Travel to Sydney

From Parramatta to Circular Quay, there is a really large river called the Parramatta River. Along that river operates the River Cat, a ferry that runs between Parramatta and Circular Quay. The most common way to get from Parramatta to Circular Quay is by train. The train is faster, and much more regular than the River Cat, but in the end of the day it is a train. I had some time on my hands, so I was not in any rush to get to Circular Quay and so I thought why not take the River Cat? So I wandered down to the ferry terminal and of course the first drawback is the timetable.

The River Cat leaves about every hour on the hour, as opposed to the train which runs between 3 and 5 per hour. But I had some time on my hands and I was not too far away from when the River Cat was going. So I waited around and jumped on it. It is fairly inexpensive; it cost me 7 dollar 70 for the trip, which is fairly standard and not too expensive at all. So I waited around, I got on this River Cat, the first thing that I was shocked by is it is quite small. It was a very personal experience; there was two guys working on the River Cat. They pull up at the ferry, throw the drawbridge across and on you go. And then you do not even pay until the River Cat takes off then they come around and collect your money for your tickets at that point.

I got on around at 5 o'clock, which is winter at the moment in Australia, so it gets dark quite early, so it was dark when I got on it. The entire trip takes just over an hour, you can do it by train around 35 to 40 minutes depending on the train. There are some pretty interesting sights to see along the way; around 6 or 7 stops between Parramatta which is one end of the run and Circular Quay which is where it terminates. The stops are all really little wharfs, they are little riverside suburbs where it pulls over, ropes up, puts the drawbridge out and 1 or 2 people would get on and off, very small, pretty quiet actually and some quiet little pleasant suburbs as well over there.

So you can take in those little wharfs and you have these people that get this little River Cat to and from work everyday. You can also see some riverside suburbs along the river, got its bushes and weeds on both sides, so you cannot really take it in too much, but during the breaks there is a lot of parkland, a lot of quiet pretty suburbs as well. Definitely the highlight of that is the arrival at Circular Quay. You enter Circular Quay from the front of Sydney Harbour, from the mouth of the Parramatta River, swing underneath the Harbour Bridge, veer straight for the Opera House and take a right into Circular Quay, near the CBD. It is really spectacular.

Sydney Harbour is one of those icons, there is the Harbour Bridge and the Opera House, but really the views do not get any better than going underneath it on the River Cat and then just having it there straight in front of you when you are in that River Cat. So that is the Parramatta River Cat, obviously if you are in Parramatta and in a hurry, the River Cat is probably not the method of transport for you. It is a little slower and it is not so regular, but if you are not in a rush, it is definitely a far more scenic and pretty way to make that trip.

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The major entry point to Australia - Sydney is one of the most enchanting tourist spots in the world. Situated in the state of New South Wales, between the two coastal cities of Newcastle and Wollongong, on Australia's south-east coast, Sydney is the largest, oldest, and perhaps the vibrant of all the metropolitan cities in the country. With the Pacific Ocean to the east, the Hawkesbury River to the north, the Blue Mountains to the west, and the Royal National Park to the south - Sydney is the capital of New South Wales. Further, its seaport is one of the best in the world.

Sydney was the first city to be colonized by the Europeans in the country, and it was established in 1788 by Arthur Philip at Sydney Cove. Since then, the destination has been flourishing, and is now the financial center of the country. As the country's top tourist destination, Sydney draws holidaymakers from across the world, with its stupendous beaches, interesting monuments and museums, scenic attractions, excellent forest reserves, and superb parks and gardens. Additionally, people touring the place could engage in a number of activities such as cruising, jet boating, sightseeing, golf, and much more. In short, Sydney is a glamorous destination, providing all that a traveler looking for.

Discussed below in this article are some of the most popular attractions that set apart Sydney from other destinations in New South Wales.

