Make memories with a long weekend in Sydney

Sydney’s appeal runs much deeper than the city’s famous tourist attractions and beautiful landscapes.

Our partners at Business Events Sydney have used their local knowledge and expertise to help create the ultimate itinerary for delegates who are able to take a long weekend either side of Sibos.

Here are their top tips for the best experiences within Sydney and New South Wales.

Day 1:

Start the day with a visit to one of the world’s most famous beaches, Bondi. Beyond the sand and surf, the backstreets of this vibrant beachside suburb are a creative haven for Sydney’s emerging designers and home to several fashion stores you won’t find anywhere else in the city.

Next, explore the vibrancy and style of cosmopolitan Sydney with an introductory City Tour. Enjoy the stunning views of the Harbour Bridge and the Sydney Opera House from Mrs Macquarie’s Chair , a waterfront seat carved into the rock in the early 1800s for the wife of visionary colonial governor, Lachlan Macquarie.

After lunch, take in the sights from 268 metres (879 feet) above Sydney. Begin your journey with the Sydney Tower’s 4D Cinema Experience , where spectacular footage transports you across Sydney Harbour. Then, travel up to the Sydney Tower Eye Observation Deck and experience the breath-taking panorama of Sydney’s famous landmarks.

Finish the day aboard a dinner cruise on the Sydney Showboat . Sydney Showboat's theatre-style cruising restaurant, on an authentic paddle wheeler, offers diners a world-class cabaret show and the finest, freshest international and Australian cuisine.

Day 2:

Kick off your day with a tour of The Rocks , where you can learn about the area’s indigenous heritage. Home to The Rocks Discovery Museum, Cadman’s Cottage, Sydney Learning Adventures, Susannah Place Museum and the award-winning Big Dig Archaeology and Education Centre, there’s also plenty of places to shop.

After a quick bite to eat, visit Sydney’s most iconic building, the Sydney Opera House . There is a great 30-minute tour that covers the wonders inside this World Heritage-listed miracle of architecture and engineering.

In the afternoon, head to Taronga Zoo to encounter the fantastic wildlife of Australia’s leading zoological garden, which is set against the beautiful backdrop of Sydney Harbour. Get close and personal for a photograph with a koala or feed a giraffe or one of the zoo's big cats.

To round things off, have dinner in one of Sydney’s most iconic locations, Luna Park . The site is a superbly restored 1930s amusement park located right beside the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Step off the ferry from Circular Quay and begin your evening with a fun carnival ride to get the party started!

Day 3:

Why not escape the city and explore New South Wales? Just 90 minutes west of Sydney is the World Heritage-listed Blue Mountains, one of Australia’s greatest natural wonders. Known for their dramatic geography, great walks, views and cultural sites of Aboriginal significance, the Blue Mountains are a great destination for a day trip.

You can also visit Tobruk Sheep Station for a ‘true blue’ Aussie farm experience, featuring whip cracking, boomerang throwing, a live working dog demonstration and a live sheep shearing demonstration. Or if you prefer, head to the Central Coast for horse riding, kayaking and quad bike riding.

For the perfect end to your long weekend, head back to the city and visit Sydney’s newest dining destination, Barangaroo , which is a short walk from our entertainment district, Darling Harbour.

Barangaroo offers plenty of exciting new dining concepts to tempt your tastebuds, delivered by award-winning local and celebrity chefs. It’s rooftop bars are also a great way to celebrate your time in Sydney.

Photography courtesy of Destination NSW

For further insight and tips on things to do during your stay, visit Business Events Sydney’s dedicated microsite