The Rocks Sydney

The Rocks Sydney

Explore Sydney’s colorful convict history in the Rocks, the harbourside quarter where settlement began. The Rocks Sydney

Sydney's early convict days live on in the Rocks, a jumble of cobblestone streets and cul-de-sacs just five minutes from Circular Quay. You only have to step off the harbour foreshore to find the sandstone terraces and cottages and some of Sydney's oldest pubs. This historic precinct also draws both visitors and locals with its museums and galleries, lively weekend markets and hotels with harbour views. The past and present collide in the best way in the Rocks, home to both ghostly tours and some of Sydney's liveliest celebrations. The Rocks Sydney

The steep, higgledy-piggledy streets of The Rocks sprawl out to the western side of Circular Quay and the imposing steel arch of the Sydney Harbour Bridge.  Start your explorations wandering around the harbour foreshore, from the iconic Opera House on one side to just beneath the bridge. Visit the Pylon Lookout, or for even better views, climb the span of the bridge with an organised group. The Rocks Sydney

The pubs here are some of the oldest in Sydney, and you can join a walking tour to learn about their colourful history. Listen to live music or taste a locally-brewed pint in bars where sailors, soldiers and stevedores celebrated and drank away their sorrows in the 1800s. A guide can help you imagine the lives of these larrikins, who struggled with poverty and grim, disease-ridden conditions. Immerse yourself in their stories as you wander between the pubs, historic Playfair Street terraces, storehouses and workman's cottages. The Rocks Sydney

Today these house elegant boutiques and galleries, where you can shop for an up-market souvenir or see the work of Australian artists. In the popular Saturday markets you'll find everything from stylish, hand-crafted jewelry to gourmet bush tucker condiments. Afterwards, have a tarot card reading in an esoteric bookshop or grab lunch in a patisserie or café with a colonial courtyard. The Rocks Sydney

The Rocks is also at the hub of some of Sydney's best-known artistic attractions. At nearby Walsh Bay, you can see a performance by the Sydney Theatre Company or join a dance class with the Sydney Dance Company. Fronting Circular Quay is the Museum of Contemporary Art, showcasing cutting-edge exhibitions from across Australia and the world. The Rocks Sydney

For a historical experience, head to the Justice and Police Museum, once a court house that processed criminals from Sydney's rowdy waterfront.  Peer into the old remand cells and imagine the restored 1890s police charge room. To delve deeper into the dark side of early Sydney, join a ghost tour round the Rocks.  Listen to grisly stories as you walk through tiny alleys by lantern light. The Rocks Sydney

The spirits may love these cobblestone streets, but you're more likely to meet international tourists or city office workers having a drink in one of the heritage hotels. You may also find yourself caught up in riotous crowds during some of Sydney's biggest celebrations. Listen to live bands and soak up the atmosphere on Australia Day on 26 January or see fireworks explode over Sydney Harbour on New Year's Eve. Don't miss The Rocks, where Sydney's past and the present collide in the best way. The Rocks Sydney

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Port Jackson Sydney

Port Jackson Sydney

Sydney Harbour is regarded as one of the most beautiful natural harbours in the world. With more than 240 kilometres of shoreline and meandering waterways, there’s plenty to explore and discover. Sydney Harbour is one big aquatic playground for Sydneysiders, and on a warm sunny day, the harbour is a vibrant blue and dotted with hundreds of sailing boats, cruise boats and ferries. Around Sydney Harbour’s fringe you’ll also find national parks, World Heritage sites, rich Aboriginal heritage and early colonial history. On the water, above the water or below it, there’s a million ways to enjoy Sydney Harbour. Port Jackson Sydney

Circular Quay

The vibrant hub of Sydney Harbour is Circular Quay, a ferry terminal located on the edge of the Sydney city centre. Ferries leave throughout the day to different parts of the harbour, connecting the city with Sydney’s waterside suburbs. Circular Quay is also the major transport hub for water taxis, harbour cruises, buses, trains and taxis. Sydney's Museum of Contemporary Art and historic Customs House are also located at Circular Quay on the way to the historic Rocks. Meander around to the Sydney Opera House and the Royal Botanic Gardens past vibrant restaurants and souvenir shops. You’ll find many perfect vantage points to photograph the Sydney Harbour Bridge. You’ll find some of Sydney’s finest restaurants here, Aria, Quay and Café Sydney. Port Jackson Sydney

