enclosure.

Address: Bradleys Head Road, Mosman NSW 2088, Australia

Get your entry tickets to Taronga Zoo here!

4. Ferry ride to Circular Quay

There's no better way to travel back to the city centre from the zoo than with a ferry ride. From the Taronga Zoo Wharf, you can hop on a ferry ride that brings you directly to Circular Quay. The ferry departs every half an hour, and you get to enjoy incredible views of the Sydney Opera House, as well as the Harbour Bridge. If you time your journey well, you may even get to catch the sunset on your way back!

Note: Make sure to get an Opal Card as you'll need it to pay for your ferry ride fare. The card can be used to pay for public transport travel within Sydney, as well as the Blue Mountains, Central Coast and the Hunter Valley, so it will come in handy for the rest of your trip.

Enjoy a round-trip ferry ride with your Taronga Zoo tickets!

Once you've reached Circular Quay, why not drop by the iconic Sydney Opera House to snap a couple of photos or grab sunset drinks at the Opera Bar? If you've got extra time to spare, you should also definitely catch the latest production showing at the opera house.

Address: Bennelong Point, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia

Book tickets to a show at the Sydney Opera House here!

5. Dinner at Darling Harbour

Just a 20-minute walk away from Circular Quay is Darling Harbour, one of our favourite places to dine in Sydney. Kings Street Wharf and Cockle Bay Wharf along the harbour are where you'll find a stretch of diverse dining establishments, from elegant restaurants to trendy bars. If you're willing to splurge a little, we recommend going to Rekodo Restaurant & Vinyl Bar for an upscale Japanese-inspired meal, or The Malaya for classic Malaysian dishes, if you're craving for a little taste from home.

Address: The Promenade, Lime Street, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia

Where to stay in Sydney? 🏨

Check out these hotels in Sydney that are within the Central Business District or are easily accessible via public transportation:

Discover more hotels in Sydney here!

Day 2: Road trip to Central Coast & Port Stephens

1. Sydney Oyster Farm

Elevate your breakfast experience by dining on fresh oysters, straight from the farm! Situated on the northern outskirts of Sydney, Kangaroo Point is where you'll find the Sydney Oyster Farm tours, and is the perfect stop as you make your way towards Central Coast.

Hop on a boat ride as your guide takes you on an authentic Broken Bay oyster farm tour on the Hawkesbury River. You'll get the chance to see behind-the-scenes of what it's like to operate this family-owned oyster farm, and afterwards, you'll even get to enter into the water to enjoy a breakfast of the famous Broken Bay oysters, fresh from the farm. What a way to start your second day!

Address: Kangaroo Point Wharf, 1420 Pacific Highway, Brooklyn NSW, Australia

2. Lunch at Gosford

Less than an hour's drive away from Sydney, the serene Central Coast region is a charming blend of laid-back beach vibes with lush hinterlands, and the vibrant coastal town of Gosford is the place to be. Sitting on the banks of the picturesque Brisbane Water, we recommend having lunch at any one of the charming waterfront eateries here to enjoy the view. Drifter's Wharf, a laidback waterfront venue that serves fresh seafood platters, is a great spot to try.

Address: 12A Dane Drive, Gosford NSW 2250, Australia

If you're up for a sweet treat after lunch, do drop by the Gosford Chocolate Factory. Here, you'll be spoiled for choice with a decadent selection of nougat, marshmallows, and of course, chocolate. If you have the time, you can even go for a factory tour to see how your beloved sweets are made here!

Address: 6 Jusfrute Drive, West Gosford NSW 2250, Australia

3. Iris Lodge Alpacas

As you head further north, we recommend making a stop at Iris Lodge Alpacas, that is nestled in the Central Coast hinterlands, for a fun meet and greet session with the farm's resident alpacas and llamas, as well as sheep. You'll get the chance to get up close and personal with these fuzzy, friendly creatures as you hand-feed them and even take selfies with them!

Address: 33 Dunks Lane, Jilliby NSW 2259, Australia

4. Sand Dune Adventures - Quad Bike Tours

Pristine beaches and golden sand dunes await you at Port Stephens, and what better way to explore it than with a quad biking tour? It is as exciting as it sounds - hop on a quad bike and get ready to traverse the majestic sandy landscapes of the Stockton Bight Sand Dunes, also known as Worimi Sand Dunes. These massive sand dunes stretch for over 30 kilometres along the coast, creating a stunning landscape of shifting sands that offer you a natural playground to ride up and down the sandy mounds as if you were Mad Max.

