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Surfers Paradise:

Sydney Harbour View:

Sydney Harbour Bridge:

Noosa Beach:

Dreamworld - Wipeout, Gold Coast

Here are my top ten things to do in Sydney:

1) Sydney Opera House
The Sydney Opera House is one of the most famous architectural landmarks in the world and it doesn’t matter how many photos you have seen it will still wow you when you see it for the first time. Spend the morning walking around the Opera House and taking great pictures with the glorious harbour as a background.

If you would like to learn all about the history of this famous landmark you can book to go on a guided tour. They offer two tours which can easily booked online. The first tour is a standard one hour tour and very popular with tourists. The second tour is a very in depth tour offering backstage access but it is very costly.

Once you have seen all you want to of the Opera House take a stroll around Circular Quay. Here you will find some great cafes and restaurants where you can enjoy your meal with spectacular views of the harbour. One of the best bars in the area is the Opera Bar. This is a great place to grab a drink but it can be very busy on weekends.

2) Blue Mountains
The Blue Mountains are a world listed heritage and here you will really feel at one with nature. These mountains are named so due to the evaporating eucalyptus oil leaving a blue haze.

There are a lot of tours operating from the city centre so you can pick the best tour for you and your budget. Most tours stop off on the way at the Featherdale Wildlife Park for about forty minutes. This is not a huge wildlife park so forty minutes is enough time to see everything.

Once at the Heritage Park you can go on rainforest walks and ride the steepest railway in the world. There is also a great cable car so you can see great views of the mountains.

3) Bondi Beach
Bondi Beach is the most famous beach in Australia and well worth a visit. Bondi Beach is a great place for surfers, swimmers or for those who just want a day soaking up the sun.

Bondi Beach is very accessible from all parts of Sydney by train and shouldn’t be much more than a twenty minute journey. Once at Bondi Junction you need to catch a bus to the sea front, the fare is very reasonable and you can purchase a train and bus ticket at the same time.

If you fancy doing a spot of shopping before you head off to the beach there is a great Westfield shopping centre at Bondi Junction. All the major Australian chain stores are there and there are some great places to grab lunch.

4) Sydney Harbour Bridge
The world’s largest steel arched bridge is an amazing sight, if you choose not to climb the bridge then walking along the footpath is a definite must.

Booking to take part in the bridge climb is easy to do online but it is a little bit pricey. The climb takes three hours when you include all the safety preparations. The climb is not too hard so all fitness levels can take part. Once you reach the top you will be greeted with amazing views of Sydney and this makes the price well worth it. You are not aloud to take cameras with you on the climb but you are given a souvenir photo of the whole group at the top of the bridge.

If finding out about the history of the bridge interests you then head over to the Pylon Museum situated on the Harbour Bridge. The museum is full of facts and there is a short video on the making of the Harbour Bridge. There is a charge for entry but if you have taken part in the bridge climb you will receive a free pass.

5) Taronga Zoo
Taronga Zoo is a huge zoo opposite to the Opera House and is a great day for all ages.

To get to Taronga zoo you need to catch a ferry from Circular Quay. You can purchase a joint ticket at the ferry terminal which includes return ferry trips and the entry to the zoo. This is well worth doing as you can avoid queuing to purchase tickets when you arrive at the zoo.

The zoo is full of all different types of animals and you can also partake in an animal encounter for an extra charge. All the information relating to the animal encounters will be on your guide map along with the costs. The zoo also has a great eatery offering a wide variety of hot and cold food.

6) The Rocks
The Rocks is an old fashioned part of Sydney with cobbled streets and tons of character.

The Rocks is full of quirky souvenir shops, great cafes and lots of bars with great beer gardens. This truly is one of the best places to spend a lazy afternoon in Sydney. At weekends you can also ride around the area in a horse drawn carriage.

The best time to visit the rocks is at the weekends when they have there local market. The market operates Saturday and Sundays between nine and five. You can pick up some really great hand made goods here and if space in your case is a problem for you some stalls will post your purchase home for you.

If ghosts and ghouls interest you then book to go on The Rocks Ghost Tour. You can book the tour at the Tourist Information Centre situated in The Rocks, the tour can be busy so you will need to book in advance. Partaking in the tour is a great way to spend the evening, all the hosts are actors so be prepared for a few laughs. The tour is great because you find out a lot of facts about ghost sightings but also about the local area.

7) Manly
Manly is a picture perfect little beach town just a short ferry ride from Circular Quay.

The ferries run all day from Circular Quay and the prices are quite reasonable. Once there you can swim in the ocean, sunbathe, take a scenic walk, or spend all afternoon enjoying the sun in a great beer garden. Manly has a great laid back vibe and is a fun day out for all.

