Australia's winter playground is in the peaks of the Snowy Mountains, about 315 miles (500km) south of Sydney, where there are more than 145 miles (230km) of ski-trails, graded from beginner to championship level. Ski season lasts from June to October. The ski resorts are known for their warm hospitality, spectacular scenery, and their apres-ski entertainment. The largest resort is Perisher Blue, which is actually four resorts united to form a mecca for snow-seekers. Another, at the foot of Mount Crackenback, is the resort of Thredbo, which is a recreation of a European Alpine village and features Australia's longest ski run, known as the Funnelweb.

www.snowymountains.com.au

One of Sydney's most famous landmarks, the Harbour Bridge (known locally as the 'Coat Hanger') was completed in 1932 after claiming 16 lives during its construction. The bridge spans the 1,600-foot (500m) gap from the north to the south shore, which was previously only accessible by ferry, and accommodates pedestrian walkways, two railway lines and an eight-lane road. Visitors can experience the bridge in an adventurous way by climbing to the top as part of an organised group for breathtaking views and a feeling of personal achievement. For the less daring 200 steps lead to the Pylon Lookout for equally fantastic views at 285 feet (87m) above the water, with three levels of exhibits on the way up depicting the history and construction of the bridge.

BridgeClimb starts at 5 Cumberland Street, The Rocks. Entry to the Pylon Lookout is from the pedestrian walkway on the Eastern side of the Bridge from the city; use the ‘Bridge Stairs' in Cumberland Street

BridgeClimb: (0)2 8274 7777; Pylon Lookout: (0)2 9240 1100

www.bridgeclimb.com

The best place to start exploring Australia's oldest city is at The Rocks, a restored 19th-century village at the southern end of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, which was the site of Australia's first European settlement in 1788, and is therefore considered to be the birthplace of the nation of Australia. The area features cobbled streets and squares, gas lamps, craft shops and small restaurants. Here too are several historic buildings, including one of the city's oldest, Cadman's Cottage, built in 1816, and two of Sydney's oldest pubs, the Lord Nelson and the Hero of Waterloo. It is recommended that visitors seek information and a map from The Rocks Visitor's Centre (in George Street) in order to make the most of the neighbourhood and its many attractions, which include museums, view sites, markets, monuments and buildings. From The Rocks it is also possible to access the Pylon Lookout on the famous Sydney Harbour Bridge for an amazing view of the harbour and beyond.

(0)2 9240 8500

www.therocks.com

It may not be an ancient monument, but the architecturally distinctive Sydney Opera House epitomises the city as much as does the Great Pyramid in Cairo or the Acropolis in Athens. Situated on Sydney harbour at Bennelong Point, this intriguing white-sailed landmark is no white elephant. It is a fully functional performing arts centre in constant use. The complex consists of a massive Concert Hall that seats more than 2,500 people and has the finest acoustics in the world; a smaller Opera Theatre, also used for ballet performances; a Drama Theatre, seating about 500 people; the smaller Playhouse; and the Boardwalk dance and music venue. The building, designed by Joørn Utzon, was completed in 1973 and cost over A$100 million, most of which was raised with a series of national lotteries. There was so much controversy involved in its construction that the Danish architect returned home without ever seeing his finished product. Free performances of various types are given outside on the boardwalks around the Opera House on Sunday afternoons.

Bennelong Point, Sydney Harbour

(0)2 9250 7111 (general information Monday to Friday)

www.sydneyoperahouse.com

Sydney's 'green lung' is the 30-hectare botanical garden, established in 1816 and containing more than 7,500 species of plants. Australia's very first farm was on the site where the garden now flourishes, southeast of the Opera House. Paths and walks criss-cross the gardens, leading strollers past two sets of ponds, garden sculptures and numerous horticultural areas. Don't miss the Sydney Tropical Centre; the rose, herb and succulent gardens; the First Farm; the Fernery; and the palm grove. Watch out for a young specimen of the rare Wollemi Pine (only 38 adult trees exist in the world) in the Pioneer Garden. The gardens also offer some of the best views of Sydney Harbour, the Opera House and the Harbour Bridge. The path that skirts the harbour starting at the Opera House and leading around to Mrs Maquarie's Chair provides magnificent views of the harbour, particularly at sunset. The gardens also have a visitor's centre, shop, restaurants and kiosks. Guided walks are offered at 10.30am every day except public holidays, visitors who prefer not to walk can take a scenic train tour. Inside the Gardens you can also admire Government House, formerly the residence of the New South Wales Governor, which sits atop a hillock overlooking the Opera House and Farm Cove. It is open to the public for tours.

