Attractions

The only problem with visiting Sydney is fitting in everything you want to do and see. Of course, you won't want to miss the iconic attractions: the Opera House and the Harbour Bridge. Everyone seems to be climbing over the arch of the bridge these days on the BridgeClimb Sydney Tour, so look up for the tiny dots of people waving to the ferry passengers below.

You should also check out the native wildlife in Taronga Zoo and the Sydney Aquarium, stroll around the tourist precinct of Darling Harbour, and get a dose of Down Under culture at the not-too-large Australian Museum. Also try to take time out to visit one of the nearby national parks for a taste of the Australian bush. If it's hot, take your "cozzie" (swimsuit) and towel to Bondi Beach or Manly.

I also recommend a quick trip out of town. Go bushwalking in the Blue Mountains, wine tasting in the Hunter Valley, or dolphin spotting at Port Stephens.

Whatever you decide to do, you won't have enough time. Don't be surprised if you start planning your next visit before your first is even finished.

Attraction Passes are shared by Sydney Tower and OzTrek, Sydney Aquarium, and Wildlife World, and you can buy them online at their websites or at the attractions themselves. The Aqua + Tower Pass includes entry to Sydney Aquarium and Sydney Tower + OzTrek. It costs A$47 (US$37/UK£18) for an adult, A$26 (US$20/UK£10) for a child, and A$116 (US$93/UK£46) for a family. The Wildlife + Tower Pass includes entry to Sydney Wildlife World and Sydney Tower + OzTrek. This costs the same as above. The Sydney Attractions Pass includes entry to Sydney Aquarium, Sydney Wildlife World, and Sydney Tower + OzTrek. It costs A$64 (US$51/UK£25) for an adult, A$35 (US$28/UK£14) for a child, and A$158 (US$126/UK£63) for a family. Sydney Adventures By Night includes night entry to Sydney Aquarium, and Sydney Tower + OzTrek. This costs A$47 (US$37/UK£18) for adults, A$26 (US$20/UK£10) for kids, and A$116 (US$93/UK£46) for a family.

Great Deals on Sightseeing -- The See Sydney & Beyond card (tel. 02/9247 6611; www.seesydneycard.com), a cashless smart card packaging more than 40 of the city's main attractions and tours, is valuable for avoiding lines and saving money, although you'll have to plan well to get the most out of it. The card can be purchased for a 1-, 2-, 3-, or 7-day period; the 1-day pass costs A$69 (US$55/UK£27) for adults and A$49 (US$39/UK£20) for children. Buy through their website.