Address: Lavis Lane, Williamtown NSW 2318, Australia

5. Dinner at Soldiers Point

There's no better feeling than winding down with a good meal in a relaxed venue after a long day of moving about. Luckily for you, you'll be able to find a variety of laidback bistros, cafes and pubs at Soldiers Point. Our personal favourite would be Cheeky Dog at Bannisters Port Stephens, a casual bayside pub that serves wholesome meals - their chicken schnitzel is pretty good! - and refreshing drinks.

Address: 147 Soldiers Point Rd, Soldiers Point NSW 2317, Australia

Where to stay in Port Stephens? 🏨

The Anchorage Port Stephens Hotel & Spa - $$$$$
Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary - $$$$$
Mantra Nelson Bay - $$$$
Bannisters Port Stephens - $$$
Ramada Resort by Wyndham Shoal Bay - $$$
Oaks Port Stephens Pacific Blue Resort - $$

Day 3: Animal encounters in Port Stephens

1. Breakfast at Birubi Beach

A must-visit in the small coastal town of Anna Bay in Port Stephens is Birubi Beach, a beautiful stretch of sand and pristine waters that's great for swimming and surfing. It's a long day ahead, so treat yourself to a wholesome breakfast at Crest, a modern bistro overlooking Birubi Beach. We love sitting at their open-air terrace, as you'll get an amazing view of Anna Bay and soak in the ocean breeze.

Address: 73 James Paterson Street, Anna Bay NSW 2316, Australia

2. Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary

Is it really a visit to Australia if you haven't seen a koala yet? At the Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary, you'll not only get to see koalas in their natural bushland habitat, but you'll also get the chance to learn about the long-term care and rehabilitation that is needed for koalas to survive in the wild.

The Koala Hospital here ensures first-class care to sick and orphaned koalas, and as you stroll along the elevated wooden walkways here, you can peer into the 'living quarters' of the sanctuary's resident koalas and watch them munch away on their eucalyptus leaves. The best part? You can even choose to spend a night or two here in glamping-style tents situated within the sanctuary grounds, which means you can even spend more time with the adorable creatures!

Address: 562 Gan Gan Road, One Mile NSW 2316, Australia

3. Irukandji Shark & Ray Encounters

If you're a fan of marine creatures, you'd love this next stop. Get up-close and personal with beautiful sea animals at Irukandji Shark & Ray Encounters, an interactive marine experience in Port Stephens. And when we say "up-close", we really mean it - at Irukandji, you'll get the chance to wade (or swim!) in the shallow waters and interact directly with the resident sharks and rays, including feeding and petting them!

As you go on a guided tour through this unique facility, you'll also pick up fascinating insights on marine conservation and interesting facts about the different marine species here, as you interact with these incredible creatures. After this experience, you can proudly say that you've swam with sharks and rays!

Address: 2 Jessie Road, Anna Bay NSW 2316, Australia

Spend time with sharks and rays at Irukandji! 🦈

4. Lunch at Bobs Farm

Bobs Farm is a rural locality in Port Stephens known for its tranquil countryside, home to a myriad of farms and orchards, many of which have their own restaurants where they serve dishes using their fresh local produce. One of our favourites would be B Farm by Murray's, a family friendly estate where you can enjoy a range of dining experiences, including high tea at their charming tea pavilion, or a refined fine dining session, before visiting their onsite brewery and distillery, and having a refreshing mug at Murray's Beer Garden.

Address: 3443 Nelson Bay Road, Bobs Farm NSW 2316, Australia

If you enjoy fresh seafood, then Cook-a-barra may be more up your alley. Dig into modern Australian cuisine here - we highly recommend their Fish & Chips, or the Aussie Barramundi if you'd like to have a whole fish to yourself. With an onsite barramundi and hydroponic vegetable farm, you can rest assured that you'll be served with fresh fish and produce.

Address: 476 Marsh Road, Bobs Farm NSW 2316, Australia3443

5. Oakfield Ranch Camel Rides

Head back to Birubi Beach and Anna Bay for the rest of the day! Oakfield Ranch Camel Rides offer you a chance to traverse the beach shore and over the rolling sand dunes of the desert, while riding on a camel! Why stick to conventional ways of exploring the beach, when you can hop on a friendly camel and go on a relaxing fully-guided ride? #KlookTip: make sure to secure your belongings with you, as the ride may get a little bumpy 😆

Address: Birubi Beach Lower Public Car park, Anna Bay NSW 2316, Australia

6. Sandboarding with Port Stephens 4WD Tours

After a fun camel ride, it's time to go sandboarding right in the heart of the desert. Port Stephens 4WD Tours will bring you across the vast sand dunes in a custom 4WD, right to a private sandboarding area. This activity is fun for everyone no matter your age, but we do recommend wearing something comfortable, and avoid clothing like short skirts, as you will need to hike quite a bit to the sandy peaks and sandboard your way down through the sand.

