Grab the opportunity to relish the sights of Sydney Harbour Bridge, Sydney Opera House and Fort Denison by boat. Unwind on deck with a refreshing beverage as you cruise past some of the most iconic constructions in Australia. Experience spectacular panoramic views of the Harbour in daylight or at sunset; taking snaps of Sydney’s city skyline in the comfort of a beautiful catamaran.

Bondi Beach has so much to offer and even more to experience, so don’t be put off by the huge amount of hipsters drinking out of coconuts – there are normal people here too you know. Being the closest beach suburb to Sydney’s Central Business District (CBD) (45-min commute), Bondi is extremely popular as a residential suburb with tourists and residents alike. Though heaps of tourists flock to Bondi (40,000 visitors on a sunny summers day!), life here is still surprisingly relaxed and the best thing of all, is that you’re .....only a short coastal stroll away from some of Sydney’s ‘other’ best beaches including Tamarama, Bronte and Coogee. Show less

A towering rock formation located at Echo Point in Katoomba, the Three Sisters is a popular Blue Mountains day trip. This unusual rock formation represents three sisters who, according to Aboriginal legend, turned to stone. While the Three Sisters is a beautiful sight from the lookout, we love to take the bush walk that starts at the rock formation and heads down into the valley. It takes you past the sisters and beyond into the bush. Wear good walking shoes and pack plenty of water! Get more info on visiting the Three .....Sisters here and on bushwalking in the Blue Mountains here. Show less

The Sydney Harbour Bridge is an internationally recognised icon and symbol of Australian life and culture. Climbs have been run up this Aussie landmark for the past 18 years and to make the experience that little bit more special BridgeClimb Sydney are currently offering some truly unique experiences.

Nothing beats enjoying the views that Hunter Valley has in store all the way from up in the sky. If you are looking to enjoy your sunrise in a manner like you never have before, indulge in a hot air balloon ride. The morning light does wonders to the scenery before you and the panoramic views have no parallels. If you want to experience Hunter Valley in a whole new light this is your best opportunity.

The Taronga Zoo, located across the harbor from the Circular Quay, is wonderful.  Here they have a huge range of Australia animals as well as lions, tigers, komodo dragons, and Asian elephants.  The best part of the zoo is the ferry ride to get there and the view back to Sydney. Wombat

Then there is the Leura, Black Heath, Wentworth Falls and many others. Everywhere you go there is one thing in common; the scenery. The Govettes Leap is another must see attraction in the region and you can enjoy some fantastic views of the Grose Valley. Then there is the Cliff Drive, The Kangara Walls and plenty of national parks with an interesting collection of flora and fauna.

Not the most efficient day ever, but I want to show you the most of Sydney as possible. To hop on the train and head to Central Station. From there chance to the T2 train to Newtown. Newtown in Sydney’s inner west is a unique neighborhood in Sydney. With a thriving music scene, many amazing restaurants and lots of unique clothing shops making Newtown a vibrant inner-city neighborhood. But the main reason for me to venture to this neck of the woods is because of its infamous graffiti scene. Newtown has .....a large number of excellent artworks to check out through a vast area. Walk my 1-hour self-guided walking tour. Show less

Admission: Free for kids, AUD$15 for AdultsThe Australian Museum in Darlinghurst is perfect for families visiting Sydney. Kids admission is free (Adults pay AUD$15). Level 2 has Kidspace, a mini-museum for children under five. The top sight is the museum's great natural history collection enabling you to get up close with all of Australia’s scariest creatures, minus the whole risk-of-death thing. You also shouldn't miss the museum cafe which has perfect views of St. Marys Cathedral and Woolloomooloo. Jump to top

stretch your legs in the National Park, the Murramarang Aboriginal Area contains ancient middens built up by the Aboriginal people who lived here for thousands of years. Its short 2.2km walking track is easy for most ages and finishes with a rewarding swim near Bull Pup Point.

