A 3-day itinerary in Sydney for outdoor adventure

Nature is never far away in Sydney with national parks, beautiful coastline and golden beaches at your doorstep. Discover the outdoor adventures that await in the Harbour City on this three-day getaway.

Destination NSW

Jan 2025 -

min read

Highlights

Surf the famous waves of Bondi Beach
Walk the coastal Bondi to Coogee trail
Paddle across Sydney Harbour at sunrise
Climb through the trees at Taronga Zoo
Learn to stand-up paddleboard in Watsons Bay

Couple overlooking coastal views from Tamarama to Coogee, Tamarama

Friends enjoying kayaking, Sydney Harbour, Sydney

Watsons Bay Stand Up Paddling (WATSSUP), Watsons Bay, Sydney Eastern Suburbs

Morning

Start your weekend of adventure at an Australian icon, Bondi Beach. A surf lesson with Lets Go Surfing will introduce you to the country’s most famous waves. Whether you’re an absolute beginner or just looking for some tips to improve stance, the expert guides can show you how its done. Refuel afterwards with breakfast at Speedos, which has sweeping views of the beach and colourful plates that are almost too pretty to eat.

Girl catching a wave at Bondi Beach with surf school Lets Go Surfing

Lets Go Surfing, Bondi Beach

Afternoon

The Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk runs between two spectacular beaches in the Eastern Suburbs, winding along clifftops, through lush bushland and past hidden coves. The six-kilometre walk takes two to three hours to complete, but allow some extra time for swim stops. Bring your snorkelling gear and explore the underwater nature trail in Gordons Bay en route.

Gordons Bay, Coogee

Later, check in to the W Sydney. Occupying a distinctive ribbon-shaped glass building on the edge of Darling Harbour, it’s bursting with colourful and quirky design features. There’s also two swimming pools (both with great views of the harbour), multiple restaurants and a next-level spa with water therapy, sauna and steam room.

W Sydney, Darling Harbour

Evening

It’s just a short stroll down to Haymarket for dinner. If you’re travelling on a Friday, the Chinatown Night Market will have taken over Dixon Street. Pick up something tasty from the many stalls. Or try the new Bar Morris, a cosy Italian-style wine bar and restaurant at the base of Hotel Morris.

Bar Morris, Haymarket

Morning

It’s a very early start this morning. Sydney by Kayak’s sunrise tour leaves Lavender Bay at 5am, but the experience of paddling beneath the Sydney Harbour Bridge as the sun rises will be worth it. You’ll see the harbour’s sights from a new perspective and enjoy the stillness as the city wakes for the day. The tour even comes with coffee.

Women kayaking on Sydney Harbour in summer

Kayaking, Sydney Harbour

Afterwards, take a stroll around the harbour foreshore, through Luna Park and under the bridge, to Celsius Coffee. It sits right over the water on Kirribilli Wharf and is known for its excellent scrambled eggs.

Celsius Coffee Co., Kirribilli

Afternoon

Staying on the north shore, head to Taronga Zoo – but you’re not here to see the animals. Wild Ropes is a treetop adventure where you can climb, swing and zip above the canopy. There are four courses designed for adults and it will challenge both your strength and your fear of heights. It also comes with a side of glorious city views.

Back at the hotel there’s time for a quick nap, a swim in the rooftop pool, a session in the sauna or even a massage to soothe your hardworking muscles.

Wild Ropes at Taronga Zoo Sydney, Mosman, Lower North Shore - Credit: Pat Suraseang

Taronga Zoo Sydney, Mosman - Credit: Pat Suraseang

Evening

After a big day, it would be nice to stay in for dinner. The W’s signature restaurant, BTWN, celebrates NSW produce with a local, seasonal menu that’s designed to be shared. Afterwards, head up to the rooftop 29/30 cocktail bar and admire the twinkling lights of the city over a drink.

W Sydney Restaurant, Darling Harbour, Sydney - Credit: W Sydney

W Sydney Restaurant, Darling Harbour - Credit: W Sydney

Morning

See the city on two wheels this morning on a guided tour with Bonza Bikes. You’ll cycle around the harbour foreshore, through the Royal Botanic Gardens and across the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Your experiences local guide will keep you entertained along the way and there’s even time for a stop at one of The Rocks’ historic pubs.

Bonza Bike Tours, The Rocks

Cool off with a dip at Marrinawi Cove in Barangaroo, one of the only spots in the city where you can swim in the main harbour.

Marrinawi Cove - Credit: Barangaroo Delivery Authority

Afternoon

The calm, flat waters of Watsons Bay are ideal for stand-up paddleboarding. Take a lesson with the team from WATSSUP. If you’re new to the sport, the experienced instructors will show you how it’s done. If you’re already experienced, try the challenging SUP fitness tour which takes you on a two-kilometre journey around the beautiful bays.

WATSSUP Watsons Bay Stand Up Paddling, Watsons Bay

Evening

Tonight, toast the end of your weekend adventure with dinner and drinks at the Watsons Bay Boutique Hotel. Set right on the water, the beer garden is strung with fairy lights and always buzzing with energy. Tuck into a seafood platter, a dozen oysters or a bucket of prawns as you watch the sun set over the city.