Sydney (Australia)

1.Sydney opera house

Location: Bennelong Point, Sydney, NSW

In terms of Australian icons, the Sydney Opera House ranks up there with the likes of Ayers Rock / Uluru and the Great Barrier Reef as perhaps the most recognisable symbol of Australia. Its unique, sail-like design and postcard-perfect location at beautiful Sydney Harbour make it one of the most highly photographed buildings in the world, and upon paying your first visit to see it in person, it's not hard to see why. Numerous options for exploring the Opera House from both inside and out exist; it's more a matter of how much time and money you wish to spend as well as your level of interest in the building's history that will determine your preferred way to experience the landmark. Some recommended options include:

• Tour the city with a combined city and Opera House Tour. This serves as an especially good option if it's your first visit to Sydney in general as you'll get to take in a variety of other landmarks and historical highlights away from the harbour - such as Hyde Park, the St James Cathedral, Sydney Tower and Bondi Beach, to name just a few. This option also enables you to get inside the Opera House and learn about the inner workings of its famed theatre facilities as well.

• Combine the city's highlights from both the land and water with an all inclusive tour of the Sydney City and Harbour Luncheon Cruise. This is a solid choice for those who want to pack their itinerary with as much as possible who might be operating within a limited timeframe, while providing a tasty dining experience on the waters of Sydney Harbour to boot.

• Take a small, exclusive tour of the Sydney Sights with a stop off at the Opera House. This itinerary is more compact, giving you the rest of the afternoon to spend as you see fit, with the tour commencing at 8:00am (after picking you up from your local accommodation) and concluding at midday. It's a good choice if you want to grab yourself a meal at one of the many high quality restaurants in the area and then continue with your own sightseeing from there.

• Join a walking tour that takes you on and off the tourist track, that includes the Opera House. There are few better ways to see the more intricate highlights of the city up close than on foot; plus, many of the tour itineraries available take you to more hidden areas that are no less culturally significant, and provide a good alternative for those who might roll their eyes at taking part in more "touristy" activities.

 2.Sydney tower eye

Location: 100 Market Street, Sydney, NSW

In terms of places to start your journey if you're a first-time visitor to Sydney, this is easy to recommend as the place to do so. At twice the height of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, this is the perfect start to get your bearings on this amazing city and spy some spots the rest of your trip, while also getting a true sense of the sheer scale of Sydney and its surrounds.

Measuring 250m high, Sydney Tower Eye (previously known simply as "Sydney Tower") provides a vantage point that no other location in the city can match, and is located almost exactly in the heart of the city at 100 Market St. Visiting Sydney Tower serves as a less-pricey (and less physically exerting) alternative to the Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb, which is another popular way to garner some panoramic views of the city, and it also offers an included "4D" video experience providing an overview of the regional spectacles.

observation deck

Guests can visit just the observation deck level at Sydney Tower which provides unmatched, 360 degree views of everything from Sydney Harbour to the city skyline to the Blue Mountains far in the distance, or pay the upgrade fee for the Skywalk experience which allows you to step outside the glass at the same height as the Eiffel Tower! This option combines a mix of sightseeing and adrenaline into a single entertaining package, and is very reasonably priced, particularly compared to similar offerings in some of Australia's other cities. Regardless of if you choose the Sydney Tower standalone admission or the Skywalk package, be sure to buy your tickets online as you'll save yourself a fair bit of cash on the door entry price. Many feel that the period just before sunset is the best time to visit Sydney Tower as you'll get the best of both worlds, seeing Sydney and its surrounds both in daylight and then as the colours begin to change and the city lights flicker on one by one.

3.Whale Watching

Location: Sydney Harbour, NSW

All that water surrounding Sydney and providing it with its lovely coastal location isn't just for show - it's also home to a variety of marine life, not the least of which are the whales which can be seen each year during their annual migratory season from May to November. While the whales can occasionally be seen from a few select sections of shore or from some higher cliffs or coasts, the undisputed best way to see them is to get out on the water. As a result, whale watching cruises in the harbour and further out on the open waters are exceedingly popular in Sydney for a variety of reasons.

