Three Days in Sydney: Urban Charm, Nature Escapes & Sunny Ferry Rides

Sydney flew by — four nights, just enough to realize we’d come back in a heartbeat.

We flew Virgin Airlines from Perth with our classic travel style: 7kg carry-on bags and a personal item each. Light and efficient. After being dropped off at Terminal 1 for domestic flights, we breezed through security — no ID checks, no boarding pass scans until the gate. Slightly eerie, but very convenient.

Our departure was delayed, and when we finally reached Sydney airspace, we had to circle for about an hour waiting for clearance to land. The upside? Snacks and water onboard, and no connections to worry about. Turns out, a bomb cyclone had hit New South Wales — flooding, power outages, and tons of canceled flights. We were lucky.

Once we landed, the Uber price from the airport doubled in the 10 minutes it took us to decide. I booked right away while my husband hesitated — and watched the price surge. Pro tip: book fast if you’re early and traveling light. At the hotel, the restaurant had closed, so it was Uber Eats for dinner: a Greek gluten-free chicken pita that hit the spot.

City Gym & Concert Nights

One thing we’ve started doing when staying at hotels is using the gym. It’s a great way to stay grounded while on the move. But the challenge? We don’t keep it up when we’re not in hotels. Something to work on.

Our highlight in the city was catching the orchestra at the Sydney Opera House, one of the most iconic buildings in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The structure is breathtaking, but the acoustics, despite renovations in 2020, didn’t quite wow us. (Singapore still wins for sound quality!) A fun tidbit: a local musician we met on a hike told us that budget issues during construction meant the interior didn’t get the attention it deserved.

Blue Mountains Adventure: One Day, Big Thrill

We picked up a rental car — our favorite Polestar 2 (electric and smooth!) — and set off for the Blue Mountains. Renting an EV in Australia is surprisingly easy, with no extra fees. We left Sydney with 97% charge, and returned with 36%. We even paid $19 AUD for unlimited tolls and the rental agency offered charging on return for a small fee. Win-win.

After grabbing snacks and water at Woolies in Katoomba, we started the Grand Canyon Walk around 12:30pm. What a trail! Waterfalls, ferns, mossy overhangs, narrow bends, steep steps. Bring a rain jacket and waterproof shoes — parts of the trail were slick and drippy. I honestly couldn’t imagine our tall friend with bad knees doing this one — it’s packed with steps and tight spots. But it’s a WOW hike.

We wrapped it up in time for blue hour at Echo Point, watching the Three Sisters glow against the backdrop of the Jamison Valley. We weren’t done yet — we squeezed in the Katoomba Falls Night-lit Walk. The lights came on at 5:33pm, but we were ready with headlamps (always pack one when hiking!). Magical. The Greater Blue Mountains Area has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2000, with ancient eucalypts, biodiversity, and deep Aboriginal significance.

Grand Canyon Walk at a glance:

• Distance: 6km loop (~3 hrs)

• Difficulty: Moderate

• Start/End: Evans Lookout

• Reward: Rainforest, sandstone cliffs, waterfalls, and adventure

  
  

Back in Sydney by 8pm. Total cost? $130 AUD for the car. Worth every dollar.

Dinner that night? A no-frills Vietnamese spot called Cash Only (you can pay with your credit card). I’m still dreaming about those gluten-free fried king prawns. (Not celiac-safe, but fine for my intolerance.)

Final Day: Ferry to Manly & Gelato Dreams

We took a different walking route through the city to reach Circular Quay and boarded the Manly Fast Ferry. You just tap your credit card at the gates — no pre-booking needed. The 20-minute ride was breezy and scenic.

Locals told us to grab gelato from Anita’s on The Corso — and they weren’t wrong. Clearly labeled vegan flavors made it easy: I picked lemon-mint and mango sorbet, while my husband devoured the dark chocolate. Sunny skies and frozen treats? Perfect pairing.

Lunch was poke bowls on the beach. Volleyball games, surfers catching waves, kids digging in the sand — classic beach energy. We strolled to Shelly Beach, sat on a bench, and just... relaxed. If we’d packed our swimsuits and towels, we could have easily lazed the day away.

Back in the city, we took a different walking route again (it’s fun to explore that way) and stopped at the Opal Museum — a quirky, free, quick detour. That night, we met up with an old uni friend of my husband’s, making the trip even more special.

Would We Come Back to Sydney?

Absolutely. Sydney has that rare combo: skyscrapers and coastal charm, a bit like Halifax back home in Canada. Our time here was a mix of urban luxury, nature, and casual beachy vibes — all in one trip. The Blue Mountains brought the thrill, the Opera House added a cultural touch, and our Manly ferry ride delivered sunny, salty smiles.

Would we return? 100%.