Sydney

Despite Sydney's reputed love of celebrity and gossip, it's easy to be anonymous in this city. Sydney swarms with a transient population of tourists, business people and other non-residents, so no one notices an extra face or two (or 10) in the crowd. A day at the beach is a standard ritual for visitors, who lounge on sun-warmed sand and roll in the surf before snacking on fish, chips and beer in the nearest pub — make that a day at two beaches by meandering between Bondi and Coogee via the scenic Clifftop Trail. The unique contours of the Sydney Opera House are best observed from the Circular Quay ferry, which also offers an introduction to ...

Despite Sydney's reputed love of celebrity and gossip, it's easy to be anonymous in this city. Sydney swarms with a transient population of tourists, business people and other non-residents, so no one notices an extra face or two (or 10) in the crowd. A day at the beach is a standard ritual for visitors, who lounge on sun-warmed sand and roll in the surf before snacking on fish, chips and beer in the nearest pub — make that a day at two beaches by meandering between Bondi and Coogee via the scenic Clifftop Trail. The unique contours of the Sydney Opera House are best observed from the Circular Quay ferry, which also offers an introduction to the spectacular sweep of Sydney Harbour. A climb up the Sydney Harbour Bridge exposes more of Australia's biggest city, from the central clutter of office blocks, museums, shopping malls and restaurants to the transport chaos of Circular Quay and the lovely greenery of the Royal Botanic Gardens.

About the Expert

Paul Smitz has coauthored a dozen guidebooks for Lonely Planet on places such as Australia, New Zealand, Malaysian Borneo, Brunei, various Pacific Islands, Prague, and Brussels.