Vast, vibrant Sydney is the epitome of the Australian surf, sand and sun cliché. Carved out of sandstone headlands with golden beaches, Sydney spreads out around one of the world's most spectacular harbours.

Sydney is Australia's oldest and largest city and is often regarded as the country's capital in all but name. It's a thriving centre for both business and the arts with a buzzing cafe culture and a vibrant nightlife. This sun-soaked city also offers the ultimate in outdoor living. Take a dip in the ocean at Bondi Beach or stretch your legs along the coastal walk to Coogee, catch some rays on the northern beaches or go bush in one of the national parks.

At they cruise into port, passengers are treated to a dramatic view of Sydney's breathtaking harbour; the curves of its opera house shimmer in the sunlight and dozens of white sails float beneath the iconic harbour bridge.

Who can argue with the claim that Sydney has the most magnificent harbour in the world? Its intricate coastal geography of headlands and secluded bays is the stunning setting for two of the modern world's most ambitious architectural achievements - the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

It's not surprising then that much of the tourist attention is focused on the harbour and its surrounds. The Rocks forms the historical backbone of the city and a day spent wandering these old-world streets is a must. Circular Quay buzzes throughout the day with visitors, buskers and locals hopping on and off the ferries on their way to and from work. Make the most of Sydney's aquatic locale with a walk in the Royal Botanic Gardens, Sydney Harbour National Park or along Manly's wave-beaten ocean beach.

Darling Harbour, meanwhile, not only boasts a cruise terminal, but also lists Sydney Aquarium, a tall ship, the city's IMAX Theatre and a number of museums amongst its attractions. This is also the place to take a ride on the Monorail for a birds-eye view of the city.

Away from Sydney's vast waterway the central business district (CBD) treats cruise passengers to the remains of its Victorian past with grand banking chambers and intricate shopping arcades.

Highlights
• Pylon Museum and Lookout
• Sydney Observatory
• Museum of Contemporary Art
• Australian National Maritime Museum
• Bondi Beach
• Royal Botanic Gardens
• Taronga Zoo

Sydney Visitor Centre
106 George Street, The Rocks, Sydney, NSW 2000, Australia
Tel. +612 9240 8788.
Website: www.visitnsw.com

With everything from designer clothes to pearl-laden jewellery on sale, Sydney is a shoppers' heaven. Indulge in some serious window shopping in the city's flagship department stores: David Jones (86-108 Castlereagh Street) and Myer (436 George Street).

Castlereagh Street is Sydney's designer row. Thomas Street, Haymarket, has factory outlets and a large market selling tourist memorabilia. Oxford Street offers a varied shopping experience, running from small fashion stores to exclusive antique shops.

Where? Darling Harbour, Castlereagh Street, Thomas Street and Oxford Street.
What? The latest in designer fashions, fresh seafood, gemstones, pearls and antiques.

Sydney's cosmopolitan make-up is reflected in its eclectic dining scene. Myriad cafes, pubs and ethnic eateries serve everything from boat-fresh seafood and barbequed kangaroo steaks to wickedly calorific cream cakes. This is complimented by a wealth of international food, with the likes of Thai, Vietnamese, Japanese, Greek, Italian and Indian cuisine all represented.

Sydney specialities
• Sydney rock oysters.
• Barramundi (freshwater fish).
• Moreton Bay bugs (a shellfish).
• Macadamia nuts.
• Kangaroo.

Sydney basks in a temperate climate with mild winters and warm summers. Daytime highs reach the mid 20°Cs (high 70°Fs) from November to March and hover between 15ºC (59°F) and 22ºC (72°C) during the rest of the year. The city reputedly enjoys 340 days of sunshine a year.

Sydney has plenty of hotel rooms, with accommodation to suit most budgets. City-centre properties tend to be the most expensive, particularly those with harbour views. More affordable hotels are located in areas like Chinatown and Kings Cross. There are, of course, exceptions. Internet rates can often be good value.

Overseas Passenger Terminal
Circular Quay, Sydney
Website: www.sydneyports.com.au

Wharf 8
Darling Harbour, Sydney
Website: www.wharf8andopt.com

Sydney's Central Station
Eddy Avenue, Sydney
Website: www.countrylink.nsw.gov.au

Sydney (Kingsford Smith) Airport (SYD)
1 Link Road, Sydney International Terminal, NSW 2020
Website: www.sydneyairport.com.au

Sydney.

1km (0.6 miles).

5 minutes.

Australia

GMT + 10.

Australian Dollar (A$) = 100 cents.

English.

Southeast Australia, on the country's pacific coast.

4,444,500.

Constitutional Monarchy. Gained independence from the UK in 1901.

Two main religions: Roman Catholic and Protestant. Smaller minorities of all other major religions.

In a society where a ‘no worries' attitude prevails it is perhaps unsurprising that Sydneysiders are fairly relaxed. Exchanging handshakes is customary when meeting people for the first time. Outside of the business forum casual clothing is acceptable everywhere, with the exception of more exclusive restaurants and important social gatherings. Smoking was banned in pubs, clubs and other licensed premises in 2007. Smoking is also forbidden on some beaches.

Tipping: It is usual to tip 10% in top-end restaurants, but tipping is optional elsewhere. Round taxi fares up to the nearest Dollar.