This attraction has also been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Located in Sydney Harbor on the Bennelong Point, the Sydney Opera House is one of the world's much famed venues for performing arts. Apart from being a venue for several theaters, musical performances, and ballets, it also hosts performances of such leading names as the Sydney Theatre Company, Opera Australia, and the Sydney Symphony.

In addition to being home to attractions such as Sydney Aquarium and Sydney Wildlife World, it also consists of the Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre, where national as well as international conferences and exhibitions are held.

Aforesaid are just few among many of the attractions in the city. Places of interest also include Bondi Beach, which is a fantastic area for enjoying activities such as surfing; Balmoral Beach, with its own island; Taronga Zoo, where a fantastic range of animals can be seen; and Manly Beach, which is noted for its incredible scenery.

In short, Sydney boasts of everything for an unforgettable vacation. Hence, it has accommodation choices to cater to all types of visitors, no matter you are honeymooners, leisurely travelers, or business travelers. High-end hotels come with rooms that are replete with upscale amenities.

For business travelers, these hotels provide a host of facilities such as convention and meeting rooms with banquet facilities and most sophisticated equipments. There are also some hotels that render services in the form of packages covering accommodation, dining, spa facilities, and sightseeing options.

Rental car companies vary drastically in the type of service they provide. Some are out to scam you from the very beginning, while others are more interested in providing quality service. Obviously, you want to go with the rental car company that will offer you good service at a decent price.

1. Look for a rental car company that have a club you can join to get discounts. Some will offer discounts if you have AMEX Gold or Platinum and it's worth checking out if there is a particular club for a chain rental company. This can allow you to get better discounts and make car rental more affordable for you.

2. A rental car company that offers you the option of using your own vehicle insurance is another thing to watch for. This can save you a lot of money and hassle, if your own insurance company covers rental cars. Check ahead of time to make sure it does. If not, your credit card may do so.

3. Rent your car at a non-airport location to get a break in taxes. Taxes are rising quickly on car rentals, thanks to local politicians who don't have to worry about out of towners voting. The taxes can be up to 45% higher at the airport, so take a taxi or shuttle downtown, instead.

4. Look for special offers. Many companies offer special rates during slow seasons, so take advantage of this and save some cash.

5. An established brand is probably the best way to ensure that you aren't gyped. Hertz or another big brand name in car rentals will be more responsive to your complaints because their reputation depends on it. Going with a smaller company could cause problems later on, so try to avoid it unless you can get several recommendations and know that the company is reputable.

6. Get a car from a rental company that lets you buy your own gas off-site. They will overcharge you for providing a full tank of gas. While nice and convenient, this is not the best option finance-wise.

7. Online rental options are even better. This way you can reserve your car ahead of time online. Many websites even allow you to do this in conjunction with a hotel rental. Combining the two could be easier on your wallet. Also, booking online allows you to find the best deals possible.

8. Get a rental company that allows you to drop the car off at a different location. This is very handy if you are catching a plane or heading somewhere and leaving from another location. You can rent in town, and then drop the car at the airport when you leave, very useful.

9. Look for unlimited free mileage. Not every car rental company offers this, so you will need to check before booking. Otherwise, you'll end up with just a few free miles and then you will have to pay extra for any mileage you put on the vehicle after the limit.

10. If you are a younger driver, you will need to find a car rental company that will rent to you. Most have a limit of 21 years, but some go as high as 25 and require that you have your license for a minimum of 5 years.

Knowing how to find the right car rental company can really save you quite a bit of money and you will find that you can drastically drop the stress of renting a car, too.

Sydney is a diverse and multicultural city located on the southeast coast of Australia. It was here that the first British colony was created in 1788. From this small beginning has grown one of the world's most interesting countries. For many, Australia is synonymous with Steve Irwin and crocodile hunting.

For any traveler seeking a destination with diverse offerings, Sydney is hard to beat. Sydney's tourism product runs the gamut from high class hotels to world famous beaches and a vibrant nightlife. The city, unlike so many travel destinations really does offer something for everyone, from the business traveler to the vacationer on a budget. To visit Sydney is to explore much of Australia's history, coupled with modern conveniences and attractions. As a vacation experience it is hard to beat.

