Sydney knows it's a stunner

Australia's oldest, largest and most cosmopolitan city oozes glitz, glamour and silicone gel from its leaky double D breast implants. 

One of the world's most beautiful cities, Sydney's only downsides are its simmering racial tensions, vast urban sprawl, deteriorating public transport system, obsession with road-building and Earth-stopping traffic jams.

That aside, it's a splendid city to visit, offering plenty of attractions beyond its magnificent harbour.

Start off your explorations around Circular Quay and the Royal Botanic Gardens, where you can take in unsurpassed views of the Opera House and Harbour Bridge.

After giving the camera a workout, take a stroll around the cobbled streets of the historic Rocks area or embark on a vigorous climb to the top of the Harbour Bridge for 360 degree views of the city.

From Circular Quay, catch a harbour ferry to the aquarium, museums and swanky nightclubs at Darling Harbour or over to Taronga Zoo with its excellent lineup of Australian critters. From Circular Quay, you can also jump a ferry for the exclusive waterfront suburb of Watson's Bay (grab some fish and chips with a killer view at Doyles Restaurant) or the chilled-out seaside suburb of Manly.

A visit to vibrant and multicultural Bondi Beach is an absolute must, if only to ogle the suspiciously well-sculpted people sprawled on the golden sand working hard on their skin cancer and pick-up lines. The clifftop path from Bondi Beach to Coogee Beach must rate as one of the most scenic urban coastal walks in the world.

For food, shopping and nightlife, you can't go past Oxford Street which cuts through the well-heeled Victorian-era suburb of Paddington and the knees-up gay area of Darlinghurst. A few streets away lies Kings Cross, Sydney's throbbing red light district, while the inner-city suburbs of Leichhardt, Glebe and Newtown are filled with eclectic shops, cafes and multi-ethnic restaurants. Nearby, Sydney's Aboriginal community congregate at edgy Redfern.