Sydney Harbour attractions

On the southern side of Circular Quay a walkway leads to the Sydney Opera House and Royal Botanical Gardens. On the northern side, a short walk takes you to the Sydney Harbour Bridge and The Rocks. Climb to the summit of the Sydney Harbour Bridge for views as far as the eye can see. Experience a performance at the world-famous Sydney Opera House, or take a guided behind-the-scenes tour. Explore the rare plants in the Royal Botanic Gardens then walk to the top of Mrs Macquarie’s Chair for the best views of the Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge. Port Jackson Sydney

Sydney Harbour islands

The best way to experience Sydney Harbour is from the water. Explore the uninhabited Sydney Harbour islands by ferry or kayak, including Fort Denison, Shark Island, Rodd and Goat Island. Camp overnight in the middle of Sydney Harbour on World Heritage-listed Cockatoo Island. Spend some time exploring the secret inlets and bays of Sydney Harbour on a charter cruise or 1850s style sailing ship. Take a thrilling jet boat ride; paddle boarding lesson or catch a water taxi to a harbour-side restaurant. Take the helm of an America's Cup yacht; or spend the night on board a luxury cruiser. Port Jackson Sydney

Sydney Harbour beaches and parks

Catch a ferry from Circular Quay and explore beachside suburbs such as McMahons Point, Manly, Mosman and Balmain. Sydney Harbour National Park hugs the coastline at North and South Heads at the entrance to Port Jackson. Stay overnight at the historic Quarantine Station at North Head. See Australia’s unique wildlife at Taronga Zoo. Catch a ferry to Darling Harbour and visit Sydney Aquarium, Wildlife Sydney Zoo, Cockle Bay and King Street Wharf. Disembark at Pyrmont Bay Wharf and you'll be close to the Australian National Maritime Museum and Harbourside Shopping Centre. Head to Watson’s Bay and have fish and chips by the beach. Soar over Sydney Harbour in a seaplane from Rose Bay. Cruise to Parramatta along the river and stroll the Riverside Walk in Parramatta Park. The Sydney Harbour Circle Walk winds along the foreshore west of the Sydney Harbour Bridge to Hunters Hill. Port Jackson Sydney

Sydney Harbour events

Many special events are based on or around Sydney Harbour throughout the year. Some of the major events when the harbour comes alive are the Vivid Festival when the city’s buildings are illuminated each night; Sydney’s New Year's Eve Fireworks; Australia Day and the start of the Sydney to Hobart yacht race on Boxing Day. Harbourside suburbs and beaches becomes vibrant vantage points for these major events as crowds swarm to get the best views. Make sure you plan your day and get in early for a prime spot at a Sydney Harbour event. Port Jackson Sydney

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Great Barrier Reef

Great Barrier Reef

The Great Barrier Reef is the only living organic collective visible from Earth's orbit. The Great Barrier Reef, off the east coast of Australia, is one of the wonders of the natural world - it is the world's largest coral reef ecosystem. It was declared a World Heritage area in 1981 and added to the National Heritage List in 2007. Great Barrier Reef

The reef is scattered with beautiful islands and idyllic coral cays and covers more than 300,000 square kilometres. The Great Barrier Reef system consists of more than 3000 reefs which range in size from 1 hectare to over 10,000 hectares in area. Dunk Island is one of more than 600 islands of the Great Barrier Reef. Great Barrier Reef

Human activity in the Reef areas has led to increased pollutants and the reef has suffered damage. Protecting the Reef is the responsibility of the Marine Park Authority. In 2003, the previous Australian Government and Queensland Governments, in partnership with a wide range of industry and community groups, developed the Reef Water Quality Protection Reef Plan (the Reef Plan) as a combined effort to protect the Reef. Great Barrier Reef

Of particular concern is wetlands - which have decreased by over 50 per cent since European settlement. The Great Barrier Reef Coastal Wetlands Protection Program is developing measures for the long term conservation and management of priority wetlands. Great Barrier Reef