Mrs Macquaries Road

(02) 9231 8111 or (02) 9231 8125 (weekends)

www.rbgsyd.nsw.gov.au

This impressive Gothic cathedral is the mother church of Australian Catholics and is a landmark in the very heart of Sydney, situated on the northeastern side of Hyde Park. The cathedral was built in 1868, but its two towering spires were added as recently as 2000 after steel frames were put in place by helicopter and clad in stone. The massive cathedral is constructed from dressed pyrmont sandstone and laid out in a cruciform design. It has some lovely stained-glass windows worth viewing.

St Mary's Road, Sydney

(02) 9220 0400

info@stmaryscathedral.org.au

www.sydney.catholic.org.au/parishes/stmary/

The waterside tourist precinct of Darling Harbour, close to the central business district, is crossed by a monorail and offers plenty of entertaining diversions, museums, carnival rides, restaurants and shops. For example there is the Imax Theatre with Australia's largest cinema screen; the magnificent Chinese Garden with its serpentine paths and placid pools; and the huge Star City Casino and the Sydney Entertainment Centre. An absolute must-see is the Sydney Aquarium, one of the world's best aquariums, which has underwater walkways through two huge tanks filled with an amazing array of sea creatures. Also look out for the Powerhouse Museum and the National Maritime Museum.

(02) 9281 0788 or (02) 9240 8500

www.darlingharbour.com.au

The aquarium is one of the most popular attractions at Darling Harbour, and is one of the biggest and most impressive in the world. More than 5,000 Australian fish are displayed in their natural habitats, along with Australian sharks, rays, platypus, seals, fairy penguins, crocodiles and much more. Underwater walkways give visitors an authentic view of the unique aquatic environment. The Great Barrier Reef exhibit has live coral and many tropical fish, and visitors can take a glass-bottomed boat ride to see 10 dangerous sharks from up close.

Aquarium Pier, Darling Harbour

(0)2 8251 7800

www.sydneyaquarium.com.au

The site of the 2000 Australian Millennium Olympic Games, built on a former garbage dump, has become a favourite tourist attraction (there are afternoon bus tours from Circular Quay in central Sydney). Call at the information centre first for information, maps and tour guides. The marvellous Stadium Australia, built for the Olympic track and field events, is currently the venue for Australian rugby and soccer matches. Tours of the stadium are available. The Aquatic Centre is open to the public for swimming. A great view of the eco-friendly Olympic Park and city can be had from the observation deck of the Novotel Hotel.

1 Showground Road, corner of Showground Road and Murray Rose Avenue (Olympic Park Visitor Gateway)

(02) 9714 7888 (24-hour recorded information)

info@sydneyolympicpark.com.au

www.sydneyolympicpark.com.au

One thing that is not in short supply in Sydney are beautiful Pacific Ocean beaches. Anywhere in the city, except perhaps in the far west suburbs, you will never be more than half an hour away from one. Starting from popular Palm Beach to the north, you can take your pick along the coast: there is Whale, Avalon, Bilgola, Newport, Bungan, Mona Vale, Warriewood, Narrabeen-Collaroy, Long Reef, Curl Curl, Freshwater, North Steyne, Manly and Shelly! There are several small beaches around Sydney Harbour, and moving southwards one reaches the famous Bondi Beach, with its magnificent sweep of golden sand lined with an eclectic mix of ice-cream parlours, designer cafes and surf shops. The list goes on and on: a beach for everyone, all equipped with kiosks, white sand and golden bodies. Eight miles (13km) from the city centre, Manly is perhaps the most famous of these northern beaches; it was here, in 1902, that newspaper editor William Gocher first defied the state law against public bathing and today the white sand of the south beaches and the golden sands of the north beaches are crowded with swimmers, sunbathers and surfers. Manly can be reached by ferry from Circular Quay or by foot via the Manly Scenic Walkway from Spit Bridge in the city. This walk can take three or four hours but offers some of Sydney's most breathtaking views, as well as skirting some of its most exclusive neighbourhoods. Another spectacular but much shorter walk is along the cliffs from Bondi to Bronte Beach, which takes walkers past the famous Tamarama Beach and is very popular with joggers and, at the weekend, with families.

