Sydney is the capital city of the State of New South Wales, and the largest and oldest city in Australia. It is located on Australia's southeastern coast, and Sydney harbour, a bustling expanse of pleasure craft, cruise boats, passenger and freight ships, as well as ferries and rivercats which carry people to and from the city and the surrounding harbour and riverside suburbs. Be sure to visit two of Sydney’s famous landmarks, the Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge, which you can even climb if you’re brave enough! No visit to Sydney is complete without getting some sand between your toes at famous Bondi Beach.

Sydney is Australia's oldest city, the economic powerhouse of the nation and the country's capital in everything but name. It's blessed with sun-drenched natural attractions, dizzy skyscrapers, delicious and daring restaurants, superb shopping and friendly folk.

Although it's come a long way from its beginnings, Sydney still has a rough and ready energy, and offers an invigorating blend of the old and the new, the raw and the refined. While high culture attracts some to the Opera House, gaudy nightlife attracts others to Kings Cross.

March-April or October-November are a delight, with clear, warm days and mild nights. Sydney is blessed with a temperate climate and averages summer temperatures of around 25°C (77°F). It can get up to 40°C (104°F) on a hot day, and high humidity can make it oppressive, but torrential downpours often break the heat between October and March. Winters are cool rather than cold. Beach lovers unperturbed by the hazards of lizard skin and melanomas should come between December and February.

Sydney is comfortable to visit at any time of year, but unless you enjoy humidity, broken by the odd torrential downpour, keep away in summer. Autumn is delightful, especially around March and April, with clear, warm days and mild nights. In Spring (September to November) there's more chance of rain, but it usually clears quickly. Average temperatures are around 25°C (77°F), though it can get to over 40°C (104°F) in summer. By and large, Sydney enjoys well over 300 sunny days a year.

Sydney isn't a dangerous city but the usual big-city rules apply: never leave cars or rooms unlocked, never leave luggage unattended, never show big wads of money, never get drunk in the company of strangers and never walk through parks alone late at night. Use extra caution in Kings Cross, which attracts drifters from all over Australia and gutter-crawlers from all over Sydney. If you're unlucky enough to have something stolen, immediately report it to the nearest police station.

It seems superfluous to mention it, but don't go swimming if you've been drinking alcohol. The surf life-saving clubs aren't there for show - many people are rescued from the surf each year. Shark attacks are extremely rare. Some major beaches, especially around Sydney, have shark-netting to deter sharks from cruising along the beaches. If a siren sounds while you're swimming leave the water quickly but calmly. There are a few poisonous marine animals (such as the blue-ringed octopus, whose bite can be fatal, but only twice in the last hundred years!).

There are a few nasty spiders in Sydney, including the funnel-web, the redback and the white-tail. Check your shoes before putting your feet in them - the funnel-web bite can also be fatal. For redback bites, apply ice and seek medical attention.

Sydney is getting there in terms of disabled access for its citizens and visitors. Most of Sydney's attractions are accessible by wheelchair, and all new or renovated buildings must, by law, include wheelchair access. Older buildings can pose some problems and some restaurants and entertainment venues aren't quite up to scratch.

A number of taxis accommodate wheelchairs - advise the operator when making a telephone booking. Sydney has lots of parking spaces reserved for disabled drivers. International drivers should contact the RTA (www.rta.nsw.gov.au) as a temporary parking permit is needed.

Most of Sydney's major attractions offer hearing loops and sign-language interpreters for hearing-impaired travellers. It's best to check in advance though. Many new buildings incorporate architectural features helpful to the vision impaired, such as textured floor details at the top and bottom of stairs. Sydney's pedestrian crossings feature sound cues.

Every nationality except New Zealanders need visas. Tourist visas and Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) visas are valid for three months, but longer-term visas can be applied for. The processing of ETAs often costs around A$15; standard visas cost around A$45.

When it comes to prohibited goods, there are a few things you should be particularly conscientious about. The first is drugs, which customs authorities are adept at sniffing out - unless you want to make a first-hand investigation of conditions in Australian jails, don't bring illegal drugs in with you. And note that all medicines must be declared.

