Sydney Australia

Sydneysiders rightly claim their city to be one of the most beautiful in the World, built on and around one of the largest natural harbours. From the Harbour Bridge to the ever-changing skyline of the Central business District CBD, to the suburbs sprawling nearly as far as the Blue Mountains in the west.

Sydney Tower at Centrepoint, 250 m above the skyscrapers of the CBD Downtown. On a clear day views as far as 80km to the ridge of the Blue Ridge Mountains in the far distance. High-speed lifts take you to the Observation Deck. Below you the bustle of Darling Harbour, the traffic like ants on the march over the Harbour Bridge, tranquil Hyde Park and the Royal Botanic Gardens, the sprawling suburbs.

For a pleasant early Sunday morning walk with maybe only passing joggers for company, walk from Circular Quay the ferries leaving for well known destinations such as Manly Cove a short walk to Manly's South Steyne Beach lined by a majestic crescent of Norfolk pines. Past the Opera House, and into the Botanic Gardens. Did you see Mrs Mcquarries Chair, it was closed off during our visit?

Take the ferry from Circular Quay to Taronga Zoo- not only one of the World's best Zoos but with some of the finest views of the Harbour. Have your photo taken beside a Koala.

Else cruise under the Harbour Bridge to Darling Harbour and the Aquarium and Imax Theatre. Nearby is Chinatown famous for its restaurants, food halls and shops, don't miss Dixon St Food Court not just for chinese, but korean, thai and japanese too all under one roof. We tried a delicious no 38 spicy BBQ pork in a hot mini wok. A short walk away is Paddys Market- one of the most famous markets in the city. Indoors and with hundreds of stalls from shoes to handbags to souvenirs to fruit and vegetables - bargains galore.

A short walk from Circular Quay is the Rocks- one of the oldest parts of the city- take a Rocks walking tour. Those of your with a head for heights might care for the Bridgewalk or, less expensive on the pocket, climb the Southern Pylon for its fine views. Stroll across to the Opera House, or around to the Royal Botanic gardens.

Sydney Harbour Cruises A pleasure cruise is a good way to get your bearings past Shell Cove, Kirribilli House the Governor Generals Official Residence, Watsons Bay with its marina and so so exclusive properties. A tip from us, though you will find the Sydney Ferries much cheaper and just as much fun.

Aside from the ferries getting around Sydney is easy, indeed many places to see are within walking distance. Take the overhead monorail around the CBD, the tram (light rail) west to Glebe, or the bus or train further afield.

Shoppers will love the delights of Pitt Street, Centrepoint and the high class arcades of the Queen Victoria Building.

Art and culture lovers will enjoy the Art Gallery of NSW, Australian Museum, State Library of NSW. Sydneysiders are also justly proud of the Olympic Park, the site of the so successful 2000 Olympics

Take the train and bus to the surfer's paradise of Bondi. Or one of the day coach tours Sydney to the Blue Mountains | or choose from one of the many . Hunter Valley Wine tours | Sydney