The Hunter Valley region is a 60-mile (100km) drive north of Sydney. It is a region already known to the world for its high quality wine, but is also fast becoming famous as an eco-tourism destination. Besides its vineyards and eateries, there are a myriad places of interest like Lake Macquarie, a glistening lake with magnificent beaches about 12 miles (19km) south of Newcastle; the beautiful Myall Lakes; and the attractive stretch of surfing beaches near Newcastle. Nearby is the Barrington Tops World Heritage Wilderness Site, which, at 5,203 feet (1,586m) above sea level, contains some of the highest untamed natural bushland in Australia. One of the most popular coastal destinations in the region is Port Stephens, renowned for its crystal clear water and golden beaches. The harbour of Port Stephens is home to about 80 dolphins and many cruise boats offer close up views of these animals. Port Stephens coastline is also a wonderful vantage point for whale watching in season.

www.huntertourism.com

The entrance to the richly forested hills of the Blue Mountains is at Glenbrook/Lapstone, only about 50 minutes drive from Sydney. Many coach companies offer day trips, usually from Circular Quay in Sydney. Alternatively City Rail offers an efficient service to the Blue Mountains, or you can travel there direct from Sydney Airport. Once there, visitors can delight in one of the most spectacular wilderness parks in Australia. Cliff top vistas stretch across gum tree-lined valleys and craggy outcrops. It is superb walking country and adventure activities, from horse riding, caving and abseiling to tubing down mountain rivers, abound. The region is dotted with historic towns, most built from timber and stone, connected by scenic drives. Katoomba is the most visited town in the Blue Mountains, and the amazing rock formation of the Three Sisters at Echo Point is a must-see in the area. A great drawcard is the Blue Mountains 'Yulefest'. Visitors flock to the mountaintops in July and August to experience a mid-year Christmas and to revel in the occasional snowfall. Many of the region's guesthouses, hotels, motels, resorts and restaurants put on all the trappings of a traditional Christmas, complete with turkey, Christmas pudding and a great deal of fun.

www.bluemts.com.au

Also known as 'Big Sky Country', the New England region of New South Wales is a place of spacious beauty where it is possible to enjoy the great outdoors in the cool summers and cosy hospitality of the crisp winters. The centre of New England is Australia's country-music capital, Tamworth, which has played host to the Australian Country Music Festival every January since 1973. The city's population doubles to more than 60,000 when aficionados from across the land gather for the 10-day event, which culminates in the Golden Guitar Awards. Besides the music, Tamworth's other claim to fame is that it was the first town in the southern hemisphere to be lit by electricity. This historical fact has been enshrined in the Powerhouse Museum in town. Beyond Tamworth, the Big Sky Country includes tens of thousands of hectares of national parks and provides activities for visitors like horse riding, abseiling, fishing, fossicking, canoeing and bushwalking. Each park offers distinct flora and fauna and a multitude of natural attractions.

250 miles (400km) north-west of Sydney.

The historic town of Broken Hill lies in western New South Wales, in the area known as the 'Living Outback'. Here red dust roads lead off to national parks, opal fields, remote settlements and the Darling River. In Broken Hill art and mining live side by side as uncomfortable companions. Artists have come here to find their inspiration, at a spot where incredible wealth has been produced by exploitation of one of the world's greatest mineral deposits. Broken Hill is known as 'Silver City' being the site of the world's richest deposit of silver, lead and zinc. Visitors can visit a simulated mine or the real thing, donning lighted helmets to enter the subterranean world of the miners. This town is also a Mecca for artists and film-makers and has more than 20 art galleries. The famous Outback Royal Flying Doctor Service and School of the Air are also worth a visit. Visitors can tour the aircraft hangar or the radio room, which handles calls to and from remote towns and stations, covering 80 percent of Australia and treating about 160,000 patients a year.

www.visitbrokenhill.com.au

Attached to the Sydney Aquarium at Darling Harbour, the new fauna and flora attraction features a huge variety of native Australian plant and animal species in nine different habitats. A walkway snakes through the enclosures, and the development comprises three floors of exhibits, with the upper level open to the sky under a mesh roof. Visitors can experience a tropical rainforest, the red centre, and get close to animals like the koala, wallabies and over 6,000 other animals. The 'zoo' also focuses on conservation and education of native flora and fauna.