Perhaps the ultimate blend of wildlife and sightseeing, there's simply something magical about seeing these giant ocean mammals breaching while surrounded on every side by some of Australia's most iconic landmarks. A Sydney Harbour whale watching cruise will allow you to experience the Humpback and Southern Right whales as they journey between Antarctica and the Great Barrier Reef between June and mid-November onboard as they use sheltered areas of the harbour and greater Sydney coastline to rest, play, and tend to their young.

Given the scale of Sydney and its popularity as a destination, there are a huge number of whale watching operators available, the majority of which are confident enough in their ability to show you whales that they will offer a "whale sighting guarantee" that will either provide you with a refund or the chance to book another cruise during the same season entirely free of charge. Some of the best of these include: Oz Whale Watching: Australian Whale Watching: Sydney Whale Watching: Departure points for most whale watching in Sydney are either Circular Quay or certain other points of Darling Harbour, with the competition meaning that you'll often be able to come away with a very reasonably priced whale watching experience in Sydney.

4.Blue Mountains and Jenolan Caves

Location: approx. 3 hours' drive from Sydney CBD, NSW

One of the most treasured nature-based destinations in the state of New South Wales, the Blue Mountains continue to be the destination of choice for those looking for a single or several day escape from the city. Combining epic, rugged scenery that blends greenery with some vast rocky outcroppings that contrast beautifully with one another, the Blue Mountains region is also rich with a bevy of native Aussie wildlife, leading it to be a location that has something to offer for almost everyone. Add to this the spectacular nearby network of Jenolan Caves - an ancient system of limestone caves of varying sizes featuring some of the most unique and visually stunning natural displays in NSW as a whole. As a result, both the Blue Mountains and Jenolan Caves can be combined into wonderful day trip that combine two distinct types of Aussie-style nature. Some of the options for venturing to these destinations include:

For those wanting to spare themselves the challenge and effort of a self-drive, jump on a coach tour to experience all there is to offer in the Blue Mountains within an optimised itinerary. Blue Mountains itineraries typically include stops at some of the most scenic and panoramic lookouts in the area, providing you with some outstanding photo opportunities at spots such as Bluff Reserve Lookout and many others. Another popular choice is to combine your Blue Mountains visit with a trip to the mystical Jenolan Caves, Australia's most extensive limestone cave network. The relative proximity of each of these destinations to one another makes fitting both into a single day itinerary very doable, with the caves being impressive enough to warrant several hours of exploration themselves.

Smaller mini coaches also run tours out to the mountains with 3 hours of self guided hiking time around the Three Sisters - undoubtedly the Blue Mountains most famous rock formation. These towering "girls" offer an incredible cavalcade of colours that have become the focal point of some of Australia's most famous both photographs and paintings, and pull at the heart strings of anyone with a passion for authentic, untamed Australian terrain.

Alternatively, jump in a 4WD for the ultimate offroad adventure and explore the wilderness in a much more rough-and-ragged way. Travelling on various back country 4WD tracks that lead to some amazing lookouts, these tours add a more intimate, personalised touch to the proceedings due to smaller group numbers and greater personal attention than larger coach tours. Lastly, if you are a hiking enthusiast, consider an overnight hiking extravaganzawith some challenging hikes to many pristine viewing spots.

