| Much has been written and said about Sydney's | | | | weary feet and replenish |
| harbor, and with good reason. The harbor | | | | |
| boasts one of the world's most recognizable | | | | A short stroll from The Rocks is Circular |
| views, dominated by two icons in the Sydney | | | | Quay, a transport hub with ferries departing |
| Opera House and Harbor Bridge. The area also | | | | for suburbs across the bay. From here you can |
| provides no end of activities and | | | | catch one of the ferries to Manly or Toronga |
| neighborhoods to explore. If you're time | | | | Zoo, or maybe purchase a Daytripper ticket, |
| poor, however, it is easy to accomplish a lot | | | | which lets you ride as many ferries on the |
| in a short time frame or select a few | | | | same day as you like and explore some of the |
| activities that appeal to your own sense of | | | | lesser known suburbs of the city. The |
| adventure. The following is a short list of | | | | Daytripper is also valid on Metro trains and |
| things to see and do should you find yourself | | | | buses for those who are looking to explore a |
| in the harbor city, spoilt for choice but | | | | little further. |
| lacking time. | | | | |
| | | | Apart from the ferry terminals, Circular Quay |
| Sydney Harbor Bridge itself looms over the | | | | boasts many fine restaurants, with superb |
| water like a giant coat hanger, a term used | | | | views of the quay (and prices to match). |
| affectionately by the locals. A climbing tour | | | | Stroll further onward and you will come to |
| is offered if you're willing to fork out | | | | the Sydney Opera House. The once |
| around $170.00 for the hike. If not however | | | | controversial structure stands proudly above |
| you can still walk across at road level for | | | | the water, defying convention as it overlooks |
| free. The added bonus is that you can take | | | | proceedings on the waterways and the street. |
| your camera with you for some shots of the | | | | |
| Opera House and surrounding area. | | | | A show at the Opera House is a must. If opera |
| | | | is not your thing, there are also orchestral |
| Once across the bridge, on the opposite side | | | | performances, plays, concerts and comedy |
| of the city centre, is Milsons Point. Home to | | | | shows to provide something for everyone. |
| the heritage listed Luna Park Sydney, an old | | | | Tours of the building are also available and |
| fashioned fun park where roller coasters, | | | | include a walk onto one of the stages. |
| ferris wheels and other rides of old bring a | | | | |
| little nostalgia to the waterfront. Entry to | | | | Turning away from the harbor and the Opera |
| the grounds is free, so you only pay for the | | | | House, you come to the Royal Botanical |
| rides and amusements you use. If fun parks | | | | Gardens, a huge sprawling space dedicated to |
| aren't your thing, tucked under the bridge is | | | | various varieties of trees, plants and |
| a waterfront park providing a perfect place | | | | shrubs. It is easy to get lost in the gardens |
| to spend a lazy few hours stretched out on | | | | wandering the many paths and admiring |
| the grass with a picnic taking in the | | | | whichever flowers are in season at the time. |
| spectacular views of Sydney's central | | | | Near the center is a shop and café |
| business district. | | | | should you wish to eat on your visit, or you |
| | | | can bring your own and eat on one of the many |
| Heading back across the bridge, you come to | | | | lawns. |
| Sydney's historic The Rocks. This is one of | | | | |
| the most historic parts of Australia and the | | | | If you are visiting late in the day, beware |
| area where the first British settlers landed | | | | of the resident flying foxes, which generally |
| and from which the bustling city, and indeed | | | | sleep during the day, but can raise an |
| country, grew. Once occupied by convicts and | | | | almighty racket when the sun goes down. |
| prostitutes, today The Rocks' cobblestone | | | | |
| laneways are full of designer shops, art | | | | Whatever your interest, Sydney's harbor has |
| galleries and eateries. The area lends itself | | | | something for you, and to top it off, some of |
| perfectly to the aimless wander and is dotted | | | | the most spectacular views you are likely to |
| with historic watering holes in which to rest | | | | find anywhere in the world. |