Things to do

Catch the Ferry from Circular Quay, Sydney Harbour to Manly

An excellent view of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Sydney Opera House is yours for the photo taking. Arrive a little early to ensure a good position in the queue. Aim for either the front or the back of the Manly Ferry for the best view of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Sydney Opera House as you depart Sydney Cove. www.sydneyferries.info

Sydney Harbour Cruise

If you'd prefer to sit through an organised cruise of Sydney Harbour then there are a few to choose from. You will find most of the common tour operators; Captain Cook Cruises, Matilda and Sydney Harbour Cruise operate from Jetty no.6 on the west side of Circular Quay.

Sydney Harbour Bridge (And Bridge Climb)

Take the tour which introduces the highlights of Sydney including the city, Manly and the Northern Beaches and the Rocks, Kings Cross and Bondi Beach.

Travel through the historic Rocks area, cross Sydney Harbour Bridge and stroll along picturesque Manly Beach. Enjoy spectacular views of the harbour from special vantage points. The Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb is easier than it first appears as the gradient leading to the top of Sydney Harbour Bridge is not that steep. www.bridgeclimb.com

Palm Beach, Whale and Bilgola Beach

35km trip or so up to Palm Beach will make you feel at Home whilst you're Away - if you like your Aussie soaps that is. An hour or so drive from the airport, Palm Beach should be your first stop if you love beautiful beaches.

Palm Beach is a very idyllic location with more than its fair share of resident millionaires. It is at the end of the peninsular so the ocean beach and Pittwater are walking distance apart.

You can hire a boat and go for a paddle down Pittwater and grab a coffee and sandwich right on the water at 'Carmels'. Neighbouring Whale Beach is arguably a better beach than Palm. There is also the trek up to the Lighthouse.

Sydney Royal Botanic Gardens

The Royal Botanic Gardens in Sydney is a beautiful park on the foreshore of the Sydney Harbour. There's a cafe in the middle of the Royal Botanic Gardens where you can compete with creatures of various sizes for your lunch. Alternatively bring your own, find a patch of grass and watch the boats go by. www.rbgsyd.nsw.gov.au

Bondi Beach

The Peoples Beach. Bondi Beach is home to a diverse crowd, and Bondi can get crowded at times. Cafes and drinks are available by the Pavilion. When its open, the Bondi Pavilion Balcony is a great place to watch the waves, wavers and other passerbys.

Taronga Zoo

Taronga Zoo also boasts classic views across Sydney Harbour including the Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge. Catch the ferry from Circular Quay. There is a cable car leading from the ferry wharf to the Zoo. www.taronga.org.au

Sydney Aquarium

Pay a visit Sydney Aquarium as a good lousy weather activity. Having the sharks, manta rays and other large beasties swim so close up is very impressive. www.sydneyaquarium.com.au

Sydney Opera House

The secrets of performance and place are revealed in the guided tours. With one of the Experience Packages, you can combine the tour with elegant dining, a world-class performance and an interval drink for the perfect Sydney evening. www.sydneyoperahouse.com