7 Days Girls’ Trip: Sydney, Wine Country and Beach Clubs
Planning a girls’ trip that blends sparkling city energy with lazy beach days and world-class wine? Sydney overflows with sun-soaked shoreline, iconic landmarks, trendy dining, and easy access to the Hunter Valley, Australia’s oldest wine region. This 7 day Sydney itinerary is crafted for best friends who want stylish stays, scenic adventures, and a polished nightlife scene with a glass of Semillon or a spritz in hand.
From Bondi’s photogenic pool to skyline sunsets at Opera Bar, from Manly’s breezy ferry ride to sunrise hot air ballooning over vineyards, you will hit the highlights and the hidden gems. The plan below balances must-see sights with plenty of downtime so you never feel rushed. It is designed for seamless logistics, photo-ready moments, and memories that will feel golden long after the tan fades.
Ready to plan a 7 day girls’ trip to Sydney with wine country and beach clubs? Here is everything you need to book with confidence.
Why Sydney is the ultimate girls’ getaway
Sydney delivers the full spectrum of fun. Think glistening harbor views, upscale shopping, vibrant rooftop bars, health-forward brunch hotspots, and beach-life ease. Add a two-day escape to the Hunter Valley and you have a sophisticated mix of city glam and countryside serenity.
- Easy to navigate: Ferries, light rail, and rideshare make getting around simple.
- Perfect weather most of the year: Expect mild winters, warm summers, and plenty of blue-sky days.
- Food culture that shines: Coastal seafood, Asian-inspired menus, and major fine dining.
- Safe and welcoming: Great for groups who want to explore day and night.
- Proven wine country within reach: The Hunter Valley is an iconic tasting destination only a few hours away.
🌤️ Weather Note: Australia's seasons are opposite to the Northern Hemisphere. Summer runs December-February, Winter June-August. Check our destination guides for specific timing recommendations.
When to go and how to get around
Best time to visit Sydney
- September to November and March to May offer warm weather, fewer crowds, and great hotel rates.
- Summer from December to February is beachy and buzzing, but also peak season.
- Winter from June to August is mild compared to many cities. You will still enjoy sunny days and lower prices.
Getting around
- Public transport: Tap on with a contactless card or an Opal card. Ferries are scenic and efficient for harbor travel.
- Rideshare and taxis: Reliable within the city, especially for nights out and late dinners.
- Car rental: Not needed in Sydney, but useful for the wine country segment. If no one wants to drive, book a private driver or a small-group tour for the Hunter Valley.
Where to stay in Sydney for a stylish base
Choose a neighborhood that matches your vibe. For a girls’ trip, you will likely want great dining nearby, walkability, and easy transport.
- CBD and Circular Quay: Steps from the Opera House, ferries, luxury shopping, and rooftop bars. Hotels to consider: QT Sydney, Kimpton Margot Sydney, The Langham Sydney, Crown Towers Sydney, InterContinental Sydney, Park Hyatt Sydney.
- The Rocks: Historic lanes, harbor views, and great pubs. Boutique and upscale options.
- Surry Hills and Darlinghurst: Trendy cafes, wine bars, and creative boutiques. Hotels to consider: Paramount House Hotel, Crystalbrook Albion, The Old Clare Hotel.
- Bondi: Beach mornings and cool, coastal nights. Hotels to consider: QT Bondi, Adina Apartment Hotel Bondi Beach, Hotel Ravesis.
- Manly: Laid-back, chic beach vibe with a quick ferry to the CBD. Hotel to consider: Manly Pacific.
Tip: If your focus is nightlife and beach clubs, position yourselves near the CBD, The Rocks, or Bondi. You will be a short ride from most spots on this itinerary.
Your 7 day girls’ trip itinerary at a glance
- Day 1: Harbour icons, The Rocks, and sunset cocktails
- Day 2: Bondi to Coogee coastal walk, Icebergs swim, Coogee Pavilion rooftop
- Day 3: Manly ferry, Shelly Beach snorkel, rooftop drinks in Barangaroo
- Day 4: Drive to the Hunter Valley, winery tastings, spa time, dinner at a top vineyard restaurant
- Day 5: Sunrise ballooning, long lunch, and a relaxed vineyard afternoon
- Day 6: Back to Sydney, Watsons Bay Beach Club, Camp Cove, Bondi night out
- Day 7: Paddington and Surry Hills brunch, spa afternoon, final evening by the harbor
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1: Harbour icons and welcome cocktails
Start where Sydney shines brightest. Check into your hotel, freshen up, and set out for the city’s most photogenic corners.
- Stroll Circular Quay for first glimpses of the Harbour Bridge and Opera House.
