1. Bondi – Coogee walk
The walk from Bondi to Coogee, along plunging cliff tops, above crashing waves and onto cute uncrowded beaches, is arguably the Sydney experience.
2. Hunter Valley
Nestled among the rolling hills and lush Hunter Valley curves are dozens of wineries. Sip, slurp and (if you’re a real pro/stupid) spit your way around.
3. Bondi Beach beauties
It’s one of the world’s most famous stretches of sand, but if it’s a bit nippy for a sunbake, join the surfers on a wave, enjoy breakfast at one of the trendy cafés or wander around the Sunday market.
4. Whale watching
Between June and October, go whale-watching from numerous coastal spots. During the rest of the year, head out in search of the resident dolphin population.
5. Jervis Bay
There are many things that make this small south coast town so special – national parks, rampant wildlife, etc – but only one reason has got it into the record books. The sand is the whitest in the world. Ask Mr Guinness if you don’t believe us.
6. Jenolan Caves
This cave system, about 45 minutes west of the Blue Mountains, has numerous caverns to explore. The guided tours take you past stalagmites and stalagtites, underground pools and all kinds of underground weirdness.
7. Coffs Harbour
This resort town, midway between Sydney and Brisbane, is well worth a few days of your time. There are some great beaches, and masses of adrenalin activities on offer. Oh, and a big banana as well.
8. Parliament House
It’s hard to miss Parliament House in Canberra with its huge tripod flagpole thingy flying atop, but when you’re done taking your snaps, take a peek inside.
9. Broken Hill
An intriguing oasis in a harsh but spectacular environment, way out west. Pop down a mine, see sunset from the Sculpture Symposium and nip to nearby Silverton, a ghost town with a very famous pub.
10. Feel the powder
Over the winter months the appropriately-named Snowy Mountains are heaving with the white stuff. The most popular are Thredbo and Perisher Blue, and from June-September they are a playground for skiiers and boarders.
11. Go to Nimbin
We know why. You know why. We all know why. At least, we think we can remember why.
12. Three Sisters
The most famous sight in the Blue Mountains, this rock formation is a breathtaking sight, especially when lit up
at night.
13. Jump out of a plane
Get a natural hairdryer treatment, hear your cheeks flapping and your other cheeks squeaking, while you get the adrenalin buzz of your life, by skydiving.
14. Crawl The Rocks
Some of the city’s best pubs can be found lurking near the Harbour Bridge. Try the homebrew at the Lord Nelson, take in a tune at the Hero of Waterloo and sip a Guinness at the Mercantile. And that’s just before lunch.
15. Climb to the top
You won’t get a more quintessential Sydney photo than standing at the very top of the Sydney Harbour Bridge. The views aren’t half bad either.
29. Mungo National Park
Literally in the middle of nowhere, it’s stuffed full of history and natural beauty, the highlight being the shimmering white dunes known as the Walls of China.
17. Kings Cross
Shops selling goods of an “adult” nature jostle with trendy wine bars, and you can’t walk down the road without spruikers trying to get you to part with your cash to watch young ladies take their clothes off. But that’s all part of the charm.
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18. Palm Beach
“Flamin’ galah!” Yes, everybody’s favourite Aussie, Alf “fair dinkum” Stewart, has a tendency to hang out on Palm Beach, on the city’s northern beaches, where they film Home and Away.
19. Surf at Manly
Surfing is as Aussie as Vegemite, “meat” pies and prancing around the beach in skin-tight Speedos. Manly is the perfect place to give it a try.
20. Feeling fishy?
You know you’ve arrived at the Sydney Fish Markets in Pyrmont by the accumulated smell of several thousand tonnes of fish. Grab a plate of freshly cooked fish ‘n’ chips, an ale and sit at one of the outside tables.
21. Botanical Gardens
Possibly the best place in the city to get that Harbour Bridge/Opera House shot, Mrs Macquarie’s Point is at the northern tip of the gardens. Plus there are all those adorable bats squabbling in the trees.
22. Go wild at Taronga Zoo
Built right on the harbour, some of the enclosures are backed by spectacular city panoramas. Fortunately the extensive feathered, furred and flippered population are just as worthy of your attention.
23. Port Macquarie’s koalas
This is the place to befriend a koala. You can cuddle up to one in the Billabong Koala Park or coo over the convalescing traffic victims in the Koala Hospital. Then check some of the adrenalin thrills; from go-karting to wakeboarding.
24. The pub with no beer
Slim Dusty was a true blue Aussie legend, mate. His most famous song, The Pub with No Beer, was based on the Taylors Arm Hotel, just west of Nambucca Heads. The amber nectar flows there these days, so stop in and have a schooner on Slim.
25. Bellingen
This alternative, laidback town in the hinterland behind Coffs Harbour is a great place to take some time out. There are dozens of beautiful spots in the surrounding area, like the World Heritage-listed Dorrigo National Park.
26. War Memorial
This huge Canberra landmark contains all kinds of relics, pictures and exhibitions documenting Australia’s military history and the human cost of it’s involvement. It’s particularly poignant in the current unstable world environment.
27. The Royal National Park
This coastal national park, an hour south of Sydney, is the world’s second oldest. There are spectacular beaches and wonderful scenery, best accessed on a bushwalk. Try the two-day coastal track.
28. Byron Bay
Beautiful beaches, tranquil hinterland and a relaxed vibe means it’s easy to come here for three days and end up staying ‘til the immigration men come a-knockin’.
29. Roo-tiful Pebbly Beach
Want to get back to nature? We can’t think of a better spot than lovely Pebbly Beach in Murramarang National Park. Believe us, you’ll be fighting the roos off.
30. Climb Mt Kosciuszko
No need for oxygen. It may be Australia’s tallest peak, but at 2,228 metres, it’s a baby. During summer, do the 12km return walk to the summit and you’ll be on top of the world! Well, the Australian part.
31. Ku-ring-gai Chase
This national park, in northern Sydney, is a fantastic combination of coastline and bushland, but best of all it has some ancient Aboriginal rock engravings, which can be found along the Resolute Track.
32. Art galleries
If art is your thing, you’re spoilt for choice in Sydney. The Art Gallery of NSW is home to works from Australia, Japan and Europe, as well as an extensive display of Aboriginal works, while the Museum of Contemporary Art has all the modern genres covered.
33. Finding Nemo
If it lives in the waterways of Australia, you’ll find it at Sydney Aquarium. This watery wonderland has more fish than you can poke a chip at.
34. Seal Rocks
A secret the Newcastle locals want to keep to themselves. Myall Lakes National Park is brilliant for wildlife, with some gorgeous beaches and lakes, but this is the star of the show.
Photo: Australian Tourist Commission
