Attractions in Sydney

Australian National Maritime Museum
Corner William and College Streets, Sydney, New South Wales 2000
Tel: +61 2 3398 111

The National Maritime Museum charts the history of seafaring in the southern Pacific through displays of ships and artefacts, with sections devoted to exploration, immigration and the early convict settlers.

Museum of Contemporary Arts
132 George Street, Circular Quay, Sydney, New South Wales 1223
Tel: +61 2 2524 033

One of the city's most exciting museums, housed in a striking Art Deco building on the harbour, the collection contains a range of art forms from sculpture and painting to film and video, by both international and Australian Aboriginal artists.

Royal Botanic Garden
East of Queen's Square, Sydney
Tel: +61 2 9231 8111

One of Sydney's most popular green spaces with both residents and visitors, the 24 hectares (60 acres) Botanic Garden has excellent views of the harbour and an incredible collection of exotic and native plants, orchids and ferns.

Sydney Aquarium
Pier 26, Darling Harbour, Sydney, New South Wales 2000
Tel: +61 2 2622 300

The spectacular aquarium was designed to give visitors the sensation of being underwater with the fish and marine mammals. Displays include seals, sharks, crocodiles and turtles.

Sydney Opera House
Bennelong Point, Sydney
Tel: +61 2 2501 777

Designed in the 1950s to echo the myriad sailboats on the harbour, the Opera House was not completed until 1973. With four auditoria, it hosts a variety of cultural events throughout the year as well as guided tours every 30 to 45 minutes.

Sydney Tower
Centrepoint, 100 Market Street, Sydney, New South Wales 2000
Tel: +61 2 2297 444

Built in 1981 and reaching a height of 305 metres (1000 feet), the AMP Centrepoint Tower is the tallest building on the continent with the highest observation level in the Southern Hemisphere. The panoramic views from either the observation deck or the revolving restaurant can stretch to the Blue Mountains 100 kilometres (62 miles) away.

Bondi Beach
Campbell Parade, Bondi, Sydney

Probably the best-known beach in the world, the one and a third kilometre (one mile) long Bondi Beach is the closest to the city centre and one of the best places to witness Australian beach culture.

Taronga Zoo
Bradleys Head Rd, Mosmon
Tel: +61 2 9969 2777

A top family attraction, Taronga Zoo houses Australia's finest collection of native animals and exotic species. Taronga is easily accessible from Sydney - just over 10 minutes by ferry from Circular Quay - and provides superb views of Harbour Bridge and Sydney Cove.