If you want to find out about marine life and reptiles then pay Oceanworld a visit. This aquarium is not as big as the Sydney Aquarium but it is still a nice way to spend a couple of hours.

Darling Harbour
Darling Harbour is a great place just a short walk from the city centre and has tons of stuff to keep all ages entertained.

The Harbour has all the hustle and bustle of city life but in a much nicer setting. Here you can visit an aquarium, a wildlife park, watch a show at the IMAX theatre, shop or just chill for the afternoon in a great café or bar.

The Sydney Aquarium is one of top attractions in Darling Harbour. The aquarium is huge and could easily take you an afternoon to see everything. The aquarium is very educational which is great if you are going with children. The Shark tank is amazing and they have touch pools so you can get up close to nature yourself. When purchasing your ticket you can also buy a combined ticket for the Wildlife Park as well.

9) Pitt Street Malls
The Sydney city centre is a haven of shops and a real must for any serious shopper.

You could quite easily spend a whole day looking around all the malls and not go in every shop. Here you can find all the major shops plus a few quirky stores thrown in for balance. Shopping is not the only thing to do here they have Chinese massage stores, beauty therapists and a huge selection of hairdressers.

Eating in the city centre can be as up market as you would like. There are plenty of great restaurants offering all types of food but for those on a budget head to the food court for some great cheap eats.

10) The Royal Botanical Gardens
Head to the lush Botanical Gardens for a quiet morning where you really need to feel at one with nature after living the city life.

Take a quiet stroll and admire the beauty of what nature has to offer. The gardens are splendid and there are lots of great places to have a picnic or sit and watch the world go by.

Mrs Macquarie’s Chair was carved in 1816 so you can soak up a bit of history at the same time. This is a great place to take photos of the Opera House and the Harbour Bridge. The area can be quite busy before and after working times as it is a popular place with the locals to go jogging.

Entry to the gardens is free but if you wanted to make a contribution there are donation boxes around the park. There are also free maps around the park which are a good idea as it can be easy to get lost because of the size of the gardens. In the heart of the gardens there is a great café but it can be a bit pricey so if you are on a budget bring your own food.

So what are your top 10 things to do in Sydney?

Check out the actual shot on Google Maps.

And if you zoom out you can see how close this is to the beach, at North Steyne on what looks like a busy day for the surf club:

And this shot shows you where North Steyne is and how close this is to Manly Beach and Queenscliff Bay:

During the last year there seems to have been an increase in shark attacks and sharks spotted in and around Sydney. I also found one appear when looking back at my Australia photos, see my shark at Bondi Beach post.

Hayman Island

Photo credit: holgatepics

Whitehaven Beach on Whitsunday Island

Photo credit: kevgibbo

Hamilton Island

Photo credit: kevgibbo

Brampton Island

Photo credit: kbcool

Daydream Island

Photo credit: takenbybigs

Hook Island

Photo credit: Above Photography

Long Island Resort

Photo credit: martinonflickr

South Molle Island

Photo credit: marinegirl

Peppers Palm Bay

Photo credit: ashclements

Lindeman Island

Photo credit: sophieinsydney

Below I’ve listed some of the books and DVD’s I found useful:

Australia - DK Eyewitness Travel Guide Book
	This is a great little guide for showing you an overview of Australia and the highlights of places to see and what to do in each state.
Sydney - DK Eyewitness Travel Guide Book
	If you’re traveling to Australia, there’s a good chance you’ll visit Sydney - so once you’ve read our top 10 things to do in sydney try the DK guide. This gives you all of the information you need (without overloading you) and is kept interesting by using lots of images.
Top Ten Australia DVD
	I found this DVD very useful before going to Australia, helping to show the must see highlights of Australia which I later went on to experience myself, such as the Sydney harbour bridge climb, Bondi beach, Sydney Opera House, Australia Zoo, Underwater World Mooloolaba, the Great Barrier Reef and Fraser Island.
Billy Connolly - World Tour Of Australia DVD - 1996
	I find the Billy Connolly Australia DVD a great way of finding out about some of the interesting areas to visit in Australia, normally with a few facts and tips you might have not known otherwise too. I actually bought this DVD after returning from Australia but it’s great to see everything all-oer again and there were a few things I missed so that’s a good enough reason to go back!

Here’s a picture from Flickr to show what Brisbane looked like back in 1959. Looks like the Brisbane CBD has changed a bit since those days!

I’ve also just realised that the city centre streets are named after Kings and Queens:
“Downtown, the streets follow a grid pattern, with names loyally drawing on royalty: north-south streets are kings, and east-west streets are queens.”

Seems obvious now!

Here’s my photo and the full Sydney guide.

