4 days in Sydney

Embark on a Sydney Harbour BridgeClimb at dawn. Soak in a 360-degree vista and a glowing sunrise as you scale the upper arch of this iconic bridge, 134m (440ft) above sea level. The feeling at the summit is like no other.

Join an Aboriginal Dreaming Tour on the foreshore of Sydney Harbour to discover the spiritual connection between Sydney’s First Nations people and the local land and waterways. Your guide will reveal how ancient wisdom is present in today's Sydney.

Wander along the cobblestone laneways of The Rocks – one of Sydney’s oldest neighbourhoods. You'll find heritage architecture, local cafés, gift shops and The Rocks Markets (open on weekends).

Sydney has a showstopping collection of museums and art galleries. See prestigious works at the Museum of Contemporary Art, marvel at the Sydney Opera House and explore the Australian Museum’s First Nations artefacts.

Take a breather at Barangaroo, Sydney’s relaxing foreshore park. Seek out public artworks dotted along the coast, enjoy a picnic or cool off with a dip in the protected Marrinawi Cove. There are also great restaurants for lunch and dinner.

Finish your day in style under the iconic Opera House sails with drinks and fresh oysters at the iconic Opera Bar; it has one of the best views in Sydney. Afterwards, catch a show inside one of the opera house's grand theatres.

Tuck into one of the most delicious brunches in town – Bills' ricotta hotcakes with banana and honeycomb butter. Or, opt for a brekkie with beach views at The Depot, a contemporary café serving local and sustainable produce.

Bondi is one of Sydney's most fashionable suburbs, so it's only fitting that designers have set up shop. Browse Bondi’s chic boutiques, from the locally crafted goods at Artisans’ Nest to designer threads at cult fashion store Tuchuzy.

Bondi’s one-kilometre (0.6mi) bay serves up waves for everyone to enjoy. Get the know-how during a lesson with Let’s Go Surfing. They'll teach you how to paddle, stand and catch your first wave. If you’re a seasoned surfer, hit the south side.

Sydney is home to some dazzling ocean pools, but nothing beats the blue hues of Bondi Icebergs. Join the locals as you take a dip, watch the surf and enjoy the sweeping views of Bondi.

Follow the coastline from Bondi to Coogee Beach on the 6km (3.5mi) trail. Snaking the Eastern Suburbs' pristine beaches, you’ll have no shortage of swimming and coffee stops along the way.

You’re spoilt for choice when it’s dinnertime in the Eastern Suburbs. Try dinner with a view at Coogee Pavillion, where you can enjoy a drink on the rooftop, or tuck into a Greek feast at the chic Ikaria restaurant.

Start your day with your toes in the sand. The suburb of Manly offers the best of calm harbour beaches and easterly-facing fun among the waves. Sign up for a surf lesson, bathe in the Fairy Bower Pool or swim at one of Manly’s many beaches.

The Cabbage Tree Bay Aquatic Reserve – found between Shelly and Manly Beach – is a protected marine life park. Hire a mask and jump in to see unique fish, stingrays, wobbegongs and Port Jackson sharks.

Go on a mini kayaking adventure around Manly’s harbourside beaches. Paddling from the wharf to the peninsula, you’ll discover secret beaches, scenic lookouts and perhaps even a sea turtle or two.

Manly is home to one of Sydney's best day hikes. On the 10km (6mi) Spit to Manly trail, you’ll wander past dense forest, picture-perfect beaches and lookouts offering sweeping views of Sydney Harbour.

Walk on the wild side at Sydney’s Taronga Zoo, a harbourside park home to over 5,000 animals from over 350 species. Book a close-up encounter with the likes of koalas and dingoes.

Spend a day getting to know the hops and hipsters of Sydney’s best breweries. Following the Ale Trail, you’ll taste some of Australia’s best beers, from zingy sours to dessert-like stouts. You're sure to hear a story or two from the masters behind the bar, too.

The White Rabbit Gallery’s collection of Chinese contemporary art oozes creativity. Marvel at intricate works and quirky exhibitions before visiting the tranquil Chinese and Taiwanese tearoom.

Sydney-siders love a market. On a Saturday, pick up local produce and freshly cut flowers at the Carriageworks Farmers Market, or grab a second-hand bargain at the bustling Glebe Markets.

From live music to comedy shows, there’s always a great performance to enjoy at the Enmore Theatre, Sydney’s oldest theatre. After enjoying a show, soak up Newtown’s restaurants, bars and nightclubs.