September 26 – September 29 : Sydney

By now, I had come to realize that Australia is an expensive country to travel in, and Sydney, as its largest city, unsurprisingly raises the bar even higher. Unfortunately, all the hostels I considered had terrible reviews, ranging from poor hygiene to reports of drug use on the premises, so I opted for what could be called a “budget” hotel, though that’s a relative term here. Sydney has all the bustling elements that give it a big-city vibe, from a plethora of museums, theaters, skyscrapers, and parks to a well-connected metro and train network. Yet, overall, it feels small and easy to navigate. It’s a wonderful city to stroll through and simply enjoy the moment. Of the four days I spent here, three were marked by rain – but hey, we can’t always win. In the end, that just meant more time spent inside museums and galleries. Note that admission to the museums and galleries I visited was free (see below)!

• Sydney Opera House Tour – Take a guided tour of this iconic landmark to explore its architecture, history, and even backstage areas. There are regular tours throughout the day, or you can opt for a more exclusive behind-the-scenes experience.
• Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb – Experience breathtaking views of the city and harbour by climbing the famous Sydney Harbour Bridge. There are different climb options, including day, twilight, and night climbs.
• Royal Botanic Garden – Enjoy a peaceful walk through these beautiful gardens, located near the Opera House. It offers stunning views of the harbour and is a perfect place to relax or picnic.
• The Rocks – Wander through this historic area of Sydney, known for its cobbled streets, markets, and museums. It’s a great spot for dining and exploring Sydney’s colonial past.
• Harbour Bridge Walk – You can walk on the arch of the bridge. It is crazy expensive though. (360 AUD!). Alternatively you can walk up the stairs inside one of he pylons (offering basically the same view) for just 30 AUD.
• Art Gallery of New South Wales – Explore an impressive collection of Australian, European, and Asian art in this prominent gallery, which frequently hosts special exhibitions.
• Australian Museum – Discover natural history and indigenous culture at Australia’s first museum, featuring extensive exhibits on the country’s unique flora and fauna.
• Museum of Contemporary Art Australia – Located at Circular Quay, this museum showcases contemporary art from Australian and international artists, with stunning views of the harbour from its rooftop café.
• Day Trip to the Blue Mountains – Join a guided day tour to the Blue Mountains, located about two hours from Sydney. You can visit the Three Sisters rock formation, explore hiking trails, and even visit Scenic World for a cable car or railway ride through the valleys.
• Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk – This iconic 6 km coastal walk offers spectacular views of beaches, cliffs, and ocean pools. It’s a must-do for nature lovers.
• Taronga Zoo Sydney – Located just across the harbour, this zoo offers a unique chance to see native Australian wildlife and animals from around the world, with amazing views of the Sydney skyline.
• Manly Ferry Ride – Take the scenic ferry ride from Circular Quay to Manly Beach. It’s a great way to see the harbour, and Manly itself is a great place to swim, surf, or relax at a beachfront café.