Sydney: Things To Do

Art Gallery of New South Wales Explore the most extensive anthology of homegrown Aussie artworks (see pieces by down-under-greats like Charles Condor and Arthur Streeton), as well as noteworthy displays of European and Asian art. The Domain; Art Gallery Rd.; 011-61-2-9225-1700; www.artgallery.nsw.gov.au
family | arts

Australian Museum Founded in 1827, this natural history extravaganza is Australia’s first museum. In Spring 2008 their collection, which encompasses 16 million cultural objects and animal, fossil, and mineral specimens, will emerge from $41-million renovations. CBD; 6 College St.; www.austmus.gov.au
family | history | nature

Bondi Beach Topping the world charts as a happening sun and surf mecca, this much-photographed 0.62-mile strip of sand in the eastern suburbs is quintessential Sydney. Bondi Beach; 50 minutes by bus (buses #326 and 327 run from Circular Quay to Bondi Junction)
beach | family | outdoors

Manly Manly’s popular, sunbather-packed beaches rival Bondi’s and are accessible by a quick 30-minute ferry from “The Rocks.” In a hurry? Hop on a high-speed jet boat and arrive in fifteen. Sydney Ferries; www.sydneyferries.info
beach | family | outdoors

Museum of Contemporary Art Set in a striking Art-Deco building on Circular Quay West, this illustrious permanent collection includes several Warhols and Lichtensteins. The Rocks; 140 George St.; 011-61-2-9245-2400; www.mca.com.au
family | architecture | culture | arts

Royal Botanical Gardens Set beside the Opera House in a breathtaking harbor-side location, this lush 74-acre refuge was established by original settlers in 1816. Central Business District; Mrs Macquaries Road; 011-61-2-9231-8111; www.rbgsyd.nsw.gov.au
family | outdoors | nature

Sydney Harbor Bridge This 440-ft high, 3,770-ft-long bridge is among the world’s largest single-span bridges. Walk across or climb it (groups of 12 are decked out in space suits, harnessed to cables, and guided up stairs to the top). The Rocks; 011-61-2-8274-7777; www.bridgeclimb.com
family | architecture | views | climbing

Sydney Harbor National Park Pristine bushland pockets and five outlying islands packed with Aboriginal rock art, incredible lookout points, beaches, subtropical forest, and historic buildings comprise this protected area. The Rocks; Cadmans Cottage, 110 George St.; 011-61-2-9247-5033; www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au
family | historic | outdoors | nature

Sydney Opera House Nothing can prepare you for this Aussie emblem’s real-life splendor. Admire it from the harbor, then come in for a close-up of this $90+ million structure by Danish architect Jørn Utzon. Circular Quay; Bennelong Point; 011-61-2-9250-7111; www.sydneyoperahouse.com
family | architecture | culture | entertainment

Sydney Tower You’ll get a bird-eye’s city and harbor view from the turret at the top; on a clear day, you can even discern the Blue Mountains in the distance. CBD; 100 Market St.; 011-61-2-9333-9222; www.sydneytower.com.au
family | architecture