The second is all food, plant material and animal products. You will be asked to declare on arrival all goods of animal, or plant origin (wooden spoons, straw hats, the lot) and show them to a quarantine officer. The authorities are naturally keen to protect Australia's unique environment and important agricultural industries by preventing weeds, pests or diseases getting into the country - Australia has so far managed to escape many of the pests and diseases prevalent elsewhere in the world. And if you lug in a souvenir, such as a drum with animal hide for a skin, or a wooden article (though these items are not strictly prohibited they are strictly subject to inspection) that shows signs of insect damage, it won't get through without treatment. Weapons and firearms are either prohibited or require a permit and safety testing. Other restricted goods include products made from protected wildlife species(such as animal skins, coral or ivory), unapproved telecommunications devices and live animals.

Sydney Harbour's sandstone headlands, dramatic cliffs and stunning beaches define the city. But whichever way you look, from the white sails of the harbour to the arc of the Coathanger to the toned flesh on Bondi, Sydney is serious eye-candy.

2 Danks Street
Tel: 02 9361 4555 (info)
If the wonderful Danks Street Depot café isn't enough to tempt you off the beaten track to Waterloo, the nine commercial galleries that inhabit this warehouse conversion should push you over the edge. They encompass a broad range of contemporary art, including Aboriginal and Pacific art, photography, sculpture, painting and jewellery.
Web: http://www.2danksstreet.com.au

Aboriginal Rock Engravings
On the golf course a short walk north (and uphill) from Bondi Beach, you'll find some interesting Aboriginal rock engravings. Look for the fenced areas about 20m southeast of the enormous chimney. The original carvings had to be regrooved by Waverley Council in the 1960s in order to preserve them. Some of the figures are a little hard to distinguish, though you should be able to make out the marine life and the figure of a man. There's also a great lookout at the end of Ramsgate Ave with stunning views back over Bondi Beach.

Anzac Bridge
Completed in 1996, Sydney's other eye-catching bridge spans Johnstons Bay, connecting Pyrmont and Rozelle. At 345m in length it's the longest cable bridge in Australia, offering great views as you stroll into the city from the west. The two main towers are shaped like the eye of a needle, with the road as the thread. The Anzac theme is reinforced by an Australian flag atop the eastern tower, a New Zealand flag on the western, and a bronze statue of a soldier.

Art Gallery of NSW
Tel: 02 9225 1744 (info)
With its elegant Classical Greek frontage and modern rear end, the state's main gallery has an outstanding permanent display of Australian art (including a substantial Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander collection), a well-regarded Asian gallery, a Western collection starting from the 16th century, and some inspired temporary exhibits (prices vary). The frequently controversial, much-debated Archibald Prize exhibition is held here every March, with portraits of the famous and not-so-famous bringing out the art critic in every Sydneysider. There are free guided tours leaving on the hour from 11:00 to 14:00 (Tue-Sun), and wheelchair access is good.
Web: http://www.artgallery.nsw.gov.au

Aurora Place
Tel: 02 8243 4400 (info)
Renzo Piano designed this complex of offices (purported to be Australia's most expensive), apartments and shops, and its bold lines and graceful mass still look pretty impressive from a distance. Comparing Aurora Place with the simple timelessness of Australia Square makes for an interesting architectural study.
Web: http://www.auroraplace.com.au

Australian Museum
Tel: 02 9320 6000 (info)
This natural-history museum, established only 40 years after the First Fleet dropped anchor, has an excellent Australian wildlife collection (including some cool skeletons) and a gallery tracing Aboriginal history and the Dreamtime. There's a half-hour indigenous performance at noon and 14:00 every Sunday, and a whole heap of fun programmes for kids. It's also wheelchair accessible.
Web: http://www.amonline.net.au

