When in Sydney

Sydney is largest city in Australia and the state capital of New South Wales. The presence of the Opera house and the Sydney harbor bridge undoubtedly make it the most iconic place in Australia, and its location and beaches probably make it one of the most beautiful cities in the world.

The great thing about Sydney and the rest of Australia, is that there is accommodation for all types of traveller. There are plenty of backpacker hotels and information kiosks almost everywhere you go. If you are new to Australia its advisable to book your first week in advance so you get time to settle in. Accommodation can get very thin in February as it's the height of summer and when the Sydney Mardi Gras takes place.

Sydney's climate is classified as sub-tropical. This means that during the summer month's you should expect some rain and humidity. In the winter months you should also expect rain but it'll never get that cold. In fact the climate is comparable to South Carolina and Georgia, but in reverse, as Sydney is in the southern hemisphere.

There is no doubt that while you are in Sydney you should jump on the train and head to Bondi beach. The real estate here is the most expensive in Australia and home to the rich and famous. On a hot summers day, Bondi beach is an unforgettable experience and epitomizes the Australian way of life.

Another great beach to visit is Manly beach. To get there, head down to Circular Quay and catch one of the green ferry boats, that sail round the headland. It is a regular service so as long as you don't miss that last one of the day, you'll be fine. Manly beach is smaller than Bondi, but is a lot less hectic, and if you're lucky, you might catch an Iron Man contest.

Next on your list should be a climb of the Sydney Harbor Bridge. This iconic bridge is world famous by its shape, and you'll be surprised how big it is when you see it in person There are regular walks up to the top of the bridge, where you'll be fitted out with a helmet and harness. Seems scary, but when you get to the top you'll be rewarded with a breath taking view of the city.

Another great destination for a day trip are the Blue Mountains, that nestle behind the city. You can catch one of the double decker trains and head for Katoomba. In the pioneering days, this town was a popular destination to escape the summer heat, as its elevation makes it lot cooler than Sydney. From here you can see the best of the stunning mountains including the rock formation known as the 3 sisters, the worlds steepest funicular railway, and the scary glass bottomed Scenic Skyway cable car.  Jeremy D Smith