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