Address: James Paterson Street, Anna Bay NSW 2316, Australia

Enjoy a sandboarding experience in Port Stephens with 4WD Tours!

7. Dinner at Nelson Bay

At night, head to the vibrant coastal town of Nelson Bay in Port Stephens. Situated on the shores of the picturesque bay, one of our favourite places to dine at is at none other than the Little Beach Boathouse, sitting atop the water and overlooking the Little Beach. For dinner, you can opt for either a 2- or 3-course meal, and we'd recommend getting the Market Fish for your main dish.

Address: James Paterson Street, Anna Bay NSW 2316, Australia

Day 4: Day trip to Hunter Valley

1. Picnic breakfast in a Hunter Valley vineyard

Head west for a day trip to Hunter Valley, the renowned wine region in New South Wales, less than a 2-hour drive away from Port Stephens. Its world-class wines and expansive vineyards await you, so what better way to start your day here than with a breakfast in a vineyard?

Set atop a hill, the Audrey Wilkinson Vineyard is where you can enjoy a unique picnic experience with your loved ones, paired with scenic views of the lush green landscape ahead. Not only will you have a picnic hamper filled with gourmet snacks, but you'll also get a bottle of Audrey Wilkinson wine to go with your breakfast spread. Afterwards, wander through their famous cellar door, as well as their museum that showcases their long winemaking history of over a 150 years.

Address: 750 De Beyers Road, Pokolbin NSW 2320, Australia

Enjoy a picnic and wine at Audrey Wilkinson Vineyard!

2. Lunch in Pobolkin

It's going to be a full day of winery-hopping, so you best believe lunch stops should be done at another wine estate. There are quite a few great dining options in the town of Pobolkin, but located just a 5-minute drive away from Audrey Wilkinson is Ben Ean, a winery and vineyard that is also home to Baumé Restaurant, a casual lunch spot that serves gourmet pizzas, Mediterranean sharing platters, and delicious mains that will go well with a glass of wine.

Address: 119 McDonalds Road, Pokolbin NSW 2320, Australia

3. Wine tastings

Haven't had enough wine yet? Well then, it's time to fit in a quick wine tasting! It may be late afternoon by this point, so one of the best and most time-friendly tastings you can do is the 'Cheeses of the World' Wine Matching experience by Two Fat Blokes, which even includes 9 gourmet cheeses, so it’s a big ‘yes’ from us! During this hour-long tasting, you'll sample a number of wines, escorted through the experience with the expert knowledge of your sommelier.

Address: 691 Hermitage Road, Pokolbin NSW 2320, Australia

Attend a cheese and wine masterclass by Two Fat Blokes!

If you're not a fan of cheese, you should definitely check out the Wine and Paired Chocolate Tasting experience offered at Tulloch Wines instead! You'll get to try out 5 different Tulloch wines, paired with handmade decadent chocolates that suit each taste profile. The best part? This experience is family-friendly as well, as kids (as well as non-drinkers) can enjoy a Junior Tasting or Kombucha Tasting experience for an alcohol-free option.

Address: 638 De Beyers Road, Pokolbin NSW 2320, Australia

Go for a wine and paired chocolate tasting at Tulloch Wines!

4. Hunter Valley Gardens

If you'd like a break from all that wine, the Hunter Valley Gardens are the jewel in the crown of this beautiful area. These immaculately manicured grounds will be the basis for your storybook getaway – quite literally, too, if you make it into the Storybook Garden area, which has been inspired by childhood classics like Humpty Dumpty and Alice in Wonderland.

Spanning over 30 acres, the gardens are home to more than 6000 trees, and dotted with stunning garden statues, waterfalls and murals. Once you’re done wandering along the eight kilometres’ worth of walking tracks, stop by the Garden Terrace Café for some afternoon tea as you gaze out over the Oriental Garden, or better yet, have dinner at the onsite The Cellar Restaurant that serves modern Australian fare in an inviting, rustic space.

Address: 2090 Broke Road, Pokolbin NSW 2320, Australia

Get your entry ticket into the Hunter Valley Gardens here!

Where to stay in Hunter Valley? 🏨

If you have time to spare, we'd highly recommend spending at least a night at Hunter Valley, instead of just a day trip. You can pick and choose from this list of accommodations in this charming city:

Spicers Guesthouse - $$$$$
Chateau Elan at The Vintage - $$$$
Mercure Resort Hunter Valley Gardens - $$$
Paterson Lodge - $$$
Harrigan's Hunter Valley - $$

Discover more hotels in the Hunter Valley here!

