One Week in Sydney - an Itinerary

“Don’t worry about the world ending today. It’s already tomorrow in Australia” – Charles M Schultz
 
I had the pleasure of visiting my son in Australia while he was studying there, and I loved everything about it.  I nicknamed it British California. Here is my suggested itinerary for a week in Sydney:

Where you stay is very important. The public transportation is excellent, and the ferries are incredibly efficient. But staying in or near Circular Quay is close to the Rocks historic neighborhood, the Sydney Opera House, and to the ferries. I booked the Intercontinental Sydney very early and got a great rate.  I highly recommend it.
 
Day 1:
The Sydney Opera House (and look for Bennie!)
Royal Botanic Garden and Mrs. Macquarie's Chair
Lunch: Harry’s Café de Wheels
St. Mary’s Cathedral
Hyde Park and the Anzac Memorial
Victoria Park and the University of Sydney
Queen Victoria Building (QVB) for snack at Manon Brasserie
The Rocks and Cadman’s Cottage
Sydney Harbour Bridge
Dinner: The Lord Nelson Brewery & Hotel
 
Day 2:
Ferry to The Taronga  Zoo (+ Koala encounter)
Ferry to Manly Beach
Lunch: Fika!
Hike to Shelly Beach
Snack: Gelato at Anita’s
Ferry to Sydney, then walk to Darling Harbour, Barangaroo
Dinner: at Old Town Hong Kong
Night ferry back to Sydney
 
Day 3:
Brunch at The Tea Cozy in the Rocks
Sea Life Aquarium
Lunch: Old Town Hong Kong in Barangaroo
Australian National Maritime Museum
Dinner: The Gidley (best burger in the city)
 
Day 4:
Flight to Uluru
Hotel: Sails in the Desert, Ayers Rock Resort
Afternoon: Uluru Base and Sunset half day trip with BBQ Dinner
 
Day 5:
Sunrise Hike
Lunch at the resort
Flight back to Sydney
Explore the Rocks and the narrowest street
Dinner: Caminetto
 
Day 6:
Hunter Valley Wine Tour
PM: Swans game at the Sydney Cricket Ground
or Dinner at Spice Alley
 
Day 7:
Blue Mountains Wildlife full day sights and hiking
Animal sanctuary
The Three Sisters
Dinner: The Dining Room by James Viles, and sunset photo of the Opera House
Drinks at Aster Rooftop Bar on top of the Intercontinental

Day 8:
Brunch at The Tea Cozy in the Rocks
QVB Building - Oroton and Aboriginal Art Galleries
Westfield Tower - Sydney Tower Eye and shopping at Zimmerman
Ferry to Watson’s Bay
Hike Sydney Harbour National Park
Lunch at Doyle’s
Hike to Bondi Beach
Dinner on Circular Quay at Whalebridge
 
Day 9: Travel Day (s!) Home