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This enormous and beautiful structure was an economic and engineering triumph. It reshaped Sydney’s landscape and lifted the city’s spirits during the dark days of the Great Depression.

Sydney’s architectural icon and world-renowned performing arts venue enjoys the most spectacular setting of any cultural institution in the world. It is the city’s most popular tourist attraction.

From its pristine beaches to its working dock-lands, this deep-water port at the heart of this maritime city is the world’s finest.

Governor Phillip and the First Fleet arrived here in 1788 to lay the foundations for Australia’s white settlement. Now it’s an engaging historic precinct and a lively transport hub.

Chinatown’s authentic bustle and flavour is the perfect counterpoint to the ritzy Darling Harbour precinct. An extension of the city centre, Darling Harbour offers numerous museums, bars, cafés and tourist attractions.

This lovely green belt east of the city centre incorporates the Botanic Gardens and the Art Gallery of New South Wales, and has been one of Sydney’s best-loved public spaces for almost 200 years.

Sydney’s swimmers, surfers and sybarites all love Australia’s most iconic beach. Don’t leave the city without spending some time here, body surfing, walking along the clifftops or working on your tan.

The zoo’s collection of Australian and exotic animals, not to mention its gorgeous setting overlooking the harbour, makes it a must-see destination for visitors.

Old railway buildings house this new super-hostel. The entrance is via a platform and some rooms are inside railway carriages. Its facilities include a 24-hour reception and swimming pool.

Celebrating the arrival of Sydney’s First Fleet, this national holiday sees Sydney ferries and Tall Ships competing in the big race from the Harbour Bridge to Manly and back. There are free concerts and performances held across the city. Do keep in mind that to many indigenous people, this date is known as “Invasion Day”.

Organized by the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia, this blue-water classic has been Australia’s best known yacht race for over half a century. Crowds line the harbour to wave off the crews as they pass through The Heads (see North Head, South Head) and head down the coast to Tasmania, almost 628 nautical miles south.

The coast from Broken Bay (see Pittwater & Broken Bay) to Newcastle offers glorious ocean beaches, national parks and several lakes and water-ways. The main regional town is Gosford, at the head of Brisbane Waters. This large waterway runs out to Broken Bay past Woy Woy and the pleasant townships of Hardy’s Bay in Killcare, Pretty Beach and Wagstaffe. Behind Wagstaffe is Bouddi National Park, which extends north to pleasant McMaster’s Beach. Pearl Beach (see Swim at Pearl Beach) and the tiny fishing village of Patonga, surrounded by Brisbane Waters National Park, overlook Broken Bay.

Katoomba is the site of Echo Point, which offers superb views. Take a bushwalk around the clifftop paths or head down the Giant Stairway, across Jamison Valley (see Wentworth Falls) and back up on the Scenic Railway.

On a clear day, this 305-m (1,000-ft) icon offers gorgeous 360-degree views over the Sydney region, from the Heads (see North Head, South Head) to Botany Bay to the North Shore and the Blue Mountains. The turret has revolving restaurants, a coffee shop and an observation deck. Above this is a 162,000-litre (35,500-gallon) water tank that acts as a stabilizer on windy days. The tower’s latest attraction is Skywalk, an exciting 75-minute guided walk around the roof offering an incredible panoramic view of Sydney.

View of the harbour from Sydney Tower

The many levels of this huge heritage building include almost 200 popular stores and fine boutiques.

Australia’s most famous beach is a perfect crescent of sand with good surfing spots at either end, and usually calm enough for a swim in the middle. Being so close to the city, it won’t take too long to get your toes wet.

A large fishing and resort town, Kiama is one of the most attractive coastal spots south of Sydney. Discovered by explorer George Bass in 1797, this 25-m (82-ft) blowhole originates in a natural fault in the cliffs. It erupts whenever a wave hits with enough force, which can be every few minutes. Water can be thrown as high as 60 m (200 ft).

Sydney has dozens of beaches and most are very safe for swimming. The harbour beaches are generally calm, good for a relaxing paddle and for children. The ocean beaches are likely to have a rougher swell, perfect for surfing, body-boarding and body-surfing; you can take lessons at Let’s Go Surfing. At ocean beaches, make sure to swim between the flags, in the lifeguard-patrolled area.

The most popular landmark of the Blue Mountains is this spectacular rock formation, which derives its name from an Aboriginal Dreamtime legend. The story relates that the leader of the Katoomba people, concerned for the safety of his three beautiful daughters, turned them into stone to protect them from enemies but died before being able to reverse his spell. The Three Sisters stand at the entrance to the long climb into Jamison Valley.

Highlights of Australia’s capital include the Parliament Houses, the National Gallery, the War Memorial, the National Library, Lake Burley Griffin and Black Mountain.

This maritime hub is Sydney’s nucleus. Plaques in the paving record observations about Australia by authors such as Mark Twain, Umberto Eco and Germaine Greer.