A Vacation for the Family

If the entire family wants to travel together, there is no need to create a list of possible destinations. If you've never been to Sydney, you will find it to be the ideal place to make great memories. Given that Australia is known for its wildlife, it should come as no surprise that Sydney features fantastic wildlife parks and zoos. Kids will also be happy to know that Sydney is home to the popular entertainers "The Wiggles." There are also specialized tours just for children, enabling them to learn more about Sydney's culture and history.

The Beaches

Sydney's beaches offer more than just the typical sun and sand. You can take a ferry from Palm Beach and visit the isolated bays. Another option is to take a ride on a seaplane from Rose Bay to Whale Beach followed by a fantastic lunch. Surfing enthusiasts will also find many ideal spots along the coast. If you're interested in something a bit more laid back, take a walk along the coast while you soak up the amazing scenery.

Things to See in Sydney

In a city so rich with history, it's not surprising that there are many places worth visiting as part of your Sydney experience. Aboriginal rock carvings can be seen on the Bondi Golf Course, which is close to Bondi Beach. While the Sydney Botanical Gardens should be on your itinerary, be sure to check out the Government House as well. It was designed in 1835 and features fine examples of 19th century furniture. Government House is now open to the public.

The Sydney Harbor Bridge is another site of historical value. Opened in 1932, it took nine years to complete. The Bridge accommodates both vehicular traffic and trains and has a walkway for pedestrians. Great views of the bridge can be had from any of the ferries in Circular Quay. Sydney also has world class art galleries, such as the Art Gallery of New South Wales, the Gaval Aboriginal Art Gallery and the Museum of Contemporary Art.

Sydney's Nightlife

Like any major cosmopolitan area, Sydney offers many activities for anyone who likes to be out late. If you are interested in visiting the local bars and pubs or the hottest nightspots, there will be something to your liking. The rotating restaurant/bar, Orbit Bar, with its floor-to-ceiling windows offers fantastic 360 degree views. Other popular spots include The Victoria Room, Hemmesphere and Bayswater Brasserie. Club Parada, The World Bar, Slip Inn & Chinese Laundry and the Tank Nightclub are all highly rated.

The Sydney Opera House

One of, if not the most famous of Sydney's attractions, the Sydney Opera House is admired around the world for its architecture. It was designed by Jorn Utzon of Denmark in 1957 when his design was chosen in a competition. Utzon was involved in the construction of the venue at the beginning. In 1966 after a falling out with government officials, he left the project. The name does not depict the whole picture of this magnificent structure. Aside from the Opera Theater, it also houses a Concert Hall that seats 2,679, a Drama Theater with 1,507 seats and the open air Forecourt, which can be used for any number of purposes. Fittingly it also holds the Utzon room, the only section in the interior designed by Utzon, which seats 210.

Sadly, Utzon never returned to Australia to see the completion of his finest work. The Sydney Opera House represented his first design outside of his home country. In the 1970s he and his wife Lis built a home on the island of Majorca. Nearly 20 years after, they built and moved to another home there, partially for health reasons on his part. Utzon passed away on November 29, 2008.

The Sydney Opera House remains not only one the world's most distinctive structures, but a symbol of Australia. Its design is hailed as a masterpiece of modern architecture.

Online Dating brings you together. Chat, get to know each other then arrange to meet in arguably the most beautiful city in Australia, Sydney. But where to eat? Online Dating Sites suggests some first date ideas in Sydney.

Sydney, Australia, is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Sydney is very much dominated by its enormous harbor and absolutely stunning beaches running for kilometres along the city's eastern edge. Sydney is the oldest city in Australia and this is very much reflected in the "convict" architecture of the inner city. Due to the multiculturalism of Sydney, the city is very cosmopolitan, and has an astonishing array of foods and restaurants from around the globe. Sydney is also the second largest gay city in the world.