5.See Sydney From Above

Location: Various locations around Sydney & suburbs, NSW

Sydney is impressive and beautiful enough when explored on foot, however those willing to fork over some extra money can gain an entirely new perspective on the city by viewing it from the air. There are several options for scenic flights that specialise in showcasing the city's blend of blue waters, modern skyline and patches of well-developed greenery, and when viewed from high above it's easy to gain a different level of appreciation on their level of scale and construction. Some of the flight options for seeing Sydney from the air include:

• Those with a bigger budget may prefer to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and float gently above the city high in the air with a Sydney Hot Air Balloon Flight that provides absolutely stunning views not only of the city and its highlights but also more distant sights such as the spectacular Blue Mountains as well. Ballooning is a must-do activity once in your lifetime, and the serenity and peace provided by the experience is unmatched. You'll have to be an early riser, however, as ballooning adventures kick off before sunrise to allow you to get the full effect of the dawn gradually illuminating the landscape. With the option to cap it all off with a delicious champagne breakfast, ballooning makes for the ultimate in sightseeing indulgence.

• As a complete 180 to the above, adrenaline junkies may instead choose to pick up the pace and jump from 14,000ft in the ultimate Sydney Skydive experience. As 14.000ft is the maximum allowable skydiving heigh in Australia, it maximises the amount of free-fall time you'll have after jumping (expect roughly a minute in total), and once the rush is open you'll be able to take in the breathtaking views at a slower, leisurely pace.

• If you'd prefer to feel like a CEO for a day, a scenic helicopter ride over Sydney offers the "creme de la creme" of sightseeing options. The ability to choose from any number of greater-Sydney-area itineraries that tickles your fancy while hovering at far lower heights than some other airborne experiences makes a helicopter trip one of the most exclusive ways to view landmarks and other highlights. As an added bonus, you'll typically be able to come away with some spectacular photos or video footage that few other tourists can match - definitely the option for those after not just some amazing memories but travel bragging rights as well.

6.Visit Sydney's Beaches on a Coastal Walk

Location: Eastern suburbs, Sydney, NSW

Despite its status as a large, built-up city that's the hub of all things urban in Australia, as the birthplace of Surf Life Saving Sydney has a strong beach tradition which is reflected in the sheer quantities of people who flock to its sandy stretches each year. Many of Sydney's beaches are among the most famous in Australia simply because of their connection to the city - places such as Bondi, Manly and other areas may not be as strikingly beautiful as some of the offerings in the tropical north, yet they carry a distinct character of their own and should be visited at least once for first-timers to the city.

Many of Sydney's beaches can be reached via a number of wonderful coastal walks that meander along beautiful stretches of shoreline and picturesque lookouts over both the natural and man-made highlights of the city. Strolling along Sydney's coast you'll see the likes of expanses of heathland, rocky outcroppings and cliff faces, and some of the most exclusive and expensive properties in the entire country.

In terms of exploring the beaches of Sydney, options include:

• The Coogee to Bondi walk - widely acclaimed as Sydney's best walking route, this roughly 2 hour walk allows you to get a taste of everything "Sydney" in one convenient little trek; cliffs hugging the blue ocean, amazing panoramic views of landmarks, homes of the rich, famous and otherwise wealthy, spots to grab a drink or bite to eat, and all this culminating in an arrival at Australia's most iconic beach. While there are hilly stretches and a number of stairs along the way, simply take your time and enjoy the scenery and it'll be enjoyable without being overly tiring.

• If walking's not your thing, take a guided coach tour that stops off at Manly beach, Bondi, Northern Beaches and the Southern Beaches, or join a smaller, exclusive tour that takes you out to the Northern Beaches. Both of these itineraries take you to some of the more "high end" suburbs of Sydney, many of which are filled with extravagant homes on some of the most expensive and desirable property in all of Australia. The blend of upmarket architecture with golden sands and blue waters make for the quintessential Sydney sightseeing experience without leaving your legs aching.

• Sydney also boasts a number of other beaches that help round out its offerings, each with its own highlights: Bronte Beach offers a good balance between both on-shore and off-shore activities; Clovelly Beach is a hidden and sheltered gem that's great for swimming and those with younger children; Dee Why Beach provides excellent opportunities for both swimming and surfing; and Palm Beach boasts its own "ocean swimming pool", among others.

