Sydney

Discover Sydney's convict history in the cobbled laneways near the Sydney Harbour Bridge. The Rocks is where Britain began its colony in 1788. This is a picturesque destination, with a maze of sandstone courtyards, workman's cottages, elegant terraces and Sydney's oldest pubs. Discover vibrant weekend markets, theatres, cafés and bars, as well as several of the city’s best hotels and restaurants - you'll love The Rocks.

A Sydney icon, and known locally as The Coathanger, the impressive bridge has six million steel rivets and carries rail, bicycle, car, bus and pedestrian traffic across the harbour. It's 134 metres (440ft) from the water to top of the steel arch. The bridge is inspiring to look at, and even more exhilarating to walk across, as many Sydneysiders do, to get to and from work each day. Climb to the summit with BridgeClimb and be stunned by one of the world's most spectacular views.

As a harbour city, Sydney has long relied on these grand old ladies - the Sydney Ferries - to criss-cross the sparkling waterways. Take the iconic Manly ferry across the harbour to Manly peninsular and stroll along the Corso to Manly Beach, where the first world surfing championship was held in 1964. Go for a surf, or rent a bike and ride to Fairy Bower and picnic at gorgeous Shelly Beach. Wine and dine at Manly Wharf before taking the ferry back to the city centre.

There's no better way to enjoy the beauty of the Sydney coastline than from the winding cliff walk between Bondi and Coogee beaches. These paths become a stage for whale watching between May and November, the backdrop for Sculpture by the Sea in October-November, and a year-round vantage point to watch surfers carve up the waves. Take in Aboriginal rock carving at Mark's Park, big surf at Tamarama, snorkelling at the coves of Clovelly and Gordons Bay, and the white sands of Coogee Beach. Stop off at the Bronte café strip along the way and cool off with a refreshing dip in an ocean pool.

Australia’s oldest park is 16 hectares of beautiful gardens in the heart of the city centre. Replete with 580 exotic and native trees, art works, monuments and water features, Hyde Park is a favourite lunch time spot, and hosts a number of cultural events such as the Night Noodle Markets for Good Food Month each October. Divided by Park Street, the northern end contains the beautiful Archibald Fountain, with its bronze figures from ancient mythology, and a charming avenue of Hill’s Fig trees. The southern end features an ANZAC War Memorial and Pool of Reflections.

Established in 1827 and the first in the country, the Australian Museum has an international reputation in natural history and in indigenous studies, research, community programmes and accessible, innovative exhibitions. View unique and extensive science and cultural collections, multimedia exhibitions of physics and of indigenous Australian culture and native animals. The permanent Dinosaur exhibition features an awe-inspiring collection of skeletons and answers many age-old questions.

A short bus ride from the city centre, Centennial Parklands contain beautiful gardens, an entertainment quarter, 18-hole golf course, sporting fields, tennis courts, equestrian facilities and Fox Studios, which makes films. About 15,000 trees grow in Centennial Parklands' three parks - Centennial Park, Queens Park and Moore Park. Enjoy a picnic under one of the trees or by a tranquil pond. In Centennial Park there's a cafe and a restaurant, and the EQ Village Markets are open on Wednesdays and Saturdays in Moore Park.

A short ferry ride from Circular Quay in the city centre is Sydney Harbour's largest island and one of Australia's most fascinating historical sites that's on the World Heritage list. Take an audio tour or self-guided journey and explore the island's convict and ship-building history. Cockatoo Island is the only Sydney Harbour island where you can stay overnight in what Lonely Planet described as "one of the world's most spectacularly located campsites".