For longer term parking, Car Park 3 is available and is also located between Terminals 2 and 3. The distance between the domestic terminals and Car Park 3 is less than 500 metres. Parking can be pre-booked on the Sydney Airport website or paid at the time of exit. An additional long term car park is located on Ross Smith Avenue. Named the Blu Emu Car Park, this budget option is just a short shuttle ride away to the domestic terminals. Drivers can choose between an open-air car park and a .....covered area. The International Terminal utilizes a single multi-story car park which is used for both short term and long term parking and visitors may use the valet service or self-park options. The car park is opposite the terminal and is just a short walk from the departure and arrival levels. Show less

Just a short trip from Sydney in the city’s northern suburbs lies Manly. If you’re after a laid-back day, Manly is the place to be. Naturally, the main focus of your visit is going to be Manly Beach, a perfect golden beach spanning two kilometers. Manly Beach also has a pretty good swell so it’s great whether you want to surf or sunbathe. As big as it is, Manly can get busy during summer, Freshwater Beach is one of many quieter alternatives in the area. For food and shopping head .....to the Corso pedestrian mall which is home to cafes, restaurants, and all manner of stores. Heading out to North Head at the end of the peninsula is another good idea. It has fantastic views to the mouth of Sydney Harbour and towards the city skyline in the distance. Getting there: Getting to Manly from Sydney is incredibly easy. Simply take the frequent Manly ferry from Circular Quay and you’ll be there in 20 to 30 minutes. Show less

This National Park is packed to the brim with gorgeous flora and fauna, including the likes of the Grey-headed Flying Fox, Eastern Grey Kangaroo, Swamp Wallaby, Platypus, Long-nosed Bandicoot, Sugar Glider, Short-beaked Echidna, Little Forest Bat, Eastern Water Dragon, Eastern Long-necked Tortoise, Diamond Python, Stone Gecko, Lace Monitor to name a few.

First on the list is the magical Blue Mountains. Located on the footstep of this city is the heavenly mountain range which feels like a parallel world compared to typical Sydney city.  The scenery is awe inspiring and is being just a stone’s throw away from the city, it is one of the most popular spots for a break.

Hiking, or bushwalking, is a fantastic way to get to know the city better and there’s always a surprise along the way, from exciting wildlife to amazing views of both the city and Harbour along the trails. Bushwalking is a very popular past time with Sydney-siders – and everyone has there favourite walk! The single most popular walk in Sydney is the Southern Coastal Walk. It’s an easy, well paved walk from Bondi to Maroubra Beach, but most don’t make it that far and usually stop at Coogee Beach. The Spit .....Bridge to Manly is probably the most popular bushwalk with Sydney-siders. Show less

The Australian Reptile Park in Gosford is a great day out on the Central Coast. The park features native Australian wildlife and other exotic, international species. We had an excellent day at the reptile park and high recommend it for families in particular as one of the top things do to on the Central Coast. Get more info on visiting the Australian Reptile Park here and their excellent Mini Kids 2 Keeper program here. Australia Walkabout Wildlife Park Australia Walkabout Wildlife Park is a wildlife sanctuary for animals who are unable to be released .....back into the wild. Also on the property are several Aboriginal sites with ancient petroglyphs. Read more about visiting the Australia Walkabout Wildlife Park. Show less

View this post on InstagramDid you know that the Scenic Railway holds the Guinness Book of Records title for the steepest train in the world?! The carriages might have changed over the years however the track remains the same, descending 310 metres through a cliff-side tunnel and emerging into the ancient Jurassic rainforest below. . . . #ScenicWorld_Aus #ScenicWorld #Katoomba #BlueMountains #VisitBlueMountains #NewSouthWales #VisitNSW #Australia #SeeAustralia #ScenicRailway #Railway #train #steepestintheworld #GuinnessBookofRecords #JamisonValleyA post shared by Scenic World Blue Mountains (@scenicworld_aus) on Jul 29, 2019 at 12:11am PDT An obvious .....one but there is so much going on at Scenic World that you’ll be able to keep the whole family entertained. Scenic World seems to have the world record titles for the steepest railway in the world and the steepest cable car in the world which takes your right over the mountains. The Blue Mountains cable car is our top pick for things to do at Scenic World. Show less

