Fringed by sun-washed beaches and shady parks, Sydney Harbour provides a stunning backdrop to a maritime city renowned for its outdoor lifestyle and physical allure. Sightsee from a ferry, cruise past the billowing sails of Sydney Opera House, visit an island or catch a speedy water taxi.

Wonder of white sails
Sydney Opera House, an architectural symphony of gleaming white tiles and shell-like sails, is the city’s most celebrated adornment. As well as enhancing a seemingly perfect harbour, it’s home to the Sydney Symphony Orchestra, Opera Australia, the Australian Ballet and the Sydney Dance Company. go to...

The Rocks and islands
Sydney’s historic harbour foreshore around Circular Quay (known by settlers as Sydney Cove) borders The Rocks precinct, with its restored colonial warehouses, old cottages, fine hotels, speciality shops and restaurants. Sydney Harbour also includes several islands, some with odd, spooky histories.

Carefree Manly beckons
Manly, an exhilarating 30-minute ferry ride from downtown Sydney, is the city’s very own holiday resort. Swim at dainty Fairy Bower Beach, catch sunset at Shelly Beach – or tackle the 9.5-kilometre Manly Scenic Walkway, which takes in bushland, Aboriginal sites, community parks, even rainforest.

Superb panoramic span
Since 1932, Sydney Harbour has been spanned by the great grey Harbour Bridge. This grand launching pad for New Year firework displays provides splendid harbour and city views from a walkway. For truly awesome views, join an organised climb to the summit of the bridge’s great arch, by day or night. go to...