So many locations! So many styles of restaurants! We have compiled this article to make a first date restaurant selection a little easier. Move on from chat stage of the online dating process and hook up in person.

Expensive Restaurants. (Get out the Platinum Card.)

The inner city of Sydney offers plenty of choices for fine dining. Select from restaurants situated right on the world famous Sydney Harbor, or opt for a restaurant housed in a building featuring the rustic, sand stone colonial architecture. The Rocks is an area located right in the middle of Sydney City itself. This is a meeting place where the Harbor and old character buildings adjoin each other. Totally impossible to select just the one restaurant from this location.

Circular Quay is another ideal area to have dinner in Sydney. There is plenty of public transport and you are right on Sydney Harbor. We liked the Oyster Bar due to its helpful staff, fantastic views, and diverse menu. Why not take a ferry ride after your meal to finish off the perfect first date? Bistro Lulu in the inner city Eastern suburb of Paddington offers an intimate ambiance and a fantastic French menu. If you want to blow your date away with a superb vista over the entire city of Sydney, then Forty One Restaurant is the venue for you. This restaurant is open for dinner Monday to Saturday and is located in the Chifley Tower in the centre of Sydney city.

Cheap and Cheerful. (You won't need an overdraft.)

Sydney is famous for its plethora of cheap and cheerful eateries. These are perfect for the financially challenged, and for those who don't necessarily want to make their date uncomfortable by throwing the cash around on the first date. If you are going the cheap and cheerful alternative we recommend selecting a restaurant with plenty of character.

Radio Cairo definitely fits the bill with its ambiance and fantastic food. The menu for this eatery in Cremorne is based, not surprisingly, on North African cuisine. This restaurant gets a big tick for character and tasty food at an affordable price. Its location means that after your meal you can cross the road and catch a movie at the Orpheum, the only remaining Art Deco Cinema in Sydney. You can even grab a coffee or drink in this celebration of past architecture.

The Wet Paint Cafe in Bronte Beach, the eastern suburbs of Sydney also gets a big tick. This eatery features affordable Cajun style food with a touch of romance in the candlelit surrounds. One word, try and book a table for the front as the back of the cafe is a bit space challenged. Oscar's near Darling Harbor is another great location as they have comfortable lounges you can settle back in with your date after your meal. This bar/restaurant/pub offers mid week specials with the bubbly and lobster being a steal.

Use this article for some great first date restaurant suggestions. Your online dating first encounter needn't be a trial. Sydney, Australia offers a huge variety of restaurants for the new couple to select from.

The inner-western suburb of Glebe is one of those suburbs that you do no see, it is not very prominent in tourist guides - not something that people talk about across the world. It is situated just west of the Sydney Central Business District, it is the suburb that borders on the CBD to the southwest.

Glebe is within easy walking distance of the city. You can walk there straight along George Street which becomes the Broadway and then you are pretty much in Glebe straight away. Glebe is one of the older areas in Sydney, it has been around for quite a long time and it is renowned, especially amongst locals for a couple of things.

Probably the thing that is renowned most of all about Glebe is the restaurants. There is an enormous variety of restaurants, everything from coffee shops and casual dining to fine dining Thai, Italian, Chinese, Indian, Western, Nepalese. You name the variety of food; you can get it at Glebe. That is really one of the main things it is known for. It is very convenient since it is so close to Sydney CBD and hence very easy to get to.

The other thing about Glebe is that it has a really large student population, because it is right next to Sydney University ,which is the largest university in Sydney. Glebe is very much a student suburb, where students live so they can go to the university over at Sydney University. What that means of course is that there are a lot of cheap shops and restaurants. And it is very much a place that you can go and get some very reasonably priced meals of pretty good quality as well.

The focal point of Glebe is the main road called Glebe Point Rd, that runs off Broadway which is George Street in the city. Glebe Point Rd. is the main road that has got all the restaurants from one into the other, blocks and blocks and blocks of restaurants, cafes, entertainment pubs and hotels and the like. Glebe locals are heavily into their coffee and Glebe Point Rd. is a great place to stop if you feel like just having a coffee; plenty of food and pretty good service in its own eclectic way.

