Sydney, the largest city in Australia and capital of New South Wales, wraps around one of the world’s most beautiful natural harbours, combining a spectacular waterfront with golden surf beaches and an easygoing outdoor lifestyle.
The icons are unmissable: the sail-shaped Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge, which adventurous visitors can climb for sweeping views. Beyond the harbour, Bondi Beach and the cliff walk to Coogee, the ferry to Manly, Taronga Zoo and day trips to the Blue Mountains fill out an itinerary.
Being in the Southern Hemisphere, Sydney’s seasons are reversed; the best times to visit are spring (September to November) and autumn (March to May), with warm, pleasant weather and thinner crowds than the December-February summer peak. Allow three to four days, more if adding nearby excursions.