Wednesday October 5, 2011 at 3:20PM from Wolfgang G.
Things to do in the spare time,

You’ll see two of Sydney’s most iconic features even before you land. The Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge are among the most recognized structures in the world, and they make a stunning backdrop for photography aficionados.

Wander the cobbled street of one of Sydney’s oldest inner city areas that once housed dockworkers – The Rocks. More than 200 stalls grace The Rocks Weekend Markets — a must for lovers of art, design, clothing and crafts. Shoppers will also find a haven at Pitt Street Mall, the Queen Victoria Building (QVB), The Galeries and Castlereagh Street.

To learn more about Australia’s art and culture, visit the Australian National Maritime Museum, Museum of Contemporary Art or the Art Gallery of NSW, all within a few kilometers of one another. Entry prices are reasonable, and admission may be free at certain times.

For a taste of Australian wildlife and horticulture, venture to the 30-hectare Royal Botanic Gardens. Cycle up Mount Annan, jog along a scenic trail or take a picnic. Animal enthusiasts won’t want to miss the nearby Sydney Aquarium and WILD LIFE Sydney. Father afield is the Taronga Zoo, where you can get a close-up view of a koala. For sand, surf and sun, head to Sydney’s Bondi beach where you can relax on the golden sand, learn to surf, stroll around the shops or enjoy a coffee in one of Bondi's many cafés.

Travelers with extra time can venture out of the city to one of many nearby national parks for a hike. Wine connoisseurs can test their knowledge in the Hunter Valley, where adventure-seekers go skydiving, white-water canoeing, ballooning or flying. The majestic scenery of the Blue Mountains, located west of Sydney, can be taken in at several lookout points in the area. Thredbo, 500 kilometers (about 300 miles) south of Sydney, is a ski resort by winter and a hiking and summer sport destination by summer.