Day 5: Spend a night up in the Blue Mountains

1. Sunrise hot air balloon experience in Hunter Valley (optional)

If you decided to overnight at Hunter Valley, another must-try experience is going for a hot air balloon flight to catch the sunrise. Experience the region from a whole new perspective as you embark on this mesmerising ride and float above the rolling vineyards, captivated by the breathtaking views that unfold beneath you as the sun rises. Afterwards, you'll even get to indulge in a delightful breakfast to conclude the whole experience.

Address: Crowne Plaza Hunter Valley, 430 Wine Country Drive, Lovedale NSW 2325, Australia

Go on a sunrise hot air balloon ride in Hunter Valley!

2. Stopover at Lincoln's Rock

It's time to head up to the Blue Mountains! As you make your way there, stop by the incredible Lincoln's Rock, a cliff-edge lookout point in Wentworth Falls with sweeping views of the Jamison Valley. Not only is this a great photo spot, we also highly recommend packing a simple picnic breakfast and enjoying it up here if you haven't had your meal yet.

Address: 51 Little Switzerland Drive, Wentworth Falls NSW 2782, Australia

3. Echo Point

Renowned for its stunning lookout that offers impressive views of the iconic Three Sisters rock formation, Echo Point in the Blue Mountains is one of the best vantage points here to take photos of the dramatic cliffs, deep valleys and lush greenery that stretches far ahead. If you're lucky, a shroud of mist sometimes blankets the surroundings, adding an air of mystery to the Jamison Valley.

Echo Point also offers various amenities for visitors, including a visitor centre, and dining options such as The Lookout Echo Point, where you should drop by for lunch. There are two restaurants to choose from here - head to Bar NSW for sharing platters and a yummy selection of mains (you can even enjoy laksa here if you're missing home!), or just grab-and-go a cup of coffee and sandwiches from The Milkbar.

Address: 33 Echo Point Road, Katoomba NSW 2780, Australia

4. Scenic World

Up in the Blue Mountains, Scenic World is a stop you must make. Located in Katoomba, this attraction offers four different experiences - Scenic Skyway, Scenic Railway, Scenic Walkway, and Scenic Cableway. On both the Scenic Skyway and Scenic Cableway, you'd get stunning views of the Jamison Valley and even the Three Sisters.

For those of you who enjoy a little bit of nature time, the Scenic Walkway is a lovely experience that brings you on a short stroll along an elevated boardwalk in the rainforest, but if you're up for more thrills, we definitely recommend the Scenic Railway. At a 52-degree incline, this is the steepest railway in the world! 😱

Address: Violet Street & Cliff Drive, Katoomba NSW 2780, Australia

Book tickets to Scenic World and add-on a bus tour from Sydney!

5. Dinner in Katoomba

The quaint and picturesque town of Katoomba serves as the gateway for exploring the natural wonders up in the Blue Mountains, but it also features boutique shops and cozy cafes that line its streets.

There are countless eateries for you to choose from for dinner, especially ones serving Asian cuisine such as the Basil Nut Cafe & Restaurant or Sangwiye Korean Restaurant, but if you're searching for something a little more Australian, do check out Bowery. Housed inside the historic St Andrew’s church, it's a rather intimate space, serving an ever-changing menu of modern Australian fare, using only local and seasonal produce.

Address: 56-64 Waratah Street, Katoomba NSW 2780, Australia

6. Blue Mountains Stargazing

One of our personal favourite experiences up in the Blue Mountains would be stargazing at Wentworth Falls. Led by a local expert guide, you'll get to enjoy a 90-minute stargazing experience where you'll learn how to identify stars and constellations, and even use a professional telescope to spot the Moon and other deep space objects! During the colder seasons, you'll be given warm blankets and hot chocolate too, so get ready to cosy up and spend a night gazing at the stars.

#KlookTip: No matter the season, do come dressed up in warm and comfortable clothing as it gets pretty chilly here at night.

Address: Wentworth Falls Lookout Track, Wentworth Falls NSW 2782, Australia

Enjoy a stargazing experience up in the Blue Mountains! 🌌

Where to stay at Blue Mountains? 🏨

Lilianfels Resort & Spa - $$$$$
The Hydro Majestic Hotel - $$$$
Fairmont Resort & Spa Blue Mountains - $$$$
Hotel Etico at Mount Victoria Manor - $$$
Blue Mountains Heritage Motel - $$

Day 6: Explore Blue Mountains before heading back to Sydney

1. Jungle trek through the Blue Mountains National Park

Start your day early with a short trek through the Blue Mountains National Park. With over 20 different scenic trails of varying difficulty levels for you to explore, you should plan ahead to see which path you'd like to take. Within the park, you'll be able to find waterfalls, cliff lines, resident wildlife, as well as spectacular lookout points and picnic areas.