The other thing about Glebe, apart from eating there, is Glebe Markets. Every Sunday on Glebe Point Rd. is Glebe Primary School, they conduct a market there on the grounds of the primary school. It is the kind of place where you can go and get a real look at true Sydney-siders. I think eclectic is the word they used to describe this mix of people from your bohemian types to all different types of people. You can buy from these markets everything from second-hand music to massagers, you can buy art with the artists there, some inventions, all sorts of weird and wonderful inventions.

Of course plenty of food and drink and all that kind of thing, second-hand books, trash and treasures stores, it is definitely worth a look, if only for the people. So Glebe Market is a good place to get down and enjoy the atmosphere of Glebe.

It is very easy to get there by public transport. You can not get a train there, but you can get buses pretty much from Sydney city. You can also get a taxi pretty easily and you can walk there as well. You can drive there because obviously it is a part of the city, but parking can be bit limited. It is a very high density housing area and most of the parking, where you can get it is metered parking. So you do pay reasonably well for parking. In that sense, probably walking or PT can be a better option, but obviously parking gives you a bit more flexibility if you got other things to do.

Glebe, definitely worth a look, particularly if you get down there on a Sunday. It is great spot to go for breakfast and take in the markets. Brunch or lunch followed by the Sudnay markets is a very popular pastime for Sydney locals.

When examining a list of attractions or a map of Australia, it's only natural to think, "I just want to do everything!" But to narrow it down a little bit, Sydney Australia is a destination that won't disappoint! If you're pressed for time, the Australian tourism industry recommends catching the Manly Ferry, taking a harbor cruise, riding the Shelly Ferry, visiting Shell Beach and touring Manly Beach. Many travelers point to the Sydney Opera House as a highlight of their trip as well.

When you come to Sydney Australia, you'll obviously want to get the most optimal view of the towering buildings, the world-famous Harbour Bridge and the architecturally intriguing Opera House. At Circular Quay, you can travel thirty minutes from the Sydney Harbour to Manly via ferry, where you'll get the best view of these landmarks. When you arrive in Manly, you may want to eat some delicious grub at the brand new Manly Wharf Pub. A more traditional, narrated tour is the Sydney Harbour Cruise, which can tell you a little bit about waterfront mansions, Australian history and the city's multitudinous cultural offerings.

You'll get the same view as the ferry, but you'll have a longer ride and more commentary. "Coffee cruises" have become very popular, offering fresh espresso, teas, gourmet biscuits, muffins and Lamingtons, which is an Aussie favorite. Or you can go on the half-day Sydney Harbour sail aboard "Katrina," a luxury yacht, which will take you to hideaway beaches and bays. The Sydney Harbour Bridge Cruise will quickly take you beneath the bridge and narrate a little about this landmark, specifically. You'll stop in the Darling Harbour, where theatres, aquariums and museums await.

For all you land-lubbers, there's a nice walk from the Manly Ferry Terminal to Shelly Beach. You'll pass pubs, cafes, shops and restaurants, although, the particularly keen may even spot a Manly penguin or breaching Humpback Whale! You can take a tour of Manly Beach or get a terrific view of the Sydney Harbour from the North Fort lookout. With the city, the AMP Centrepoint Tower, a 1,000-foot-high Australian national monument, will give you a bird's eye view of Sydney's cityscape.

Sports are more than just entertainment in Sydney Australia: it's an important part of culture and a celebration of the Australians' pride. It is an important part of the culture. Rugby is by far the most popular sport but you can also see a horse race at Randwick Race Course, an Australian Football League game (cheer for the Sydney Swans!), a National Basketball League game (go Sydney Swifts!), the start of the "Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race" and the quirky "City to Surf" foot race.

