Timeline
18:54
Start at the Hero of Waterloo. It is a sandstone and timber pub built in 1843 with a great colonial ambiance. Order a drink and settle in for an early evening wind-down before the crowds arrive.
19:39
Walk to Sydney Observatory. The parks and views of the harbour from Observatory Hill are exceptional. Arrive before the sun sets to find a good spot on the hill. You do not need to enter the building to enjoy the view, but if you want to book a night tour guided by an astronomer, do so in advance.
20:09
Watch the sunset. The sun sets toward the WSW. The golden light starts about 36 minutes before, so you have been positioned perfectly to see the sky change colour over the water.
20:54
End the night at the Fortune of War. Claiming to be Sydney's oldest pub and continuously licensed since 1830, it offers a wide range of beers on tap. It is a cosy place to reflect on the day, especially after a day spent looking up at the sky.
Local tip
The Observatory is closed on Good Friday, Christmas Day, and Boxing Day. If you are visiting on other days, daytime admission is free, but night tours cost between $14 and $22 depending on age.
Check before you go
- Sydney Observatory is open Daily 10AM–5PM for daytime visits. Night tours require separate booking.
- The Fortune of War and Hero of Waterloo are pubs with no specific opening hours listed in the context, so expect them to be open in the evening.
Built from places in the Wikivoyage guide to Sydney (CC BY-SA 4.0), with open map data from OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).