48:00 Sydney

Sydney is undoubtedly Australia’s major urban center, but somehow it has managed to remain refreshingly in tune with nature. This city, which is built between breathtaking beaches and one of the most amazing harbors in the world, feels somewhat familiar and you’ll most likely find yourself calling it home.

Hours 0:00 – 24:00

Morning

Wake up early to get an early start to your activity filled day. Enjoy the hot breakfast and coffee with Contiki’s host hotel, the Travelodge Sydney Center. After breakfast take a quick walk to the historic Hyde Park, where you’ll get your fix on history as you visit the ANZAC Memorial and St. Mary’s Cathedral. If all that history has you tired, why not grab another coffee in the park’s sidewalk café.

After your visit to Hyde Park, hail a taxi or hop on a bus to the Circular Quay, where you’ll catch a ferry to Manly Beach. A ticket on the ferry to Manly Beach will cost you about $7, and ferries run every 30 minutes from 6 am to midnight – so there’s no need to make reservations. Be sure to bring your camera along for the ferry ride, you’ll have amazing harbor views of the Sydney Opera House, the Harbor Bridge and the hundreds of sail boats that will be out if the weather is nice.

Afternoon

Once you arrive at Manly Beach there’s an array of activities you can do. Whether you feel like hitting the famous Manly surf or the sand you’re in luck. Tourists and travelers alike flock to Manly year round. If you’re in the mood to shop, you’re also in luck. It’s a quick walk from the wharf to the beach, and any of the streets you choose to walk down will be lined with surf shops, boutiques, art stores, book stores and cafes.

If you’re hungry, we recommend walking down to the beach and picking one of the ocean view restaurants that line the waterfront. One of our favorites is the trendy Whitewater Café, where you’ll be able to grab a light lunch and a cocktail with a picture perfect view of the water.

Head back on the ferry in the early evening to snap shots of the Harbor during sun set.

Evening

In the early evening or later afternoon, you might want to take a nap to refresh yourself for the night we’ve got planned.

Start your night off at the Cargo Bar with light appetizers or dinner and drinks. Be sure to dress to impress, you’ll be among trend setting & extremely fashionable locals at Cargo. We recommend starting your evening outside on the patio, and moving upstairs when you’re ready to hit the packed dance floor.

Nightlife

After you’ve had enough of Cargo, grab a taxi and head Kings Cross. Kings Cross is known for its 24 hours of buzzing activity and nightlife among travelers and locals alike. There are dozens of bars and clubs to choose from; from hip hop to house. You’ll find it in the Cross.

Come late night (or early morning), indulge like the locals and get yourself a traditional meat pie, if you dare to be a local!

Hours 24:00 – 48:00

Morning

After a night of partying, there’s no better place to visit than the eclectic Bondi Beach. Hop on a morning bus to Bondi for a breakfast that’s worth writing home about at Paris a Go-Go. This hip sidewalk café features a light and healthy menu, gorgeous staff, and music ranging from house to reggae that pumps throughout the cafés open windows. There may be a line on a weekend morning, but believe us it’s worth the short wait.

After breakfast, why not learn to surf?

Afternoon

Bondi Beach is Sydney’s famous surfing beach and there are plenty of opportunities for you to hit the waves. For those that have never ventured out into the waves before, we recommend taking surfing lessons. The team at ”Let’s Go Surfing” is experienced and fun, and can have even the most inexperienced beginner standing on a surfboard in an hour or so.

If you aren’t keen on learning to surf, Bondi is great place to catch up on your tan! There’s also a skate park alongside the beach (and rumor has it that it’s not rare to see your favorite pro skateboarders hitting up the ramps!).

Evening

This evening, experience the thrill of seeing Sydney from the top of its most famous landmark, the Sydney Harbor Bridge. The opportunity to take a guided tour around the Sydney Harbour Bridge, and walk on top of the famous arch is not to be missed! After the climb you’ll get a group photo and a certificate to prove you conquered the climb.

*This excursion takes a little over 3 Hours and you must take a breathalyzer test before you are allowed to climb; so if you’re planning on climbing, save the bars for the celebration afterward.

If climbing over the bridge isn’t your thing, why not take a jet boat ride under it? The jet boats blast off from Circular Quay and zip throughout many of the famous sights of Sydney. If you haven’t been on a jet-boat before, you’re in for a surprise! The jet-boats down under are sure to get your adrenaline pumping.

After the thrill of these excursions, you are sure to want a good meal. If you don’t mind heading back to Bondi Beach we recommend an awesome filet (pronounced “fill it”) or bbq dinner at Hurricanes. If you want to stay local, enjoy appetizers and drinks at the classy Opera Bar, located just outside the Sydney Opera House.

Nightlife

For an outstanding multi level bar experience, jump over from Bondi Junction to The Eastern. Wednesday nights are most popular, but any other is just as cool with its grand space & outdoor bar area. For another great night in Sydney, check out Hemisphere, Loft or Hugo’s. Yes Hugo’s, the spot we last saw Paris Hilton when she was down under. For sure, no matter where you go, Sydney Siders will be sure you have a heck of a good time!

Good on you mate!