The coral

Corals make up the various reefs and cays. These are the basis for the great variety of sea and animal life in the Reef. Coral consists of individual coral polyps – tiny live creatures which join together to form colonies. Each polyp lives inside a shell of aragonite, a type of calcium carbonate which is the hard shell we recognise as coral. The polyps join together to create forests of coloured coral in interesting fan, antler, brain and plate shapes. Great Barrier Reef

The ideal environment for coral is shallow warm water where there is a lot of water movement, plenty of light, where the water is salty and low in nutrients. There are many different types of coral, some are slow growing and live to be hundreds of years old, others are faster growing. The colours of coral are created by algae. Only live coral is coloured. Dead coral is white. Great Barrier Reef

One of the greatest dangers to the habitat is the Crown of Thorns starfish. Since the 1960s the Crown of Thorns has been destroying the corals which make up the reef. Crown of Thorns outbreaks go through a series of stages which can take from 1 to 15 years. The impact of a Crown of Thorns infestation on sea and bird life can be significant as the corals die. Great Barrier Reef

Another scourge of the reef is bleaching, where corals have died in large numbers. This phenomenon is not exclusive to Queensland's Great Barrier Reef, but has been observed on reefs throughout the world. It is thought the bleaching has been caused by rises in water temperature related to the El Nino effect, although the evidence is not conclusive. Great Barrier Reef

The coral has, over the years, brought many ships to grief including Captain James Cook's ship Endeavour. One of the most famous wrecks is that of the HMS Pandora, which foundered in 1791. The Queensland Museum has been leading archaeological digs to the Pandora since 1983 and its most recent was completed in February 1999. There are 30 shipwreck sites known in the marine park. Great Barrier Reef

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Sunshine Coast Australia

Sunshine Coast Australia

The Sunshine Coast is perfect for an action-packed holiday or quiet escape at any time of year. Sunshine Coast Australia

The superb weather of the Sunshine Coast, a little over an hour from Brisbane, is perfect for an action-packed holiday or quiet escape at any time of year. The Sunshine Coast has four sub-regions, all with their own unique attractions. Pristine beaches stretch for miles, with both safe swimming beaches and spectacular surf breaks. Sunshine Coast Australia

Hastings Street in Noosa is packed with stylish restaurants and fashion boutiques just steps from the beach. Sunshine Beach, Sunrise Beach, Marcus Beach, Peregian Beach and Coolum Beach are all uncrowded surf beaches with sparkling blue water and pure, white sand. At the end of Hastings Street, the Noosa National Park features spectacular coastal scenery and an abundance of native Australian wildlife. Sunshine Coast Australia

The region's markets are an exciting blend of sights, sounds and smells, where you'll find fresh food produce, artworks and original fashion and jewellery by local designers. The Eumundi Markets is one of the best known. Other excellent markets include the Noosa Farmers Market, Peregian Beach Market, Cotton Tree Market and Markets on Bulcock in Caloundra. Sunshine Coast Australia

Tee off at one of the region's championship golf courses such as Palmer Coolum Resort, home of the Australian PGA Championship, or the Twin Waters Golf Club, Pelican Waters Golf Club or the Noosa Springs Golf Resort. Sunshine Coast Australia

Go horse-riding on the beach; or climb aboard a Harley Davidson motorcycle for an adrenalin-pumping ride. Sunshine Coast Australia

From Mooloolaba to Marcoola is the heart of the Sunshine Coast. Mooloolaba Spit is one of the safest swimming beaches on this part of the coast. Mooloolaba is also home to a large port, where you can learn to sail or head out for a day of deep sea fishing or join a whale-watching cruise in season. For diving or snorkelling, head to the HMAS Brisbane Conservation Park, site of the shipwreck of the HMAS Brisbane. Sunshine Coast Australia

A waterfront walking track leads from Mooloolaba to Maroochydore through Alexandra Headland is always buzzing with activity. For peace and quiet, visit Marcoola or Twin Waters, where on some days you may be the only person on the beach. Watch out for the Hawksbill Turtles which come up on the beach to hatch their young. Take a cruise on the Maroochy River to Maroochy Wetland Sanctuary and see kangaroos, wallabies and abundant birdlife. Sunshine Coast Australia