Australian National Maritime Museum
Tel: 02 9298 3777 (info)
This museum is the place to learn about Australia's ongoing relationship with the sea. Inside, guided tours take place several times a day; or you can make your own way through the numerous displays, videos and installations, including a navy helicopter, a sailboat made of beer cans and the jet-propelled holder of the world speed record on water. Occasionally a replica of James Cook's Endeavour also drops anchor.
Web: http://www.anmm.gov.au

Australia's Northern Territory & Outback Centre
Tel: 02 9283 7477 (info)
Acting as both a tourist agency for the Northern Territory and a retail outlet for authentic Aboriginal and Australiana-type goods, the centre has such items as woomeras (spear-throwers), musical clap sticks and bullroarers (ceremonial instruments). Free Sounds of the Outback performances take place three times a day.
Web: http://www.outbackcentre.com.au

Australia Square
Tel: 02 8247 5200 (info)
Generally acknowledged as Sydney's first major office block, Australia Square was designed by local phenomenon Harry Seidler in the early 1960s. His 50-storey design has a distinctive circular form and airy open plaza at the base with shops below. Head up to Orbit in the 47th-floor revolving restaurant for breathtaking views that will only cost the price of a drink.
Web: http://www.australiasquare.net

Barrenjoey Lighthouse
Located at the tip of the northern beaches peninsula (and in an annexe of Ku-Ring-Gai Chase National Park) is this historic lighthouse (1881). You'll need sturdy shoes for the steep 40-minute hike (no toilets!), but superb views across Pittwater await. On Sundays short tours start every half hour from 11:00- 15:00; there is no need to book ahead.
Web: http://www.lighthouse.net.au

Bondi Beach
Sydney's (indeed, Australia's) most famous beach, Bondi lures people from around the world with its promise of sun, sand, surf and exposed skin, and all just 8km from the CBD. The average water temperature is a pleasant 21°C. If you don't like it rough, there are saltwater swimming pools at either end. You can also see Aboriginal rock engravings a short walk north.

Botany Bay National Park
This 456-hectare national park lies at the entrance of Botany Bay, 15km south of the Harbour. Captain Cook landed here in 1770. His landing place is marked on the Monument Track, a 1½km-long walk at Kurnell on the southern side of the bay. The nearby Discovery Centre has material relating to Cook's life and expeditions, an exhibition about the first contact between Cook's crew and the local people, and information on the surrounding wetlands.
Web: http://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/parks.nsf

Brett Whiteley Studio
Tel: 02 9225 1881 (info)
Down a small lane in a quiet part of the suburb hides the former studio of this renowned modern Australian artist. You'll be able to identify it by the two oversized matches (one burnt, one intact) at the door - a miniature version of his famous sculpture in The Domain. The studio houses a selection of Whiteley's work and has been preserved to show how the artist operated before his untimely death in 1992.
Web: http://www.brettwhiteley.com

Bronte Beach
A superb family-orientated beach hemmed in by sandstone cliffs and a grassy park, Bronte claims to have the oldest surf lifesaving club in the world (1903). Locals pronounce it 'Bronty', not like the name of the famous authoring sisters. In fact, it's named after Lord Nelson who was the Duke of Bronte, a place in Sicily. A toy train chugs around during the warmer months offering children's rides. There's a kiosk and changing room attached to the surf club and plenty of outdoor seating near the coin-operated barbecues. Parking is a nightmare.

Camperdown Cemetery
Tel: 02 9557 2043 (info)
Take a self-guided tour beyond the monstrous fig tree (which dates from 1848) into this woodsy, spider-web-filled and eerily unkempt cemetery. Many famous Aussies were buried here between 1849 and 1942, including Eliza Donnithorne, the inspiration for Miss Havisham in Dickens' Great Expectations. It's a great place to spot some big (up to 10cm) but harmless St Andrew's Cross Spiders.