7.Climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge

Location: Sydney Harbour, NSW

Typically dubbed with the not-unimpressive label of Sydney's "second best" and most famous landmark, the Sydney Harbour Bridge is an iconic feat of construction that helps to make Sydney's harbour one of the world's most unique and distinctive. The massive, girder-lined landmark is crossed by hundreds of thousands of cars each week, and is as an essential a part of Sydney's infrastructure as it its skyline.

It's not just a structure that has to be admired from afar, either; for multiple years, aspiring adventurers have been able to take part in the Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb experience that allows visitors to ascend to the top of its apex for one of the most remarkable views that Sydney has to offer. As one of only 3 climbable bridges in the world (with Brisbane and New Zealand's Auckland being the others), it's a rare opportunity for a wonderful outlook of the city panorama.

The Bridge Climb comes with a variety of different time choices throughout each day, each of which provides a slightly different atmosphere and outlook depending on the passage of the sun. While the day climb is perhaps the most popular and grants the clearest views of the harbour and city skyline, climbing as the sun sets adds its own magical flavour as the glow at the end of the day casts a number of shadows over all the landmarks. A night climb is also available, and the sparkling lights reflecting off the harbour make for a splendid dash of colour as well.

The process of the Bridge Climb is quite involved, lasting roughly 3.5 hours and including an initial safety briefing followed by suiting up in a customised-for-safety climb suit before setting out on the journey. You'll also be fitted with headsets so that, once the ascent begins, your experienced climber-guide will be able to provide in-ear commentary on all the history, geography and other regional tidbits on the landmarks you'll be able to see while climbing the bridge's arch. It's a highly interactive experience and the guides are generally very sociable and willing to answer questions along the way. While there's a fair bit of money involved, the Sydney Bridge Climb has fast become one of Sydney's most iconic experiences, and if you've got the time to invest it's a great group activity that shows the city in a whole new light.

8.Visit a great Zoo or Wildlife Attraction

Location: Various locations, Sydney, NSW

Australia's animal life is a signature feature that sets the continent apart from many other countries throughout the world, and Sydney is home to a wide array of wildlife-based attractions that aim to showcase this to both locals and visitors from abroad alike. This is particularly a boon to families travelling with kids - there's plenty of choice here, and the number of zoos, aquariums and other facilities means that even in a busy city none of them are ever too crowded.

Thus, you'll be able to get your animal fix with a wide variety of easily accessible animal experiences, such as the popular Taronga Zoo or

The Sydney Harbour area in particular is home to multiple facilities; local attraction providers have gone out of their way to make them as accessible to visitors as possible, and it shows.

While the most widely-acclaimed are Taronga Zoo (land) and Sydney Aquarium (water), there are also various other great wildlife facilities in Sydney including:

• The aforementioned Taronga Zoo is a must-do for animal and wildlife lovers in Sydney, and it features outstanding views of the harbour from its hilly overlook to boot. With one of the widest range of animals on offer in Australia, it's a no-brainer to visit if you're in Sydney - be sure to check out the combined Taronga Zoo entry and Ferry Pass packages which can end up saving you a bunch of money to both enter and access the zoo.

• Visit Sydney Aquarium to walk under water and explore Australia's aquatic life. As the largest aquarium in Australia, Sydney Aquarium has a lot to live up to, and with several recent renovations and overhauls there's no secret that it more than delivers. The Aquarium has also recently undergone a branding change, and current ownership have put a lot of time and effort into bringing the attraction up to international standards; it's extremely well-organised and contains a wide range of marine animals and scenery with everything from dugongs to Great Barrier Reef features and all things in between. Its extensive underwater tunnel is no doubt the highlight, however - it contains some of the largest viewable sharks in captivity in the country along with a bevy of other marine life all sharing the one vast tank. Lastly, Adults at Kids Prices deals frequently pop up for Sydney Aquarium, so be sure to buy your tickets online to ensure you get the best possible deal.

