Backpackers, sunseekers, business travellers and globetrotters will all feel at home in Sydney – a city so diverse that it is worth the long-haul flight.

With its superb climate, wonderful beaches, excellent dining establishments, lively nightlife and casual friendly atmosphere, Australia’s oldest city is undoubtedly one of the world’s most appealing.

Sydney’s has many points of interest, including a slick central business district of soaring towers, quaint historical buildings, green city parks, and the beautiful natural harbour, flanked by more than 200km of shoreline with nature reserves and public gardens providing picnic spots right on the water’s edge.

Sydney Opera House

The opera house is a must-see. It’s a stunning masterpiece of architectural design, and feels even more impressive up close.

The Sydney Opera House offers world-class performances, film exhibitions, and all sorts of festivals and engaging activities.

Visitors can opt to see a performance or take a back stage tour.

Harbour Bridge

If you have a head for heights, take the guided climbing tour of the bridge up the stairs to the highest point on top of the arch where one can look out at panoramic views of the harbour.

Failing that, sail under it, rollerblade across it or photograph it from land – it’s hard to miss.

Beaches

Explore the popular beaches of Manly and Bondi. Catch a ferry across the harbour to Manly beach, a superb spot for families, packed with high quality restaurants and host to concert throughout the year. Anchored boats in the bay add to the charm.

If learning to surf is your dream, most surf beaches offer lessons all the year round.

Only 30 minutes away from the city centre by public transport, Bondi is one of Sydney’s most stunning beaches and ideal for the novice surfer.

It is popular with backpackers and board riders. A walk along the promenade gives you the chance to experience its carefree, sun-drenched lifestyle, or stroll along the clifftop path to Coogee and take in endless sea views.

Royal Botanic Gardens

No trip to Sydney is complete without spending some time in its beautiful parks.

An oasis of 30 hectares in the heart of the city and at the edge of Sydney Harbour, the Royal Botanic Gardens portrays the diverse beauty of nature – from rare and threatened plants of the world to a romantic rose garden.

Family activities

No matter what the children are interested in, Sydney has something to offer, from great wildlife options to sporting events, tours, museum exhibits, and plenty of activities to experience.

Taronga Zoo has an impressive array of wildlife as well as spectacular views over the city, while WildLife Sydney Zoo is centrally located in Sydney Harbour.

At Darling Harbour one can visit one of the largest screens at Sydney IMAX Theatre, or pose with a celebrity at Madam Tussauds.

Blue Mountains

A drive to the western highway towards the Blue Mountains is a must-do. Fewer than two hours from Sydney centre by car or train, the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area is one of the spectacular icons.

An enormous variety of wildlife and plants inhabit this vast area, which offers breathtaking views of precipitous valleys and bizarre rock formations.

The surrounding towns offer a great range of restaurants and accommodation as well as an endless variety of things to do.

Eating and drinking

Sydney is one of the world’s great dining destinations. Patrons can dine by the harbour in five-star style, enjoy a traditional pub bursting with history or find a casual pub by the harbour or the beach.

Food in Australia is influenced by Asian flavours and traditional British fare.

After-dinner entertainment is plentiful, from chilled-out bars on Sydney’s waterfronts to lively clubs around Oxford Street and King’s Cross. Sydneysiders know how to party and they let their hair down often.

Transport

Sydney’s ferries are a great way to get around and take in some top sights.

They are inexpensive and frequent, and the ticket can also be used on other forms of public transport such as the bus, monorail or train. The affordable monorail stops at several top attractions and main shopping areas.

Climate

Sunny Sydney has a temperate climate with summer from December to February, when the average temperature hovers around 35°C.

Winter, from June to August, sees temperatures in the low 20s.

Money

Sydney can be affordable or expensive – depending on individual tastes.

As a backpacking mecca, it offers numerous budget options in terms of food and accommodation.

Public transport is reasonable and the cost of a dinner for two depends on the level of luxury sought, much like any cosmopolitan city worldwide.