The Kawana to Caloundra region is the Sunshine Coast's playground. The tranquil waters of Golden Beach at Caloundra are protected by nearby Bribie Island. Experienced surfers should head to the renowned surf break at Moffat Beach. Sunshine Coast Australia

Escape the surf, sand and sun for a while and explore the charming villages of the Sunshine Coast hinterland through the Glass House Mountains and Mary Valley. Townships such as Mapleton, Montville, and Maleny offer stunning views, rainforest walks, fresh local produce and fine arts and crafts. Sunshine Coast Australia

The Sunshine Coast is located approximately 100 kilometres north of Brisbane. From the Sunshine Coast you can also catch a car ferry from the village of Tewantin and explore the Noosa North Shore, the Great Sandy National Park and World Heritage-listed Fraser Island. Sunshine Coast Australia

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Whitsunday Islands

Whitsunday Islands

With palm-fringed white sand beaches surrounded by clear blue waters, the Whitsunday Islands are the epitome of a tropical paradise. Whitsunday Islands

The Whitsunday Islands is a group of 74 islands bordered by the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area and the sheltered waters of the Coral Sea. With palm-fringed secluded white sand beaches surrounded by clear blue waters, the Whitsunday Islands are the epitome of a tropical paradise. Whitsunday Islands

Formed millions of years ago, the name was given to Australia's largest group of offshore islands by Captain Cook, who sailed through the passage on Whitsunday in 1770. Whitsunday Islands

 The traditional owners of the Whitsunday Islands were called the Ngaro, and are among the earliest recorded Aboriginal groups in Australia. The Whitsunday Ngaro Sea Trail, which connects South Molle, Hook and Whitsunday Islands, follows in their ancient footsteps. Whitsunday Islands

Some islands are little more than a strip of finely crushed coral sand, held together by the roots of a single palm tree. Others are home to luxurious resorts. The Whitsunday Islands are the romantic destination of more wedding proposals and honeymoons per square metre than anywhere else in Australia. Whitsunday Islands

One of the best ways to soak up the sun-drenched beauty of this island paradise is to sail onboard a self-skippered or crewed catamaran or yacht, visiting a different island or reef each day. Boats charters depart from Airlie Beach or Shute Harbour. Whitsunday Islands

The largest island, Whitsunday Island, is also the site of Whitehaven Beach, a seven kilometre stretch of deserted white sand. It's one of the most photographed beaches in Australia. Fly over iconic Heart Reef, landing nearby to enjoy snorkelling in the privacy of your own remote coral atoll. Whitsunday Islands

Daydream Island is one of the closest of the Whitsunday Island resorts to the coast. Unique to the island is a man-made outdoor aquarium, the Living Reef, where you can hand feed the resident stingrays, sharks and barramundi fish. Whitsunday Islands

Hamilton Island is the only island in the Great Barrier Reef with its own jet airport. Its is home to a range of accommodation options but none surpasses qualia, voted Best Resort in the World in the 2012 Conde Nast Traveler Readers' Choice Awards. Board a helicopter for a round of heli-golf on nearby Dent Island, Australia's only championship island golf course. In May each year Hamilton Island comes alive with million dollar yachts for Hamilton Island Race Week. Whitsunday Islands

Hayman Island is the most northerly of the Whitsunday Islands. Its private five-star resort is one of the most awarded in Australia. It's a popular spot for both guests and day visitors. Whitsunday Islands

Hook Island and South Molle Island are much less developed, and mostly covered by national parks. On Hook Island you'll find breathtaking lookouts and several Aboriginal cave shelters along the island's walking tracks. The Pinnacles, just off Hook Island, is renowned as one of the best dive sites in the Whitsundays. The closest island to the mainland is Long Island. It's a wonder to explore filled with walking tracks and plenty of wildlife. Whitsunday Islands

You can even sleep on the reef on a purpose-built pontoon and watch it come alive at night from the comfort of an underwater observatory. Whitsunday Islands