• Sydney Wildlife World / WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo offers Australia's most renowned creatures right next to the harbour while providing great views of the Opera House - a truly unique zoo style experience. The zoo focuses almost entirely on native Aussie animals as opposed to trying to encompass a bunch of exotic species as well, and with this it does a great job. It's compact but interesting, and a great way to while away a few hours with the kids if you happen to be in the Sydney Harbour neighbourhood and looking for something to keep them entertained at a non-exorbitant price.

• Manly SEA LIFE Sanctuary offers interactive fun for all ages at Sydney's Northern Beaches, and provides a more convenient alternative for those who are in the area and would rather not travel across the city to Sydney Aquarium. It's located just a short walk from the main wharf at Manly, and makes up for its smaller size with a heavy "for kids" focus that allows the little ones to get more hands-on with some of the exhibits. Hourly fish feedings and a child-oriented penguin show also round out the experience. Lastly, for those a little more daring, the option is there to dive with the sharks in their 4 million litre oceanarium.

9.Take a cruise on Sydney Harbour

Location: Sydney Harbour, NSW

As one of the best possible ways to explore one of the world's most beautiful harbours, the sheer number of options means that the choice is yours when it comes to Sydney Harbour cruises. There's everything from dinner cruises, speedy jet boats, romantic sailing tours and vintage tall ship adventures to whet your appetite. The water provides a truly unique vantage point from which to experience all of Sydney Harbour's landmarks; icons such as the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge take on an entirely new life from an angle different to the standard "walk-up-and-stare" approach.

In terms of available cruise choices, some of the most popular (and highly recommended) ways to enjoy the harbour aboard a vessel include:

• Travelling by water makes for one of the best and most efficient ways to see some of Sydney's attractions in the harbour district; you'll be able to save money by combining a Sydney attraction with a cruise. Taking one of the available ferries means you'll arrive at the attractions after a relaxing harbour tour (a great combination of sights and travel combined). Alternatively, pick a hop-on-hop off pass for the freedom to cruise between Darling Harbour, Circular Quay, Watsons Bay, Taronga Zoo and Luna Park so that you can travel at your own pace and form an itinerary that you feel best suits your individual tastes.

• Enjoy a dining cruise for an unforgettable meal on Sydney Harbour. Both lunch and dinner cruises are popular, with each providing a different atmosphere - the sun reflecting off Sydney Harbour's beautiful blue waters and the roof of the Opera House make for a pleasant backdrop. Meanwhile, night cruises combine the illumination of the city skyline and landmarks with some delicious meal options; there's something simply magical to be said for enjoying tasty food while in the company of such world-famous surroundings lit up by some often-spectacular lighting.

• If you've got a passion for yachting, take a cruise onboard a luxurious 52 foot motor yacht that conjures up images of the famous annual Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race. While these sailing cruises are typically more pricey than the standard charter options, they also provide a much higher level of involvement - you'll be able to get more "hands on" and involved in the sailing process if that's something that appeals to you.

• Turn back time and experience a 1850s style tall ship. The range of timber tall ships which dot Sydney Harbour are almost as iconic as the other surrounding landmarks themselves, and provide an adequate reflection of the city's strong maritime origins. The more rustic nature of these cruises provide a refreshing break from other, more traditional alternatives, and the great majority of them offer food and lunch packages as well, with everything from seafood buffets to champagne and historical cruises as well.

• Turn up the speed with a heart pumping jetboat ride. What makes jet boating great is that it combines sightseeing with a dose of adrenaline as well, so those who find standard sightseeing cruises slightly snooze-worthy will no doubt appreciate flying past the Opera House, Fort Denison and their brothers at a far higher speed. Tricks, turns, splashes and spills all within one of the country's most scenic waterways make jet boating on Sydney Harbour feel even more special than in many of the other popular jet boating locations in Australia.