View this post on InstagramGreat photo of the massive Devil's Coach House, our free self guided cave by @meganhinds_ . . . . . . . @Australia #NewSouthWales @visitnsw @nswnationalparks #NSWParks @sydney @bluemountainsaustralia #visitbathurst #bluemtsaus #unearthcentralnsw #experience_oberon #bucketlist #westernadvocate #lithgowtourism #watchthisinstagood #travel #naturephotography #animalphotography #caves #nswenvironmentandheritage #australia #earth #aroundtheworld #natureaddict #cavehunting #explore #adventure #weekendadventuresA post shared by Jenolan Caves Australia (@jenolancaves) on Jul 21, 2019 at 8:47pm PDT Everyone’s favourite Jenolan Caves is a must visit when heading to the Blue Mountains. The drive over is incredible as you .....wind through the mountain and ending up driving through one of the caves to the carpark. It’s an incredible place but it’s very very busy with tour buses and tourists from overseas. Show less

If you know the date and time of your visit, you can book your ticket online for great savings!  This will bring the normal Sydney Aquarium Ticket price of $42 down to only $29.40. In our opinion, the absolute best way to buy tickets for this attraction is by purchasing the 2 Attraction Combo Passwhich is currently on sale for only $56 per adult.  This way you can visit the Aquarium as well as one other attraction of your choice (SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium, WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo, Sydney Tower Eye, .....Madame Tussauds or Manly SEA LIFE Sanctuary).– Show less

Manly is a place that attracts an all kind of people: surfers go there for the main beach, hikers for a walk to Spit, window-shoppers for its small shops and art galleries, and beach fans for Shelly Beach and its crystal clear waters.You can take the ferry to Manly from Circular Quay. We advise you to return to Circular for sunset. At that time, you see the red reflections of the sun on the Opera and the buildings of the city centre. You should visit manly if you are in .....Sydney. If you want to be a bit more active, do the walk from Manly to Spit, which lasts several hours (18km round trip) and is well worth the detour. Show less

Cockatoo Island operated as a convict penal establishment from 1839-69, primarily as a place of secondary punishment for convicts who had re-offended in the colonies. The island was off-limits to the public for more than one hundred years. The island is now UNESCO world-heritage-listed and reminded me out of scenes of the walking dead. You can wander around here and explore the vacant buildings. Cockatoo Island, Sydney Take the ferry back to Circular Quay and have a freshen up at your hotel.

The rooms at ibis Sydney Darling Harbour are on the smaller size that other cities, but somewhat standard in Sydney. The white walls, white bed and light wood furnishings the room gave it a light, modern feel and offered the impression of more space, but it was the window that offered the most value to the review and remained the place where I spent the majority of my time when I was indoors. Outside my window was the most stunning view of the Sydney skyline and Pyrmont Bay below. Restaurants, bars, .....ferries, Sydney Aquarium and a host of other activities could be seen from the window and it really excited me to be amongst it all. Despite having the feel that I was separated from the city the truth was that I was still within walking distance or everything Sydney has to offer. Show less

Yet another picturesque destination that is located not too far from Sydney city, the Hunter Valley is a favorite destination especially among wine lovers. In fact the wine produced here is one of a kind and the wine tasting alone is good enough to keep you busy here.

One of the most popular lookout points in Blue Mountains is Govetts Leap. This impressive valley is the type of place you could come back to at various times of the day and it will completely change. There’s also loads of hikes to explore at Govetts Leap as well and there’s an information centre at the lookout so you can ask any questions about any of the hikes you want to do.

One of the best ways to get a bird’s eye view of the city is to walk across the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Pay just $15 AUD and you can have a spectacular view from the south pylon. It may sound like a lot to pay, but it’s just a fraction of the cost of the Harbour Bridge Climb with a very similar view.

A beach is an easy way to spend a day if you are by yourself.  Some are ideal for those who enjoy water sports and fitness, others good for snorkelling.  Palm Beach is located along the Northern Beaches and you may spot the Australian Soap Opera, Home & Away, being filmed there.

Walking from Coogee Beach to Bondi Beach was a highlight, escaping from the city for a walk along the beaches, a chance to watch the surfers, and a view of a pool that we wished we could have swam in.  If only we had brought our swimsuits!! Bondi Beach

Explore Australia’s unique plant life at the Australian Botanic Garden Mount Annan, a 416-hectare botanical garden located in Mount Annan, between Campbelltown and Camden. The wide, flat paths are a delight to follow as they weave in and around the garden areas, as are the grassy hills to roll down! The Australian Botanic Garden Mount Annan has free entry, picnic shelters, barbecues and a playground with an excellent flying fox, making it the perfect outing for families. Get more info on visiting the Australian Botanic Garden Mount Annan.