Once you've explored the islands from land and water, take to the air in a seaplane or helicopter and see their aquamarine beauty from a completely different perspective. Whitsunday Islands

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Manly Beach

Manly Beach

Manly Beach is another of Australia's most popular suburban beaches along Sydney's long stretch of northern coastline. Manly Beach was named in 1788 by Captain Arthur Phillip, the first governor of New South Wales, because he was impressed by “the confidence and manly behaviour” of the area's original Aboriginal population. Take the majestic Manly ferry from Circular Quay and in half an hour you'll be at Manly Wharf. ‘Only seven miles from Sydney and a million miles from care' is a phrase often quoted by the people of Manly. When you visit this seaside town you will quickly realise why. Manly Beach

Nestled between a tranquil Sydney Harbour beach on one side and a popular Pacific Ocean surf beach on the other, the laid-back character of Manly Beach seems a thousand miles from busy Sydney, yet it is only a ferry ride away. Manly Beach

Manly is a great Sydney beach for the whole family. From the harbour foreshore, the palm-tree lined Manly Corso leads you to the Steyne promenade, where a number of surf clothing shops sell everything from surfboards to bikinis. Manly Beach

The 1.5 kilometre-long golden Manly Beach has a sheltered ocean pool at one end. Queenscliff, at the northern end of the beach is a great spot to learn to surf as well as for experienced surfers. Many of Australia's champion surfers learned at Manly Beach. At its southern end, a pathway curls from the Manly Surf Lifesaving Club to Shelley Beach that is a popular track for joggers, cyclists and locals. Manly Beach

On Manly's doorstep there are many beautiful bushwalks, bike-riding paths and historical sites. Manly Beach

The Manly Scenic Walkway meanders around the harbour foreshore from The Spit Bridge via Dobroyd Head to Manly through some of Sydney Harbour's most stunning scenery and bushland. It takes about three to four hours to complete. Manly Beach

North Head Sanctuary is one of Sydney's hidden treasures. Take a leisurely walk along the tracks through virtually untouched bushland and look out for native birds and animals. Take a guided tour of North Fort, an important military base from World War II. Manly Beach

Within the Sydney Harbour National Park at North Head, Q Station is the site of Australia's first and longest-running quarantine station and offers a fascinating insight into Australia's early settlement. Manly Beach

Visit Oceanworld Manly and learn about the local marine life. At Penguin Cove you can see Manly's colony of Little Penguins. The charming Manly Art Gallery and Museum showcases the history of Manly and Sydney's northern beaches. The collection includes examples of swimwear, sunglasses, hats, towels, beach bags and surfboards from the 1900s to the present. Manly Beach

Other popular activities include beach volleyball, kayaking and scuba diving. Manly also boasts many fine restaurants and cafes along the beachfront. It also has some lively music venues and pubs. On weekends a flea market sells original handmade arts and crafts, jewellery, photographs, and sculptures inspired by the local culture and lifestyle. Manly Beach

Manly is the start of Sydney's long stretch of northern beaches which extend all the way to Palm Beach. Manly Beach

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Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne

Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne

The Royal Botanic Gardens are a picturesque haven for recreation and an important resource for education, conservation, science and horticulture. Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne

Established in 1846, the gardens extend over 36 hectares and display an amazingly diverse collection of over 50,000 plants from around the world, including rare and threatened species. Considered one of the finest examples of Victorian-era landscaped gardens in the world, the Royal Botanic Gardens hosts year-round events, picnics, weddings and tours. Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne

The Ian Potter Foundation Children’s Garden is one of the most popular features in the gardens, attracting over 150,000 young visitors each year. Kids can play in the ruin garden, meeting place, wetland area, bamboo forest, gorge, plant tunnel, rill and kitchen garden. Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne

Other highlights of the Royal Botanic Gardens include the National Herbarium, Tropical Hothouse, Plant Craft Cottage and the Guilfoyle’s Volcano water reservoir. Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne

The Royal Botanic Gardens are one of Victoria’s most popular tourist attractions, with over 1.5 million visitors each year. Visitor services and facilities include a visitor centre, guided walks, interpretive signs, two cafes and the Gardens Shop. Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne

