With golden beaches, dramatic headlands and a scenic harbor, Sydney takes your breath away. Natural beauty lurks around every corner, from its peaceful botanical gardens to the picturesque bays of its waterfront. Yet Sydney is also Australia's largest and most diverse city, offering world-class dining, a buzzing gallery scene and head-turning nightlife.
Leave plenty of time to take in Sydney Harbour. Admire the Harbour Bridge (or get sweaty on a Bridge Climb), ride the ferry to Manly (highly recommended) and catch a show at the Opera House. For spectacular scenery, visit the rugged Harbour National Park, with walking trails, clifftop viewpoints and Aboriginal rock carvings.
Sun-seekers can bask on the sands of Bondi Beach, famous for its crashing waves and beautiful people. And you needn't leave the shoreline when hunger strikes – you’ll find everything from old-fashioned fish-and-chips shops to gilded dining rooms on Darling Harbour. Afterwards, finish the night with a drink at a charming wine bar in Paddington or a vintage pub in the Rocks, the city's oldest district.