Bondi to Bronte Walk The Bondi to Bronte walk is one of the most famous Sydney coastal walks. It is also one of the easiest and most accessible on the list. A daily running route for me at one stage, if you are hoping to run this route, you will need to start at sunrise before it becomes too busy to enjoy it. Also, avoid trying this walk on the weekend as it becomes super busy. This isn’t a walk to take if you are hoping for some solidarity and thinking time in .....the bush (like some of the others below). However, it is a wonderful way to see this stunning stretch of coastline, featuring Bondi Beach, Tamarama, Mackenzie’s Bay with plenty of people watching along the way. If you have a little more time and energy, continue on from the end of Bronte Beach on the track that will take you from Bondi to Coogee. It adds on about an additional 4 kilometres, but it’s a lovely, easy track, taking you through Clovelly and past Gordon’s Bay. You will arrive at Coogee beach stretching out in front of you and conveniently at the front door of Coogee Pavilion, the perfect place for a refreshment break before you walk or catch the bus back. Distance: 2.5km Time: 1 hour+ / to Coogee 2.5 hours+ Terrain: Easy pathways. Suitable for children and prams (but you will need help lifting and lowering the pram up and downstairs in sections). Map: Access the Bondi to Bronte Walk map here. Access the Bondi to Coogee map here.   Find and book Sydney tours and activities on Viator Show less

One of the main things to do in Blue Mountain is going on a hike. If you’re looking for one of the best hikes in Blue Mountains then you really should put aside time to complete the Grand Canyon walk. It’s a circuit which takes 2h30m. The hike takes you through loads of different types of terrain and you’ll spend most of it in absolute awe as you’ll be walking through part of the Gondwana Rainforest which is over 1 million years old. That’s right, 1 million years old! Tips – don’t .....take young kids, it will take a good few hours to do the circuit. Show less

Fancy doing some cider tasting in Blue Mountains? Make sure you check out Bilpin Cider and Hillbury Cider cellar doors. Bilpin Cider and Hillbilly Cider are two well known NSW ciders and you can go straight to their farms in Mount Wilson which are just a one minute drive from each other. Bilpin Cider Opening Hours: Mon- Sun 10-4pm Hillbilly Cider Opening Hours: Fri 12-5pm, Sat-Sun 11-5pm

Byron Bay, truly one of my favourite places in Australia. Everyone who’s been to Australia before knows why. People walk barefoot, surf and are really chilled. There’s someone playing music somewhere. And this place has great food and even better coffee. I can’t be any more positive about this place than I am now. Although, it’s getting a bit touristic now. >>> Coming soon: I’ve compiled all my favourite hotspots in Byron Bay in a separate post. Check it out!<<<

I first went to Wombeyan Caves a couple of years ago to swim through Mares Forest Creek Canyon, and boy what a sight it was. I have to say, it’s probably the best thing I have ever done since I moved to Sydney six years ago. The water was a turquoise green, and there wasn’t one other person in sight the whole day. As my friend and I scrambled over rocks, we swam our way through the most pristine waters and scenery I have seen in Australia. That day we spent a .....few hours in the canyon but we didn’t get a chance to see any of the caves it’s famous for. Swimming through the Mares Forest Creek Canyon at Wombeyan Caves Show less

The perfect way to experience the beauty of the mountains. Scenic World consists of four activities: the Scenic Skyway, the Scenic Railway, the Scenic Cableway and the Scenic Walkway. The Scenic Skyway is suspended 270 metres above the Jamison Falls Valley and glides two cliff tops. On the other side, the beautiful Katooma Cascades waterfall is a short walk. An absolute must is a thrilling ride on the Scenic Railway. With its 52 degree incline, this is the steepest passenger railway in the world. Get more info on Scenic World and Katoomba Cascades here.