The Garden Explorer is a relaxing way to discover this 38 hectare garden. Hop on and off to enjoy live commentary and absorb the stunning views as you wind your way around the Gardens. Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne

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Shrine of Remembrance Melbourne

Shrine of Remembrance Melbourne

The Shrine of Remembrance is Victoria’s largest and most visited war memorial of National Significance. It is Melbourne’s most recognised landmark. It was built in remembrance of those who served and those who died in the Great War of 1914-1918 and armed conflicts and peacekeeping duties since. Shrine of Remembrance Melbourne

The Shrine of Remembrance was built between July 1928 and November 1934 in remembrance of the 114,000 men and women of Victoria who served and those who died in the Great War of 1914-1918 - 89,100 of them served overseas and 19,000 did not return. Shrine of Remembrance Melbourne

The people of Victoria felt that their debt to these volunteers, who had defended them at such great costs to themselves and their families, should be recognised by a worthy permanent monument of remembrance.Although the country was faced with frightful unemployment and financial difficulty in the late 1920s and the 1930s, so great was the gratitude of the people that the huge amount required to build the Shrine was raised or promised within six months from the opening of the appeal in 1928. Shrine of Remembrance Melbourne

The design for the Shrine of Remembrance was selected by competition among Australian artists and architects. Eighty-three designs were submitted and the winning design was by two Melbourne returned-soldier architects, Philip Hudson and James Wardrop.The inspiration for the external outline came from one of the seven wonders of the ancient world - the mausoleum at Harlicarnassus to Mausolus, King of Caria in South West Asia Minor. Shrine of Remembrance Melbourne

Prince Henry, the Duke of Gloucester and son of King George V, officially opened the Shrine before a crowd of 300,000 people in November 1934.Since then, it has been a growing monument, with other memorials added to the site to mark the service of successive generations, such as the Second World War Forecourt and the Remembrance Garden – Post 1945 Memorial. Shrine of Remembrance Melbourne  

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Sydney Opera House

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Sydney Opera House

The Sydney Opera House is Australia's most recognisable building and is an icon of Australia's creative and technical achievement. Since its completion in 1973 it has attracted worldwide acclaim for its design and construction, enhanced by its location on Bennelong Point within a superb harbour setting. Sydney Opera House

The design of the building, with its soaring white roof shell shaped sails atop a massive red granite platform, has been internationally acclaimed as an architectural icon of the 20th century. As a dominant sculptural building that can be seen and experienced from all sides, it is the focal point of Sydney Harbour and a reflection of its character. Sydney Opera House

It is placed right at the end of Bennelong Point, juxtaposed to the harbour and completely to scale in relation to the Harbour Bridge, the sandstone cliff face, Macquarie Street and Circular Quay. Viewed from a ferry, from the air, or by approach on foot, the vision is dramatic and unforgettable. Sydney Opera House

It took 16 years to build. Constructed between 1957 and 1973, is a masterpiece of modern architectural design, engineering and construction technology in Australia. It exhibits the creative genius of its designer, the Pritzker Prize winner Danish architect Jørn Utzon, the successful engineering by the Danish firm Ove Arup and Partners, and the Australian building contractors M R Hornibrook. The completion of the project was overseen by the architects Hall, Todd and Littlemore, and the story of its construction was one of great controversy. Sydney Opera House

Complex engineering problems and escalating costs made it a source of great public debate that only subsided when the beauty and achievement of the completed building placed it on the world stage. Sydney Opera House

The technical challenge of how to construct the roof sails took four years to solve. The roof sails were based on the geometry of the sphere and Utzon used this to demonstrate the creative potential and the assembly of prefabricated, repeated components. It was seen as a structure at the leading edge of endeavour. Sydney Opera House

Today the Sydney Opera House is a national cultural centre that has gained widespread recognition and respect as a performing arts venue, and includes a concert hall, opera and drama theatres, a playhouse and a studio. It is a fitting showcase for many of the world's leading performers. As Utzon envisioned, the Sydney Opera House reflects its pivotal place in Australia's creative history ‘an individual face for Australia in the world of art' (Frampton and Cava, 1995 in Statement of Values for Sydney Opera House National Heritage Listing) Sydney Opera House

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