After going over my Australia travel photos I noticed what looks like a shark at Bondi Beach.

There was recently a shark attack at Bondi Beach too, this photo was taken during the Bondi to Coogee coastal walk during December 2006.

Definitely looks like a shark to me, what do you think?

Queensland is a truly amazing state with dazzling beaches, lush rainforests and tranquil blues of the Great Barrier Reef. This state really has something for everyone.

Here is my top ten list of holiday destinations in Queensland.

1) Brisbane
Brisbane is a chic and cosmopolitan city oozing an amazing vibe. It is the third largest city in Australia and one of the most sought after places to live.

In the heart of the city centre you will find the Queens Street Mall, this is a great place for some retail therapy. You will find all the major Australian shops plus a few quirky stores thrown in for personality. There are also plenty of restaurants and cafes offering all types of food. If you are on a smaller budget head to the Myer Centre in the Mall and theres a food court where you can find all types of food for very reasonable prices.

Just a short walk from the city centre you will find the glorious Southbank. This is a great place to stroll by the river or have a picnic. In the heart of Southbank you will find Streets Beach, an amazing man made beach which is great for a quick dip on a hot sunny day. Don’t forget to check out Southbank on the weekend when they have there Arts and Crafts Market. Here you can find some great souvenirs or gifts.

Mt Coot-tha Reserve is situated 7km from the city centre, here you will find spectacular views of Brisbane all the way to Moreton Island. There are plenty of great spots for a picnic but if you preferred to eat out they also have a great café offering a wide selection of hot and cold food. The reserve also has fantastic Botanical Gardens showcasing Eastern and Western agriculture. Situated adjacent to the gardens is the Sir Thomas Brisbane Planetarium which is a great place to take the kids.

If you are more into outdoor adventures head to the Riverlife Adventure Centre which is situated along the Brisbane River in between Southbank and Kangaroo Point. Here you can sign up for an array of water sports, outdoor actives and rock climbing. They cater for beginners and the more experienced adventurer.

No trip to Brisbane is complete without visiting a wildlife sanctuary and the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary is a great day out for all ages. The sanctuary is situated about 11km south west of Brisbane and most tours will take you by ferry. This is the largest Koala sanctuary in the world and for a small charge you can cuddle up to a Koala while having your picture taken. The park also has a lot of other wildlife to keep you entertained along with a great petting farm. Around the park you will find great eateries and they have a great gift shop where you can purchase some very cute souvenirs.

Brisbane has a great transport system which is very reasonably priced. You can purchase an all day pass on the ferry for around $4.50 and you can visit all the quaint suburbs that surround Brisbane. The railway system is great and it is a very cheap way of visiting all the attractions further away from Brisbane like Australia Zoo or the breath taking Sunshine coast.

2) Airlie Beach
Airlie Beach is a great little beach town and the gateway to the Whitsunday Islands and Great Barrier Reef.

The town itself is very charming and laidback with some great little souvenir shops and some great cafes. The nightlife is good here and you will be spoilt for choice when it comes to eating.

Just along the sea front you will find a nice beach and a man made lagoon. This is a great place to spend the afternoon sunbathing and swimming. There are many areas to enjoy a nice picnic and sit back and relax.

There are 74 islands in the Whitsunday’s with ferries which are easily accessible. Whitehaven Beach is a spectacular sight, the sand is pure white and the water is crystal clear. Make sure to enjoy a few hours soaking up the sun and snorkelling. Hamilton Island is only half an hour away by ferry from Airlie Beach and is a great place to visit. Once there you can explore the island by golf cart and swim in the magnificent swimming pools.

The Great Barrier Reef is about an hour and a half by ferry from Airile Beach and well worth the travel. Once there you can snorkel, dive and ride in a submarine. All equipment is provided for and they cater from the beginner to the more experienced.

3) Fraser Island
Fraser Island is the largest sand island in the world and it has to be the one of the most magnificent. There is so much to do on Fraser Island it is almost unbelievable. You can partake in a 4WD along the golden sandy beaches, walk in the lush rainforests and swim in the tranquil waters of Lake McKenzie. There are barbecues for public use so take full advantage of them. Be careful not to leave food out when you have finished though as the island is home to pure bred white Dingo’s. You will need to obtain a permit for vehicles or camping but the prices are reasonable. There is accommodation on Fraser Island but if it’s too costly you can stay inland and catch the ferry.

4) Surfers Paradise
Surfers Paradise is located in the Gold Coast just south of Brisbane. Surfers Paradise is a perfect beach town with plenty to offer for all ages. The beach is picturesque and right on the edge of the town centre. Take a stroll around the fabulous shops and cafes, the nightlife is great but on weekends it can get very busy. A midweek night market operates along the seafront, here you can take a look at hand made souvenirs. The Aboriginal art is profound and very well priced. Some stalls will travel wrap your purchases.