Berry has a healthy art and craft scene and artists offer their wares. You can shop for handmade fashion, textile and various design objects. The Precinct Galleries is a must-see. Also keep an eye out for the regular markets in the Southern Highlands.eval(ez_write_tag([[300,250],'lesterlost_com-box-4','ezslot_8',111,'0','0']));

Sydney: it's the Australia you see in Hollywood movies, all sweeping shots of a glistening harbour and tanned bodies lazing on the iconic Bondi Beach. From the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge, to Luna Park and Sydney Tower, all of the icons are here. As the oldest and largest city of its kind in Australia, Sydney proudly shines bright as the place both tourists and locals want to be. It's a city and beach in one; a multicultural playground where history abounds and the country's rich and famous reside. Sydney .....is beloved as much for its balmy weather as it is for its sunny lifestyle – if it doesn't charm you with its charisma, it'll definitely seduce you with its beauty. Show less

There are a few train stations and small country towns that span the Blue Mountains, but the one that seems to be the best starting point and transport hub is Katoomba. This is where you’ll find the main visitor centre if you want to get more information and detailed maps before you tackle any hikes. Katoomba is also where many of the tourist activities start from, such as the hop-on-hop-off Blue Mountain Explorer bus. From Sydney, take the train to Parramatta, where you’ll connect with a local Blue Mountain Line train that’s heading .....toward Lithgow. Again, you can get off at any of the stops to explore the area, but I recommend starting from Katoomba Station. The journey from Sydney takes just over two hours, and once you arrive you can either choose to sign up for one of the hop-on-hop-off buses, or walk to the first main attraction of the day – the Three Sisters. The walk from the station to the Three Sisters Plaza is only 20 minutes. Show less

The Queen Victoria Building, or QVB, has been labeled as one of the most beautiful places in the world to go shopping.  Inside were coffee shops and upscale shopping stores. Just across the street is Sydney’s Town Hall and a man warning of the end of the world.

The best about Wollongong is that the journey is just as enticing as the destination. Although public transport is readily available from Wollongong to Sydney visitors often take the Grand Pacific Drives which is yet another one of those must do’s in Sydney. Savor the unmatched scenery along the way and while you bask in this epic beauty don’t forget to stop by and enjoy the panoramic views of the bridge and the coastline.

Terrigal is a large, popular town and attracts the most visitors, which means great facilities and cafes are on offer. There is an ocean pool at the south end to swim in as well as the beach which has great waves for giving surfing a try. We enjoyed scooting down the Esplanade, which has plenty of vibrant cafes and restaurants to choose from, all with a pretty ocean view. You might even spot a dolphin or whale during migration season between May and November. We dined at the excellent Bellyfish cafe. Drop by .....the Cold Rock ice creamery for a special treat. This one has gummy bears in it! If you’re up for a walk, head south from the Esplanade and follow the walking trail to the Skillion lookout on Broken Head. Be warned, it’s a bit of a steep walk and there are stairs along the way. Find more places to eat in Terrigal here. Show less

Caves Beach is located on the Swansea peninsula between Lake Macquarie and the Pacific Ocean in New South Wales, Australia. It is named for the large number of caves at its southern end which can be explored at low tide. Read more about visiting Caves Beach here.

The central coast is an amazing gem near Sydney. Make sure you stop off at places like Avoca Beach for Byron Bay vibes, Newcastle for the beaches, Port Stephens for one of the best spots for families (because there’s so much to do!). Don’t miss a night at Seal Rocks campsite, it’s truly one of the most beautiful spots in Australia! Read more: Guide to Avoca Beach Read more: The ultimate guide to Port Stephens Read more: 10 best beaches in Newcastle Read more: Why you need to visit Seal Rocks

The site of the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games is now a monument to sporting legends and a peaceful parkland. Visit Cathy Freeman Park to see the Olympic Cauldron that was used throughout the games and has been transformed into a water feature that kids love to play under in summer, located next to a shady playground and vast grassy field. To get there: Take a 30 minute train trip from Central Station to Olympic Park Station or a ferry from Circular Quay to Sydney Olympic Park Wharf. Get info on visiting Sydney Olympic Park here.