- Walk through the Royal Botanic Garden to Mrs Macquarie’s Chair for sweeping skyline shots.
- Take a guided Opera House tour if you want culture with your camera roll.
- Explore The Rocks, with its sandstone lanes, indie shops, and weekend markets.
Golden hour plan: Slip into something chic and head to Opera Bar. The view is a postcard, the cocktails are polished, and the energy is pure Sydney. For dinner, pick your mood:
- Bennelong or Aria for fine dining with harbor views.
- Mr. Wong for Cantonese favorites in a glamorous setting.
- Bar Totti’s or NOMAD for share plates and a spirited scene.
Nightcap options: The Glenmore rooftop in The Rocks or Henry Deane at Hotel Palisade for skyline sparkle.
Day 2: Bondi bliss and a coastal walk to remember
Brunch is a ritual in Sydney, and Bondi does it best. Start at Porch and Parlour or Bills Bondi for fresh, colorful plates.
- Swim or lounge at the Bondi Icebergs pool. The turquoise lap lanes perched above the Pacific are a must.
- Hit the Bondi to Coogee coastal walk. Pace yourselves so you can stop at Tamarama and Bronte for photos and beach breaks.
- Lunch at North Bondi Fish for seafood and sparkling water views.
End your coastal day at Coogee Pavilion Rooftop. It has a beach club feel, playful decor, and Mediterranean-inspired cocktails. If the group wants a night out later, return to the CBD and book a table at Ivy Pool Club for a poolside party in the heart of the city.
Day 3: Manly escape and rooftop sunsets
Ride the ferry from Circular Quay to Manly for a breezy morning on the water. Grab coffee at Manly Wharf, then walk the promenade to Shelly Beach.
- Snorkel the clear waters of Cabbage Tree Bay Aquatic Reserve.
- Brunch at The Boathouse Shelly Beach for pretty plates and relaxed beachy styling.
- Shop Manly’s boutiques or rent bikes to explore further along the coast.
Afternoon drinks at Manly Greenhouse rooftop are a crowd-pleaser. When you ferry back, head to Barangaroo for dinner and a rooftop finale:
- Dine at Cirrus for seafood, or try Ume Burger for casual waterfront bites.
- Sip at Smoke rooftop bar atop Barangaroo House for city lights and late-night chatter.
Day 4: Off to wine country in the Hunter Valley
Time to trade surf for vines. Pick up a rental car in the morning or meet your private driver for a direct ride to the Hunter Valley, about 2 to 2.5 hours north of Sydney.
Check into your vineyard base:
- Spicers Guesthouse or Spicers Vineyards Estate for boutique luxury.
- Château Élan for a resort feel with spa.
- voco Kirkton Park, The Convent, or Oaks Cypress Lakes for group-friendly stays.
Winery tastings to begin your afternoon:
- Audrey Wilkinson for epic valley views and elegant whites.
- Tyrrell’s, a historic name known for sublime Semillon.
- Scarborough Wine Co. for a structured, sit-down tasting ideal for friends.
Break up tastings with a cheese board at Hunter Valley Cheese Co. or a chocolate pit stop at Hunter Valley Chocolate Company.
Dinner: Book early for Muse Restaurant at Hungerford Hill or EXP. Restaurant. Both deliver refined plates that showcase the region with serious style.
Day 5: Balloons, vineyards, and a long lunch
Wake early for a sunrise hot air balloon ride if you want a once-in-a-lifetime moment. The patchwork of vines below makes for a dreamy panorama and stunning group photos.
Follow with breakfast and an easy touring day:
- Pepper Tree Wines or De Iuliis for top-quality Hunter varieties.
- Brokenwood Wines for sleek architecture and an impressive tasting lineup.
- Krinklewood in Broke for biodynamic wines and a serene, European-style setting.
- Keith Tulloch Wines for a tasting terrace near Cocoa Nib chocolate.
Long lunch picks:
- Bistro Molines at Tallavera Grove for Provençal charm and rolling vineyard views.
- Circa 1876 at The Convent for country elegance and garden-to-plate dining.
- Margan in Broke for a seasonal, estate-driven menu.
Spa time: Treat yourselves to a late afternoon treatment at Château Élan Spa or relax by the pool at your accommodation. Early night optional, or enjoy a firepit wine chat under the stars.
Day 6: Watsons Bay Beach Club and Eastern Suburbs glam
Return to Sydney after breakfast. Check back into your city hotel or shift to Bondi for a fun final fling by the sea.
Make your way to Watsons Bay for a quintessential Sydney beach club day:
- Lunch and spritzes at The Beach Club at Watsons Bay Boutique Hotel. The vibe is nautical, chic, and pure weekend mood.
- Swim at Camp Cove, one of Sydney’s prettiest harbor beaches.
