Offers surely the most beautiful view in any city in the world. In order to reach it you must walk through the indescribable beauty of the Botanical Gardens, where you are invited to "hug the trees". Walk through paths lined with stunningly coloured plants and trees with birds and other wildlife wandering free. When you reach Mrs Macquarie's Chair, the view of the Opera House framed by the Harbour Bridge with the glistening transparent waters of the harbour is directly in front of you.

Royal Botanical Gardens

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It is a branch of the harbour in the city centre containing wonderful restaurants, a shopping centre, a convention centre, a glamorous casino, a maritime museum, an aquarium, chinese and japanese gardens, an IMAX cinema, and the Powerhouse Museum (a power station converted into a costume museum and other wonders).

via Monorail from the shopping district

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Everyone who goes to Sydney raves about the beaches at Bondi and Manly and rightly so - they are iconic Sydney beaches.

Yet any trip to Sydney would not be complete without a visit to Cronulla Beach in Sydney's south. This is a beach in wide-scape with something for everyone.

The northern part (known locally as Wanda Beach) is a haven for surfers, fishermen, kite-flyers and groups of young lads who simply want to impress the hordes of bikinied blondes who gather there for the sake of being impressed.

The southern part is the elevated end of Cronulla, adjacent to The Royal National Park, and it's a spot where families picnic in the parks high above the beach.

In between these two points is Cronulla central - where the beach meets the restaurants, cafes, nightclubs and cinemas. By day a place for families to enjoy a stroll along the boardwalk and, after dark, a gathering place for the beautiful people of southern Sydney.

Plane-spotters will also enjoy fabulous views of aircraft landing at, and taking off from, Sydney's Mascot Airport from all parts of Cronulla Beach.

Parking can be a problem. Visitors staying in the Central Business District of Sydney are best advised to take the train to Cronulla from Martin Place (platform 2), Town Hall (platform 4) or Sydney Central (platform 25). Trip time about 50 minutes each way for just a few quid return. A taxi will cost about 20 pounds each way.

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A water access-only island in Pittwater with view across the Northern Beaches of Sydney and Ku-rin-gai National Park, 45 minutes drive from Sydney. There is a ferry that goes each hour every day, bush walks around and to the top of the island and a park. The vibe is laid back and friendly - unlike some parts of Sydney CBD. There are about 400 houses, a bed and breakfast and a youth hostel.

www.scotlandisland.org.au
www.scotlandislandlodge.com.au
Ferry from Church Point

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Only an hours train ride from Sydney central, the beautiful Blue Mountains are not to be missed. Take the popular day's walk from Echo Point, Katoomba (known to the aboriginals as "shiny, tumbling water") to see the famous 3 sisters rock formation. The most photographed feature of the national park, the three sisters lookout is often packed out with tourists by the bus load, so venture further down the steep 980 steps and deep into the Leura rainforest where you'll hardly come across a soul.

Weary legs will appreciate the scenic skyway cable car to the top of the gorge at the end of the hike. Alternatively catch a bus to Leura and visit Wentworth Falls. Hike the undercliff/overcliff walk around the enormous cascades and take in the stunning scenery from the cliffs of eucalyptus forest which contribute to the blue haze over the horizon, hence the range's name.

Stay in "No.14" backpackers hostel in Katoomba for a warm welcome and excellent value, cozy place to stay with open fire and clean facilities - just what you need after a sweaty day's trek.

Also plenty of traditional pubs in Katoomba town which have a great village atmosphere on weekends.

100kms west of Sydney, one and a half hours drive along the M4 Freeway or one hour on the train (from platform 12/13, Sydney central station.)
No. 14 backpackers: 14 Lovel Street,
Katoomba, NSW, 2780 Tel:02 - 4782 7104
Official Website: www.australiabluemountains.com.au/

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It's a huge open space in the city to relax in and it's free. If you're into plants, there are organised walks (check out the leaflets at the gates); if you're not, it's still a lovely place to hang out and picnic, with nice views of the harbour. Don't forget to say hi to the flying fox colony...

Just next to Darling Harbour and the opera house

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It’s easy to escape the crowds in Sydney. Centennial Park is the city's green lung in the east, a giant swathe of green dotted with joggers and weird yogic dudes. If you want a chilled vibe, go to popular places, such as Bondi and Manly, during the week. It has its traffic problems but compared with older European cities, Sydney is always relaxed and spacious.

Railway stations: Bondi Junction and Central Station, from where you can get the bus or walk

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Sydney's best harbour foreshore walk is a three-hour hike through ancient bushland and harbourside suburbs along the north shore with frequent views of the water and city. It is a bit of a trek via bus to Spit Bridge and quicker to cough up $30 for a taxi. The finish in Manly is perfect: you can treat yourself to a swim, fish and chips or a cold schooner of Toohey's New (or Old - Sydney's classic beers).

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Fantastic, small scale wildlife park which is ideal for kids. You can get up close and personal with all the animals without the usual queues found else where.
Our kids loved it and got loads of photos with the koalas. A great way to spend a morning or afternoon in Sydneys suburbs.

West Pennant Hills, Sydney

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The Harbour trust runs tours to some of the best kept secrets of Sydney Harbour at very reasonable prices. Some of the destinations include Cockatoo Island, North Head, Middle Head and Macquarie Lighthouse. In addition to the tours they also run free events.

www.harbourtrust.gov.au
ph +61 (0)2 8969 2131

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15 minutes east from the CBD, Parsley Bay feels like your own private harbour front park, complete with a sheltered beach spanned its own miniature timber suspension bridge. Walk under the sandstone cliffs out to the end of the fishermens jetty for a spectacular view of the harbour, and maybe the glimpse of a ray or squid swimming in the cystal clear water beside. At the kiosk grab a latte and a couple of paddle pops for the kids, and then try to extract them from flying fox and slipperydip at the recently rebuilt playground.

Parsley Bay Reserve, Vaucluse

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