Centennial Park
Tel: 02 9399 6699 (info)
Sydney's biggest park, Centennial Park is a leafy 220-hectare expanse popular with joggers, cyclists and horse riders; it also offers barbecue sites, playgrounds and football grounds. You can hire bikes and inline skates from several places on Clovelly Rd. The spot where Australia was officially proclaimed a nation (on January 1, 1901) is marked by the Federation Pavilion. During summer, you can catch the Moonlight Cinema here, as well as various rock concerts. At the southern edge of the park is Royal Randwick Racecourse , while on its eastern edge it joins Queens Park and continues for another 26 hectares.
Web: http://www.cp.nsw.gov.au

Chinese Garden of Friendship
Tel: 02 9240 8888 (info)
This tranquil, traditional garden – designed by landscape architects from Guangzhou – was set up by Sydney's Chinese community to commemorate the Australian Bicentenary in 1988. Its ponds, pavilions, waterfalls and lush plant life make a refreshing break from hoofing it about the city's hot pavement, especially if you finish your visit with a pick-me-up in the teahouse.
Web: http://www.chinesegarden.com.au

Clark Island
Tel: 02 9247 5033 (info)
Clark Island off Darling Point makes a great picnic getaway, but you'll need to hire a water taxi or have access to a boat to reach it. Facilities include drinking water, picnic tables and toilets. To visit you will need a permit from Cadmans Cottage in The Rocks.

Darling Harbour
Tel: 02 9240 8788 (info)
Once a thriving industrial port, Darling Harbour is now a vast harbourside leisure park. Its various venues include the excellent Sydney Aquarium and Powerhouse Museum, the Australian National Maritime Museum, the touristy Harbourside shopping mall and Segaworld amusement park.
Web: http://www.darlingharbour.com.au

EastSail Sailing School
Tel: 02 9327 1166 (info)
EastSail has been around since 1983, when Australia won the America's Cup. Charters, cruises, corporate events and overnight packages are available, as well as courses, from introductory to racing level. There are plenty of boats and you'll need big bucks.
Web: http://www.eastsail.com.au

Fort Denison
Tel: 02 9247 5033 (info)
Fort Denison is a small island off Mrs Macquaries Point. It was originally used to isolate troublesome convicts, until it was fortified in the mid-19th century during the Crimean War. It now has a cafe and, in terms of views and location, may be one of the best places to have coffee in all of Sydney. Take your pick of tours. Bookings are essential.

Goat Island
Tel: 02 9247 5033 (info)
The largest island in the bay, Goat Island, west of Sydney Harbour Bridge, has been a shipyard, quarantine station and gunpowder depot in its previous lives. There are different tours of Goat Island - Heritage tour, Gruesome Tales tour or Picnic Day tour. All tours are booked at, and depart from, the park's office at Cadmans Cottage located at 110 George St, The Rocks.

Great Synagogue
Tel: 02 9267 2477 (info)
The Great Synagogue was built in 1878 and houses Sydney's longest-running congregation. It's considered the Mother Synagogue of Australia and architecturally the most important in the southern hemisphere. The impressive ceiling features gold-leaf stars on a night-blue background supported by ornate white and gold columns forming 12 arches representing the tribes of Israel. The general public can only visit via tours.
Web: http://www.greatsynagogue.org.au

Lane Cove National Park
Tel: 02 9412 1811 (info)
This 601-hectare park lies 10km northwest of Sydney's centre and is good for bushwalks. It's home to dozens of critters including some endangered species of owl and toad. The best time to visit is in spring, when the water dragons are about and the native orchids and lilies are in flower. The Lane Cove River is great for rowing boats and kayaks, but swimming is inadvisable. You can cycle and camp, and wheelchair access is available in parts.
Web: http://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/parks.nsf

Luna Park
Tel: 02 9922 6644 (info)
A colourful landmark, this old-fashioned amusement park opened in 1935 and soon attracted thousands of people who flocked across the harbour on the new bridge. The park closed in the 1970s after a fatal fire on the Ghost Train and it has opened and closed a couple of times since. In 2004 it opened its toothy gates to the public once again. During school and public holidays Luna Park opens daily, with extended hours.
Web: http://www.lunaparksydney.com