- Short coastal walk to Hornby Lighthouse for clifftop views of the Pacific.
Return to Bondi in time for sunset at Icebergs Balcony Bar or catch dinner at Totti’s Bondi for wood-fired bread and burrata that always hits the spot. If you still have energy, hop to Coogee Bay Hotel or Manly Wharf Bar, or keep it central with a late-night rooftop near your hotel.
Day 7: Brunch, spa, and one last sparkle
Ease into your final day with a beautiful brunch:
- Surry Hills: Reuben Hills or Paramount Coffee Project for inventive coffee culture.
- Paddington: The Nine or Jackies for relaxed, stylish fare.
- Alexandria: The Grounds of Alexandria for a floral courtyard and tons of photo moments.
Shop along Paddington’s Oxford Street and The Intersection for Australian labels, or browse the boutiques on Crown Street in Surry Hills for local designers.
Spa afternoon: Book treatments at The Darling Spa or Crown Spa Sydney to reset before your flight. Alternatively, spend a leisurely hour at the MCA rooftop cafe for art and harbor views.
Final evening:
- Early cocktails at Henry Deane or The Glenmore rooftop.
- A last lap through Circular Quay for night photos of the Opera House.
- Farewell dinner at Cho Cho San in Potts Point or NOMAD in Surry Hills for a warm, contemporary finale.
Beach clubs and rooftop bars you will love
Sydney’s beach club scene is more refined than rowdy, with rooftop terraces and harborside venues that pair fresh menus with sea breezes. Book groups ahead for the best tables.
- Watsons Bay Beach Club, Watsons Bay: Nautical stripes, seafood platters, and sunny rosé on the harbor.
- Coogee Pavilion Rooftop, Coogee: Mediterranean-inspired spaces with ocean views and playful, summery details.
- Bondi Icebergs Club, Bondi: Dine above the famous pool. The view is what you came for.
- North Bondi Fish, Bondi: Not a club, but a beachy-chic spot for long lunches and spritzes.
- Manly Greenhouse Rooftop, Manly: Coastal rooftop with panoramic views and a lively vibe.
- Ivy Pool Club, CBD: A glamorous inner-city pool bar with cabanas and DJ sets.
- Smoke at Barangaroo House, Barangaroo: Sleek rooftop with inventive cocktails and skyline vistas.
- Opera Bar, Circular Quay: The iconic harborside terrace for sunset rounds.
- Henry Deane at Hotel Palisade, Millers Point: Art deco charm and sweeping views over the harbor.
- The Glenmore Rooftop, The Rocks: Classic pub rooftop with Opera House views and a relaxed crowd.
Wine country cheat sheet: Hunter Valley
Make the most of your vineyard detour with these quick essentials.
- Getting there: Drive 2 to 2.5 hours from Sydney via the M1, or book a private driver for comfort and flexibility.
- Tasting reservations: Essential on weekends and holidays. Scheduling tastings back-to-back makes logistics easy.
- Designated driver: Australian drink-driving laws are strict. Use a sober driver or a tour operator.
- Tasting fees: Expect around AUD 10 to 20 per tasting. Often refundable with bottle purchase.
Top cellar doors to consider:
- Audrey Wilkinson
- Tyrrell’s Wines
- Brokenwood Wines
- Scarborough Wine Co.
- Pepper Tree Wines
- De Iuliis
- Keith Tulloch Wines
- Krinklewood Biodynamic Winery
- Glandore Estate
- Tamburlaine Organic Wines
Dining highlights:
- Muse Restaurant, EXP. Restaurant, Bistro Molines, Circa 1876, Margan, Yellow Billy.
- Casual gems include cheese boards at Hunter Belle Cheese and treats at Cocoa Nib.
Where to stay:
- Boutique luxury: Spicers Guesthouse, Spicers Vineyards Estate, Tower Lodge.
- Resort style: Château Élan, Oaks Cypress Lakes.
- Stylish comfort: voco Kirkton Park, The Convent.
Dining guide for a girls’ trip
Sydney’s food scene swings from minimalist seafood to eclectic Asian flavors, with standout brunch culture and late-night bites near the water.
Brunch favorites:
- Bills Bondi
- Porch and Parlour
- Reuben Hills
- Paramount Coffee Project
- The Grounds of Alexandria
- Edition Roasters
Casual and share-style:
- Totti’s Bondi
- Chin Chin Sydney
- Bar Totti’s
- Cho Cho San
- MuMu
- Butter (fried chicken and champagne, a fun combo)
Upscale evenings:
- Bennelong
- Quay
- Aria
- Firedoor
- Bentley Restaurant + Bar
- Oncore by Clare Smyth
Sweet treats:
- Gelato Messina
- Black Star Pastry
- Flour and Stone
Tip: Book your top picks 2 to 4 weeks ahead for prime times, especially for groups of four or more.
