Honeymoon in Sydney - A guide for newlyweds

Is Sydney a great honeymoon destination?

Sydney is one of the best places to honeymoon for couples who want it all. It’s all your honeymoon dreams compiled into one amazing trip with plenty of iconic sights, golden sandy beaches, bushwalks, camping, museums, animals and so much more.

The Down-Under overdelivers when it comes to offering up a myriad of adventures mixed in with all the elements of a perfect romantic getaway. You tick off some incredible bucket-list experiences, while creating memories that will last a lifetime. 

When’s the best time to visit?

While you might find yourself faced with a flock of other tourists, late Spring is the perfect time to pay a visit to Sydney. Ideally, between September and November is the prime time to plan your trip, before it gets too hot and you find yourself stuck by the pool without the energy to get out and about and see the sights.

Sydney sun is harsh and strong, so make sure you load yourself up with plenty of sunscreen ahead of time to combat it. It’s one of reasons not to honeymoon in Sydney during the hottest months of the year. 

Top attractions to visit

You’re spoilt for choice when it comes to checking out the sights of Sydney. 

Opera House

No trip to Sydney is complete without heading to the iconic Opera House and snapping a photo with the impressive Harbour Bridge behind you. A walk around Circular Quay is pretty spectacular, with views across the Harbour. One of the best things to do is grab an ice-cream from the nearby shop and just wander on foot taking it all in. 

Insider tip:

Check out what’s showing at the Opera House during your stay. You can often add on a tour with any performance, giving you the ultimate insider experience. It’s one thing to wander round the Opera House, it’s another entirely to see a performance take place inside.

If you have an adventurous side, then consider booking in the Harbour Bridge climb. It’s definitely an experience like no other, with sights that stretch for days. Be sure to book this before you arrive to avoid disappointment.

Royal Botanic Garden Sydney

From the Opera House, you can head straight over to the entrance to the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney. Take your time strolling through the lush exotic trees and beautiful blooming flowers.

Again, it helps to check the website and see if they have any events coming up during your stay. From Shakespeare in the Garden (often playing during school holidays), to high tea events, you may find a more intimate and exciting way to enjoy this space.

Circular Quay to Manly Ferry

If there’s one thing you have to do during your honeymoon in Sydney, it’s jump on an iconic Sydney ferry and cross the Harbour. Feel the wind in your hair as you pass the Harbour Bridge for some of the most incredible, up-close views you can get.

At the other end, it’s time for a little relaxation. Walk the Manly Corso and check out the shops, pubs, cafes, galleries and street entertainment, before throwing your towel out on Manly Beach and enjoying some well-deserved downtime in your travels.

Taronga Zoo

There’s no other zoo quite like the iconic Taronga Zoo. Its iconic backdrop makes it one of the most visually stunning zoos to visit, with plenty of animals waiting for you. If you come by ferry (a popular choice), then you start off your trip with a cable car ride to get you to the top of the zoo. It’s a great chance to enjoy some sky-high sights. If you arrive by car or bus, put the cable car on top of your to-do list. When it’s not too busy, you can do a round trip that brings you back to the top.

Plan your day around the animal talks and shows. The seal show isn’t to be missed (just don’t sit too close to the front unless you’re willing to get wet!) and the bird show will have your neck craning as you look up and see some amazing creatures.

Bondi to Tamarama Walk

Hope you packed those walking shoes for your honeymoon, as this is one walk you want to take. The walk itself is just 2.3 kilometres (not too strenuous!), but it's brimming with stunning scenery and panoramic views of the ocean, cliffs and sand along the way. Do be warned, there are some steep stairs involved, and it can get very busy during the holidays.

If you’re feeling up to it, take the walk back again and settle down at Bondi Icebergs, which is an experience in itself. Their famous pool is located right in front and is perfect for a dip after a long walk.

Day Trips

While Sydney has plenty on offer to keep you busy for days on end, it would be remiss to plan a trip without taking some time out to experience a day trip or two around the area.

Hunter Valley

The ideal day trip for honeymooners in Sydney, where you can soak up the country scenery while you sample some of Australia’s best cheese, wine and chocolate along the way. You can hire a car for the day to help you get around some of the wineries in the area, or jump on a tour bus and let them guide you. 