One of the main attractions in this area is Sea World. This really is an amazing day out. They have Dolphin shows, a great Sea Lion show and two incredibly cute Polar Bears. If you get the chance go and watch the Shark feeding, they currently have Tiger and Bull Sharks which are huge! As well as all the marine life they also have a water park with waterslides.

Nearby there is also the Warner Brother’s Movie World and Dreamworld. Warner Brother’s is a must for any movie fan as there are great photo opportunities with movie characters and they have stunt shows and movie themed rides. Dreamworld is a theme park with some pretty scary rides but the park does cater for younger children as well. Dreamworld is also the home of TV show Australian Big Brother.

5) Cairns
Cairns is situated in Tropical Queensland and is a tourist town. Cairns is well-known around the world and is a backpacker haven.

The centre of Cairns is a quaint place to spend the morning shopping; here you will find some unusual souvenirs. Restaurants and cafes are plentiful. Just a few minutes walk from the centre towards the seafront is a man made salt water swimming lagoon. If you don’t fancy a dip talk a walk along the Esplanade and enjoy the stunning views.

If nature is more your thing, why not take a stroll around Flecker Botanic Gardens? The majority of the gardens are made up of magnificent rainforests but you will also find bush tucker plants. The gardens are open Monday to Friday and you will pay a small charge for entry.

Cairns is also a gateway to the Great Barrier Reef and is the most popular place for diving in the reef. Around the centre of Cairns you will find plenty of tour operators for day trips to the surrounding islands and the reef.

6) Green Island
Green Island is an amazing island surrounded by the Great Barrier Reef, with a great holiday complex and walking tracks through the rain forest. Here you can lie on the beach, snorkel or go for a relaxing swim in the complex’s pool. They also have a bar, cafes and shops on the island. This is a great place for a day trip as you can see it all in one day but if you wanted to stay longer you have the option. Getting here from Cairns couldn’t be easier as there are many tour operators and it is not too costly.

7) Noosa
Noosa is a great spirited beach town situated on the Sunshine Coast just north of Brisbane. Noosa is the perfect place to shop, relax or have a great night out on the town.

Hastings Street is the best part of Noosa for shops, cafes and bars. You could spend all day shopping here and pick up some great purchases. They have a wide variety of food and some great bars. On a Friday or Saturday night it can be very busy though. If you want a more relaxing time the beach is only a five minute stroll. The water is clear and the sand is golden. If great views are what you are after head up to the Laguna Lookout in Noosa Junction.

Noosa National Park is a great place for scenic walks, and here you will find great beaches for surfing. The park is about 2km long and once you have reached the end you have also reached the end of the Sunshine Coast.

Port Douglas
Port Douglas is a quiet town with tons of character. It has quaint little boutiques and some amazing scenery.

You can catch a shuttle direct from Cairns for around $40. This will give you enough time to explore this great little town. The main street is great for shopping and they lots of great bakeries and cafes. The beach is a fifteen minute walk from the centre but it is well worth a stroll. If exploring is more what you are after head over to the harbour, it is a nice walk and you will not be disappointed when you get there. They have a small shopping centre and some great sea food restaurants where you can dine whilst over looking the harbour.

If you are in Port Douglas on a Sunday don’t miss the local market where you can pick up everything from fruits and veggies to hand crafted artefacts. Once you have finished around the market take a stroll around Anzac Park.

9) Mooloolaba
Mooloolaba is a small little town on the Sunshine Coast but it has a lot too offer. The Esplanade is packed with cute little shops and cafes and the marina is picture perfect.

Underwater World is situated in the marina and is a great place for all ages. Here you can see some exotic marine life and if you are brave enough go diving with sharks. To see everything Underwater World has to offer you need to allow about four hours. They also have some great shows and presentations. Once you have finished at Underwater World take a walk around the marina, here you will find some great bars and restaurants. If you are on a budget take a look at the Hogs Breath Café they do some great meals at great prices.

If you are looking for some serious shopping catch the bus to Maroochydore. Here you will find the Sunset Plaza and probably every shop you can think of. You could quite easily spend all day shopping and not have enough time to go in every shop. They have got some great cafes but again if you are on a budget check out the food court for some cheap eats.

10) Hamilton Island
Hamilton Island is a great little place for a few days of relaxation. The beaches are idyllic and the water is clear. With its own airport and just off of Airlie Beach it’s very easy to get to and from here you can go out to Whitehaven Beach and the other Whitsunday islands such as Hayman island, you can also spend a day on the Great Barrier Reef with tours to Reefworld.