Budget and booking tips
- Hotels: Mid to high season can run from AUD 250 to 600 per room per night. Early bookings often secure better rates.
- Dining: Brunch around AUD 20 to 35 per person, casual dinners around AUD 30 to 60, fine dining significantly higher.
- Bars: Cocktails AUD 20 to 28.
- Transport: Daily public transport spend is typically under AUD 15 if you are using ferries and trains.
- Wine country: Tastings AUD 10 to 20 each, hot air ballooning from AUD 300 to 450, private drivers from around AUD 600 to 900 per day depending on duration and group size.
Money-saving ideas:
- Use ferries for scenic routes instead of harbor cruises.
- Plan picnics at beachside parks.
- Choose group-friendly shared plates for a festive, cost-effective dinner.
What to pack for a 7 day girls’ trip to Sydney
- Swimwear and a quick-dry towel
- Sun hat, sunglasses, reef-safe sunscreen
- Light dresses and linen separates for day
- Smart-casual outfits for dinners and rooftops
- Comfortable sandals and walking shoes
- A light jacket or wrap for breezy evenings
- Compact crossbody bag and a reusable water bottle
- Portable charger for phones and cameras
- A soft tote for beach days and market finds
Dress code note: Most venues in Sydney lean smart casual. Sandals are fine for many places, but closed-toe shoes can help at late-night venues with stricter entry policies.
Photo spots and must-snap moments
- Opera House from the forecourt and from across the water at The Glenmore rooftop
- Mrs Macquarie’s Chair for a perfect skyline frame
- Bondi Icebergs pool and the Bondi to Coogee coastal walk
- Manly ferry deck with the Harbour Bridge behind you
- Watsons Bay cliffs near Hornby Lighthouse
- Wendy’s Secret Garden in Lavender Bay
- Barangaroo and the curved architecture along the waterfront
- Paddington’s terrace houses and Surry Hills murals
Responsible and safe travel tips
- Sun safety: Australian UV is strong. Reapply sunscreen often and carry a hat.
- Beach awareness: Swim between the red and yellow flags at patrolled beaches.
- Hydration: Carry water and take breaks during the coastal walk.
- Respectful tastings: Sip strategically in the Hunter and eat between stops.
- Cultural respect: Acknowledge Traditional Custodians of the land and visit museums and galleries that celebrate First Nations art and history.
- Sustainable choices: Refill bottles, recycle, and choose venues that prioritize local, seasonal produce.
Frequently asked questions
-
Is 7 days enough for Sydney and the Hunter Valley?
Yes. This itinerary hits icons and neighborhoods while dedicating two days to wine country, which feels relaxed yet complete. -
Do we need a car for this trip?
No for Sydney, yes for total flexibility in the Hunter. If you prefer not to drive, book a private driver or small-group wine tour for Day 4 and Day 5. -
Can we add the Blue Mountains?
If you want a nature-focused day trip, the Blue Mountains are beautiful. You could swap Day 3 or Day 6 for a guided day tour to Katoomba and Wentworth Falls, but you will lose some beach time. -
Are there beach clubs in Sydney like Europe or Bali?
Sydney’s version leans toward beachside bars, rooftops, and harborside terraces. Watsons Bay Beach Club, Coogee Pavilion Rooftop, Ivy Pool Club, and Bondi Icebergs deliver the vibe you are after.
How to book your girls’ trip in three steps
- Lock in flights and hotel: Choose a central base near Circular Quay or Bondi, then add two nights in the Hunter Valley.
- Reserve the big moments: Opera House tour, hot air ballooning, Muse or Bistro Molines, Ivy Pool Club table, and key rooftop bars for sunset time.
- Fill in the fun: Schedule winery tastings, pick your brunches, and plan a mix of beach time and shopping.
Conclusion: The girls’ trip you will talk about for years
Sydney is a coastal city that treats you to the best of both worlds. Your mornings shimmer with harbor light and ocean views, afternoons drift between rooftop cocktails and sandy swims, and evenings slide into delicious dinners and late-night laughs. When you add a two day sojourn to the Hunter Valley, the rhythm feels indulgent yet effortless. Tasting flights, long lunches, and spa time create a peaceful interlude that makes your return to the city feel brand new again.
Use this 7 day Sydney itinerary to shape a trip that is equal parts glam and chill. Book the headliners early, leave space for spontaneous detours, and say yes to the extra round at sunset. The result is a girls’ trip that flows beautifully, captures Sydney’s best angles, and gives you time together that feels both carefree and curated. You will be planning your reunion the moment you land back home.