Aquarium Pier, Darling Harbour

(0)2 9333 9288

www.sydneywildlifeworld.com.au

Sydney Tower, or the AMP Centrepoint Tower, is the tallest free-standing building in the city, and the second tallest in the country. Situated above the Centrepoint office building and shopping centre, the tower is one of the main attractions in Sydney for its 360-degree views and Tower Skywalk platform. The observation deck is 820 feet (250m) above the city, with an enclosed viewing platform with information on the points of interest. OzTrek takes visitors on a virtual adventure, where diverse Australian landscapes are brought to life with a unique integration of 3D holographic technology, animated models and scenic art. The Sydney Tower Skywalk platform sits above the observation deck at 853 feet (260m) above the ground, twice the height of the harbour bridge, and harnessed to the glass-floored platform, daredevils can hang out over the city far below.

100 Market Street, Centrepoint Building

(0)2 9333 9222

www.sydneytower.com.au

Once home to music halls and grand theatres, Kings Cross was transformed after World War II with the arrival of hundreds of troops visiting from the nearby naval base, and today still carries the reputation as the city's red-light district. Although the nightclubs, strip clubs, bars, restaurants and adult shops are still there, the atmosphere is slowly changing and levels of prostitution and drug-use have declined in recent years. The introduction of trendy cafes and the redevelopment of apartment buildings are attracting a wider crowd of people. The Cross is most sleazy at night when the bright lights come on, but during the day is an interesting mix of characters.

The Australian Museum features everything kids love - fossils, dinosaurs, animals and plenty of other fascinating exhibits to look at. The Australian museum also features 'Kidspace', especially for the little ones. This mini-museum will help expand their minds and show them about the history of nature in a fun and colourful way.

6 College Street

(612) 9320 6000

www.australianmuseum.net.au

Children who visit the Featherdale Wildlife Park will be able to interact with and observe koalas, wallabies and emus up close and personal. Kids can have their photograph taken with one of these fuzzy animals and petting the koalas is also allowed here, something you won't find anywhere else in New South Wales.

217-229 Kildare Road, Doonside

(02) 9622 1644

www.featherdale.com.au

Children will go absolutely mad for the Powerhouse Museum, where all things scientific and abound and exhibits include those that will boggle the mind, and astound the senses. The Powerhouse Museum's newly opened museum storage and collection care facility affords visitors the opportunity to see attractions such as the Olympic torch carried by Cathy Freeman in the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games; Sydney's first tram or the wacky Standfield mouse-trap making machine.

172 Showground Road, Castle Hill

(02) 9762 130

castlehill@phm.gov.au

www.castlehill.powerhousemuseum.com

While you're down under, might as well take the kids to see all that is Australian, including gigantic crocodiles, indigenous spiders, snakes, possums, kangaroos and of course, Tasmanian devils. Children will love exploring the park and discovering the exotic and indigenous animals.

Pacific Highway, Somersby

(02) 4340 1022

admin@reptilepark.com.au

www.reptilepark.com.au

This working farm is a must for parents with little ones. Kids will be able to watch cows being milked and the daily goings on of a farm, as well as getting to play and pet the animals. Kids can enjoy shows such as the sheep shearing show, working dog show, animal feeds and even tractor rides.

31 Darling Street, Abbotsbury

(02) 9823 3222

info@calmsleyhill.com.au

calmsleyhill.com.au

Established in 1988 by the local Chinese community, to celebrate their heritage and to cement the bond between Sydney and the city of Guangzhou, the Chinese Garden of Friendship is styled along Classical lines, combining the four elements of water, plants, stone and architecture to create a perfect balance. Reminiscent of the gardens of the Shang dynasty from 3,000 years ago, and a popular tourist attraction, the Garden is a wonderful place to relax and rejuvenate with the whole family - picnicking, or just walking the meandering paths, enjoying the pagoda-style structures, the expert landscaping, and the tranquil courtyards.

Corner of Harbour Street and Pier Street, Darling Harbour

(02) 9240 8888

chinesegarden.com.auý