Something is always happening at Darling Harbour, and throngs of people imbue the area with an upbeat, trendy feel. The complex embraces 148 acres of restaurants, bars, hotels, shops, and outdoor areas, and you'll also find Wildlife World, the Syndney quarium, a casino, Chinese gardens, an IMAX theatre, Sydney Convention Centre, and two museums in the area. In the past, the district was mostly dockyards, but in 1988, it was given a facelift as a bicentennial gift to the city. The film and laser show projected over the water Wednesday to Sunday nights is a popular event. Individual business hours vary; some attractions charge admission. A short walk from Town Hall station or by ferry from Circular Quay. Four monorail stops are also in the area.

CIRCULAR QUAY. These ferry trips are a great way to get a peek at Sydney's best sites. The large, two-story ferries serve refreshments on board, and you can enjoy a light bite as the ferry cruises near Manly Beach. The service has been a popular activity for tourists since 1854. The Manly Ferry departs every 20 minutes and the trip takes 30 minutes each way. Additional ferries are available - call or check website for details. BUS or TRAIN: to Circular Quay.

Wondering where those fantastic photos of the Harbour and Opera House you saw in souvenir shops were taken? You'll know once you visit Mrs. Macquarie's Chair. The wife of Governor Macquarie used to walk to this spot and sit in a chair that had been carved for her. Denizens still call it the best spot for watching fireworks, and couples looking for romance claim it as the best place for a sunset picnic. Walk from St. James station through Hyde Park and past the Art Gallery of New South Wales. BUS: stop number 5 on Sydney Explorer bus.

This Gothic Revival cathedral, modeled after Notre Dame, is a must-see. It boasts a beautiful terrazzo-tiled floor in the crypt, and stained glass windows depict the early days of Catholicism. Although Sydney was settled in 1788, it wasn't until 1821 that the Catholic mass was allowed to be held in the colony. In that year, the first chapel was also built, although the spires were not completed until the year 2000. Try to visit on a Sunday around 10:30am, when the famous choir sings. TRAIN: to St James Station.

Known to locals as "The Coat Hanger," this bridge was the longest single-span bridge in the world when it was built in 1932. Tutankhamun's tomb had just been discovered during this period as well, which is why the pylons have an Egyptian aesthetic. The bridge's arch spans 1605 feet and allows for eight lanes of traffic and two train tracks. If you're the type who's entranced by amazing feats of engineering, The Pylon Lookout Museum (in the southeast pylon) shows a great black and white film about the bridge's construction. TRAIN: Milson's point on the north shore.