Manly Quarantine Station
Tel: 02 9977 5145 (info)
A favourite haunt of ghost-hunters, this station was used as a quarantine area from 1828 to 1972, attempting to limit the spread of cholera, smallpox and bubonic plague. It was then used until 1984 to house illegal immigrants. At present access is limited to guided tours, but there are controversial plans afoot to turn the station into a major full-time tourist attraction. Phone ahead or check the website before attempting a visit.
Web: http://www.q-station.com.au

Minus 5
Tel: 02 9251 0311 (info)
On a hot summer's day this winter wonderland is a surreal experience. Everything's made of ice, from the furniture to the intricate sculptures. Adults get a complementary first vodka cocktail (value around 15) served in an ice glass. Even wearing the big coat and gloves provided, you won't be sorry to be booted out after 30 minutes. Children can only enter before 18:00. It's wheelchair accessible but the lounge itself isn't guide-dog-friendly.
Web: http://www.minus5experience.com

Moore Park
Tel: 02 9339 6699 / 02 9380 0383 (info)
This large utilitarian park is a mecca for sporting activities. It has a sports playing field, a walking, cycling and skating track, horse trails, a golf-driving range and grass skiing. The historic Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) is also here. There are one-and-a-half-hour, behind-the-scenes guided tours of the facilities at Aussie Stadium and the SCG. SCG Tour Experience(www.scgt.nsw.gov.au/Tours.html) are behind-the-scenes guided tours of the facilities at Aussie Stadium and the SCG, giving sports fans the chance to run up the players' tunnel from the dressing rooms in their own Grand Final moment.
Web: http://www.cp.nsw.gov.au

Museum of Sydney
Tel: 02 9251 5988 (info)
Built on the site of the first government house (the foundations are still visible), this excellent and dynamic museum uses installation and multiple-perspective art to explore Sydney's early history - including the natural environment, the culture of the indigenous Eora people and convict life. Sydney's early days come to life in whisper, argument, gossip and artefacts, and it's a brilliant spot to get acquainted with the city.
Web: http://www.hht.net.au/museums/mos

Nicholson Museum
Tel: 02 9351 2812 (info)
Located near the University of Sydney's quad, this museum is a must-see for ancient history buffs. It houses an impressive display of Greek, Roman, Cypriot, Egyptian, and Near Eastern antiquities, including the mummified remains of a cat. It was founded in 1860 by Sir Charles Nicholson, who was an important figure in the founding of both the University of Sydney and the Australian Museum.
Web: http://www.usyd.edu.au/museums/about/nicholson.shtml

Object Gallery
Tel: 02 9361 4555 (info)
Also known as the Australian Centre for Craft and Design, Object Gallery focuses on contemporary Australian design in a variety of materials, encompassing everything from furniture to fashion to kitchen utensils. It occupies the delicious chapel of the former St Margaret's Hospital, an intriguing design in itself - round with panels of coloured glass.
Web: http://www.object.com.au

Paddington Market
Tel: 02 9331 2923 (info)
A cultural experience not to be missed, these markets turn Saturdays in Paddington into pandemonium. Starting in the 1970s, Paddington Markets were a beacon for bohemians. It's more mainstream here now, but still worth checking out for the pricey cutting-edge fashions and vintage clothing, creative crafts, beautiful jewellery and tasty food.
Web: http://www.paddingtonmarket.com.au

Powerhouse Museum
Tel: 02 9217 0111 (info)
It can be tough finding your way here, but the payoff is huge. The zillion exhibits are very well displayed and always engaging, covering everything from language to industrial design to musical instruments to robotics. There's plenty of interaction (via video or computer activities), or in some cases plain old action, as with the many demonstrations of steam machinery. Grab a map of the museum once you're inside; you'll need it!
Web: http://www.powerhousemuseum.com

Royal Botanic Gardens
Tel: 02 9231 8111 (info)
These expansive gardens are the city's favourite picnic spot, jogging route and strolling venue. Bordering Farm Cove, east of the Sydney Opera House, the enchanting gardens were established in 1816 and feature plant life from the South Pacific and around the world. They include the site of the colony's first paltry vegetable patch.
Web: http://www.rbgsyd.nsw.gov.au

