A Guide to Sydney Australia's Interesting Places

Visiting Sydney, Australia sometime in the future? Ah yes, the great country of Australia, a place where the 2000 Olympic games were held. The city Sydney, the hub of all local public transit is Circular Quay, a very touristy place with lots of festivals and shops. A short walk north of Circular Quay is one of Sydney's most famous sites; The Sydney Opera House was completed in 1973 at almost $70 million over the budget. What a great way to be risky. It's a building with as great architectural significance as the Eiffel Tower or the Taj Mahal. While you're there, pop down to Government House, a beautiful and historical building just south of the Opera House.

East of Circular Quay is The Rocks. Named for the sandstone the convicts used to build it, The Rocks is a small collection of streets that originally were slums but now offer a shopper's paradise. Harbor Bridge which is affectionately called "The Coat Hanger" by locals, is an expansive bridge that accommodates pedestrian walkways, as well as two railway lines and an eight-lane road. The walk across will take about 30 minutes (which mostly depends on how heartily you pigged out at Circular Quay) and will offer you some of the best views in Sydney.

If you only get one chance to see Australian wildlife, the Featherdale Wildlife Park is it. Although small, it houses Australia's largest private collection of native animals. The Sydney Aquarium is a must-see, and one of the best things to do in Sydney. Walk under water and explore Australia's rich and diverse aquatic life and habitats. A trip to the aquarium is fantastic fun for kids, family, and friends.

The Australian Museum is another great place to see while there in Sydney. The museum has an international reputation in the fields of natural history and indigenous studies research, community programs and exhibitions. It was established in 1827 and is Australia's first museum, with unique and extensive collections of natural science and cultural artifacts. The Australian Museum is open every day of the year except December 25.

Don't forget to pack your Speedo, because Sydney lies near some of the world's best beach space. You never know when you'll spot the next Mel Gibson or Nicole Kidman while frolicking about in the skimpy swimsuits Australians are known for. Some good beaches are:

Bondi: Located 15 minutes west of downtown Sydney, Bondi is a city beach, which means that it isn't as pristine as other beaches. You can also get your first taste of beach activities by renting surfboards, boogie boards, or snorkeling gear.

Northern Beaches: Still tourist-friendly, but far cleaner and far less crowded. Look for such names as Manly Beach, Palm Beach, Whale Beach or Avalon.

These are some of the many places that you can visit to satisfy and enjoy your traveling needs. But the most important thing to do when visiting is always bring a camera and always have fun.