Things to do in Sydney

Catch some surf at Australia's most famous beach

If you’re in Australia for any length of time, throwing yourself at the waves for at least one surfing lesson is a must. And where better to lose your surfing virginity than the iconic Bondi Beach? Lets Go Surfing (tel +612 9365 1800; www.letsgosurfing.com.au) is Bondi’s only licensed surfing school and offers equipment rental.

Paddle to one of Sydney's quietest beaches

With famous sandy stretches like Bondi, Manly and Coogee, Sydney is spoilt for choice when it comes to beaches. If you want to avoid the crowds, head to Store Beach. There is a catch: you’ll need to paddle half an hour to get there first. Manly Kayak Centre (tel +61 2 9976 5057;www.manlykayakcentre.com.au) can help.

Explore Sydney's great outdoors

Lace up your hiking boots to see why Sydney is considered one of the world's most beautiful cities. The Bondi to Bronte cliff top walk is spectacular, especially during October’s ‘Sculptures by the Sea’ event (http://sculpturebythesea.com), whilst the Spit to Manly trek is great for its swimming stops and cafe pit stops.

Dive down in Sydney Harbour

Explore the awesome underwater aquarium that is Sydney Harbour – complete with its historic shipwrecks and pristine reefs. There is a bounty of marine life too, including Port Jackson sharks, huge blue gropers and giant cuttlefish. Dive Centre Manly (tel +61 9977 4355; www.divesydney.com.au) offer shore, wreck and boat dives, as well as dive courses.

Catch a show at Sydney Opera House

The Sydney Opera House is the premier performance venue for the Sydney Symphony, the Sydney Philharmonic Choirs, Opera Australia and the Australian Chamber Orchestra. The Australian Ballet performs mainly traditional pieces during its summer and winter season at the Sydney Opera House. Similarly, the Sydney Dance Company, the city's leading contemporary dance group, performs at the opera house for two seasons per year.

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