S.H. Ervin Gallery
Tel: 02 9258 0173 (info)
This small gallery is located in the old Fort St School (1856), close to the Sydney Observatory. It houses temporary exhibitions of Australian art, and every year it hosts the extremely popular Salon des Refusés show, for rejected Archibald and Wynne Prize contenders. Disabled access is good.
Web: http://www.nsw.nationaltrust.org.au/properties/gallery/default.asp

Star City
Tel: 02 9777 9000 (info)
This large casino complex includes a major theatre, retail stores, restaurants, bars and a luxury hotel. It's located on the waterfront in Pyrmont, on the northwestern headland of Darling Harbour. The décor is best described as 'Disney-meets-Outback', complete with a lagoon bar (think indoor waterfall), fake palm trees and flashy lights all over the place.
Web: http://www.starcity.com.au

State Theatre
Tel: 02 9373 6852 (info)
The splendidly elaborate State (1929) is the city's most ostentatious theatre. It was originally built as a movie palace during Hollywood's heyday and is now a National Trust-classified building, dripping with gilt and velveteen. These days it stages live shows, except during the Sydney Film Festival in June. If you're lucky you might make one of the monthly guided tours.
Web: http://www.statetheatre.com.au

Sydney Aquarium
Tel: 02 8251 7800 (info)
The aquarium's three oceanariums are moored in the harbour and the main one holds some truly impressive sharks, rays and other big fish that can be viewed from underwater tunnels. The finale at the Great Barrier Reef 'theatre' is absolutely breathtaking. Needless to say, kids love it. Disabled access is good. Discounted combined tickets are available with Sydney Tower and/or Sydney Wildlife World.
Web: http://www.sydneyaquarium.com.au

Sydney Convention Centre & Exhibition Centre
Tel: 02 9282 5000 (info)
They like to do things big in Sydney, like this behemoth on the western edge of Tumbalong Park. It was designed by Australian architect Philip Cox, who also did the aquarium and the maritime museum. The exhibition centre, on the south end of the complex, has steel masts from which its roofs are suspended. The convention centre is the rounder bit located nearer to the harbour. Check the website to find out about opening times and events.
Web: http://www.scec.com.au

Sydney Harbour Bridge
Sydney's other-most-famous icon, this massive steel bridge is visible from a surprising number of spots around the city, crossing the harbour at one of its narrowest points, linking the southern and northern shores. You can climb almost 200 stairs to the top of the southeastern Pylon Lookout (www.pylonlookout.com.au). It has awesome views and a good museum with exhibits explaining how the bridge was built.

Sydney Observatory
Tel: 02 9921 3485 (info)
This observatory-cum-astronomy-museum features an exhibition about Australian astronomy, covering Aboriginal sky stories, with interactive displays and videos. Night tours (bookings essential) include the exhibition, a viewing through the telescopes and a screening in the 3-D Space Theatre. Day tours also include a Space Theatre screening and they are the only way to visit the copper dome and its big telescope. Built in the 1850s, it occupies a commanding position atop Observatory Hill.

Sydney Olympic Park
Tel: 02 9714 7888 (info)
More than just a nostalgic reminder of the glorious, glitzy, over-the-top 2000 Olympic Games, Sydney's Olympic Park is a sprawling sustainable world to itself - 14km west of the city centre. In the years since the Olympics the surrounding land has been transformed into nature reserves, 35km of cycleways and whole new residential suburbs. The best way to explore this 23-hectare site is to hire a bike from the Visitor Centre, where you can also pick up maps and nformation on tours and events. View the layout from the Observation Centre on the 17th-floor of the Novotel.