Pop the Hunter Valley Gardens on your to-visit list, where you can walk around their beautiful landscaped gardens, and may even find rides there too. They often host seasonal events, so be sure to check their website before your trip (the Hunter Valley Christmas lights go from November to the end of January and are incredible).

There’s plenty of wineries in the area from Peterson House and Audrey Wilkinson to Tulloch Wines and Calais Estate Winery. Grab a mpa before you drive to map out a route, or jump on a tour bus and let them handle the itinerary. The choice is yours!

Blue Mountains

No trip to Sydney is complete without setting your sights on the iconic Three Sisters. You could spend days checking out the Blue Mountains, but a day trip is also perfect to squeeze in some of the highlights.

Stop in at the stunning town of Leura where you can feast your eyes on the heritage homes and gardens. Plan a stop in at Josophan’s Fine Chocolates for some delicious handmade truffles and check out the shops around the area.

Keep driving and check out Evan’s Lookout for some breathtaking views around the area, and of course, the iconic Three Sisters. If you have your walking shoes on, then make the track to another vantage point at Govetts Lap Lookout near Blackheath.

Central Coast

Just 1.5 hours from Sydney, if you love the beautiful sandy beaches, then add Central Coast to your day-trip list. Spend your day beach hopping around the area, or pick one and enjoy relaxing back on the sandy shores for the day.

Terrigal is the main tourist destination in the area with plenty of boutique shops, trendy cafes, swimming, snorkelling and more. The Entrance is another buzzing spot full of friendly pelicans and a delicious ice-cream parlour. They also often have rides right on the shorefront, and markets on different days of the week.

If you’re looking for something a little more tranquil, 10 minutes down the road you will find yourself at Avoca Beach where you can enjoy perfect surf, a rockpool and lagoon for water activities. 

Orange

If you’re looking to escape into the countryside, Orange is the perfect place. It’s the lesser-known brother of the Hunter Valley where you can enjoy all the good cheeses, wines and chocolates with fewer crowds.

Tour the wineries and choose from their various tasting options, from Philip Shaw to Dindima, you’ll find some tastings are free, while others have a small charge.

There’s plenty of history in this area as well. You can check out Ophir and its gold mining past, and explore the area with plenty of self-guided walking tours. If it’s stunning views you’re after then take the short walk to Pinnacle Lookout (with a pretty steep staircase) where you can see out over Towac Valley.

End your day with a stop in at Millthorpe Village, where it will feel like you’re stepping back in time with the small-village charm. There’s some adorable, quaint shops to visit as you wander.

Kangaroo Valley

Two hours from Sydney, Kangaroo Valley is home to dazzling rivers, farms and plenty of wilderness to explore. There’s plenty to see you through the day.

On your way there, be sure to stop in Kiama to see the Kiama Blowhole - the largest in the world. Depending on conditions, it can blow up to 25 metres high. From here, head to Kangaroo River, where you can simply admire the scenery, or settle your thirst for adventure with a kayak down it.

Make your way into town for lots of boutiques and craft shops to wander. It's full of historical buildings, with plenty of cafes to relax back and people watch from. Just 20-minutes away you will find the scenic Fitzroy Falls, which is the perfect spot for enjoying a bushwalk and bird watching, or simply settling back at the local cafes. There’s three waterfalls in the park, with varying walks to get you there.

How long do you need to spend in Sydney on Honeymoon?

If you want to tackle as many sights as possible, while still allowing for downtime and day trips to some amazing places nearby, it helps to set aside about a week to make your way around Sydney.

This can be one of the downsides to choosing Sydney as a honeymoon destination. You want to make sure you have plenty of time to spare and funds saved up to really get the most out of this destination. Of course, you can still make it work no matter what with the help of FLT who can do the planning for you. 

Saving for your Honeymoon trip

If there’s one time in your life you want to be able to enjoy your relaxation time without the stress of overspending, it’s on your honeymoon. It helps to put a savings plan into place as you prepare for the trip, and realistically consider how long you might be able to travel for. As a couple, a week in Sydney (without the airfares), will cost you from $3000-$5000 depending on your accommodation and eating habits. 

Have we given you the Aussie travel bug? We can help with that!

Our Australia Honeymoon Packages and Itineraries are a great place to start or Contact Us to discuss a bespoke honeymoon itinerary developed with our expert travel consultants.