For a Half Day

Manly: New South Wales has Manly Beach to thank for its sea and surf culture for it was here, in 1902, that newspaper editor William Gocher first defied the state law against public bathing. The esplanade is now populated with rollerbladers, joggers and cyclists, while the beaches are crowded with swimmers, sunbathers and surfers. A short ferry ride from Circular Quay, Manly (located 13km/8 miles northeast of the city centre) can also be reached on foot via the Manly Scenic Walkway from Spit Bridge in the city. The walk can take up to four hours but offers some of Sydney's most breathtaking views, as well as skirting some of its most exclusive homes. The Manly Visitors Information Bureau, North Steyne, Manly (tel: (02) 9976 1430; website: www.manlyaustralia.com.au), can provide further information.

For a Whole Day

Blue Mountains: A 90-minute drive west from the city, along the Great Western Freeway, the dramatic, forest scenery of the Blue Mountains National Park is a major attraction for nature lovers. The cool eucalyptus (gum tree) forests harbour numerous bush walks and radiate a blue haze that gives the area its name. More active visitors might like to go abseiling, rock climbing, mountain biking or horseriding. The area's most famous attraction is the Three Sisters - a geological feature named after an Aboriginal legend. The easiest way for visitors to see the Blue Mountains is by car, although there are hourly trains to Katoomba, the main gateway for the mountains, from Central Station. Blue Mountains Tourism (tel: 1300 653 408, in Australia only; website: www.bluemts.com.au) can provide further information.

Hunter Valley: One of Australia's premier wine-producing districts, beginning approximately 100km (62 miles) north of Sydney, ‘The Hunter' has more than 70 vineyards. Although busiest during the harvest months of March and April, most vineyards remain open to the public on a daily basis and offer a range of tours, restaurants and accommodation. Two of the more popular vineyards are Lindemans (one of the largest Australian wine companies) and Rothbury Estate, famous for its concerts throughout the March/April Harvest Festival, which is an annual celebration of Australian culture, gastronomy and wine. A two-hour drive from Sydney, Cessnock is the gateway to Hunter Valley and Pokolbin, 5km (3 miles) to the north, is home to its main visitor centre. Alternatively, trains from Sydney travel to the neighbouring city of Newcastle (journey time - approximately 3 hours). Wine Country Tourism (tel: (02) 4990 0900; website: www.winecountry.com.au) can provide full details of tours.