Sydney Opera House
Tel: 02 9250 7111 (info) / 02 9250 7777 (booking)
Gloriously white and brilliantly sharp, Australia's most recognisable icon sits dramatically at the tip of Bennelong Point. On a sunny day the Opera House is postcard-perfect with its startling curves and points a pinnacle of architectural genius inspired by the segments of a mandarin. It's a truly memorable place to see a performance, listen to a free outdoor concert or sit under a cafe umbrella and watch harbour life go by.
Web: http://www.sydneyoperahouse.com

Sydney Tower
Tel: 02 9333 9222 (info)
This futuristic tower (built 1970-1981) stands 309m high and on clear days the views from the 250m observation floor take in the Blue Mountains, Botany Bay and the length of Sydney Harbour. The admission price entitles you to a goofy virtual-reality ride through Australian 'kulcha'. If you're planning on heading to Sydney Aquarium or Sydney Wildlife World, check out the discounted combined tickets.
Web: http://www.sydneytoweroztrek.com.au

Sydney Wildlife World
Tel: 02 9333 9288 (info)
Following the same formula as its sister and neighbour Sydney Aquarium , this large complex houses an impressive collection of Australian native reptiles, butterflies, spiders, snakes and small mammals. The nocturnal section is particularly good, bringing the extravert out in the quolls, potoroos, echidnas and possums. The kids may be more interested in holding snakes and posing with koalas. You'll save around 10 on a combined ticket with the Aquarium.
Web: http://www.sydneywildlifeworld.com.au

Taronga Zoo
Tel: 02 9969 2777 (info)
Not even the Governor General has views as good as Taronga's residents. A definite Sydney highlight, this exceptional zoo boasts a spectacular location which over 3000 furry, scaly and feathered critters (including a substantial number of Australian natives) call home. The animals are well looked after, and there are more natural open enclosures than cages.
Web: http://www.zoo.nsw.gov.au

The Entertainment Quarter
Tel: 02 9383 4333 (info)
Formerly named after neighbouring Fox Studios (where Moulin Rouge, The Matrix and two Star War prequels were made), this very-LA entertainment complex spreads along a palm-lined avenue. It boasts cinemas, shops, restaurants, pubs and performance venues and is home to two popular markets. There's a monster car park and disabled access is very good.
Web: http://www.entertainmentquarter.com.au

Swimming
Given Sydneysiders' love of watersports, it should come as no surprise that there are more than 100 public swimming pools in Sydney. The Andrew 'Boy' Charlton is especially good for a splashy romp. The harbour beaches at Camp Cove, Nielsen Park, Balmoral and Chinaman's Beach offer picturesque swimming, but no waves. If you want to go bodysurfing, head for Bondi, Tamarama and Bronte on the south shore, and just about any of the beaches lining the 30km (19mi) stretch of coast from Manly to Palm Beach on the north shore.

Boating
The best way to see Sydney Harbour is by getting out on the water. Take your pick of sailing, canoeing, and windsurfing opportunities. Spit Bridge and Balmoral are the best places to hire equipment.

Surfing
Depending on your abilities, you should find a beach that suits you. Good surf beaches include Bondi and Tamarama on the south shore and Narrabeen, North Avalon and Palm Beach on the north shore.

Diving
The best shore dives in Sydney are the Gordons Bay Underwater Nature Trail, north of Coogee; Shark Point, Clovelly; and Ship Rock, Cronulla. Popular boat dive sites are Wedding Cake Island, off Coogee; around the Sydney Heads; and off the Royal National Park. In Manly, you can make beach dives from Shelly Beach.

Walking
There are plenty of coastal bushwalks in the Royal National, Ku-ring-gai Chase and Sydney Harbour national parks. The 8km (5mi) Manly Scenic Walkway follows the harbour from the north shore beachside suburb to Spit Bridge on Middle Harbour. Another spectacular but much shorter walk is along the cliffs from Bronte to Bondi Beach.

Horse riding
You can hire horses to ride in Centennial Park, the large park between Paddington and Bondi. The park vies with Bondi and Manly promenades as the favourite jogging and inline skating spot.

Golf
Despite the astronomical real estate costs in this city, golf enthusiasts still lay down the green for over 80 local golf courses.

Sydney's multicultural melange, abundant fresh produce and geographic assets have made it a great place to dine, and many great chefs have flocked here to set up signature restaurants. Fine local wines, a vibrant cafe culture, and magnificent harbour views are added extras.

