With its magnificent setting, abundant beaches and profusion of the finest things in life, Sydney is one of the world's great cities - in fact, it's consistently ranked the #1 city in the world!

As Australia's largest and most cosmopolitan city, a visit to Sydney is a "must-do" when you travel to Australia. The Harbour splits the city and provides 150 miles of shoreline with national parks, islands and great beaches for an endless array of fantastic things to do.

Home to one of Australia's icons - the Opera House - Sydney has a cosmopolitan aura that underlies a relaxed, fun-loving lifestyle. Dine along the waterfront, browse through designer shops or dive with sharks. You can find yourself in Sydney on one of our Australia package tours.

Our Top Picks for Sydney's Best Things to Do:

• Sydney Metro Monorail - this above ground monorail winds its way through the Central Business District (CBD) to Darling Harbour. Combine a pass on the monorail with one for the Light Rail (which runs from the CBD to Haymarket and beyond) for an overview of the city from above.
• Darling Harbour - about a 10-minute walk from the CBD, Darling Harbour is continually alive with displays, attractions, restaurants and more. You'll find the Sydney Aquarium, the Australian National Maritime Museum, the IMAX theatre, the Outback Centre, the tranquil haven of the Chinese Garden of Friendship and Powerhouse Museum all within easy reach of Darling Harbour.

• BridgeClimb - For a 360 degree view of the city and an adrenalin rush that can't be beat, choose one of Bridgeclimb's thrilling climbs (sunrise and night climbs are among the choices). For those looking for tamer views, walk along the sidewalk at the side of the bridge or climb inside the south-east sandstone pylon for views from the lookout.

• Harry's Cafe de Wheels - look for a simple trailer, decorated with photos of Australian and American celebrities enjoying their pies, near the restored Woolloomooloo Wharf. Harry's has been in the same location for 70 years and features hearty Australian meat pies (a hand-sized pastry filled with ground meat or chicken, vegetables and gravy) - great for a quick snack or filling lunch. Harry's cafe is a Sydney institution, open all day and remaining busy until the early morning hours.
• The Rocks - transformed from sandstone warehouses and Victorian homes into a cosmopolitan gateway to the city, you'll find art galleries, shops, outdoor restaurants, a weekend market and a wealth of history in the Rocks. Join a Ghost Tour for a glimpse of Sydney's dark past, or a walking tour for a look at colonial and convict history - or a Pub Tour for a taste of Sydney's favorite historical pubs.

• Tribal Warrior - explore the waters of Sydney Harbour with the Tribal Warrior Association on an Aboriginal Heritage Cultural Cruise. Discover the stories of the original inhabitants of Sydney and receive a traditional welcome to the city. Learn traditional fishing methods, search for bush tucker and view the rock carvings of ancestors. A unique way to see the Harbour!

Choose one of our Australia package deals - and discover Sydney

• Melbourne Escape - Nature, Wildlife and Culture
• Adelaide to Melbourne - the Great Ocean Road

• Sydney Opera House - walk around the outside of this architectural wonder, attend a performance (definitely book in advance to avoid disappointment), join a guided one-hour tour or go Backstage for an insider's view of what goes on before the curtain goes up. The Backstage Tour accesses areas, including the stages and dressing rooms, normally reserved for performers and crew for the thrill of being part of the action.
• Beaches - take your choice - there are over 80 beaches around the coastline of the harbour that provide an escape from urban hecticity. Ride the ferry to Watson's Bay for fish and chips, or head out to iconic Bondi Beach to learn to surf, or watch the action from a beach-side cafe.

• Coastal Walk - Starting at the south end of Bondi Beach, this popular 2.80 mile (4.5km) walk hugs the coastline with spectacular ocean views, dramatic sandstone cliffs, beaches. In season you can glimpse dolphins and whales. Stop off at the Bronte cafes for a break.
• Royal Botanical Gardens - The Gardens feature native plants on a 164 ft. long songline, with detailed interpretation, that weaves its way through four garden beds like a giant mythical serpent. Explore by yourself or with an Aboriginal guide - and be sure to include a walk to Mrs. Macquarie's Chair, a historic site on a small peninsula for spectacular harbour views - the perfect spot for a picnic!

• Altmann and Cherny - stop by 18 Pitt Street for a a good yarn on Australia's National Gemstone, the opal. Journey back through history with a short film, learn what to look for in Australian opal jewelry and get a glimpse at the Aurora Australis, the world's most valuable black opal, found in Lightning Ridge in 1938.
• Paddington - renowned for its Federation-style terraced housing and its "iron lace" architectural features, you'll find art galleries and Australian designer boutiques less than 2 miles from the CBD. At Paddington Markets (the upper end of Oxford Street) on Saturday mornings, you'll mingle with the locals and find over 200 vendors with the latest designer fashions, custom jewelry, and crafts.
• Bicycle Tour - take to a bicycle for a fun and entertaining way to get to know Sydney. With a choice of 4 different routes and plenty of stops along the way, you'll get to explore the city at a leisurely pace with the wind in your hair.