Sydney holidays

Few haven't heard of Bondi Beach, where surfing and strutting come hand in hand and a mellow, family-friendly oceanside vibe pervades. Though its rip currents are notorious, they can be easily avoided by sticking to safe areas and observing any warning signs. If in doubt, head for the child-friendly sea baths at either end.

While there's more than enough in the city to keep you occupied for the duration of your visit, you might wish to venture into the countryside for a taste of rural Australia in all of its natural beauty.

You can make day trips out to the beautiful UNESCO World Heritage-listed Blue Mountains National Park or the Hunter Valley wine country under your own steam. Alternatively, many trips can be included on cheap Sydney package holiday deals, to make your adventures even easier.

Sydney is a wonderfully sunny year-round destination, and there is always something going on to tempt you to Australia's largest and most energetic city.

Many head Down Under on a Sydney package holiday in search of the legendary sunshine, incredible beaches and outdoor lifestyle. If that's the case, the southern-hemisphere summer months of December to February are the time to go. Christmas, New Year and the Sydney Festival bring with them a festive atmosphere, and you can head to the coast for surfing, swimming and harbour cruises. Be warned though: this is high season and prices are at their peak.

Outside of the high season, in the shoulder months of March to May and September to November, you'll be able to bag some excellent Sydney deals, as prices are markedly lower, especially on all-inclusive Sydney holidays. The weather is a touch cooler often better for outdoor adventures and you will find plenty of cheap Sydney excursions.

Many visitors with children find that cheap all-inclusive family holidays to Sydney in the spring and autumn months are a great way to get more for their money.

With its almost constant sunny weather, this city lends itself to al fresco fun - and even when a rare storm strikes, there's plenty of indoor fun to be had. Wondering what to do in Sydney? Wonder no more!

Sydney Opera House

Sydney wouldn't be Sydney without the iconic Opera House standing proudly on the shores of the harbour. The sail-like building is a multi-venue performing arts centre, and even if you don't get a chance to see a performance, taking a harbour ferry or cruise for a close-up is an absolute must-do Sydney activity.

Sydney Harbour Bridge

Spanning the harbour between the CBD and the North Shore is the vast arched Harbour Bridge, one of Sydney's top tourist attractions. You can take part in one of the most hair-raising, exhilarating activities in Sydney and climb the upper arches of the bridge for bird's-nest views across the harbour and beyond.

Royal Botanic Gardens

When making your list of what to do in Sydney, make sure the Royal Botanic Gardens are on it. Located on the shores of the harbour, the gardens, which first opened in 1816, are not only the oldest scientific intuition in the country but one of the most significant and beautiful botanical gardens in the world.

Bondi Beach

If you're looking for what to do in Sydney with a true Aussie feel, make a trip to legendary Bondi. Just seven kilometres (four miles) from the city centre, Bondi is a laidback neighbourhood where life centres on the beach. Learn to surf, laze on the sand or relax in a seaside bar. Art Gallery of NSW Hankering for a culture fix? Head for one of Sydney's top tourist attractions, the Art Gallery of NSW. Its Greek-style facade fronts galleries displaying works ranging from centuries-old European masterpieces to contemporary Aboriginal art.