Shopping in Sydney is fun if you pick and choose. The CBD tends to the generic, but if you venture out into the inner-city areas such as Paddington, Glebe and Newtown, you'll find a variety of eclectic boutiques, home-grown designers, darling knick-knackeries, one-offs and bargain-priced markets.

Sydney citizens adore their theatres and concert hall, but love their beaches and hedonistic lifestyle even more. The city boasts a multitude of after-dark venues, from stylish clubs to outdoor cinemas and live-music pubs. Gay and lesbian venues make up a big part of Sydney's nightlife.

There's a huge variety of accommodation in Sydney, and price-conscious travellers will find good options in every price range. You can hit the glitzy skyscrapers, nestle in a cosy B&B, or rough it in one of the many it-will-do beachside hostels or hotels.

Sydney Airport is 10km (6mi) south of the city centre. The international and domestic terminals are a 4km (2.5mi), bus or train ride apart. Getting to the city from Sydney Airport (or vice versa) is easiest by train or car. To confirm arrival/departure times call airlines directly or log on to the airport website's 'Quick Flight Search' (www.sydneyairport.com.au). Interstate and regional bus travellers arrive at Sydney Coach Terminal outside Central Station. Major bus companies have offices nearby. Sydney's main rail terminus for Countrylink interstate and regional services is Central Station (13 22 32). Call for information, arrival/departure times and bookings.

Bus
All the major bus lines run services to and from Sydney. Most lines offer discounts for students, and Greyhound has a good bus-pass deal. There are also a number of specialised bus tours running out of Sydney.

Flight
Most visitors to Sydney arrive at Sydney Airport (formerly known as Kingsford Smith) about 10km (6mi) south of the city centre. Airfares to Australia from most other parts of the world are expensive - it's a long way from anywhere and flights are often heavily booked. On the upside, you can get to Australia from just about anywhere. Australia's domestic airlines offer discount flight passes which can be used once you're in the country - if you've only got a short time here, it's worth flying, because Australia's a mighty big place. Airport Link trains run from city train stations to domestic and international terminals. Buses run to Central Station, Circular Quay and Kings Cross, between the airport and central city hotels and to Manly.

Train
Interstate and regional trains run from Central station, and will take you to most other capitals, as well as cities and towns throughout NSW. Major roads from Sydney go north to Newcastle, west to the Blue Mountains, south and inland to Melbourne and Canberra, and south down the coast to Wollongong.

The buses and ferries of Sydney offer some of the cheapest and most rewarding sightseeing in Australia. A ferry trip to Manly passes the stunning harbour sites and heads onto the ocean past Sydney's famous North Shore beaches, and a bus trip to Vaucluse offers some of the best views of the harbour and surrounds. Public transport in Sydney is an integrated system and one ticket can get you travelling by bus, ferry or train to almost any part of the city.

The bus network is extensive, but can be slow. There are plenty of fare deals and several hop-on, hop-off buses specifically designed for visitors who hate walking or for those who have no sense of direction.

Ferry
The most pleasant way to get around is by ferry; a trip on the Manly ferry is the best way to experience the harbour if you can't charm someone into taking you sailing.

Monorail
The monorail is an elevated toy train that shuttles between the city and Darling Harbour. Sydneysiders either love its sub-Bladerunner futurism or think it's a godawful eyesore, depending on their aesthetic bent.

Taxi
Confusing one-way streets and hellish parking make driving a nightmare in central Sydney - take a taxi instead. They're plentiful and easily flagged down.

Train
There are some gaps in the Sydney train network, notably the coast on the south shore and all of the north shore east of the Harbour Bridge. Heading west, the rail network is extensive. Sydney's underground city centre train loop is the fastest way of getting around, but not exactly the most scenic.

GMT/UTC +10 (Eastern Standard Time)

Daylight Saving Start: Last Sunday in October
Daylight Saving End: Last Sunday in March

2,103 sq km (812 sq miles)

220-240V 50Hz

Australian Dollar (A$)

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