#KlookTip: Check the weather forecast before your visit as there may be closures in rain-affected areas.

2. DFO Homebush

It's time to head back to Sydney! On the way, why not make a lunch stop and do a little shopping at DFO Homebush? Fuel yourself up after your morning hike at their international food court, before allocating at least 2 hours for shopping here. This modern factory outlet shopping centre is home to over a hundred outlet retailers, featuring international and high-end luxury brands. Time for some retail therapy 😉

Address: 3-5 Underwood Road, Homebush NSW 2140, Australia

3. Sydney Tower Eye

Look at Sydney from a whole other level at the Sydney Tower Eye. This iconic landmark is an observation tower located in the heart of the city and is the tallest structure here, standing at an impressive height of 309 meters. High-speed elevators will transport you straight to the observation deck at the top, where you'll get a remarkable 360-degree panoramic view of the entire city skyline. Try to spot landmarks such as the Sydney Opera House and the Harbour Bridge from up here!

Address: Westfield Sydney, Level 5/108 Market Street, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia

Book your admission tickets for the Sydney Tower here!

4. Sunset Dinner Cruise

What better way to spend your last night in Sydney than with a sunset dinner cruise? Hop aboard a premier vessel by Captain Cook, and set off for a ride as you watch the sun set over Sydney Harbour. For dinner, you'll be served a 3-course menu of contemporary Australian food, paired with your choice of wine, beer or soft drink. It's truly one of the best ways to enjoy the sights of Sydney as you'll cruise past famous landmarks and harbours on this two and a half-hour long ride.

Address: King Street Wharf Darling Harbour, The Promenade, Lime Street, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia

Go on a sunset dinner cruise in Sydney! 🛳

Day 7: Final day in Sydney

1. BridgeClimb

A morning hike in Sydney is a whole other experience, especially when it's a hike up the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Yes, that's right - BridgeClimb is a unique experience in the city where you'll get the chance to climb the iconic bridge and enjoy viewing Sydney from a different perspective. Feel as if you were on top of the world as you take the journey along the upper arch of the bridge, right to the peak, where you'll get to soak in the surrounding sights and take pictures to capture this memory for a lifetime.

Address: 3 Cumberland Street, The Rocks NSW 2000, Australia

2. Royal Botanic Gardens (optional)

If you have time to spare, or if you chose to opt out the BridgeClimb experience, you should definitely visit the Royal Botanic Gardens for a leisurely morning stroll. The sprawling gardens of over 70 acres here showcase an extraordinary collection of plants from all around the world. Situated on the shores of Sydney Harbour, it also offers a mesmerising view of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Sydney Opera House. It's a picture-perfect backdrop for you to take that Instagram shot to say that you've officially been to Sydney!

Interested in having a picnic at the Royal Botanic Gardens? 🧺🌳 Check out these various picnic sets:

3. Lunch at The Grounds of Alexandria

Love Instagrammable places? If your answer is yes, then you shouldn't leave Sydney without dropping by The Grounds of Alexandria first. Known and loved for their iconic garden setting and themed installations, the complex has a cafe, restaurant, bar, florist, market and farm onsite, all bundled up in this charming, sprawling space.

We personally would recommend dropping by The Potting Shed for lunch - the restaurant is decorated like an actual garden, with potted plants and greenery everywhere, and they've even got cute garden-themed drinks that taste as good as they look!

Address: 7a/2 Huntley Street, Alexandria NSW 2015, Australia

4. Shopping at George Street

If you've got a late night flight, then you've got extra time to do some last-minute shopping in the city! There's no better place to shop than George Street, one of Sydney's major thoroughfares that offers a vibrant retail scene. From boutiques and specialty shops, to department stores and shopping centres, you can find just about anything you may need here. There are also quite a few souvenir outlets too, just in case you're thinking of bringing back some gifts for your loved ones back home.

There are various dining options that are accessible from George Street as well. A couple of highly-recommended dinner spots you can find here include MuMu, a lively eatery serving Southeast Asian street food and fun cocktails, the classic Hard Rock Cafe for classic American dishes, or Cafe Andaluz for tapas and Spanish fare.

Ready to discover New South Wales? 🇦🇺

Discover the best things to do in NSW here! 🇦🇺

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