traveldk.com

Standing at the edge of the city centre, this formal park provides a respite from the city’s bustle. It features a magnificent avenue of figs, the Art Deco Archibald Fountain at its northern end and the Anzac Memorial. A site for public executions in 1802, only one year later it was used for Sydney’s first cricket match. Australia’s first horse race was run here in 1810.

In Francis Greenway’s historic building, this museum uses objects, soundscapes and testimonies to recreate the lives of convicts in early Sydney. Learn about their crimes, their difficult voyage from England and their rebuilding of the colony. Then have a look at the dormitory hammocks.

The pleasant three-star Ibis hotel is close to all the Darling Harbour attractions, and is a good alternative for a water view without the usual hefty charge.

It’s always packed and you can’t reserve, but they’ll send you to a nearby pub and collect you when a table’s ready. Cheap, authentic and delicious pasta.

A refined North Italian cucina turns out seasonal and regional delights. Head to the back courtyard.

A massive sandstone escarpment traces the coastline south of Royal National Park and north of Wollongong. A string of small towns nestled beneath the escarpment all offer spectacular ocean views.

The eight-storey-high screen and 15,000 watt digital surround sound system will have your kids pinned to their seats, or jumping out of them, as the case may be. This Darling Harbour icon with the distinctive black-and-yellow chequerboard façade presents 2D and IMAX 3D films. State-of-the-art electronic headsets with infrared sensors have replaced the quaint 1950s cardboard glasses that parents might recall from their youth.