Sydney’s Waterfront: Two Quick Days of Discovery

Stays & Experiences:

Intercontinental Sydney

Harbour Days Sailing Experience

Sydney Opera House - Architectural Tour and Theater

Midden by Mark Olive at Sydney Opera House

The Treasury Restaurant at Intercontinental Sydney

Sydney Harbour

Darling Harbour

Sydney Royal Botanical Gardens

Heading to Australia for the first time, I knew I couldn’t skip spending a few days exploring Sydney. From the moment I arrived in the city, I sensed it was a special place. With a focus on the coastal landscape via the water, my plan unfolded beautifully. The stunning views of the city, parks, private homes, and historical landmarks are moments I will cherish forever. With the wind in my hair and a cool breeze on my skin, I set out to discover as much as I could in my short time.

Day 1: Arrival and Exploration

I arrived in Sydney at 6:25 AM (serious time adjustment for me). The drive from the airport to my hotel, the Intercontinental Sydney, took about 25 minutes. Upon arrival, I was warmly greeted and granted early check-in along with an upgraded room. The hotel was stunning, and after a quick coffee in the bar lounge, I headed to Darling Harbour for a day on the water.

When traveling to a coastal area, I love to experience the sights from the water. The sailing yacht captain, David, who grew up in the area, provided an incredible tour filled with stories of the coastline's history, building architecture, landmarks, and the homes of several celebrities. After a few hours on the water and savoring some local wine, we dropped anchor in Taylor Bay. While lunch was being prepared, I dipped my toes in the water, soaking in the serenity. After a delicious meal, the wind picked up, and we hoisted the sails heading back to the harbor. The walk back to the hotel was a perfect way to shake off my sea legs and allowed me to browse the vibrant shops along the way.

That evening, I enjoyed an amazing dinner at The Treasury Restaurant inside my hotel before calling it a night to combat my jet lag.

Day 2: Culture and Discovery

After a complimentary breakfast and an amazing cup of coffee (perks for booking with a Fora agent at this property), I set off to explore the Sydney Royal Botanical Gardens. My next stop was the Sydney Opera House for an architectural tour. Once the tour concluded, I checked for tickets to a performance. Although the show had been sold out online prior to my trip, fortune smiled on me—a single seats was available for the 4 PM production!

I had a late lunch at Midden by Mark Olive on the Opera House's western boardwalk before attending RBG: Of Many, One. The performance was phenomenal, and I felt incredibly fortunate to experience a production in the iconic Sydney Opera House!

Returning to the Intercontinental, I relaxed with a glass of wine (or two - the local wines are fantastic) and began packing for my departure to Brisbane the next morning. I can't wait to return to Sydney and explore more of this exceptional city. The people I met were kind and welcoming, making my visit truly unforgettable.

Notes:

Accessibility

• Parts of Sydney, especially in the city and harbor, are hilly, which may pose challenges for wheelchair users or those assisting them.

Weather

• Sydney's weather can vary significantly throughout the day, so wearing layers is advisable.

Food Service

• Dining and bar experiences in Australia are typically social.

• Customers usually need to ask for service, whether it's to place an order, request a side item, or get a refill.

• The bill is delivered only upon request, as staff do not assume you're ready to leave once you've finished eating.

• Payment is made when the bill is provided, and tipping is not required, as Australians generally earn a living wage.

Exchanging Currency

• Australia has offered contactless payment options for over a decade, making it easy to use digital currency.

• While cash is still accepted, payment by phone or card is convenient, and cash is not necessary.

Active/Outdoors

Arts and Culture

Beaches

Food and Wine

Solo Travel

Sustainable Travel

Groups

Honeymoon

Family Travel

Accessible Travel