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Things to do:

Climb the Bridge:
It is inevitable that if you come to Sydney you will visit Circular Quay either to get a ferry or just to take a few snaps. But instead of having your picture taken with the Harbour Bridge behind you, why not give it the big one and get your picture taken on top of it!

With Bridge Climb Sydney (02 9240 1122) you can do a 3-hour walk of the bridge which includes a safety introduction and a rundown on the history of the bridge. The view from on top of the bridge is one not to be forgotten too quickly. Prices start at $120 for a mid-week day climb and get more expensive for night climbs and at the weekends.

Visit the Blue Mountains:
Situated about two hours outside Sydney, near the town of Katoomba, is the Blue Mountains National Park. Home to the world's steepest railway line and the Three Sisters, a trip to the Blue Moutains is a good way to get out of the city for the day.

The mountains get their name from a blue mist arising from the eucalyptus trees. Along with the beautiful views, you also have the chance to feed kangaroos, go bushwalking, swim in beautiful gorges and visit waterfalls.

Mountain Escapes (1800 357 577) provide day trips to the Blue Mountains for $53. This price includes lunch with stop-offs at the Olympic Village (Homebush) and Wentworth Falls. Sometimes the tour doesnt get the most positive feedback, but if you are dissappointed by the service Dave the tour guide will make up for it by keeping you laughing all day long.

If you fancy a more independent trip to the Blue Mountains CityRail (131 500) have return trips to Katoomba Station (the town right beside Blue Mountains National Park) for $12.80 (off-peak).

Go to the Beach:
Sydney is a beach-lovers dream come true. In the eastern suburbs is Australia's most famous beach, Bondi Beach. Just down the road from Bondi is Tamarama Beach, known as the beach where all the beautiful people sunbathe. The next beach then is Bronte Beach which is nice if you want to get away from the crowds of Bondi. Another half an hour walk along the cliffs from Bronte is Coogee Beach, a popular spot with backpackers. The most enjoyable way to visit all these beaches is by doing the cliff walk from Bondi to Coogee (or vice versa). This 6km walk offers fantastic oceanic views and if you get tired you can always stop for a coffee along the way.

On the northern side of Sydney Harbour is Manly. One of the highlights about visiting Manly beach is the ferry ride from Circular Quay to get there. It is the best way to see the spectacular harbour and the view back at night time is truly breathtaking. Manly itself is a great beach full with volleyball courts and sunbathers. There are loads of excellent surf shops too.The only downfall are the tall palm trees which can block your sun as the day ticks on if you're in the wrong spot.

Further north is Palm Beach where popular soap opera 'Home and Away' is filmed. Filming takes place on Tuesday mornings if you want to try and meet some of the programme's stars. Palm Beach is a good distance away from Sydney city center. The L90 bus from behind Wynyard train station in the city center will bring you there.

Sydney Tower and Skytour:
Sydney's tallest building stands at 250 metres. A trip to the observation deck has breathtaking views of the city. There is also a new virtual adventure show called the Skytour. Admission to the observation deck and Skytour costs $22. For both attractions contact Centrepoint (02 9231 1000)
*NB: Upon purchasing the ticket, if you only visit the observation deck in the one day you have another 6 months to use the ticket for Skytour

Fish and Chips at Watsons Bay:
A beautiful view, fish and chips and a few coldies to wash it down with - what else could you ask for on a nice afternoon? Few bars/restaurants offer such panoramic views of Sydney as Doyles Restaurant (02 9337 2007) and Doyles Watsons Bay Hotel (02 9337 4299). Both family establishments have been there since the early 20th Century and are right beside each other.

At 'Summer Bay' Surf Club