| Most visitors to Australia commence their travels in | | | | harbour, stretching to the Pacific Ocean and on your |
| Sydney. This is not surprising. The beautiful harbour city | | | | left is north shore and Kirribilli, home to Australia's Prime |
| is Australia's premier holiday destination. | | | | Minister. |
| Here are 7 of its top attractions. | | | | When you reach Milson's Point on the north side of the |
| SYDNEY HARBOUR. | | | | bridge, why not buy a takeaway meal, walk to the |
| To really appreciate the natural beauty of Sydney, | | | | water's edge and enjoy the views of the Sydney |
| take a train and alight at Circular Quay station. Circular | | | | skyline, the bridge and the busy activity with ferries, |
| Quay is the gateway to the harbour and the visual | | | | yachts and cruise ships. |
| impact is stunning. There in front of you is the broad | | | | A short waterfront walk eastwards takes you to |
| expanse of water, Sydney Harbour, stretching from | | | | Kirribilli Point and more spectacular views. If you don't |
| "the heads" where it enters the South Pacific Ocean, | | | | feel like the walk back over the bridge, take the train |
| to the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Taking the escalator | | | | back to the city from Milson's Point station. |
| down to Circular Quay, you have a number of choices. | | | | BRIDGE CLIMB. |
| Here are some suggestions: | | | | It's expensive, but if you have a sense of adventure |
| FERRY TO MANLY. | | | | and aren't afraid of heights, try it. You will be rewarded |
| This is a great introduction to Sydney. It passes many | | | | with spectacular 360 degree views. The Bridge Climb |
| of the major Sydney attractions including the Opera | | | | check-in is located at The Rocks, a short distance |
| House and Fort Denison. The journey takes less than | | | | from the stairs leading to the bridge walkway. |
| half an hour. It is worthwhile spending 2 or 3 hours at | | | | OPERA HOUSE. |
| Manly enjoying the village atmosphere and if the | | | | Enquire about the guided tours, conducted regularly |
| weather is warm, enjoying a swim at one of Sydney's | | | | during the day. In the morning, you may witness |
| top beaches. If time permits, take a bus to some of | | | | concert practice for evening concerts. The tours are |
| Sydney's northern beaches and the beautiful inland | | | | comprehensive and a "must see" for your visit to |
| waterway, Pittwater. | | | | Sydney. It is well worth booking for an evening concert, |
| On the return ferry journey, try to time it so that you | | | | just to experience the atmosphere of the main |
| arrive at Circular Quay just on sunset. The outline of | | | | concert hall. The outside promenade area is a great |
| the bridge, with the setting sun in the background, is a | | | | place for viewing the Sydney skyline and the bridge. |
| magic holiday moment. | | | | ACCOMMODATION. |
| TORONGA PARK ZOO. | | | | Sydney offers a wide variety of quality |
| Take the ferry from Circular Quay to visit Australia's | | | | accommodation from 5 star hotels to backpackers. |
| best zoo. You will have the chance to see some of | | | | Many of the top hotels are located in The Rocks and |
| the wild life unique to Australia, including koalas, | | | | Darling Harbour areas, most with spectacular views. A |
| wombats, kangaroos and the very shy platypus. The | | | | number of 3 and 4 star hotels are located at King's |
| views over the harbour from Taronga Park are | | | | Cross, a popular area for restaurants and the "nightlife" |
| stunning. | | | | hub of the city. |
| THE ROCKS. | | | | Sydney is a popular destination with backpackers. |
| A brief walk west of Circular Quay takes you to the | | | | They love the night life, shopping, beaches, scenery |
| original site of convict settlement in Australia. It boasts | | | | and climate. Backpackers of all age groups from 20 to |
| some of Sydney's best restaurants. The | | | | 80 are looking for clean, cheap and safe |
| Rockscontains many old restored buildings and is a | | | | accommodation and youth hostels are the answer. |
| popular market area. It is worth a visit at any time but | | | | When I visit Sydney, I always stay in YHA Australia |
| a "must see" on Sunday mornings with the popular | | | | accommodation. There are 3 main hostels in Sydney |
| Rocks Market. The area comes alive with hundreds of | | | | and I have stayed at Sydney Central and Glebe. Both |
| street stalls selling food and a wide range of gifts. It is | | | | are clean and convenient. Sydney Central is |
| an ideal place to purchase unique Australian souvenirs. | | | | conveniently located just a few minutes' from Central |
| BRIDGE WALK. | | | | railway station. My daughter aged 22 stayed in both on |
| Start from The Rocks, alongside the south portal of | | | | a recent visit to Sydney and she commented on the |
| the bridge. Take the stairs to the walkway across the | | | | friendliness of the staff and how she felt "safe". This is |
| bridge and enjoy this spectacular free walk with some | | | | important for women traveling solo, in many cases, a |
| of the best views in Australia. On your right, is the | | | | long way from home. |
| Opera House and Circular Quay, in the middle, the | | | | |