When you first arrive in Sydney Australia at the Kingsford Smith airport, unless you've booked a tour, you'll likely feel overwhelmed and out-of-sorts. You can visit the Sydney Visitor Centre in The Rocks at the corner of Argyle & Playfair Streets or the Sydney Visitor Center at 33 Wheat Road in Darling Harbour between 9:30 am and 5:30 pm to get maps and attraction information.

The key to Australian vacationing is to come prepared, so you may want to look online or book a few tours before you depart from your homeland! The "Sydney Sampler," for instance, offers five nights exploring Sydney. Starting at $U425 per person, you'll receive five nights of hotel accommodations and round trip airport transfers, a day at Blue Mountains National Park, the Sydney Harbour coffee cruise, the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge and beach tours. You'll also stop to see wildlife, museums, shops, Aboriginal heritage sites and more. To arrange a tour, you can check "United Vacations Sp".

When visiting The Sydney Harbor Bridge, the question is of course, what is the best way to see it? And how should a visitor take advantage of the Sydney Harbor Bridge on a short visit or any sort of visit to Sydney?

There are a few ways that you can really enjoy the Sydney Harbor Bridge. The first way is by taking a walk around it. There is that pedestrian access on the eastern side, if you are down in The Rocks area you can basically take the stairways up, you can get up to the Harbor Bridge and then just walk across it. And that affords great views first of all, it is cheap, it is good exercise, it is not the most peaceful walk in the world because you have got six lines of traffic not far from you way to and from the city, but a beautiful nonetheless.

You can take all time in the world, it is not at all busy even during peak hour periods, take as long as you want so you can walk across it. One of the other things that you probably going to want do in Sydney Harbor Bridge is to get a photo of it. Now obviously being actually on the Bridge is not the best spot for taking photos of it. In my experience the best spot, although there are many around the Harbor foreshore area, is in front of the Sydney Opera House.

If you stand in front of the Opera House, there on a bit of foreshore there you can not miss it, then you can look straight across the Harbor Bridge and that is one of the best spots for your photos. You can get photos of the bridge itself, zooming in or zooming out and plenty of those photos of yourself, your friends and loved ones posing in front of the Harbor Bridge.

There's a couple of options if you want to actually climb the Bridge. The Pylon Lookout, is a lookout within one of the pylons. It is actually a museum, the Sydney Harbor Museum. If you go through there, this museum shows you a lot of history of how the Bridge was built, the structure itself, some of the history there, some of the people that died during its construction. It is a very interesting and educational experience.

It is not like you would spend hours at the museum, but certainly the good thing is that it is a very affordable way to climb the bridge. There is an admission charge but it's quite affordable. And not only do you get to learn about the Bridge itself, but you get to the top and you get to look at the magnificent views that you get from so many hundred meters up there.

The other option if you are looking to climb the Harbor Bridge is the Bridge Climb. It is a private company that runs these climbs of the Bridge. And you can see them at all hours of the days and night. These organized groups climb along this span to the very pinnacle of the Bridge, and then they climb back down. I have done it myself and it is an excellent walk. You do pay reasonable well to for the privilege. They take safety very seriously and its a completely safe activity and very enjoyable.

One of the disadvantages is that you can not take a camera or anything and you can not take any photographs of the view while you're up there. You really have to just to enjoy it in person, some photographs are taken by the staff and you can buy those when you leave the walk. The whole thing takes quite a few hours and you need to book well in advance, because it is quite busy.

So, if you want to really get into the Harbor Bridge, there is a number ways that you can do it. You can get over to the Opera House or somewhere around the foreshore and you can take your photos and the like. It is a very simple matter to walk across, backwards and forwards across the Bridge, you do that in half an hour, you can walk over there and back and there's nice spots on the north side as well. If you are more interested in climbing it, your options are really the Pylon Lookout, or the Sydney Harbor Bridge Climb.

Most visitors to Australia commence their travels in Sydney. This is not surprising. The beautiful harbour city is Australia's premier holiday destination.

Here are 7 of its top attractions.

