Australia – Sydney

Sydney basks in its worldwide recognition as the shining star of the southern hemisphere. The white-sailed Sydney Opera House, caught mid-billow over the waters of Sydney Cove, and the Sydney Harbour Bridge are the pride and joy, but there's far, far more on offer.

Sydney Opera House
A jewel landmark of 20th century architecture, the Sydney Opera House remains one of the city's busiest cultural institutions. It hosts performances by Sydney Symphony Orchestra, the Australian Ballet, Opera Australia and the Sydney Theatre Company in addition to the cream of visiting international talent. There are several dining options each offering a meal with a view.

Sydney Harbour Bridge
Sydney Harbour Bridge is a must on any Sydney itinerary. The bridge's history is showcased at the Pylon Lookout exhibition or you can experience an exhilarating climb to the top of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, day and night with professional climb leaders at BridgeClimb. Excellent views of the harbour can be enjoyed by walking or riding across the Bridge on the pedestrian and cycling track which offers excellent views of the harbour.

City Centre

For city shopping The Queen Victoria Building, Strand Arcade, Skygarden, Harbourside and Centrepoint are great places to begin any shopping spree. Castlereagh Street hosts many of the world's most chic designer brands and department stores - David Jones, Myer and Gowings, and are all located within a block of each other in the city centre.

Fish Markets
One of Sydney's icons, this market is an awesome spectacle, with 65 tonnes of fresh catch passing through daily. It's an authentic fishermen's market with a working fishing port, wholesale and retail fish markets, food and beverage outlets and the renown Sydney Seafood School.

The Rocks Market
The Rocks Market is more than just a stylish street market. Located at the northern end of George Street in the shade of the Harbour Bridge, it is filled with around 145 stalls that offer a collection of arts and crafts, home wares, jewellery and antiques, collectibles, toys, puzzles and tasty aromatic food.

Sydney Olympic Park

The home of the 2000 Olympic and Paralympic Games continues to offer a range of fun activities as well as tours of world-class venues, sports and a variety of entertainment. Memories of the 2000 Olympics come to life in the Games Trail walking tour, a futuristic multi-media 'forest' of poles showcasing highlights and footage of the Games ceremonies, the Olympic Cauldron and Cathy Freeman's gold medal strides. Visit the venues; Telstra Stadium, the largest stadium in Olympic history. Around the corner is the Sydney SuperDome, home to all Olympic indoor sports as well as major rock concerts and a golf driving range.

Reference: Sydney City Guide. Retrieved at 22 April 2006. http://uk.sydneyaustralia.com/default.asp