Its multiple sandstone headlands, dramatic cliffs, rocky islands and astonishing bays and beaches make it one of the most beautiful stretches of water in the world.  The most scenic area is on the ocean side of the bridge.  The Sydney Harbour National Park protects the scattered pockets of bushland around the harbour and offers good walking tracks. The best way to experience the harbour is to go sailing.  Or just try catching the Manly ferry, swimming at Nielsen Park, walking from Manly to Spit Bridge, having a drink at Watsons Bay, dining with a view at Milsons Point, Balmoral or Circular Quay, or cruising to the heads on the Bounty.

The Rocks
The Rocks is the old Sydney town in the heart of CBD.  The weekend market, the Sydney Observatory, and numerous craft shops and arts galleries are some attractions. But what attract most visitors are the old buildings, alleyways and historic facades.  Go exploring the less developed areas in the adjoining suburb of Millers Point.  And hang out at the Lord Nelson Brewery Hotel as well as The Hero of Waterloo, the two oldest pubs of Sydney.

Bondi Beach
The white-sand Bondi beach is just 20-minute-drive from the CBD.  It is popular and loved by tourists and sun seekers, especially the backpackers.  Beach Volleyball, surfing and snorkeling can be enjoyed here, including its rowdy pubs and classy restaurants.  Don't miss the Bondi Markets in the local primary-school grounds if you are visiting on Sunday.

Sydney Galleries
Check out at least one of Sydney's many galleries to experience the cultural side of the harbour city at the Art Gallery of New South Wales which is the most popular and the Museum of Contemporary Arts -- both are free!  Paddington and Darlinghurst are also home to a dizzying array of smaller, private venues.

Mardi Gras
Sydney's annual Gay and Lesbian Mardi Grass is a month-long festival culminating in a gigantic street party.  The Mardi Gras's spirit lives on year-round in the inner-city suburbs of Darlinghurst and Paddington, specially along the Oxford Street.

Northern Beaches
Sydney's northern beaches offer a wide range of different atmospheres with something for everyone to join.  Enjoy your vacation through windsurfing or unwinding at your leisure.

Jenolan Caves
Located around three-hour-drive from Sydney, the Jenolan Caves are a labyrinth of age-old limestone tunnels and underground rivers.  The nine public-access caves are there for you to explore and join.  A tour of some of the less developed caves can also be arranged.

Hunter Valley
Further north of Sydney, Hunter Valley is a wine lovers' paradise with more than hundreds of wineries open to the public, abundant gourmet restaurants and a diversity of accommodation options, all within two hours drive of Sydney.  Spend a day of exploring the region by horse-drawn carriage or fly on a hot-air balloon tour of the Hunter.

Royal National Park
Royal National Park, 30 km south of city, is the oldest gazette national park in the world, and was the second national park to be declared in the world, after Yellowstone in the USA.  Its 15,000 hectares are surrounded with picturesque lookouts, secluded beaches and idyllic streams.  The park is dissected by the Hacking River and at Audley, there are riverside picnic and boat hiring facilities.  A spectacular 26 km coastal track is stretching the length of the park which is accessible from Bundeena, passing the lagoon beach at Wattamolla, and the popular surfing sport at Garie Beach.  Try the best views of the southern boundary of the park overlooking Bulli from the edge of the lllawarra escarpment.