When it comes to which city is Australia's true global city, there's no argument. It's Sydney - with its sense of style, its love of sport and exuberant celebrations including New Year's Eve, New Mardi Gras and Sydney Festival.
Sydney's harbour is its natural playground, the dominant factor in so much of what the city has to offer. The city has a wide-ranging cultural life, dynamic food scene and vibrant cityscape of outstanding contemporary and colonial architecture. Bondi and Manly are just two of its iconic beaches while the city is surrounded by five major national parks.
Nearby are regions offering sparkling waterways, World Heritage-listed national parks, age-old mountains and ravines, cascading waterfalls and a coastline of stunning beaches. Below is something you shouldn't miss in Sydney:
Climbing to the very top of Sydney Harbour Bridge's huge, over-arching span, by day or night with BridgeClimb.
Learning about Australia's unique animals, overlooking the harbour, at Taronga Zoo or at Sydney Wildlife World, Darling Harbour.
Being inspired by a wonderful, magical performance at the Sydney Opera House or enthralled by one of the best Aboriginal art collections in the world at the Art Gallery of New South Wales.
Embracing the breathtaking views of the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area from the Three Sisters lookout.
Tasting the world's best semillon in the Hunter Valley and the Southern Highland's cool - climate varieties.
Driving the Grand Pacific Drive from the Royal National Park to North Wollongong - with its landmark Sea Cliff Bridge.
Kayaking with dolphins at Nelson Bay.
Re-energising and relaxing at a luxury spa in the Hunter Valley, Blue Mountains or Southern Highlands.
