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