SYDNEY HARBOUR.

To really appreciate the natural beauty of Sydney, take a train and alight at Circular Quay station. Circular Quay is the gateway to the harbour and the visual impact is stunning. There in front of you is the broad expanse of water, Sydney Harbour, stretching from "the heads" where it enters the South Pacific Ocean, to the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Taking the escalator down to Circular Quay, you have a number of choices. Here are some suggestions:

FERRY TO MANLY.

This is a great introduction to Sydney. It passes many of the major Sydney attractions including the Opera House and Fort Denison. The journey takes less than half an hour. It is worthwhile spending 2 or 3 hours at Manly enjoying the village atmosphere and if the weather is warm, enjoying a swim at one of Sydney's top beaches. If time permits, take a bus to some of Sydney's northern beaches and the beautiful inland waterway, Pittwater.

On the return ferry journey, try to time it so that you arrive at Circular Quay just on sunset. The outline of the bridge, with the setting sun in the background, is a magic holiday moment.

TORONGA PARK ZOO.

Take the ferry from Circular Quay to visit Australia's best zoo. You will have the chance to see some of the wild life unique to Australia, including koalas, wombats, kangaroos and the very shy platypus. The views over the harbour from Taronga Park are stunning.

THE ROCKS.

A brief walk west of Circular Quay takes you to the original site of convict settlement in Australia. It boasts some of Sydney's best restaurants. The Rocks contains many old restored buildings and is a popular market area. It is worth a visit at any time but a "must see" on Sunday mornings with the popular Rocks Market. The area comes alive with hundreds of street stalls selling food and a wide range of gifts. It is an ideal place to purchase unique Australian souvenirs.

BRIDGE WALK.

Start from The Rocks, alongside the south portal of the bridge. Take the stairs to the walkway across the bridge and enjoy this spectacular free walk with some of the best views in Australia. On your right, is the Opera House and Circular Quay, in the middle, the harbour, stretching to the Pacific Ocean and on your left is north shore and Kirribilli, home to Australia's Prime Minister.

When you reach Milson's Point on the north side of the bridge, why not buy a takeaway meal, walk to the water's edge and enjoy the views of the Sydney skyline, the bridge and the busy activity with ferries, yachts and cruise ships. A short waterfront walk eastwards takes you to Kirribilli Point and more spectacular views. If you don't feel like the walk back over the bridge, take the train back to the city from Milson's Point station.

BRIDGE CLIMB.

It's expensive, but if you have a sense of adventure and aren't afraid of heights, try it. You will be rewarded with spectacular 360 degree views. The Bridge Climb check-in is located at The Rocks, a short distance from the stairs leading to the bridge walkway.

OPERA HOUSE.

Enquire about the guided tours, conducted regularly during the day. In the morning, you may witness concert practice for evening concerts. The tours are comprehensive and a "must see" for your visit to Sydney. It is well worth booking for an evening concert, just to experience the atmosphere of the main concert hall. The outside promenade area is a great place for viewing the Sydney skyline and the bridge.

ACCOMMODATION.

Sydney offers a wide variety of quality accommodation from 5 star hotels to backpackers. Many of the top hotels are located in The Rocks and Darling Harbour areas, most with spectacular views. A number of 3 and 4 star hotels are located at King's Cross, a popular area for restaurants and the "nightlife" hub of the city.

Sydney is a popular destination with backpackers. They love the night life, shopping, beaches, scenery and climate. Backpackers of all age groups from 20 to 80 are looking for clean, cheap and safe accommodation and youth hostels are the answer. When I visit Sydney, I always stay in YHA Australia accommodation. There are 3 main hostels in Sydney and I have stayed at Sydney Central and Glebe.

Both are clean and convenient. Sydney Central is conveniently located just a few minutes' from Central railway station. My daughter aged 22 stayed in both on a recent visit to Sydney and she commented on the friendliness of the staff and how she felt "safe". This is important for women traveling solo, in many cases, a long way from home.