You feel fulfilled, energy releasing and sweaty after a day trip. Now, you seat on the cruise to look sunset fading behind Sydney Harbour Bridge. This is epic! One of the remarkable feelings of this trip! Sydney Harbor Bridge is an iconic symbol of Australia you should never miss! It is also the largest steel arch bridge in the world. On this special cruise on the way back to Circular Quay City center, you will have chance to listen to traditional Aussie Fork Music. Read more: Top Amazing Attractions in Sydney

Along with everything else you also need to keep in mind how you’re going to be travelling too! Greyhound Passes are the most popular, but you’ll need to know which way around you’re going for the point to point passes (so don’t change your mind!) whereas the WHIMit Passes dont have any restriction on route (only length of time) so you can mix things up with those! Campervans are also fixed with the route once you’ve reserved one and the prices do vary on length of time but also the route .....as well – so you may find out it’s much cheaper to go with a different starting point – and this may well have a huge impact on your decision.   Show less

With its calm lagoon waters, hypnotic waterfall, picnic area, coastal lookout and beach, Wattamolla is a special spot in the world and pretty darn beautiful. There’s also a car park, making it an easy spot to visit. No three-kilometre hike involved with this one.

The Watsons Bay walk is another very accessible track taking you from Watsons Bay to Hornby Lighthouse and back. The walk starts at the Watsons Bay ferry terminal near Robertson Park (the central park at Watsons Bay featuring a small playground and views of the boats in the bay), walk the wharf side on the water towards Camp Cove via Cove Street. Camp Cove is one of Sydney’s best-kept secrets and a lovely place to spend a day with the family having a picnic, swimming, snorkelling and relaxing. At the north end .....of Camp Cove beach, the South Head Heritage trail starts. This 1-kilometre loop track takes you past Lady Bay Beach and the historic Hornby Lighthouse. Simply make your way back again by retracing your steps back to Watsons Bay. Once you are back in Watsons Bay, make sure you take the time to walk over to The Gap Park, a panoramic viewing spot with a tragic history. Then, stop in for some lunch at the Watsons Bay Hotel or the quaint Dunbar House across the park. Avoid this track on weekends if you are able to as there are many visitors arriving in Watsons Bay on the weekends, particularly in Summer. Parking is also a challenge on weekends, so if you are only spending a weekend in Sydney, try to catch a bus up to Watsons Bay from Rose Bay or a ferry from Circular Quay or across from Manly if you are staying in northern Sydney. Distance: 2.8km Time: 1.5+ hours return Terrain: Very easy walk. Map: Access the Watsons Bay Walk map here.   Related: How to Spend a Weekend in Sydney Show less

This is a trail I used to run a couple of times a week. If you love an easy trail run or walk, this is a lovely way to get from the Spit Bridge to Manly along the foreshore and well away from the roads. You’ll find yourself in narrow, winding bushland tracks one minute and popping out at Clontarf beach the next. The terrain is varied; taking you through the bush, along the sand, footpaths and offering incredible views from vantage points the likes of Dobroyd Head. Once in Manly, stop .....in for a well-deserved lunch or a drink at Manly Greenhouse or a local favourite, The Wharf Bar. Getting back home is simple; either grab the bus back towards the lower North Shore, the Northern Beaches or jump on the ferry or Jetcat to Circular Quay in Sydney city. To add more of a challenge or some extra distance, start at Balmoral beach and work your way up the hill and back down over Spit Bridge before starting the Spit to Manly Coastal trail. Distance: 10 km Time: 3.5 hours+ Terrain: Medium. Not suitable for small children. Map: Access the Spit to Manly Coastal Walk map here. Show less

The Blue Mountains Botanic Garden is located 2 hours drive from the Sydney CBD in the World Heritage Listed Blue Mountains. Without a doubt I am biased when it comes to this location - I adore the Mount Tomah Botanical Gardens. Set along the Bells Line of Road, this is an area of the Blue Mountains that is not part of the usual tourist circuit. In fact, it is a little known feature of the Blue Mountains to Sydney-siders and tourists alike. The introduced plants of the garden aside, it's .....breathtaking alpine location is half the beauty of these gardens. Show less

Make sure you head over to one of the most jaw dropping Blue Mountains lookouts at Pulpit Rock Lookout. The question is, will you be able to have the courage to embrace the staircase down to the further lookout? It definitely took me a few attempts at doing it. It’s a five minute walk from the car park to Pulpit Lookout.